Passports and Postcards

Without Labels with Guest Elaine Mercedes Mondeza

Join me in conversation with my Guest Elaine Mercedes Mondeza. Yes, we talk about travel, social issues, and just about everything else. Elaine has been a nomad for the past eight years and finally has decided to make Spain her forever home. Elaine is so much more, an author, advocate, TEDx speaker and travel writer. Elaine and I talk about she did everything by the book, the way the system says to do it and then the system failed her. The American system failed her and so did American soc...

Travel Rangers and More with Guest Erika Bud

Join me in conversation with Erika Bud. Erika went from being a Los Angeles Police Officer to an Author of Children's Books, but not just any type of book as we find out in this podcast. Erika has travelled to some 30 countries and has actually lived in Spain and Australia and found her back in Barcelona for this podcast where she is spending a month with her son. Some people think you should not take your child out of school, however, we both agree that travelling to another country is a ...

Moving to Mexico with Guest Mathieu Dufour

Join me in conversation with Mathieu Dufour. Mat and his pregnant wife and young son decided on a whim to sell everything and make the move from Canada to Mexico. Mat talks about the local ex-pat community and how they have been so helpful in assisting the family in settling in. It may not be the life for everyone and this may not be the final destination for these nomads. To connect with Mat check out his fitness program!

Visit South Korea with Guest Linda King

On today's podcast, I dive deep into a conversation with Linda King. Linda is a traveller who has visited 32 countries with plans to visit many more. Linda has captured her experiences, tips and tricks to help you. Founder of The  Smart Travelista, Linda has published a five-book series all geared to help you the traveller. To connect with Linda, you find more details at "The Smart Travelista" To find out more about the host "Randall McKeown" Be sure to check out my Book "Gonzalo Guerre...

The Carolina Experience With Guest Steve Hetherington

Entrepreneur Steve Hetherington shares his vision for The Carolina Experience, a collection of premium accommodations located in small towns throughout North Carolina. From mountain condos to beachfront properties and glamping pods, The Carolina Experience offers a range of unique and high-quality stays designed to showcase the natural beauty and history of the Carolinas. Hetherington discusses the company's commitment to sustainability, its focus on serving the changing needs of travelers, ...

Off the beaten trek with Guest Patti Shales Lefkos

Listeners will be inspired by Patti Shales Lefkos' incredible story of determination, passion, and love for travel and education. From trekking over 700 kilometres of the Great Himalayan Trail to building homes and supporting education in Nepal, Patti has made a significant impact on the lives of many. She reminds us that one person can make a difference and encourages listeners to find their passion and keep moving forward. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking for inspiration an...

Globetrotting with Gary Arndt: Everything Everywhere and Beyond

Host Randall McKeown and guest Gary Arndt take listeners on a journey around the world as they share their love for travel and learning. From exploring the Pacific and Southeast Asia to visiting almost all of the national parks in the United States, Gary Arndt share his experiences and insights on the places he has been. Gary hosts his own daily Podcast with a focus on history, science, mathematics, and geography, his daily podcast, Everything Everywhere, is perfect for anyone who loves to l...

She TheQueen With Guest Annie Chopra

We delve into the inspiring travel experiences and entrepreneurial journey of Annie Chopra, founder of She the Queen. Join us as we take a glimpse into the life of a  young woman who pursues her passion for travel and empowering women. Through her experiences,  We look back to when Annie was a child of a diplomat and always on the move and the effects that has on a young person. Annie shares valuable insights that will leave you feeling inspired and motivated to take charge of your own lif...

Seek Travel Ride with Guest Bella Molloy

Today join me as I have an interesting conversation with Australian cyclist, Bella Molloy, on the podcast. We discussed her journey of leaving Australia to pursue her passion in the French Pyrenees, where she and her husband set up a cycling business. We talked about her various modes of cycling - cycle commuting, road cycling, mountain biking, gravel riding, and bike packing. We discovered how bike packing has become an increasingly popular mode of slow travel, as people seek more immersi...

