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This week, we're exploring the true power of artificial intelligence by interviewing Jasper, an AI chatbot. Jasper's massive computer brain knows a lot more than you'd think, and it's equal parts impressive and frightening. We'll test Jasper's travel chops, get some useful recommendations, hear about its love life, and learn whether or not it's coming for our jobs. We'll also explore some of the ethical considerations when utilizing artificial intelligence for content creation. How do two guys "interview" a chatbot, you ask? Well, you'll have to tune in to find out. In Hot Takes, Tim and Eben discuss what they would do if AI actually did take their jobs. Neither want to leave the travel biz – and may end up becoming Airbnb hosts. The pair also ponder what the most AI-proof jobs are. Relevant links: Jasper.ai NBD S3, Ep. 8: How Artificial Intelligence Will Shape The Travel Industry's Future What is AI and how does it work? Tim’s Instagram Eben’s Instagram

Today on Stories from the Road, Eben and Tim debate one of air travel's most divisive topics: whether or not to check a bag, when you don't necessarily need to. Eben is a firm non-bag-checker, and for his part, he reads his report on why you'll never catch him hanging 'round the baggage carousel. Tim isn't necessarily anti. He often checks his snowboard gear bag when traveling in winter, or a duffel on other occasions when having specific gear is necessary to make a trip happen. But in general, he's a carry-on guy (though long-time listeners are familiar with his stance on gate-checking). For his part on today's show, he reads the writer Matt Meltzer's take on why checking a bag makes the travel experience better for everyone. Relevant links: I fly 200 times a year. Here's why I always check a bag. How to travel anywhere in the world with a small backpack This small backpack is the only travel pack an efficient packer needs Eben's Instagram Tim's Instagram Matt Meltzer's Instagram

Artificial intelligence is a controversial yet fascinating topic, particularly since the release of Chat GPT in November 2022. Matador Network founder and CEO Ross Borden joins No Blackout Dates to discuss how AI will shape the future of travel – from the way we research and plan trips to how we actually book and pay for them. The timing of today’s interview is of particular importance at Matador, as the company’s new AI-powered travel recommendation service Guide Geek officially launches this week.  Ross discusses the idea behind Guide Geek as well as how he sees AI coming to the forefront of nearly every aspect of daily life. The trio also get into where AI falls short and what needs to happen to keep it from taking over the world, Terminator 2 style. Are our darkest dystopian fears about to come true? No one knows. But as Tim says, you can spark a legal joint to the inevitability of progress. Even if that progress takes a while to win over popular opinion. In Hot Takes, Tim and Eben discuss their personal biggest fears surrounding AI. Both, it seems, are worried about the potential for harmful deepfakes to run rampant across social media. The hosts also fear that many aspects of the media – including travel recommendations and planning – might lose that personal touch. Relevant links: GuideGeek from Matador Bing’s A.I. Chat: ‘I Want to Be Alive – from the New York Times As A.I. Booms, Lawmakers Struggle to Understand the Technology - from The New York Times Eben’s Instagram Tim’s Instagram

This week on Stories From The Road, Tim reads the report of his heli-skiing adventure in northern British Columbia. As a dedicated snowboarder, embarking on a journey like this had long been a dream of his -- and last March, he had the opportunity to make it happen. He recounts the emotion that overtook him at times throughout the four-day expedition and speaks with his guide about what goes on behind the scenes of the operation. "As I carried my board to the chopper on the first morning, I had been overtaken by mixed feelings of bliss, contentedness, and tranquility. It was nearly sublime, knowing before it happened that this would be one of the seminal experiences in my life. The blades spun, we lifted off, and as though these chapters had built to their inevitable climax, I had finally reached the point of no return." Relevant links: For the truly dedicated, northern British Columbia is the best place in the world to heli-ski Northern Escape Heli-Skiing Tim's Instagram Eben's Instagram

