No Ordinary Adventure
28 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsCaptain Dan Blanchard weaves together narrative stories about his time on the sea, supporting sustainable travel, industry news, travel tips, and real conversations about creating adventure at any age. This is a place for a community of nature lovers, intrepid travelers, and industry experts sharing their love of this fascinating planet. This is a place to fill your heart and your head with travels in nature, hear interviews with people around the world and the movement behind Dan creating his own high-end travel company.
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Episodes
Trudi's Baja: A Tale of Desert Adventures and Cultural Ties
November 13, 2023 22:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MBJoin Captain Dan Blanchard, the spirited host of "No Ordinary Adventure," and CEO of UnCruise Adventures as he welcomes Trudi, the well known guide and owner of "Saddling South," for an enthralling conversation about the hidden gems of Loreto, Baja Mexico. Trudi, with her decades of experience traversing the deserts of Baja, brings a wealth of knowledge and captivating stories to this episode she shares with the listeners and guests on her tours. In this inspiring episode, Trudi shares her ...
From Windy City to Island Bliss: Mike Carroll on Art, Adventure, and Aloha Spirit
September 22, 2023 22:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBIn this vibrant episode of "No Ordinary Adventure," we drift away to the picturesque island of Lana'i with renowned artist Mike Carroll. From Chicago's bustling streets to Hawaii's serene landscapes, Mike shares his journey of art, discovery, and embracing the way of the Hawaiian people. Dive into the tales of his journey living and building in the islands and meeting people to collaborate with like, Dan Blanchard, CEO of UnCruise Adventures. Talk inspiration, making your own way, and how t...
The Heartbeat of Nature: A Deep Dive with Amy Gulick
August 15, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 48.2 MBJoin us for a journey into the wild as we sit down with renowned American nature and wildlife photographer, Amy Gulick. A founding Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, Gulick’s award-winning images have graced the pages of some of the most respected environmental publications like National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, and the Sierra Club, among others. In this episode, we journey back to 2001, as Amy details her three-week photography expeditio...
Through the Porthole with Bill Panoff
May 12, 2023 22:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBJoin Captain Dan Blanchard and Bill Panoff, a renowned travel expert and host of the Travel Series, Cruise and Travel. Bill, the publisher of Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine and Chairman, brings 35 years of expertise in the cruise and travel industry to the conversation. In this captivating episode, Bill shares his recent experience aboard the Wilderness Discoverer with UnCruise in Alaska. As Bill and Captain Dan delve into their shared passion for travel, they explore the charm and al...
Navigating the World of Adventure Travel with Alice Ford: Insights, Challenges, and Sustainability Trends
April 12, 2023 19:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBJoin Captain Dan Blanchard and special guest Alice Ford, a stuntwoman and adventure traveler as they discuss the ever-changing world of adventure travel. From growing up in the woods of New Hampshire to becoming a travel show host and successful stuntwoman in LA, Alice shares her journey and provides insight on making it in the industry. Tune in to hear about the challenges of marketing yourself in today's world, how to get noticed, and the latest trends in sustainability and adventure trave...
Alaska UnVeiled - A Fascinating Journey Through the Eyes of the Alaska Travel Industry Association
March 16, 2023 21:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBCaptain Dan Blanchard recently sat down with the Alaska Travel Industry Association to discuss the tourism industry in Alaska. The conversation covered various topics, including how people migrate to Alaska, and the challenges facing the tourism industry in the state, and offered expert travel tips for those visiting Alaska. Alaska lures in travelers with its natural beauty, and the desire for a new adventure. Many people also visit Alaska for its wildlife, glaciers, and national parks. B...
Exploring Eagle Crest Ski Area: A Juneau Adventure
February 14, 2023 17:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBGrab your ski boots and goggles, because we’re hitting the slopes in the latest episode of No Ordinary Adventure. Eaglecrest Ski Area is a ski resort located in Juneau, Alaska. It offers ski slopes for winter sports enthusiasts of all skill levels, with a mix of challenging runs and more beginner-friendly terrain. UnCruise Adventures is excited to feature Eaglecrest Ski Area in our new Winter Sports & Northern Lights itinerary. Captain Dan had a chance to speak with Kristen Strom, the mar...
Spark a Rebellion by Finding Your Why in Travel with Ryan Hodgson
August 10, 2022 14:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBIn this end-of-summer episode, Captain Dan catches up with a local Seattleite, Ryan Hodgson originally from the opposite side of the world in Perth, Australia. That's right, another adventure-loving Aussie on the roster! Ryan offers in-depth and motivational input on creating your why. Listen and learn about launching a transformative business to solo, group, family, and business travel and inspiring others to travel with passion and purpose. We dive into overlapping stories, chances, and c...
