342: A Quest for an Iconic Tattoo in the Philippines, Hot Air Balloon Rides in Laos, and How to Visit Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Kiribati with Jimena Serfaty

Hear stories from traveling the world, living in Mexico, and how losing a job led to building a thriving remote business. _____________________________ Subscribe to The Maverick Show’s Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.). Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ Lolly joins Matt from CDMX and explains how she fell in love with Mexico City and why she chose to make it her base for the last 8 years.  She talks about efforts to combat transnational gentrification in the city, and also shares highlights from her other favorite places around Mexico.  Lolly then talks about growing up in Southern California, living in Madrid, Spain and gives tips for visiting both California and Madrid.  She then talks about unexpected losing her job and subsequently building her fully remote freelance writing business while traveling the world.  Matt and Lolly reflect on their shared experience on the Remote Year program, when they traveled the world together for a full year with other remote professionals, and the impact it had on them.  Lolly shares stories from Croatia, Colombia and reflects on the depth of cultural immersion that is possible when you speak the local language.  FULL SHOW NOTES WITH DIRECT LINKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED ARE AVAILABLE HERE. ____________________________________ See my Top 10 Apps For Digital Nomads See my Top 10 Books For Digital Nomads See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual) Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn  See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use) ____________________________________ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally.  You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)

Hear stories of underwater mailboxes, treehouse hotels, volcano boarding & meeting a 98-year-old Filipina tattoo artist. _____________________________ Subscribe to The Maverick Show’s Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.). Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ In Part 2 of this interview Jimena Serfaty talks about her experience exploring the Gobi desert in Mongolia, taking a hot air balloon in Laos, and embarking on a quest to find a legendary 98-year old tattoo artist in the Philippines.  She then talks about living in Australia and visiting Tuvalu where she ended up at a nigh club with the former Prime Minister.  Jime then describes her trip to Vanutu where she mailed a water-proof postcard from an under-water mailbox, stayed in a treehouse, and went volcano boarding.  She also describes visiting the island of Kiribati. Jime then talks us on her journey becoming a fully-remote entrepreneur, describes how she structures her travel lifestyle, and explains why she wants to travel to every country in the world. Finally she shares some of her best travel hacks and reflects on how all this travel has impacted her as a person.  FULL SHOW NOTES INCLUDING DIRECT LINKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED ARE AVAILABLE HERE. ____________________________________ See my Top 10 Apps For Digital Nomads See my Top 10 Books For Digital Nomads See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual) Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn  See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend See HowI Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use) ____________________________________ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally.  You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)

Learn about growing up in Argentina during the 2001 economic collapse and then traveling the world solo since 2009.  _____________________________ Subscribe to The Maverick Show’s Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.). Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ Jimena Serfaty joins Matt and they begin talking about meeting at the Extraordinary Travel Fest in Bangkok, and then discuss recommendations for spending time in Argentina.  Jime talks about her family’s immigrant history in getting to Argentina, including her Jewish heritage and her Dad’s Moroccan heritage, and describes her family’s recent trip to Morocco. She then talks about her experience growing up in Argentina during the economic collapse of 2001, her childhood desire to travel the world, and her first backpacking trip through Europe at age 18.  Jime then takes us on her journey living in New Zealand for a year, seeing the Komodo Dragons in Indonesia, traveling through India, and moving to the UK.  Next, she reflects on spending time in Poland, visiting Auschwitz, and re-connecting with her Polish Jewish heritage.  She also talks about her decision to visit the Killing Fields in Cambodia and shares her reflections on genocide. Finally, Jime talks about visiting China, seeing the Rainbow Mountains and the Avatar Mountains, and taking the TransSiberian railway through Russia.  FULL SHOW NOTES INCLUDING DIRECT LINKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED ARE AVAILABLE HERE.  ____________________________________ See my Top 10 Apps For Digital Nomads See my Top 10 Books For Digital Nomads See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual) Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn  See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use) ____________________________________ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally.  You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)

