No Blackout Dates, hosted by Eben Diskin and Tim Wenger, is the official podcast of Matador Network and provides a truly unfiltered and honest look at the world of travel and adventure.
Join these travel writers Eben and Tim each week for completely raw stories from the road that any responsible editor would (and has) cut from print. They talk about what it’s like to travel for a living, introduce you to the wild characters they’ve met along the way -- from astronauts and flight attendants to Amsterdam sex workers -- and expose a side of the travel lifestyle that Rick Steves doesn’t want you to know about. No Blackout Dates is a window into the beautiful, bizarre, and batsh*t crazy world of travel!
S3, Ep. 12: Walrus Syndrome: The Psychology of Travel
If you’re like us, you spend a lot of time wondering what's going through people’s minds when they’re at the airport. Why do they crowd around the gate before boarding when their group won’t be called for another 20 minutes? Why do those same people stand up the second the flight pulls into the gate, even when they’re seated in row 57? Michael Brein is the world’s foremost – and perhaps only – Travel Psychologist, and he joins No Blackout Dates to discuss the logic behind these and other conundrums of travel.
On the docket is the science behind culture shock, why some people sleep better on planes than others, and how visiting faraway places impacts our mental well-being.
In Hot Takes, Tim and Eben discuss how they calm their nerves when anxiety strikes while traveling, and the pair agree to disagree about whether or not one should always board the plane early when seated in Business Class.
Stories From The Road: 30 Years After The Revolution, Romania Is Still Rebuilding
In this week's Stories From The Road, Tim reads one of the most impactful pieces he's ever worked on as an editor. Writer Iuliana Marchian, a native Romanian, wrote a piece about the impact of the 1989 revolution against Communist rule in Romania. The piece covers the development of personal freedoms and how they've impacted trust in government, as well as how citizens have experienced progress in human rights and quality of life. Marchian describes a polarized society that is moving forward but still has many steps to take to fulfill all of revolution's goals. As a traveler, the piece offers many takeaways of how these impacts play out in daily Romanian life and how you can experience the country's true culture on a trip there.
S3, Ep. 11: Facing Fear and Sailing Antarctica with Lisa Blair
Sailing all the way around Antarctica is no easy task. Just ask today’s guest, “extreme sailor” Lisa Blair. She holds the record for the fastest circumnavigation of the continent, a title she almost perished in order to gain. Lisa joins the show to discuss her dangerous adventures in the Southern Ocean , her new book, “Facing Fear: The First Woman To Sail Solo Around Antarctica,” and what it takes to embark on such an incredible journey. She breaks down what was going through her mind as her ship nearly capsized in a raging torrent, and how she managed to rig her mast and make it to shore just in time.
Eben and Lisa met while on a cruise to Antarctica last December, and while this cruise was among the most extreme adventures Eben will ever be a part of, for Lisa, it was a walk in the park. The impacts of visiting fragile ecosystems is also on the docket today. Lisa dubbed her sailboat “Climate Action Now” to raise awareness of small efforts by everyday people to combat climate change -- a fitting PR move, since Antarctica is among the world’s most vulnerable spots to warming temps.
In Hot Takes, Tim and Eben discuss extreme destinations they’ve always wanted to visit but never got the chance, and Eben breaks down the mood of the travelers on the ship as Antarctica first came into view.
Stories From The Road: What It’s Like To Sail To Antarctica on a Cruise Ship’s Maiden Voyage
It's called Drake's Right of Passage for a reason. Eben learned this the hard way back in December, when he embarked on the maiden voyage of the Sylvia Earle, a new ship from Australian cruise line Aurora Expeditions. En route he battled 20-foot waves, rowdy passengers, and the seclusion that only accompanies being stuck on a boat at the bottom of the planet -- all while doing his darndest to ward off seasickness.
On today's podcast, Eben recounts the journey through the story he wrote for Matador Network. It's a tale of true adventure -- so buckle up and don't let your stomach turn.
S3, Ep. 10: A Mad Search for Crappie On Mississippi's Lake Washington
Brad Chappell has spent a day or two on the water. As a professional fishing guide, it’s his job to take traveling fishermen out in search of Crappie, a freshwater game fish that’s part of the Sunfish family. It’s also his job to take newbies like Tim and Eben out, if they were to visit Lake Washington in Greenville, Mississippi. This week, Brad joins No Blackout Dates to discuss the life of a pro fisherman and guide – as it turns out, there’s far more to it than drinking beer on the back of the boat.
