ALABAMA: Visiting a 97-Year-Old Blues Legend Before It Was Too Late

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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ This Flashback Friday episode was first released on May 10, 2021.

In this Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, we head to Pattaya, Thailand – a place with two drastically different faces. First, I take you down one of the wildest party streets on the planet: Walking Street. It's loud, it's chaotic, and it’s absolutely unforgettable. From neon lights and booming music to all kinds of nightlife, it’s a full-on sensory overload. But just beyond the party scene, I discover another side of Pattaya. I visit a local orphanage and meet some remarkable kids and caretakers who bring a human, heartwarming contrast to the city’s infamous reputation. This episode is a rollercoaster – from outrageous to uplifting – all in one city. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/026-pattaya/ This Flashback Friday episode was first released on May 3, 2018.

In this Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, I arrive in Memphis, Tennessee – home of the blues, birthplace of rock ’n’ roll, and the city Elvis called home. But things take a slightly awkward turn when I casually mentioned my Danish hometown, Randers, in Graceland… and that got me in trouble. Between the laughs and the local tension, I explore the city’s iconic landmarks, including Beale Street and Graceland. This episode blends cultural contrasts, southern hospitality, and a bit of rock ’n’ roll magic. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/063-memphis/ This Flashback Friday episode was first released on January 17, 2019.

In this powerful episode of The Radio Vagabond, we explore one of Cape Town’s most poignant landmarks: District Six. I begin by chatting with Uber drivers – immigrants from Rwanda, Congo and Malawi – who share what life is really like in the city today. Their stories highlight Cape Town’s beauty and its socio-economic challenges, setting a compelling backdrop for what follows. Then we step into the District Six Museum, where history comes alive through photos, maps and personal testimonies. Once a lively, multi‑ethnic neighbourhood of tens of thousands, it was declared a whites‑only area in February 1966. Forced removals displaced over 60,000 residents over the next decade – families torn apart and community destroyed. Today, most of the land remains vacant – a stark reminder of apartheid’s legacy. We hear from former inhabitants who recount heartbreaking stories of resistance, loss and survival. This episode is a journey through memory, resilience and the enduring spirit of community amid injustice. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/151-the-dark-history-of-district-six/ This Flashback Friday episode was first released on March 9, 2020.

In this sun-soaked Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, I take you aboard Part II of my unforgettable journey through the Mediterranean on Nomad Cruise. This time, we dock in Menorca, Malta, and Greece, each offering its own flavor of adventure. In Malta, we wander the charming, historic streets. In Greece, we sip local wine at a boutique winery while soaking in the laid-back vibes of the countryside. And somewhere in between, I find myself stepping out of my comfort zone at the cruise ship’s talent show. This episode is a mix of personal stories, cultural experiences, and the joy of connecting with fellow digital nomads at sea. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/169-menorca-malta-and-greece-with-nomad-cruise/ This Flashback Friday episode was first released on June 4, 2021.

In this Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, I travel from the urban buzz of Toronto to the laid-back charm of Québec City – and suddenly feel like I’ve landed in Europe. Cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and a French-speaking population give this Canadian gem an old-world feel unlike anywhere else in North America. I soak in the local culture, cuisine, and character while reflecting on how different this part of Canada feels from the rest. If you’ve never been to Québec, this might just put it at the top of your bucket list. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/052-quebec/ This Flashback Friday episode was first released on November 1, 2018.

In this heartfelt Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, I travel through the beautiful landscapes of northern Nicaragua. But this journey was about much more than scenery. Alongside my new friend John Pappas, I visit a local orphanage – and what I found there left a deep impression on me. The children, the caretakers, and the stories shared in that humble place made this visit one of the most emotional experiences of my travels. It’s a reminder that meaningful moments often come in the most unexpected places. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/082-nicaragua/ This Flashback Friday episode was first released on August 22, 2019.