Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast
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.
S1 E198 · Tue, March 25, 2025
Krakow, Poland
On this episode of Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys head to Krakow, the intellectual heart of Poland. The city is home to beautiful churches, endless Pope John Paul II memorabilia, one of the oldest universities in the world (Copernicus attended), and moving remembrances of Jewish citizens killed in the Holocaust. Plus, a quick detour to the historic Wieliczka Salt Mine. Things We Talked About on Today’s Episode: Schengen Area: https://dailypassport.com/what-is-the-schengen-area/ Remains of the Ghetto wall https://g.co/kgs/ammrVVz Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory https://muzeumkrakowa.pl/en/branches/oskar-schindlers-enamel-factory MOCAK https://en.mocak.pl/ https://www.instagram.com/prosciuttko_/?hl=en
S1 E197 · Tue, March 11, 2025
Vatican City
On this episode of Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys Catholic out hard. In celebration of Lent, “Conclave,” and a Catholic Jubilee Year, Kiernan talks us through the top sites to see in Vatican City. Rome is expecting 32M visitors this year, and now each and every one can listen to Out of Office! Things We Talked About on Today’s Episode: Jubilee 2025 https://www.usccb.org/jubilee2025 Holy Doors https://www.ewtnvatican.com/articles/5-holy-doors-what-every-catholic-should-know-ahead-of-jubilee-2025-4075 Saint Peter’s https://www.basilicasanpietro.va/en/ Pope John XXIII https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/martyrs-miracles-and-the-stuff-of-making-saints/ Vatican II https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2022-10/vatican-ii-council-60th-anniversary-video-history-background.html Papal Altar and Canopy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter%27s_Baldachin Chair of Saint Peter https://www.ncregister.com/cna/historic-chair-of-st-peter-on-public-display-in-vatican-basilica-for-first-time-in-150-years Tomb of Saint Peter https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Peter%27s_tomb Saint Peter Statue https://stpetersbasilica.info/Statues/StPeter/StPeter.htm La Pieta https://fa-inkwell.org/1039/arts/artists-review-la-pieta-one-of-michelangelos-earliest-works/ Vatican Museums https://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en.html Laocoon and his Sons https://www.museivaticani.va/content
S1 E196 · Tue, February 25, 2025
Berlin Museums
On this episode of Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan offers an overview of Berlin's museums, highlighting a few of his favorites, from the story of Hitler's rise and fall in an underground bunker to contemporary art in an old train station. Plus, Kiernan talks about Boston.
S1 E195 · Tue, February 11, 2025
NYT Editor Stephen Hiltner on the “52 Places to Go in 2025”
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan chats with Stephen Hiltner, the New York Times editor in charge of this year’s “52 Places to Go in 2025.” Stephen talks about some highlights from this year’s selections, plus a few spots that didn’t quite make the cut. Here’s what we cover in this episode: “52 Places to Go in 2025” https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/travel/places-to-travel-destinations-2025.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
S1 E194 · Tue, January 28, 2025
Santiago, Chile
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan takes us south to Santiago, Chile, where he rides up a funicular and down a cable car to see the Virgin Mary. Plus, eating barnacles and flying out of Kafka Airport. The Month In Digital (Ryan’s Marketing Newsletter): https://monthindigital.substack.com/ Kafka Airport: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC2AdoIM1DD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Restaurants: Peumayén Ancestral Food Sanguchería Ciudad Vieja The Singular Santiago’s Rooftop Bocanáriz Boragó
S1 E193 · Tue, January 14, 2025
Skiing for the Skeptical
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys talk about their holiday breaks and discuss why ski trips are well-worth the expense and steep learning curve. Plus, Ryan has a onesie! Here’s what we cover in this episode: NYT on European Skiing https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/19/travel/europe-skiing-budget.html Beaver Creek https://www.beavercreek.com/ Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire https://www.cannonmt.com/tickets
S1 E192 · Tue, December 17, 2024
Christmas Spectacular Seven
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys celebrate the season with discussions of the Immaculate Conception (it’s not what Ryan thinks), an idea for holiday film commentaries yet to come, and the LAST Ugly Ornament contest. And another year passes without seeing pictures of the Nativity Ryan’s father painstakingly carved from a single block of wood. Here’s what we cover in this episode: Debora https://www.instagram.com/deborarest/?hl=en LATAM 50 Best Restaurants https://www.theworlds50best.com/latinamerica/en/ “White Christmas” movie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Christmas_(film) Day of the Little Candles https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Little_Candles Reba McEntire “Christmas Guest” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57fS-9kGZqU Jimmy Fallon “Chipmunks and Chestnuts” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CChx2qVNl0 Kiernan’s Ugly Ornament for Ryan https://johnderian.com/products/mushroom-person-ornament?srsltid=AfmBOoqJ58ABMzRZ1iiMibeH0zVvGJn3ZumEEEhUAHIicz2ZfBsFIk4T Ryan’s Ugly Ornament for Kiernan https://www.etsy.com/listing/1814317312/bespoke-funny-prank-xmaschristmas?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=ugly+ornament&ref=sr_gallery-1-9&pro=1&pop=1&content_source=fde4cc23f7c035e7d3ac14a1cd6a7a4bf6a9e3ed%253A1814317312&search_preloaded_img=1&organic_search_click=1
S1 E191 · Tue, December 03, 2024
Monterrey, Mexico
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan recaps his recent trip to Monterrey, Mexico, covering highlights from the scenic River Walk to an interactive steel museum. He also shares a wild story about a run-in with a bribery-seeking cop in Puerto Vallarta. Here’s what we cover in this episode: https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-go-2025-8739580
S1 E190 · Tue, November 19, 2024
Star Wars Museum Creator Steve Sansweet
This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan talks with one of the greatest Star Wars collectors of all time: Steve Sansweet. Steve is the founder of Rancho Obi-Wan, the largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia in the world. Located in Petaluma CA, the museum is open for public tours, but be sure to pre-book. And if it all goes according to plan, soon Rancho Obi-Wan will be joining forces with 3 other top collections to become the brand-new Saga Museum. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Saga Museum https://ranchoobiwan.org/new-saga-museum-to-celebrate-legacy-of-star-wars-fandom/ Steve Sansweet Bio https://ranchoobiwan.org/board/ Rancho Obi-Wan https://ranchoobiwan.org/ Ralph McQuarrie https://www.iamag.co/star-wars-the-art-of-ralph-angus-mcquarrie-100-concept-art/ Head Man Action Figure https://ranchoobiwan.org/ Lucas Museum of Narrative Art https://lucasmuseum.org/ Last Star Wars episode https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/out-of-office-a-travel-podcast/id1438098925?i=1000581538592 Britannic Explorer https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/12/travel/brittanic-explorer-belmond-train-luxury/index.html Lidar-delivers again! https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/02/world/americas/maya-city-mexico.html
S1 E189 · Tue, November 05, 2024
Being a Woman Airline Pilot in the 1980s with Stephanie Wallach
In this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan talks with Stephanie Wallach, one of the first women to break into the world of commercial aviation in America. Plus, Kiernan faces an unfortunate bout of gate lice. Follow Along On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/ Things We Talked About In This Week’s Episode: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/23/business/american-airlines-line-cutters.html https://www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-shouts/welcome-aboard
S1 E188 · Tue, October 22, 2024
Graveyards
On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast , the boys embrace Spooktober by sharing their favorite graveyards. Plus, there’s an update on friend of the pod Rick Steves’ health and some Boston travel tips from Kiernan. Things We Talked About In This Week’s Episode: UPDATE RICK STEVES HEALTH https://x.com/ricksteves/status/1843844907833950542?s=46 Our Share Of The Night By Mariana Enriquez https://www.amazon.com/Our-Share-Night-Mariana-Enriquez/dp/0451495144
S1 E187 · Tue, October 08, 2024
Secrets of a Modern-Day Travel Agent
In this episode, Ryan chats with Rory, a travel agent, about why people still use agents in 2024 and what it’s like booking tickets for Andrew Scott. Plus, Kiernan talks about his new job as a Boston tour guide. Things We Talked About In This Week’s Episode: Last Stop Ryan: https://www.businessinsider.com/avoid-visa-mistake-no-middle-name-almost-ruined-trip Kiernan: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/27/world/europe/westminster-abbey-bronte-plaque-accent-marks.html
S1 E186 · Tue, October 01, 2024
Travelin’ Music
This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan and Ryan chat about the deep connections between music and travel, including how a well-chosen song can be the ideal souvenir. They also dig into how much Ryan prepares for each episode. Plus, Norwegian Children’s Music! Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Rick Steves endorses Kamala: https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/4878714-rick-steves-endorses-harris/ Travel therapy https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240905121025.htm ”Earth Room’ https://www.diaart.org/visit/visit-our-locations-sites/walter-de-maria-the-new-york-earth-room-new-york-united-states/
S1 E185 · Tue, September 10, 2024
El Salvador 101
This week on the pod, Ryan takes us to El Salvador, the land of volcanoes and Bitcoin. Hear about how he almost made it inside a beautiful church and his visit to Hermit Island. Plus, what was the miniature controversy at the Kentucky State Fair? LAST STOP Ryan: https://nypost.com/2024/08/23/us-news/kentucky-state-fair-removes-ribbon-winning-miniature-after-realizing-it-depicted-a-porn-set/ Kiernan: https://www.travelandleisure.com/hotels-resorts/vacation-rentals/most-unique-airbnb-stay-every-us-state
S1 E184 · Tue, August 27, 2024
What is a Museum Hotel?
This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan chats with Sarah Robbins, the COO of 21C Museum Hotels, a unique chain that combines modern art and comfortable accommodations. They talk through what it takes to run both a thriving hospitality business AND a compelling art operation. Plus, Things we talk about in this week’s episode: “North to Alaska” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoqVPcXDtUs 21C Museum Hotel https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/ New UNESCO World Heritage Sites https://www.euronews.com/culture/2024/08/02/a-roman-road-sand-dunes-and-gold-mines-these-are-the-24-new-unesco-world-heritage-sites-fo Dems whipping airlines into shape https://www.npr.org/2024/08/01/g-s1-14662/airline-junk-fees-family-seating-dot
S1 E183 · Tue, August 13, 2024
The Hamptons
This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” the boys put on their finest yacht-wear and head to that enclave of the rich and famous, The Hamptons. Kiernan talks about what exactly “The Hamptons” refers to, logistics of exploring there as a tourist, and a few cultural treasures hidden out among the seaside mansions. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Hamptons Jitney https://www.hamptonjitney.com/hjmobile/ Surf Lodge https://thesurflodge.com/ Montauk Point Lighthouse https://montaukhistoricalsociety.org/montauk-point-lighthouse/ Coopers Beach https://www.discoverlongisland.com/listing/coopers-beach/1047/ Parrish Art Museum https://parrishart.org/ Pollock-Krasner House https://artistshomes.org/site/pollock-krasner-house-and-study-center Green River Cemetery https://greenrivercemetery.org/ Museo Cacao https://museocacao.com/ Palmero’s Breaththrough Saint https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/03/world/europe/palermo-catholic-saint-hindu-pantheon.html Buy “Secret Boston: An Unusual Guide” https://bookshop.org/p/books/secret-boston-an-unusual-guide-kiernan-schmitt/21037780?ean=9782361957179 https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Boston-Unusual-Guide-guides/dp/2361957175
S1 E182 · Tue, July 30, 2024
“Secret Boston” with Kiernan Schmitt
This week Ryan welcomes his favorite author Kiernan Schmitt to talk about Kiernan’s new guidebook “Secret Boston: An Unusual Guide.” The book is a part of Jonglez Publishing’s “Secret” series, which specializes in historical oddities and way off-the-beaten-path sites fit for locals and enterprising tourists both! Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Buy “Secret Boston: An Unusual Guide” https://bookshop.org/p/books/secret-boston-an-unusual-guide-kiernan-schmitt/21037780?ean=9782361957179 https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Boston-Unusual-Guide-guides/dp/2361957175 Secret series: https://jonglezpublishing.com/product-category/secret-guides/ Our interview with Thomas Jonglez https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/travel-book-publisher-thomas-jonglez/id1438098925?i=1000454443728 North End Library Venice Miniature https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/diorama-of-venetian-palace The Dutch House https://www.redfin.com/MA/Brookline/20-Netherlands-Rd-02445/home/11461795 Arlington Street Church Tiffany Window https://www.ascboston.org/about/building.html Neon Williams https://neonwilliams.com/ Forest Hills Cemetery “Neighbors” by Christopher Frost https://www.christopherfrost.org/#/neighbors2006/ The Dodecagonal House https://www.bostonpreservation.org/news-item/my-boston-home-dragon-jp Jumbo’s Ashes at Tufts https://now.tufts.edu/2014/09/22/glory-was-jumbo BC Labyrinth https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/sites/memorial-labyrinth.html Dorchester Historic Brick Collection https://www.dorchesterhistoricals
S1 E181 · Tue, July 16, 2024
First Trip to Chicago
Pop! Squish! Six! Uh-Oh! Cicero! Lipschitz! On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” the boys talk about one of their favorite cities in the US: Chicago! Perched on Lake Michigan, the city offers stellar food, world-class art and natural history, and a number of easy-to-find hidden wonders. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Chicago Architecture Tour https://www.architecture.org/tours/detail/chicago-architecture-center-river-cruise-aboard-chicago-s-first-lady/ Tiffany Dome at Chicago Cultural Center https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_culturalcenter-tiffanydome.html Millennium Park https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html The Bean https://millenniumparkfoundation.org/art-architecture/cloud-gate/ Buckingham Fountain https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/clarence-f-buckingham-memorial-fountain Crown Fountain https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_s_publicartcrownfountaininmillenniumpark.html Wrigley Field https://www.mlb.com/cubs/ballpark Field Museum https://www.fieldmuseum.org/ Art Institute of Chicago https://www.artic.edu/ Thorne Miniatures https://www.artic.edu/highlights/12/thorne-miniature-rooms Robie House https://flwright.org/tour/robie-house Hogsalt https://www.hogsalt.com/ Chicago-Style Hot Dogs https://www.bonappetit.com/story/best-hot-dogs-chicago Chicago Pizza <a href= "https://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-chicago-pizza-restaur
S1 E180 · Tue, July 02, 2024
Louisville, Kentucky
On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” the boys luxuriate in Louisville. From exploring hidden walkways to throwing back some bourbon—plus a quick stop to honor The Colonel—Ryan and Kiernan are officially Kentucky converts. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: 21C Museum Hotel https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/louisville/ The Brown Hotel https://www.brownhotel.com/ The Hot Brown https://www.gotolouisville.com/blog/hot-brown/ Louisville Historic Tours https://louisvillehistorictours.com/ Conrad-Caldwell House https://www.conradcaldwell.org/ Louisville’s Olmsted Parks https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-loop/olmsted-parkways Cave Hill Cemetery https://www.cavehillcemetery.com/ Belle of Louisville Riverboat https://www.belleoflouisville.org/ Louisville Slugger Museum https://www.sluggermuseum.com/ Frazier History Museum https://www.fraziermuseum.org/ Speed Art Museum https://www.speedmuseum.org/ Proof on Main https://proofonmain.com/ The Silver Dollar https://www.whiskeybythedrink.com/ 610 Magnolia https://610magnolia.com/ Garage Bar https://garageonmarket.com/ Butchertown Grocery Bakery https://www.gotolouisville.com/directory/butchertown-grocery-bakery/ Chik’n & Mi https://www.chiknandmi.com/ Muth’s Candies https://muthscandy.com/ Mile Wide Beer Co. https://milewidebeer.com/
S1 E179 · Tue, June 18, 2024
Mammoth Cave National Park
On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” the boys put on their hard hats, light their lanterns, and head underground! Ryan and Kiernan are fresh back from Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky—the largest cave system in the world! They have tales to tell about secret subterranean rivers, folksy rangers, and gypsum flowers that take eons to grow. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Mammoth Cave National Park https://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm The Cave Wars https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/the-kentucky-cave-wars.htm Stephen Bishop https://www.nps.gov/people/stephen-bishop.htm George Morrison https://www.nps.gov/people/george-morrison.htm Floyd Collins https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/tragedy-at-sand-cave.htm Frozen Niagra https://www.nps.gov/media/photo/gallery.htm?id=335A7FB9-AA3A-4D2E-A446-C2F15F29DE5E Historical Tour https://www.nps.gov/media/photo/gallery.htm?id=3CDB5B65-5954-49BB-A2FE-AEA32F56FC03 Gothic Avenue Tour https://www.greatamericanhikes.com/post/gothic-avenue-tour-in-mammoth-cave-national-park Grand Avenue Tour https://www.alittletour.com/2017/06/01/grand-avenue-tour-mammoth-cave-kentucky/ All Tours https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/cave-tours.htm Book Tours here https://recreation.gov/ticket/facility/234640 Cave City https://cavecity.com/ Wigwam Village https://historicwigwamvillage.com/
S1 E178 · Tue, June 11, 2024
Richmond, Virginia (Return Trip)
This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” we revisit the November 2022 episode on Richmond, Virginia. It was Ryan and Kiernan's first overnight trip together (staying in separate hotels, of course)! They discuss museums, historic homes, graves, Presidents, and plenty about the Civil War. They also share their restaurant recommendations and uncover a standout hidden treasure in a National Park! The American Civil War Museum https://acwm.org/ Virginia Museum of Fine Arts https://vmfa.museum John Marshall House https://preservationvirginia.org/historic-sites/john-marshall-house/ Hollywood Cemetery https://www.hollywoodcemetery.org/ Maggie Walker House https://www.nps.gov/mawa/index.htm Society of Cincinnati https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_of_the_Cincinnati Virginia State Capitol http://virginiacapitol.gov/index.php/tours/ Statue of George Washington https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_George_Washington_(Houdon) James Madison’s Montpelier https://www.montpelier.org/ Paul Jennings https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Jennings_(slave) Eater’s Richmond List https://dc.eater.com/maps/best-bars-restaurants-bakeries-richmond-dining-guide Barcode https://www.barcoderva.com/ Tripl
S1 E177 · Tue, May 28, 2024
Flight Attendant Secrets
On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Ryan chats with “Jade,” a flight attendant for a US airline, about the high-flying lifestyle and her biggest traveler pet peeves. Recorded in-person in Boston, Ryan also complains about the Logan Airport Uber Pickup experience. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Michelin in Mexico: https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/tags/Mexico
S1 E176 · Tue, May 14, 2024
Guatemala
On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan leads us through highlights from his trip to Guatemala—museums of Guatemala City, the pyramids (and howler monkeys!) of Tikal National Park, Antigua volcano hikes, and the part-devil/part-saint of Lake Atitlan. Plus, LOTS OF GORY CATHOLIC STUFF! Things we talk about in this week’s episode: The Rick Steves Guide to Life https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2024/04/29/rick-steves-home-partner-philanthropy-washington/ US State Department Guatemala Safety Information https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Guatemala.html Brief History of Guatemala’s complicated political history and civil war https://cja.org/where-we-work/guatemala/ Palacio Nacional de la Cultura https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Palace_(Guatemala) Museo Ixchel https://museoixchel.org/en/museo-ixchel-english/ Museo Miraflores https://www.museomiraflores.org.gt/ Museo Nacional de Arqueologia y Etnologia https://sig.muniguate.com/proyectosDIGM/cultura/museos/MUSEOS/Arqueolog%C3%ADa%20y%20Etnolog%C3%ADa.html Tikal National Park https://www.tikalnationalpark.org/ Antigua https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antigua_Guatemala Santa Catalina Archi https://theculturetrip.com/central-america/guatemala/articles/a-brief-history-of-antiguas-santa-catalina-arch Convento de las Capuchinas https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iglesia_y_Convento_de_las_Capuchinas,_Antigua_Guatemala Efrain Recinos sculpture park <a href= "https://intothearmsofamerica.com/destinations/guatemala/antigua/the-li
S1 E175 · Tue, April 30, 2024
Traveling For Concerts (Taylor’s version)
On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Ryan interviews Emma Weissmann on the boom of concert travel led by Taylor Swift. Plus, Kiernan endorses Mitt Romney again. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Mitt Romney for Harvard President. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/04/16/mitt-romney-harvard-president-antisemitism/ Emma Interview: TravelAge West: https://www.travelagewest.com/ Emma’s podcasts: https://www.travelagewest.com/Podcasts Taylor Swift cruise: https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Cruise/taylor-swift-cruise NPR article on economic impact: https://www.npr.org/2023/12/27/1221483930/girl-economy-taylor-swift-beyonce-barbie-2023 Last Stop: https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/a60314481/literary-travel-boom/ https://www.bnbfinder.com/
S1 E174 · Tue, April 16, 2024
Italian Cuisine Expert Fred Plotkin is BACK!