The trio gets into the techniques of guiding, Brad’s most rewarding moments as a guide, and what happens on those rare outings in which no one catches a fish (don’t ask for a refund). Also on the docket is the gear necessary for a successful trip out and what to expect if you, like Tim and Eben, aren’t exactly master baiters.
In Hot Takes, Tim ponders whether New England Clam Chowder is overrated, and the pair discuss the practice of eating seafood when you’re far away from the sea. Any who’ve been to Colorado can attest that the state isn’t known for its lobster. The ethics of “dynamite fishing” are also on the table.
Stories From The Road: Powder Lines + Cultural Clarity in Kyrgyzstan
In February, Tim embarked on a backcountry ski expedition into the Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Along with a crew of five other skiers and snowboarders, he spent a week in a high-altitude yurt camp, ascending and descending 12,000-foot peaks and learning about Kyrgyz culture. When three Russian draft dodgers skied into camp one afternoon, the crew got a close-up perspective on how the mountains can provide a unifying force for good in a divided world.
S3, Ep.9: Jasper the Friendly Ghost Writer: Interview with an AI Chatbot
This week, we're exploring the true power of artificial intelligence by interviewing Jasper, an AI chatbot. Jasper's massive computer brain knows a lot more than you'd think, and it's equal parts impressive and frightening. We'll test Jasper's travel chops, get some useful recommendations, hear about its love life, and learn whether or not it's coming for our jobs. We'll also explore some of the ethical considerations when utilizing artificial intelligence for content creation. How do two guys "interview" a chatbot, you ask? Well, you'll have to tune in to find out.
In Hot Takes, Tim and Eben discuss what they would do if AI actually did take their jobs. Neither want to leave the travel biz – and may end up becoming Airbnb hosts. The pair also ponder what the most AI-proof jobs are.
Stories From The Road: To Check A Bag Or Not To Check A Bag, That Is The Question
Today on Stories from the Road, Eben and Tim debate one of air travel's most divisive topics: whether or not to check a bag, when you don't necessarily need to. Eben is a firm non-bag-checker, and for his part, he reads his report on why you'll never catch him hanging 'round the baggage carousel. Tim isn't necessarily anti. He often checks his snowboard gear bag when traveling in winter, or a duffel on other occasions when having specific gear is necessary to make a trip happen. But in general, he's a carry-on guy (though long-time listeners are familiar with his stance on gate-checking). For his part on today's show, he reads the writer Matt Meltzer's take on why checking a bag makes the travel experience better for everyone.
S3, Ep. 8: How Artificial Intelligence Will Shape The Travel Industry's Future
Artificial intelligence is a controversial yet fascinating topic, particularly since the release of Chat GPT in November 2022. Matador Network founder and CEO Ross Borden joins No Blackout Dates to discuss how AI will shape the future of travel – from the way we research and plan trips to how we actually book and pay for them. The timing of today’s interview is of particular importance at Matador, as the company’s new AI-powered travel recommendation service Guide Geek officially launches this week.
Ross discusses the idea behind Guide Geek as well as how he sees AI coming to the forefront of nearly every aspect of daily life. The trio also get into where AI falls short and what needs to happen to keep it from taking over the world, Terminator 2 style. Are our darkest dystopian fears about to come true? No one knows. But as Tim says, you can spark a legal joint to the inevitability of progress. Even if that progress takes a while to win over popular opinion.
In Hot Takes, Tim and Eben discuss their personal biggest fears surrounding AI. Both, it seems, are worried about the potential for harmful deepfakes to run rampant across social media. The hosts also fear that many aspects of the media – including travel recommendations and planning – might lose that personal touch.
Stories From The Road: For The Truly Dedicated, Northern BC Is The Best Place To Heli-Ski
This week on Stories From The Road, Tim reads the report of his heli-skiing adventure in northern British Columbia. As a dedicated snowboarder, embarking on a journey like this had long been a dream of his -- and last March, he had the opportunity to make it happen. He recounts the emotion that overtook him at times throughout the four-day expedition and speaks with his guide about what goes on behind the scenes of the operation.
"As I carried my board to the chopper on the first morning, I had been overtaken by mixed feelings of bliss, contentedness, and tranquility. It was nearly sublime, knowing before it happened that this would be one of the seminal experiences in my life. The blades spun, we lifted off, and as though these chapters had built to their inevitable climax, I had finally reached the point of no return."
