Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast artwork

Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast

179 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 278 ratings

Out of Office is a travel podcast hosted by us, Ryan Davis and Kiernan Schmitt. From early childhood, we were each infected with a serious case of wanderlust (among other things.)

We define travel broadly, from local day trips to high-flyin’ overseas adventures. Every episode, we dig into one topic—ranging from the serious to the silly, the practical to the outlandish—and give advice on how to get out there and explore the world.

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Episodes

Pittsburgh 101

September 20, 2022 10:16 - 1 hour - 87.7 MB

On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Ryan transports us to a magical land filled with ketchup rivers and museums of miniatures. No, not Narnia. Pittsburgh! He’s also joined by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Senior Food Writer and Dining Critic Hal B. Klein to hear how the food scene is more than perogies. Hal B. Klein: https://twitter.com/halbklein https://www.post-gazette.com/life/food Pittsburgh Links: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/ https://carnegiemuseums.org/ ...

Iceland is a Niceland (Return Trip to Episode #9)

September 13, 2022 09:08 - 53 minutes - 50.7 MB

On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” the boys take a return trip to Episode #9 to discuss one of Kiernan’s top travel destinations: Iceland! Easily accessible from both Europe and the US, Iceland is a country like no other—wind, sand, snow, volcanoes, glaciers, and maybe the hardest-to-pronounce words on Earth! The Museums Of Iceland: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-87-the-museums-of-iceland/ Iceland Episode Links:  https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-l...

Recreation.gov with Lauren Sloss

September 06, 2022 09:03 - 59 minutes - 81 MB

On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan and journalist Lauren Sloss talk through the ups and many downs of Recreation.gov, the one-stop shop for getting confused on booking anything at National Parks and other federal public lands. Plus, Ryan and Kiernan close out summer talking about serf wear (yep, that spelling is correct.) Things we talked about in today’s podcast: The Guardian’s Notre Dame restoration article: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/20/notr...

Historic Houses In America (Return Trip to Episode #4)

August 30, 2022 09:00 - 46 minutes - 74.4 MB

On this episode of Out Of Office, the boys take a return trip to episode #4, Historic Houses In America, from October 2018. Visiting a good historic home is the closest you can get to walking directly into the brain of a famous person. The boys pick their favorite 6 historic homes in the USA—and what living person’s home they would most like to visit. Things we talked about in today’s episode: Historic Houses in America Part 2:  https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-35-historic-hous...

Germany’s Opera Paradise with Alex Ross

August 23, 2022 11:49 - 1 hour - 85.1 MB

 On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan chats with The New Yorker’s Alex Ross about his recent article “A Grand Tour of Germany’s Opera Paradise.” Ross explains how the German government’s investment in the arts allows directors and actors to take more artistic risks—and keeps ticket prices within reach of the average person and tourist. Germany’s network of over 80 opera houses means that even small towns can be home to extraordinary theater. Plus, bratwurst! Things w...

Traveling The Andes With Kim MacQuarrie

August 16, 2022 09:00 - 56 minutes - 77.7 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan chats with Kim MacQuarrie, author of 5 books covering the history, flora, and fauna of the Andes and the Amazon. For a fun drinking game, take a shot every time Ryan mispronounces something in Spanish. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Kim MacQuarrie’s books: https://www.amazon.com/Kim-MacQuarrie/e/B001JS7QNQ%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share https://www.latimes.com./world-nation/story/2022-07-27/americans-are-flooding-me...

Southern Peru

August 09, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 112 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast we head back to Peru! Ryan is joined by documentarian Chase Whiteside to talk about their recent trip; they chat about what to do in Lima, Arequipa, & Cusco, with a specific focus on their foodie adventures and Incan sites in the Sacred Valley. Also, Ryan LOVES alpaca. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Lima:  Museo Jade Rivera https://www.instagram.com/museojaderivera/?hl=en Museo Larco: https://www.museolarco.org/en/ Cent...

