Travel Tales with Mike Siegel
Episodes
Joe Miragliotta
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
OG lifestyle blogger Joe Miragliotta of JoesDaily.com returns to the show after a decade to update us on his move to southern Illinois, his latest tra...
Marin May
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marin May just returned transformed from her first trip to Portugal, and looks forward to traveling more now that her son is off to college!Mentioned ...
Maria Kamau
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A trip to Germany as a teenager inspired Kenyan Maria Kamau to want to travel the world. Nearly a hundred countries later, she now runs her own Nairob...
Bob Gillespie
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
My old comedy pal from Chicago is now an expat living in Costa Rica. Time to check in to see how it is living La Pura Vida.
Bryan Lewis
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Boston-based Bryan Lewis is the founder of Tenon Tours, a bespoke travel agency specializing in Europe.
Graham Elwood
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Back for a 3rd appearance on Travel Tales, comedian Graham Elwood shares his experiences of living in Thailand for the past year.
Gavin Solomon
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
G'day, mates! We head Down Under to check in with our Aussie pal Gavin Solomon, a Sydney native who now makes his home in his nation's capital of Canb...
Jack Rathmell
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jack Rathwell grew up in Pennsylvania Amish country and after only a year in college, decamped to South Africa, first as a volunteer and later as a st...
Sarah Dandashy
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's been nearly a full decade since we chatted with Sarah Dandashy of AskAConcierge.tv and she's been busy: leaving her day job, appearing on TV, cre...
J. Keith van Straaten
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Podcast/game show host extraordinaire J. Keith van Straaten just returned from whirlwind honeymoon to Europe and Africa and has plenty of Tales to tel...
Rael Zieve
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Rael Zieve is a native of Zimbabwe now making his home in England. He is the founder of the Keep Travelling Africa website and podcast.
2025 Year in Travel
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Holidays! Mike here. As the year ends, thought I'd take an episode to recount a crazy year of highs and lows. Let's all look ahead to a better 2...
Johnny Cardinale
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian Johnny Cardinale spends the bulk of the year on the road, and his jokes have brought him to nearly every corner of the world.
Steve Mazan
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian and Navy veteran Steve Mazan just returned from two weeks in Poland entertaining the troops.
Mark Phipps
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Phipps left his native England at 19 and never looked back. After stints living in Australia, New Zealand, and the US, he now makes his home in K...
Azdean Elmoustaquim
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Azdean Elmoustaquim emigrated from Morocco to Houston 30 years ago, but has since turned his passion and expertise for his homeland into his travel bu...
Scott Neeson - encore episode
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week is an encore repeat from 2021, with Scott Neeson, former Hollywood exec who left it all to help starving children in Cambodia. Truly inspiri...
Cathy Ladman
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cathy Ladman is a longtime comedian who recently returned from a whirlwind trip to Europe. Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel Podcas...
Krishna Shivdasani
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Krishna Shivdasani is an entrepreneur who co-created a new travel app, Now You Know. Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis ...
Mark Parton
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mike welcomes back his old high school friend Mark Parton, who recently returned from his first ever trip to Japan.Mentioned in this episode:Check out...
Craig D. Forrest
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Craig D. Forrest is a 40-year veteran filmmaker and TV producer who has visited 161 countries and covered war zones, famines, religious cults, and eve...
Melissa Rodway
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Toronto native Melissa Rodway took a 4-month trip through Southeast Asia back in 2010, writing lengthy, detailed emails along the way. She's compiled ...
Jennifer Johnson
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jennifer Johnson is one half of Jenn N Scott Adventures, a site following the exploits of an American couple living full-time around the world. Mentio...
Kenny Dunn
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kenny Dunn is a Philly native and founder of Eating Europe, which provides food tours and recommendations in the Continent's top cities.Mentioned in ...
George Jerjian
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
George Jerjian had a cancer scare in his early 50's that forced him into retirement. He soon earned he needed more than just golf to keep him fulfille...