S3, Ep. 7: What It's Like To Be a Foreign Correspondent
Foreign correspondents have a unique role to fill – reporting on situations happening across the world, for an audience back home. Tommy Walker has spent over a decade overseas, covering everything from current events to travel lifestyle. Tommy joins No Blackout Dates to share the inside scoop on what’s it like to be on the ground covering breaking news. The discussion gets deep into how a Chinese encroachment on Taiwan could impact travel to the island, how travelers are punished for poor behavior around the globe, and being on the ground in and around Ukraine during the invasion.
In Hot Takes, Tim and Eben discuss how to interpret state-issued travel advisories that pop up when planning a trip. The pair also discuss the idea of visiting Ukraine or Russia right now, and the ethics of visiting countries that currently are or recently have been embroiled in conflict.
Stories From The Road: Sometimes a Dream Trip is One You've Already Taken
On this week's Stories from the Road, Tim reads a story by Matador's Alex Bresler, in which she argues in favor of revisiting countries rather than always visiting new places. The piece questions our need to constantly be adding new countries to our "travel list," and explores the benefits of returning to an old favorite. One of these benefits? Really familiarizing yourself with a country, or city, on a more intimate level.
S3, Ep. 6: Inside The Life Of A Traveling Exotic Dancer
These days, more and more jobs can be done while traveling. That includes stripping – and today, Stella is here to talk about what it’s like to travel to different strip clubs around the country as a professional dancer. She’s worked at clubs from Florida to Chicago to the northeast, and she breaks down the differences in the job based on location, including some insight into how one should behave when on the other side of the performance. She supplements her income between travels as an OnlyFans creator.
Stories From The Road: Visiting a Concentration Camp Is Not Just an Excursion. It’s a Lesson in Humanity.
In this week's Stories From The Road, Eben reads aloud his narrative of visiting the remains of the Treblinka concentration camp in Poland. As someone with ethnic ties to the Holocaust, the experience painted a vivid picture of one of humanity's biggest atrocities. For Eben's travel companion, visiting Treblinka proved equally jarring.
S3, Ep. 5: How to travel to the world’s most (allegedly) dangerous places
Travel to places far off the typical tourist track – think Iraq, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia – is an increasingly common theme here on No Blackout Dates. As the founder of Untamed Borders, a tour operator that hosts guided trips to places like Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Yemen, and elsewhere, James Wilcox knows more about the logistics of visiting often misunderstood destinations than perhaps anyone. James has built an entire business around creating itineraries for intrepid travelers looking to explore countries we often perceive to be dangerous or inaccessible.
Stories From The Road: Are Coworking Spaces Worth It Or A Waste Of Money?
The second installment of Stories From The Road pits Tim and Eben against each other in one of their most classic debates: whether or not coworking spaces are worth the money. Tim is famously pro-coworking, having held memberships at spaces across the world from Bali to Oaxaca to Colorado. He credits coworking for helping him find friends, clients, and professional development while traveling abroad.
Eben, on the other hand, takes a more pessimistic approach. He feels the coworking spaces are a scam -- that they charge way too much money for what is effectively a glorified coffee shop. Why pay money to go sit somewhere and be quiet, when you could do the same thing at a library -- and even take home a good book to read?
S3, Ep. 4: New Year, Same Pod, Fresh 2023 Travel Takes
To kick off 2023, Tim and Eben plunge into the depths of the travel industry – uncovering the trends they expect to see this year, along with their best travel stories from 2022. The hosts also break down the destinations doing things the right way – whether that be reframing an outdated image, innovating new ways to experience the destination, or just being a cool spot that offers a unique travel experience.
S3, Ep. 3: On the Pacific Crest Trail, Kids Included
Marketa and David Daley hiked 1,300 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail -- an impressive feat that is far greater than most will ever accomplish in the wild. But the Daley's did it with their three young children, a monumental undertaking that required guts, parental instinct, and a lot of pep talking. Marketa joins No Blackout Dates to discuss the expedition and what it meant for her family.
Stories From The Road: My Car Broke Down in the Sahara, and It Taught Me About Trust
We're trying something new this week on No Blackout Dates. To complement our interview episodes, every other week we will feature a read-aloud of a crazy travel story from Matador Network. This week's adventure is from writer Nicholas Mancall-Bitel, entitled "My Car Broke Down in the Sahara, and It Taught Me About Trust."