On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan digs in on regional Italian cuisine with one of the show’s most interesting guests ever: opera and Italian cuisine expert Fred Plotkin. Fred talks us through some of the most popular and most obscure foods of Italy, sharing history and wonderful anecdotes all along the way. Part 2 of 3! Things we talk about in this week’s episode: “Italy for Food Lovers” https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/italy-for-food-lovers Fred Plotkin biography https://www.wqxr.org/people/fred-plotkin/ The Atlantic’s “Crying Myself to Sleep on the Biggest Cruise Ship Ever” by Gary Shteyngart https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/05/royal-caribbean-cruise-ship-icon-of-seas/677838/ CNN’s Grandmother and Son Are on the Move https://www.cnn.com/travel/grandma-joy-ryan-grandson-seven-continents/index.html
S1 E173 · Tue, April 02, 2024
Trip Planning With ChatGPT
On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan grades ChatGPT, evaluating its organization of three weekend getaways. Ryan shares tips on how to correctly leverage ChatGPT for travel plans. Introducing a fresh segment, "The Layover," Ryan chats with Tommy Wallach from Hatch Escapes on the launch of their latest immersive adventure, "The Ladder." Things we talk about in this week’s episode: ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com/ Hatch Escapes: https://www.hatchescapes.com/ OOO Episode on Escape Rooms: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-50-escape-rooms-with-tommy-wallach/ LAST STOP Ryan: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-admin-accelerates-plan-to-unleash-apex-predator-near-rural-community-over-widespread-local-opposition Kiernan: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/willy-wonka-musical-parody-inspired-by-viral-event-1235852849/
Tue, March 19, 2024
Italian cuisine expert Fred Plotkin
On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan interviews one of the show’s most interesting guests ever: opera and Italian cuisine expert Fred Plotkin. Decades ago, Fred published a breakout hit for intrepid eaters: his book “Italy for the Gourmet Traveler.” During COVID, he collaborated with frequent “Out of Office” guest Rick Steves on a new update, which the duo published in 2023 as “Italy for Food Lovers.” Fred’s knowledge proved so encyclopedic, this will be Part 1 of 2! Note: Some SFX are missing from the top of the show, which explains the weird pauses. We’ll talk about it on the next episode. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Willy Wonka Immersive Experience https://www.salon.com/2024/03/02/fyre-festival-20-everything-to-know-about-the-less-than-stellar-willy-wonka-immersive-experience/ “Italy for Food Lovers” https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/italy-for-food-lovers Fred Plotkin biography https://www.wqxr.org/people/fred-plotkin/ “The Myth of Your Phone’s Airplane Mode” https://qz.com/phone-airplane-mode-myth-1851286214 “Pod Save the World” CPAC Doubles Down on Creepy Autocrats https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cpac-doubles-down-on-creepy-autocrats/id1200016351?i=1000647359648
S1 E171 · Tue, February 27, 2024
Buenos Aires 101
On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Ryan ventures to Buenos Aires and shares his top neighborhood picks, eats too much steak, and embarks on a quest for elderly giraffes. Also, the boys debut a fresh segment called Nonsense Banter. Ryan's BA photos on Insgagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C32MfWpuTpH/?img_index=1 Other Links: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/02/air-canada-must-honor-refund-policy-invented-by-airlines-chatbot/
S1 E170 · Tue, February 13, 2024
James Beard Foundation Awards
In this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Ryan speaks with Dawn Padmore, Vice President of Awards at the James Beard Foundation, about the newly released list of semi-finalists and how the JBF discovers these exceptional restaurants across the United States. Additionally, Ryan and Kiernan share some of their favorites from the list. The JBF: https://www.jamesbeard.org/ Semi-Finalists List: https://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/the-2024-james-beard-awards-semifinalists Notre Dame Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notre-dame/id1438098925?i=1000436877749
S1 E169 · Tue, January 30, 2024
NYT Travel Editor Amy Virshup Talks 52 Places In 2024
On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan talks to Amy Virshup, the Travel Editor of the New York Times, about the paper’s just released “52 Places to Visit in 2024” list. Plus, the boys launch a new segment called “The Judy Alert” to help Ryan’s mother determine whether her son is in danger. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: “52 Places to Go in 2024” https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/travel/places-to-travel-destinations-2024.html Quito, Ecuador episode https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/quito-ecuador/id1438098925?i=1000610538652 Ecuador Travel Advisory https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/ecuador-travel-advisory.html White House Press Release on Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/08/08/fact-sheet-president-biden-designates-baaj-nwaavjo-itah-kukveni-ancestral-footprints-of-the-grand-canyon-national-monument/
S1 E168 · Tue, January 16, 2024
Stowe, Vermont
On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” the boys revisit their 2023 Travel New Year’s Resolutions, set down some new ambitions, respond to some SCATHING listener reviews, and then relax into full New England Winter Mode with a city guide to Stowe, Vermont. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Vermont Covered Bridges https://www.vermontbridges.com/goldbrk.htm#:~:text=The%20Gold%20Brook%20Bridge%20in%20Stowe%2C%20built%20in%201844%2C%20is,Vermont's%20Howe%20truss%20railroad%20spans . Stowe Mountain Resort https://gostowe.com/listing/stowe-mountain-resort/ Trapp Family Lodge https://www.trappfamily.com/about-us.htm Stowe Recreation Path https://www.stowerec.org/parks-facilities/rec-paths/stowe-recreation-path/ Bear Pond Books https://stowebooks.com/ Idletyme Brewing Company https://idletymebrewing.com/ Alchemist Beer https://alchemistbeer.com/ “25 Stunning Sites in South America” by The Discoverer https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/25-stunning-sites-south-america/XvHyVpKgiwAG5ann?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2004919419 Japanese Plane Collision https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/02/world/asia/tokyo-haneda-plane-fire.html Alaska Airlines Boeing Loses a Door Plug Midflight https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/07/us/alaska-airlines-boeing-passengers.html
S1 E167 · Sun, December 24, 2023
Christmas Spectacular Six
Grab your nog, it’s the annual OOO Christmas Spectacular where the boys put aside their passports to focus on Santa’s operational efficiencies and Sesame Street Christmas music. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Rankin Bass Musicals https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rankin/Bass_Animated_Entertainment Freeze Miser https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEbFfoBPfw4 The Largest Nativity Scene in South America https://www.expreso.ec/ocio/cultura/cuenca-reclama-pesebre-grande-latinoamerica-173858.html “Santa Baby” by Ariana Grande https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlR0MkrRklg Cookie Monster’s “12 Days of Christmas” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQCmsuK-Lmw Ugly Sweater Ornament https://www.ebay.com/itm/255838445784?hash=item3b9128e0d8:g:Uj4AAOSwodVjeaGy&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8NPxIqG7TEJv1y5rq1ngNG9jrGcrhJezWdhmJou2WW3KRzFtstVU77F2rBgYqUVIGP%2FOuTkPbL09UTcSjPoyXy7TJRs5s8aCpCpqz4C%2FU4Ym%2F4cP%2BNrvCbzs4Hc4gIkqx2uZXJFhWyT%2BB3HqTtzxOFLuzeWvjTOmvF%2Bo1REtDZhOxtuRqLBaTwwoNpLZhq%2B550zP5Qaw%2Ba%2BpSyt1HNJMpJF0OdHdKPKCXtN%2BDHNOdgnStEqShRLcQLhiz2Ngnrp4SGQQKQO%2BohqLxrI0iGz8pksqxDSb0SjLR%2FgxG1yA6rylPFbvl3EBfTOHJruagIQlYQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4jryaSNYw Ugly Possum Ornament https://www.jdevlinglassart.com/bac-185-possum-ornament/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAj_CrBhD-ARIsAIiMxT84-U1us_3R7qrv4OkXqRFy_GWNyikBaBFlB6SgDuxyP4TcVLy45rcaAhhaEALw_wcB
S1 E166 · Tue, December 05, 2023
Guayaquil, Ecuador
This week on the pod, join Ryan as he explores Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. Discover a Millennial Malecon, delve into miniature history museums teeming with pirates, and encounter feral iguanas. Also, stay tuned as Kiernan learns what a chameleon is. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Quito Episode: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-149-quito-ecuador/ https://apnews.com/article/ecuador-crime-cocaine-fernando-villavicencio-4f96684926c2600e2483373555a7cf42 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malec%C3%B3n_2000 https://www.lonelyplanet.com/ecuador/pacific-coast-and-lowlands/guayaquil/attractions/museo-en-miniatura-guayaquil-en-la-historia/a/poi-sig/1504404/363353 https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/Establishments/Ecuador/Guayaquil/Casa-Juli%C3%A1n.html https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/Establishments/Ecuador/Guayaquil/Mikka.html The Last Stop: Ryan: Z-Food in Quito ( https://zfoodquito.com/) Kiernan: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/20/us/death-valley-lake.html
S1 E165 · Tue, November 21, 2023
Shakespeare Travel for the Big Folio 400
This week on the pod, Kiernan takes us to merry old England to visit sites related to William Shakespeare in honor of the 400th anniversary of the publication of the First Folio. Without the Folio, we would likely have lost half—HALF!—of Shakespeare’s plays. Libraries around the world will be hosting special events throughout the year, and there’s never been a better time to head to the theatre! Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Ryan’s OTHER podcast Red Pen https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/red-pen-a-grammar-podcast/id1658608663 Folio 400 https://folio400.com/where-are-they/ Panda Diplomacy https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/08/us/politics/panda-zoo-china.html Atlanta Zoo https://zooatlanta.org/activity-type/wild-encounters/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAu9yqBhBmEiwAHTx5pxOo1X0nXLy7cGyxIpUqgR-UgVVrsz2trHpg2aUUxlotA-4Pp-j6_hoCQtEQAvD_BwE NYer article about Panda Mating https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/09/02/bears-do-it Folio anniversary write-ups we like https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/03/books/review/shakespeares-first-folio-turns-400.html https://www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2023/november/the-first-folio-at-400 Misc: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/theater-floorboards-shakespeare-uncovered-2376341
S1 E164 · Tue, November 07, 2023
Bear Safety
On this week’s episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan teaches Ryan how to protect himself from bears, and not the Fire Island-type. National Parks Bear Safety https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/idkt_bears.htm Bear Spray https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/species/livingwithwildlife/bears/pdfs/bear_spray_what_you_should_know.pdf Critter Gitter Sensor https://crittergittersensor.com/ Futuro House https://www.wboc.com/news/kent-county-futuro-house-nears-national-historic-register-landing/article_44c49dca-6e0d-11ee-a74d-671f80e01aed.html?fbclid=IwAR3h371CgsAgIFynOBhO9yJhGHkOMC4XOaVIjCiTp8lnoGzdbNGnyTFCAP4 Ark Encounter https://arkencounter.com/
S1 E163 · Tue, October 24, 2023
Ryan's Adventure In Bahía Solano, Colombia
Join Ryan as he recounts his recent adventure in Bahía Solano, Colombia. Encounter tall, handsome motorcycle drivers, majestic whales, Colombian Huck Finns, and baby turtles. Don’t miss Ryan's many exhilarating experiences crossing multiple bridges. Things We Talked About in Today's Episode: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/ Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/917672623315797476?source_impression_id=p3_1697708123_XGHn8l8m1zAwtWd6 Turtles: https://www.instagram.com/tortugasdelpacifico/ Coolest Bar In Town: https://www.utriahostel.com/ The Bitch: https://www.amazon.com/Bitch-Pilar-Quintana/dp/164286059X
S1 E162 · Tue, October 10, 2023
Rick Steves!