Foreign correspondents have a unique role to fill – reporting on situations happening across the world, for an audience back home. Tommy Walker has spent over a decade overseas, covering everything from current events to travel lifestyle. Tommy joins No Blackout Dates to share the inside scoop on what’s it like to be on the ground covering breaking news. The discussion gets deep into how a Chinese encroachment on Taiwan could impact travel to the island, how travelers are punished for poor behavior around the globe, and being on the ground in and around Ukraine during the invasion. In Hot Takes, Tim and Eben discuss how to interpret state-issued travel advisories that pop up when planning a trip. The pair also discuss the idea of visiting Ukraine or Russia right now, and the ethics of visiting countries that currently are or recently have been embroiled in conflict. Relevant links:  Tommy’s website Tommy’s Twitter US State Department travel advisories Tim’s Instagram Eben’s Instagram

On this week's Stories from the Road, Tim reads a story by Matador's Alex Bresler, in which she argues in favor of revisiting countries rather than always visiting new places. The piece questions our need to constantly be adding new countries to our "travel list," and explores the benefits of returning to an old favorite. One of these benefits? Really familiarizing yourself with a country, or city, on a more intimate level.   Relevant links: Sometimes, a Dream Trip is One You've Already Taken Eben’s Instagram Tim’s Instagram

These days, more and more jobs can be done while traveling. That includes stripping – and today, Stella is here to talk about what it’s like to travel to different strip clubs around the country as a professional dancer. She’s worked at clubs from Florida to Chicago to the northeast, and she breaks down the differences in the job based on location, including some insight into how one should behave when on the other side of the performance. She supplements her income between travels as an OnlyFans creator. Stella’s viewpoint is a refreshing take on a profession that is often the victim of stereotyping. As it turns out, doing what she does takes thick skin and a lot of determination. In Stella’s case, it’s been a job she’s wanted since grade school. Filling in for Tim today is our regular guest host Melanie Sutrathada, returning for the first time in 2023. In Hot Takes, Eben and Melanie discuss what travel job they’d love to have that they haven’t tried. Melanie, as it turns out, desires to visit every Baskin Robins store, while Eben would fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a circus performer. The pair also cover the social responsibilities of parents traveling with small children.  Relevant links: Stella Sweet on OnlyFans S2, Ep. 1: Inside OnlyFans and the NSFW Travel World S2, Ep. 28: Let There Be Red Light: Inside Amsterdam's Sex Industry Melanie’s Instagram Eben’s Instagram

In this week's Stories From The Road, Eben reads aloud his narrative of visiting the remains of the Treblinka concentration camp in Poland. As someone with ethnic ties to the Holocaust, the experience painted a vivid picture of one of humanity's biggest atrocities. For Eben's travel companion, visiting Treblinka proved equally jarring. Relevant links: Visiting A Concentration Camp Is Not Just an Excursion. It's a Lesson in Humanity. Muzeum Treblinka

Travel to places far off the typical tourist track – think Iraq, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia – is an increasingly common theme here on No Blackout Dates. As the founder of Untamed Borders, a tour operator that hosts guided trips to places like Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Yemen, and elsewhere, James Wilcox knows more about the logistics of visiting often misunderstood destinations than perhaps anyone. James has built an entire business around creating itineraries for intrepid travelers looking to explore countries we often perceive to be dangerous or inaccessible.  James discusses how Untamed Borders plans and executes trips to dangerous locales, including his thoughts on state department warnings and how seriously they should be taken. He also talks about the important role of tourism in helping places impacted by war and other disasters get back on their feet.  In Hot Takes, Tim and Eben break down the times they’ve felt unsafe on the road, as well as the countries they really want to visit in order to gain a deeper understanding than what’s presented by the mass media.  Relevant links: Untamed Borders US State Department Travel Advisories NEOM Is on Track To Be the World’s First “Sustainable” City. Here’s What We Know Into Iraq with Michael Palin Untamed Borders Instagram Tim’s Instagram Eben’s Instagram

