It was a true pleasure to speak with Jonathan van Bilsen of photosNtravel back in May. Jonathan is a natural storyteller who happens to live in my hometown of Port Perry, Ontario where you can often find him interviewing some of the 'movers and shakers' who live there. Everyone has a story. An avid traveller, Jonathan has been to 106 countries (soon to be 107, our fingers are crossed for him), resulting in entertaining stories, useful travel tips and the impressive fact that he never gets sick. JVB is an author, photographer, keynote speaker, columnist, talk show host and the television host of photosNtravel. He is extremely funny, and I had a lot of laughs during my time with him.Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. For the complete FLY Travel Radio collection and blog posts, go to https://flyrodway.com/.

FLY Travel Radio with Melissa Rodway

Episode 35: FLY Travel Radio Episode 174: Tales, Tips and Grilled Cheese, with Jonathan van Bilsen, photosNtravel

This week on FLY, you will meet Hilary Messer-Barrow. Hilary is a Vancouverite who had never lived too far from her childhood home. All of that changed in 2019, when she left her family and familiar urban comforts to move with her now husband up to Beaver Creek. Beaver Creek sits on the border of Alaska and the Yukon and is home to approximately 93 people. The closest city is Whitehorse which is 450kms away. This is a story about making big changes, discovering a relationship with nature, and how an unexpected transition can lead to a whole different way of being in the world.Original broadcast on CIUT89.5FM and www.ciut.fm.Complete FLY Travel Radio collection can be found at flyrodway.com/. Contact me if there is a topic or person you are interested in hearing about on FLY Travel Radio at info@flyrodway.com.

Episode 34: FLY Travel Radio Episode 173: Embracing Unexpected Change, with Hilary Messer-Barrow

Now this is a company I will definitely be booking future adventures with. Nathalie Gauthier, General Manager of Great Canadian Trails, joins FLY Travel Radio this week to discuss the self-guided & small group guided adventures that they offer from coast to coast to coast! There is no shortage of exploration to be had in this beautiful country, such as hiking the Long Range Traverse in Newfoundland, the Chillkoot Trail in BC, biking around PEI, kayaking the Yukon, the list goes on. Better yet, local cuisine, unique delicacies, and the opportunity for community interaction are intertwined with these experiences, allowing you to fully embrace the flavour and culture of the region. Whatever your outdoorsy heart desires, Great Canadian Trails has got you covered in all four seasons. This is definitely one for the post-COVID bucket list, where you can find adventure AND give back to the local economy at the same time. It's a win-win!Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. Go to flyrodway.com/flypodcast/travel-podcast-episodes/ for all episodes.

Episode 33: FLY Travel Radio Episode 172: Coast to Coast to Coast Active Adventures, with Great Canadian Trails

Summer is in the air. So is a feeling of hope and normalcy. As Canadians are bound to another summer of exploring their own backyard, The Great Canadian Road Trip continues to be an excellent option for finding adventure and getting out of Dodge. This week, Dave Wald of Karma Campervans joins me to talk about their contactless pickup and drop off system, the infinite adventures that Canada offers, nature as a prescription, and the call of the open road. These beautiful vans are fully equipped and ready to go when you are, all year long. You cannot ask for a better Canadian adventure. Sign me up! Tune in to learn more and to start getting that Canadian bucket list ready. (Note: these vans are located in Vancouver and Calgary, so keep provincial restrictions in mind....until we don't have to.) Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. Complete FLY Travel Radio collection can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/fly-melissa-rodway/tracks

Episode 32: FLY Travel Radio Episode 171: Van Life on the Open Canadian Road, with Karma Campervans

There are a handful of people who have travelled to every country in the world. There is only one person who is travelling to every country in the world without flying. This week on FLY Travel Radio, Thor Pedersen of Denmark shares his 7+ year journey of traveling through 194 countries and counting via bus, train, and every type of boat. This is not an adventure for the faint of heart. Thor discusses his gruelling schedule, daunting logistics, and minimal budget that has been his life since 2013. Thor is an ambassador for the Danish Red Cross which is a big part of this project, as well as his quest to spread awareness about the universal goodness across countries and cultures. COVID has kept Thor in Hong Kong for the last 14 months, where he is waiting to tackle his 9 remaining countries. You will not meet a nicer guy. I felt honoured to have spent an hour talking with him. Tune in to learn more about Once Upon a Saga.Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM.Complete FLY Travel Radio Collection can be found here: https://flyrodway.com/flypodcast/travel-podcast-episodes/

Episode 31: FLY Travel Radio Episode 170: 7+Years, 194 Countries, Nine to Go. No planes. With Thor Pedersen, Once Upon A Saga.

