Explore every episode of the podcast The Quest Express: Travel, Culture & Untold Stories
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Ep. 130: The Final Stop — Where One Quest Ends, Another Awaits
12 Jun 2025
00:16:39
SHOW FINALE! It's not goodbye, it's boarding time for the next Quest.
Host Carrie Anne records the 130th and final episode of The Quest Express: Travel, Culture & Untold Stories. She shares why she started the podcast, a Season 1 & 2 retrospective, The Quest Express audience, how the show evolved, how to stay connected, the mystery project, and starting your own podcast.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Give us a 5-star review and share your favorite episode, guest, or city!
👉 START YOUR OWN PODCAST: send an email to info@thedinnerstory.com with PODCAST HELP in the subject line.
👉 BOOK AN EVENT: To host a private Sinatra themed time-travel dinner for friends and experience Tom Dreesen’s one-man show, learn more HERE and email me with proposed dates and interest.
✨ Favorite TV Series: Poldark & Outlander (Seasons 1-6 Netflix, Season 7 Starz)
✨ What I’m Reading Now: Antinet Zettelkasten by Scott M. Scheper & a big stack of books for research
✨ Favorite Platform: Substack
✨ Favorite Hawaiian Island: Kauai
✨ Favorite Sea: Adriatic
✨ Least favorite technology: iPhone
Carrie Anne is a multifaceted leader with a rich background in artistry and event production. A former classical violinist, she has performed with legends like Harry Connick Jr., Diana Ross, and Aretha Franklin, and studied under Yfrah Neaman at Hengrave Hall International Violin Course. Her transition to the corporate world led her to organize high-profile corporate retreats in destinations such as Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Sonoma, and Napa Valley.
Today, she focuses on private small private events, private and corporate retreats, and is working on her first non-fiction book.
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The Quest Express: Travel, Culture & Untold Stories is your ticket to extraordinary journeys, hidden histories, and the world’s most fascinating people. This global travel podcast goes beyond the typical tourist path, bringing you unfiltered conversations with explorers, historians, entrepreneurs, artists, and cultural icons who have lived the stories most people never hear.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep. 129: JP Morgan Jr. - Becoming Yourself: Travel, Risk & the Art of Self-Creation
02 Jun 2025
01:09:55
MAUI: John Patrick Morgan Jr., practical philosopher and Founder of Creating, joins me from his homestead in Maui to trace the invisible architecture behind freedom, agency, and self-authorship. Drawing on a life steeped in physics, philosophy, martial arts, and spiritual inquiry, JP challenges the usual narratives, showing how real power comes from leaning into uncertainty, self-creation and taking quantum actions.
If you’re drawn to ideas that disrupt default thinking, this one will stay with you.
ABOUT JP MORGAN JR.: Practical Philosopher, Writer & Speaker
John Patrick Morgan, or as friends call him “JP”, is a practical philosopher, writer, and the founder of Creating – a body of perspectives and practices for spiritual growth, worldly success, and societal impact.
Post his formal studies in Physics and Mathematics, JP turned his fascination with ‘how things work’ to the dynamics of business, relationships, and being human. This took him on many adventures including building multiple small businesses, traveling the world for years on end, competing in martial arts, fitness, and endurance sports, and studying the world’s philosophies and religions.
Fifteen years ago, JP turned his passion for a self-dialogue that elevates the human spirit into an outward-facing practice. Through this he discovered and came to live the purpose of his life, which is to champion the one person in front of him; to see them fully, love them deeply, and through piercing dialogue, grow their freedom, love, and power.
Today he resides with his wife, two boys, two cats, and thirty hens on their small homestead in Upcountry Maui.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep. 128: Uwern Jong – Luxury, Diversity, Disruption: The Story Behind the Award-Winning OutThere Magazine
26 May 2025
00:51:23
LONDON: What happens when a finance exec ditches spreadsheets to launch one of the world’s most influential luxury travel magazines—centered on inclusivity, representation, and authentic storytelling?
Join us for a captivating conversation with Uwern Jong, Co-Founder & Experientialist in Chief of the award-winning OutThere Magazine, the multi-award-winning inclusive, luxury travel magazine that's flipping the script on who gets seen and heard in the world of travel. From navigating the digital vs. print debate to championing representation in travel media, Uwern shares what makes OutThereresonate with readers around the world—LGBTQ and far beyond. We also explore emerging trends like slow travel, digital detox, and why immersive storytelling still matters in the short-form age.
Inside this episode:
How OutTherebecame a global force despite limited marketing budgets
Why half its readership isn’t LGBTQ+—and why that matters
The bold decision to invest in high-end print media in a digital-first world
The rise of slow travel, digital detox, and meaningful experiences over photo ops
How The Experientialist was born during a global crisis to deliver feel-good travel stories
Disruptive branding, immersive storytelling, and what’s next in luxury experiential travel
Travel trends: growing, here to stay, and new
ABOUT UWERN JONG:
Uwern Jong is Experientialist-in-Chief of award-winning luxury and experiential travel media brand, OutThere. The brand, rooted in 'diversity, discovery and discernment' is a champion of inclusive tourism. Uwern recently won 'Luxury Travel Writer of the Year 2025' at the prestigious TravMedia awards and is recognised as one of the '50 most influential people in British Luxury' by Walpole, the association of UK-based luxury brands. SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAG HERE
PARK CITY: In this inspiring episode from one of the best travel podcasts for foodies, adventurers, and culture lovers, we sit down with Inbal Baum, Founder of Delicious Israel, to explore her remarkable transformation from human rights attorney to culinary entrepreneur. Inbal shares how her deep-rooted cultural heritage, global perspective, and passion for storytelling led her to create one of the most sought-after food tour companies in Israel.