Carrie Dow
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Freelance writer Carrie Dow created the blog, "What's Pawsitive", showcasing animal welfare experiences around the world. Mentioned in this episode:Ch...
Evlyn Mondo
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Quebec native Evlyn Mondo had a dream to retire to a warm tropical island. She made it come true when she and her husband purchased a luxury villa in ...
Oli France
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
English adventurer Oli France shares Tales of his treks to go from the lowest to highest points on each continent by human power alone.Mentioned in th...
Eryn Gordon
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A year teaching English in South Korea inspired Eryn Gordon to create her own travel blog/guide, EarthToEditorial.com.Mentioned in this episode:Check ...
Melissa Curtin
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa Curtin returns to Travel Tales 12 years after her first appearance, to fill us in on what's happening with her longtime travel/lifestyle site ...
Jordan Giberson
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jordan Giberson is a Texan who fell in love with London at first sight and moved there in 2019. She now has a website and podcast encouraging others w...
Justin Walter
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After nine years, travel TV host and influencer Justin Walter returns as Your Bucket List Guide, inspiring people to not wait to see their dream trave...
Kate Fincham
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Toronto native Kate Fincham threw caution to the wind during Covid and bought a houseboat to live on all year-round. She documents her life on board o...
Tom McLauchlan
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Englishman Tom McLauchlan is a classical guitarist who has performed around the world.Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis...
Kellie Paxian
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Canadian Kellie Paxian left her PR job in Vancouver to take a life-altering trip around the world for six months. She now lives in Cape Town, South Af...
Bonus Episode - Let'er Buck! Broncos, Steers, Whiskey & Beer at the Pendleton Rodeo (from Hidden Trails of Oregon)
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special bonus episode we're headed to Oregon with the our friends the hosts of the Hidden Trails of Oregon Podcast.“It’s part action movie...
Alex Bogaard
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Photographer Alex Bogaard was born and raised in Europe and has traveled the world shooting amazing photos along the way.Mentioned in this episode:Che...
Laura Kiniry
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Travel writer Laura Kiniry returns after 11 years(!) to fill us in on where she's been. Hint- it's a lot of places!Mentioned in this episode:Check out...
Kinga Philipps
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
TV host/producer Kinga Philipps became the first female host of her own show in 33 years of Discovery Network's Shark Week. She continues to travel th...
Ron Placone
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian Ron Placone tried for years to get Italian citizenship, only for the country to change the rules overnight.Mentioned in this episode:Check ou...
Matt Tory
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Filmmaker/Author Matt Tory visited all 50 US states and every National Park. He shares his Tales in his new book, Go See America!Mentioned in this epi...
Mia Anne
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Realtor Mia Anne turned the heartbreaking loss of both parents in a 10-month span during Covid into motivation for an epic journey across America.Ment...
Donna Pleiman
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Donna Pleiman is a Kentucky-based doctor who spent 6 months with her family in New Zealand during Covid.Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart ...
Jenny Geyser
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For as long as she can remember, LA-based yoga instructor Jenny Geyser had wanted to live in Italy. In 2024, she made it happen.Mentioned in this epis...
Gary Arndt
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Successful travel blogger, award-winning photographer, and host of the popular Everything Everywhere Daily podcast, Gary Arndt.Mentioned in this episo...
Lori Mooney
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lori Mooney loves TV and movies: so much so that she works in the TV industry and has traveled around the US seeking out filming locations to take in ...
Jessica Parker
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Travel advisor Jessica Parker, AKA The Trip Whisperer, joins us to share Tales about her journey through the travel industry, her time living in Leban...
Matt Kepnes
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nomadic Matt in the house! Longtime travel blogger and author Matt Kepnes stops by to talk travel and his new book, How To Travel the World on $75 A D...
Leon Logothetis
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Leon Logothetis returns to Travel Tales eight years after finishing his travel TV series, The Kindness Diaries. He now has a new film, "The Kindness W...