Glacier National Park

July 19, 2022 10:46 - 52 minutes - 72.3 MB

On this week’s episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan talks about Glacier National Park, including hiking highlights, red jammers, and classic lodge parkitechture.  Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Sugo Arte https://m.facebook.com/sugoarteconconservacion/posts/?ref=m.facebook.com&mt_nav=0&__nodl&_rdr Glacier National Park https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm  Going-to-the-Sun Road https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/goingtothesunroad.htm  Grinnell Gl...

Rocky Mountain National Park

June 23, 2022 10:00 - 49 minutes - 68.2 MB

On this week’s episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan talks about Rocky Mountain National Park ahead of the busy summer season. From majestic peaks to glassy lakes, RMNP is one of America’s premiere parks with hikes and sights accessible to all age ranges and abilities. Plus, Ryan talks about Peru prep. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Rocky Mountain National Park https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm  The Stanley Hotel https://www.stanleyhotel.com/  Grand Lak...

Summering in the Eastern Shore of Maryland

June 07, 2022 09:00 - 49 minutes - 68.4 MB

On this week’s episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast….listen, we’re going to level with you: Kiernan was frankly skeptical that the Eastern Shore of Maryland merited its own episode. Sure, Ryan grew up there but…a whole episode? But we’ll be damned if Ryan didn’t do his hometown proud. From wild horses to historic haunted houses to hip boardwalks and a quirky lifeguarding museum, the Eastern Shore of Maryland is a must-visit summer destination! Plus, learn why Ryan spent (read:misspent)...

“The Cook You Want to Be” with Andy Baraghani

May 24, 2022 09:30 - 53 minutes - 73 MB

On this week’s episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan talks to Andy Baraghani, food writer, chef extraordinaire, social media star, and author of the new cookbook “The Cook You Want to Be.” Andy talks about how travel inspires his recipe development and the best tricks we can all learn from street vendors. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: “The Cook You Want to Be” by Andy Baraghani: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781984858566  Andy on Instagram: https://www.instag...

Summer Trip Planning 2022

May 12, 2022 13:45 - 38 minutes - 53.4 MB

On this week’s episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan and Kiernan talk about why travel this summer is going to be particularly challenging and the best strategies for optimizing your Covid “revenge travel.”  Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Past Episodes: Peru: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-44-peru-part-1/ https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-45-peru-part-2/ https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-53-peru-part-3-machu-picchu/ Trip P...

San Antonio 101

April 26, 2022 11:15 - 1 hour - 103 MB

On this week’s episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan takes us to San Antonio, TX and digs deep into the Alamo, San Antonio’s best haunted happenings with Jesse Beere, and the city’s best eats with Edmund Tijerina.  Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Ryan Garcia Wins: https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/33711179/ryan-garcia-dominates-emmanuel-tagoe-unanimous-decision-win Episode 108 on Gothic Cathedrals: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-108-gothic-cathedra...

How War Threatens Ukraine’s Art and Architecture

April 07, 2022 13:29 - 41 minutes - 57.3 MB

On this week’s episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan speaks with writer Evan Rail about how the war in Ukraine puts at risk priceless art and architecture and how Ukrainians are trying to protect and preserve their culture. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: New York Times’s “Ukraine’s Architectural Treasures Face Destruction” https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/11/travel/ukraine-architecture-war.html  New York Times’s “In Ukraine, Churches with a Distinctive Allur...

Washington, DC

March 24, 2022 12:03 - 57 minutes - 78.6 MB

On this week’s episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan and Ryan share their top picks for the best museums, monuments, restaurants, bars, and activities in Washington DC. Plus, you’ll get to hear why Kiernan used to always fall asleep in DC thinking about Ryan’s history of sordid escapades. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Rick Steves stands up to Russia https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/rick-steves-cancels-russia-tours-ukraine Newport Cliff Walk collap...

