WANDEROUS

How do you feel moment to moment? Because that is actually your life, not being distracted by your plans of the future, not being nostalgic about where you'll go next. It's the "now." At some point, we do need to be "here." In this episode I talk about that, plus some realizations I've had about attention, patience, and energy from 4+ years of global travel. There i...

This week, I visit the legendary Dakshineswar Kali Temple and experience something I’m still trying to put into words. Standing before Kali, I had a strange, ineffable moment that felt like an initiation. We also explore the temple complex, including the 12 Shiva shrines that line the river, each one containing a shiva lingam illuminated with neon blue light. The atmosphere is surreal and intense....

This week, I wander through Eco Park on the east side of Kolkata, the largest urban park in all of India. The highlight is “Seven Wonders,” a quirky park-within-a-park that features scaled recreations of the pyramids of Giza, the Great Wall of China, Easter Island, and more. I share what impressed me, what didn’t, and whether it’s worth your time. Also, many people ask me for a photo, and we have...

My first days in India were… eventful. From food poisoning to waking up to a dead MacBook, things started off rocky. But my couchsurfing hosts made it unforgettable—such incredible people (and food!). I got my shoes repaired on the street, wandered Kolkata’s vibrant streets, and anxiously waited to see if the local tech wizard could bring my expired-warranty MacBook back to life. Tune in to see ho...

This week: we wrap up my Nepal adventure with a visit to the Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (The Golden Temple) in Patan, Kathmandu. Along the way, we explore the six realms, admire stunning tapestries, and enter the wrong temple at the wrong time. With early January temperatures below freezing, I experience life in a traditional house with no heating—such fun! Join me for a hilarious farewell to this ma...

We wrap up my time in Sauraha and Pokhara, Nepal , exploring the far side of the elephant center suspension bridge and stumbling on some unforgettable souvenirs and photogenic moments. Then, M and I part ways, and I catch a wild bus ride back to Pokhara — just in time for an unusual Christmas and an epic New Year’s Eve. Show Notes 🎥 YouTube Short: Souvenir Shopping & Suspension Bridge in Saur...

Today, we venture deep into the wilds of Chitwan National Park, home to one-horned rhinoceros, crocodiles, tigers, and countless other species. From sunrise boat rides to jungle walks, this safari was pure magic, and I also share a few must-know travel tips before you plan your own trip to southern Nepal. 🌿 Show Notes 🎥 YouTube Short: Our Journey to Chitwan (w/ pakora snacks & the tiniest co...

Today, we venture across Phewa Lake and up the hill to the Shanti Stupa, one of only two peace pagodas in Nepal. We also talk about the fascinating backstory and the Japanese sangha that was behind building it! Show Notes 🎥 YouTube Short: A Funny Summary Video of this Magical Day to the Stupa 🎧 My Hawaii audiobook on YouTube, now free! (10+ hours of pure storytelling) If you’re curious about my...

Today we venture into Chamero Gufa, the famous Bat Cave of Pokhara! Discovered in the 1980s, this wild underground cavern is home to thousands of Horseshoe Bats! 🦇 Along the way, I also stumble into the wrong gorge—an accident that turned into a blessing when I was treated to a live sarangi performance nearby. We wrap up with a walk across a breathtaking gorge and a stop at my favorite restaurant...

On International Mountain Day, I joined the 7th annual mountain festival in Pokhara, Nepal — a lively celebration of mountains, culture, and adventure. From geology exhibits to festival games, it’s a must-see if you’re visiting Pokhara in December. Plus, my review of Annapurna Bhanchha, a great small diner in Pokhara. Show Notes 🎥 YouTube Short: Geology Exhibits & More at the Mountain Festiva...

Come on, grab your friends! Today, we venture down the spiraling staircase into Gupteshwor Cave (Nepal’s most famous cave) and check out the roaring Devi Falls just next door. Wet, wild, and unforgettable. Show Notes 🎥 YouTube Short: My Wet & Wacky Video About Gupteshwor Cave 🎥 YouTube Short: Also, I met a purple Ganesh just outside of the cave 🎧 My Hawaii audiobook on YouTube, now free! (1...

Hiking Sarangkot Hill is one of the best things to do in Pokhara, Nepal! In this episode, I share my trek to the top, why the gondola isn’t worth it, and the breathtaking views you’ll see along the way. Plus, a little behind-the-scenes from writing my upcoming Kaleidoscopic Sci-Fi series. Annapurna Range was so magical, and I even found cool companions along the way. Show Notes 🎥 YouTube Short: M...

Today, we cover some of my favorite parts about being in Pokhara and the very special Tihar festival, complete with mandalas, dances, and more LED lights than you can believe. Show Notes 🎥 YouTube Short: A Silly Video of looking for Broccoli & A Tihar Dance at the end! 🎥 YouTube Short: Some cool live music at a vegan cafe near Phewa Lake 🧭 Travel Tip: When in Pokhara, go to the Movie Garden...