Tune in and discover why food is the most delicious way to travel.
Inside this episode:
The emotional and cultural shifts that inspired her career pivot
The entrepreneurial challenges of building a boutique travel brand
How her time living in Israel helped give birth to Delicious Israel
The role of storytelling in curating authentic travel experiences
Insider tips for travelers seeking local food tours, hidden gems, and meaningful encounters
Food tours in New York, Philadelphia, London, Park City, and Miami
Whether you're a travel addict, culinary explorer, or dreaming of your next Middle Eastern adventure, this episode is packed with insights on culinary tourism, cultural travel, and the power of following your passion.
Inbal Baum is a passionate food & travel experience creator and entrepreneur. After working in human rights, practicing as an attorney in Manhattan, and finding her zen as a yoga instructor, Inbal moved to Israel where she founded Delicious Israel, the country's leading culinary tourism business. She has guided global leaders, celebrities, and top chefs through Israel's vibrant food scene. Recognizing the growing demand for unique culinary experiences, Inbal expanded her offerings with Delicious Experiences, a corporate virtual events company, and most recently launched Delicious Cities, a global network of immersive food tours in major destinations like New York, Miami, London, Philly, and Park City. Her work has been featured in Conde Nast Traveler, New York Times, Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, and she authors the Israel Guidebook for Fodor's.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep. 126: Valentina Zannini - The Venice Only Insiders See; Behind the Velvet Rope with V. Elite Events
12 May 2025
01:02:21
VENICE: What does it take to orchestrate a truly unforgettable event in one of the world’s most enchanting cities? In this intimate conversation, Valentina Zannini—Founder of V. Elite Events, a premier luxury planning company based in Venice—offers a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into a world few will ever access. From candlelit dinners in hidden courtyards to ultra-private weddings set in centuries-old palazzos, Valentina curates experiences where every detail whispers elegance and exclusivity.
A rare look into Venice’s hidden world of private palazzos, intimate celebrations, and the art of luxury event design with Valentina Zannini.
03:21 Carnival of Venice 04:07 Exploring Venice's Major Events and Festivals 09:35 The Luxury Event Planning Industry & V. Elite Events 14:01 Client Relationships and Event Personalization 16:49 A Time Travelling Dinner Party in a Palazzo 20:09 Valentina’s Favorite Venues in Venice | Palazzo Pisani Moretta 23:05 The Slow Life: Venetian Culture and Community 26:23 Hidden Culinary Gems in Venice and Personal Connections | Osteria L’Orto dei Mori 28:22 Privacy in Luxury Events and Celebrity Culture 31:21 The Future of Social Media and Personal Experiences 34:24 Exploring Venice: The Best Times to Visit 35:26 Memorable Experiences in Hospitality 36:37 The Art of Calm in Crisis Management 40:32 Creativity and AI in Event Planning 45:01 Grandmother’s Bigoli e Salsa recipe - FIND THE RECIPE ON THIS PAGE 47:16 Culinary Traditions and Family Recipes 49:00 The Client Base of V. Elite Events 52:22 Dreaming Big: Aspirations in Event Planning 55:12 Travel Aspirations and Future Plans 58:03 Weddings in Venice & Beyond… 58:33 Visiting the Italian Lakes & The 2026 Olympics
ABOUT VALENTINA ZANNINI & V. ELITE EVENTS & CONSULTING:
At the heart of the V. Elite team is Valentina, with over a decade of experience in curating high-end events and exclusive hospitality in Venice. Her expertise ensures every occasion is executed with precision, elegance, and discretion. From your first contact, Valentina will guide you through every step, from planning to execution. Her dedication and attention to detail ensure we consistently exceed expectations. Luxury Redefined. The art of thoughtful detail is at the heart of everything we do.
Curating every detail with precision, from the smallest gesture to the grandest design. With focus on personalization, elegance, and flawless execution, we craft unforgettable experiences, uniquely yours.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep. 125: Rupert Covell - Miami-Based Yacht Broker, Captain & Co-Founder of The BucketLust
05 May 2025
00:59:41
MIAMI: In this candid conversation, a veteran yacht captain and yacht broker exposes the realities of life at sea—far from the glamor shown on Below Deck. He dives into crew dynamics, intense charter demands, and the fine line between ownership and chartering. You'll hear advice for industry newcomers and the challenges of being a yacht captain with a family. We also explore how COVID and technology have transformed yachting forever, how a yachtie anchors to land, and The Bermuda Triangle.
CONTACT RUPERT COVELL for yacht purchases, charters, and The BucketLust experiences: Email: rupert@jfayacht.com | Phone: +1-678-778-6711
What reality TV gets wrong about life as a yacht captain—and the truth behind the glamor.
The unspoken rules and power dynamics of managing crew on luxury yachts.
Why the yachting lifestyle seduces some—and breaks others.
Wild charter stories and the hidden chaos behind seamless luxury.
How to actually break into the elusive yacht industry (and what no one tells you).
The strange, symbiotic dance between yacht owners, charter guests, and brokers.
The rise of post-COVID yachting—and how tech is permanently changing life at sea.
