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Jillian Awesome Brown returns to FLY Travel Radio! Jillian is one of my favourite guests due to her honesty, her courage and her sense of adventure. Jillian had a recent stint as an Eco-Guardian at Race Rocks Marine Protected Area on Vancouver Island. She discusses her encounters with sea lions, her love of solitude, her ability to confidently adapt to new skills, and her natural connection to the outdoors. Jillian is also a PTSD survivor and is open about her experiences and how nature continues to be a place of healing for her. Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm.

Bruce Poon Tip, Founder of G Adventures, makes a repeat visit to FLY. Bruce discusses two new amazing hiking trips on the Trans Bhutan Trail, with G being the first group adventure operator to have people back on this ancient route. We also learn about a new G Adventures style of travel called ROAMIES, combining adventure travel with the energy of hostel life. Finally, Bruce discusses current trends and how the line between work and travel is starting to blur, one of the more interesting side effects of COVID. Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm.

When everyone else settled back into the routine of school and work after Labour Day, I went on a road trip to Grey Bruce County. We stumbled upon the most amazing Airbnb which turned out to be a 420 friendly accommodation (that means cannabis for some of you). Set in a magical, countryside location one hour south of Tobermory, Ontario this is a year-round haven for outdoor lovers, nature seekers, and those just wanting some peace. It also happens to be a writing retreat, with bunkies named after famous Canadian authors, and a must see secret garden. Wait until you hear about the goats.... Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm.

As we wind down from the holidays, some of us will start thinking about the year ahead and what we want 2022 to look like. Garrett and Mandi Oler of Connected Family Travel are the perfect guests to get you thinking about how to make travel more possible in your life. They are experts in racking up travel points through simple everyday behaviour, and are living proof, taking their family of four on several incredible vacations every year, mainly through points. Garrett and Mandi are also big advocates for people travelling with their kids and give some useful tips on how to make this a little more seamless. Although there may still be travel restrictions due to the pandemic, Garrett and Mandi talk about how this can be a great time to earn your points for the future, and to learn how to do it. This is the perfect show for those making some New Year's Resolutions! Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm.

Anything can happen when you travel. In 2008, Steve (from Phoenix, Arizona) and Kat (from Toronto, Ontario) met randomly while travelling in Costa Rica. By 2010, they bought a property together on the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. By 2012, they opened the doors to their stunning boutique hotel, La Fortuna at Atitlan, located in the lush Guatemalan jungle. Tune in to learn more about their story and this amazing lakeside property in a very magical country. Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm.

Kylik Kisoun Taylor, owner of Tundra North Tours, makes his return visit to FLY. Kylik, as he will simply be known in the future, mark my words (think Cher, Seal, Madonna), discusses the impact of COVID on his indigenous tourism company located in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. Always one to make lemonade from lemons, Kylik turned a difficult time into an opportunity, creating the Arctic Eco Village along the Mackenzie Delta, where a small community uses land resources to sustainably ensure food and housing security. Kylik is a passionate advocate for creating a lifestyle that has more time for healing, spending time with family, practicing Inuit culture, and living life however it speaks to you. There is much to learn from Kylik, as he openly discusses indigenous issues and the problems faced by his people. Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm

Bruce Poon Tip, Founder of G Adventures, talks to FLY Travel Radio about the Canadian government lifting the ban on non-essential travel for Canadians, and what this means for people who have been chomping at the bit to get back out there. Bruce discusses the welcome that communities are giving travellers as people start to come back, the privilege of travel, where we may see increased costs, and the new mindset that has resulted from a travel hiatus. Find out what Bruce cannot leave home without - it may surprise you! Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm.

It was a true pleasure to speak with Jonathan van Bilsen of photosNtravel back in May. Jonathan is a natural storyteller who happens to live in my hometown of Port Perry, Ontario where you can often find him interviewing some of the 'movers and shakers' who live there. Everyone has a story. An avid traveller, Jonathan has been to 106 countries (soon to be 107, our fingers are crossed for him), resulting in entertaining stories, useful travel tips and the impressive fact that he never gets sick. JVB is an author, photographer, keynote speaker, columnist, talk show host and the television host of photosNtravel. He is extremely funny, and I had a lot of laughs during my time with him. You can check out his latest episode of photosNtravel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJPEXUPqcAE Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. For all episodes and blog posts, go to flyrodway.com.