The Gilded Age In New York & Newport With “Bowery Boys” creator Greg Young

March 01, 2022 12:48 - 1 hour - 140 MB

On this week’s episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan chats with Greg Young, one half of the creative team behind the New York City history podcast “The Bowery Boys”—one of Kiernan and Ryan’s absolute favorites. Greg talks to us about the new spinoff podcast “The Gilded Gentleman” and where folks can explore the legacy of the Gilded Age around New York City and in Newport, Rhode Island. Things we talked about in today’s episode: Bowery Boys Podcast https://www.boweryboyshisto...

China’s New National Park System

February 16, 2022 10:00 - 37 minutes - 86.7 MB

On this week’s episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan chats with Bloomberg journalist Karoline Kan about 5 huge new national parks opening up in China. Plus, the boys talk about the removal of the racist Theodore Roosevelt statue from in front of the beloved American Museum of Natural History in New York City and how you can still get a heavy dose of TR on your next visit. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Theodore Roosevelt statue removed from American Museum of Nat...

Return of NYT Travel Editor Amy Virshup

February 02, 2022 14:29 - 47 minutes - 110 MB

On this week’s episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, the Travel Editor of the New York Times Amy Virshup returns to talk about this year’s “52 Places” list. With Covid still making travel unpredictable, this year’s list brings us standout stories of communities that are innovating solutions to overtourism, climate change, and other environmental threats. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: NYT’s “52 Places for a Changed World” https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/trav...

Traveling to See Wildlife

January 18, 2022 14:20 - 31 minutes - 72.4 MB

On this week’s episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan offers some hard-won tips on how to increase your chances of seeing wildlife when traveling to wild places—and how to mitigate your disappointment if you don’t get to spot that elusive bear, moose, or gorilla. Be forewarned: somehow it boils down to taking an interest in poop. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Sample National Park Wildlife List https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/nature/upload/Mammal-Checklist-2016...

2022 Travel Resolutions

January 08, 2022 16:35 - 42 minutes - 97.8 MB

On this week’s episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan and Ryan each share 3 travel-related New Year’s resolutions in reverse order of ambition. Plus, an analysis of a new Rick Steves’s interview about the Great Europeans Outdoors! Things we talked about in today’s podcast: “How Rick Steves Got Hooked on Hiking” in Outside Magazine https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/hiking-and-backpacking/rick-steves-hiking-mont-blanc/  National capitals https://en.wikipe...

Christmas Spectacular Four

December 22, 2021 11:30 - 49 minutes - 114 MB

 On this year’s Christmas Spectacular episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan and Ryan make themselves merry exploring Victorian Christmas traditions, why pet dogs get stockings and pet cats don’t, and whether fireplaces are integral to Christmas celebrations. Plus, Ryan talks about two Hudson River Valley historic home tours and the boys wrap things up with their annual Ugly Christmas Ornament Exchange. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Glenview Historic Home http...

Mexico City Updates

December 16, 2021 11:00 - 56 minutes - 128 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan makes his first return trip to Mexico City in nearly 2 years and shares his top new restaurants, bars, and Covid decontamination chambers. Plus, Titian! Previous CDMX episodes: Numero Uno https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-18-ryans-12-favorite-mexico-city-spots/ Numero Dos https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-52-mexico-city-part-dos/ Elena Reygadas - Queen of CDMX Dining Scene  Her Personal Insta: https://www.inst...

Gothic Cathedrals 101

November 18, 2021 11:00 - 52 minutes - 71.5 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan and Ryan really Catholic it up talking about the art and architecture of Europe’s Gothic Cathedrals. The boys talk through what features distinguish Gothic architecture, how the Church taught the catechism to the illiterate, and how many groin vaults Ryan has buttressed. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Rick Steves in the NYT https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/30/travel/rick-steves-europe-tours.html  Gothic Architect...

Salem, MA and the Witch Trials

October 28, 2021 10:30 - 47 minutes - 65.5 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan gets into the Halloween spirit with a guide to Salem, MA, a town famous for its 1692 witch trials. Today, you can visit lots of attractions tied to this tragic history, as well as majestic old homes, National Park-protected maritime areas, sites tied to Nathaniel Hawthorne, and a statue erected by TV Land commemorating the classic sitcom “Bewitched.” In its mixture of dark history and kitschy fun, Salem is a unique must-visit. Thi...