Special Episode: The Thrill of Wine Tasting on the Rivers
July 29, 2022 19:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBIn this extended episode, Captain Dan chats with experienced sommelier Julie Brigham, a self-proclaimed wine nerd (and UnCruise Adventures crewmember), and Dunham Cellars Communications Manager, Breanna Maiuri as they sip and share about all things wine. Hear Captain Dan's first homemade wine-making experience at the age of 14. More wine inspiration from around the world, and the fantastic wines in our own backyard of Washington and Oregon states. Get comfortable, grab your own choice of w...
From Armchair Traveler to Travel with Meaning. The Man Behind TWM Podcast
June 02, 2022 20:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MBFresh out of another great adventure in the Sea of Cortez exploring all things wild with UnCruise, Mike Schibel, the founder of the Travel with Meaning Podcast shares some of his encounters with Captain Dan. From a career in Hollywood entertainment to authentic travel storytelling, Mike has created a space for travelers from all walks of life to share dreamy encounters from around the world. His enthusiasm for travel and building community sparked the idea to launch the Travel With Meaning p...
Best Travel Stories & Tips According to An Expert Travel Advisor
April 20, 2022 21:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBAfter two years of closed borders, you can imagine there are a lot of excited Aussies ready to explore the world again. And it's fair to say that the rest of the world has missed their Aussies too! So, it's a perfect time to speak to one of our friends on the other side of the world. Today we are excited to speak with, Craig Bowen, a veteran travel advisor and owner of Cruise Traveller. He boasts over 35 years of experience in the industry and is a small ship expert. Dan and Craig dive into ...
Malama Hawaii. Talking Regenerative Travel with Cultural Representative Kainoa Daines
December 19, 2021 17:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MBKainoa Daines is bringing Aloha to the people through his work as the Hawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau as Director of Culture and Product Development. In this episode listen in as he shares Hawaii's experience during no tourism in the height of COVID, re-setting the dial on nature, responsible tourism and new developments with the Malama Hawaii volunteer program. In this episode Captain Dan 'talks story' sharing experiences from both sides about travel, connection, safety, conservation...
Travel Stokes with the World's Number One Bucket List Expert
September 08, 2021 18:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MBFor those who love to travel, now feels like a time to get out there more than ever before! There is no magic bullet to when normal will be "normal" but we can talk plenty of travel stokes in the meantime with two adventurers who've been around the world. In this latest episode, Captain Dan talks with Trave Bell, a guy who's made a lifestyle out of a little blue book of travel wish lists! From Juneau to Melbourne the man who is known worldwide as THE Bucket List Guy shares his humor, insight...
Under the Surface with Ocean Filmmaker Mimi DeGruy and Her New Movie
June 08, 2021 20:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBEver dreamed of being a National Geographic nature filmmaker? Captain Dan talks one on one with long-time filmmaker and creator of Diving Deep, Mimi DeGruy. An extraordinary and breathtaking movie that highlights our oceans, our connection to them, and the need for ongoing sustainability around our oceans. The movie chronicles the exciting life of her late husband Mike DeGruy, his passion for the seas, and their life of filmmaking together. She shares stories about being cornered by sharks, ...
Eyes for Cruising with Worldwide Travel Photographers Merrill Images
May 18, 2021 23:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBEver felt the call of the wild and wanted to capture iconic travel images like the pros? Hear from professional travel photographers John and Lisa Merrill on their experiences from growing from amateur to pro, with a lot of adventure along the way. Listen in for tips and tricks for everything from DSLR cameras to iPhones and how to combine your unique view of the world with stunning images. Merrill Images is celebrating 25 years in business this year. They share how they've made it work, and...
An American Overseas in a Pandemic - Bite Size Stories with Writer Todra Payne
April 25, 2021 01:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBDan joins international travel writer and slow traveler from the other side of the world for a chat about creating personal growth and healing through travel and international experiences. If you are a traveler at heart, you'll love this fun bite-size travel story conversation. Find out how to unplug, and unpack in countries around the world for your own slow travel experience from coach Todra Payne and discover sublime experiences by following your travel dreams. Todra goes from celebrity ...
An American Overseas in a Pandemic - Bite Size Stories with Writer Todra Payne
April 25, 2021 01:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBDan joins international travel writer and slow traveler from the other side of the world for a chat about creating personal growth and healing through travel and international experiences. If you are a traveler at heart, you'll love this fun bite-size travel story conversation. Find out how to unplug, and unpack in countries around the world for your own slow travel experience from coach Todra Payne and discover sublime experiences by following your travel dreams. Todra goes from celebrity ...
Travel Talk - 25 Years of Adventure in Review with Lifelong Friends
March 05, 2021 19:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MBIn this episode, Dan takes us back to the early days of creating an adventure brand, and how important connection, family, friends, and nature has been in his life. He's joined by six seasoned adventure travelers, who have also traveled aboard the small adventure boats of UnCruise Adventures. They take a trip down memory lane sharing top travel stories and how they seek adventure while recognizing what the new normal of travel will be in 2021 and beyond. Where do you imagine yourself trav...