This week on FLY, you will meet Hilary Messer-Barrow. Hilary is a Vancouverite who had never lived too far from her childhood home. All of that changed in 2019, when she left her family and familiar urban comforts to move with her now husband up to Beaver Creek. Beaver Creek sits on the border of Alaska and the Yukon and is home to approximately 93 people. The closest city is Whitehorse which is 450kms away. This is a story about making big changes, discovering a relationship with nature, and how an unexpected transition can lead to a whole different way of being in the world. Original broadcast on CIUT89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. FLY Travel Radio episodes and blog posts can be found at https://flyrodway.com/. Contact me if there is a topic or person you are interested in hearing about on FLY Travel Radio at info@flyrodway.com.

Now this is a company I will definitely be booking future adventures with. Nathalie Gauthier, General Manager of Great Canadian Trails, joins FLY Travel Radio this week to discuss the self-guided & small group guided adventures that they offer from coast to coast to coast! There is no shortage of exploration to be had in this beautiful country, such as hiking the Long Range Traverse in Newfoundland, the Chillkoot Trail in BC, biking around PEI, kayaking the Yukon, the list goes on. Better yet, local cuisine, unique delicacies, and the opportunity for community interaction are intertwined with these experiences, allowing you to fully embrace the flavour and culture of the region. Whatever your outdoorsy heart desires, Great Canadian Trails has got you covered in all four seasons. This is definitely one for the post-COVID bucket list, where you can find adventure AND give back to the local economy at the same time. It's a win-win! Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM. Go to https://flyrodway.com/flypodcast/travel-podcast-episodes/ for all episodes.

Summer is in the air. So is a feeling of hope and normalcy. As Canadians are bound to another summer of exploring their own backyard, The Great Canadian Road Trip continues to be an excellent option for finding adventure and getting out of Dodge. This week, Dave Wald of Karma Campervans joins me to talk about their contactless pickup and drop off system, the infinite adventures that Canada offers, nature as a prescription, and the call of the open road. These beautiful vans are fully equipped and ready to go when you are, all year long. You cannot ask for a better Canadian adventure. Sign me up! Tune in to learn more and to start getting that Canadian bucket list ready. (Note: these vans are located in Vancouver and Calgary, so keep provincial restrictions in mind....until we don't have to.) Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. Complete FLY Travel Radio collection can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/fly-melissa-rodway/tracks

There are a handful of people who have travelled to every country in the world. There is only one person who is travelling to every country in the world without flying. This week on FLY Travel Radio, Thor Pedersen of Denmark shares his 7+ year journey of traveling through 194 countries and counting via bus, train, and every type of boat. This is not an adventure for the faint of heart. Thor discusses his gruelling schedule, daunting logistics, and minimal budget that has been his life since 2013. Thor is an ambassador for the Danish Red Cross which is a big part of this project, as well as his quest to spread awareness about the universal goodness across countries and cultures. COVID has kept Thor in Hong Kong for the last 14 months, where he is waiting to tackle his 9 remaining countries. You will not meet a nicer guy. I felt honoured to have spent an hour talking with him. Tune in to learn more about Once Upon a Saga. Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. Complete FLY Travel Radio Collection can be found here: https://flyrodway.com/flypodcast/travel-podcast-episodes/

Freelance travel writer Diana Ballon joins me on FLY Travel Radio this week. For someone who is used to jetting around the world quite frequently, she has handled, (and continues to handle), being within the Ontario border quite well. Diana has some great ideas for Canadian road trips, hidden gems within the province, active holidays and more. She also has some tips for how to make local trips and staycations more fun, and speaks about the importance of home life before and after we go away. Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. The complete FLY Travel Radio collection and blog posts can be found here: https://flyrodway.com/flypodcast/travel-podcast-episodes/

