The Quest Express: Travel, Culture & Untold Stories

NEW ORLEANS: Jeffrey is a seventh-generation New Orleanian, a graduate of Metairie Park Country Day, and Loyola University New Orleans with a degree in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. Jeffrey and his wife, Lauren, have three children and are homeowners in Old Metairie. Jeffrey stays active in the New Orleans community as Owner, of Keller Williams Realty New Orleans, President of the...

NEW ORLEANS:  Chef Bobo talks Jambalaya, Mardi Gras Indians & the story of the Louisiana Governor & Marie LeBeau. Also, all about the  Krewe of Orpheus parade which is in February! Check out the website for details. February 12th @ 6pm is the  Krewe of Orpheus Parade   *** If you would like a transcript from today's episode, simply email us at host@thequestexpress.com with TRANSCRIPT...

NEW ORLEANS:  Chef Bobo shares what happened when he followed his bliss after being laid off from Air France. Thus began the adventure of a lifetime. Check out the Krewe of Orpheus Parade to catch some throws from Chef Bobo:  https://www.kreweoforpheus.com/ *** If you would like a transcript from today's episode, simply email us at host@thequestexpress.com with TRANSCRIPT in the subject line...

NEW ORLEANS:  Chef Bobo spent years in New Orleans and shares the origin story of his passion for food, the inspiring path of his career, and how to completely reinvent yourself and Follow Your Bliss.  January 9th is the first official day of Mardi Gras! Check out the Krewe of Orpheus Parade to catch some throws from Chef Bobo:  https://www.kreweoforpheus.com/ Inside Chef Bobo shares with us: His...

NEW ORLEANS:  Mardi Gras starts January 9th, will you be there? If you are, or plan on being there in January or February, check out today's episode for Michael Bill's tips on where to eat, drink, and what not to do on Bourbon Street! And don't forget to go here and ask for Michael to schedule a tour! Inside this episode: Is there sex in the afterlife? Which haunted museums should y...

NEW ORLEANS:  We continue the discussion with paranormal investigator & ghost hunter Michael Bill.  In this episode, we learn about how Michael got started, the difference between hauntings & poltergeist, Carrie's childhood experience with a seance, and how to experience one of Michael's tours in person:  Go here and ask for Michael to schedule a tour! BIO: Michael Bill, our firs...

NEW ORLEANS:  We're now in New Orleans, Louisiana where we're talking to paranormal investigator Michael Bill, about ghosts, voodoo, and the Haitian Revolution. We discuss: Ghost activity in San Francisco & New Orleans New Orleans innovations & history Michael's first trip to New Orleans 30 years ago Who was Cecil Fatima? How Voodoo caused the Haitian Revolution ...and the o...

VENICE:  Do you know how the Bellini was born and that it may never have happened if it weren’t for the trials and tribulations of an American named Harry Pickering? We can’t leave our final episode on Venice without leaving a few recipes behind. You must try the Baccalà Mantecato which is from our guest Monica Cesarato, and can be found in her book Andar per Bacari.  And we meet the first food wr...

 VENICE: Today we conclude our final episode with Chas Carner where we uncover how one of the world's most famous courtesans who was left for dead, rose to even greater prominence after a most horrific deed. Was Angela de Moro La Zaffetta or La Fenice? Navigating Venice FB Page Contact Chas: chascarner@gmail.com You can find Part I & Part II of the conversation with Chas here:   Part I of...

VENICE:  In the last episode we left the crypt at the bottom of a church (San Zaccaria) in the 9th century. What will we find inside? Why was Giovanni Bellini's painting so earth-shattering for the times, and Who's That Girl - Angela de Moro? Stories Chas shares in today's episode:  Debaucherous parties & blackmailing nuns! The body of St. Mark What was Vivaldi's role at th...

VENICE:  In our final week on Venice, we meet New Yorker, Chas Carner who is an award-winning NYC-based print, television, and other media writer.  He’s traveled to Venice over 30 times, collecting friends, artists, stories, favorite sites, and hints for fellow travelers, and other “eager tourists" like himself.  He is also co-author of the popular literary travel guide VENICEWALKS and the au...

VENICE:  In this episode, we imagine what food guide, blogger & podcaster, Monica Cesarato would do for Venice if she was the mayor. We also discuss the famous banner on the canal and her year-long journey with "Venice Talks." Subscribe to her podcast for free here to meet more Venetians.     For her blog, booking & podcast go to her website: www.monicacesarato.com Grab Monica&ap...