Few myths are as world-renowned as the Loch Ness Monster. Willie Cameron is Nessie’s biggest advocate, a lifelong resident of the region surrounding Scotland’s most famous lake, and a pioneer of Loch Ness tourism. He joins the show to educate the curious and dispel any naysayers, shedding light on the legend of Nessie and why so many believe that she’s down there. He also discusses the power of myth and legend to turn an otherwise sleepy lake into an international tourism sensation. Eben first met Willie while visiting Loch Ness, and after sharing a wee bit of whiskey with him, decided the time had come for No Blackout Dates to settle the question once and for all: Is the Loch Ness Monster out there?
S3, Ep. 1: Exploring Asia’s Vanishing Cultures with Kevin Kelly
To kick off Season 3 of No Blackout Dates, Tim and Eben welcome Wired magazine co-founder Kevin Kelly. In addition to creating one of the most influential magazines in the tech space, Kevin has spent much of his life traversing Asia, documenting the vanishing cultures of the world’s largest continent.
He discusses this project, known as Vanishing Asia, which is now available as a massive three-volume coffee table book collection, and much more on the show. You'll learn why he believes the motorbike is the most revolutionary invention of all, and how the double-edged sword of modernization is improving connectivity while also erasing culture. Perhaps his most profound idea, at least as it relates to us, is his belief that the government should subsidize young people to travel the world.
No Blackout Dates is back -- bigger and better than ever -- for Season 3. Matador Network's official podcast takes an unfiltered dive into the world of travel, as told through the stories of guests who lead extraordinarily unfiltered lives. Adventures on tap this season include Wired magazine co-founder Kevin Kelly on his new project documenting the vanishing cultures of Asia, foreign correspondent Tommy Walker discussing how the China-Taiwan conflict will affect travel, and hosts Eben and Tim on a search for the Loch Ness Monster with the world's foremost expert on the monster.
S2, Ep. 42: The Free World Against Tyranny: The Fundraising War in Ukraine
Vladyslav Stadnyk has been raising funds to equip Ukraine’s military for over eight years. He joins the show this week to provide an inside perspective on what it’s really like in Ukraine since the country was invaded by Russia in February. Based in Kyiv, Vlad strikes a defiant and positive tone that captures the determination of Ukrainians to defend not just their country, but their way of life. As Vlad puts it, this isn’t just a war between Russia and Ukraine – it’s a war between Russia and the entire western world. Ukraine is just the country on the front lines.
S2, Ep. 41: Searching For Incan Gold on Peru's Colca River
Eugene Buchanan has done everything that you’d like to say you’ve done. He’s searched for Incan treasure in an uncharted South American Canyon. He’s paddled Russia’s Bashkaus River with a ragtag crew of adventurers speaking multiple languages. And he’s raised a family in the always dangerous environs of a Colorado mountain town. He’s also written books about such expeditions, and has become a leading voice for high-risk, high-reward adventure travel.
Zach Rosenbloom lived the TEFL dream and taught English in Japan for two years. Zach joins the show today to talk about one of the easiest ways to move abroad and have a job when you get there – teaching English to students in a foreign country. He discusses what it’s like to move somewhere and adapt to the place culturally, and what it’s like speaking English to a bunch of kids who don’t speak fluent English.
S2, Ep. 39: What It's ACTUALLY Like To Be On A Cooking Show
Autumn Moretti was a MasterChef Season 11 runner-up. That means that she not only crushes it in the kitchen, but she’s dealt with Gordon Ramsay and other tough talkers face to face – and lived to tell the story. In today’s ep, Autumn spills the beans on what life is actually like on the inside of those well-trimmed cooking shows we all love to watch. She discusses what goes on behind the scenes, including her relationship with other contestants and what brought her to tears on multiple occasions.
Mikah Meyer is the gay Bear Grylls that America’s national parks fans have always needed. As the first person to visit all 419 US National Parks Service sites, Mikah has established himself as a leader in bringing LGBTQ+ rights to the forefront of the American outdoors. He speaks at events and churches around the country about his quest to promote inclusivity outside. Mikah joins No Blackout Dates this week to discuss what we all can do to show support for those who may feel unwelcome in the great outdoors, and dives into the complex issue of reconciling religious devotion with an LGBTQ+ lifestyle.