Top Olmsted Picks

October 12, 2021 10:00 - 41 minutes - 57.6 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys return to discussing one of Ryan’s personal heroes: the landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. They discuss Olmsted’s signature style, how his family cashed in on the family name, and 8 top Olmsted designs outside of the world famous Central Park.  Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Ryan’s interview with a renowned Olmsted biographer https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-101-the-travels-of-frederick-law-olms...

Montreal and Quebec City 2021

September 23, 2021 10:30 - 49 minutes - 68.6 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan brings us back to Quebec City and Montreal in our first ever follow-up travel guide episode. Ryan recommends great new bars and restaurants, along with some old standbys and natural wonders. And don’t worry: there’s plenty of French names to be massacred.  Montreal Episode:  https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-69-montreal/ Quebec City Episode:   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/qu%C3%A9bec-city/id1438098925?i=100046...

Portland, Maine

August 31, 2021 11:20 - 52 minutes - 119 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan talks about his favorite New England neighbor: Portland, Maine! Portland offers gorgeous seaside walks, standout restaurants, and plenty of historical and cultural must-dos. Portland is also heaven for the discerning beer-enthusiast. Plus, National Park conspiracies! Things We Talked About:  Quebec City podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/qu%C3%A9bec-city/id1438098925?i=1000463905461  Smithsonian National Postal M...

100 Years of the Appalachian Trail

August 17, 2021 14:09 - 49 minutes - 112 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan interviews journalist Steve Holt on the 100 year history of the Appalachian Trail, from the luminaries that conceived it to the conservationists protecting it today. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Quebec episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/qu%C3%A9bec-city/id1438098925?i=1000463905461  An Idea Turns 100: A Photo History of the Appalachian Trail: https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/history/a...

Our Top Travel Movies

August 03, 2021 09:00 - 41 minutes - 94.4 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan and Kiernan share their top picks for travel movies that really get their wanderlust pumping! Though Ryan might be a bit more of a cinephile, Kiernan’s had enough hours of plane-viewing to hold his own. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Dump trucks supercut https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UluH0QmnwfM&t=1095s  Our interview with the creator of Accidentally Wes Anderson https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/exploring-acc...

The Travels of Frederick Law Olmsted

July 06, 2021 09:00 - 58 minutes - 135 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan interviews Justin Martin, the author of “Genius of Place: The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted” about the legacy of America’s most influential and prolific landscape architect. Plus, Olmsted’s journeys into nature inspire the boys to recount their favorite state parks in the Last Stop. Part Two: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-106-top-olmsted-picks/ Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Justin Martin’s website htt...

Rick Steves and Conor Knighton

June 17, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 100 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys celebrate the show’s 100 episode milestone with a major update on the Quest for Rick Steves and a visit from the show’s most popular guest. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Rick Steves on Out of Office video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC4Fj53Wbu8  Conor Knighton interview from Episode 82 https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-82-every-national-park-with-conor-knighton/  In the Jailhouse Now https:...

Boston Part 3: Boston Harbor & Harbor Islands

June 03, 2021 09:30 - 50 minutes - 69 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan wraps up the Great Boston Trilogy by diving deep into Boston Harbor and the Boston Harbor Islands. Kiernan speaks to Boston Harbor Now’s Director of Programming Rebecca Smerling, who shares her encyclopedic knowledge of the must-do’s and secret gems of Boston’s epic waterfront. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Boston Harbor Islands https://www.bostonharborislands.org/  Boston Harborwalk https://www.bostonharborn...

Exploring “Accidentally Wes Anderson” with Creator Wally Koval

May 11, 2021 09:00 - 58 minutes - 80.2 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan interviews Wally Koval, the creator of “Accidentally Wes Anderson,” the brilliant Instagram account—and now book!—capturing the most interesting and idiosyncratic places on Earth. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Accidentally Wes Anderson: AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accidentallywesanderson AWA Website & Newsletter: https://accidentallywesanderson.com/ AWA Book:  https://accidentallywesanderson.com/b...

