Intro To The Michelin Guide, Cuban Food, and Growing Miami Food Scene with Brenda Popritkin

Mollie Reese is the founder and writer of Stay In Good Company, a podcast dedicated to mindful slow travel. Mollie traveled frequently for her job working long hours and never having the chance to enjoy a new destination. That's when Mollie decided to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of corporate life and set out on her own adventure.

In each country she visits, Mollie searches for authentic cultural stories from those who live there and shares them with the world. With the main focus being on authenticity, Mollie is changing the fast-paced tourist schedule to a slower approach while engaging with the locals.

For the full show notes of the page with Mollie's recommended resources check out: nomadicfoodist.com/stayingoodcompany

In today’s episode you will learn:

• How important a local community is when traveling abroad
• Why family owned restaurants can give you a better experience
• Why eating blue crab is amazing and why you should give it a try
• How to find the silver lining in the mishaps of travel
• Why staying with local hosts can provide a more authentic experience 
• How to find a host to stay with while abroad
• Why it's worth staying with a local host is worth it
• How to acclimate to a city better
• The best food allergy tips while traveling
• Why Paris should be on your travel list

In this solo episode, I dive into a few topics that I think every traveler should hear. After years of travel with over 35 countries under my belt, I made my share of mistakes that affected my enjoyment of a trip but also may have caused problems for others around me. 

I begin talking about how "traveling" in your own city is just as fulfilling as traveling abroad, a concept I believe that people forget. Being able to see your city or state in a new light can be refreshing to the everyday busy individual.

While traveling can be fun, it can also be stressful. I teach you a mindfulness practice, I personally use to keep calm and enjoy the present moment while in stressful situations. 

I want everyone listening to travel and see what the world has to offer. But booking your flights can be a challenge, especially with a high price attached to it. I give tips on how, when, and where to book your next flight.

For the full show notes of the page with Blake Erik's recommended resources check out: nomadicfoodist.com/authentic

In today’s episode you will learn:

• How to experience travel in your own city
• Why getting out of your comfort zone will lead to better moments
• How not to let your fears dictate your travel goals
• How to mentally prepare yourself when doing something uncomfortable
• Useful mindfulness practice that helps while traveling
• Why taking part in risky activities you don't like for social media
• How to save money when booking flights

Blake Erik is the creator behind his website blakeerik.com where he writes about his life experiences, shares stories through photos, and expresses his creative side through online media. 

Growing up in Singapore, Blake was accustomed to one way of life and understanding the world through a singular lens. When he moved to Spain for college, he started to experience more of the world around him. Since then, he's traveled all over Europe, Asia, and Australia, eating delicious meals and exploring new cultures.

For the full show notes of the page with Blake Erik's recommended resources check out: nomadicfoodist.com/blakeerik

In today’s episode you will learn:

• Why being kind while traveling could be beneficial
• How learning a few phrases in a language can help when traveling abroad
• Tips on how to choose a better place to stay
• Interesting laws in Singapore
• What traveling to Belgium is like
• What to expect from the food scene in Belgium
• Tips on how to meet people in a new city
• Amazing dishes to try in Singapore
• Fun things to do in London
• How to maximize your experiences
• Why brunch in Australia is so good

Renee Hannes is the blogger behind Dream Plan Experience, a blog focused on niche European and Canadian travel. Her love for travel started when she solo traveled in Germany for three months when she was 17. Since then, Renee's passion for travel grew, taking her to new places all around the world. Renee started her blog in 2019, a side hustle turned full time, to share her many off the beaten path trips and travel tips.

For the full show notes of the page with Renee's recommended resources check out: nomadicfoodist.com/dreamplanexperience

In today’s episode you will learn:

• Tips on how to enjoy every second of your trip 
• How to create a balanced itinerary 
• Why customizing your trip to your interests over others is better
• What it's like traveling to Paris in each season
• What to expect when traveling to Paris
• How to avoid touristy restaurants
• What to expect when eating in France
• How learning some basic phrases in a different language can help with locals
• Why you should travel to Porto, Portugal

Joanne Senoren is the blogger behind Sees Food Will Travel, a blog dedicated to finding delicious food from around the world and recreating those dishes into simple to follow recipes.

Being born in the Philippines and spending her formative years in Hawaii, Joanne experienced unique food cultures that would influence her passion for travel and love for food. 

From her travels around the world, Joanne became fascinated with recreating her favorite dishes and sharing those recipes so every reader could experience global food cultures.

For the full show notes of the page with Joanne's recommended resources check out: nomadicfoodist.com/seesfoodwilltravel

In today’s episode you will learn:

• What it's like traveling to Tbilisi, Georgia
• What Khinkali is made of
• How to eat Khinkali properly
• What the food scene in Portugal is like
• How canned sardines are different in Portugal than anywhere else
• How to experience Lisbon in a better way
• How making friends abroad can enhance your experience
• Why the food culture is unique in Venice
• How Vienna's Christmas market differs from others around the world
• Why wine in Georgia is so amazing
• What is Quevri wine in Georgia and how it's made

Dean and Julie are the couple behind Two Fat Americans, a blog dedicated to showing amazing food around the world and tips for plus size travel. Dean and Julie's love of travel deepened after their first trip to Europe to celebrate their anniversary. 

