Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast
179 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 278 ratingsOut 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
Writer Anissa Helou on Food of the Islamic World
April 23, 2019 09:30 - 1 hour - 95.8 MBThis week on Out Of Office, Kiernan talks to writer Anissa Helou about her book “Feast: Food of the Islamic World.” “Feast” is uniquely compelling for the culturally curious: it’s a travelogue, cookbook, and memoir in one volume. Anissa talks about her research across Muslim-majority countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia—plus the best place to get falafel in London. Things we talked about in today’s episode: http://www.anissas.com/ https://www.instagram.com/anissahelou/?hl=en ...
A Love Letter to Rick Steves
April 16, 2019 09:30 - 45 minutes - 63.1 MBThis week the boys fawn over Rick Steves, travel visionary and guidebook writer extraordinaire. Plus, they discuss the relaunch of WOW Airlines and launch a new Quest. Things we talked about in today’s episode: https://www.ricksteves.com/ https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/03/20/magazine/rick-steves-travel-world.html https://simpleflying.com/wow-air-relaunch/ https://www.amazon.com/Free-Solo-Dierdre-Wolownick/dp/B07HMMSQ5Z https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/jan/09...
Lesser-Known National Parks
April 09, 2019 09:00 - 55 minutes - 76.1 MBThis week Kiernan talks about 5 of his favorite lesser-known national parks, including one of the largest cave systems in the world. Plus, the boys mourn the death of WOW Airlines. Things we talked about in today’s episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_defunct_airlines_of_the_United_States https://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm https://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm https://www.nps.gov/kefj/index.htm https://www.nps.gov/wica/index.htm http...
Airplane Etiquette
April 02, 2019 09:00 - 53 minutes - 73.4 MBThis week the boys investigate the endless moral quandaries confronted by airplane passengers. From aisle-splaining to the myriad uses of the vomit bag, Kiernan and Ryan layout the best approach to maintaining peace in the middle seat. Things we talked about in today’s episode: https://www.tenement.org/ https://unionstationindenver.com/
Scoring Broadway Tickets
March 26, 2019 10:00 - 33 minutes - 45.8 MBThis week the boys discuss the best ways to score great tickets to Broadway shows (except “Hamilton.” No one gets to see “Hamilton.”) And don’t worry: Ryan and Kiernan also manage to sing for about half the episode. Things we talked about in today’s episode: https://www.tdf.org/nyc/10/TDF-Membership https://www.tdf.org/nyc/7/tkts-ticket-booths https://www.broadwaybox.com/ https://www.todaytix.com/ https://www.audienceextras.com/pub/index.cfm https://www.theaterclub.com/ https...
Natural Wine in Brooklyn
March 19, 2019 09:00 - 42 minutes - 59 MBThis week Ryan talks natural wines with expert Henry Glucroft and recommends 5 hip places in Brooklyn to grab a glass. Plus, the boys uncover why a lot of Bhutan’s stray dogs have triangle notches in their ears. (Hint: it’s not just a fashion statement.) From today's episode: http://henrys.nyc/ https://www.petra.space/location http://www.fourhorsemenbk.com/ https://www.haveandmeyer.com/ http://www.opsbk.com/ https://www.otwaynyc.com/ https://oklahomabroadway.com/ https://...
Bhutan
March 12, 2019 09:00 - 51 minutes - 70.9 MBThis week the boys discuss Kiernan’s trip to the secluded Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, renowned for its natural beauty, the Gross National Happiness Index, and, of course, yak cheese. Plus, Ryan talks about the hottest statue of Lincoln in all the land. Things we talked about in today’s episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhutan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gho https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kira_(Bhutan) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gross_National_Happiness https://www.nyt...
Getting Through Airport Security
March 05, 2019 10:00 - 50 minutes - 69.2 MBThis week the boys compare all the ways to quickly get through security at airports: TSA Pre, Global Entry, Mobile Passport, and Clear. Plus, Ryan makes a bold prediction about where immersive theater is heading. Things we talked about in today’s episode: https://www.amentsoc.org/insects/fact-files/orders/orthoptera.html https://www.tsa.gov/precheck https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry https://www.clearme.com/ https://mobilepassport.us/ https://w...
Great Brewery and Distillery Tours
February 26, 2019 10:00 - 39 minutes - 54.2 MBThis week the boys raise a glass to their 21st! Ryan and Kiernan talk about what makes for a great visit to a brewery or distillery and name a few of their favorites. Also, Ryan betrays his Irish roots with a full-on takedown of Guinness. Things we talked about in today’s episode: https://www.amazon.com/Tugo-Luggage-Drink-Holder-h2otugo/product-reviews/B003U2Z50U https://www.hammacher.com/product/hands-free-luggage-drink-holder https://holdmycoffee.com/pages/whats-holdmycoffee ht...