VENICE: Monica Cesarato talks about her mother's cooking, the cicchetti "pub crawl" and what makes Venetian food so different from other regions in Italy. Grab Monica's book in English or in Italian For her blog, booking & podcast go to her website: www.monicacesarato.com Restaurant mention, Osteria La Scuela Inside this episode: What makes authentic Venetian food so differ...

VENICE: We are setting the table for a culinary & travel expert on Venice, Monica Cesarato.  Learn more here .  On Thursday & Saturday, you'll learn the secrets of great Venetian food and how to find the best food in Venice. But today, get to know Monica as she shares her love of Venice and her insights on slow travel & Venetian tourism. We cover: Why Venice is so safe Monica&apos...

What happens when you spend a month living off grid in Hawaii? Have you ever put your phone on airplane mode for a weekend just to calm your nervous system? And could off-grid living be a first step towards restoring Western civilization?  Apply for off-grid weekend & 2-week experiences here Buy Kamal Ravikant's book "Live Your Truth" here Music Credit:  "Planting Trees&quo...

VENICE: If you've ever wanted to know the real story behind Vespucci, Galileo & Casanova, listen to the last episode in our 3-part series with modern-day renaissance man, Raffaele Dessi. You can follow him on IG @raffaeledessi Today Raffaele shares: The mystery of a 2nd century tunic & Nodo di Salomone Venice & diversity many years ago What you don't know about Casanova Ameri...

VENICE: If you've ever taken ballroom dancing or swing dance lessons, you might want to consider adding the Menuetto to your repertoire. You know it well, as you've probably seen Mr. Darcy dancing it awkwardly with Elizabeth in Pride & Prejudice. Today, Raffaele shares with us: What makes Venice unique The events in Venice artists shouldn't miss Spring Festivals you might want t...

VENICE: A native Sardinian, Raffaele Dessi shares what caused his wide variety of interests, curiosity, and love for Venice. In the first of three episodes, we discuss fashion, culture, dance, the cost of wars, and more... In this episode: What type of environment creates an insatiable curiosity The influence of Lady Oscar on Raffaele Profound thoughts on war Why Venice never looks the same twice...

VENICE: Today we dissect archaeological clues, architecture and the restrictions on women in Venice. Book Luisella for your next trip to Venice here: www.seevenice.it How archaeologists and fishermen work together What the ruins revealed What is the most political of the arts? Who founded Venice? And the first Venetian woman to graduate Bio: Luisella Romeo lives and works in Venice, where her fami...

VENICE: We continue exploring Luisella's customized experiences which are unscripted and never the same twice. If you'd like to book her for private tours or experiences, please do so in advance and begin here: www.seevenice.it Inside: Finding the perfect experience for you and when to book When to go & when to avoid depending on your preferences Her experiences for disabled & bl...

VENICE: Today we meet Luisella Romeo, a certified tour guide whose family has been in Venice since the mid-18th century.  Today we discuss: The road abroad and back home again What she decided to do when she was told her original plan wasn't realistic How Luisella sets up her tours and experiences How she keeps tourists away from other tourists And Luisella's guidance for my 30-day visit...

VENICE: In the last episode, Marco Gandini discusses Marco Polo - the subject of his book expected in early 2024.  Learn why the Polo family was indispensable to Khan and some of the unique missions he sent the Polos on.  In this episode, we'll discuss: The three Polos and why Khan needed them Jerusalem, The Crusades & "the oil" What celebration you shouldn't miss in Venice...

VENICE: Marco Gandini shares a few defining moments of Venetian history, the impact of the Ottoman Empire and two ambitious explorers on Venetian trade, and how the aristocracy responded to impacts on trade routes during the 16th century. We discuss: Pippin's egoic & unfulfilled desire to expand his "Corner of the Sky" Defining moments in Venetian history The butterfly effect of...

VENICE: Today, we chat with historical author Marco Gandini, who spent several years in London before he made Venice his home.  In this episode, we'll discuss: Why Marco from Milan moved to London & settled in Venice How Marco met his wife & the glue that brought them together Marco's advice for anyone moving to Venice The controversy around Venice's actual date of birth Mar...

VENICE: Today we conclude our conversation with the Founder & CEO of Teatro San Cassiano , Paul Atkin. He extends a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for either individuals or organizations to become a Founding Member of San Cassiano , and to etch their name in Venetian history. Please share the link to this episode if you know of someone who would be honored to support this mission.   Teatro San...