Thrillist Explorers

On this episode (our SEASON FINALE), host Wil Fulton sits down with Thrillist editors Meredith Heil and Tiana Attride to talk about underrated summer destinations, “responsible” tourism, and why Jared Leto might be the worst celebrity to take a road trip with. In the back half, Wil chats with Scott Keyes (Scott’s Cheap Flights founder and author of Take More Vacations) about the future of flight prices, why tickets to Europe are surprisingly inexpensive this summer, and why some airlines are swapping out planes for buses (yes, seriously).  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we’re celebrating our recent Webby Nomination (vote here!) with a look back at some of our favorite segments about restaurants and bars. Featuring a dive into Waffle House Records, a trip through LA’s Thai Town with Thrillist writer Kat Thompson (and her Mom), a profile on Jimmy’s Corner (New York’s best dive), an interview with the iconic Virginia Ali of Ben’s Chili Bowl in D.C., and a look into finding the best cheesesteak in Philly (if that’s even possible).  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Wil Fulton meets and profiles two of Los Angeles’ preeminent Private Investigators. We dig into the gritty details of what a PI in the City of Angels does, and how they’re able to see the city (and its many, many, many secrets) through a lens that most overlook. Along the way, we’ll collect some of their recommendations on how to experience the classic “noir” L.A., inspired by legendary flashpoints like Chinatown and the Big Sleep, so you can experience their version of Los Angeles yourself. Featuring Barbara Wolford of Kinsey Investigations, and Bruce Robertson of TriStar Investigation. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Wil Fulton ventures to New York City’s “forgotten borough,” Staten Island, to meet a few notable locals and see why Staten Island has so much more to offer than just a (free) ferry ride. Featuring: Daniel Mondello (aka Meals By Cug), Julia Wijesinghe (Lakruwana Restaurant, Sri Lankan Art and Cultural Museum), NYC DOT Staten Island Borough Commissioner Roseann Caruana, Royal Crown Bakery, Denino's Pizza, Fort Wadsworth Recreation Center, Liedy’s Shore Inn Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helen Thayer was the first woman to travel solo to the magnetic North Pole. She walked across both the Sahara and Gobi deserts, kayaked down the Amazon, and trekked 200+ miles through Death Valley in her 80s. Along the way, she fought off polar bears, lived alongside wolves, escaped a rebel firing squad, survived an attack by killer bees, and managed to outlast a nasty case of food poisoning in Death Valley. And chances are, you've never even heard of her. In this episode, host Wil Fulton is joined by the legendary explorer, who shares her stories and delivers inspiration that can apply to all aspects of life (she also tells us how to fight off a polar bear, too). Special guests include Tania Aebi and Emma Svensson. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Wil Fulton heads to Montana, to experience sub-zero temperatures, icy roads, and two of America's most increasingly popular tourist destinations: Bozeman and Livingston. We hear about the long and storied history of Livingston's historic Murray Hotel and Wil takes a plunge at the nearby Chico Hot Springs. In Bozeman, we chat with Dr. Shane Doyle about the Native history of the area, some of the nearby outdoor adventures, and some current and upcoming exhibits at the Museum of the Rockies. Afterwards, he talks with the team behind Bozeman's Lark Hotel about some attractions in the area, and the owner and general manager of Plonk, a nearby wine bar and (frankly, amazing) restaurant. Finally, with some help of a local meme page, "Good Ol' Bozeman" (yes seriously), we connect with a local who helps us cover a topic we hit throughout the episode: with increasing tourism and new transplants driving up prices and disturbing the local way of life, how can we, as visitors, manage to avoid being jerks while visiting Montana?  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Wil Fulton sits down with advertising (and Vegas!) legend Billy Vassiliades of R&R Partners, who led the team that created the iconic "What Happens Here, Stays Here" campaign in the early 00s. We hear the untold story of the ideation (featuring two Minnesotan stay-at-home moms with a big secret) of the campaign, and its immediate cultural impact on the city, and the travel industry. We also hear from artist and podcaster Brent Holmes (check out Spectacle: Las Vegas, right now!) for a local's perspective on Vegas, including recommendations and a slice of history from Chinatown and Downtown Las Vegas (like the excellent Atomic Liquors, the city's oldest freestanding bar). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Wil Fulton profiles a handful of restaurants dedicated to serving regional favorites and "traditional" recipes in "new" surroundings. We speak with Chef Yia Vang (Union Hmong Kitchen) on cooking Hmong dishes in Minnesota, writer and restauraneuer Craig Carlson on opening an American diner (Breakfast in America) in the heart of Paris, along with two Brooklyn restaurants, Dog Day Afternoon and Brooklyn Kolache, who have brought beloved regional American staples to a new market.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Wil Fulton speaks with iconic risk taker, comedian, and world traveler, Steve-O. Topics covered include: his experience filming the new Jackass Forevermovie, why he (probably) won't do another project like Wildboyz again, how he smuggled weed inside himself while traveling, his dog Wendy, his recent run-in with police at one of America's most beloved national monuments, and his "shameless self promotion" (you can find all the products he references here, plus info on his upcoming tour). We also hear from Esther Zuckerman (Thrillist Senior Entertainment Writer and author ofBeyond the Best Dressed), who shares her thoughts on the new film, the enduring cultural legacy of Jackass, and why so many self-described cinephiles are major fans of the franchise. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Wil Fulton is profiling the culture around gas station food in America, and beyond. Brian Park and Youngmi Mayer (Feeling Asian Podcast) discuss their favorite gas station snack memories and their ideal (and well-balanced, naturally) gas station meals. Al Hebert (better known online as the Gas Station Gourmet) talks about his favorite gas station foods across the country… while eating at a gas station. We highlight Basecamp/Rations (Wilson, WY), the Whoa Nellie Deli (Lee Vining, CA), the Czech Stop (West, TX), the Market (Charlottesville, VA). pastry chef Caroline Schiff (Gage & Tollner,SlowUp) tells us why the Twix is the perfect gas station candy bar. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.