In honor of the “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast” 5 year anniversary, Kiernan landed a big interview: travel luminary Rick Steves. Rick has been THE dream guest for the boys since Day 1 and he’s finally here in studio. Kiernan and Rick talk European sightseeing, the ins-and-outs of travel book writing, and why Portugal is better than Orlando, FL. Is it the end of The Quest for Rick Steves or the beginning of The Great Kiernan-Rick Bromance? Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Everything Rick Steves https://www.ricksteves.com/ Rick Steves’ Europe Season 12 https://www.ricksteves.com/tv-programmers/season/twelve The Last Stop: Stuff You Should Know: Night of the Grizzlies https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/night-of-the-grizzlies/id278981407?i=1000630016148 Banff Grizzly Deaths https://www.npr.org/2023/10/02/1203036630/bear-attack-couple-dies-canada-banff
S1 E161 · Tue, September 26, 2023
National Park “Field Trip” with WashPo’s Lillian Cunningham
On this week’s episode, Kiernan talks to Washington Post journalist and podcaster Lillian Cunningham about her fantastic 5-episode National Park podcast “Field Trip.” They talk about environmental disasters, how Native American communities relate to the Parks, and the challenges of making audio stories about highly visual landscapes. Plus, RYAN VISITS BOSTON. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: “Field Trip” https://www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/field-trip/ “Presidential” https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/business/podcasts/presidential/ Rich Men North of Richmond https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqSA-SY5Hro Spoke in Somerville http://www.spokewinebar.com/ Chez Baldwin https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/chez-baldwin Plum Island https://www.newburyport.com/plum-island-beach/ Bob Lobster https://boblobster.com/
S1 E160 · Tue, September 12, 2023
Watching Movies on Airplanes
On this week’s episode, Kiernan and Ryan discuss their sometimes divergent philosophies of what makes a perfect airplane movie, the best thing to do with your screen if you’re not using it, and why you don’t want to sit in front of Ryan when he’s engaged in a heated round of Tetris. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Fail Foliage Map: https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/ Last Stop: https://www.roerich.org/ https://www.factorytoursusa.com/ Rate and Review Us: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/out-of-office-a-travel-podcast/id1438098925 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/
S1 E159 · Tue, August 29, 2023
Panama
On this week’s episode, Ryan takes us between two oceans to Panama. Pirates, Teddy Roosevelt, and propeller planes: what more could you want in an episode? Things we talk about in this week’s episode: https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Favorite-Novel-Lawrence-Wright/dp/1416562478 Restaurants: Fonda Lo Que Hay Intimo Restaurante Maito Restaurante Cantina del Tigre https://www.amazon.com/Path-Between-Seas-Creation-1870-1914/dp/0671244094 https://www.museodelcanal.com/en/book-here/ https://barefootpanama.com/ https://www.audacy.com/podcast/search-engine-c67a8/episodes/wait-should-i-not-be-drinking-airplane-coffee-39823
S1 E158 · Tue, August 15, 2023
First Trip to New York
On this week’s episode, the boys make recommendations for their favorite city in the world: New York City! NYC has SO MUCH to do it can be overwhelming, so let Kiernan and Ryan recommend their curated must-do list for a first trip to the city—museums, theater, and famous landmarks abound! Things we talk about in this week’s episode: American Museum of Natural History https://www.amnh.org/ The Met Museum https://www.metmuseum.org/ MoMA https://www.moma.org/ The Cloisters https://www.metmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit/met-cloisters Statue of Liberty https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/ Ellis Island https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/ Tenement Museum https://www.tenement.org/ Grand Central Terminal https://www.grandcentralterminal.com/ New York Public LIbrary (you want to go to the Main Branch) https://www.nypl.org/ The Morgan Library https://www.themorgan.org/ Empire State Building (see it, don’t go up) https://www.esbnyc.com/ 9/11 Memorial Museum https://www.911memorial.org/ Time Square https://www.timessquarenyc.org/ Broadway shows https://www.broadway.com/shows/tickets/ TKTS https://www.tdf.org/discount-ticket-programs/tkts-by-tdf/tkts-live/ “Scoring Broadway Tickets” episode https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scoring-broadway-tickets/id1438098925?i=1000433455504 Tulcingo de Valle https://www.tulcingorestaurant.com/ Central Park https://
S1 E157 · Tue, August 08, 2023
Nashville (Return Trip)
This week, join the boys as they take you back to Nashville, Tennessee, reliving their December 2019 episode to the Music City. Original Nashville Episode With All Links: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-61-nashville/ More Tennessee Content: Chattanooga & Lookout Mountain: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-88-chattanooga-lookout-mountain/ Knoxville & The Great Smoky Mountains: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-85-knoxville-the-great-smoky-mountains/
S1 E156 · Tue, August 01, 2023
America’s Favorite Tourist Attractions, Based on Millions of Reviews
This week, the boys discuss the viral article on the most popular tourist attractions in the United States from HawaiianIslands.com with Brittany Mendez. Listen to find out why they both may end up in an asylum. Check out the article and maps here: https://hawaiianislands.com/blog/favorite-american-tourist-attraction/ Things We Talked About In Today’s Episode: Ryan on Overcoming The Divide: https://overcomethedivide.buzzsprout.com/1217318/13192884-the-democratic-primaries-media-strategy-with-ryan-j-davis https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/ https://floridapanhandle.com/shark-attack-data/ https://floridapanhandle.com/blog/the-most-and-least-expensive-vacation-destinations-around-the-world-and-states/ The Last Stop: Ryan: Ends August 13 https://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/under-cover-leyendecker-and-american-masculinity Kiernan: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/07/23/metro/behind-maine-flag-debate-an-identity-crisis/?s_campaign=breakingnews:newsletter
S1 E155 · Tue, July 18, 2023
The Case for Travel
On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” the boys debate a recent New Yorker article arguing against travel! Things we talk about in this week’s episode: The Case Against Travel https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-weekend-essay/the-case-against-travel Icon of the Seas https://www.insider.com/royal-caribbean-icon-of-the-seas-images-freaks-people-out-2023-7?amp Wes Anderson sites https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/destinations/wes-anderson-movie-filming-locations-you-can-visit/amp/
S1 E153 · Tue, July 04, 2023
Denali National Park
On this week’s episode, Kiernan takes us deep into the wilds of Alaska to visit one of the greats: Denali National Park. He talks us through sled dog training, why “Mount McKinley” happened, and a set of skulls that tell the tale of an epic battle to the death. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Denali National Park https://www.nps.gov/dena/index.htm “Denali or Mount McKinley” https://www.nps.gov/dena/learn/historyculture/denali-origins.htm#:~:text=Prospectors%20all%20along%20the%20Yukon,1897%20New%20York%20Sun%20article Denali Sled Dogs https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/meet-the-sled-dogs.htm “South Park” saves Denver restaurant https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/06/us/casa-bonita-restaurant.html A Frequent Flier Hero https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/06/23/united-airlines-very-frequent-flyer/
S1 E153 · Tue, June 20, 2023
Detroit 101
On this week’s episode, Ryan and Kiernan head to Motor City to talk Motown, Coney dogs, and Diego Rivera. Ryan also sits down with Melody Baetens, The Detroit News' restaurant critic, to discuss her favorite dining spots and live music venues in town. Get revved up for your first trip to Detroit! Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Melody at The Detroit News: https://www.detroitnews.com/entertainment/dining-bars/ Melody on Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodybaetens Train from Bogota to Salt Cathedral: https://www.turistren.com.co/en/?page_id=7 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_Cathedral_of_Zipaquir%C3%A1
S1 E152 · Tue, June 06, 2023
North America’s 50 Best Bars
On this week’s episode, Ryan sits down with Mark Sansom, Content Director for North America’s 50 Best Bars, to talk about this year’s 50 Best Bars in North America list. Plus, Ryan and Kiernan share some of their favorite bars that didn’t make the list. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: North America’s 50 Best Bars: https://www.worlds50bestbars.com/northamerica/ The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Main Website: https://www.theworlds50best.com/ World’s 50 Best Discovery Search Tool: https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/ The Last Stop: Ryan: https://www.hudsonriverrail.com/ Kiernan: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/19/magazine/first-class-ethics.html
S1 E151 · Tue, May 23, 2023
First Trip to London
On this week’s episode, the boys right a major wrong: in over 150 episodes, they’ve never done an episode on London for first-timers! England’s capital city can be overwhelming—world-class museums on every corner, historically significant architecture left and right, churches and zoos and gardens and parks and theater and libraries! What is a tourist with limited time to do?? This episode tells you. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Obscure Musuems of London Episode https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-141-obscure-museums-of-london-part-1-return-trip/ River Thames https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-long-and-winding-history-of-the-thames-139049496/ Handy Guide to Neighborhoods of London https://www.huffpost.com/entry/48-london-neighborhoods-a-quick-reference-guide_b_7557148 Planning your public transportation https://tfl.gov.uk/maps_/tfl-go Taxis and “The Knowledge” (NYer article was behind a paywall so here is a NYT) https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/10/t-magazine/london-taxi-test-knowledge.html Westminster Abbey https://www.westminster-abbey.org/ Saint Paul’s https://www.stpauls.co.uk/ Houses of Parliament https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/ Tower of London https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/ Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/8725947-changing-the-guard Hampton Court Palace https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/#gs.ysui4s Shakespeare’s Globe https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/ West End https://officiallondontheatre.com/london-west-end-guide/ British Museum <a href
S1 E150 · Tue, May 09, 2023
We Design an Airport
On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” the show turns 150! The boys reminisce, compare themselves to Sisyphus, and talk about their deep airport feelings.
S1 E149 · Tue, April 25, 2023
Quito, Ecuador
In this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," get ready for some high-altitude exploration as Ryan takes us to Quito! Learn about Simon Bolivar's significant other (who was both a lover and a fighter) and discover what qualifies as a tree worm. For more information on the places and experiences discussed in the podcast, check out the following links: Vanishing Postcards podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vanishing-postcards/id1544610020 Historic Quito (UNESCO World Heritage Site): https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/2/ Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Granda) Basílica del Voto Nacional Basilica and Convent of San Francisco El Panecillo + Virgen de Quito Telefériqo - Quito: https://teleferico.com.ec/ Manuela Sáenz Museum: https://museo-manuela-saenz.negocio.site/ Guayasamín Museum: https://guayasamin.org.ec/ Mitad del Mundo Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Cristobal Ortega Maila Restaurants: Rincón de Francia Somos (featuring Chef Alejandra Espinoza) -Chontacuro (tree worm) dish: https://travelislife.org/chontacuro-eat-live-worms/ Urko Last Stop: Ryan shares a study that shows the farther you wander, the happier you'll be (https://entrylevelrebel.medium.com/new-study-the-farther-you-wander-the-happier-you-will-be-7fbfafa556f), while Kiernan suggests checking out the WPA murals at United States post offices ( https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_post_office_murals) .
S1 E148 · Wed, April 12, 2023
Glamping with Kevin Ferguson
On this week’s episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan speaks with glamping entrepreneur Kevin Ferguson, cofounder of Starlight Haven, a luxury hospitality company focused on lesser-known natural wonders in the American South. Things we talk about on this week’s episode: Starlight Haven www.visitstarlight.com Kevin Ferguson https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinferguson2/ Hot Springs National Park https://www.nps.gov/hosp/index.htm
S1 E147 · Tue, March 28, 2023
Congaree National Park
On this week’s episode, Kiernan takes us to one of the least populated (and most atmospheric!) national parks: Congaree in South Carolina. Bald cypress knees and abandoned gin stills await! Plus, Kiernan says something CRITICAL about RICK STEVES. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Rick Steves in “Travel & Leisure” https://www.travelandleisure.com/rick-steves-tips-to-avoid-common-travel-issues-7367914 Congaree National Park https://www.nps.gov/cong/index.htm Bald Cypress Trees https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Plants-and-Fungi/Bald-Cypress Harry Hampton https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_R._E._Hampton Friends of Congaree Swamp https://friendsofcongaree.org/location/bluff-trail-guide/ Eisenberg’s LIVES! (As S&P Lunch) https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/11/21/playful-nostalgia-and-honed-classics-at-sp-lunch
S1 E146 · Tue, February 28, 2023
Luis Barragán’s Mexico City
In this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan and Ryan explore the colorful world of acclaimed Mexican architect Luis Barragán and his iconic works in Mexico City. Ryan chats with Martin Luque, a CDMX-based architect who actually grew up in Casa Gilardi - the last house designed by Barragán! Also, Kiernan shares his insights on traveling with kids and even shares a harrowing tale of his Dickensian youth. Things we talked about on today’s episode: Martin’s Father talks about Casa Gilardi: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=10154827207262454 Casa Gilardi: https://casagilardi.mx/ Tetetlan & Casa Pedregal: http://www.tetetlan.com/ Casa Estudio Luis Barragán: http://www.casaluisbarragan.org/eng/en_index.html Chapel and Convent of the Capuchinas Sacramentarias https://www.barragan-foundation.org/works/list/capuchin-convent-chapel The Last Stop: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/24/t-magazine/luis-barragan.html
S1 E145 · Tue, February 14, 2023
NYT 52 Places to Go in 2023
On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan and Ryan celebrate the release of the New York Times’s annual “52 Places to Go” list. Plus, Kiernan ruminates about the importance of family vacations and Ryan triumphantly returns to Brooklyn. Things we talked about on today’s episode: NYT’s “52 Places to Go in 2023” https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/travel/52-places-travel-2023.html Mark Twain House vandalism https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/mark-twain-house-in-hartford-vandalized-by-rocks-bricks/2948094/ Museum of Modern Renaissance https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/massachusetts/museum-of-modern-renaissance-ma/
S1 E144 · Tue, January 24, 2023
Oaxaca City 101
On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Ryan takes us on a journey to Oaxaca City, the home of mezcal and loads of Catholic Churches—a great combo! Plus the boys discuss why Panama hats are, weirdly, Ecuadorian. Things we talked about on today’s episode: Centro Cultural San Pablo Museo Textil de Oaxaca Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán CUATROSIE7E GALERÍA Estampa Galeria La Casa De Las Artesanias Criollo (Enrique Olvera) Casa Oaxaca el Restaurante Boulenc Mercado 20 de Noviembre Bar Ilegal Mezcalogia El Árbol del Tule (The Tree of Tule) Mercado Gastronómico de Santa María del Tule (Try a Tlayuda) The Last Stop: Ryan: Noma is closing at the end of 2024! https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/09/dining/noma-closing-rene-redzepi.html Kiernan: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/04/04/the-mezcal-tour-of-oaxaca
S1 E143 · Sun, December 25, 2022
Christmas Spectacular Five
This week on “Out of Office,” the boys make merry and chat through the top NYC Christmas trees. Plus, Louis Armstrong spies a Christmas creep! Stop Podcasting Yourself: https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/stop-podcasting-yourself/ Things we talked about on this week’s episode: Met Creche Controversy: https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/24/nyregion/a-familys-tradition-helping-decorate-the-met-christmas-tree-has-come-to-an-end.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare Ugly Ornament 1: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1120326393/big-chonky-glitter-grinning-ornament?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=ugly+christmas+ornament+face&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&pop=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1 Ugly Ornament 2: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1325171158
S1 E142 · Tue, December 13, 2022
New Haven
This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan takes us on a tour of his home turf: New Haven, Connecticut! It’s all apizza (a-BEETZ!), fake medieval buildings, dinosaurs, and New England charm. Plus, a BRAND NEW RICK STEVES’S SERIES! Things we talked about on today’s episode: Ryan’s new bastard podcast “Red Pen” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/red-pen-a-grammar-podcast/id1658608663 Rick Steves’s new show https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/art Wooster Square https://www.ctvisit.com/listings/wooster-square Pepe’s https://order.pepespizzeria.com/ Sally’s https://www.sallysapizza.com/ Modern http://modernapizza.com/ Da Legna x Nolo https://jet2nolo.com/ Zuppardi’s https://zuppardisapizza.com/ Bar https://www.yelp.com/biz/bar-new-haven Beinecke Library https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beinecke_Rare_Book_%26_Manuscript_Library Gutenberg Bible page turning <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK
S1 E141 · Tue, December 06, 2022
Obscure Museums of London Part 1 (Return Trip)
This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan takes us back to London to explore the wild and wacky world of small and odd museums. Forget the British Museum, we’re going to a museum all about WINDMILLS!!
S1 E140 · Tue, November 29, 2022
Asunción, Paraguay
This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Ryan recaps his recent trip to Asunción, Paraguay. He talks museums, restaurants, a scaffolded pink palace, and why Sopa Paraguaya isn't soup. Also, don't miss Ryan wandering a cemetery bothering grave diggers. Things we talked about in today's podcast: Follow The Out Of Office Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/ Pakuri: https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/Establishments/Paraguay/Asuncion/Pakuri.html Pizzeria Javori: https://www.instagram.com/javorai_py/ Lido Bar: https://lidobar.com.py/ Paulista Grill: https://www.instagram.com/paulistagrill/
S1 E139 · Wed, November 23, 2022
Gaudí’s Barcelona (Return Trip)
This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” it ain’t Barcelona without Gaudí, and it ain’t a podcast without Ryan and Kiernan. The boys highlight Gaudí’s top architectural treasures—weird, organic-seeming, and magnificent. Visit the orginal episode for more details: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-34-gaudis-barcelona/
S1 E138 · Tue, November 15, 2022
Richmond, Virginia
This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Ryan and Kiernan recap a momentous occasion: their first overnight trip together! (Separate hotels.) They talk museums, graves, historic homes, Presidents, the Civil War (A LOT of Civil War), and restaurant picks. Plus, a standout National Park hidden treasure! The American Civil War Museum https://acwm.org/ Virginia Museum of Fine Arts https://vmfa.museum John Marshall House https://preservationvirginia.org/historic-sites/john-marshall-house/ Hollywood Cemetery https://www.hollywoodcemetery.org/ Maggie Walker House https://www.nps.gov/mawa/index.htm Society of Cincinnati https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_of_the_Cincinnati Virginia State Capitol http://virginiacapitol.gov/index.php/tours/ Statue of George Washington https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_George_Washington_(Houdon) James Madison’s Montpelier https://www.montpelier.org/ Paul Jennings https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Jennings_(slave) Eater’s Richmond List https://dc
S1 E137 · Tue, November 08, 2022
Lesser Known National Parks (Return Trip)
This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan gets an excuse to listen to himself reminisce about all the best Lesser Known National Parks. The National Park System’s most popular sites– Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion— have become victims of their own success, with long lines and visitor frustration. But Lesser Known Parks are just as packed with treasures and far less packed with people.
