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Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast

Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast

Author: A Travel Podcast

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Out of Office is a travel podcast hosted by us, Ryan Davis and Kiernan Schmitt. From early childhood, we were each infected with a serious case of wanderlust (among other things.)

We define travel broadly, from local day trips to high-flyin’ overseas adventures. Every episode, we dig into one topic—ranging from the serious to the silly, the practical to the outlandish—and give advice on how to get out there and explore the world.
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On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan interviews one of the show’s most interesting guests ever: opera and Italian cuisine expert Fred Plotkin. Decades ago, Fred published a breakout hit for intrepid eaters: his book “Italy for the Gourmet Traveler.” During COVID, he collaborated with frequent “Out of Office” guest Rick Steves on a new update, which the duo published in 2023 as “Italy for Food Lovers.” Fred’s knowledge proved so encyclopedic, this will be Part 1 of 2! Note: Some SFX are missing from the top of the show, which explains the weird pauses. We’ll talk about it on the next episode.  Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Willy Wonka Immersive Experience https://www.salon.com/2024/03/02/fyre-festival-20-everything-to-know-about-the-less-than-stellar-willy-wonka-immersive-experience/  “Italy for Food Lovers” https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/italy-for-food-lovers Fred Plotkin biography https://www.wqxr.org/people/fred-plotkin/  “The Myth of Your Phone’s Airplane Mode” https://qz.com/phone-airplane-mode-myth-1851286214  “Pod Save the World” CPAC Doubles Down on Creepy Autocrats https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cpac-doubles-down-on-creepy-autocrats/id1200016351?i=1000647359648 
Buenos Aires 101

Buenos Aires 101

2024-02-2747:08

On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Ryan ventures to Buenos Aires and shares his top neighborhood picks, eats too much steak, and embarks on a quest for elderly giraffes. Also, the boys debut a fresh segment called Nonsense Banter. Ryan's BA photos on Insgagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C32MfWpuTpH/?img_index=1 Other Links: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/02/air-canada-must-honor-refund-policy-invented-by-airlines-chatbot/
In this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Ryan speaks with Dawn Padmore, Vice President of Awards at the James Beard Foundation, about the newly released list of semi-finalists and how the JBF discovers these exceptional restaurants across the United States. Additionally, Ryan and Kiernan share some of their favorites from the list. The JBF: https://www.jamesbeard.org/ Semi-Finalists List: https://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/the-2024-james-beard-awards-semifinalists Notre Dame Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notre-dame/id1438098925?i=1000436877749
On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan talks to Amy Virshup, the Travel Editor of the New York Times, about the paper’s just released “52 Places to Visit in 2024” list. Plus, the boys launch a new segment called “The Judy Alert” to help Ryan’s mother determine whether her son is in danger. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: “52 Places to Go in 2024” https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/travel/places-to-travel-destinations-2024.html  Quito, Ecuador episode https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/quito-ecuador/id1438098925?i=1000610538652  Ecuador Travel Advisory https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/ecuador-travel-advisory.html  White House Press Release on Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument  https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/08/08/fact-sheet-president-biden-designates-baaj-nwaavjo-itah-kukveni-ancestral-footprints-of-the-grand-canyon-national-monument/   
Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont

2024-01-1647:49

On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” the boys revisit their 2023 Travel New Year’s Resolutions, set down some new ambitions, respond to some SCATHING listener reviews, and then relax into full New England Winter Mode with a city guide to Stowe, Vermont. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Vermont Covered Bridges https://www.vermontbridges.com/goldbrk.htm#:~:text=The%20Gold%20Brook%20Bridge%20in%20Stowe%2C%20built%20in%201844%2C%20is,Vermont's%20Howe%20truss%20railroad%20spans.  Stowe Mountain Resort https://gostowe.com/listing/stowe-mountain-resort/ Trapp Family Lodge https://www.trappfamily.com/about-us.htm  Stowe Recreation Path https://www.stowerec.org/parks-facilities/rec-paths/stowe-recreation-path/   Bear Pond Books https://stowebooks.com/  Idletyme Brewing Company https://idletymebrewing.com/ Alchemist Beer https://alchemistbeer.com/  “25 Stunning Sites in South America” by The Discoverer https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/25-stunning-sites-south-america/XvHyVpKgiwAG5ann?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2004919419 Japanese Plane Collision https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/02/world/asia/tokyo-haneda-plane-fire.html  Alaska Airlines Boeing Loses a Door Plug Midflight  https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/07/us/alaska-airlines-boeing-passengers.html   
Grab your nog, it’s the annual OOO Christmas Spectacular where the boys put aside their passports to focus on Santa’s operational efficiencies and Sesame Street Christmas music. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Rankin Bass Musicals https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rankin/Bass_Animated_Entertainment  Freeze Miser https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEbFfoBPfw4  The Largest Nativity Scene in South America https://www.expreso.ec/ocio/cultura/cuenca-reclama-pesebre-grande-latinoamerica-173858.html  “Santa Baby” by Ariana Grande https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlR0MkrRklg   Cookie Monster’s “12 Days of Christmas” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQCmsuK-Lmw  Ugly Sweater Ornament https://www.ebay.com/itm/255838445784?hash=item3b9128e0d8:g:Uj4AAOSwodVjeaGy&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8NPxIqG7TEJv1y5rq1ngNG9jrGcrhJezWdhmJou2WW3KRzFtstVU77F2rBgYqUVIGP%2FOuTkPbL09UTcSjPoyXy7TJRs5s8aCpCpqz4C%2FU4Ym%2F4cP%2BNrvCbzs4Hc4gIkqx2uZXJFhWyT%2BB3HqTtzxOFLuzeWvjTOmvF%2Bo1REtDZhOxtuRqLBaTwwoNpLZhq%2B550zP5Qaw%2Ba%2BpSyt1HNJMpJF0OdHdKPKCXtN%2BDHNOdgnStEqShRLcQLhiz2Ngnrp4SGQQKQO%2BohqLxrI0iGz8pksqxDSb0SjLR%2FgxG1yA6rylPFbvl3EBfTOHJruagIQlYQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4jryaSNYw Ugly Possum Ornament https://www.jdevlinglassart.com/bac-185-possum-ornament/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAj_CrBhD-ARIsAIiMxT84-U1us_3R7qrv4OkXqRFy_GWNyikBaBFlB6SgDuxyP4TcVLy45rcaAhhaEALw_wcB   
Guayaquil, Ecuador

Guayaquil, Ecuador

2023-12-0549:54

This week on the pod, join Ryan as he explores Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. Discover a Millennial Malecon, delve into miniature history museums teeming with pirates, and encounter feral iguanas. Also, stay tuned as Kiernan learns what a chameleon is. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Quito Episode: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-149-quito-ecuador/ https://apnews.com/article/ecuador-crime-cocaine-fernando-villavicencio-4f96684926c2600e2483373555a7cf42 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malec%C3%B3n_2000 https://www.lonelyplanet.com/ecuador/pacific-coast-and-lowlands/guayaquil/attractions/museo-en-miniatura-guayaquil-en-la-historia/a/poi-sig/1504404/363353 https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/Establishments/Ecuador/Guayaquil/Casa-Juli%C3%A1n.html https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/Establishments/Ecuador/Guayaquil/Mikka.html The Last Stop: Ryan: Z-Food in Quito (https://zfoodquito.com/) Kiernan: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/20/us/death-valley-lake.html   
This week on the pod, Kiernan takes us to merry old England to visit sites related to William Shakespeare in honor of the 400th anniversary of the publication of the First Folio. Without the Folio, we would likely have lost half—HALF!—of Shakespeare’s plays. Libraries around the world will be hosting special events throughout the year, and there’s never been a better time to head to the theatre! Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Ryan’s OTHER podcast Red Pen https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/red-pen-a-grammar-podcast/id1658608663  Folio 400 https://folio400.com/where-are-they/  Panda Diplomacy https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/08/us/politics/panda-zoo-china.html  Atlanta Zoo https://zooatlanta.org/activity-type/wild-encounters/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAu9yqBhBmEiwAHTx5pxOo1X0nXLy7cGyxIpUqgR-UgVVrsz2trHpg2aUUxlotA-4Pp-j6_hoCQtEQAvD_BwE  NYer article about Panda Mating https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/09/02/bears-do-it  Folio anniversary write-ups we like https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/03/books/review/shakespeares-first-folio-turns-400.html  https://www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2023/november/the-first-folio-at-400  Misc: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/theater-floorboards-shakespeare-uncovered-2376341  
Bear Safety