Secrets of the world’s most legendary yachting destinations
ABOUT RUPERT COVELL: Yacht Broker & Co-Founder of The BucketLust
Rupert Covell is an experienced yacht broker based in Miami, Florida, specializing in luxury yachts. He is known for his exceptional client service and in-depth knowledge of the yachting industry. Rupert is a key member of JFAYacht, a premier yacht brokerage that offers a wide range of luxury vessels to clients looking to buy or sell yachts.
In addition to his brokerage work, Rupert is the co-founder of The BucketLust, a company focused on organizing exclusive flotilla events. These events provide yacht enthusiasts with the unique opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful destinations by sea, combining adventure and luxury.
Through his work with both JFAYacht and The BucketLust, Rupert has built a reputation for his expertise, professionalism, and dedication to creating memorable experiences for his clients in the yachting world.
What if dinner wasn’t just about food, but a curated ritual of connection, curiosity, and impeccable taste? In this conversation with The Dinner Table Founder Tyler Tep, we unravel a world where the table becomes a stage for memory-making—and where the next evolution of social dining is quietly taking shape. You’ll never look at a dinner party the same way again.
Contact: hello@thedinnertable.club
Inside this episode:
How Dinner Table Club evolved from idea to movement
The social dining trend that’s quietly changing how strangers connect
What really happens at a Dinner Table event?
Strategies for dissolving awkwardness at the table—without forcing it
Behind the scenes of the most unforgettable Dinner Table experiences
Why connection—not spectacle—is the new gold standard in event design
The surprising demographics showing up to these curated dinners
Travel, taste, and the hidden factors that influence restaurant picks
Could old-school dining etiquette make a comeback?
Tyler's philosophy on success and advice for entrepreneurs
ABOUT: Tyler Tep is the-Founder of The Dinner Table and, by day, a Product Manager at Wonder. Whether hosting dinner parties across the U.S, building technology products, or working with creatives, he has always appreciated the power of connection and culture.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep. 123: Chef Gustavo Montes - The Global Plate: Inside Chef Gustavo’s Culinary Playground
21 Apr 2025
01:06:07
MIAMI: From grandma's Cuban cooking to almost being eaten in a jungle in Guatemala, Le Cordon Bleu-trained, Chef Gustavo Montes is always moving, learning and innovating. No boxes here (unless it's a Bento box), later this summer you can eat his food at the Gale Hotel. Follow him on IG to stay connected! IG: @someguycooking
ARTISTS, CREATIVES & INVESTORS: Get Involved in our Salon Tour Movement:
•Cuban Smells & Julia Child •The Evolution of Culinary Education & the Changing Landscape •The Changing Landscape of the Culinary World •Passion vs. Practicality in Career Choices •The Culinary Fusion Game •Chef Gustavo's Culinary Influences •Cuban Heritage and Family Recipes •Mentorship and Career Growth •COVID's Gift to Gustavo's Kitchen •Trends in the Culinary World •Advice for Aspiring Chefs •Culinary Inspirations and Gustavo's Most Memorable Meal
ABOUT CHEF GUSTAVO MONTES: Chef Gustavo Montes is a Le Cordon Bleu-trained culinary leader with over two decades of experience in high-performance kitchens and hospitality groups. Recognized for his innovative approach and deep commitment to culinary excellence, he has helmed award-winning restaurants, collaborated with Michelin-starred talent, and led successful openings across Miami. As Owner of GM Culinary, Montes continues to push creative boundaries while mentoring the next generation of chefs. Follow The Gale Hotel for updates on Yamashiro's opening Summer 2025.
** IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE PLEASE SHARE OR LEAVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW **
🎧 Listen now on all major podcast platforms or at www.thequestexpress.com
No Algorithms. No Influencers. Just Dangerous Ideas in Velvet Rooms.
What happens when you resurrect an age-old tradition and reshape it for today’s world? In this episode, I break down why I’m reviving and reimagining the salon—not as a fleeting trend, but as a powerful cultural movement. Artists, patrons, and visionaries gathering in hidden courtyards, private estates, and unexpected spaces—creating something that stands the test of time. Welcome to the Court of Medici Salon Tour launching later this year.
Carrie Anne reveals how this bold new movement draws inspiration from the the Medicis—reimagined for today’s world.
This is more than an event. This is a movement. It’s about connecting visionaries. Changing the way art is supported, experienced, and transformed. We’re curating intimate spaces where conversation, deal flow, and collaboration will reshape the future. If you’re an artist, a patron, or a visionary, this is your invitation to become a part of something that transcends the ordinary.
Artists, business partners, sponsors, vendors, patrons—Interested in joining the movement to shape a new creative renaissance?
We're curating a select group of individuals who understand the importance of cultural transformation and putting arts, culture & society back together one step at a time.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep. 121: Dr. Zahi Hawass - World-Renowned Egyptologist & Archaeologist Announces Grand Tour
07 Apr 2025
00:45:59
CAIRO: What secrets still lie beneath the sands of Egypt? In this electrifying episode of The Quest Express, world-famous archaeologist & Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass pulls back the curtain on ancient mysteries that have captivated the world for centuries.
From the hidden chambers of the Great Pyramid to the dazzling Lost Golden City buried for over 3,000 years, Dr. Hawass shares jaw-dropping stories of discovery, danger, and obsession. Hear firsthand about his relentless hunt for Queen Nefertiti’s tomb, his bold mission to reclaim stolen treasures like the Rosetta Stone, and the truth behind daily life in the time of the pharaohs.