S1 E136 · Mon, October 31, 2022
Haunted Places
On this special Halloween episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan and Kiernan share some of their top picks for (supposedly) haunted places to visit. With these stories of unlucky Confederate children, folks with a death wish, and voodoo practitioners, you might want to leave the lights on for this one. BOO! Things we talked about in today’s podcast: OOO Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/ Boston’s Granary Burying Grounds https://www.thefreedomtrail.org/trail-sites/granary-burying-ground Haverstraw Hitchcock House https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/2014/10/in-haverstraw-the-house-that-inspired-hitchcock/ Charleston’s Magnolia Cemetery https://www.bulldogtours.com/tours/the-spirits-of-magnolia-cemetery-tour/1 New Orlean’s Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1 https://www.frenchquarter.com/st-louis-cemetery-no-1/ New Jersey’s Devil Tree (and slightly warm rock) https://weirdnj.com/stories/devils-tree/ National Park Ghost Stories https://parktrust.org/blog/scary-stories-from-national-parks/ Georgia Guidestones https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/georgia-guidestones-destroyed-in-an-explosive-attack-180980383/ Poe’s graves https://www.eapoe.org/balt/poegrave.htm
S1 E135 · Tue, October 25, 2022
Bogota, Colombia
On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, we head back to Colombia! Ryan talks about his recent trip to Bogota, from a chocolate handwash to finally taking a Funicular. Plus, all the must-see museums. Tune in to discover if Ryan rode a llama. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: https://www.banrepcultural.org/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Clara_Church_Museum https://parque93.com/ https://www.theworlds50best.com/latinamerica/en/the-list/salvo-patria.html https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/Establishments/Colombia/Bogot%C3%A1/Leo.html https://www.theworlds50best.com/latinamerica/en/the-list/41-50/criterion.html https://www.theworlds50best.com/latinamerica/en/the-list/el-cielo.html https://www.wicomicotourism.org/blog/take-a-look-inside-the-perdue-family-farmhouse
S1 E134 · Tue, October 18, 2022
Foods of the Islamic World with Anissa Helou (Return Trip)
This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” we take another listen to one of Kiernan’s favorite interviews—cookbook author and food writer Anissa Helou! Anissa talks about the diversity of foods in the Islamic world and some of her favorite travel anecdotes.
S1 E133 · Tue, October 11, 2022
Medellín, Colombia (Return Trip To Episode 68)
In preparation for next week's new episode on Bogota, Colombia, Ryan takes us back to episode 68 of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, '' which explored Medellin. Featuring the best museums, cultural sites, parks, cafes, and restaurants, plus the boys grapple with the ethics of narcotourism. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Museo de Antioquia https://www.museodeantioquia.co/ Museo de Arte Moderno http://elmamm.org/ El Castillo Museo y Jardines http://www.museoelcastillo.org/ Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour + Escalators https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/colombia-medellin-neighborhood/index.html Museum Pablo Escobar https://www.pabloescobargaviria.com/ Inflexión Memorial Park https://www.medellinabrazasuhistoria.com/inflexion-memorial-park/?lang=en Cemetario Jardines Montesacro https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/pablo-escobars-grave Café Zeppelin https://www.facebook.com/cafezeppelin/ Naturalia Café Naturalia Café - Home Halong http://halong.com.co/ El Poblado https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Poblado Club Oráculo https://www.facebook.com/ClubOraculo/ New Yorker “The Afterlife of Pablo Escobar” https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/03/05/the-afterlife-of-pablo-escobar Vida Americana at The Whitney https://whitney.org/exhibitions/vida-americana Curio Spice Company https://www.curiospice.com/ - Listen to past episodes at: https://outofofficepod.com/ - Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/
S1 E132 · Tue, October 04, 2022
Star Wars at Disney
This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Star Wars enthusiast Kiernan puts on his Jedi robes and communes through The Force with Jimmy Mac, host of the Star Wars podcast “Rebel Force Radio.” The two dig into how Disney has endeavored to bring the galaxy far far away to life at Galaxy’s Edge— AKA Star Wars Land—and in the new immersive experience The Galactic Starcruiser. Be forewarned: these two nerd out deep. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Rebel Force Radio https://www.rebelforceradio.com/ Rancho Obi-Wan https://ranchoobiwan.org/ Galloping Ghost https://www.gallopingghostarcade.com “Behind the Attraction” Star Tours https://dorksideoftheforce.com/2021/07/13/star-tours-explored-disney-behind-the-attraction/amp/ Galaxy’s Edge https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/star-wars-galaxys-edge/ Kowakian Monkey-Lizard https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Kowakian_monkey-lizard Starcruiser https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/star-wars-galactic-starcruiser/overview Nal Hutta <a href= "https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Nal_Hut
S1 E131 · Tue, September 27, 2022
Bhutan (Return Trip to Episode #23)
On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan recounts his travels in the secluded mountain kingdom of Bhutan, which just last week reopened its borders to tourists after 2.5 years of COVID restrictions. Extraordinary scenery, Gross National Happiness, and penis deities abound! Things We Talked About: 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.nytimes.com/2013/06/29/opinion/bhutan-is-no-shangri-la.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paro_Taktsang https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drukpa_Kunley https://themalamarket.com/ http://time.com/5534495/hot-abraham-lincoln-statue/
S1 E130 · Tue, September 20, 2022
Pittsburgh 101
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/ Last Stop: https://twitter.com/lawrence_wright/status/1569127019895455744?s=20&t=j-OqK2U5OykqWej51Tb4Ww https://immersivevatican.com/ https://www.artmajeur.com/en/magazine/2-art-news/the-sistine-chapel-set-for-netflix-demolished-just-after-it-was-used-5-million-dollars-go-up-in-smoke/332002
S1 E129 · Tue, September 13, 2022
Iceland is a Niceland (Return Trip to Episode #9)
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-locals/jorunnsg/ingvellir-national-park https://www.icelandtravel.is/attractions/geysir/ http://gullfoss.is/ https://visitreykjavik.is/hellisheidi-power-plant-geothermal-energy-exhibition https://www.amazon.com/Home-Carson-Ellis/dp/0763665290/ref=asc_df_0763665290/
S1 E128 · Tue, September 06, 2022
Recreation.gov with Lauren Sloss
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/notre-dame-cathedral-fire-rebuild-medieval-carpenters-guledon Lauren’s NYT article “National Park Booking App Leaves Users Feeling Lost in the Woods”: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/29/travel/nps-recreation-gov.html Hipcamp https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US CNBC’s “Happiest Travel Destinations’ https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/28/club-med-top-10-happiest-travel-destinations-in-north-america.html
S1 E127 · Tue, August 30, 2022
Historic Houses In America (Return Trip to Episode #4)
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-houses-in-america-part-2/ https://www.rangerdoug.com https://www.instagram.com/ryannewyork https://www.instagram.com/kiernanpschmitt
S1 E126 · Tue, August 23, 2022
Germany’s Opera Paradise with Alex Ross
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 we talked about in today’s podcast: “A Grand Tour of Germany’s Opera Paradise” in The New Yorker https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/06/20/a-grand-tour-of-germanys-opera-paradise Alex’s latest book Wagenerism https://www.amazon.com/Wagnerism-Art-Politics-Shadow-Music/dp/0374285934 Coburger bratwurst http://www.germanfoodguide.com/wurstdetail.cfm?wurst_number=7 The Concorde returns https://www.cnet.com/culture/concorde-revolutionized-air-travel-when-could-supersonic-flights-come-back/ Salem’s last witch exonerated https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/last-convicted-salem-witch-is-finally-cleared-180980516/
S1 E125 · Tue, August 16, 2022
Traveling The Andes With Kim MacQuarrie
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-mexico-city-some-mexicans-want-them-to-go-home
S1 E124 · Tue, August 09, 2022
Southern Peru
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/ Central: https://centralrestaurante.com.pe/en/default.html Maido: https://maido.pe/en/ Manduco Ristorante Pizzeria Italiano: https://www.facebook.com/ManducoBarranco Isolina: https://isolina.pe/ Mérito: https://www.meritorestaurante.com/ Convento De San Francisco: https://www.afar.com/places/convento-de-san-francisco-lima Arequipa: Chicha por Gaston Acurio: https://chicha.com.pe/ Museo Santuarios Andinos: https://www.facebook.com/MuseoSantuariosAndinos Zig Zag: https://zigzagrestaurant.com/en/zig-zag-en/ The Train: <span style="font-w
S1 E123 · Tue, July 19, 2022
Glacier National Park
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 Glacier https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grinnell_Glacier History of the Lodges https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/historyculture/lodges-and-chalets.htm Moon Guide (yes I like the old one!) https://www.amazon.com/Moon-Glacier-National-Park-Handbooks/dp/1598807501 Kim MacQuarrie's The Last Days of the Incas https://www.amazon.com/Last-Days-Incas-Kim-MacQuarrie/dp/0743260503 Caves 101 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/caves-101/id1438098925?i=1000449238134
S1 E122 · Thu, June 23, 2022
Rocky Mountain National Park
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 Lake Lodge https://www.grandlakelodge.com/ Allenpark Lodge https://allensparklodgebnb.com/ Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ https://smokindavesbbq.com/ The Donut Haus http://www.donuthaus-estespark.com/ Falcon Guide https://www.amazon.com/Best-Hikes-Rocky-Mountain-National/dp/1493046780/ref=sr_1_1?crid=LNBPCIWSMUAE&keywords=rocky+mountain+easy+day+hike&qid=1654717385&s=books&sprefix=rocky+mountain+easy+day+hi%2Cstripbooks%2C74&sr=1-1 “The Motorcycle Diaries” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Motorcycle_Diaries_(film) The New Yorker’s “Flight Attendants Fight Back” https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/05/30/f
S1 E121 · Tue, June 07, 2022
Summering in the Eastern Shore of Maryland
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) his youth poking squishy crabs. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Ward Museum: https://www.wardmuseum.org/ National Folk Festival - https://nationalfolkfestival.com/ Red Roost Crab House - https://www.theredroost.com/ Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park - https://www.nps.gov/hatu/index.htm Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - https://www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater Assateague Island - https://www.nps.gov/asis/index.htm Furnace Town Historic Site - http://www.furnacetown.org/ Bill Tracey - http://ochh.net/tracyindex.html
S1 E120 · Tue, May 24, 2022
“The Cook You Want to Be” with Andy Baraghani
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.instagram.com/andybaraghani Andy on San Miguel de Allende: https://nymag.com/strategist/article/san-miguel-de-allende-mexico-things-to-do.html Rick Steves on 2022 Summer Travel in “T+L”: https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/rick-steves-europe-summer-travel-tips NYT’s “Living that #VanLife”: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/15/podcasts/the-daily/van-life-millennials-sunday-read.html “Mad Magazine” staff trips: https://www.madmagazine.com/blog/2012/12/13/totally-mad-excerpt-what-were-the-mad-trips
S1 E119 · Thu, May 12, 2022
Summer Trip Planning 2022
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 Planning 101 https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-two-trip-planning/ State Parks with NYT’s Peter Kujawinski https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-43-state-parks-with-peter-kujawinski/ Unexploded Bombs as Souvenir https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2022/04/29/airport-us-tourists-unexploded-souvenir-bomb-to-ben-gurion/?sh=64f6c8a44af2 New Yorker’s “Transforming Trees into Skyscrapers” https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/04/25/transforming-trees-into-skyscrapers
S1 E118 · Tue, April 26, 2022
San Antonio 101
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-cathedrals-101/ Texas Ghost Tour: https://texasghosttour.com/ Briscoe Museum of Western Art https://www.briscoemuseum.org/ San Antonio Dining With Edmund Tijerina https://edmundtijerina.com/ https://www.amazon.com/San-Antonios-Best-Restaurants-beloved/dp/1978146809/ San Antonio Taxidermy Museum: https://www.buckhornmuseum.com/ Paris’s best taxidermy at Deyrolles https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/deyrolle-paris-book/amp
S1 E117 · Thu, April 07, 2022
How War Threatens Ukraine’s Art and Architecture
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 Allure” https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/17/travel/ukraines-wooden-churches.html Evan Rail on social https://twitter.com/evanrail?lang=en https://www.instagram.com/evanrail/?hl=en Ukrainian Farmer video game https://www.altchar.com/game-news/there-is-a-game-where-farmers-steal-russian-tanks-with-tractors-now-aQe397I50CBV French Culture Property Protection Officer on Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/timleberre Kevin Collins On DC: https://twitter.com/kwcollins/status/1506992056731901959 Austin Graff on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/austinkgraff/?hl=en
S1 E116 · Thu, March 24, 2022
Washington, DC
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 collapse https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/16/metro/collapsed-section-newport-cliff-walk-could-remain-closed-well-past-summer-season/ Smithsonian National Postal Museum https://postalmuseum.si.edu/ OOO Interview with Director of the National Postal Museum https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smithsonian-national-postal-museum-with-director/id1438098925?i=1000438061317 National Portrait Gallery https://www.si.edu/museums/portrait-gallery The Phillips Collection https://www.phillipscollection.org/ The Great Migration series by Jacob Lawrence https://lawrencemigration.phillipscollection.org/the-migration-series/panels/3/from-every-southern-town-migrants-left-by-the-hundreds-to-travel-north The National Museum of African American History and Culture https://www.si.edu/museums/african-american-museum Department of the Interior Museum https://www.doi.gov/interiormuseum FDR Memorial https://washington.org/find-dc-listings/franklin-delano-roosevelt-memorial MLK Memorial https://www.nps.gov/mlkm/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm Jefferson Memorial https://www.nps.gov/mlkm/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm Theodore Roosevelt Island https://www.nps.gov/this/index.htm Ethiopian food https://dc.eater.com/maps/best-ethiopian-restaurants-dc-map SUNde
S1 E115 · Tue, March 01, 2022
The Gilded Age In New York & Newport With “Bowery Boys” creator Greg Young
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.boweryboyshistory.com/ The Gilded Gentleman Podcast https://thegildedgentleman.com/ The Gilded Age https://www.hbo.com/the-gilded-age 5th Avenue Millionaire’s Row https://untappedcities.com/2021/10/18/the-gilded-age-5th-avenue-mansions-of-millionaires-row/?displayall=true The Frick Collection https://www.frick.org/ The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum https://www.cooperhewitt.org/ The Gilded Age Filming Locations https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a38820056/the-gilded-age-hbo-filming-locations-historic-house-museums/ Newport Mansions https://www.newportmansions.org/ The Knick https://www.hbomax.com/series/urn:hbo:series:GVyD7qQNv6oKWYQEAAAHj “How The Other Half Live
S1 E114 · Wed, February 16, 2022
China’s New National Park System
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 Natural History https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/19/arts/design/theodore-roosevelt-statue-natural-history-museum.html Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Statement https://www.trlibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/TRPL-Announcement-Press-Release-FINAL-1.pdf Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/permanent/theodore-roosevelt-memorial/hall Bloomberg’s “China is Building the World’s Largest National Park System” by Karoline Kan and Allen Wan https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-12-11/inside-china-s-new-massive-national-park-system Bottom of the Ocean https://www.boto.nyc/
S1 E113 · Wed, February 02, 2022
Return of NYT Travel Editor Amy Virshup
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/travel/52-places-travel-2022.html Amy Virshup’s article describing this year’s list: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/10/travel/a-different-kind-of-52.html Rock cairns in the National Parks https://www.nps.gov/articles/rockcairns.htm
S1 E112 · Tue, January 18, 2022
Traveling to See Wildlife
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-web.pdf Illinois Woman Charged in Yellowstone https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/news/211007.htm “The Rescue” Documentary https://films.nationalgeographic.com/the-rescue Wilderness Press “Walking” Series https://shop.adventurewithkeen.com/?s=walking&post_type=product
S1 E111 · Sat, January 08, 2022
2022 Travel Resolutions
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.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_national_capitals New River Gorge https://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm Jonglez “Secret” guides https://jonglezpublishing.com/product-category/secret-guides/ “Unsettling Truth about the ‘Mostly Harmless’ Hiker” in WIRED https://www.wired.com/story/unsettling-truth-mostly-harmless-hiker/ “Pompeii Still Has Buried Secrets” in the New Yorker https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/11/29/pompeii-still-has-buried-secrets?source=search_google_dsa_paid&gclid=Cj0KCQiA_c-OBhDFARIsAIFg3exm9hMVCb-4PWiMylwJ7nVJjve_WwCEnq5nJ5lRchfjrZOdadO59YwaAn8gEALw_wcB