Post-Covid Travel Ad Campaigns

April 27, 2021 09:00 - 53 minutes - 73 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan and Kiernan put on their marketing hats and analyze the many ad campaigns that are trying to convince people to travel post-Covid. In other words, the boys dig up campaigns from around the world and snark about how they would have done it better, because of course they would have. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Boston “All Inclusive” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7F1VCrt0BY  Portugal “Hello World. It’s Me, Tomorro...

Ryan's Brooklyn

March 29, 2021 09:30 - 52 minutes - 72.4 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan takes us on a tour of one of his favorite places on earth—Brooklyn! With museums, parks, art festivals, and standout restaurants, who needs Manhattan? Plus, Ryan being Ryan and Brooklyn Being Brooklyn, natural wine is discussed at length.  Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Bushwick’s Murals and Galleries https://freetoursbyfoot.com/new-york-tours/brooklyn-tours/bushwick-brooklyn-walking-tour/ Bushwick Open Studios  ...

Boston Part 2: Kiernan’s Picks

March 09, 2021 13:56 - 1 hour - 87.7 MB

 On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan takes us back to Massachusetts for the second installment of the Great Boston Trilogy. With the big blockbuster attractions behind us, Kiernan covers his personal favorite parks, museums, and universities. Warning: he does mention Harvard excessively. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Emerald Necklace Conservancy https://www.emeraldnecklace.org/  Franklin Park Zoo Remains https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/massachu...

USA Today’s Christopher Elliott on the Future of Travel

February 16, 2021 10:00 - 40 minutes - 55.9 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan talks to travel journalist and consumer advocate Christoper Elliott on how the pandemic has changed travel and what the next year will look like as vaccinated people start to head out on the road and into the skies again. Elliott writes for USA Today, the Washington Post, and Forbes. Plus, Kiernan sings the praises of used bookstores (don’t worry—there’s no actual singing.) Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Christopher on ...

NYT Travel Editor Amy Virshup Strikes Back!

February 02, 2021 11:30 - 50 minutes - 69.7 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan welcomes back Amy Virshup, the editor of the New York Times Travel section. Amy and Kiernan dive deep into this year’s “52 Places to Love” list and the challenges of travel journalism in the midst of a global pandemic. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: NYT’s “52 Places to Love” https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/travel/places-to-visit-vacation.html  Turkmenistan’s Gates of Hell https://www.atlasobscura.com...

Boston Part 1: The Must-Sees

January 12, 2021 20:35 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan and Ryan discuss Boston’s biggest attractions, from educational walks to lovely parks, stellar museums to historic graveyards. And of course, what’s a trip to Boston without taking in a baseball game at Fenway and belting out “Sweet Caroline”? Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Freedom Trail https://www.thefreedomtrail.org/  Boston Common https://www.boston.gov/parks/boston-common  Public Garden https://www.b...

Christmas Spectacular Three

December 24, 2020 21:58 - 34 minutes - 47.9 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan and Ryan celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ through song, ornament exchanges, and outdoor light displays. Don’t forget to hang up your sock! Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Dyker Heights https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/dyker-heights-christmas-lights  Somerville Lights Tour http://somervilleartscouncil.org/illuminationstour  Peanuts at Beaumont Farms in Wallingford, CT https://www.myr...

Charleston Part 1

December 15, 2020 12:28 - 52 minutes - 71.9 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan and Ryan continue their tour of the South and spotlight Charleston’s history, food scene, and standout walks. Plus, a tale of a Ghost Dog named Poogan! Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Rainbow Row https://charleston.com/charleston-insider/lowcountry-lifestyles/the-captivating-history-of-rainbow-row  Fort Sumter https://www.nps.gov/fosu/index.htm  Nathaniel Russell House Museum https://www.historiccharlesto...