Danielle Frank
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Native New Yorker Danielle Frank has called LA home for over 20 years, but has traveled the world for longer!Mentioned in this episode:Check out the S...
Ricardo Kaljouw
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ricardo Kaljouw is a Dutch adventurer who has climbed to the peaks of the highest volcanic summits on all seven continents. Mentioned in this episode:...
Jill Robinson
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bay Area representing! Adventure travel writer Jill Robinson checks in from Half Moon Bay, CA to share Tales of her professional and personal journeys...
Megan Snedden
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Travel junkie Megan Snedden figured out early in life how to live around the world, and she shows no signs of stopping.Mentioned in this episode:Check...
Kristen Gill
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Giller is back! We check in with adventure travel writer Kristen Gill on her layover from Japan! Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Tra...
Meredith Cochran
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Entrepreneur Meredith Cochran is all about the wellness, whether it's outdoor activities, travel, or food and drink. Follow her at MeredithCochran.co...
Jacob Lemanski
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jacob Lemanski hopped on his bicycle in Colorado and decided to ride solo as long as he could. He didn't stop until he made it around the entire world...
Suzanne Wentley
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Longtime digital nomad/ author/ house sitter/ life coach/ yoga teacher Suzanne Wentley checks in from Vietnam to discuss her life on the road. Menti...
Mark Nizer
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professional juggler Mark Nizer has been touring the world since the '80s and has seen it all: having his props stolen in Aspen, killing a bird mid-pe...
Peggy Cleveland
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Travel writer Peggy Cleveland returns to share details on her recent trip to Maui and spread some love for the fire-damaged island. Men...
Alex Harz
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alex Harz is an adventurer and filmmaker who recently released his documentary of climbing Mt. Everest in both 2D and VR! Mentioned in ...
Kylee Nelson
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kylee Nelson caught the travel bug as a traveling nurse and parlayed it into the passportsandpreemies.com travel site. Mentioned in thi...
Taylor Sokol
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Former cruise director Taylor Sokol joins us to share Tales of his adventures on the high seas. Mentioned in this episode:Check out the...
Erin Hynes
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Erin Hynes is the creator of the PinaTravels.org travel blog and the host of the Curious Tourism podcast. Mentioned in this episode:Che...
Jeff Johns
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jeff Johns, author of the new memoir "Jetlag Junkie," grew up with a severe case of ADHD that inspired him to constantly seek out new experie...
Tom Turcich
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A tragedy inspired Tom Turcich to embark on an seven-year, around-the-world journey on foot across six continents. Mentioned in this ep...
Ash Maharaj
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ash Maharaj has been the owner and proprietor of the Harmony Motel in 29 Palms, CA for 20 years - a mid-century modern spot with a rock n' ro...
Mike Siegel - Iceland and Beyond
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mike returns after month abroad to recap his adventures in Iceland, Scotland, Ireland, and England. Mentioned in this episode:Check ou...
Christina Johnston
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Opera singer Christina Johnston talks about her journey from small town England, to Prague, to performing around the world. Mentioned i...
Ken Kristensen
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Big time Hollywood writer/producer Ken Kristensen shares Tales of his days as a travel writer in the 90's and early 2000's. Mentioned i...
Angie Orth
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Angie Orth is the travel blogger behind AngieAway.com and recently published her travel memoir, "Flirting With Disaster." Mentioned in ...
Alaska -A Cruise Guide
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mike does a solo show to give all the tips and recommendations for those who want to cruise the USA's 49th state. Mentioned in this epi...
Pete Schwaba
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On Wisconsin! Mike's longtime comedy pal Pete Schwaba checks in from Americas Dairyland. Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart ...
Michaela Guzy
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Michaela Guzy is the host and creator of travel shows "Oh the People You Meet" and "Sleeping Around Safely." Mentioned in this episode:...
Kristen Van Nest
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Author/comedian Kristen Van Nest shares Tales of her years spent in Shanghai, Luxembourg, and beyond Mentioned in this episode:Check ou...
