Paul Island and Benef Verell, two co-hosts of the travel podcast Rhythm & Roam, share their stories about travel, relocation and how they came to start their own podcast with their friend Trecia Cooke.
How did Paul and Benef get the travel bug? Benef recounts her Midwest upbringing and how family trips, mostly within the region, laid the groundwork for her future wanderlust. It wasn’t until she joined the military, in an unexpected journey to West Point, that her travel experiences truly expanded, igniting a lifelong passion for exploring new places. Similarly, Paul reflects on his childhood travels that were mostly confined to the New York tri-state area and Florida.
From there we explore the intricate ways in which family, culture and unexpected paths influence travel and career choices. Paul recalls how his older sister’s dreams of London inspired further exploration and a career in the military, expanding his own travel horizons. We touch on the cultural roots that influence aspirations, such as Paul’s Jamaican and British connections, and Benef’s Afghan roots. The conversation offers insights into the interplay of family influences, cultural backgrounds, and how these elements shape unexpected life paths.
The conversation turns to the impact of cultural diversity and identity on travel experiences. Benef and Paul share their encounters with stereotypes, “traveling while Black and biracial,” and the cultural expectations they’ve confronted while traveling and living abroad.
Laced with humor and canny insights, their stories highlight the importance of understanding and adapting to cultural differences, the benefits of solo travel and the unique travel styles that lead to memorable journeys.
LINKS
Rhythm & Roam
Ireland episode with Paul and Benef
https://rhythmandroam.com/episode/the-ireland-trip-that-made-us-question-everything
Passport Knuckle Ride: Staying Sane While Traveling in a Crazy World (Pocket Travel Guide)
https://rhythmandroam.com/book
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Podium.page.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
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