With the grand opening of Egypt’s new megamuseum on the horizon, this episode is a front-row seat and prequel to his North American Grand Tour, starting May 1st.
See Dr. Hawass in person and attend The Grand Tour at a city near you. (Link to tickets below - schedule at the bottom).
📜 Tickets for The Grand Tour Multimedia Lecture (Find a City Near You at Bottom:) https://zahilectures.com/
ABOUT DR. ZAHI HAWASS: Dr. Zahi Hawass is a world famous Egyptologist and Archaeologist who has served as the Head of Antiquity and as the minister. He is excavating now at Giza, Saqqara and The Valley of the Kings . He published widely and lectured all over the world and was chosen in 2006 as one of the Top 100 influential people all over the world by Time magazine. He begins his Grand Tour on May 1st in Phoenix, finishing on August 2nd in Montreal. The Grand Museum in Cairo with over 5,000 artifacts opens on July 3, 2025. CV HERE & BIO HERE
** IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE PLEASE SHARE OR LEAVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW **
May 1 Phoenix, AZ May 3 Los Angeles, CA May 6 San Diego, CA May 9 Las Vegas, NV May 11 San Francisco/Oakland, CA May 14 Portland, OR May 18 Seattle, WA May 22 Denver, CO May 25 Austin, TX May 27 Oklahoma City, OK May 29 Dallas, TX June 1 New Orleans, LA June 5 Tampa, FL June 7 Orlando, FL June 11 Nashville, TN June 14 Atlanta, GA June 16 St. Louis, MO June 18 Charlotte, NC June 21 Pittsburgh, PA June 25 Columbus, OH June 28 Chicago, IL June 30 Minneapolis, MN July 3 Cleveland, OH July 6 Indianapolis, IN July 9 Boston, MA July 12 Baltimore, MD July 16 Virginia Beach, VA July 19 New York, NY July 21 Philadelphia, PA July 23 Washington, D.C. July 26 Vancouver, BC – Canada July 30 Toronto, ON – Canada August 2 Montreal, QC – Canada
MONTE CARLO: Monaco’s own international ballet star turned multi-talented innovator shares her fearless journey from the stage to the world of producing, event planning, and film. With passion, ambition, and an unshakable artistic vision, she reveals the secrets behind reinvention, the power of entertainment, and the wisdom she hopes to pass on to the next generation.
LORENA BARICALLA: Internationally recognized Lorena Baricalla is a multi-talented artist, creator, innovator, and business-oriented celebrity. A visionary whose creative universes expand from ballet to art, and to fashion. She is a Ballet Star, Choreographer, Singer, Actress, and Producer. She is also a Master of Ceremonies in five languages for international events, TV Host, Ambassadress for Fashion & Luxury Brands attending events and red carpets, as well as an Author, Role Model & Mentor. She has perforemd in theatre and television in over 35 countries and Co-Founded with Producer, Tino Genovese. Promo Art Monte-Carlo Production is a creative production company which operates internationally and offers multimedia services, filming, music productions and events.
** IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE PLEASE SHARE OR LEAVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW **
If you're an artist or entrepreneur who travels a lot and is looking to mix work with pleasure, consider joining our salon and dinner events tour - starting this summer!
The Quest Express: Travel, Culture & Untold Stories is your ticket to extraordinary journeys, hidden histories, and the world’s most fascinating people. This global travel podcast goes beyond the typical tourist path, bringing you unfiltered conversations with explorers, historians, entrepreneurs, artists, and cultural icons who have lived the stories most people never hear.
If you crave authentic travel experiences, cultural deep dives, and captivating storytelling, subscribe now.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep. 119: Curt Radabaugh - What Does George Washington Really Think of America Today?
24 Mar 2025
01:08:24
🚀 President & General George Washington Riffs on Leadership, Securing America's Freedom & Snoop Dogg?!
CURT RADABAUGH: Curt Radabaugh is a former Marine and retired law enforcement officer. Curt has channeled the General's life of service and carries the torch by helping to preserve America's past for a new generation. A lifelong American History lover, especially of America's Founding, Curt has been a portrayer of General Washington for two years.
In this must-watch episode of The Quest Express Host, Carrie Anne sits down with none other than General George Washington (portrayed by Curt Radabaugh) to discuss the American Revolution, leadership, and the future of the nation. Washington shares hard-won lessons on military history, political parties, civic engagement, and personal loss—but that’s just the beginning!
The conversation takes a wild turn as we tackle freedom of speech, government overreach, treason, and today’s political climate. Washington weighs in on current leadership, term limits, grassroots movements, and the responsibility of citizens to defend the Constitution.
And yes… we even talk George Washington’s first encounter with Snoop Dogg at the Crypto Ball in D.C.! 🤯
🔥 If you care about political change, citizen responsibility, and the future of America, this is the episode for you.
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The Quest Express: Travel, Culture & Untold Stories is your ticket to extraordinary journeys, hidden histories, and the world’s most fascinating people. This global travel podcast goes beyond the typical tourist path, bringing you unfiltered conversations with explorers, historians, entrepreneurs, artists, and cultural icons who have lived the stories most people never hear.
If you crave authentic travel experiences, cultural deep dives, and captivating storytelling, subscribe now.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep.118: Rachel Naidus - Inside the World of Aspen Luxury Concierge
17 Mar 2025
00:50:17
ASPEN: From requests to ride moose to crafting wedding proposals, Rachel is at the helm of a successful concierge company, which is the lifeline to have if you’re serious about spending time in Aspen either for an important visit, or even living part-time. If you like hospitality, luxury, and ski season, you’ll want to listen in on this conversation.
