The Black Expat Podcast

The Black Expat takes listeners on a vibrant travel episode covering two very different island experiences: the cultural, tea-rich landscapes and wildlife safaris of Sri Lanka, and the crystal-clear waters, private-island resorts, and boating lifestyle of the British Virgin Islands. Expect notes on food, wellness retreats, accommodation types (from boutique villas to luxury resorts), snorkeling, a...

Carl returns to the Black Expat Podcast after a sabbatical, explaining his break for parenthood, entrepreneurship, and mental health. He recounts recent trips to South Africa and Zimbabwe, from luxury safaris and wine country to a three-night Rovos Rail journey and the power of Victoria Falls, and reflects on the difference between travel and vacation. Carl emphasizes the value of local guides, cu...

The Black Expat returns after a long hiatus to share personal and professional updates. He reflects on solo travel, family trips, and the balance of work and parenthood. He outlines upcoming journeys, Japan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, and explains his travel philosophy about preparation, cultural curiosity, and helping clients plan meaningful, comfortable trips. The episode centers on...

Host Carl returns after a break, now a new dad and founder of Atlas Indeed sharing why he stepped away and what he’s learned about travel, community, and business. He previews upcoming trips, new podcast content, and his focus on authentic, people-driven experiences as he rebuilds consistency and grows his travel brand. Check out atlasindeed.com to see his big new venture, and follow on instagram...

Tune in to a heartfelt comeback episode of the Black Expat Podcast as he shares transformative updates after a long hiatus. Discover the whirlwind of travel adventures, the surprise of welcoming a new family member, and the emotional rollercoaster of career shifts, including a major pivot to owning a luxury travel business, Atlas Indeed. In this episode, Carl reflects on his experiences living abr...

This episode emphasizes the importance of living in the moment, savoring every experience, and how travel as a love language deepens bonds with friends and family.  Carl reflects on the impact of the podcasting boom and his dedication to planning trips that offer unique and enriching experiences. Then he dives into his recent month-long journey through Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand, a...

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Black Expat Podcast! In this episode, host Carl is joined by Sophie Anna Everhard, an accomplished actress and travel and music executive. Sophie shares her incredible journey through acting, her role in concert operations at So Far Sounds, and her current position at the innovative travel company, Scenset. From her early inspirations to the unplanned tra...

Welcome to another episode of the Black Expat Podcast! Join Carl as he sits down with Dean, a passionate traveler and music enthusiast, for an enlightening conversation about the intersection of travel and music. Dean shares his unique travel origin story, growing up in London, and how his love for music and travel has shaped his life and career. Discover how music can offer a unique insight into...

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Black Expat Podcast! Join host Carl as he sits down with the distinguished Dr. Tamara J. Walker, an author, historian, and nonprofit founder, to delve into her incredible journey and insights. Dr. Walker, a Professor of Africana Studies at Barnard College of Columbia University and co-founder of The Wandering Scholar, shares her experiences as an Afri...

Join Carl in this exciting episode of the Black Expat Podcast as he shares his transformative experience of revisiting Cambodia. Inspired by his colleague, Carl recounts how his perspective on Cambodia changed dramatically during his second visit. Carl dives into the unique aspects of luxury travel, the significance of cultural immersion, and the profound impact of the pandemic on tourism and hist...

Welcome to a fascinating episode of the Black Expat Podcast where I host Lizzie McPherson, a former TV producer turned travel industry professional; exploring her transitory lifestyle and the fulfilling journey of finding a permanent home in Amsterdam. Lizzie delves deep into her past experiences, shifting her career from film and television to the world of travel, and how her unique competency se...

Welcome to another electrifying episode of the Black Expat Podcast. In this episode, your host Carl connects with Ioanna, an adventurous world traveler and an enthusiastic cyclist. Ioanna's love for travel was kindled during her college years in the UK when she would visualize exploring the world through travel brochures. Her fascination with travel turned into a profession that allowed her to vis...

On this episode of the Black Expat Podcast, I shed light on the nuanced relationship between independence and freedom. Drawing upon my life experiences from teenage years through my thirties in diverse global locations, I explore personal narratives to help redefine these concepts. I touch on youthful desires for independence, to changing perspectives with the advent of adulthood, and eventually,...