In part 2 of this interview Elsie Paulino starts off describing what she loves about Puerto Escondido and Guanajuato, Mexico, before giving tips on what to eat in New York City.  _____________________________ Subscribe to The Maverick Show’s Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.). Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ She then talks about her journey becoming a travel creator, including the Nomadness-Interpid mentorship program and how her personal brand has taken shape. Elsie then reflects on how travel has impacted her and previews her upcoming talk at Latino Travel Fest. Next, Matt and Elsie discuss personal finance tips, investing strategies, and travel hacks that you can use.  Finally, Elsie talks about connecting with culture and place through food, the value of slow travel, the importance of learning some of the local language, what travel means to her today, and offers tips for Black and Latino travelers. FULL SHOW NOTES WITH DIRECT LI NKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED ARE AVAILABLE HERE. ____________________________________ See my Top 10 Apps For Digital Nomads See my Top 10 Books For Digital Nomads See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual) Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn  See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use) ____________________________________ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally.  You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)

Hear an Afro-Dominican perspective on Sicily, Vienna, Sri Lanka, India, Strasbourg, the Paris Olympics, Mexico & Vietnam.  _____________________________ Subscribe to The Maverick Show’s Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.). Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ Elsie Paulino joins Matt in person in New York City for this conversation over a bottle of French wine, and they start talking about the recent WITS Travel Creator Summit that they both attended in NYC.  Elsie then talks about her parents story immigrating to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic and her experience growing up in an immigrant home in the NYC-area.   She reflects on navigating the milieu of Blackness in the U.S. as an Afro-Latina and also the dynamics of anti-Blackness in the DR. Next, she explains how her interest in world travel developed and shares her journey studying abroad in Sicily in high school and Vienna in College. Elsie then shares travel stories from Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam, Strasbourg, and attending the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics.  Finally, she talks about falling in love with Mexico and the life-changing experience of attending Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca.  FULL SHOW SHOWS INCLUDING DIRECT LINKS TO EVERTHING DISCUSSED ARE AVAILABLE HERE.  ____________________________________ See my Top 10 Apps For Digital Nomads See my Top 10 Books For Digital Nomads See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual) Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn  See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use) ____________________________________ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally.  You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)

Hear stories of the best scuba dive in the world, the most beautiful city in Africa & over-the-top kindness in Pakistan. _____________________________ Subscribe to The Maverick Show’s Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.). Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ In Part 2 of this interview Phil Marcus tells the story of the incredible kindness he received from complete strangers when he needed help on multiple occasions in Pakistan.  Matt and Phil then share stories about crashing a wedding in Guinea and a Bachelorette Party in Siberia.  Next, Phil tells stories from his spectacular experiences in Algeria and why he feels Constantine is the most beautiful city in Africa.  He then talks about completing 300 scuba dives and names his top 3 scuba destinations in the world, including his most memorable dive of all time—The Sardine Run in South Africa.  Finally, Phil reflects on the ethics of making travel documentaries, the impact travel has had on him, and the lessons he has learned from visiting 190 countries. FULL SHOW NOTES WITH DIRECT LINKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED ARE AVAILABLE HERE. ____________________________________ See my Top 10 Apps For Digital Nomads See my Top 10 Books For Digital Nomads See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual) Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn  See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use) ____________________________________ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally.  You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)

Hear unique stories from traveling to 190 countries including Cameroon, Iran, China, India, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia. _____________________________ Subscribe to The Maverick Show’s Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.). Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ Phil Marcus joins Matt and starts off talking about his adventure trying to visit the Crab Whisperer in Rhumsiki, Cameroon to find out if he will ever get married. He then explains how his early interest in travel developed, shares his career trajectory in entrepreneurship and music, and how he eventually embarked on a 6 month journey through Asia that would turn into something much longer.  Phil tells the story of how he made a last minute decision to take Beaker from the Muppets with him on his trip, and how it turned out to be life changing and created very unique opportunities for deeper cultural connections. Phil then talks about literally rolling into his 100th country, deciding to visit every country in the world, and starting his YouTube channel “Phil’s Guide to the World”.  He talks about his highly impactful trips to Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and how Iran changed him forever.  SHOW NOTES WITH DIRECT LINKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED ARE AVAILABLE HERE. ____________________________________ See my Top 10 Apps For Digital Nomads See my Top 10 Books For Digital Nomads See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual) Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn  See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use) ____________________________________ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally.  You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)