Are you an artist, entrepreneur or travel who is looking for traditional & productive experiences whil travelling? Join the waiting list.
Interested in buying Aspen Luxury Concierge? Email: connect@aspenluxuryconcierge.com
Inside this episode:
How Rachel from hospitality to founding Aspen Luxury Concierge.
The busiest times of the season in Aspen
Playground for the rich & famous
Aspen Festivals: Should you come in summer or winter?
Future growth of ALC
Memorable experiences
Fave places in Mexico
ABOUT RACHEL:
Rachel Naidus, CEO and Principal Concierge of Aspen Luxury Concierge, is a Houston native with a deep passion for luxury hospitality. Beginning her career in Denver in 2013, Rachel soon moved to Aspen, becoming a concierge at the city’s five-star, five-diamond hotel. This experience, coupled with her bachelor’s degree in communication from Colorado State University, propelled her to co-found Diamante Luxury Travel Concierge and later acquire Aspen Luxury Concierge in 2019. Now, Rachel prides herself on curating unparalleled experiences through her extensive local network. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is a devoted wife and mother who loves outdoor adventures in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep.117: Steve Linde - Veteran Israeli Journalist On Ethics, War & Peace
10 Mar 2025
01:02:24
JERUSALEM: In this conversation, Steve Linde discusses the complex situation in Gaza, the role of Hamas, and the leadership of Netanyahu during the ongoing conflict. He emphasizes the importance of journalism in reporting the truth while navigating the challenges of military censorship. Linde also reflects on the media landscape, the need for diverse perspectives, and the miracles that have occurred amidst the war. He shares insights on historical figures and the balance between national security and journalistic integrity.
ABOUT: Steve Linde, the JNS (Jewish News Syndicate) features editor, is a former editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Report and The Jerusalem Post, and a former director and broadcaster at Israel Radio’s English News. Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, he grew up in Durban, South Africa, and has graduate degrees in sociology and journalism, the latter from the University of California at Berkeley. He made aliyah in 1987, served in the IDF Artillery Corps, and lives in Jerusalem.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep. 116: Felix Lee Lerma - Secret Messages From Beyond the Veil
03 Mar 2025
01:22:04
Today we speak with San Francisco-based psychic medium, Felix Lee Lerma who has been giving readings for 25 years and is the co-host of podcast, Speaking Spiritually.
👉🏼 If you would like to schedule an appointment with Felix, please call his assistant at 1-415-563-8677 and leave a message. His assistant will return your call within 3-5 business days.
Geoffrey answers the phone live, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11am-5pm PST.*
Felix Lee Lerma, since a very early age, has always been sensitive to spirit energy. At the age of 8 he had a visit from his deceased grandfather that set the initial foundation for his belief that life continues after what we call death. Later in high school, Felix Lee had his first out of body experience that increased his spiritual awareness and reconfirmed his belief that we are spirit beings having a human experience.
By the time he was in college in 1994, he was giving accurate psychic information and messages to people here in the physical world, from those in the spirit.
In March of 2002, an internationally acclaimed psychic medium confirmed what Felix always knew: that he was a natural born healer and a highly intuitive psychic medium. A few months later, Felix enrolled in mediumship development classes to fine tune his practice at the Holistic Studies Institute. There, he completed the program and received his certification as an Intuitive Consultant from the American Board of Holistic Practitioners. Felix has participated in various public events demonstrating his abilities, including group seminars at his home, psychic fairs, and on a talk show in Times Square. He has participated in the public message services as a guest medium at various spiritualist churches around the US, as well as most recently at the famous inspiration stump in Lily Dale, New York.
Felix has dedicated his life to serving others. Through this work he realizes that to serve humanity is to serve God. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, meditating, running, working out, playing/composing music, and traveling around the world. In January 2006, Felix moved to beautiful San Francisco, California making it his new home.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep. 115: Greg Dinkin - Royal Flush: Winning At Life, One Bold Decision At A Time
25 Feb 2025
01:07:42
Today, we talk to an expert strategist with a big heart: Greg Dinkin, #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author, TEDx speaker, poker champion, and holistic health coach. From poker to mindset shifts, to writing books with Patrick Bet-David or the journey to fulfillment... a great decision would be to listen to today's podcast.
ABOUT GREG: When Greg combined the “poker mindset” with “mindfulness,” he won $100,000 at the World Series of Poker, lost 100 pounds, and built a world-class literary agency. In his TEDxTalk on “Mind Shift”, Greg outlines an effective approach on how you can master your fears and make winning decisions to live a fulfilling life.
Greg draws on Eastern practices he learned while living at a health retreat in Thailand, studying with masters, and earning certification as a Health Coach. The former PwC consultant combines his pragmatic "poker mindset" and MBA in finance with holistic practices to show you that to make winning decisions in business, love, and life, you must first master yourself.
Greg is the author of the #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller Your Next Five Moves (Simon & Schuster), The Poker MBA (Random House), The Leading Man (Vital), The Finance Doctor (Vital), and Amarillo Slim’s memoirs (HarperCollins).
Greg co-founded a literary agency that placed more than 130 books with major publishers and developed several films with Academy Award-winning actors and producers. He has served as a corporate spy for Inter-Continental Hotels, a change management consultant for PricewaterhouseCoopers, a housing coordinator for the Atlanta Olympic Village, and has sold portrait packages, office products, and home improvements.
A graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, he has written columns for Grantland, ThePostGame, Yahoo!, The Good Men Project, MeetMindful, and Card Player.
Greg has led workshops in Costa Rica, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand and has given keynote speeches for AOL, Skadden Arps law firm, The Cornell Club, Young Presidents Organization, BioHorizons, Paint EZ, Million Dollar Roundtable, and FIRMA, among others.
Greg loves to play guitar, sing, travel, do yoga, and play basketball.
Email The Quest Express at host@thequestexpress.com
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep. 114: Baeth Davis - How to Navigate 2027, Family Dynamics & A Tech-Saturated World
17 Feb 2025
01:31:58
Follow The Quest Express on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quest-express/id1714515617 Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3da9OoqdNtdMZ7qnTMGykJ
📜 Learn more or apply to Baeth’s new Tribal Shaman Group: https://tribalshaman.yourpurpose.com/
📜 Deepen Your Craft, Meet Your Allies, Plant Your Cross in the Alchemy Alliance: https://alchemyalliance.yourpurpose.com/
📜 Join Baeth’s free FB group, Align to Your Design: https://facebook.com/groups/aligntoyourdesign
How to order a Human Design chart from Baeth Davis: 1. Go to: https://.paypal.me/baethdavis 2. Enter the person's full name, date of birth, time of birth and birth location in the memo/notes section of your order. 3. Make sure you send "friends & family" to avoid fees. Baeth’s support team checks daily for the orders and emails the charts. Your chart will arrive in 24-48 hours from support@yourpurpose.com.
📜 Learn more at https://yourpurpose.com/
This episode explores the heretic archetype in human design, how to have emotional clarity in relationships and how not to get projected upon. If you need want to think differently around boundaries, purpose alignment or want to apply to Baeth's group The Tribal Shaman, you'll want to catch this episode.
Understanding Resistance to Change The Impact of Trauma on Resistance
Narcissism & psychopathy
Entering The Sleeping Phoenix, a new 411 year cycle
Practical Tips for Navigating the New Cycle Preparing for the Future: Self-Reliance and Community
Being Anti-Modern & Over-Romanticizing Technology
What happens to kids brains on Tech
How to connect with & work with Baeth
Tribal Shaman: A New Approach to Leadership
ABOUT BAETH: Baeth Davis is known as "the Purpose Oracle" to global leaders. Using her intuition, extensive sales and content-creation experience, 26 years in business and expertise in scientific hand analysis and human design, she helps you discover and unleash your life purpose so you can bring your greatest work to the world. She’s been featured in Women’s World and Los Angeles Times as well as heard on NPR, BBC-5 and RadioFree Europe.
Baeth has guided top business coaches including Ali Brown, Kendall SummerHawk and Suzanne Evans, Hollywood celebrities and well-known motivational speakers, writers, artists and a variety of entrepreneurs in many industries as well as stay-at-home parents, retirees and students to bring MORE of their purpose into ALL they do!
Her greatest happiness is seeing clients achieve their life-long goals and experience the fulfillment that comes with living aligned to your design.
Email The Quest Express at host@thequestexpress.com
📜 Get on the waiting list for new no-tech experiences! "Table 12" Pop-Up Supper Club and "Salon 2.0" by adding yourself to the waiting list: https://thequestexpress.com/experiences
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep. 113: Nader Safinya - The Culture Branding Guy Sparks a New Era
10 Feb 2025
01:00:00
Nader Safinya's Persian upbringing involved lots of parties, moving every 3 years, and innate skills of design & observation. In today's episode, we discuss how Blackribbit, his culture brand strategy design agency, is making waves, and changing society's relationship to the workplace.
ABOUT NADER: Nader Safinya, known as The Culture Branding Guy, helps companies become disruptive people-first brands through his agency Blackribbit, where he designs customer and employer brands simultaneously to create organizations that put quality of life above just selling products and services. Drawing from his international background and expertise in design and marketing, Nader's mission is to change society's relationship with the workplace by bringing cool jobs to cool people - because as he says, there are far more cool people than cool jobs.
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COMING SOON! Join us for exclusive events or membership:
Come As You Are Leave ANEW. Join the movement to leave your screens for optimal networking, deal making, and community.
🍽️ TABLE 12 PRE-SALE:
We're rolling out a new monthly supper club community for foodie professionals on the east coast. If you'd like to be added to the waiting list for future announcements, email us at host@thequestexpress.com with "TABLE 12" in the Subject Line to learn more.
🌎 SALON 2.0 EVENT APPLICATION:
Are you an established professional (visual, music, literary, food, ceramics, etc.) o a buyer, business partner, or philanthropist in the arts? If you'd like an early invitation to our next salon event this Spring, please submit early by emailing us at host@thequestexpress.com with "SALON" in the Subject Line. We hold 4-6 events per year and there are only 30 spots for artists and 2 spots from each niche industry (2 photographers, 2designers, etc.)
Early Application Deadline: Feb 28, 2025
Upcoming Events: Pop-Up: March 27; Salon 2.0: May 9-10
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep. 112: Dawnna St. Louis - The Sales Prophet Who Did It Her Way
03 Feb 2025
01:18:53
Dawnna St. Louis (aka "The Sales Prophet") stands out as a maverick and bold leader in the sales space. Today, Dawnna shares with us how a George Lucas moment influenced a new path. We explore the transformative journey of sales, why authenticity isn't just an option, how to elegantly understand client needs, and how to redefine the role of a salesperson as a manifestor's guide to your client's goals.