Getting 'Rooted' in Regenerative Travel with JoAnna Haugen
January 19, 2021 21:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBJoAnna Haugen has spent decades working in travel around the world as a writer and editor with magazines and adventure brands. She finds her space at the intersection of sustainable travel, environmental conservation, and community-based advocacy efforts. In this episode, Captain Dan dives into the inspiration behind her life in travel, running her own business, initiatives on regenerative travel, and how to become a conscious slow traveler who contributes to the communities around them. W...
Exploring the World as a Diversity Speaker & Journalist
December 21, 2020 05:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MBJeannette Ceja is the founder of Jet Set with Jeannette, a place to engage in travel. Jeannette is a bilingual travel journalist, TV host, and global public speaker who speaks about diversity inclusion as a woman and Latina. In this episode, Jeannette chats with Captain Dan about her love of travel, her inspiration to transform the industry from a young age, and how she gives back to travel and non-profits. She is growing her business into a TV show, travel book and shares her love of loggin...
Exploring the World as a Diversity Speaker & Journalist
December 21, 2020 05:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MBJeannette Ceja is the founder of Jet Set with Jeannette, a place to engage in travel. Jeannette is a bilingual travel journalist, TV host, and global public speaker who speaks about diversity inclusion as a woman and Latina. In this episode, Jeannette chats with Captain Dan about her love of travel, her inspiration to transform the industry from a young age, and how she gives back to travel and non-profits. She is growing her business into a TV show, travel book and shares her love of loggin...
Supporting Women in the Travel Industry and Male Dominated Occupations
November 23, 2020 05:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBHost Dan Blanchard joins two avid female travelers who have both succeeded in male-dominated travel and maritime occupations, who also happen to be part of his family. Both females and minorities are making inroads into previously exclusive male-dominated fields and are excelling. Join Captain Dan Blanchard, his daughter Captain Denee Blanchard and his life partner and long-time outdoor guide and expedition leader, Megan Moran for an informative and enthusiastic episode. Listen in on everyth...
Giving Tourism a Boost with Port of Seattle Tourism Director
November 02, 2020 07:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBRon Peck, the Port of Seattle Tourism Director, has a long history in travel and tourism. With a background in sales and marketing, he has worked with several well-known travel brands leading them through growth and recovery. Find out more about what the Port of Seattle plans to do to boost tourism, what areas we can all support for the return of travel, travel diversity, and plenty of travel stories from an adventurer who has made a career out of exploring new places. And getting others ex...
Women, Wilds and Wandering with Occupation Wild Founder Courtney Condy
November 02, 2020 02:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MBCourtney left her corporate job to explore the world and never looked back. She began guiding outdoor trips around the world, then set her sights on creating her own business. Hear stories of travel inspiration, tips for becoming a guide, and what it's taken to start and scale an outdoor business. This female founder has a lot of experience and is providing an outlet for adventurers to connect with their dreams. As Courtney says, join the growing movement of people who left the cubicle for a...
Tlingit Tribal Elder Joe Williams Shares a History of Culture & Travel
October 26, 2020 16:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBJoe Williams is a respected Tlingit tribal elder and tribal brother of host Dan Blanchard. He leads by example throughout the community and has a wealth of knowledge of his local community and history. Once the Mayor of Ketchikan and Saxman, Joe has been involved with the communities and Native tribes for most of his life. He was also the first Tlingit to be elected Ketchikan’s mayor. He runs a well sought after local business teaching others about the local history and Tlingit culture. Dur...
Changing Future Travel with ASTA CEO Zane Kerby
October 25, 2020 21:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBWe discuss current @astatraveladvisors initiatives, what travel advisors can do to help the travel industry moving forward and Zane's push on the hill fighting for governmental support to help small businesses and travel advisors. Learn what we can all do to get involved, hear how Zane became a travel advocate and leading CEO, along with individual travel stories. Get motivated, learn more, and look towards future travel! Find more at ASTA.Org, CEO Zane Kerby Join ASTA's Business Summit ...
Preserving GBNP with Scientist and Superintendent Phillip Hooge
October 25, 2020 18:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBOur National Parks are some of our national best ideas, and we join Glacier Bay National Park, Superintendent on life as a public servant, avid sailor, scientist, and diver who has logged 3800 cold water dives in his own national park! We dive into what's new for the park, how they are pivoting during COVID and no tourism, their work with local tribes, and the passion of becoming a passionate outdoorsman and advocate for the environment. Find more at NPS.Org, GBNP Superintendent Phillip H...
Becoming an Adventure Traveler and Magazine Editor with Uwern Jong
October 21, 2020 17:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBUwern Jong has trekked around the world and found himself learning and leading in what's next for discerning travelers. Hear his stories from Angkor Wat to the Solomon Islands and his thoughts on diversity in travel and representing the LGBTQ community. What inspired him to leave his marketing career and become a journalist and editor of a top luxury magazine? Listen in to find out and ponder what travel will look like around the world. Find more at OutThere.com Luxury Magazine, Uwern Jon...