In today's episode I share my thought-provoking journey with languages and how it has been an integral part of my multicultural experiences. I take a deep dive into the endless opportunities and interesting encounters that learning a new language can provide. Being multilingual can broadened understanding of different cultures, histories, and cuisines, and has helped make me a more independent tra...

In this episode I touch on how my experience with the Posse Foundation set me on a trajectory of challenging personal boundaries both in travel and beyond. It all began with a phone call just before my band concert, bearing the life-changing news: "Congratulations, you're a Posse Scholar." A truly transformative journey that extended far beyond the concert stage that set in motion my ability to pu...

Monday morning travel check-ins return to the Black Expat Podcast! In this episode, I delve into my top 5 travel destinations for your 2024 radar. From the enchanting Northern Lights to an exhilarating safari with the big 5, from the iconic Sydney Opera House to the architectural marvels of Chicago, and the cosmopolitan allure of Asia in Singapore, in this episode discover why South Africa, Norway...

In this episode, I delve into my Travel Resolution for 2024, aiming to infuse greater intentionality into my journeys. Reflecting on a year where I plunged back into the world of travel, rediscovering and reacclimating myself to a cherished passion, I am excited to share the profound lessons learned. My aspiration extends beyond wanderlust — I am on a mission to craft one of the most informative a...

In this episode of The Black Expat Podcast we unravel the origin story of our guest, CEO of Taelor Anya Cheng, exploring her life in Taiwan, academic pursuits, and the pivotal journey to the United States that ignited a passion for the tech industry. We dive into the creation of her rental company, Taelor, a groundbreaking venture inspired by a unique vision, and discover the ideal clients and pro...

I had the incredible opportunity to re-visit Indonesia, allowing me to take a deep dive into the heart of Bali and beyond from Duma cabins to Nusa Pineda. In this episode I touch on how, during my journey, I gained valuable insight into the many ways to explore not only Bali but also other amazing places in Indonesia. The land of a thousand islands did not disappoint! 

In this episode I dive into the intricate nuances of post-travel blues and how we can recreate that travel magic right where we are. I also discuss my  firsthand account of my amazing experiences and serenity in Phuket, the peaceful retreat and wonderful city of Chiang Mai, and the dynamic charm of ever-evolving Bangkok, and how on my tenth time to Thailand, the sensory overload was still ever pre...

I've been incredibly fortunate to revisit Seoul, South Korea, delving deeper into its rich history, vibrant culture, and incredible attractions for tourists. Along the way, I've forged meaningful connections with leaders in the travel industry in South Korea. Join me in this episode as I explore the wonders of South Korea and make a compelling case for why it deserves a top spot on your list of mu...

Join me for an amazing discussion on my first trip back to Thailand in five years. In this episode, I'll take you on a sensory journey through the enchanting cities of Chiangmai, Phuket, and Bangkok. Discover how the sights, sounds, tastes, scents, and feelings of Thailand have reawakened my senses, making this experience truly transformational, even just three days in. Don't forget to stay tuned...

Tune in to this inspiring episode as I sit down with Brian, a San Francisco Bay area native who now calls Minorca, Spain, home. Brian, a luxury travel curator, shares his captivating journey into the world of travel and reveals his deep passion for sustainability in travel and how he works to have a positive impact through exploration. Tune in to discover the incredible stories and experiences Bri...

I returned to Taiwan, not as a resident this time, but as a visitor. My journey in Taiwan has evolved from simply living there, to exploring and sharing my travel experiences with others. Now, I've taken on the role of a curator, crafting unique and fulfilling travel experiences for those who venture to the destinations I've explored. I used to believe - many many years ago -  that Taiwan was a gr...

My time in Taiwan was heavily focused on leadership, including building and leading several leadership teams, opening the first bar and art gallery of its kind, in addition to starting a travel company aimed at helping many people from my community experience their first international travel journeys. After 12 years, I made the decision to return to the USA, which marked the beginning of a new cha...