The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast

Food, Travel, and Midlife Reinvention with Cookbook Author Amanda Haas

What happens when you spend your life teaching others how to cook — and finally give yourself permission to start living? That's exactly where Amanda Haas [https://www.amandahaascooks.com/] finds herself. A cookbook author (four books in, with a fifth on the way), former culinary director at Williams-Sonoma, and founder of the Substack community House of Hass, Amanda has spent decades helping people fall in love with cooking. Now she's channeling that same energy into something bigger: a whole new chapter of her own life. In this episode, we talk about the food memories that shaped her, why she always comes back to Italian and Mexican cuisine, and what it really means to cook with confidence (hint: it has nothing to do with being perfect). We also get into her move back to San Francisco, the neighborhood spots she loves, and why she believes the city has never been more alive. And then there's the midlife conversation — the one I think so many of us need to have. Amanda is refreshingly honest about what this season of life actually offers: clarity, freedom, and the radical permission to finally chase your own desires instead of everyone else's. Follow Amanda on Instagram: @amandahaascooks [https://www.instagram.com/amandahaascooks] and find her recipes, live cooking shows, and community on Substack at Amanda Haas. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to The Gomes Guide on Substack [https://thegomesguide.substack.com/] for more travel inspiration, tips, and stories. You can also follow on Instagram at: @thegomesguide. And if you love the podcast, I'd be so grateful if you left a review — it really helps others discover the show. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2450035/support]

From Lawyer to Travel Writer: How Jen Ruiz Built a Life Around Travel

What happens when you stop chasing the “perfect” life and start building one that actually feels like yours? Jen Ruiz [https://jenonajetplane.com/about-me-jen-on-a-jet-plane/]did just that. While working full-time as an attorney, she challenged herself to take 12 trips in 12 months—and that decision changed everything. In this episode, we talk about how Jen turned that experiment into a career as an award-winning travel journalist, best-selling author, 3x Tedx speaker, and the woman behind Jen on a Jet Plane. She shares what the transition from law really looked like and how she built a sustainable business around travel. We also get into her next big project: a cross-country road trip along the historic Lincoln Highway, where she’s exploring a bigger question—can a road built to unite us still do that today? Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenonajetplane.  If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to The Gomes Guide on Substack f [https://thegomesguide.substack.com/]or more travel inspiration, tips, and stories. You can also follow on Instagram at: @thegomesguide. And if you love the podcast, I’d be so grateful if you left a review—it really helps others discover the show. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2450035/support] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2450035/support]

National Parks Road Trip with Teens: Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Glacier

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a classic American road trip through the national parks with your family, this episode is for you. In this episode of The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast, Shannon sits down with her friend Julie to talk about an unforgettable two-week road trip through Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier National Park—with three kids, including teens, in tow. Julie shares how they planned their route, where they stayed (from glamping tents to a HomeExchange in Montana), and the simple traditions that made the trip so special—from playing the license plate game and asking conversation questions in the car, to blasting Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” at the halfway point of every drive. They also dive into practical tips for planning a national parks itinerary, including how far in advance to book, why visiting ranger stations is a game-changer, and how to keep teens engaged on long travel days. Along the way, the family experienced incredible wildlife sightings, swam in alpine lakes in the Tetons, and even soaked in hot springs under the stars in Montana. If you’re planning a national parks road trip—or just want inspiration for meaningful family travel—this episode is packed with ideas. ----- If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to The Gomes Guide on Substack f [https://thegomesguide.substack.com/]or more travel inspiration, tips, and stories. And if you love the podcast, I’d be so grateful if you left a review—it really helps others discover the show. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2450035/support]

The San Francisco Experience I Can’t Stop Thinking About with Gregangelo Herrera

In this episode, Shannon Gomes sits down with Gregangelo Herrera—artist, storyteller, and founder of the Gregangelo Museum [https://www.gregangelomuseum.com/] in the Balboa Terrace neighborhood of San Francisco—a one-of-a-kind immersive art house that blends creativity, storytelling, and human connection in the most unexpected ways. Born and raised in San Francisco, Gregangelo shares what it was like growing up in the city during a time of cultural change, and how those experiences shaped his life’s work. We talk about how his home evolved from a crumbling rental into a San Francisco landmark, why he calls himself a “chronic collaborator,” and how art can bring people together in a way that feels especially needed right now. We also dive into his upcoming immersive experience at the Haas-Lilienthal House—“Earthquake: Shaken, But Standing Strong” [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/earthquake-shaken-but-standing-strong-an-immersive-historical-experience-tickets-1985086133061]—which brings history, storytelling, and emotion together in a powerful way. This is a thoughtful, inspiring conversation about creativity, connection, and rediscovering our sense of curiosity. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER: *  Growing up in San Francisco in the 70s and 80s  *  The evolution of the Gregangelo Museum into a landmark cultural space  *  Why we lose our childlike sense of creativity—and how to get it back  *  The power of in-person connection in a digital world  *  How immersive art experiences can spark real human connection  *  The story behind the upcoming “Earthquake” experience  🎟️ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE * Gregangelo Museum [https://www.gregangelomuseum.com/] *  “Earthquake: Shaken, But Standing Strong” [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/earthquake-shaken-but-standing-strong-an-immersive-historical-experience-tickets-1985086133061] immersive experience  🌉 CONNECT + FOLLOW If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow The Gomes Guide Podcast and share it with someone who loves discovering unique travel and cultural experiences. You can also find more stories like this, plus travel recommendations and tips on the weekly The Gomes Guide newsletter on Substack [https://thegomesguide.substack.com/].  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2450035/support]

Exploring New York City with a Local: Hidden Stories from Vibe Tours

New York City is one of the most visited destinations in the world—but how much of it do we actually understand? In this episode, I sit down with Dana, founder of Vibe Tours [https://www.vibenyctours.com/]in New York City, to uncover the stories hiding in plain sight across Lower Manhattan. A Brooklyn native and former Wall Street trader, Dana brings a unique insider perspective to the city’s history, culture, and energy. We talk about what makes New York so special, why each borough has its own personality, and how walking the city with a local can completely change your experience. From the real story behind the Charging Bull to the unexpected origins of New York’s jaywalking culture, this conversation is packed with fascinating insights—and plenty of travel inspiration. If you’re planning a trip to New York (or just love the city), this episode will make you see it in a whole new way. WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE *  How Dana went from Wall Street trader to NYC tour guide  *  What makes Lower Manhattan one of the most fascinating neighborhoods in the city  *  The surprising history behind the Charging Bull statue  *  Why New Yorkers really jaywalk  *  The inspiration behind Dana’s Hamilton walking tour  *  The overlooked women who shaped Wall Street  *  Why New York City feels especially magical during the holidays  *  Dana’s favorite food spots and hidden gems in NYC  *  What she hopes visitors take away after exploring the city with her IF YOU’RE PLANNING A TRIP TO NYC Dana shares some great insider tips in this episode, including: *  Where to find one of the best classic New York pizza slices  *  A hidden coffee shop inside a historic bank building  *  Why Lower Manhattan is the perfect area to explore in one day  *  When to visit popular spots like the Charging Bull to avoid crowds  LEARN MORE Check out Dana’s tours here:  👉 https://www.vibenyctours.com/ [https://www.vibenyctours.com/] CONNECT WITH ME If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to The Gomes Guide on Substack f [https://thegomesguide.substack.com/]or more travel inspiration, tips, and stories. And if you love the podcast, I’d be so grateful if you left a review—it really helps others discover the show. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2450035/support]