The Radio Vagabond

In this colorful Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, I take you to the tropical paradise of the Philippines. Join me as I island-hop through crystal-clear waters, meet fascinating locals, and dive below the surface – literally. While scuba diving, I find myself face-to-face with some familiar characters… yes, even Nemo and Dory make an appearance in this underwater adventure. But there’s more than just coral and clownfish – I also explore the vibrant culture, including a lively encounter with some charismatic ladyboys who show me another side of island life. It’s a blend of natural beauty, unexpected conversations, and the kind of travel stories you can’t make up. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/podcast-012/ [https://www.theradiovagabond.com/podcast-012/] This Flashback Friday episode was first released on October 5, 2017.

In this emotional Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, I travel to Bessemer, Alabama to experience Gip’s Place  –  a legendary juke joint founded in the backyard of Henry “Gip” Gipson. At the time, Gip was an astonishing 97 years old, still hosting Saturday night blues sessions in his tin-roofed music shed alongside family, locals, and wandering musicians. His motto, “No black, no white, just blues,” resonated through every note. Update: Sadly, Henry “Gip” Gipson passed away on October 8, 2019, at the age of 99, closing a chapter on one of America’s last authentic juke joints. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/066-alabama/ [https://www.theradiovagabond.com/066-alabama/] This Flashback Friday episode was first released on March 15, 2019.

In this high-stress Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, I find myself in the heart of Dakar, Senegal, with a bus leaving at 7 am – and a taxi driver who has no idea where the bus terminal is. What follows is a chaotic ride through a waking city, a ticking clock, and rising panic. But this episode isn’t just about the stress. Along the way, I also meet a talented local artist and an inspiring Italian woman working with UNICEF. It’s a snapshot of the real Senegal – unpredictable, vibrant, and full of character. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/118-dakar/ [https://www.theradiovagabond.com/118-dakar/] This Flashback Friday episode was first released on November 12, 2020.

In this offbeat episode of The Radio Vagabond, I find myself in beautiful Bali, sipping on what might be the strangest – and most expensive – cup of coffee I’ve ever had. It's called Luwak coffee, made from beans that have been eaten, digested, and yes, pooped out by a civet cat. Then it’s cleaned, roasted, and brewed into a surprisingly smooth cup of coffee. Whether it’s a gimmick or a gourmet experience, I had to try it for myself. Come with me to a Balinese coffee plantation where I sample this legendary brew, chat with locals, and question my own life choices – one sip at a time. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/212-bali/ [https://www.theradiovagabond.com/212-bali/] This Flashback Friday episode was first released on November 25, 2021.

In this provocative Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, I travel to Belarus – often called “Europe’s last dictatorship” – to uncover the lived reality of life under Alexander Lukashenko. As I meet locals and explore Minsk, I ask a bold question: are there bright sides to this autocratic system? Some people credit the regime with preserving economic stability post-USSR, keeping unemployment low and averting the oligarchic chaos seen elsewhere. They say limited online freedoms – like the ability to access opposition sites – create an illusion of choice. But the darker truth sits just beneath the surface. Lukashenko’s heavy censorship, the criminalization of dissent – even for wearing “wrong” socks – and the ongoing use of capital punishment paint a grim picture. This episode digs into these contradictions. I speak with people benefiting from economic predictability, then confront the chilling reality of repression and human rights abuses. It’s a travel story that challenges assumptions – and raises uncomfortable questions. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/182-belarus/ [https://www.theradiovagabond.com/182-belarus/] This Flashback Friday episode was first released on May 10, 2021.