 Freelance travel writer Diana Ballon joins me on FLY Travel Radio this week. For someone who is used to jetting around the world quite frequently, she has handled, (and continues to handle), being within the Ontario border quite well. Diana has some great ideas for Canadian road trips, hidden gems within the province, active holidays and more. She also has some tips for how to make local trips and staycations more fun, and speaks about the importance of home life before and after we go away. Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. The complete FLY Travel Radio collection and blog posts can be found here: flyrodway.com/flypodcast/travel-podcast-episodes/

Episode 30: FLY Travel Radio Episode 169: Canadian Road Trips, Active Ideas, & Nurturing Home, with Diana Ballon

Before meeting Nicole Lewis, I had no idea what a dromomaniac was. I had never even heard of this word. After speaking with her, it now makes complete sense why Wandering with a Dromomaniac is the name of her travel blog and Instagram profile. Nicole is a fellow Canadian living in the U.S. A wildlife vet by trade, she is an avid hiker, traveller, writer and adventure seeker in her non-working hours. All anyone has to do is tell her that she can't do something. Then just watch her go. Tune in to get some great ideas for stellar hikes around the US and to learn about her new book, 12 Months. Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. Complete FLY Travel Radio collection and blog posts can be found here: https://flyrodway.com/flypodcast/travel-podcast-episodes/

Episode 29: FLY Travel Radio Epside 168: Wandering With A Dromomaniac, with Nicole Lewis

Gary Armstrong, Global Purpose Specialist at G Adventures, stops by FLY to discuss their Travel with Confidence policy, and why we should book now, travel later. Gary reminds us of travel's philanthropic nature, the importance of visiting remote communities, and how even COVID can unite us. When the time comes to travel again, G is ready to keep you safe and healthy without any compromise to the authenticity of your adventure.Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. Complete FLY Travel Radio Collection can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/fly-melissa-rodway/tracks. For blog posts, go to www.flyrodway.com.

Episode 28: FLY Travel Radio Episode 167: Travel with Confidence - G Adventures, Gary Armstrong

I truly loved talking to Anastasia Allison. Anastasia is the Founder of Kula Cloth, an "antimicrobial pee cloth for anybody who squats when they pee" (kulacloth.com). Since my interview with Anastasia, I now have a Kula. I absolutely love it. This is a must for all active, outdoorsy women. In this interview, Anastasia generously shares her experiences about being bullied, shattering suffocating beliefs around work and money, the acceptance provided by the outdoors, and the importance of daily dancing. Anastasia is also a talented violinist who is part of The Musical Mountaineers, where the love of music and the mountains is experienced in the most unique way.This is a conversation that really spoke to me as we all contemplate new chapters, what we are living for and how to be confident in our passions and dreams. There is much to learn from Anastasia Allison, and I truly wanted to jump through Zoom to go for a hike with her. Enjoy.Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. All FLY Travel Radio episodes can be heard here: https://flyrodway.com/flypodcast/travel-podcast-episodes/

Episode 27: FLY Travel Radio Episode 166: Pee Cloths, Music and Mountains, with Anastasia Allison

Time flies, even during COVID! Tom Gehrels of Adventure Coordinators comes back to FLY one year later to share his green space discoveries in and around the GTA. Hear about Tom's hidden gems in the area for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Tom is a true winter lover, and he will make you realize that you should be too. We also talk about COVID one year later, and how this is the time to think about your big bucket list adventures for when the time comes. Tom has been to 103 countries and counting, so if anyone is missing travel, it is this guy. He is a valuable resource, should you want an expert travel agent to help you plan! Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. Go to flyrodway.com for complete collection of FLY Travel Radio episodes, and blog posts.