For those who are tired of stale sales tactics, today is a masterclass in effortless sales.
ABOUT DAWNNA: Meet the go-to strategist for high-stakes sales pros who are ready to dominate the higher-ticket sales game.
With over a billion dollars in deals closed, Dawnna is a force in the world of transformative sales, helping elite professionals ditch outdated tactics and claim the seat of power in every deal.
She’s known for her unfiltered, no-BS approach, taking sales pros beyond the basics and into the psychological depths of what truly drives client decisions.
As a self-made powerhouse who built her own multi-million dollar empire, Dawnna understands firsthand what it takes to go from chasing deals to closing with unshakable confidence. Her methods blend street-smart insights with tactical frameworks like the GOD Framework, Goal MATTERS, and Next Step Domination—all designed to make sales pros the ultimate authority in their field.
For those who aren’t just interested in making a sale but in leaving an undeniable mark, Dawnna offers the path.
------ Join us offline:
All of the action is happening offline, so you can leave your blue light screens behind this year.
Whether an East Coast speakeasy dinner club, salon events connecting artists, entrepreneurs, community, and investors, or European bleisure retreats, each event is an intentional incubator designed to make deals, grow connections, and get back to basics.
If you don't want to wait, email host@thequestexpress.com to set up a call.
Stop “networking.” Start being more strategic & intentional when merging with new ecosystems. What you're looking for is purposeful alignment; the kind of connections that lead to strategic collaborations, win-win partnerships, and opportunities you couldn’t have created on your own.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep. 111: Angus Gordon Lennox - The Transformation of Gordon Castle
27 Jan 2025
00:39:01
SCOTLAND: The Quest Express host, Carrie Anne, interviews Angus Gordon Lennox about the storied history of Gordon Castle and the efforts he and his wife Zara have made to revitalize the estate.
🏰 Events, Accommodation & learn more ab out Gordon Castle: https://www.gordoncastle.co.uk/
🏰 For events: events@gleco.co.uk or factor@gleco.co.uk
Angus shares insights into the castle's rich past, its transformation into a luxury offering, and the various activities including salmon fishing, events, and gin-making workshops. Angus & Zara welcome international visitors, and are focused on future events, product expansion, and unique experiences at the castle. A castle was first established on the site of the Estate in 1479 by George, Second Earl of Huntly, the great, great grandson of Sir Adam Gordon, who had fought with Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Inverury in 1308.
ABOUT: Angus is the owner of Gordon Castle and over the last 15 years with his wife Zara has transformed the business into a modern thriving rural national and international enterprise. It now provides world class accommodation, salmon fishing and other sports together with events, luxury products and an award winning garden visitor attraction, café and shop.
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Are you interested in our East Coast private dinner club, 2-day incubators connecting artists, audiences, and investors, or our time-travelling co-working experiences? Please opt-in and share your preferences here. Updates will be emailed or texted as they come available.
Most events fail because they:
•Prioritize quantity over quality. They cast a wide net, bringing in people from all walks of life—but none who truly align with your goals. •Lack intentionality. There’s no real strategy behind who you meet or how you interact, leaving you to fend for yourself. •Miss the human element. A handshake doesn’t build trust. Shared purpose and meaningful conversations do.
You’re not just looking for “networking.” You’re looking for purposeful alignment—the kind of connections that lead to strategic collaborations, deep friendships, and opportunities you couldn’t have created on your own.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep. 110: April J. Berube - President & CEO of The Wellington Agency
20 Jan 2025
00:59:41
WELLINGTON / WEST PALM BEACH: Today The Quest Express talks to April J. Berube, President & CEO of The Wellington Agency the brainchild of a mission, movement, and passion for service and elite staffing. In this episode we uncover how gaslighting was turned into a gift, the challenges faced when disrupting an industry, and plans for an exciting 2025 ahead!
For over 28 years, April J. Berube, President and CEO of The Wellington Agency, has been placing elite household staff in homes and family offices across the nation. The clientele she caters to are high-net-worth individuals and dignitaries including governors, presidents, foreign country leaders and even a Saudi prince. These households trust this Dynamic Woman’s expertise above all else.
Berube was a new mom in 1995 when she discovered her nanny’s poor treatment of her infant. Equally upsetting was the lack of action the hiring agency took after hearing Berube’s case. “I’ve always loved a challenge and fighting for those who need help,” she says. So, Berube took the initiative and opened her own award-winning nanny agency in Boston called Nanny Poppins, INC, connecting highly experienced, vetted nannies and childcare providers with her clientele. It is still one of the leading nanny agencies in the Northeast.
Now at the helm of The Wellington Agency, she caters to clients’ unique, sometimes highly eccentric, household needs. From formal housekeepers, nannies and estate managers to private chefs, security and chauffeurs, Berube and her team exceed hiring expectations. The agency was awarded the Yellow Ribbon by The White House in 2006 for its volunteer services supporting American veterans and their families.
Up next, Berube looks to expand her staffing into Italy and France and spend her summers there. She thanks her husband and three grown children, two of which work at the agency, for being an incredible support system.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep. 109: Tony Lucca: The Voice, Keynote Concerts & Quantum Creativity
14 Jan 2025
01:15:32
BIO: Tony Lucca is a world-class singer/songwriter and performer from Nashville, TN. He has written and recorded over a dozen albums and has had his music featured in several TV and film placements. Lucca took 3rd on Season 2 of The Voice and was a Mouseketeer on Disney's All New Mickey Mouse Club alongside Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Ryan Gosling.