Learn how to transition from a 9-to-5 office job to a full-time travel content creator so you can travel the world.  _____________________________ Subscribe to The Maverick Show’s Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.). Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ Jordan Campbell tells the story of her transition from an office job to a full time travel content creator. She reflects on the initial challenges of entrepreneurship, explains how to avoid the #1 mistake when building your website, and then gives personal brand building tips and advice for how to market yourself. Jordan explains the current mission of her brand, Global Debauchery, and how it has evolved over the years. She also talks about her involvement in the Wanderful community, the role of travel in her marriage, and how travel has impacted her as a person. You’ll also learn how to meet Matt and Jordan in person at the upcoming WITS Travel Creator Summit. FULL SHOW NOTES WITH DIRECT LINKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED ARE AVAILABLE HERE. ____________________________________ See my Top 10 Apps For Digital Nomads See my Top 10 Books For Digital Nomads See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual) Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn  See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use) ____________________________________ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally.  You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)

Hear wild travel stories of local pub encounters in Alaska, extortion in Panama and 30-foot waves en route to Antarctica. _____________________________ Subscribe to The Maverick Show’s Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.). Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ Jordan Campbell joins Matt for a virtual wine night and starts off talking about her most epic wine experience of all time in San Sebastian in the Basque Country.  She then talks about her recent experience traveling to Antarctica and encountering 30 foot waves in the Drake Passage. Jordan then reflects on her upbringing in different places around Europe, including her dog getting kidnapped by the mob in Naples and drinking her first beer in Belgium at 12 years old. She then tells stories about a very local pub encounter in Alaska and visiting the Demilitarized Zone on the border of North and South Korea.  Jordan also reflects on the unique beauty of Iceland and tells the story of her mistaken visit to see fake swimming pigs in the Bahamas.  Finally, she tells the story of getting extorted by the police in Panama and reflects on the impact Anthony Bourdain’s work had on her life. FULL SHOW NOTES WITH DIRECT LINKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED ARE AVAILABLE HERE. ___________________________________ See my Top 10 Apps For Digital Nomads See my Top 10 Books For Digital Nomads See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual) Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn  See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use) ____________________________________ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally.  You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)

Eileen asks if these are really the most dangerous countries in South America or if they just have a lot of Black people. _____________________________ Subscribe to The Maverick Show’s Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.). Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ In Part 2 of this interview, Eileen talks about the award she won at the Black Travel Film Festival for her travel series “Black Latin History”.  She then breaks down the historical, social, political and cultural significance of Afro-Colombian music from El Pacifico, including the legacy of Petronio Alvarez and the festival named after him.  Eileen also explains why you should definitely visit Cali, Colombia.  Next, she talks about Black history and culture in Medellin, Colombia, and why her first trip to the city surprised and delighted her.  Eileen also talks about her upcoming Afro-Medellin group trip and how you can join.  Next, she reflects on her trips to Rio and Salvador in Brazil, including how she designed them to center the rich Black history and culture in Brazil.  Matt and Eileen also tell you how to get a discounted ticket to meet them at the upcoming WITS Travel Creator Summit where Eileen is presenting a workshop.  And, finally, Eileen reflects on “diaspora wars” and shares the #1 lesson she has learned from her travels.  FULL SHOW NOTES WITH DIRECT LINKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED ARE AVAILABLE HERE. ____________________________________ See my Top 10 Apps For Digital Nomads See my Top 10 Books For Digital Nomads See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual) Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn  See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use) ____________________________________ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally.  You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)