Episode 26: FLY Travel Radio Episode 165: Embracing Winter Toronto Style, with Tom Gehrels

I do not hesitate to say that Cyrus Ryan is one of the most unique guests I have had on FLY. A seeker of the esoteric traditions of the East, Cyrus is the Director of the Northern School of Esoteric Wisdom. He is also the author of "Living on the Inner Edge: A Practical Esoteric Tale". As a travel lover, Cyrus shares his many adventures around the world, his affinity for the mountains, and his psychic encounters on the road. There is a reason why we feel at home in some countries more than others. I thoroughly enjoyed this time with Cyrus, and I hope to bring him back. I have more questions.....Original broadcast aired on CIUT 89.5FM.For all FLY Travel Radio episodes and blog posts, go to https://flyrodway.com/

Episode 25: FLY Travel Radio Episode 164: Psychic Encounters, Esoteric Beliefs, and the Mountains

It was a great laugh to talk to Mike and Faustine of Planetlenz just before the holidays. This dynamic couple, hailing from Canada and France respectively, shed some insight into their life travelling around the world together as scuba instructors for the past 8 years. Tune in to learn about their new business venture (and some very creative clothing), their views on the environment, how their marriage survives small living spaces, and why you should always say yes to adventure! Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM. Go to flyrodway.com for all podcast episodes and blog posts.

Episode 24: FLY Travel Radio Episode 163: Diving, the Environment, and Saying Yes to Adventure, with Planetlenz

Jillian A. Brown takes her spin on FLY this week. Jillian is so many things. Photographer. Artist. Adventurer. Mental health advocate. Tune in to hear about Jillian's adventures kayaking the Grand Canyon, travelling solo around Canada, and paddling the Great Lakes. Jillian will also talk about how she overcame a very dark time in her life through physical activity in the outdoors. Tune in to learn about Camp My Way, a non-profit outdoor retreat in BC that was created to help those suffering from PTSD. It won't surprise you that Jillian is the CEO and Lead Guide of this inspiring and worthy operation. https://flyrodway.com/ Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. FLY Travel Radio also airs of CKUW 95.9FM. Complete FLY Travel Radio collection can be found on https://bit.ly/3sdUFHO.

Episode 23: FLY Travel Radio Episode 162: Mental Health and the Outdoors, with Jillian A. Brown

It is that time of year again! Travel writer and outdoor enthusiast Doug O'Neill joins me for our yearly chat about great holiday reads. Doug also has some great pay-it-forward gift ideas for the nature lover in your life. These are two easy ways to shop for the adventure seeker on your list! Doug's gift ideas also contribute to local and environmental causes - these are the gifts that keep on giving! Tune in to hear about some fascinating tales and worthy holiday presents that won't break the bank. Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. Complete FLY Travel Radio Collection can be heard on SoundCloud at https://soundcloud.com/fly-melissa-rodway/tracks

Episode 22: FLY Travel Radio Episode 161: Outdoorsy Gifts and Holiday Travel Reads, with Writer, Doug O'Neill

There have been many street dogs that have stolen my heart during my travels, but I did not ever put it into the realm of possibility that one of these lonesome creatures could become mine. On this week's episode of FLY, Andrea Mut and Ina Yetman share their heart warming tales of international dog rescue, having adopted Lola from Mexico and Roscoe from St. Lucia. Andrea and Ina give some very honest insight and advice about this experience, both of these adoptions happening right before the lock down hit in March. If you are looking for a dog but cannot find one locally, this could be the episode for you! Originally aired on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. FLY Travel Radio can be heard every Wednesday at 2am EST.

Episode 21: FLY Travel Radio Episode 160: International Dog Adoption, with Ina Yetman and Andrea Mut

FLY is the travel podcast for off the beaten path tales of travel and adventure. Listen in for storytelling at its best, with interviews from everyday adventurers discussing their experiences on the road less travelled. Whether you are planning your first trip, permanently nomadic, or vicariously traveling the world from the comfort of your couch, FLY is for you. With conversations about active travel, sabbaticals, food, language, camping, motorcycle trips, hiking expeditions, books, gadgets, businesses, tours, quitting your 9-to-5 and living on a sailboat …. the FLY Travel Podcast has no boundaries and knows no limits. The complete archive can be found at https://soundcloud.com/fly-melissa-rodway/tracks

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FLY Travel Radio with Melissa Rodway

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