Tea in Old Cairo with Guest Rebecca E Chandler

Randall McKeown of Passports and Postcards and his guest Rebecca E. Chandler will take you on an unforgettable journey around the world! From Egypt to Singapore and everywhere in between, dive into stories and advice from two seasoned travellers. Rebecca has explored more than 100 countries and she has just self-published her memoir and journals.  Randall has been to 13 countries. Plus, get insider tips on the do's and don'ts of haggling, the best places to stay, and the rewards of travel th...

Going that Extra Mile with EXEC with Guest Scott Poniewaz

Sit back and enjoy as your host Randall McKeown has a conversation with Scott Poniewaz, Head of EXEC at joinEXEC.com, a travel, hotel and life benefits program. Take a journey with Scott through his exciting experiences as a traveller, his journey with the international travel company he worked for, and his current projects. Listen as he talks about discovering new and exotic destinations, the changes in business travel due to the pandemic, his experiences of moving back to Montana, and his ...

Life's Biohack with Guest Ricardo Wilkins

Host Randall McKeown invites some of the world's most interesting nomads and entrepreneurs to share their stories of health, travel, and career goals. From the twelve-year-old Ricardo Wilkens, who wanted to be a basketball player or a spy, to Randall's own story of pursuing a career in communications instead of a police officer due to his poor vision, you'll be inspired to take risks and think outside the box to achieve your dreams. Throughout the podcast, Randall and his guests explore li...

Good News for Porter Airlines

Just a brief update about Porter Airlines introducing flights from Toronto to Vancouver and back again.  Flights from YYZ to YVR. 

It's Your Calendar with Tara Brown

Born in Los Angeles, and not in the good part. Tara had an advantage, she was smart and knew what she wanted. A Yale and MIT-trained architect, Tara understands the need for a great foundation on which to build. Tara is a certified Life Mastery Consultant, a Certified Parent Educator, and a Religious Science Practioner and is certified by both The Brave Thinking Institute and Emerson Institute. Today on our podcast, Tara teaches us that it is our calendar and we can add to the Calendar wha...

Travel As a Hobby With Guest Sam Mitchell

Sex Drugs Rock N Roll and Food Tour with Matthew Gray

On this episode I welcome Chef Mathew Gray. At age 10, Mathew moved from New York to Los Angeles. At age 17 he travelled with Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and Pink Floyd for five years (selling official merchandise) before heading off to Le Cordon Bleu London where he studied to be a Chef. Give listen to this podcast and the extraordinary life travels of Mathew Gray. We explore his passion for food, people and health. You can find out more about Mathews's Professional life or Hawaii Food Tours

Dip Your Toes In With Guest Christine Vibrant

In this episode we speak with Christine Virbrant about her life as a nomad and the challenges and opportunities that arise when you allow yourself to travel the world. New cultures, new aromas, new foods, new languages and more experiences. Originally from South Africa, Christine found herself living and working in Taiwan, before relocating to the United States of America. Christine is a certified Life and Health Coach and she can help you. You can check Christine out at Being Better Me...

Airlines Don't Care, You should

In this episode, I review the crisis in the Airline Industry here in Canada. The industry opened too fast. It is not just the airlines but the Airlines that offer packages. They don't care about you, they only care about profit.  The industry has been exposed through all social media platforms, grilled by the federal government here in Canada and still they don't care, you should. I can't in good conscious continue on providing travel services when the industry is in such free fall.

Coffee Rusks & Safaris

In this episode, we arrive at our last Gamer Reserve and have an excellent time. We go on several sunrise and sunset Safaris and spend a whole day in Kruger National Park.  We all got along, although we were not riding together, we came together for the Sundowner overlooking the watering hole   #Safari  #Africa 

Gold Luck

In this episode, we are travelling from Humala River Lodge in the Mpumalanga Highlands along the Panorama Route. We make stops at God'Window, Lisbon Falls, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondavels all part of the Blyde River Canyon. A visit by Tom Rourke, who had a strong hunch that there was gold in these parts, staked his claim. Tom had no such luck with Gold, however, others that came after him and were not too far from where his claim. was registered, many a man found gold and be...