S1 E110 · Wed, December 22, 2021
Christmas Spectacular Four
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 https://www.hrm.org/glenview/ Armour-Stiner Octagon House https://www.armourstiner.com/ Tomie DePaola’s Christmas Tree Book https://www.amazon.com/Tomie-dePaolas-Christmas-Tree-Book/dp/0823442381 Rent’s “Christmas Bells” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nVcUkol3Eg Banu Gibson’s “I’d Like to Hitch a Ride with Santa Claus” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZBpJOd9iY4 Ryan’s ornament https://www.etsy.com/listing/1096328209/penis-snowflake-ornament?source=aw&utm_source=affiliate_window&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=us_location_buyer&utm_content=652045&awc=6220_1639615067_263b2ecb8085222918f9e35a0534832c&utm_term=0 Kiernan’s ornament https://oldworldchristmas.com/products/santa-with-face-mask-ornament?gclid=Cj0KCQiA5OuNBhCRARIsACgaiqXlQPMrfRgOUO_OWa_F2Mt9MBTX5Zj72WNC3Thdbt4z1mMPxOqyagoaAur9EALw_wcB
S1 E109 · Thu, December 16, 2021
Mexico City Updates
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.instagram.com/elena_reygadas Salon Rosetta: https://www.instagram.com/salonrosetta/ Pizzeria Lardo: https://www.instagram.com/pizzeria_lardo/ Brunch at Lardo: https://lardo.mx/ Maximo Bistrot https://www.maximobistrot.com.mx/ Galanga (Galanga Thai House) https://galangathai.mx/ The Prom https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Video-First-Look-at-THE-PROM-Spanish-Language-Production-in-Mxico-20211109 Em https://www.itsemilia.rest/ Anónimo Don’t go to the one in Polanco! <a href= "https://www.instagram.com
S1 E108 · Thu, November 18, 2021
Gothic Cathedrals 101
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 Architecture https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_architecture San-Chapelle in Paris http://www.sainte-chapelle.fr/en/# The Blood Relic in Bruges, Belgium https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_the_Holy_Blood The Last Duel https://www.20thcenturystudios.com/movies/the-last-duel Tomie DePaola https://www.tomie.com/
S1 E107 · Thu, October 28, 2021
Salem, MA and the Witch Trials
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. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Day of the Dead episode https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/day-of-the-dead-d%C3%ADa-de-los-muertos/id1438098925?i=1000496703513 Peabody Essex Museum https://www.pem.org/ Salem Heritage Trail https://www.salem.org/blog/heritage-trail/ Salem Maritime National Historic Site https://www.nps.gov/sama/index.htm Witch History Museum https://salemwitchmuseum.com/ Witch Dungeon Museum http://www.witchdungeon.com/witchdungeon.html Bewitched Statue https://www.salem.org/listing/bewitched-statue/ Witch House/Corwin House https://www.thewitchhouse.org/ McIntire Historic District and the Ropes Mansion https://www.pem.org/visit/historic-houses/mcintire-historic-district<
S1 E106 · Tue, October 12, 2021
Top Olmsted Picks
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-olmsted/ Olmsted 200 https://olmsted200.org/ Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site https://www.nps.gov/frla/learn/management/index.htm Biltmore in Asheville, NC https://www.biltmore.com/blog/olmsteds-deliberate-approach/ Back Bay Fens in Boston, MA https://www.emeraldnecklace.org/park-overview/back-bay-fens/ US Capitol Grounds in Washington D.C. https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/buildings-grounds/capitol-building/capitol-grounds Hubbard Park in Meriden, CT https://www.myrecordjournal.com/Archive/2015/11/ColumnJWK-rj-111315 Prospect Park in Brooklyn https://www.prospectpark.org/learn-more/park-history-slideshow/ Belle Isle in Detroit, MI https://www.modeldmedia.com/features/belle-isle-olmsted-legacy-041816.aspx
S1 E105 · Thu, September 23, 2021
Quebec City and Montreal 2021
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=1000463905461 Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec https://www.mnbaq.org/ Lévis Forts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%A9vis_Forts Montmorency Falls https://www.sepaq.com/destinations/parc-chute-montmorency/ Little Burgundy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Burgundy September Cafe https://www.septembersurf.com/ - Vin Mon Lapin Until November - The Infinite: https://phi.ca/en/exhibitions/the-infinite-montreal/ Lachine Canal National Historic Site https://www.pc.gc.ca/fr/lhn-nhs/qc/canallachine Sam Knight’s “New Yorker” article on the British National Trust and its grappling with a history of slavery and empire https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/08/23/britains-idyllic-country-houses-reveal-a-darker-history
S1 E104 · Tue, August 31, 2021
Portland, Maine
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 Museum interview https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smithsonian-national-postal-museum-with-director/id1438098925?i=1000438061317 Holy Donut https://theholydonut.com/ Duckfat https://www.duckfat.com/ Hugo’s https://www.hugosmaine.com/ Eventide https://www.eventideoysterco.com/ Eventide Cookbook https://www.eventideoysterco.com/shop/eventide-cookbook The Honey Paw https://www.thehoneypaw.com/ Izakaya Minato https://www.izakayaminato.com/ Nura https://www.nuraportland.com/ Longfellow Books https://www.longfellowbooks.com/ Allagash Brewing Company https://www.allagash.com/ Bissell Brothers https://bissellbrothers.com/ Oxbow Blending and Bottling https://oxbowbeer.com/ Austin Street Brewery https://www.austinstreetbrewery.com/ Lone Pine Brewing Company https://lonepinebrewery.com/ Goodfire Brewing https://www.goodfirebrewing.com/ Breakwater Lighthouse/Bug Light https://www.visitportland.com/blog/2020/03/11/bug-light-park/ Choragic Monument of Lysicrates https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choragic_Monument_of_Lysicrates Portland Freedom Trail https://www.mainehisto
S1 E103 · Tue, August 17, 2021
100 Years of the Appalachian Trail
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/an-idea-turns-100-a-photo-history-of-the-appalachian-trail/ Steve Holt https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/author/sholt/ Appalachian Mountain Club https://www.outdoors.org/about/ Appalachian Trail Conservancy https://appalachiantrail.org/ Dartmouth’s Rauner Library https://www.dartmouth.edu/library/rauner/ The Trouble History of Inclusion in American Outdoor Spaces https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/history/the-troubled-history-of-inclusion-in-american-outdoor-spaces/ Ryan’s Delaware Water Gap Hike https://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/appalachian-nst.htm Kiernan’s Bear Mountain
S1 E102 · Tue, August 03, 2021
Our Top Travel Movies
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-accidentally-wes-anderson-with-creator-wally-koval/ Talented Mr. Ripley https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0134119/ “The Grand Tour” episode https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-80-the-grand-tour/ Before Sunrise https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112471/ Midnight in Paris https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1605783/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 The Trip https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1740047/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2 Grand Budapest Hotel https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2278388/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 Planes, Trains and Automobiles https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093748/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 <span style="font-weight: 400;"
S1 E101 · Tue, July 06, 2021
The Travels of Frederick Law Olmsted
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 https://justinmartin1.com/ “Genius of Place: The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted” https://www.amazon.com/Genius-Place-Frederick-Olmsted-Lawrence/dp/0306821486 “A Fierce Glory: Antietam—The Desperate Battle That Saved Lincoln and Doomed Slavery” https://www.amazon.com/Genius-Place-Frederick-Olmsted-Lawrence/dp/0306821486 National Parks are Overrun https://nypost.com/2021/06/14/pandemic-fatigued-americans-are-overrunning-national-parks/
S1 E100 · Thu, June 17, 2021
Rick Steves and Conor Knighton
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://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-7-in-the-jailhouse-now/ Historic Homes in America https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-4-historic-houses-in-america/
S1 E99 · Thu, June 03, 2021
Boston Part 3: Boston Harbor & Harbor Islands
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.bostonharbornow.org/what-we-do/explore/harborwalk/ USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/visit/museum-ship/plan-your-visit/ Boston Sea Wall Murals https://seawalls.org/activation/boston-usa/ Long Wharf Middle Passage Marker https://www.wgbh.org/news/local-news/2020/12/02/in-the-age-of-black-lives-matter-new-england-faces-its-own-role-in-slavery Deer Island tour https://www.mwra.com/02org/html/faqstidi.htm Castle Island Sugar Bowl Walk https://www.mass.gov/doc/castle-island-trail-map/download Spectacle Island https://www.bostonharborislands.org/spectacle-island/ Georges Island ht
S1 E98 · Tue, May 11, 2021
Exploring “Accidentally Wes Anderson” with Creator Wally Koval
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/book/ “Genius of Place: The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted” https://www.amazon.com/Genius-Place-Frederick-Olmsted-Lawrence/dp/0306821486 Rick Steves Monday Night Travel https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/travel-classes/monday-night-travel
S1 E97 · Tue, April 27, 2021
Post-Covid Travel Ad Campaigns
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, Tomorrow.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgRwvUxmhOM Croatia “Safe Stay in Croatia” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ_1pn_JOTU Redmond, Washington “You Stay You Pay” https://www.seattlepi.com/local/seattlenews/article/redmond-wash-will-pay-you-to-visit-during-covid-16043806.php Indonesia “Waiting for You in Indonesia” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtQb3t_2SPA Utah “Forever Mighty” https://www.visitutah.com/plan-your-trip/forever
S1 E96 · Mon, March 29, 2021
Ryan's Brooklyn
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 https://www.instagram.com/officialbushwickopenstudios Our episode on Natural Wine in Brooklyn: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-24-natural-wine-in-brooklyn/ Two new favs: https://www.winonasbk.com/ https://www.beaubrooklyn.com/ Two older favs: https://www.legaragebrooklyn.com/ https://www.llamainnnyc.com/ Big Onion Tours https://www.bigonion.com/tours/ Secret Brooklyn Book https://jonglezpublishing.com/product/secret-brooklyn/ Sugaring at Maple Corner Farm http://www.maplecornerfarm.com/ Autobiographical novel about 1970s Bushwick. https://www.
S1 E95 · Tue, March 09, 2021
Boston Part 2: Kiernan’s Picks
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/massachusetts/abandoned-zoo-ma/ Minuteman National Park https://www.nps.gov/mima/index.htm Minuteman Poster by Paul Rand https://americanart.si.edu/artwork/minute-man-35737 Arnold Arboretum https://arboretum.harvard.edu/ JFK Presidential Library Coconut https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/coconut-bearing-rescue-message-mo-634852 New England Aquarium https://www.neaq.org/ Museum of Science https://www.mos.org/ “The Alchemist” at MIT https://listart.mit.edu/public-art-map/alchemist MIT Great Dome http://museum.mit.edu/150/70 MIT Campu
S1 E94 · Tue, February 16, 2021
USA Today’s Christopher Elliott on the Future of Travel
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 Twitter: https://twitter.com/chriselliotts Christopher on the Web: https://chriselliotts.com/ https://www.elliott.org/ “Boston Statues” https://www.amazon.com/Boston-Statues-Katharine-Knowles/dp/0827170157 Grounds for Sculpture https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/
S1 E93 · Tue, February 02, 2021
NYT Travel Editor Amy Virshup Strikes Back!
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/places/the-gates-of-hell-turkmenistan Slovenia’s Church of the Holy Trinity https://www.istria-culture.com/en/the-holy-trinity-church-in-hrastovlje-i13
S1 E92 · Tue, January 12, 2021
Boston Part 1: The Must-Sees
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.boston.gov/parks/public-garden Duck Statues https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/make-way-for-ducklings-statue Ether Monument https://friendsofthepublicgarden.org/donate/ether-monument/ Granary Burying Ground https://www.bostonpreservation.org/advocacy-project/granary-burying-ground Old State House/Boston Massacre site https://www.nps.gov/bost/learn/historyculture/osh.htm Paul Revere House https://www.paulreverehouse.org/ Old North Church https://www.oldnorth.com/ USS Constitution https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/ <span st
S1 E91 · Thu, December 31, 2020
Year in Review
On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan and Ryan look back on the spectacular year of 2020 and choose their top 3 favorite episodes from the archives. Ryan: Montreal: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-69-montreal/ The Grand Tour: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-80-the-grand-tour/ Socially Distanced Hiking Near NYC: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-78-socially-distanced-hiking-near-nyc/ Kiernan: Choosing a Travel Companion: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-74-choosing-a-travel-companion/ Chattanooga & Lookout Mountain: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-88-chattanooga-lookout-mountain/ Every National Park With Conor Knighton: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-82-every-national-park-with-conor-knighton/
S1 E90 · Thu, December 24, 2020
Christmas Spectacular Three
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.myrecordjournal.com/News/Wallingford/Wallingford-News/Beaumont-Farm-holiday-light-display.html#gallery-3 Ryan’s ornament for Kiernan https://www.etsy.com/listing/703955588/felt-ornament-teddy-roosevelt-theodore?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=teddy+roosevelt+ornament&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&organic_search_click=1 Kiernan’s ornament for Ryan https://www.fun.com/santaur-is-coming-to-town-christmas-ornament.html?mpid=223910&gclid=CjwKCAiAoOz-BRBdEiwAyuvA66UsRf8CG2dlb07N0rJ1TO8PDsVxFOfnbvKHFrJ9etInOtWhSoT9IRoCwLoQAvD_BwE Snoop Dogg and Anna Kedrick’s “Winter Wonderland/Here Comes Santa Claus” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sTvdeLQsMM Lou Monte’s “Dominick the Donkey” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca5wXojemRM
S1 E89 · Tue, December 15, 2020
Charleston Part 1
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.historiccharleston.org/house-museums/nathaniel-russell-house/ Old Slave Mart Museum https://www.charleston-sc.gov/160/Old-Slave-Mart-Museum Stems & Skins https://stemsandskins.com/ Obstinate Daughter https://theobstinatedaughter.com/ Husk https://thegrocerycharleston.com/ The Grocery https://thegrocerycharleston.com/ The Ordinary https://eattheordinary.com/ Poogan’s Porch https://www.poogansporch.com/ Murakami Museum https://lithub.com/a-ne
S1 E88 · Wed, December 02, 2020
Chattanooga & Lookout Mountain
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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGBwmLRNLJ4 Chattanooga Choo Choo movie trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgmFbar83Vw Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel https://www.choochoo.com/our-story Tennessee Riverwalk https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/a-guide-to-chattanoogas-riverwalk/ Harrison Bay State Park https://tnstateparks.com/parks/harrison-bay Yellow Deli and Twelve Tribes https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2018/may/19/yellow-delitwelve-tribes-back-spotlight-subje/471156/?bcsubid=cf4dcede-731f-4157-822e-1591f60c88ce&pbdialog=reg-wall-login-created-tfp The Funicular Ryan Ignored https://ridetheincline.com/ Ruby Falls https://www.rubyfalls.com/ </s
S1 E87 · Tue, November 17, 2020
The Museums of Iceland
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 Museums” by A. Kendra Greene https://www.amazon.com/Museum-Whales-You-Will-Never/dp/0143135465 The Icelandic Phallological Museum https://phallus.is/en/ Petra’s Stone and Mineral Collection https://www.steinapetra.is/ The Herring Era Museum http://www.sild.is/en/ NYTimes “Sizing Up the Rural-Urban Travel Divide: Who’s Up and Who’s Down” https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/06/travel/rural-versus-urban-travel-pandemic.html Red Snappers https://www.beansmeats.com/product/red-snapper-frankfurts/
S1 E86 · Sat, October 31, 2020
Day of the Dead/Día de Los Muertos
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 the Harvard Peabody Museum https://www.peabody.harvard.edu/Muertos José Ralat’s “Pan de Muerto is a Cross-Cultural Taste of History” https://www.texasmonthly.com/food/tex-mexplainer-pan-de-muerto-is-a-cross-cultural-taste-of-history/ Peabody Museum’s Altar https://www.peabody.harvard.edu/node/287 Catrina https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Calavera_Catrina Museo Mural Diego Rivera https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museo_Mural_Diego_Rivera Papel Picado https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papel_picado Santa Muerte https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Muerte Ay Mujer Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/AyMujer?ref=yr_purchases “Gustavo, The Shy Ghost” by Flavia Dr
S1 E85 · Tue, October 20, 2020
Knoxville & The Great Smoky Mountains