Landlopers’ Matt Long
February 19, 2019 10:00 - 50 minutes - 68.9 MBThis week Ryan interviews Matt Long, founder of Landlopers, about life as a full-time travel blogger. Matt reflects on his seemingly endless sojourns around the world and why having a permanent homebase is so important. Plus, the boys get to the bottom of a pressing—if cheesy—listener question. Things we talked about in today’s episode: https://landlopers.com/ https://www.instagram.com/landlopers/ https://landlopers.com/2019/02/12/the-explore-the-world-travel-podcast https://ww...
Luggage Throwdown
February 12, 2019 10:00 - 54 minutes - 75.1 MBThis week Ryan and Kiernan each design their ideal pieces of luggage and debate their relative merits. Hard body vs soft? 2 wheels or 4? Is there any such thing as too many handles? And are smart suitcases a dumb investment?
Ryan's 12 Favorite Mexico City Spots
February 05, 2019 10:00 - 1 hour - 103 MBThis week frequent CDMX visitor Ryan finally opens up about his 12 secret must-dos for Mexico City. He covers restaurants, museums, theater, and some unexpected hot spots. So pour yourself a mezcal or natural wine (Ryan LOVES those vinos naturales) and prepare for your next trip to our southern neighbor. Things we talked about in today’s episode: https://www.masalaymaiz.com/ http://www.rosetta.com.mx/restaurante-en/rosetta.html https://www.amayamexico.com/ http://www.josepastorsel...
Space Tourism with Professor Matthew Weinzierl
January 29, 2019 10:00 - 58 minutes - 79.7 MBListen to the podcast on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/out-of-office-a-travel-podcast/id1438098925?mt=2 This week the boys talk to Harvard Professor Matthew Weinzierl about space tourism and what it’s going to be like once we’re all weekending at the International Space Station. You might say this episode is “out of this world”...but if you did, we’d fire you as our copywriter. Things we talked about in today’s episode: https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?...
Writing the Perfect OOO Message
January 22, 2019 10:00 - 50 minutes - 69.9 MBThis week the boys discuss the art and philosophy of that most time-honored, hallowed of emails: the Out of Office autoresponse. The main takeaway: avoid whimsy at all costs. Things we talked about in today’s episode: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208076 http://www.gaytours.ru/ https://www.getmailbird.com/out-of-office-message-templates/ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7702913.stm
Not Lost in Translation
January 15, 2019 10:00 - 49 minutes - 68.6 MBThis episode the boys kick the tires of 4 translation apps and talk about how to solve the Translator-Babysitter Conundrum. Plus, we learn about the time Ryan decided to be Greek Orthodox. Things we talked about in today’s episode: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-translate/id414706506?mt=8 https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/itranslate-translator/id288113403?mt=8 https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/triplingo/id596556793?mt=8 https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/waygo-chinese-japanese...
Those Post-Vacation Blues
January 08, 2019 14:55 - 53 minutes - 73.7 MBThis week the boys reveal their 8 proven remedies for post-vacation depression. Plus, you’ll hear Ryan’s New Year’s resolution and why Kiernan now considers himself a through-and-through Zhoug Dude. Things we talked about in today’s episode: https://www.nps.gov/gegr/index.htm https://www.traderjoes.com/fearless-flyer/article/4116 https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression
Bonus Mark Adams Stories
January 01, 2019 10:00 - 21 minutes - 29.1 MBTo celebrate the new year, this episode features new bonus material from Kiernan’s interview with Mark Adams, author of “Tip of the Iceberg: My 3,000 Mile Journey Around Wild Alaska.” Mark talks about staying safe around bears, how to construct good travel writing, and what the heck a “williwaw” is. https://www.amazon.com/Tip-Iceberg-000-Mile-American-Frontier/dp/1101985100 https://www.nps.gov/katm/index.htm https://www.nps.gov/katm/planyourvisit/exploring-the-valley-of-ten-thousan...
OOO Christmas Spectacular!
December 25, 2018 10:00 - 41 minutes - 57.6 MBIt’s finally here: the birth of Jesus, sure, but also THE GREAT TAGLINE REVEAL! Today the boys take a break from travel chat and talk about their favorite songs of the season, what makes a good Nativity scene, and our inaugural Ornament Challenge. Things we talked about in today’s episode: Bing and Bowie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9kfdEyV3RQ Judy Garland muddling through somehow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKG5X0QMSWA Ryan’s ornament to Kiernan https://etsy.me/2R9nANx Kie...