Danger on Safari

In this episode, I tell of our adventure of being stuck in a jeep on Safari at night with no one around. No cellphone reception and just sit there as easy prey for any night hunters.  Come listen to what happens as 6 people are stuck  in the middle of the reserve under the stars. 

Land of the San

In this episode I relieve the experience of Day 4 of our South African adventure.  We start off from The Shark Bay -Buffelsfontein Game and Nature Reserve -Khwa ttu- The San people, the first people of Southern Africa

The Shark Bay

In this episode, we continue with our South African Experience. Today we find ourselves waking up at The Shark Bay Hotel & Spa in Langebaan, West Coast South Africa. We explore Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, Cape Columbine Lighthouse, and lunch at Die Gaaitjie Restaurant in Paternoster-right on the beach, with the South Atlantic Ocean as our backdrop. We explore Velddrif on the mouth of the Berg River and then make our way to the West Coast Fossil Park where we are shown the fossils of the...

Langa, a South African Township

Day 2 of our Cape Town adventure and they take us to Langa Township. Langa has been stated to be the safest Township to visit and probably the most walkable. The day was not all about Langa, however, my experience has left an impression and one that I wish there was more that I could do to eradicate racial discrimination even knowing that Apartheid was abolished many years ago, the race classification is still in the minds of all.  We visit a schoolhouse and hear the children sing and watch...

Robben Island and Nelson Mandela

Probably the most visited Museum in South Africa, Robben Island has a history dating back several hundred years. Nelson Mandela spent 18 of 27 incarcerated years here on Robben Island.  Nelson Mandela, a Political activist and Lawyer fought to end apartheid in South Africa. We did also visit some artisans at Watershed, visited a Diamond Museum and had dinner at Cape Town Fish Market before being whisked away to Belle Maroc and some much-needed sleep. 

Africa Mother Land

Yes, Africa Mother Land, touchdown. We have arrived in Cape Town, South Africa and we stay at the lovely Hotel Verde and our South Africa tour starts the next day with a full week in and around Cape Town.  We journey to Belle Maroc Boutique Hotel in Bloubergstrand and have our first experience of the beach, the South Atlantic Ocean and of course Table Mountain. We meet our fellow travellers who will be joining us on this action-packed, go go go, tour of Cape Town before we head off to Joha...

Go Touch Down Tour Operator Review

I generally don't like to come out and rip into a tour company especially being a travel professional myself. I have to come out and warn travellers to stay away from this company. I used this tour company for our trip of a lifetime, and financially it was and the experience was not so exciting. I must say that I enjoyed the Safari portion of our trip and the people in destinations Cape Town, Humala, Tshukudu and Kruger National Park were amazing. The people at the hotels, Belle Marco, T...

Jaanse Schans, Zaandam, Amsterdam and Trams

On this episode we finally make it to see the windmills of Zaanse Schans, just north of Zaandam. This after our Trip with Viator was cancelled. We did receive an email around 10:30 at night the day of the Viator trip that a refund had been requested. I did not request one, but I guess they cancelled the tour. I talk about the trip to see the Windmills, and our trip to Bever so that my wife could purchase her Trekking poles.  Also we explore parts of Amsterdam by just walking. We came across...

Sugar City how sweet it is

In this podcast, I give a little synopsis of our first two days in Zaandam and Amsterdam. Viator failure to inform us that our Tour to Zaanes Schans to see the Windmills had been cancelled. To people watching from the lobby couch and having our first romantic dinner at McDonalds. We head on a search to Sugar City, Halfweg to the Style Outlets in search of Trekking Poles at Solomon.  A rainy canal tour and the same on the hop-on and hop-off bus tour of Amsterdam finally finding a nice place...

The Situation with International Airports

In this episode, I look into the Status of Airports after returning and flying over 36000 km. I flew through Pearson International Airport, Schiphol International, Cape Town International, Johannesburg International, Paris International and back through Toronto International Airport. Do not believe everything you have heard or seen through the media or social media. I had no real bad experiences with lineups. Yes, there were some other issues....but you have to listen to hear. 