S2, Ep. 37: From the Peace Corps To The Life Corps
If you’re both American and an avid traveler, you’ve likely considered joining the Peace Corps. Today, Tim and Eben speak with someone who did it – Ingrid Olson, an RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer) who served in Senegal from 2015 until 2017. During her time in Africa, Ingrid worked primarily in women’s health, but had a hand in a number of other causes along the way. She also learned the local tongue, partied in Dakar, and met the man she’s now about to marry. All in all, she remembers her time in the Peace Corps fondly, and in today’s episode, she spills the beans on what it’s actually like to serve overseas.
S2, Ep. 36: From Mexico to Saudi Arabia: A Mid-Year Recap
A lot has happened for Tim and Eben in recent weeks. Most notably, Tim got Covid – finally. Beyond that, though, the pair have embarked on international travels that have offered fresh perspectives on global gallivants. This week, instead of probing the experiences of someone else, we look inward for a mid-year recap. Tim discusses what it was like traveling to Mexico with his seven-month-old daughter, while Eben recalls the unique experience of traveling in Saudi Arabia. The very different trips, one constant among them is that a good traveler is always prepared for the unexpected.
A stunning backdrop makes every party better. No backdrop better proves this than Iceland’s Westfjords, which served as the setting for the first-ever Detour Discotheque earlier this year. Jonny Ensall, Ink’s Global Editor in Chief and the mastermind behind the shindig, joins No Blackout Dates this week to talk about how he wrangled a crew of top-notch DJs, influencers, and revelers together to join him in the remote, tiny Icelandic village of Thingeyri for a “party at the edge of the world.”
Eben was fortunate enough to attend the event, so this episode serves as the official debrief between the party planner and the consummate party-goer
S2, Ep. 34: Surprise Travel Is The Trip You Never Knew You Needed
You’ve heard of solo travel, adventure travel, and even revenge travel. But what about surprise travel? This week’s guest Lillian Rafton is here to enlighten us all on the new trend in travel – traveling to a mystery destination, potentially even somewhere you’ve never heard of. Lillian’s business Pack Up and Go sets up travelers – from solo to larger groups – with surprise destinations based on their interests and desired level of leisure. Are you an outdoorsy traveler? You might find yourself en route to a mountain town in Colorado. Into museums? DC, here you come. Into random shenanigans and off-the-road attractions? Welcome to Joplin, Missouri.
Lillian’s guests receive a postcard in the mail containing their destination – and they’re not allowed to read it until the day they head to the airport. Included are hotel reservations, itinerary suggestions, and one dinner reservation – the rest is as much a mystery as the destination. Traveling with Pack Up and Go is a true test of your self-control and discipline. Think you can hang?
S2, Ep. 33: What Airbnb's Biggest Update In A Decade Means For You
To say that Airbnb has revolutionized the process of booking – and enjoying – travel accommodations would be an understatement. Where else can you book a forest treehouse, a high-rise apartment with a rooftop pool, and a houseboat on the ocean, all in the same place? Airbnb just launched the biggest updates to its platform in a decade, and Catherine Powell, the company’s Global Head of Hosting, is here to tell us all about it. Going forward, you don’t even have to know where you want to travel in order to book a stay, with new “Categories” breaking properties down into niche lists. There’s even the mind-blowing, if rather ambiguous, “OMG!” category, which features everything from a home that looks like a snake to a Kellogg Doolittle house in Joshua Tree that resembles a giant mushroom.
S2, Ep. 32: The Guts and Glory of Touring The World in a Rock Band
Touring in a rock band is one of the most fantasized about – and widely misunderstood – lifestyles in the modern world. While everyone thinks it's all backstage parties and endless excess, the reality is far more down to Earth, though no less interesting. Dan Aid is here to set the record straight on tour life, having been around the globe with the punk rock band Authority Zero and toured with other acts as well.
S2, Ep. 31: The Joys and Pains of Travel With Kids
Mother’s Day is coming up. For the No Blackout Dates crew, this is a holiday where we celebrate the brave and courageous mothers in our lives. The day is more personal for Monet Hambrick, however – a traveling mother of two who has spent the bulk of the past decade gallivanting across the globe with her family in tow. She’s written a children’s book about her travels and runs the popular blog The Traveling Child to offer advice (and commiseration) to all the aspiring vagabond families out there. Monet joins the show to talk family travel, and if you plan to hit the road with kids – soon or down the line – it’s time to listen to the established expert.