Chattanooga & Lookout Mountain

December 02, 2020 16:19 - 58 minutes - 80 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan takes us back down south for another installment of his 30-part mini-series on the wonders of Tennessee. Ryan deems Chattanooga the “find” of his recent road trip, with highlights including Lookout Mountain, an underground waterfall, a cult-run deli, and plenty of creepy fairy tales. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Chattanooga overview https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chattanooga,_Tennessee Chattanooga Choo Choo song ...

The Museums of Iceland

November 17, 2020 12:16 - 57 minutes - 79.6 MB

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan talks to A. Kendra Greene, the author of “The Museum of Whales You Will Never See: And Other Excursions to Iceland’s Most Unusual Museums.” The book is not only a primer on the huge number of museums on this small island, it is a deep dive into Iceland’s culture, history, and national psyche. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: “The Museum of Whales You Will Never See: And Other Excursions to Iceland’s Most Unusual Museum...

Day of the Dead/Día de Los Muertos

October 31, 2020 11:00 - 59 minutes - 81.4 MB

On this special early-release episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan learns about Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, by talking to Harvard Professor of the Study of Latin America Davíd Carrasco about the history and traditions of the holiday. Kiernan also talks to Texas Monthly writer José Ralat about pan de muerto, the festival’s signature bread of the dead. How about Ryan? You know Ryan. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Professor Carrasco’s video series for ...

Knoxville & The Great Smoky Mountains

October 20, 2020 11:51 - 59 minutes - 81.5 MB

This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan hops in the jalopy and heads to Knoxville, Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains. Plus, Kiernan realizes that somehow they’ve recorded eighty four episodes without ever talking about Ryan’s proclivity for doll furniture. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Knoxville Urban Wilderness https://www.visitknoxville.com/urban-wilderness/ SoKno Taco Cantina https://soknota.co/ Market Square in Knoxville https://www.visitknoxv...

Downeast Maine

October 06, 2020 11:28 - 51 minutes - 118 MB

This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan discusses his recent trip to Maine’s Downeast region, including Acadia National Park. From lobsters to seascapes to yurts (yes: yurts), Maine earns its nickname of “Vacationland,” so don your best Bean boots and give a listen. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Downeast Maine https://visitmaine.com/places-to-go/downeast-and-acadia  Acadia National Park https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm  Beals, Maine https://en.wik...

Summer Break Wrap-Up

September 22, 2020 12:42 - 52 minutes - 120 MB

This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan and Ryan catch-up on their summer adventures, donate to museums in need, and dust off the mics for their new biweekly pandemic-related schedule change. Plus, Kiernan forgets ever recording an episode about how to pack! Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Park Predators https://parkpredators.com/  Leslie-Lohman Museum  https://www.leslielohman.org/  Edward Gorey House https://edwardgoreyhouse.org/  Edward Gorey in ...

Every National Park with Conor Knighton

August 04, 2020 11:51 - 1 hour - 157 MB

This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan has a whizbang interview with author and “CBS Sunday Morning” correspondent Conor Knighton who spent a year visiting every American National Park. His new book “Leave Only Footprints” shares his tales from the trails. Needless to say he is now Kiernan’s idol.  Things we talked about in today’s podcast: “Leave Only Footprints” by Conor Knighton https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/600367/leave-only-footprints-by-conor-knighton/ ...

Disney World in the Pandemic

July 22, 2020 11:53 - 43 minutes - 100 MB

This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan and Ryan talk about the decision of Disney World and many other theme parks to open despite the global pandemic. Plus, murders in National Parks! Is everywhere fun trying to kill us?? Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Disney Reopening https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/ Theme Parks Opening Across the Country https://www.delish.com/food-news/a32872190/amusement-parks-reopening-pandemic/ Hagia Sophia: Muse...

The Grand Tour

July 07, 2020 11:48 - 45 minutes - 104 MB

This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan and Ryan talk about The Grand Tour, that historic tour through Europe that young men of a certain rank used to embark upon to complete their education. Plus, we design our own modern Grand Tour of the USA! Things we talked about in today’s podcast: The Grand Tour https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Grand_Tour BBC “In Our Time” Grand Tour episode https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00548fs  The Talented Mr. Ripley https://en.wikipedia....

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