The second installment of Stories From The Road pits Tim and Eben against each other in one of their most classic debates: whether or not coworking spaces are worth the money. Tim is famously pro-coworking, having held memberships at spaces across the world from Bali to Oaxaca to Colorado. He credits coworking for helping him find friends, clients, and professional development while traveling abroad. Eben, on the other hand, takes a more pessimistic approach. He feels the coworking spaces are a scam -- that they charge way too much money for what is effectively a glorified coffee shop. Why pay money to go sit somewhere and be quiet, when you could do the same thing at a library -- and even take home a good book to read? Let us know your thoughts on coworking spaces by dropping a review wherever you get your podcasts, or by shooting an email to noblackoutdatespod at gmail. Relevant links: Are coworking spaces worth it or a waste of money? Outpost coworking Bali Newburyport Public Library

To kick off 2023, Tim and Eben plunge into the depths of the travel industry – uncovering the trends they expect to see this year, along with their best travel stories from 2022. The hosts also break down the destinations doing things the right way – whether that be reframing an outdated image, innovating new ways to experience the destination, or just being a cool spot that offers a unique travel experience. One breakthrough to note – the hosts appear to have flipped their opinion on guided tours, thanks to the rise of pioneering tour operators taking travelers to places they likely couldn’t visit otherwise, no matter how adventurous they are. Immersive experiences are on the rise, as are . . . zero-proof cocktails and highway rest stops? We’ll see about that. Relevant links: The best small towns to visit in the United States in 2023 The best European small towns to visit in 2023 A Culinary Trip To Israel’s Galilee Region Highlights the Country’s Past and Innovative Future Walk Through 5,000 Years of Human History in Jerusalem’s Fully Accessible Old City For the Truly Dedicated, Northern British Columbia Is the Best Place in the World To Heli-Ski This Small Backpack Is the Only Travel Pack an Efficient Packer Needs Immerse Yourself in All Things Salvador Dalí at This Digital Art Exhibit in Denver’s Trendiest Warehouse Food and Wine’s 2023 Travel Trends (Mocktails) Tim’s Instagram Eben’s Instagram

Marketa and David Daley hiked 1,300 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail -- an impressive feat far greater than most will ever accomplish in the wild. But the Daley's did it with their three young children, a monumental undertaking that required guts, parental instinct, and a lot of pep talking. Marketa joins No Blackout Dates to discuss the expedition and what it meant for her family. She goes deep into how she and her husband prepared their children for the trip, and how they handled situations that arose en route. Also discussed is the trail lifestyle and why the pair have embedded their kiddos in it. Matador filmmaker Brian Lewis, creator of the Wild Toddler Chronicles and a parent himself, joins Tim and Marketa on this episode to create a trio of parents who enjoy spending time in nature with their kids. Both hosts approached this interview with an ear for learning. In Hot Takes, Tim and Brian discuss the phrases they use to motivate their kids to go on an adventure. Brian wonders whether Tim has taken his daughter anywhere only to arrive and think, "Well, this wasn't a good idea." Relevant links: Marketa and David's trekking Instagram Pacific Crest Trail Association The Best Sections of the Pacific Crest Trail to hike in a day or weekend Wild Toddler Chronicles Tim's Instagram Brian's Instagram

We're trying something new this week on No Blackout Dates. To complement our interview episodes, every other week we will feature a read-aloud of a crazy travel story from Matador Network. This week's adventure is from writer Nicholas Mancall-Bitel, entitled "My Car Broke Down in the Sahara, and It Taught Me About Trust."  The story is read aloud by our own Tim Wenger. We chose this particular narrative because it demonstrates many of the values that we hold true at Matador: Travel is the best way to learn not only about other places and cultures but about yourself. People are generally good and want to help each other. When you're far from home and in a pinch, help tends to come from the unlikeliest of sources. We hope you enjoy this travel tale. Relevant links: My Car Broke Down in the Sahara, and It Taught Me About Trust. Nicolas Mantell-Bitel author bio at Matador Network