S2, Ep. 30: Photographer Chris Burkard on Risking It All For The Perfect Shot
To make a living traveling the world, you have to get down to the essentials. Photographer and global explorer Chris Burkard joins No Blackout Dates to discuss how, exactly, he manages to do that. Chris shares insight on everything from what makes a good story to how he packs for expeditions. One constant theme through all of this? Risk management. Through his commercial and travel-based work, including an admittedly large collection of “really bad” photos, Chris has honed in on what it takes to plan and execute extremely dangerous assignments. By taking balanced risks and remaining focused on getting the right shots, he’s progressed his work into one of the world’s most celebrated portfolios of adventure photography. He’s compiled some of the best of that portfolio into his new book, “Wayward.”
Molly Duane has one of the most important jobs in two industries – she’s a nurse, for one, and a traveling nurse at that, easily catapulting her to the top of the list of who should rightfully get that final standby seat on any packed flight. Her work has taken her from her home in Salt Lake City to rural Montana, Houston’s concrete jungle, and elsewhere around the country on three-to-nine month stints. Molly joins the show today to school Tim and Eben on what it’s like to actually have a job with purpose.
Molly elaborates on how – and why – she goes about choosing the locations where she wants to post up for a few months (the availability of nearby hikes plays a big role). She talks about why it's so hard to find friends and partners when you’re in an out of town so often, why rural nurses are among the nation’s most hardworking professionals, and how travel nursing is a great way to find yourself trying out new activities.
S2, Ep. 28: Let There Be Red Light: Inside Amsterdam's Sex Industry (Greatest Hits Rerun)
In 2021, the city of Amsterdam announced it would move its sex workers out of the famed Red Light District in the heart of the city. Visitors have long ventured to the Red Light District, some to hire a sex worker and others out of sheer curiosity. This curiosity is part of why the city made the decision to relocate its sex workers – the women had become the subject of gawking and verbal abuse. Still, the decision has prompted confusion among travelers.
So we figured we’d go straight to the source. No Blackout Dates welcomes Mary, a veteran Amsterdam sex worker, to the show to discuss the move and how it will impact both the women being moved, and those who patronize them. Mary also sheds light on what life is like as a sex worker, and offers a firm rebuttal to any who cast doubt on the legitimacy of her line of work. Behind those red lights is a world shrouded in mystery, fantasy, and rumor, but the reality is that Mary and her colleagues are a beacon call for sexual satisfaction that for many, would go unanswered if it weren’t for their efforts.
S2, Ep. 27: The Charmed Life of Travel with Sebastian Modak
Sebastian Modak is living the dream. As the 52 Places Traveler for The New York Times in 2019, he visited 52 places around the globe in a single year – and turned around a dispatch about each of them. A “third culture kid” who grew up as a vagabond between the US, Hong Kong, Australia, Indonesia, and elsewhere, Sebastian is accustomed to picking up and moving on to the next place. Now, as editor-at-large for Lonely Planet, he continues to make this lifestyle his full-time gig.
On today’s show, Sebastian and Tim shoot the breeze about travel trends, over-tourism, and how random, unplanned experiences often pan out to be the best way to learn about a new place. The two cover how identity plays into the travel experience, and Sebastian explains that when traveling long-term and away from a loved one, being open to, and accepting of, the inevitable emotions that arise align the way is the best way to handle loneliness. Fortunately for us, he also offers advice on how to do so.
S2, Ep. 26: Expatriating And The Life Of An "Orbiting Spouse"
AJ Kinney coins a new phrase for us on today’s pod. The “orbiting spouse” is someone who moves somewhere because their partner got a sweet job offer – and ends up loving it so much that they full-on expatriate. AJ and his wife moved to Grand Cayman from Minnesota, a sharp lifestyle change from hunting and camping to fishing and fruity cocktails. AJ joins the pod to discuss expat life during Covid and after, what it’s like to live somewhere totally different than everything you’re used to, and how the biggest fish he ever caught didn’t actually qualify as a catch – and we’re sure it’s totally not a myth.
S2, Ep. 25: The Great Indoors (Greatest Hits Rerun)
“Gatekeeping” is an unfortunate but common practice in outdoor-centric communities. Comedian Ivy Le is joining us today to discuss how this issue can be addressed. Ivy hosts the podcast FOGO: Fear of Going Outside, one of Spotify’s most popular new podcasts, documenting Ivy’s experience as an avid indoorswoman venturing (reluctantly) into outdoor adventure. Eben and Ivy rebrand camping as “voluntary homelessness” and hiking as simply “walking,” while Tim defends the merits of voluntary homelessness and walking. We also expose the outdoors community as more judgmental than you might think, and learn why some indigenous peoples don’t feel comfortable hiking their own ancestral land.