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.visitknoxville.com/blog/post/10-things-to-know-about-market-square/ The Sunsphere https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunsphere Knoxville Museum of Art’s Beauford Delaney and James Baldwin: Through the Unusual Door https://knoxart.org/exhibitions/beauford-delaney-and-james-baldwin-through-the-unusual-door/?fbclid=IwAR0-LC-ypve4glLMCt8KO0snbhITplQMdBB0CWj1VxuvwZFmAB0vGYC6Ls4 Knoxville Museum of Art’s Thorne Miniatures Rooms https://knoxart.org/exhibitions/thorne-rooms/ Downtown Wine+Spirits https://www.dtwine.com Rainbow Falls, Great Smoky Mountains https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/rainbow-falls-pyv.htm Tuckaleechee Caverns https://tuckaleecheecaverns.com/development-of-caverns/ Avoiding Bear Attacks <a href= "h
S1 E84 · Tue, October 06, 2020
Downeast Maine
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.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beals,_Maine Great Wass Island Preserve https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/great-wass-island/ Jasper Beach https://coastalcare.org/2011/02/jasper-beach-machiasport-maine-usa/ Bill Coperthwaite Yurt and Dickinsons Reach https://www.yurtinfo.org/the-yurt-foundation Roque Bluffs State Park https://www.stateparks.com/roque_bluffs_state_park_in_maine.html Blue Ridge Parkway https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/ Thai National Park is mailing back trash left behind by tourists https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2020/09/18/tourist-trash-mail/
S1 E83 · Tue, September 22, 2020
Summer Break Wrap-Up
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 his fur coat https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/30/style/edward-gorey.html The Gashlycrumb Tinies https://www.brainpickings.org/2011/01/19/edward-gorey-the-gashlycrumb-tinies/ Rick Steves DVD Anthology Set https://shop.pbs.org/WC5782.html?p=1&websource=PBSGOOGLE7&source_code=PBSGOOGLE7&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=Cj0KCQjwnqH7BRD
S1 E82 · Tue, August 04, 2020
Every National Park with Conor Knighton
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/ “CBS Sunday Morning” Crater Lake Old Man segment https://www.cbsnews.com/video/on-the-trail-crater-lakes-old-man/ “CBS Sunday Morning” Denali Sled Dogs segment https://www.cbsnews.com/news/on-the-trail-the-dogs-of-denali-national-park/ “CBS Sunday Morning” Biscayne National Park https://www.cbsnews.com/news/on-the-trail-biscayne-national-park/ Conor Knighton sings “America the Beautiful” in every National Park https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsIvhZL3Y8k Synchronized Fireflies https://www.nps.gov/cong/fireflies.htm Museums in danger of closing https://www.aam-us.org/2020/07/22/united-states-may-lose-one-third-of-all-museums-new-survey-shows/ Encarta https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encarta
S1 E81 · Wed, July 22, 2020
Disney World in the Pandemic
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: Museum to Mosque https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53366307 Park Predators podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/park-predators/id1517651197
S1 E80 · Tue, July 07, 2020
The Grand Tour
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.org/wiki/The_Talented_Mr._Ripley_(film)
S1 E79 · Tue, June 23, 2020
Rick Steves Commencement Commentary
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan and Ryan listen to Rick Steves’s online commencement address and offer their thoughts on his advice to the graduates of 2020. Plus, the Last Stop is back! Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Rick Steves Commencement Address https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdlho9wpG20 David Foster Wallace Commencement Address https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CrOL-ydFMI Reichstag reopening http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/440771.stm Franciscan Order https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franciscans Jesuit Order https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_of_Jesus “The Great” on Hulu https://www.hulu.com/series/the-great-238db0d4-c476-47ed-9bee-d326fd302f7d New Yorker’s “Thirty-Six Thousand Feet Under the Sea” by Ben Taub https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/05/18/thirty-six-thousand-feet-under-the-sea
S1 E78 · Tue, June 02, 2020
Socially Distanced Hiking Near NYC
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan shares his newly found love for hiking during quarantine and Kiernan updates us on the latest unexpected twist in his Quest for Rick Steves. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/ Harriman State Park https://parks.ny.gov/parks/145 Black Creek Preserve / Ulster Park https://www.scenichudson.org/explore-the-valley/scenic-hudson-parks/black-creek-preserve/ Schunemunk Mountain nynjtc.org/park/schunemunk-mountain-3 South Mountain Reservation https://www.essexcountyparks.org/parks/south-mountain-reservation Rick Steves Waving https://www.edmondsbeacon.com/story/2020/05/04/news/hello-from-eight-oaks/23103.html
S1 E77 · Tue, April 07, 2020
Feeding Your Wanderlust in Quarantine
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan and Ryan discuss the frustrations of loving travel but being stuck at home. The boys offer recommendations for books, movies, and games to help you make it through this period of self-isolation. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: “The Big Oyster: History on the Half-Shell” by Mark Kurlansky https://www.amazon.com/Big-Oyster-History-Half-Shell/dp/0345476395 “The Great Influenza” by John M. Barry https://www.amazon.com/Great-Influenza-Deadliest-Pandemic-History-ebook/dp/B000OCXFWE Disney True-Life Adventure Series https://www.disneyplus.com/movies/yellowstone-cubs/320qnEGAhtOm https://www.disneyplus.com/movies/the-vanishing-prairie/7ZRqoMTyqMfY https://www.disneyplus.com/movies/perri/4Y8BFJTYWdon Snowpiercer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowpiercer Travel Man https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKuSn_LSQ_U_8o35jjpi0xQ Drawful 2 https://www.jackboxgames.com/drawful-two/ - Listen to past episodes at: https://outofofficepod.com/ - Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/
S1 E76 · Tue, March 17, 2020
Coronavirus Coping
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan and Ryan give a brief news update and discuss how they plan on running a travel podcast at a time when no one can, you know, travel. (Note: this was recorded on Friday, March 13 and news may have changed by the time it is released.) Things we talked about in today’s podcast: NYTimes “The Tickets Home Were $5,000. They Paid It.” https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/12/travel/coronavirus-travel-ban-paris.html T+L’s “These 12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take on Your Couch” https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours News Update: Dollywood Delays Opening Due to COVID 19 https://www.wsaz.com/content/news/Dollywood-delays-season-opening-due-to-COVID-19-concerns-568779471.html - Listen to past episodes at: https://outofofficepod.com/ - Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/
S1 E75 · Tue, March 10, 2020
WashPo’s Hannah Sampson on Coronavirus and the Travel Industry
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, we welcome back Hannah Sampson from the Washington Post to talk about how coronavirus is affecting tourism and the travel industry. Plus, Ryan explains why he’ll soon be humming “Jolene” 24-7. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: NYTimes “Almost Without Precedent”: Airlines Hit Hard By Coronavirus https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/05/business/coronavirus-airline-industry.html Slate “I’m a Luxury Travel Agent. We’re Screwed” https://slate.com/human-interest/2020/03/coronavirus-diaries-travel-agent-halt.html Hannah Sampson’s Coronavirus Coverage https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/hannah-sampson/ WNYC’s “Dolly Parton’s America” podcast https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/dolly-partons-america Joe Dator’s TSA cartoon https://twitter.com/JoeDator/status/1231977138779312132/photo/1 - Listen to past episodes at: https://outofofficepod.com/ - Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/
S1 E74 · Tue, March 03, 2020
Choosing a Travel Companion
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys talk about how to choose a companion who will complement—and perhaps even enhance—your travel experiences. Not all friends are cut out to be your dinner date and sleeping mate for days on end; this week’s epi will show you how to figure out who deserves a place on your reservations. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Edgar Allen Poe in New York City https://untappedcities.com/2012/08/10/in-search-of-poe/ Pupuseria y Restaurante Salvadoreno in Detroit https://detroit.eater.com/2014/4/29/6234905/pupuseria-y-restaurante-salvadoreno - Listen to past episodes at: https://outofofficepod.com/ - Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/
S1 E73 · Tue, February 25, 2020
Obscure Museums of London Part 2
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan takes us back to London to talk through another 5 of his favorite obscure museums. Plus, Ryan realizes maybe he’s been a little too close-minded about all non-Bushwick places. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Episode 31 - Obscure Museums of London Part 1 https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-31-obscure-london-museums-part-1/ Museum of Brands https://www.museumofbrands.com/ Old Operating Theatre http://oldoperatingtheatre.com/ Sherlock Holmes Museum http://www.sherlock-holmes.co.uk/ Museum of the Home https://www.museumofthehome.org.uk/ Canal Museum https://www.canalmuseum.org.uk/ Canal and River Trust https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/ Asian Jewels in Flushing, Queens https://www.viamichelin.com/web/Restaurant/Flushing-11354-Asian_Jewels-2v3pz2bf New Yorker’s “The Past and The Future of the Earth’s Oldest Trees” by Alex Ross https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/01/20/the-past-and-the-future-of-the-earths-oldest-trees - Listen to past episodes at: https://outofofficepod.com/ - Follow us on Instagram at: <a href= "https://www.instagra
S1 E72 · Tue, February 18, 2020
Street Food 101
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan and Kiernan discuss their strategies for finding and eating the best street food while traveling. The boys talk through sanitary watchouts, why Google Images is your friend, and how to assemble your very own street food tasting menu. Plus, drama around why Ryan canceled a trip to see Kiernan! Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Georgetown “Exorcist” stairs https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exorcist_steps Sol LeWitt’s “Bars of Color within Squares (MIT)” https://listart.mit.edu/public-art-map/bars-color-within-squares-mit - Listen to past episodes at: https://outofofficepod.com/ - Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/
S1 E71 · Tue, February 11, 2020
NYT Travel Editor Amy Virshup
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan talks with Amy Virshup, the travel editor of the New York Times. They dive deep into the paper’s “52 Places to Go in 2020” list and discuss destinations that didn’t quite make the cut. Plus, Amy discusses the role of photography in bringing the list to life and why the Times will no longer have a “52 Places Traveler” column. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: “52 Places to Travel in 2020” https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/travel/places-to-visit.html “How We Picked the 2020 ‘Places to Go’ List” by Amy Virshup https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/09/travel/top-destinations-52-places.html The 52 Places Traveler https://www.nytimes.com/column/the-52-places-traveler 21c Museum Hotels https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com Lost Highway Art https://www.instagram.com/losthighwayart/?hl=en http://www.losthighwayart.net/ - Listen to past episodes at: https://outofofficepod.com/ - Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/
S1 E70 · Tue, February 04, 2020
Montreal
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan takes us through one of his favorite cities in the world: Montreal. He’ll give his recommendations for great places to eat, to see world-class art, and to check out go-go boys. Plus, bagels! Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Montreal Museum of Fine Arts https://www.mbam.qc.ca/en/ Old Montreal https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Montreal Jacques Cartier https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Cartier Mount Royal https://www.lemontroyal.qc.ca/en Joe Beef https://www.joebeef.ca/ Au Pied de Cochon https://aupieddecochon.ca/en/ Nora Gray http://noragray.com/ Larrys http://lawrencemtl.com/larrys/ Montreal bagels https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal-style_bagel Bagels on Greene http://www.bagelsongreene.com/ Club Social P.S. https://montreal.eater.com/venue/51149/club-social-p-s Cloakroom https://www.cloakroombar.co/ Montreal Gay Village https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_Village,_Montreal Dealey Plaz
S1 E69 · Tue, January 28, 2020
Québec City
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan sings the praises of visiting Québec City in the winter. From tobogganing in the middle of the city to snowshoeing at a close by national park, no amount of snow can cool Kiernan’s enthusiasm for our neighbor to the North. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Moon Poll https://yougov.co.uk/topics/science/articles-reports/2019/07/20/half-britons-wouldnt-want-go-moon-even-if-their-sa?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=website_article&utm_campaign=moon Le Chateau Frontenac https://www.fairmont.com/frontenac-quebec/ Toboggan chute https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/businesses/outdoor-activities/snow/sliding/toboggan-slide-au-1884/ Fortifications of Quebec https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/qc/fortifications Plains of Abraham http://www.ccbn-nbc.gc.ca/en/ Funicular between Upper Town and Lower Town https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Quebec_Funicular Saint Roch https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/neighbourhoods/saint-roch/ MacFly Bar Arcade https://www.macflybararcade.com/ La Barberie http://labarberie.com/ Jacques-Cartier National Park <span style= "
S1 E68 · Tue, January 21, 2020
Medellín, Colombia
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan talks us through his recent trip to Colombia’s second largest city, Medellín . Ryan recommends the best museums, cultural sites, parks, cafes, and restaurants, and the boys grapple with the ethics of narcotourism. Plus, spices! Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Museo de Antioquia https://www.museodeantioquia.co/ Museo de Arte Moderno http://elmamm.org/ El Castillo Museo y Jardines http://www.museoelcastillo.org/ Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour + Escalators https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/colombia-medellin-neighborhood/index.html Museum Pablo Escobar https://www.pabloescobargaviria.com/ Inflexión Memorial Park https://www.medellinabrazasuhistoria.com/inflexion-memorial-park/?lang=en Cemetario Jardines Montesacro https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/pablo-escobars-grave Café Zeppelin https://www.facebook.com/cafezeppelin/ Naturalia Café Naturalia Café - Home Halong http://halong.com.co/ El Poblado https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Poblado Club Oráculo https://www.facebook.com/
S1 E67 · Tue, January 14, 2020
Australian Wildfires
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan speaks with New York Times travel writer Tariro Mzezewa about how the wildfires ravaging Australia are affecting travel and how airlines and cruise companies are handling the blaze. Plus, Ryan and Kiernan dive deep into the New York Times travel section’s “52 Places to Visit in 2020.” Things we talked about in today’s podcast: WOW Air Cafe https://simpleflying.com/wow-air-washington-cafe/ NYTimes “What You Need to Know About Traveling to Australia During This Fire Season” https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/06/travel/australia-fires-travel-questions.html NYTimes “Donate $10 to Australia, Get a Nude Photo” https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/07/style/kaylen-ward-donations-australia-fires.html Fires Near Me App https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me ACT Emergency Services Agency https://esa.act.gov.au/fire-rescue Tasmania Fire Service http://www.fire.tas.gov.au/Show?pageId=colGMapBushfires NYTimes 52 Places to Go in 2020 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/travel/places-to-visit.html - Listen to past episodes at: https://outofofficepod.com/ - Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/
S1 E66 · Tue, January 07, 2020
The Importance of Family Vacations
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan offers a brief reflection on the meaning of family vacations. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Disney World EPCOT World Showcase https://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/epcot/ep-worldshowcase.htm - Listen to past episodes at: https://outofofficepod.com/ - Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/
S1 E65 · Tue, December 31, 2019
Year in Review
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys each choose their 5 favorite episodes from the archives and tease topics to come in 2020. Check out the show notes to listen to these great past pods. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Ryan’s Top Picks 1: Mexico City Episodes https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-18-ryans-12-favorite-mexico-city-spots/ https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-52-mexico-city-part-dos/ 2: Gaudí’s Barcelona https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-34-gaudis-barcelona/ 3: Hamilton’s New York https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-47-hamiltons-new-york/ 4: Escape Rooms with Tommy Wallach https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-50-escape-rooms-with-tommy-wallach/ 5: Natural Wine in Brooklyn https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-24-natural-wine-in-brooklyn/ Kiernan’s Top Picks 1: State Parks with Peter Kujawinski https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-43-state-parks-with-peter-kujawinski/ 2: The Great Peru Trilogy 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-picc