How Is Your Airport Experience???

In this episode, I try to explain why there has been such a disaster at airports. I explain that the majority of staff, from pilots to cabin crew, to baggage handlers, to Check-In staff are short-staffed. When everything shut down in 2020 and we thought we might be able to ride this out, the longer it carried on, most Airlines laid off staff, or let staff go. Staff was hopeful that the pandemic would end soon, however, it has not. A large percentage of those people went and found jobs elsewh...

How I found my voice in travel!

Hello. and welcome.  News to share with you all. Yes, I have been away for a while. It would take me hours to tell you all the reasons why I have been away.  I am getting back into travel as a travel advisor under my own brand Passports and Postcards Travel. I am licenced to sell travel to Canadian travellers. However, since a lot of you are international listeners you can be my source in the destination. For my Canadian listeners, you need to book with a professional. Someone who can navi...

Zaandam to Amsterdam

I am super excited as my South Africa trip that was booked in 2016 is a go for September 2022 with a three-day stopover in Amsterdam, well actually we will be staying in Zaandam) just outside of the city at the Inntel Hotel Zaandam. We are planning a private tour from Zaandam to Zaanee Schans to see traditional windmills and the countryside.    In Amsterdam, we plan to check out the Anne Frank house and for that, we will need to book tickets in early August.   We will have to do the A'Dam ...

Lenka On Travel

The most difficult podcast.   Lenka joins me to discuss traveling as part of her career as a spokesperson, model and educator. Contact the Host Randall McKeown

Via Roma with Robert Norton

In this episode, we welcome Robert Norton. Robert is no stranger to the show as he was the first guest in Season 2. Robert used his memories from many trips to Italy to build the foundation for this book of 15 stories. Robert makes us feel like we are right there with him, walking side by side, enjoying an authentic Italian dinner. Robert, makes you feel like you are experiencing everything. In this interview, we discuss the book, the thought process, future projects and of course future ...

Destination Weddings with Nancy Barkley

Join me in conversation as we talk about the profession of being a Destination Wedding Specialist with Nancy Barkley. Nancy is the Founder and Owner of Honeymoons and Get-Aways.  Nancy is an entrepreneur first and foremost. Nancy is an expert in her field as you will find out in our conversation. What better way to get a large group of people scattered all over the world together for your special day than with a perfectly designed and planned Destination Wedding. Nancy is also a Global E...

The Art of Architecture

Today we welcome Ana Maria Torres. Before coming to America, Ana was an associate professor at Escula Tecnica Superior de Arquitectura in Madrid. Born in the Canary Islands, raised in Northern Africa and completed her studies in Madrid and now lives in New York City. That is a lot of travel. Ana is a curator, a professor and a licensed urban planner.  Connect with Ana Maria Torres LinkedIn Twitter Website: AT Architects Book: Carme Pinos: An Architecture of Overlay The Host Randall Mc...

Greatest Show

Just to let you know that I do not have a show for you. You may want to give a listen to some shows you may have missed. I have a new show with a guest coming out on March 26, 2022, and am lining up future guests.  I want to thank each and every one of you for listening.  Reach the host [email protected] or [email protected]

I Cry for Ukraine

We need to stop the war in Ukraine. Get involved. 

On Track with Ed Davis

Ed Davis is an accomplished author of such books as "The Last Professional" which is his most recent. Other books include "Road Stories",  "All Things" and "A Matter of Time". Ed's story is one about travelling freight trains. Yes, just like stories of hobo's Ed travelled the Western United States and all through Canada. Ed would not recommend it now as the trains move much faster and there are fewer and fewer open boxcars. Connect with Ed Website Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Conn...

The Cry of Ukraine

A public statement from the host of Passports and Postcards. Putin and his Military through the aid of the Belarus leader have invaded Ukraine and it is now day 7 and the Ukrainian military and civilians have taken arms to protect their country, their homes and their families.  I do not agree with any country invading another. I don't care if it is USA, Canada, UK , France or any other country. War is not the answer.