S2, Ep. 24: Behind the Hype of WeWork, Remote Work, and Coworking
To cowork or not to cowork? The pod’s age-old controversial question is finally getting addressed by an expert. We’re learning the truth about whether coworking spaces are bullsh*t or if they actually provide real value to remote workers. Joanne Flynn Black a former WeWork employee who lived through the company’s most turbulent era, is joining us today to talk remote work, online writer communities, and Airbnb hosting. Ever wondered what guest habits really piss off Airbnb hosts? Well, Joanne’s got the scoop.
S2, Ep. 23: Concerning Hobbits: How Lord of the Rings Remade New Zealand Tourism
“The Lord of the Rings” revolutionized the Fantasy and Adventure genres in both print and film. What’s often overshadowed by the smashing success of the franchise is the impact LOTR had on the country that served as the backdrop for much of the footage in the film series – New Zealand. Ever since “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” hit theaters on December 19, 2001, fans have flocked to remote outskirts in the country where big scenes were filmed.
The film franchise is turning 20 years old, and to celebrate, Tim and Eben are joined by Sarah Handley, General Manager for the Americas and Europe at Tourism New Zealand. They’re discussing how the film’s legacy has impacted the country’s tourism sector, how New Zealanders really feel about film tourism, and whether the guys can be extras in the upcoming LOTR Amazon series.
S2, Ep. 22: Dispelling Tequila Myths with the Añejo Aficionado
Rob Gerard is a tequila influencer in the truest sense. As founder of The Tequila Collective, Rob shows off (code phrase for “indulges in”) fine tequilas of all stripes. He has built a following based on his extensive knowledge of the world’s favorite agave liquor, a savant cross between Reposado Recommender and Anejo Assassin. As it turns out, our in-house Duke of Jack Daniels recently visited Tequila, Mexico, and found that despite being a whiskey guy, he’s able to bond with Rob over the watering holes each is familiar with.
On today’s docket is everything tequila – including a breakdown of the different types and what the differences are. Rob debunks the “tequila as a stimulant” myth, and discusses the rumors that tequila causes looser clothes and a worse hangover than other liquors. Rob proves that being an expert connoisseur of an alcoholic beverage can, in fact, provide ample value to a wide audience – as proven by the fact that he frequently gets TikTok messages from shoppers stumped in the aisle at their local liquor store.
S2, Ep. 21: Traveling Circus -- Life According to a Professional Clown
No matter what you think of clowns, you likely have no idea what their lifestyle is actually like. From living on a train with Ringling Bros. to performing for kids at a children’s hospital, Joy Powers has done it all on the professional clown circuit. She joins the pod this week to discuss what it’s like to clown for a living.
You’ll learn what it’s like to travel the country as a performing clown and whether or not scary clowns give the rest of the bunch a bad name. Joy talks about common misconceptions of clowns (they don’t all look like the clowns you see at the circus) and how the most rewarding part of her work is cheering up kids that, more than anything else, need a smile.
S2, Ep. 20: Booking Travel with Crypto, for Dummies
You have thoughts on cryptocurrency. Whether your opinion is bullish or bearish, it’s undeniable that the concept of DeFi (decentralized finance) is causing quite a ruckus in the media. How will cryptocurrency impact travel? To find out, we invited Ben Rogers on the show. Ben is the Chief Marketing Officer at Travala, a travel booking website that operates much like Expedia or Booking.com, with one major difference – its customers can pay in crypto.
Ben discusses how cryptocurrency will play a big role in the future of travel, and why Travala and other companies are poised to reshape the industry. But before all that, he breaks down what exactly cryptocurrency and Web3 are, in a manner that even Tim and Eben can understand – so no matter your level of experience with Bitcoin, you’re sure to gain a fresh perspective on one of the most widely misunderstood (and sometimes controversial) topics in modern discourse. You may even be convinced to open a “crypto wallet,” and if so, maybe you can guide Eben through the process.