Soon after their life changing trip, they decided to quit their jobs, sell their stuff and travel for 8 months around the world seeking an endless summer. With Dean's knowledge of food as a chef and Julie's love for photography, their combined passion has created a great resource for those who love food and travel.

For the full show notes of the page with Dean and Julie's recommended resources check out: nomadicfoodist.com/twofatamericans

In today’s episode you will learn:

• Tips on how to plan a long trip abroad
• How being creative with a small budget can lead you to unique experiences
• Why eating at a fast food restaurant could be beneficial while abroad
• Why trying the local cuisine is important when traveling
• Common challenges that plus size people could encounter while traveling
• Advice for those who are uncertain of travel due to their insecurities
• Dean and Julie's BEST food highlights in Oaxaca
• What to expect when traveling to Oaxaca
• What the main difference is between tequila and mezcal
• How to find a GREAT tour guide
• Why Cape Town is a MUST visit destination

Kelci Reedy is the writer behind Foodish Ways, a Washington D.C. based blog that encourages readers to explore food in their own city. 

Kelci's fascination with traveling for food started when she attended college in NYC and was completely surrounded by every type of food imaginable. By exploring the city, Kelci grew a better understanding of herself and other food cultures. She realized that so much can be understood about a place by how its food connects everyone. 

Since Kelci is a local of Washington D.C., she takes this interview to help us plan the perfect trip to the nation's capital.

For the full show notes of the page with Kelci's recommended resources check out: nomadicfoodist.com/foodishways

In today’s episode you will learn:

• About the diversity of food cultures in NYC
• Why Mom and Pop restaurants are so amazing
• Tips on how to choose a great restaurant
• What you can expect when traveling to Washington D.C.
• What the D.C. food scene is like
• Tips for travelers for first timers to D.C.
• Best things to do in D.C. for first timers
• Which season is best for traveling to D.C.

John Paul is the writer behind The Hangry Backpacker, a blog dedicated to budget friendly adventures with amazing food recommendations. Since he was a child, John Paul was fascinated and eager to learn about far off places. 

This fascination turned into an obsession, leading John Paul to his life changing solo backpacking trip to Europe. As he journeyed throughout Europe, John Paul knew he wanted more, resulting in John Paul quitting his job, creating The Hangry Backpacker, and traveling through Southeast Asia. With John Paul's extensive backpacking knowledge and experience, The Hangry Backpacker is the go to resource for the budget focused, food loving traveler. 

For the full show notes of the page with John Paul's recommended resources check out: nomadicfoodist.com/hangrybackpacker

In today’s episode you will learn:

• How to pack efficiently and lightly
• How to walk across the street in Hanoi, Vietnam
• What Bun Cha consists of
• Tips for aspiring backpackers
• Why being flexible while traveling is important
• Why food in Louisiana is delicious
• Why you should try gas station food in the South
• How travel is more accessible to everyone not just the rich
• What it's like traveling to Egypt
• Why Spain has some of the best food in the world
• What Granada, Spain is like
• What to expect when ordering tapas in Granada
• Why saying yes to adventure could lead you to new experiences
• Tips for budgeting abroad

Mike and Anne are the duo behind Honeytrek, a blog sharing the adventures of their 11 year honeymoon around the world. With their extensive travel experience, Mike and Anne geared their blog to help find unique destinations, off the beaten path experiences, sustainable traveling practices, and sharing local's stories. Not only can you access their knowledge on their site, but they've written a few books that will also help guide anyone to their perfect trip.

For the full show notes of the page with Mike and Anne's recommended resources check out: nomadicfoodist.com/honeytrek

In today’s episode you will learn:

• How adventure isn't always comfortable
• How to work through issues as a couple abroad
• How being out of your element while abroad can affect your trip
• Why it's okay to venture off by yourself
• Challenges and successes of eating a plant based diet
• Tips for plant based eaters abroad
• The basics of glamping
• What it's like to glamp around the world
• Why glamping is a great option for experiencing the outdoors. 
• Why housesitting is a viable option for all types of travelers
• Tips on how to build your resume for house sitting

Adventure is out there, but you need to find it. In today's podcast episode, I talk about the importance of adventure during travel. We all face mortality and most people would hate to look back at life on their deathbed with regrets, especially when it comes to their dreams of travel and adventure. 

Adventure isn't always comfortable or easy, but it's always worth the effort. I give some tips and advice for welcoming more adventure into your life, a little bit at a time, hoping your spirit for adventure grows.

Since most health travel restrictions have been lifted, I believe 2023 will be the year of travel. I dive into budget travel since the cost of travel has most certainly gone up, so I talk about a few budget friendly trip ideas to kick start this travel season.

For the full show notes of the page with my recommended resources check out: nomadicfoodist.com/adventure

In today’s episode you will learn:

• Why you should travel in 2023
• How to grow and step outside your comfort zone
• How to become more adventurous
• Why travel isn't always comfortable and easy
• How to find the balance when taking a trip
• Tips for beginner adventurers
• Why you should start crossing things off your bucketlist
• Budget friendly tips for travel and being more adventurous
• How to find cheap flights