After an 8-hour bus ride from Kathmandu, my time in Pokhara got off to a rocky start, including one of my weirder Couchsurfing stays. But I did meet a Gurkha soldier and experienced rural Nepali life! 😅 In the end, I visited 7 hotels before choosing one for my long-term stay. Hear why and how I made the final call. Show Notes 🎥 YouTube Short: Live music at Vegan Way Café — with a gorgeous view o...

This one’s got it all: Couchsurfing adventures, market missions, street snacks, and sacred temples. We roam through Thamel trying to find my host a shaver, snack on sweets at Tip-Top, return to Pashupatinath for a glimpse of riverside cremations, and somehow end up making vegan cheese sauce (don’t worry, I share the recipe). We try momos, battle minor food poisoning, and close out with my tried-an...

We venture to Swayambhunath, the ancient hilltop temple overlooking Kathmandu. From vivid art to serene moments beneath the massive stupa, this site radiates myth and meaning. Revered as one of Nepal’s most sacred pilgrimage spots, it invites deep reflection, but don’t expect enlightenment. In the final segment, we explore what humility (and noisy inner voices) can teach us during meditation. Show...

I explore Bhatbhateni, spot wildly overpriced cereal, learn Nepali numbers, meet temple monkeys, say hello to an orange Ganesh, and visit the coolest market in Kathmandu! Show Notes 🎥 YouTube Short: Baby Monkeys at Pashupatinath! (In the episode, I forgot to mention that this was actually my first real interaction with Asian monkeys.) TRAVEL TIP: Check out Kaidako Coffee House (chill vibes, good...

Why October is my favorite time to visit Nepal and how I stumbled upon one of the country’s most heartwarming (and airborne) traditions. Show Notes 🎥 YouTube Short: Watch the big Dashain swing (linge ping) in action! Although I think the TikTok version has better music! (The mountain backdrop in Kirtipur is absolutely stunning.) ✨ We explore the beliefs behind Dashain (when good triumphs over ev...

Sometimes when no ATM will work, you end up walking halfway across a capital city. Don’t make the same mistake I did. 😆 This was one harrowing (and unforgettable) 24 hours. Show Notes 🎥 YouTube Short: From Istanbul to Abu Dhabi to Kathmandu in 12 hours (in which I consent to looking like a total mess on the internet.) 💳 TRAVEL TIP: Always carry more than 2 credit cards. Seriously. 💸 NOTE: I wo...

In which I go to a Turkish bathhouse that’s over 560 years old and get covered in foam. Was it relaxing? Weird? Unforgettable? All of the above. This episode is all about Ağa Hamamı (the oldest working Turkish bath in Istanbul) and why you should definitely make time for one, too. Show Notes 🎥 YouTube Short: My Review Video of Ağa Hamamı (foam, heat, marble slabs — it's all here) 🕌 TRAVEL TIP: V...

From zipping through the colorful chaos of the Grand Bazaar to descending into the haunting beauty of the Basilica Cistern, this episode takes you deep within Istanbul. Once lost to time, the cistern was stunningly restored from 2020 to 2022 and is now home to eerie legends, two Medusas, a “weeping” column, and the most frightening sculpture I’ve ever seen. 😱Some even believe parts of the cistern...

After being ghosted and left for dead (okay, not literally) at the historic Bomonti Beer Factory during Oktoberfest, I ended up meeting three lovely women who invited me to join them. Things were going fabulously. We even headed to a cozy pub across the street. But I definitely didn’t see the plot twist coming! Show Notes The very silly YouTube short of my $2 falafel sandwich. Yes, you can find ve...

My first day in Istanbul was a whirlwind of architectural magic, baby coffees, delicious (and cheap!) plant-based food, stunning moon shots, and a visit to what was once the largest interior space on the planet for nearly a thousand years. Let’s jam! Show Notes The COOLEST barber and the haircut short video on YouTube that I mention. The baby coffee that I had: a YouTube Short! A YouTube short abo...

The hour+ extravaganza! In which I go to Komodo Island, the verdant Padar Island, see MASSIVE mantas, and sort of (but not really) almost drown. I really feel like this episode gets better the longer you listen, with a fun finale. Also, this is a review of the fast boat tours you can take from Flores Island. Be safe! 😆 Show Notes Me swimming with 100 Dolphins at 2-Step, the video on YouTube that...

From my final Germany hike, to gulag stories, to the kindness of my hosts completely blowing me away, this is a big episode. Mahalo nui nui! (You know who you are.) I am forever humbled. Show Notes My Ten Thousand Hours in Paradise (Hawaii) FREE audiobook on YouTube that I mention. Or buy the eBook or Paperback of Ten Thousand Hours in Paradise on any store → TRAVEL TIP: Use SkyScanner.com (better...