Few myths are as world-renowned as the Loch Ness Monster. Willie Cameron is Nessie’s biggest advocate, a lifelong resident of the region surrounding Scotland’s most famous lake, and a pioneer of Loch Ness tourism. He joins the show to educate the curious and dispel any naysayers, shedding light on the legend of Nessie and why so many believe that she’s down there. He also discusses the power of myth and legend to turn an otherwise sleepy lake into an international tourism sensation. Eben first met Willie while visiting Loch Ness, and after sharing a wee bit of whiskey with him, decided the time had come for No Blackout Dates to settle the question once and for all: Is the Loch Ness Monster out there? In Hot Takes, Tim and Eben discuss the myths surrounding pro sports teams, and whether or not the magic is ruined when historic losers (ahem, the Cubs) finally take home the trophy. The pair also discuss whether mythology tourism — i.e. seeking out the Loch Ness Monster – is better than “movie tourism,” where one visits film sights. It’s all about the unknown. Relevant links: Visit Inverness & Loch Ness Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster Tim’s Instagram Eben’s Instagram The best Airbnbs in the Scottish Isles for whisky enthusiasts

To kick off Season 3 of No Blackout Dates, Tim and Eben welcome Wired magazine co-founder Kevin Kelly . In addition to creating one of the most influential magazines in the tech space, Kevin has spent much of his life traversing Asia, documenting the vanishing cultures of the world’s largest continent.  He discusses this project, known as Vanishing Asia, which is now available as a massive three-volume coffee table book collection, and much more on the show. You'll learn why he believes the motorbike is the most revolutionary invention of all, and how the double-edged sword of modernization is improving connectivity while also erasing culture. Perhaps his most profound idea, at least as it relates to us, is his belief that the government should subsidize young people to travel the world. In Hot Takes, Tim and Eben discuss the virtues of using international phone service and foreign sim cards when traveling abroad, and whether or not there’s a piece of technology that could make travel instantly better (global WiFi, anyone?). Relevant links: Vanishing Asia on Amazon KK.org 1,000 True Fans Wired magazine Nomadico newsletter Kevin’s Instagram Tim’s Instagram Eben’s Instagram

No Blackout Dates is back -- bigger and better than ever -- for Season 3. Matador Network's official podcast takes an unfiltered dive into the world of travel, as told through the stories of guests who lead extraordinarily unfiltered lives. Adventures on tap this season include Wired magazine co-founder Kevin Kelly on his new project documenting the vanishing cultures of Asia, foreign correspondent Tommy Walker discussing how the China-Taiwan conflict will affect travel, and hosts Eben and Tim on a search for the Loch Ness Monster with the world's foremost expert on the legend. Tune in every other Tuesday starting November 22

Vladyslav Stadnyk has been raising funds to equip Ukraine’s military for over eight years. He joins the show this week to provide an inside perspective on what it’s really like in Ukraine since the country was invaded by Russia in February. Based in Kyiv, Vlad strikes a defiant and positive tone that captures the determination of Ukrainians to defend not just their country, but their way of life. As Vlad puts it, this isn’t just a war between Russia and Ukraine – it’s a war between Russia and the entire western world. Ukraine is just the country on the front lines. Vlad’s nonprofit, Steel Wings, takes the donations it receives and uses the money to fulfill requests for everything from binoculars to helmets, and as you can guess, need has gone through the roof over the past 4+ months. In this episode, you’ll get the story behind the mission and learn what it’s like on the ground in Kyiv and across the country right now, and how you can help donate to the cause.  Tim and Eben skipped Hot Takes and News of the Day this week in order to give Vlad the platform to spread his good word.  This episode wraps up Season 2 of No Blackout Dates! Thank you for listening, and we’ll see you this fall for Season 3. Relevant links: Donate to Steel Wings Metal Pilgrim (Vlad’s heavy metal vlog) Kyiv Nightlife Comes Back Amid Urge for Contact. ‘This Is the Cure.’ Eben’s Instagram Tim’s Instagram