Before meeting Nicole Lewis, I had no idea what a dromomaniac was. I had never even heard of this word. After speaking with her, it now makes complete sense why Wandering with a Dromomaniac is the name of her travel blog and Instagram profile. Nicole is a fellow Canadian living in the U.S. A wildlife vet by trade, she is an avid hiker, traveller, writer and adventure seeker in her non-working hours. All anyone has to do is tell her that she can't do something. Then just watch her go. Tune in to get some great ideas for stellar hikes around the US and to learn about her new book, 12 Months. Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. Complete FLY Travel Radio collection and blog posts can be found here: https://flyrodway.com/flypodcast/travel-podcast-episodes/

Gary Armstrong, Global Purpose Specialist at G Adventures, stops by FLY to discuss their Travel with Confidence policy, and why we should book now, travel later. Gary reminds us of travel's philanthropic nature, the importance of visiting remote communities, and how even COVID can unite us. When the time comes to travel again, G is ready to keep you safe and healthy without any compromise to the authenticity of your adventure. Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. For blog posts, go to www.flyrodway.com.

I truly loved talking to Anastasia Allison. Anastasia is the Founder of Kula Cloth, an "antimicrobial pee cloth for anybody who squats when they pee" (kulacloth.com). Since my interview with Anastasia, I now have a Kula. I absolutely love it. This is a must for all active, outdoorsy women. In this interview, Anastasia generously shares her experiences about being bullied, shattering suffocating beliefs around work and money, the acceptance provided by the outdoors, and the importance of daily dancing. Anastasia is also a talented violinist who is part of The Musical Mountaineers, where the love of music and the mountains is experienced in the most unique way. This is a conversation that really spoke to me as we all contemplate new chapters, what we are living for and how to be confident in our passions and dreams. There is much to learn from Anastasia Allison, and I truly wanted to jump through Zoom to go for a hike with her. Enjoy. Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. For all blog posts and podcast episodes, go to https://flyrodway.com/.

Time flies, even during COVID! Tom Gehrels of Adventure Coordinators comes back to FLY one year later to share his green space discoveries in and around the GTA. Hear about Tom's hidden gems in the area for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Tom is a true winter lover, and he will make you realize that you should be too. We also talk about COVID one year later, and how this is the time to think about your big bucket list adventures for when the time comes. Tom has been to 103 countries and counting, so if anyone is missing travel, it is this guy. He is a valuable resource, should you want an expert travel agent to help you plan! Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. FLY blog posts can be found on https://flyrodway.com/.

I do not hesitate to say that Cyrus Ryan is one of the most unique guests I have had on FLY. A seeker of the esoteric traditions of the East, Cyrus is the Director of the Northern School of Esoteric Wisdom. He is also the author of "Living on the Inner Edge: A Practical Esoteric Tale". As a travel lover, Cyrus shares his many adventures around the world, his affinity for the mountains, and his psychic encounters on the road. There is a reason why we feel at home in some countries more than others. I thoroughly enjoyed this time with Cyrus, and I hope to bring him back. I have more questions..... Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. For blog posts and more, go to https://flyrodway.com/

It was a great laugh to talk to Mike and Faustine of Planetlenz just before the holidays. This dynamic couple, hailing from Canada and France respectively, shed some insight into their life travelling around the world together as scuba instructors for the past 8 years. Tune in to learn about their new business venture (and some very creative clothing), their views on the environment, how their marriage survives small living spaces, and why you should always say yes to adventure! Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. Go to https://flyrodway.com/ for more info on FLY Travel Radio and FLY Travel blog.

I had a great conversation with Jillian A. Brown about her journey as an artist, adventurer, and mental health advocate. Jillian is the first female Canadian to paddle across America, and also has a world first in paddling a tandem kayak down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Jillian spoke about her experience with PTSD and how being active in the outdoors saved her. She is now the CEO and Lead Guide of Camp My Way, an incredible non-profit outdoor retreat in BC helping those suffering from PTSD. https://flyrodway.com/ Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. FLY Travel Radio also airs of CKUW 95.9FM. Complete FLY Travel Radio collection can be found here on SoundCloud.