Less is More with Jonna Jinton

Jonna Jinton, a young youtube artist and more. Jonna is an accomplished photographer, singer, painter, blogger and video artist. Jonna left the hustle and bustle of Gottenberg and moved to Grundtjärn, very north of Stockholm in 2010 with little money and no job. The first winter was the hardest, however, it was here that she found her passion, her husband and the best life she could have imagined for herself. I requested an interview with Jonna but her handlers said that Jonna will not do ...

What is Carnet de Passages

In this bonus edition, I talk about the need for a Carnet de Passages en Douane while travelling in a vehicle from country to country. I have been following many adventure motorcycle riders such as Itchy Boots, Girl on a Bike and On Her Bike just to name a few. I have also previously interviewed Tiffany Coates and Elspeth Beard who encountered the Carnet on their travels.  For more information check the following website. Carnet de Passages If you have a story to tell and would like to...

What is Carnet de Passages

In this bonus edition, I talk about the need for a Carnet de Passages en Douane while travelling in a vehicle from country to country. I have been following many adventure motorcycle riders such as Itchy Boots, Girl on a Bike and On Her Bike just to name a few. I have also previously interviewed Tiffany Coates and Elspeth Beard who encountered the Carnet on their travels.  For more information check the following website. Carnet de Passages If you have a story to tell and would like to...

Bonus-Get Out and Explore

It is hard to believe that here we are just released episode 78.  I have had over 50 different guests and we are not done yet. As countries start to list travel restrictions, and people once again travel, we have learned that more and more people are looking for experiences. We review the reason why people may travel and we encourage you the listener, that if you have a travel story, a destination or resort that you would like to share, please feel free to reach out to me. Podvault.ca Em...

Solo Travel with Dawn Miller

I sit down and speak with Dawn Miller, Speaker, Trainer and Coach. Our conversation takes us on a journey on why and how people travel.  Dawn's deep appreciation for the Caribbeans and  Caribbean music has taken her on many journeys and most if not all have been as a solo traveller. We talk about travelling on a budget and not staying at 5-star resorts but immersing oneself with the locals by staying at guest houses or sharing space with like-minded travellers by staying in hostels. Dawn t...

Body, Mind & Spirit with Katara Sky

Join me in conversation with Katara Sky,  Medicine Woman. Imagine working in an industry where you could travel at the drop of a hat. Being a Chartered Accountant, Kat was able to travel on a whim. Kat has travelled to some 65 countries. Kat and I discuss the importance of having a proper VISA when entering a foreign country and ensuring you have enough blank pages in your passport. We are bound by borders but that should not be the case, we are one people in one world and we should be a...

Two Wheels to Munstead with Elspeth Beard

Join me in conversation as I welcome Elspeth Beard, an award-winning architect. Elspeth has many amazing architectural accomplishments under her belt, however, the one that I love the most is the Munstead Water Tower that was built in 1898.  Elspeth purchased through auction in 1989 and fought local council and won on appeal to be able to build her dream home. It did take 7 years to build. Elspeth learned at a young age that as long as there is a will there is a way. Midway through her stu...

Ladies of Ladakh with Tiffany Coates

Imagine riding solo around the world on a BMW R80gs. Some might think the task too daunting but not my special guest today. Tiffany Coates is a renowned adventure rider who has travelled several hundred thousand miles and much of this with her partner "Thelma". In this show, we talk about the bike and after all those thousands upon thousands of miles how well one gets to know their motorcycle inside and out.  Tiffany tells us about how she sold her hair to buy tools for the motorcycle, so i...

To See from Sea with Mariel Fry

 I would like to welcome to the show today, Mariel Fry.  Mariel is  the founder and host of Travel Experiences Reimagined, where she elevates and shares stories of people who host experiences from all over the world. Mariel has travelled to 10 plus countries and has joined many tours and excursions. Mariel now invites tour guides, host anyone who hosts experiences to her podcasts to share unique insights with curious travellers and adventure seekers. Welcome to the show, Mariel, how are you...