Eugene Buchanan has done everything that you’d like to say you’ve done. He’s searched for Incan treasure in an uncharted South American Canyon. He’s paddled Russia’s Bashkaus River with a ragtag crew of adventurers speaking multiple languages. And he’s raised a family in the always dangerous environs of a Colorado mountain town. He’s also written books about such expeditions, and has become a leading voice for high-risk, high-reward adventure travel. Fresh off a week of offshore kayaking in Iceland, Eugene joins Tim and Eben to discuss his experience in Icelandic Covid quarantine, the future of expedition travel, and how it is that he still finds these crazy trips so exciting even after he’s lived the phrase, “What can go wrong, will.”  In Hot Takes, Tim and Eben discuss the perks of small airports vs large, and decipher when it’s actually ok to take a work call in a coffee shop (it’s all about self-awareness). Tim also wonders aloud whether any airport breweries actually make their own beer onsite. Relevant links: Eugene Buchanan Ilulissat Airport Eben’s Instagram Tim’s Instagram Matador Network lodging deals of the week: 11 Rapid City Airbnbs to experience the best of South Dakota

Zach Rosenbloom lived the TEFL dream and taught English in Japan for two years. Zach joins the show today to talk about one of the easiest ways to move abroad and have a job when you get there – teaching English to students in a foreign country. He discusses what it’s like to move somewhere and adapt to the place culturally, and what it’s like speaking English to a bunch of kids that don’t speak fluent English.  Today’s episode also features the return of Melanie Sutrathada, No Blackout Dates’ first-ever guest and go-to fill-in when one of the boys is out on the road. Melanie snd Eben dive deep with Zach on what it's like to live in Japan, and how he went about making it happen. If you’ve ever thought about teaching English abroad, this ep is a must-listen. In Hot Takes, Tim and Eben discuss the hidden intercom systems that many hotels have, and what it takes to get your money’s worth out of those expensive airport lounges. Tip – don’t judge them by what you consume, judge them by what you’re avoiding by being in there. Relevant links: How to get a TEFL and move overseas Melanie’s Instagram Tim’s Instagram Eben’s Instagram News of the Day: You Can Now Take European Walking Tours at the Scenes of Your Favorite Netflix Shows Scientists Taught a Robot To Hike. Here’s What That Means for Future Adventure Travel. Matador Network Lodging Deals of the Week: 11 Missoula Airbnbs to harness Montana’s great outdoors

Autumn Moretti was a MasterChef Season 11 runner-up. That means that she not only crushes it in the kitchen, but she’s dealt with Gordon Ramsay and other tough talkers face to face – and lived to tell the story. In today’s ep, Autumn spills the beans on what life is actually like on the inside of those well-trimmed cooking shows we all love to watch. She discusses what goes on behind the scenes, including her relationship with other contestants and what brought her to tears on multiple occasions.   It turns out that life on a cooking show is kind of like Covid quarantine – including being stuck in a hotel and only socializing with a limited group of people. For those wanting to earn on spot on MasterChef or another cooking show, Autumn gets into what makes a good sample dish to prepare for the audition, and what doesn't (hint: keep it simple). She also discusses what opportunities came from her time on the show and her plans for a restaurant of her own someday. In Hot Takes, Tim and Eben discuss the best place to sit at the airport gate. Also, Eben is planning a bachelor party for a friend and wonders what is an appropriate amount of travel (and financial commitment) to ask of the attendees. News of the Day: Disney Just Announced a $110,000-Per-Person, 24-Day Tour To Its Properties Around the World Qantas announces world’s longest flight Relevant links:  MasterChef Season 11: Where Are They Now? Seafood pasta recipe (for when you don’t make it to the audition) Autumn’s Instagram Tim’s Instagram Eben’s Instagram EpicStays vacation guide of the week: 16 Unique Airbnbs in Los Angeles’ Trendiest Neighborhoods