S1 E64 · Tue, December 24, 2019
Christmas Spectacular Two
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys loosen their ties, put their seatbacks to the full reclined position, and breakout the holiday ‘nog. Kiernan and Ryan discuss why ornaments make perfects souvenirs, why Ryan’s been through some tough Christmases, and why iconic Christmas movies don’t adapt to the stage very well. Then, the annual Ugly Ornament Exchange! Things we talked about in today’s podcast: 11 Gifts for Your Favorite Traveler https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-10-11-gifts-for-your-favorite-traveler/ Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvK1F6bUrzU Bing Crosby’s “Winter Wonderland” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLPUjwfb8xI Ryan’s gift to Kiernan https://www.preciousmoments.com/just-plane-happy-its-christmas-bisque-porcelain-ornament-boy?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI67qR3uat5gIVDl8NCh27-w8sEAkYAiABEgIQtvD_BwE Kiernan’s gift to Ryan https://www.etsy.com/listing/754283527/st-nicolas-cage-christmas-ornaments?gpla=1&gao=1&utm_campaign=shopping_us_LemonsAreBluecom_sfc_osa&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_custom1=0&utm_content=18008672&gclid=Cj0KCQiA_rfvBRCPARIsANlV66MVOv0WrOfRjaYZ3VX0Tmn-e-QPByA1Mvjrip8vCw-xUD2lM8uVFU8aAkMuEALw_wcB - Listen to past episodes at: https://outofofficepod.com/ - Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/
S1 E63 · Tue, December 17, 2019
Morocco
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys take us through one of their patented destination guides. This time, Kiernan heads to Morocco and discusses the must-sees and maybe-misses in Casablanca, Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, Fes, Chefchaouen, and Volubilis. From epic mosques to ancient universities to Roman ruins, this week’s episode will have you booking your tickets to Morocco ASAP. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Morrocan robe Djellaba or Jellaba https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djellaba Casablanca: Hassan II Mosque https://www.mosquee-hassan2.com/en/ Marrakech: Jemaa el-Fnaa https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jemaa_el-Fnaa Marrakech: Kutubiyya Mosque https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kutubiyya_Mosque Marrakech: Saadian Tombs https://www.morocco.com/attractions/saadian-tombs/ Marrakech: El Badi Palace https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Badi_Palace Marrakech: Bahia Palace https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahia_Palace Marrakech: Le Jardin Secret https://www.lejardinsecretmarrakech.com/en/ Marrakech: Jardin Majorelle https://jardinmajorelle.com/ang/ Marrakech: Riad L’Orangeraie http://www.riadorangeraie.com/ Atlas Mountains: Toubkal National Park https://visitmarrakech.com/discov
S1 E62 · Tue, December 10, 2019
Bookstores Worth Traveling For
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys talk through a dramatic update on The Quest for Rick Steves, then recommend their favorite bookstores in New York City, Boston, Portland, Denver, CDMX, and London. Plus, Kiernan skips dinner with Ryan! Things we talked about in today’s podcast: New York: The Strand https://www.strandbooks.com/ New York: Housing Works https://www.housingworks.org/locations/bookstore-cafe New York: Idlewild https://www.idlewildbooks.com/ New York: Molasses Books https://www.facebook.com/MolassesBooks/ Boston: Porter Square Books https://www.portersquarebooks.com/ Boston: Harvard Book Store http://www.harvard.com/ Boston: Brattle Book Shop http://www.brattlebookshop.com/ Portland: Powell’s City of Book https://www.powells.com/locations/powells-city-of-books Denver: Tattered Cover https://www.tatteredcover.com/ Mexico City: Cafebrería El Péndulo https://pendulo.com/ London: Gay’s the Word https://www.facebook.com/gaystheword/ London: Daunt Books https://dauntbooks.co.uk/ Cannonballing Cross Country <a href= "https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a30085091/these-guys-just-drove-an-e63-amg-across-america
S1 E61 · Tue, December 03, 2019
Nashville
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast the boys put on their best boots and head to Music City USA. They cover what to eat, where to visit, and why you should head to Tennessee if you want to check out the Parthenon. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Parthenon https://www.nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Parthenon.aspx Prince’s Hot Chicken: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/02/04/the-family-business-that-put-nashville-hot-chicken-on-the-map The Hermitage https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hermitage_(Nashville,_Tennessee) Polk Tomb https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/james-k-polk-tomb Country Music Hall of Fame https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hermitage_(Nashville,_Tennessee) Lower Broadway https://www.nashvilledowntown.com/go/broadway Robert's Western World https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert%27s_Western_World Grand Old Opry https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Ole_Opry#Grand_Ole_Opry_House Ryman Auditorium https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryman_Auditorium Reagan’s Childhood Home https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2019/11/23/ronald-reagan-childhood-home-072935 - Listen to past episodes at: <span style= "font-weight: 4
S1 E60 · Tue, November 26, 2019
NYT Travel Advice Columnist Sarah Firshein
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan interviews Sarah Firshein, the new travel advice columnist for the New York Times. They discuss how Sarah’s column combines intense research and advocacy on behalf of wronged travelers. Sarah then tackles calls for help from Out of Office listeners. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Switzerland and the European Union https://www.americanswiss.org/resources_and_publications/switzerland-and-the-european-union/ “Tripped Up” on New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/15/reader-center/travel-sarah-firshein-tripped-up-columnist.html The Montreal Convention https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal_Convention Chase Sapphire Reserve Travel Benefits https://www.chase.com/card-benefits/sapphirereserve/travel Privatizing the Parks https://www.outsideonline.com/2404058/interior-department-privatizing-campgrounds-plan Jason Polan’s American Museum of Natural History https://20x200.com/collections/jason-polan - Listen to past episodes at: https://outofofficepod.com/ - Follow us on Ins
S1 E59 · Tue, November 19, 2019
Dark Skies and Stargazing with Valerie Stimac
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan interviews Valerie Stimac, the author of Lonely Planet’s newest guide “Dark Skies: A Practical Guide to Astrotourism.” We learn about dark sky certifications, the best places on earth to study the stars, and why everyone has to make time to see the Milky Way. Plus, Ryan goes to Florida. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: “Dark Skies: A Practical Guide to Astrotourism” https://shop.lonelyplanet.com/products/dark-skies-1 International Dark Sky Association https://www.darksky.org/ Valerie & Valise https://www.valisemag.com/ Space Tourism Guide https://spacetourismguide.com/ “The Universe” https://shop.lonelyplanet.com/products/the-universe-1 The Dali Museum https://thedali.org/ UM Libraries “Cleared to Land: The Records of Pan American Airways, Inc.” https://scholar.library.miami.edu/digital/exhibits/show/panamerican/digitization - Listen to past episodes at: https://outofofficepod.com/ - Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/
S1 E58 · Tue, November 12, 2019
How to Pack a Suitcase
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys debate the best ways to pack a suitcase, including how to choose and organize the right wardrobe, where your toiletries belong, and why you could put a horse in the overheard storage of an Amtrak if you were strong enough. Plus, Ryan comes out as an “always-check”! Things we talked about in today’s podcast: OOO Episode 19: Luggage Throwdown https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-19-luggage-throwdown/ TSA Liquid, Lotion, and Tincture Rules https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule “Parks” by Brian Kelley https://standardsmanual.com/products/parks Hartford’s Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art https://www.thewadsworth.org/ - Listen to past episodes at: https://outofofficepod.com/ - Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/
S1 E57 · Tue, November 05, 2019
What Makes a Perfect Restaurant with Time Out’s Bao Ong
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan talks to Time Out Food and Drink Editor Bao Ong about what it takes to make a restaurant great, how he puts together “Best of” lists, and then gets some recommendations for great places in New York City and beyond. Plus, our longest Recalculating yet! Things we talked about in today’s podcast: - Bao Ong https://www.timeout.com/profile/UMTtSr53SqyIKETBUC1uNeQ==/ - NYT on why a volcano boosted Iceland tourism https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/17/world/europe/reykjavik-iceland-tourism.html - Japantowns in the US https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japantown - Tommy Wallach’s The Ladder: A Choice-Driven, Fully Replayable Escape Room https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1447182103/the-ladder-the-worlds-first-truly-replayable-escape-room/description - Bao’s 100 Best Restaurants in NYC Right Now https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/100-best-new-york-restaurants Restaurant Mention: Via Carota http://www.viacarota.com/ Restaurant Mention: Superiority Burger http://www.superiorityburger.com/ Restaurant Mention: Olmstead http://www.olmstednyc.com/ Restaurant Rec: Maison Yaki http://www.maisonyaki.com/ Restaurant Rec: Crown Shy <span style= "font-weight:
S1 E56 · Tue, October 29, 2019
From Industrial Eyesore to Public Park
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys talk about some of their favorite parks built from old industrial infrastructure. New York’s High Line reignited interest in this type of urban rejuvenation, which preserves and celebrates companies, factories, and lives long gone. Plus, more WOW Air! Things we talked about in today’s podcast: New York’s High Line https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Line Friends of the High Line https://www.thehighline.org/ Paris’s Promenade Plantee http://www.goodmorningparis.fr/walks/la-promenade-plantee-a-green-and-unusual-walk-in-paris/ New York’s Domino Park https://www.dominopark.com/ Seattle’s Gas Works Park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_Works_Park#Early_history New Orleans’s Crescent Park ttps://www.archdaily.com/897501/crescent-park-eskew-plus-dumez-plus-ripple DC’s Meridian Hill Park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meridian_Hill_Park The Indicator’s WOW Air episode https://www.npr.org/2019/10/02/766609057/the-rise-and-fall-of-icelands-wow-air - Listen to past episodes at: https://outofofficepod.com/ - Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/
S1 E55 · Tue, October 22, 2019
Travel Book Publisher Thomas Jonglez
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan interviews Thomas Jonglez, the creator of his favorite travel guide series and an extraordinarily well-traveled gentleman. Thomas talks about breaking into the competitive travel industry, his offbeat approach to researching, and why the key to adventurous travel is asking for help. Plus, Ryan talks about Halloween immersive experiences. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Yale and Peru https://news.yale.edu/2015/06/04/peru-yale-partnership-future-machu-picchu-artifacts Jonglez Publishing https://jonglezpublishing.com Jonglez Secret Guides https://jonglezpublishing.com/product-category/secret-guides/ Jonglez Soul of Guides https://jonglezpublishing.com/product-category/soul-of-guides/ Bradt Guides https://www.bradtguides.com/shop.html Footprint Guides https://www.footprinttravelguides.com/ Insight Guides https://www.insightguides.com/destinations I Can’t See https://nightmarenyc.com/ Blood Manor https://www.bloodmanor.com/ - Listen to past episodes at: https://outofofficepod.com/ - Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/
S1 E54 · Tue, October 15, 2019
Travel Visas
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan and Ryan talk through the ins and outs of travel visas. Knowing how to navigate overly complex state bureaucracies is an essential skills for an international traveler. Do not fear: Kiernan has a framework to help. Plus, Ryan shares a truly shocking anecdote about his abandoned trip to Brazil. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Rick Steves was pickpocketed! - https://blog.ricksteves.com/blog/pickpocketed-paris/ Rick Steves on outsmarting pickpockets - https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/theft-scams/outsmarting-pickpockets US State Department travel website - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html Allied Passport and Visa - http://alliedpassport.com/ CIBT Visas - https://cibtvisas.com/ VisaCentral - https://visacentral.com/ UN report on air travel emissions - https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/19/climate/air-travel-emissions.html New Yorker’s “Who Speaks for Crazy Horse?” - https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/09/23/who-speaks-for-crazy-horse - Listen to past episodes at: https://outofofficepod.com/ - Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/
S1 E53 · Tue, October 08, 2019
Peru Part 3 Machu Picchu
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan finishes out The Great Peru Trilogy by taking us to Machu Picchu, that secluded mountain compound high in the Andes. Kiernan shares practical tips about visiting, the top spots he recommends, and why you should under no circumstances climb the Inca steps. Ryan, meanwhile, demonstrates his deep knowledge of Peruvian fauna. Listen to Peru Part 1: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-44-peru-part-1/ Listen to Peru Part 2: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-45-peru-part-2/ Things we talked about in today’s podcast: How Different Countries Write the Date https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2013/dec/16/why-do-americans-write-the-month-before-the-day WOW Air is BACK! https://www.travelandleisure.com/airlines-airports/wow-air-iceland-relaunching-after-bankruptcy OOO Interview with Mark Adams https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-11-writer-mark-adams/ UNESCO Machu Picchu overview https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/274/ Tickets for Machu Picchu https://www.ticketmachupicchu.com/prices-of-machu-picchu-tickets/ One-Star Review of Machu Picchu https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/galleries/one-star-tripadvisor-reviews-grumpiest-travellers/meldrew-picchu/ “Into Eternity” documentary https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Into_Eternity_(film) Israeli peanut snack Bamba
S1 E52 · Tue, October 01, 2019
Mexico City Part Dos
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan shares more of his favorite Mexico City restaurants, museums, and neighborhoods–including Little Tokyo–plus he’ll reveal how to get into a secret, super exclusive club that even Bushwick-dweller Ryan deems “too cool for its own good.” Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Our first Mexico City episode: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-18-ryans-12-favorite-mexico-city-spots/ Pizza Felix https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Pizza-Place/Pizza-F%C3%A9lix-456656661458954/ Sud 777 http://sud777.com.mx/ Comedor Jacinta http://comedorjacinta.com/ CDMX’s Little Tokyo https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/mexico-city-little-tokyo-neighborhood Le Tachinomi Desu https://edokobayashi.com/index.php/le-tachinomi-desu/ Emelia https://travesiasdigital.com/mexico-travel/emilia-mexico-city Tokyo Music Bar https://edokobayashi.com/index.php/tokyo-music-bar/ Casa Guillermo Tovar de Teresa https://www.mexicoescultura.com/recinto/68297/casa-museo-guillermo-tovar-de-teresa.html Museo Jumex https://www.fundacionjumex.org/en The University Museum of Contemporary Art https://muac.unam.mx/ UNAM Sculpture Garden http://cdmxtravel.com/en/attractions/unam-sculpture-space-espacio-escultorico-de-la-unam.html US Tourism is on the decline, according to Hannah Sampson https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2019/09/06/more-people-are-traveling-world-than-ever-number-coming-america-is-d
S1 E51 · Tue, September 24, 2019
City of Presidents with James Van Nuys
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan chats with James Van Nuys, the sculptor behind a new statue of Barack Obama, which will join 43 of Obama’s Presidential predecessors in downtown Rapid City, South Dakota as part of the “City of Presidents.” They talk about nearby Mount Rushmore, how Van Nuys got through sculpting some of the least notable Presidents, and the challenges ahead for whoever gets stuck molding #45. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: City of Presidents https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/city-presidents-rapid-city Barack Obama Statue by James Van Nuys https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/public-sculptures/barack-obama Richard Nixon Statue https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/public-sculptures/richard-nixon James Buchanan Statue https://www.presidentsusa.net/buchananrapidcity.html FDR Statue https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/public-sculptures/franklin-d-roosevelt William H. Taft Statue https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/public-sculptures/william-howard-taft America documentary https://americadocumentary.com/ Royall House and Slave Quarters https://royallhouse.org/ Belina Sutton https://royallhouse.