Writer Mark Adams
December 18, 2018 10:00 - 50 minutes - 70 MBThis episode Kiernan interviews Mark Adams, author of “Tip of the Iceberg: My 3,000 Mile Journey Around Wild Alaska,” the perfect last-minute gift for the travel-obsessed or history-interested. Plus, you’ll learn a shocking amount about the 1989 Disney classic “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.” Things we talked about in today’s episode: https://www.amazon.com/Tip-Iceberg-000-Mile-American-Frontier/dp/1101985100 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honey,_I_Blew_Up_the_Kid https://theodoreroosev...
11 Gifts for Your Favorite Traveler
December 11, 2018 10:00 - 43 minutes - 60.3 MBIt’s the holiday season and that means it’s time for gross consumerism! This week the boys reveal their top 11 stuffers for your favorite traveler’s stocking. Things we talked about in today’s episode: LuminaLite: https://www.amazon.com/LuminoLite-Rechargeable-Flexible-Brightness-Disturbing/dp/B077D9KTYG/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1544454057&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=luminolite&psc=1 See America Wall Calendar: https://creativeaction.network/collections/publication/products/see-america-20...
Iceland is a Niceland
December 04, 2018 10:00 - 49 minutes - 68.1 MBKiernan is fresh back from writing his own Icelandic saga. This episode you’ll learn why he still smells a little like rotten eggs, what some better names for Iceland would be, and whether Ryan can say “geyser” correctly. Things we talked about in today’s episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buster_Brown https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/jorunnsg/ingvellir-national-park https://www.icelandtravel.is/attractions/geysir/ http://gullfoss.is/ https://visitreykjavik.is...
Souvenirs
November 27, 2018 10:00 - 48 minutes - 66.3 MBWhat separates a perfect souvenir from a piece of junk? Tune in to learn Kiernan’s 3 Ps of Souvenir Buying, why you should try to sell Ryan a rug, and how to pronounce “capybara.” Things we talked about in today’s episode: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capybara https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Malaysia http://www.contramar.com.mx/ https://www.instagram.com/masalaymaiz/
In the Jailhouse Now
November 20, 2018 09:00 - 48 minutes - 112 MBRyan has spent a lot of time in jails, mostly voluntarily. The boys discuss visiting jails-turned-attraction and the moral complications of turning criminal justice into tourism. There is only one joke about soap. Things we talked about in today’s episode: https://www.exploregeorgia.org/greensboro/general/historic-sites-trails-tours/the-old-gaol https://libertyhotel.com/ https://theclinkcharity.org/the-clink-restaurants/cardiff-wales/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%E1%BB%8Fa_L%C3%...
Passports 101
November 13, 2018 09:00 - 42 minutes - 97.7 MBWhy does international travel still rely on a weird little notebook that’s so easily lost or stolen? The boys unveil secrets you never knew about your passport and discuss the only way to capture the perfect photo for your newborn’s passport. Things we talked about in today’s episode: https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/nz7zpk/why-are-paper-passports-still-a-thing https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Luck-Hot-Rocks-Photographs/dp/B01K0UKQOO
Money Matters
November 06, 2018 09:00 - 34 minutes - 47.7 MBDo you know the exact number of pesos in your pocket? The boys talk through how to use cash in foreign lands, avoid fictional pickpockets, and ensure you always have enough money on-hand to do everything you want to do. Plus Kiernan explains why he might be banned from all cabs in Morocco.
Historic Houses in America
October 30, 2018 07:36 - 44 minutes - 60.8 MBVisiting a good historic home is the closest you can get to walking directly into the brain of a famous figure. The boys pick their favorite 6 historic homes in the USA, and what living person’s home they would each most like to visit. Things we talked about in today’s episode: https://www.rangerdoug.com https://www.instagram.com/ryannewyork https://www.instagram.com/kiernanpschmitt
Restaurant Reservations
October 30, 2018 07:20 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MBLanding the right reservations can be a pain, especially abroad. This episode, the boys arm you with their tried-and-true strategies to book, beg, and, yes, deceive their way into dining hotspots.
Trip Planning 101
October 22, 2018 12:25 - 28 minutes - 39.6 MBKiernan’s what they call a “hyperplanner.” Less kind people go with “OCD nutbag.” He shares his tried and true Schmitt Three-Stage Framework for Trip-Planning (or STS-Double F-TP, for short; trademark pending) so you too can alienate your travel companions in record time.
Welcome to OOO
October 04, 2018 10:05 - 29 minutes - 40.7 MBThere’s no better feeling than posting that “Out of Office” email. Just one click—then utter freedom. Ryan and Kiernan introduce themselves, talk about episodes to come, and share some fond memories. For a first episode it’s, you know, not bad. More info on the stuff we talked about in this episode: - https://thenshefell.com/ - https://www.madhattersbus.com/ - https://www.atlasobscura.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/disneylandcats/