S2, Ep. 19: People, Places, and Bathrooms to Love According to Samantha Brown
Samantha Brown is the reason you want to spontaneously book a flight to the other side of the world. She’s been in the travel hosting game for over 20 years, and you may recognize her from iconic shows like Great Hotels, Passport to Europe, and Girl Meets Hawaii. Her newest endeavor is called Places to Love, and Brown describes it as her ode to travel culture worldwide – to the people, and to the places they call home. Samantha joins No Blackout Dates to discuss everything from the travel industry’s evolution to the behind-the-scenes realities of travel shows.
Samantha shares whether TV travel hosts actually enjoy all the places they visit (or if they’re just playing it up for the camera), gives us the scoop on her friendship (or rivalry) with Rick Steves, and tells us why Europe has the worst bathrooms in the world. After this conversation, it's easy to see why she was Eben’s middle school crush.
S2, Ep. 18: Overlanding Europe and Africa on the Janga Bus
Remi Bumstead did what all of us have talked about doing at some point: buying an old bus and driving it across Africa to donate to a school for deaf kids. Ok, maybe not all of us. Remi’s bus, dubbed the Janga Bus, was bought in Germany, fixed up in the UK, and driven south from London across Europe and into Africa en route to The Gambia. Upon arrival, Remi and his trip partner Alexandra Zeitlin donated the bus to the Kadect School for the Deaf. Oh, and they turned the entire project into a documentary film – aptly titled Janga Bus – that debuts on Matador Network this month.
It’s an inspiring story of providing a much-needed form of transportation to deaf schoolchildren, who wouldn’t otherwise be able to get to school in their rural part of the country. On today’s pod, Remi joins the guys to talk all things overland travel. On the docket are sketchy border crossings, hiding film gear from international authorities, and how they pulled off this incredible feat. There’s talk of breakdowns, unforgettable meals, and the incredible people Remi and Alexandra encountered on the journey.
Marinel de Jesus is the type of outdoors-person the world needs more of. As the founder of The Porter Voice Collective, Marinel advocates for porters’ rights in top international trekking destinations including Peru and the Himalayas. She rallies for better working conditions, pay, and even food for the hard-working porters lugging our gear up the world’s highest peaks – and after hearing her speak about the cause you’d be hard-pressed to not want to sign on.
In Hot Takes, Tim ponders a digital nomad he met briefly at the Denver airport and wonders aloud if he’s a stalker for continuing to follow this guy on social. Eben makes his case for Dry January being bullsh*t, and the two discuss the pros of ordering two drinks at the same time when at a busy bar.
Marko Randelovic is a documentary filmmaker and photojournalist from the UK whose work focuses heavily on Southeast Asia. Marko joins No Blackout Dates to discuss his new film, Makepung, which debuts on Matador Network on January 12. Makepung tells the story of Bali’s long-running tradition of buffalo racing. That’s right – there’s a dedicated cohort of Balinese who aren’t afraid to hop on a water buffalo and chase speed, glory, and honor. Lest you be worried about animal rights, these water buffalo are among the most cared-for animals on the Indonesian island.
S2, Ep. 15: New Year, Same Us: A 2021 Retrospective
You know those recap episodes your favorite TV show slips in mid-season, because they’re too lazy to put out new content? And you know how you usually skip it? Well, this is our recap episode, but don’t skip it just yet. No Blackout Dates is ringing in 2022 by doing exactly what they say you shouldn’t do in the new year – living in the past. Not only are we reflecting on our favorite episodes of 2021, but also our favorite travel destinations of the past year, and the best books we’ve read. We’re also looking ahead to the travel trends we’d love to see die out in 2022.
About The Hosts
Tim Wenger
Tim Wenger is a travel journalist based in Colorado. He serves as an Associate Editor at Matador Network, where he's filed work from four continents, often looking at the intersection of outdoor recreation, conservation, and the economy.
After finishing a BA in Communications from Fort Lewis College, Tim jumped into the back of a Ford Econoline and spent a decade playing guitar in a punk rock band, where among other things he learned how to talk into a microphone -- the very skill that landed him on the No Blackout Dates podcast years later.
Eben Diskin
Eben Diskin is a travel writer, amateur pizza connoisseur, avid Indoorsman, and the Senior Staff Writer at Matador Network. While traveling, he pretends to enjoy activities like hiking, camping, fine dining, and museums, when all he really wants to do is slam Jack and Cokes at the hotel bar. He has a degree in History from Wheaton College and a definitely-not-useless Master's in Fiction Writing from the University of Edinburgh.
Everyone tells him he looks like the Property Brothers.