Rhythm & Roam with Benef, Paul, & Trecia

What does it really take to sell everything, leave land behind, and sail across the world? In this episode of Rhythm & Roam Podcast, we sit down with author and world traveler Alison Gieschen, who made the bold decision to walk away from conventional life and embrace full-time sailing across the globe. From confronting fear in the open ocean to discovering humanity through strangers in faraway places, Alison shares what it trul...

From tourist to traveler, this travel podcast dives into slow travel, cultural immersion, meaningful travel stories, and purpose‑driven adventures beyond tourism. Benef, Paul, & Trecia sit down with Dan and Mikkel. Two storytellers who've built a lifestyle around intentional exploration and seeing the world through history, curiosity, and human connection. They unpack how to design a life that makes room for deep journeys, not ...

This episode of Rhythm & Roam is for every dreamer who ever said, "What if I just kept driving?” 

We sit down with Matt, who did exactly that, driving solo from Los Angeles to Panama through Mexico, Central America, and a few unexpected roadblocks along the way (literally). He opens up about fear, freedom, and what it means to be an outsider welcomed in. From being stuck for days at a Nicaraguan barricade to finding ...

In this episode of Rhythm & Roam Podcast, co-hosts Benef, Paul, and Trecia sit down with Queen Michele, Founder of the Fula History & Genealogy Society of America, to explore her remarkable journey tracing her maternal lineage to the Fula people of Guinea-Bissau through African Ancestry DNA.

They discuss the differences between African Ancestry DNA and commercial ancestry tests, the emotional impact of reconnecting with anc...

Rhythm & Roam goes behind the headlines to uncover what happens when a cornerstone of global development, USAID, loses its funding. Our guest, Julie,  a former director, shares firsthand what the shutdown means for the communities, programs, and people who relied on America's aid. From healthcare initiatives to education projects, we explore the ripple effect of political decisions on the world's most vulnerable population...

What happened to R&B groups, and why does it matter?

In this episode of Rhythm & Roam, we sit down with DJ, professor, and author Amani Roberts to unpack the cultural, political, and business legacy of Black R&B groups, from The Isley Brothers to TLC. We go way beyond nostalgia.

We discuss how R&B has shaped Black culture in America and abroad, and its global impact. Amani shares insights from his book, The Quiet St...

Meet travel trailblazer, April, who literally traveled to 7 continents and 193 countries. In this episode, we unpack the mindset it takes to dream this big, the solitude behind adventure, and what happens when "everywhere" becomes home. Her story aims to inspire travel enthusiasts and adventure seekers by showing that your travel journey is about more than destinations. It's about discovering identity and belonging. Visit our websi...

What's it like to travel the world as a gay man, a filmmaker, and a truth-teller, in places where your very existence challenges tradition? In this Rhythm & Roam episode, our guest, Neil, reveals the courage it takes to capture authentic stories while navigating laws and cultures that don't always welcome you. We also explore Neil's novel series "Prime Time Travelers", a fictional reimagining of world history through an inclusi...

We’re rewinding over 50 years to a time when “off the grid” actually meant off the grid. Meet Barry, a fearless traveler who, alongside his wife, drove solo across Africa before GPS, social media, or even paved roads in most regions.

This episode isn’t just about adventure—it’s an honest look at what it meant to explore uncharted territory. Barry shares how they navigated political unrest, unguar...

In this holiday edition of Jet Lag Diaries, we break down Thanksgiving 2025—from Paul's first attempt at a jerk turkey to the cultural conversation around washing your meat and how these traditions shape Black and diaspora holiday cooking. We catch up on our Thanksgiving stories,  share our upcoming Christmas holiday plans, and tease what's next for Rhythm & Roam in 2026, including new travel episodes, culture deep-d...

We sit down with Erin to explore the inspiring, often-overlooked side of voluntourism—the one rooted in real connection, cultural understanding, and personal purpose. Erin breaks down what voluntourism can look like when done intentionally and how it can open a door to a deeper sense of meaning through service abroad.

We talk about the misconceptions Americans often carry, how Erin's time in Malawi reshaped her understanding ...