Paul Morrissey
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian Paul Morrissey recalls his trips performing in Europe, Asia and the Middle East Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart ...
Piper Moretti
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Piper Moretti returns to recap her first-ever trip to Japan and what it's like to travel with yours truly! Mentioned in this episode:Ch...
Angelyn Rudd
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
She's back! The Wild Child from Louisville makes a return appearance to catch us up on her recent trips to Australia, New Zealand, South Paci...
Courtney Cronin
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Courtney Cronin rocks! When the comedian is not entertaining crowds on rock-themed cruises and festival lineups, she's traveled back to Europ...
Laura Hayden
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian Laura Hayden stops by the studio to tell Tales of her recent trip to Japan and countless other locales. Mentioned in this epis...
Amber Zinsmeister
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Wellness expert Amber Zinsmeister left her small town Michigan upbringing for California and the world beyond. Mentioned in this episo...
Bob Gillespie
22 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An old friend from the Chicago stand-up trenches, Bob Gillespie became a success in the world of finance and travels the world for business a...
Laura Grier
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The return of Laura Grier! After 8 years, catching up with the photographer/entrepreneur about her many adventures and formation of an artisa...
Joanna Kalafatis
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Joanna Kalafatis is an actress and creator of the travel blog, LoseTheMap.com Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel Podc...
Mike Siegel - Australian Holidays
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mike returns from a month away to recap his holidays Down Under. Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week'...
Sascha Mayerer
28 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sascha Mayerer is the CEO/Managing Director of Historic Highlights of Germany, promoting tourism in lesser known smaller cities throughout Ge...
Dom Joly
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
British comedian/writer Dom Joly talks about his Lebanese/English upbringing, his brief career as a diplomat, his TV career and travel writin...
Cortney McDermott
30 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Author and speaker Cortney McDermott is a Chicago native who has lived in a small village in Northern Italy for over 20 years. Mention...
Mike Siegel -Moorea and More
17 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mike does a solo episode recapping his recent trips to French Polynesia, Washington DC, and Toronto, while catching us up on where he's head...
Sandra Weinacht
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sandra Weinacht is the co-owner of boutique tour company Inside Europe Travel Experiences. Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smar...
David Haldane
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
David Haldane is a former LA Times journalist who married a woman from the Philippines and now splits his time between her homeland and Joshu...
Eric Chamberlin
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Eric Chamberlin is a Maine native now living in France. He's the author of the blog "Thrive At Fifty Five" Mentioned in this episode:Ch...
Nathan James Thomas
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nathan James Thomas is a New Zealand native now based in Poland, and the author of "Untethered - Living the Digital Nomad Life In An Uncertai...
Gary Brightwell
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian Gary Brightwell stops by to share Tales of performing for the troops in war zones in the Middle East and beyond. Mentioned in ...
Cal Amir
24 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Cal Amir was living the "American Dream" on Wall St.. but it left him empty inside. He took a year off to travel, and 30 countries later, he ...
Fede Vargas
10 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fede Vargas was born in Mexico, Raised in Toronto, and lived for three years in Ireland. He is the host of the "My Most Authentic Life" podca...
Richard Currie
27 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Richard Currie left Scotland to live in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where both chaos and magic ensued, resulting in his new memoir, "Beers, Tears, ...
Kat Medina
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kat Medina is the author of "The Joys of Jetlag - How to Use a Traveler's Mindset to Not Be an A+Hole in Everyday Life" Mentioned in th...
Leo Rossi
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Leo Rossi is a former tour manager for Fleetwood Mac, the Beach Boys, Billy Idol and more! Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smar...
Meredith Hackwith Edwards
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Meredith Hackwith Edwards is a part-time model, surfer, and host of the "Meredith For Real - the Curious Introvert" podcast and Youtube chann...
Alisha Mansfield
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Alisha Mansfield is a nurse who created the Travel Today- Work Tomorrow website. Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel P...