Bear Safety

2023-11-0753:28

On this week’s episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan teaches Ryan how to protect himself from bears, and not the Fire Island-type. National Parks Bear Safety https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/idkt_bears.htm  Bear Spray https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/species/livingwithwildlife/bears/pdfs/bear_spray_what_you_should_know.pdf  Critter Gitter Sensor https://crittergittersensor.com/  Futuro House https://www.wboc.com/news/kent-county-futuro-house-nears-national-historic-register-landing/article_44c49dca-6e0d-11ee-a74d-671f80e01aed.html?fbclid=IwAR3h371CgsAgIFynOBhO9yJhGHkOMC4XOaVIjCiTp8lnoGzdbNGnyTFCAP4  Ark Encounter https://arkencounter.com/   
Join Ryan as he recounts his recent adventure in Bahía Solano, Colombia. Encounter tall, handsome motorcycle drivers, majestic whales, Colombian Huck Finns, and baby turtles. Don’t miss Ryan's many exhilarating experiences crossing multiple bridges. Things We Talked About in Today's Episode:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/ Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/917672623315797476?source_impression_id=p3_1697708123_XGHn8l8m1zAwtWd6 Turtles: https://www.instagram.com/tortugasdelpacifico/ Coolest Bar In Town: https://www.utriahostel.com/ The Bitch:  https://www.amazon.com/Bitch-Pilar-Quintana/dp/164286059X
Rick Steves!

Rick Steves!

2023-10-1058:09

In honor of the “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast” 5 year anniversary, Kiernan landed a big interview: travel luminary Rick Steves. Rick has been THE dream guest for the boys since Day 1 and he’s finally here in studio. Kiernan and Rick talk European sightseeing, the ins-and-outs of travel book writing, and why Portugal is better than Orlando, FL.  Is it the end of The Quest for Rick Steves or the beginning of The Great Kiernan-Rick Bromance? Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Everything Rick Steves https://www.ricksteves.com/   Rick Steves’ Europe Season 12 https://www.ricksteves.com/tv-programmers/season/twelve  The Last Stop:  Stuff You Should Know: Night of the Grizzlies https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/night-of-the-grizzlies/id278981407?i=1000630016148   Banff Grizzly Deaths https://www.npr.org/2023/10/02/1203036630/bear-attack-couple-dies-canada-banff
On this week’s episode, Kiernan talks to Washington Post journalist and podcaster Lillian Cunningham about her fantastic 5-episode National Park podcast “Field Trip.” They talk about environmental disasters, how Native American communities relate to the Parks, and the challenges of making audio stories about highly visual landscapes.  Plus, RYAN VISITS BOSTON. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: “Field Trip” https://www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/field-trip/  “Presidential” https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/business/podcasts/presidential/  Rich Men North of Richmond https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqSA-SY5Hro  Spoke in Somerville http://www.spokewinebar.com/  Chez Baldwin https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/chez-baldwin  Plum Island https://www.newburyport.com/plum-island-beach/  Bob Lobster https://boblobster.com/
On this week’s episode, Kiernan and Ryan discuss their sometimes divergent philosophies of what makes a perfect airplane movie, the best thing to do with your screen if you’re not using it, and why you don’t want to sit in front of Ryan when he’s engaged in a heated round of Tetris.  Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Fail Foliage Map: https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/ Last Stop: https://www.roerich.org/ https://www.factorytoursusa.com/ Rate and Review Us: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/out-of-office-a-travel-podcast/id1438098925 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/
Panama

Panama

2023-08-2943:46

On this week’s episode, Ryan takes us between two oceans to Panama. Pirates, Teddy Roosevelt, and propeller planes: what more could you want in an episode? Things we talk about in this week’s episode: https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Favorite-Novel-Lawrence-Wright/dp/1416562478 Restaurants:  Fonda Lo Que Hay  Intimo Restaurante  Maito Restaurante  Cantina del Tigre  https://www.amazon.com/Path-Between-Seas-Creation-1870-1914/dp/0671244094 https://www.museodelcanal.com/en/book-here/  https://barefootpanama.com/ https://www.audacy.com/podcast/search-engine-c67a8/episodes/wait-should-i-not-be-drinking-airplane-coffee-39823
First Trip to New York