S1 E50 · Tue, September 17, 2019
Escape Rooms with Tommy Wallach
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan interviews Escape Room expert Tommy Wallach about how video games shaped escape rooms, why Eastern Europe has the world’s best, and why these attractions are really just a blatant Russian conspiracy. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Thrasher’s Fries https://thrashersfries.com/ Pepe’s Pizzeria https://pepespizzeria.com/ Golden Krust https://www.goldenkrust.com/ Nando’s https://www.nandosperiperi.com/ Tommy Wallach https://www.tommywallach.com/ Hatch Escapes https://www.hatchescapes.com/ Palace Games Escape Rooms in San Francisco https://palace-games.com/ International Escape Room List https://topescaperoomsproject.com/ Bushwick Open Studios https://artsinbushwick.org/ “Best One-Star Reviews of the Seven Wonders of the World” by Natalie B. Compton https://washingtonpost.com/travel/tips/best-star-reviews-seven-wonders-world/ As Always: - Listen to past episodes at: https://outofofficepod.com/ - Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/
S1 E49 · Tue, September 10, 2019
Caves 101
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan talks about why he loves visiting caves and why you should too. Plus, we tackle The Great Slovenian Cave Debate. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: WOW airlines update https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/25/business/iceland-economy-wow-air.html Wind Cave National Park https://www.nps.gov/wica/index.htm Jewel Cave National Monument https://www.nps.gov/jeca/index.htm Olms https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/phenomena/2010/07/20/the-olm-the-blind-cave-salamander-that-lives-to-100/ Postojna https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postojna_Cave Skocjan https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Škocjan_Caves Waiting for Mona https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/12/arts/design/mona-lisa-louvre.html
S1 E48 · Tue, September 03, 2019
Getaway Founder Jon Staff
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan talks to Jon Staff, the cofounder of travel start-up Getaway, which strives to get people to disconnect from technology and unwind in the woods. You’ll learn why Getaway goes out of its way to place its tiny cabins in places that Jon describes as “no place special.” Also, Ryan sings the praises of radioactive tourism. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Museum of American Finance - https://www.moaf.org/ Getaway - https://getaway.house/ Chernobyl tourism - https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/chernobyl-tv-tourist-attraction/index.html “Everything and Everywhere” by Marc Martin - https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Everywhere-Fact-Filled-Adventure-Globe-Trotters/dp/1452165149
S1 E47 · Tue, August 27, 2019
Hamilton’s New York
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan and Kiernan take listeners on a walking tour of New York City sites linked to Alexander Hamilton. (Okay, okay: one is in New Jersey.) There’s a massive amount of history and a minimal amount of singing—but, it’s Hamilton, so of course there’s got to be some singing. Tune in to hear where Peggy is buried, why George Washington dressed like a UPS man, and how Alexander Hamilton died in a bunch of different places. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Stop 1: Dueling Grounds in Weehawken NJ (just a LITTLE outside NYC) https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/weehawken-dueling-grounds Stop 2: Alexander Hamilton Custom House in Bowling Green https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Hamilton_U.S._Custom_House Stop 3: Fraunces Tavern on Pearl Street https://www.frauncestavernmuseum.org/ Stop 4: Federal Hall https://www.nps.gov/feha/index.htm Stop 5: Hamilton’s Grave https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/06/fashion/hamilton-fans-grave-broadway.html Stop 6: 57 Maiden Lane https://allthingshamilton.com/index.php/aph-home/72-aph-new-york-city/167-57-maiden-lane Stop 7: 82 Jane Street https://www.6sqft.com/rent-in-the-greenwich-village-building-where-alexander-hamilton-purportedly-spent-his-final-day/ Stop 8: Hamilton Statue in Central Park https://www.nycgovparks.org/about/history/alexander-hamilton-in-nyc-parks Stop 9: Hamilton Grange</stron
S1 E46 · Tue, August 20, 2019
Overtourism with WashPo’s Hannah Sampson
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan interviews Washington Post journalist Hannah Sampson about overtourism—its causes, potential solutions, and ways that you can be a conscientious traveler. Both Leonardo DiCaprio and komodo dragons are discussed. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: Follow Hannah Sampson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hannahbsampson https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2019/06/17/were-age-overtourist-you-can-avoid-being-one-them/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2019/06/18/these-are-cities-overtourism-could-threaten-next/ https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/12/world/asia/indonesia-komodo-national-park-dragons.html https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/09/business/medical-tourism-mexico.html
S1 E45 · Tue, August 13, 2019
Peru Part 2
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan again talks about his travels in Peru, a country so packed with wild jungle, Inca walls, and colonial churches that it needs 2 episodes. In this second installment, the boys talk about Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cusco https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cusco_School https://www.eater.com/2018/2/21/17033912/mil-virgilio-martinez-cusco-peru-menu-reservations-photos-moray-ruins https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ollantaytambo https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maras,_Peru https://www.salkantaytrekking.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salcantay https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machu_Picchu https://lalucha.com.pe/
S1 E44 · Tue, August 06, 2019
Peru - Part 1
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan talks about his travels in Peru, a country so packed with wild jungle, Inca walls, and colonial churches that it needs 2 episodes. In this first installment, the boys cover a brief history of the Inca Empire, the sights and foods of Lima, and the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. Plus, Kiernan does a startlingly realistic peccary impression. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/29/travel/state-parks-western-united-states.html https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/american-travel-writer-slammed-videoing-16626721 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_Basilica_of_Lima https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_and_Convent_of_San_Francisco,_Lima https://mnaahp.cultura.pe/ https://www.museolarco.org/en/ https://www.foodandwine.com/chefs/nikkei-peruvian-japanese-food https://www.perunature.com/amazon_lodge/tambopata-research-center/ http://www.llamainnnyc.com/ http://www.friorico.com/aboutus.html
S1 E43 · Tue, July 30, 2019
State Parks with Peter Kujawinski
This week on Out of Office:A Travel Podcast, Kiernan talks to New York Times travel journalist Peter Kujawinski about his epic exploration of 53 state parks across the United States. His trip revealed extraordinary scenery, troubling Native American history, and little known presidential facts. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/05/travel/state-parks-eastern-united-states.html https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/ https://www.mass.gov/locations/walden-pond-state-reservation https://www.robertfrostfarm.org/visit-farm https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/harriman https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park/ https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/kodachrome-basin/ http://www.ctvisit.com/listings/sleeping-giant-state-park https://www.starvedrockstatepark.org/ https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2971.htm https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/GiantCity.aspx http://mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/state-parks/wall-doxey http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=36 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ulkBctY_JM https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/20/arts/cesar-pelli-dead.html
S1 E42 · Tue, July 23, 2019
The Ups & Downs of B&Bs
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys debate the merits and drawbacks of staying at traditional B&Bs. They explain how to set conversational parameters, the likelihood of ghost sightings, and why there’s no such thing as a dog that licks too much. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: https://blog.ricksteves.com/blog/climate-smart-commitment/ https://www.misterbandb.com https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/12/opinion/machu-picchu-airport.html
S1 E41 · Tue, July 16, 2019
NASA Mission Control at Johnson Space Center
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Kiernan speaks with NASA’s Sandra Tetley, who oversaw the brand spankin’ new restoration of Mission Control at Johnson Space Center in Houston. Visitors will experience Apollo 11’s launch, moon landing, and return as if they were there. Tetley talks about the detective work that goes into restoration—and several historic NASA sites that are slated for demolition. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/06/behind-the-scenes-at-nasas-newly-restored-historic-apollo-mission-control/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/space-tourism-with-professor-matthew-weinzierl/id1438098925?i=1000428689021 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_quarantine_facility https://slate.com/technology/2019/07/dominican-republic-tourism-deaths-not-unusual-overblown.html http://www.scoutingny.com/demonically-possessed-owls-in-herald-square/
S1 E40 · Tue, July 09, 2019
Sleeping in Spanish Monasteries
This week on Out of Office, Kiernan speaks with Miriam Murcutt and Richard Starks, authors of “Room with a Pew: Sleeping Our Way Through Spain’s Ancient Monasteries.” You’ll learn about secret menageries, the lopped-off limbs of saints, and party-animal nuns. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/06/24/this-is-nightmare-woman-fell-asleep-mid-flight-woke-up-trapped-dark-plane-alone/?utm_term=.561f4457d458 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009GI7816/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 http://www.starksmurcutt.com/ https://www.paradores-spain.com/ http://www.reidsguides.com/t_h/t_h_convents.html https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/01/us/alabama-wasp-nest-warning-trnd/index.html
S1 E39 · Tue, July 02, 2019
Patriotic Places
This week on Out of Office, in honor of the 4th of July the boys each compile and compare a list of 5 places that embody the story of America. Plus, Kiernan accidentally curses. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2019/06/can-democrats-win-back-the-internet-in-the-age-of-trump https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Street_(Toronto) https://diowinebar.com/ https://domestiquewine.com/
S1 E38 · Tue, June 25, 2019
National Parks of the Pacific Northwest
This week on Out of Office, Kiernan talks about his recent trip to Mount Rainier National Park, Crater Lake National Park, and Olympic National Park, plus why the Pacific Northwest speaks to his Star Wars-obsessed soul. The boys also chat about why you shouldn’t be surprised if a mountain goat comes knocking on your bathroom door. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm https://www.nps.gov/olym/index.htm https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/jun/13/frida-kahlos-only-known-voice-recording-may-have-been-found-in-mexico https://www.npr.org/2019/06/16/733225445/notre-dame-holds-first-mass-since-fire-devastated-the-historic-paris-cathedral https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=676&v=1GR_NqXFNdA https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/mountain-goat-relocation-begins-in-olympic-national-park/
S1 E37 · Tue, June 18, 2019
Documentary Filmmaker Chase Whiteside
This week on Out of Office, Ryan talks to documentarian Chase Whiteside about his film “América” and what it’s like to travel the world on the film festival circuit, including screenings in Iraq and Kosovo. Plus, a callback to our beloved Natural Wine episode! Things we talked about in today’s podcast: https://americadocumentary.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Clinton_Boulevard https://www.moma.org/calendar/film/5068 https://passportindex.org
S1 E36 · Tue, June 11, 2019
Passport 102: Inside the Good Book
This week on Out of Office, the boys talk about the all-American quotes and iconography inside the US passport. Plus, how Kiernan nearly dishonored Saint Francis until Saint Anthony helped a brother out. Listen to Passports 101: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/passports-101/id1438098925?i=1000423757975 Things we talked about in today’s podcast: http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2018/02/nyc-real-estate-living-in-a-turret.html https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/26/world/asia/mount-everest-deaths.html https://www.passportindex.org/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_of_Assisi
S1 E35 · Tue, June 04, 2019
Historic Houses in America Part 2
This week on Out of Office, the boys talk about more American historic houses they love and why Mark Twain had to decamp to Europe when he made a bad investment. Plus, how you can now pay money to sleep in Ryan’s childhood bed. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/historic-houses-in-america/id1438098925?i=1000422839996 https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/04/08/the-hidden-air-pollution-in-our-homes https://marktwainhouse.org/ https://www.motownmuseum.org/about-the-museum/the-collection/hitsville-u-s-a/ http://www.sewardhouse.org/ http://www.californiacuriosities.com/halloween-house/ https://www.paulreverehouse.org/ https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/04/29
S1 E34 · Tue, May 28, 2019
Gaudí’s Barcelona
This week on Out Of Office, the boys talk about the famous architect Antoni Gaudí and his many iconic buildings in Barcelona. They also discuss why La Sagrada Familia is the perfect antidote to Cathedral Fatigue. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: https://sagradafamilia.org/en/home https://parkguell.barcelona/en/home-en http://www.lapedrera.com/en https://www.casabatllo.es/en/ https://casavicens.org/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museo_de_Arte_Popular https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alebrije https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/21/greathomesanddestinations/gaudi-home-to-become-a-museum.html https://www.mfa.org/exhibitions/frida-kahlo-and-arte-popular
S1 E33 · Tue, May 21, 2019
Driving Overseas
This week on Out Of Office, the boys talk about the ups and downs of hitting the road in a foreign country, including unfamiliar traffic laws, unexpected tolls, and the importance of a trusty co-pilot. Plus, a tribute to astronaut Michael Collins—a guy who didn’t walk on the moon. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_11_(2019_film)
S1 E32 · Tue, May 14, 2019
Smithsonian National Postal Museum with Director Elliot Gruber
This week on Out Of Office, Kiernan talks to Elliot Gruber, the director of the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. The boys nerd out about philately (that’s no adverb) and taxidermied mail dogs (okay just the one.) Plus, Peru’s best restaurant. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: https://postalmuseum.si.edu/ https://postalmuseumblog.si.edu/2012/11/delivering-the-hope-diamond.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owney_(dog) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_White_Crow https://milcentro.pe/
S1 E31 · Tue, May 07, 2019
Obscure London Museums Part 1
This week on Out Of Office, resident Anglophile Kiernan reveals 6 of his favorite off-the-beaten-path museums to visit in London. You’ll learn about England’s Roman past, quirky craftsmen guilds, and far more than you’d expect about windmills. Things we talked about in today’s podcast: London’s Roman Amphitheatre https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/amphitheatre Sir John Soane’s Museum https://www.soane.org Clockmakers’ Museum http://www.clockmakers.org Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology https://www.ucl.ac.uk/culture/petrie-museum Wimbledon Windmill Museum https://www.wimbledonwindmill.org.uk Grant Museum of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy https://www.ucl.ac.uk/culture/grant-museum-zoology https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2019/world-between-empires-art-and-identity-ancient-middle-east
S1 E30 · Tue, April 30, 2019
Notre Dame
This week on Out Of Office, the boys reflect on the history, recent fire, and future of Notre Dame. Not surprisingly, Ryan theorizes that he might have been able to prevent the blaze were he in town, and Kiernan geeks out on saint stories. Plus, we learn about the Spanish-speaking world’s answer to the Tooth Fairy. Subscribe to Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/out-of-office-a-travel-podcast/id1438098925?mt=2 Things we talked about in today’s episode: https://www.fastcompany.com/90333740/reclining-seats-can-make-flying-miserable-so-one-airline-is-getting-rid-of-them https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/04/17/world/europe/notre-dame-cathedral-fire-spread.html https://www.businessinsider.com/notre-dame-cathedral-assassins-creed-2019-4?utm_content=buffer59542&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer-ti&fbclid=IwAR3niqLZqQphay-l47fxlZwbhAMTH9UlqDiB4B-iGeawI5X1fOVXFnvDmdY https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2019/04/laser-scans-could-help-rebuild-notre-dame-cathedral/587230/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2019/04/19/notre-dame-cathedral-fire-bees-alive-beekeeper-says/3518151002/ https://ny.spacastleusa.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratoncito_P%C3%A9rez
S1 E29 · Tue, April 23, 2019
Writer Anissa Helou on Food of the Islamic World
This 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 https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062363039/feast/ https://www.alwaharestaurant.com/ http://www.alinelebanesekitchen.com/
S1 E28 · Tue, April 16, 2019
A Love Letter to Rick Steves
This 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/flat-earth-cruise-nautical-navigation
S1 E27 · Tue, April 09, 2019
Lesser-Known National Parks
This 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://www.clydz.com/ https://www.stnj.org/ https://www.pri.org/stories/2017-09-18/little-known-story-vietnamese-communist-leader-ho-chi-minh-s-admiration-us
S1 E26 · Tue, April 02, 2019
Airplane Etiquette
This 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/
S1 E25 · Tue, March 26, 2019
Scoring Broadway Tickets
This 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://www.play-by-play.com/ http://www.playbill.com/article/broadway-rush-lottery-and-standing-room-only-policies-com-116003 http://nymag.com/listings/bar/maries-crisis-cafe/ https://www.bathtubsoverbroadway.com/
S1 E24 · Tue, March 19, 2019
Natural Wine in Brooklyn
This 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://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/06/business/last-blockbuster-store.html?utm_source=hive&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=hive_email_id_28414&h_sid=98c9832865-5a8f83ef4e72355c2d2febef
S1 E23 · Tue, March 12, 2019
Bhutan
This 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.nytimes.com/2013/06/29/opinion/bhutan-is-no-shangri-la.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paro_Taktsang https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drukpa_Kunley https://themalamarket.com/ http://time.com/5534495/hot-abraham-lincoln-statue/
S1 E22 · Tue, March 05, 2019
Getting Through Airport Security
This 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://www.timeout.com/newyork/theater/bleach
S1 E21 · Tue, February 26, 2019
Great Brewery and Distillery Tours
This 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 https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en https://www.sierranevada.com/brewery/california/brewery-tour https://www.jackdaniels.com/en-us/visit-distillery https://www3.bacardi.com/casa-bacardi/ https://www.brooklynciderhouse.com/bushwick/ https://www.nps.gov/ston/index.htm https://postalmuseum.si.edu/exhibits/current/moving-the-mail/mail-by-rail/owney-mascot-of-the-railway-mail-service/index.html
S1 E20 · Tue, February 19, 2019
Landlopers’ Matt Long
This 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://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/05/arts/design/moma-museum-renovation.html https://www.bostonglobe.com/multimedia/podcasts/gardner-heist-podcast?p1=Article_story_nav
S1 E19 · Tue, February 12, 2019
Luggage Throwdown
This 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?
S1 E18 · Tue, February 05, 2019
Ryan's 12 Favorite Mexico City Spots
This 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.josepastorselections.com/bichi.html https://wine.sprudge.com/2018/01/25/loup-bar-mexico-city/ https://www.timeout.com/mexico-city/restaurants/paramo https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museo_Mural_Diego_Rivera http://www.museosoumaya.org/ https://mam.inba.gob.mx/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapultepec_Castle https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/The-stunning-ancient-canals-of-Mexico-City-s-6130287.php http://eventful.com/mexicocity/events/categories/performing_arts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentiras,_el_musical https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioteca_Vasconcelos https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zona_Rosa,_Mexico_City
S1 E17 · Tue, January 29, 2019
Space Tourism with Professor Matthew Weinzierl
Listen 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?facId=496493 https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/17/science/saturn-rings-vanish.html https://www.spacex.com/ https://www.blueorigin.com/ https://www.virgingalactic.com/ https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2014/12/that-time-congress-considered-building-cities-in-space/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_History_of_Mexico_(mural) https://www.amazon.com/Atlas-World-Oxford-University-Press/dp/0190913037/ref=dp_ob_image_bk
S1 E16 · Tue, January 22, 2019
Writing the Perfect OOO Message
This 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
S1 E15 · Tue, January 15, 2019
Not Lost in Translation
This 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-and-korean-translator/id496038103?mt=8 https://munchies.vice.com/en_us/article/vbaxka/how-this-illinois-burger-king-has-defied-the-global-chain-with-the-same-name
S1 E14 · Tue, January 08, 2019
Those Post-Vacation Blues
This 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
S1 E13 · Tue, January 01, 2019
Bonus Mark Adams Stories
To 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-thousand-smokes.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Williwaw
S1 E12 · Tue, December 25, 2018
OOO Christmas Spectacular!
It’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 Kiernan’s ornament to Ryan https://etsy.me/2AaiwhV
S1 E11 · Tue, December 18, 2018
Writer Mark Adams
This 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://theodoreroosevelt.com/ amazon-river-expedition/ https://theamericansongster. com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=iMokBr9cTxM
S1 E10 · Tue, December 11, 2018
11 Gifts for Your Favorite Traveler
It’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-2019-wall-calendar Milk Street Subscription: https://www.177milkstreet.com/subscribe Unexpected Gift Cards: https://www.airbnb.com/gift https://www.opentable.com/gifts Moscow Mule Carry-on Cocktail Kit: https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/moscow-mule-carry-on-cocktail-kit Personalized Leather Luggage Tag: https://www.etsy.com/listing/279881940/personalized-custom-leather-luggage-tags?source=aw&utm_source=affiliate_window&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=us_location_buyer&awc=6220_1543330074_0a5f039408f72bf02e54ab189215d1bf&utm_content=272513 Steel Cut Map Wall Art and Ornaments: <a href= "https://www.etsy.
S1 E9 · Tue, December 04, 2018
Iceland is a Niceland
Kiernan 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/hellisheidi-power-plant-geothermal-energy-exhibition https://www.amazon.com/Home-Carson-Ellis/dp/0763665290/ref=asc_df_0763665290/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312105353883&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5595894974095100972&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001999&hvtargid=pla-433800418723&psc=1 https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/03/nyregion/hot-duck-mandarin-central-park.html
S1 E8 · Tue, November 27, 2018
Souvenirs
What 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/
S1 E7 · Tue, November 20, 2018
In the Jailhouse Now
Ryan 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%B2_Prison https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HM_Prison_Crumlin_Road https://www.nps.gov/alca/index.htm http://kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie/ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A8SXGKA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
S1 E6 · Tue, November 13, 2018
Passports 101
Why 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
S1 E5 · Tue, November 06, 2018
Money Matters
Do 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.
S1 E4 · Tue, October 30, 2018
Historic Houses in America
Visiting 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
S1 E3 · Tue, October 30, 2018
Restaurant Reservations
Landing 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.
S1 E2 · Mon, October 22, 2018
Trip Planning 101
Kiernan’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.
S1 E1 · Thu, October 04, 2018
Welcome to OOO
There’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/
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