First Trip to New York

2023-08-1559:20

On this week’s episode, the boys make recommendations for their favorite city in the world: New York City! NYC has SO MUCH to do it can be overwhelming, so let Kiernan and Ryan recommend their curated must-do list for a first trip to the city—museums, theater, and famous landmarks abound! Things we talk about in this week’s episode: American Museum of Natural History https://www.amnh.org/  The Met Museum https://www.metmuseum.org/ MoMA https://www.moma.org/  The Cloisters https://www.metmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit/met-cloisters  Statue of Liberty https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/  Ellis Island https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/  Tenement Museum https://www.tenement.org/  Grand Central Terminal https://www.grandcentralterminal.com/  New York Public LIbrary (you want to go to the Main Branch) https://www.nypl.org/  The Morgan Library https://www.themorgan.org/  Empire State Building (see it, don’t go up) https://www.esbnyc.com/  9/11 Memorial Museum https://www.911memorial.org/  Time Square https://www.timessquarenyc.org/  Broadway shows https://www.broadway.com/shows/tickets/  TKTS https://www.tdf.org/discount-ticket-programs/tkts-by-tdf/tkts-live/  “Scoring Broadway Tickets” episode https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scoring-broadway-tickets/id1438098925?i=1000433455504  Tulcingo de Valle https://www.tulcingorestaurant.com/  Central Park https://www.centralparknyc.org/  The High Line https://www.thehighline.org/  New Rules for Visiting Europe https://www.npr.org/2023/07/27/1190453405/europe-travel-visa-etias-how-to-apply  Atomic Bomb Statue on Upper West Side https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/24212#:~:text=Fifteen%20feet%20tall%2C%20made%20of,that%20leveled%20Hiroshima%20in%201945
This week, join the boys as they take you back to Nashville, Tennessee, reliving their December 2019 episode to the Music City. Original Nashville Episode With All Links: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-61-nashville/ More Tennessee Content:  Chattanooga & Lookout Mountain: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-88-chattanooga-lookout-mountain/ Knoxville & The Great Smoky Mountains: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-85-knoxville-the-great-smoky-mountains/
This week, the boys discuss the viral article on the most popular tourist attractions in the United States from HawaiianIslands.com with Brittany Mendez. Listen to find out why they both may end up in an asylum.  Check out the article and maps here: https://hawaiianislands.com/blog/favorite-american-tourist-attraction/ Things We Talked About In Today’s Episode: Ryan on Overcoming The Divide: https://overcomethedivide.buzzsprout.com/1217318/13192884-the-democratic-primaries-media-strategy-with-ryan-j-davis https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/ https://floridapanhandle.com/shark-attack-data/ https://floridapanhandle.com/blog/the-most-and-least-expensive-vacation-destinations-around-the-world-and-states/ The Last Stop: Ryan: Ends August 13 https://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/under-cover-leyendecker-and-american-masculinity Kiernan: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/07/23/metro/behind-maine-flag-debate-an-identity-crisis/?s_campaign=breakingnews:newsletter  
The Case for Travel

The Case for Travel

2023-07-1844:37

On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” the boys debate a recent New Yorker article arguing against travel! Things we talk about in this week’s episode: The Case Against Travel https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-weekend-essay/the-case-against-travel Icon of the Seas https://www.insider.com/royal-caribbean-icon-of-the-seas-images-freaks-people-out-2023-7?amp Wes Anderson sites https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/destinations/wes-anderson-movie-filming-locations-you-can-visit/amp/  
Denali National Park

Denali National Park

2023-07-0452:35

On this week’s episode, Kiernan takes us deep into the wilds of Alaska to visit one of the greats: Denali National Park. He talks us through sled dog training, why “Mount McKinley” happened, and a set of skulls that tell the tale of an epic battle to the death. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Denali National Park https://www.nps.gov/dena/index.htm  “Denali or Mount McKinley” https://www.nps.gov/dena/learn/historyculture/denali-origins.htm#:~:text=Prospectors%20all%20along%20the%20Yukon,1897%20New%20York%20Sun%20article  Denali Sled Dogs https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/meet-the-sled-dogs.htm  “South Park” saves Denver restaurant https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/06/us/casa-bonita-restaurant.html  A Frequent Flier Hero https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/06/23/united-airlines-very-frequent-flyer/ 
Detroit 101

Detroit 101

2023-06-2047:24

On this week’s episode, Ryan and Kiernan head to Motor City to talk Motown, Coney dogs, and Diego Rivera. Ryan also sits down with Melody Baetens, The Detroit News' restaurant critic, to discuss her favorite dining spots and live music venues in town. Get revved up for your first trip to Detroit!  Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Melody at The Detroit News: https://www.detroitnews.com/entertainment/dining-bars/ Melody on Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodybaetens Train from Bogota to Salt Cathedral: https://www.turistren.com.co/en/?page_id=7 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_Cathedral_of_Zipaquir%C3%A1  
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Comments (5)

BigMom LinLin

Nice Playlist ! Also Visit Us at https://oforonightclub.com/

Sep 29th
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Out Of Office Podcast

Slightly biased, but love this podcast!

Aug 29th
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Kristinn Miller

I'm undecided on whether I want to continue listening to these podcasts. The first few times I listened to it, it wasn't particularly intriguing because it's probably not my style. You can play this song repeatedly; you can develop an addiction to it https://wordsfromletters.co/

Jul 20th
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ingeborg gallwas

Thank you, it makes my day to hear that. https://www.cfa-home.com/

Jul 19th
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Lori C.

I can't decide if I want to listen to more of these podcasts....*sigh* some of this was good.... some of it was serious eye rolls (imminent doom ... really?).

Jul 16th
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