Visit HERE for custom songs, Keynote Concerts, and more.
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - START 01:28 - Tony's musical upbringing 02:56 - Explaining Detroit's hotbed of talent 04:07 - Family Support 05:22 - Favorite 80s & 90s bands 05:53 - Salt n' Pepa 06:19 - The Mickey Mouse Club 10:07 - Navigating the gauntlet for child actors 11:20 - After Mickey Mouse 13:45 - City of Angels 15:13 - Malibu Shores 15:50 - Auditions in L.A. 17:08 - The decision between acting & music 20:19 - The moment Tony left acting 22:16 - Dharmatime 22:32 - L.A. neighborhoods 23:50 - The Cambria Days 26:03 - Nashville record deal 27:13 - The Hero's Journey Return 28:23 - Back to the City of Angels 28:57 - 'N Sync Tour 33:20 - Key Strings & A Band of Keys Tour 34:53 - Favorite tour stops 36:39 - New York & L.A. 39:13 - The Voice 42:51 - Adam Levine's advice 45:34 - Enter Patreon 48:46 - The MoVerb Lounge 50:39 - The MoFam Reunion in Tennessee 51:24 - I write the songs that make the whole world sing 52:24 - How to commission a custom song 54:10 - Meditation & quantum creativity 57:10 - Kundalini 58:34 - Alpha brain waves & meditation 59:44 - The Quantum Field 1:01:38 - Non-attachment 1:03:00 - Manipulating our own brain 1:04:57 - Living in the end game 1:06:23 - How to know when you're in the quantum field 1:09:15 - The Vagus Nerve 1:09:49 - Joe Dispenza 1:11:20 - The magic of the pineal gland
Justin Damian Furness, a South African entrepreneur now living in Switzerland, has created something truly innovative around Mindset, Performance & the Evolution of Talent for teams and individuals.
ABOUT JUSTIN: Justin Furness stands out for his unique approach to human performance, blending physical, mental, emotional and inspirational elements into transformative experiences. With a career dedicated to unlocking performance, Justin has developed innovative systems that serve Fortune 500 companies, executives, and professionals across various industries.
As a facilitator with over 17 years in the field of Behaviour Science, Integrative Medicine and High Performance, Justin has honed the art of guiding individuals and groups through their journeys to higher achievement.
His events and strategies are tailored to not only challenge but also inspire participants to elevate their performance and reach goals they once deemed unreachable. His clientele includes notable organizations and individuals, such as executives from Google, Nestle, Dermalogica, and figures from the Champions League Football.
Behind the scenes, Justin has founded an International Coaching Certification leveraging his LifePrint Operating System, which harnesses the Science of Resonance for behaviour prediction, fostering personal growth and lasting relationships.
His focus is firmly on the successes of his clients, which he regards as a reflection of his effectiveness. With a mastery in bespoke change and perception management through his D.O.T System, Justin ensures results that are both sustainable and fulfilling. He possesses the quiet confidence of an expert who doesn't seek the limelight, allowing his work to speak for itself through the achievements of those he coaches and trains.
We're hosting dinner, salon, and incubator events throughout 2025. If you'd like to be notified of new events near you, please fill this out.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep. 107: Top Travel Trends of 2025
23 Dec 2024
00:25:14
Get ahead of the curve and dive into the Top Travel Trends for 2025! In this episode, we explore the luxury travel destinations and experiences that will dominate the global travel scene in 2025. From Hawaii to the rise of exclusive private villas and transformative experiences, this episode has everything you need to plan your next unforgettable journey in the months ahead.
START HERE: We design trips and events in-house and specialize in small group trips, solo travel, honeymoons, and unique experiences.
As the world of travel continues to evolve, we break down the most anticipated trends that will shape luxury vacations, experiential travel, and the future of wanderlust. Join us as we look into the future of travel with key insights, expert opinions, and exciting recommendations!
In this episode, we cover:
•Luxury Travel Destinations & Trends for 2025: Uncover the top luxury destinations you need to visit, including hidden gems and well-known hotspots. •2025 Travel Forecast: What are the trends shaping the way we travel in 2025? Discover how technology, eco-consciousness, and personal experiences will take center stage. •Hawaii: Which travel trend is Hawaii perfect for whether family vacations, off-the-beaten-path spots, or luxury stays? •Private Villas & Exclusive Getaways: The demand for secluded, high-end accommodations has skyrocketed. Why? • A Palm Springs experience you can't find anywhere else
Key Takeaways:
•Luxury travel trends you can’t miss in 2025 •The future of immersive and wellness travel •Why the Italian lakes are a hot spot for 2025 (Como, Garda, Maggiore) •Exclusive travel experiences and private accommodations to book now
Don't miss out on your chance to plan ahead for an unforgettable 2025 travel experience. Whether you’re planning a luxury vacation, family getaway, or transformational journey, this episode is packed with inspiration and valuable tips to make your next trip one for the books.
Listen now to get all the travel trends you need to know for 2025!
If you've ever wanted to bungee jump why not try a more demure Dinner in the Sky first? Suspended in the air at anywhere from 50-100 ft with a few friends, a great meal, and music. Buckle up. The Quest Express talks to Belgian Co-Founder of Dinner in the Sky, Stefan Kerkhofs. Confront your own fear factor, take a sip, and hang on.
"One of the world's most extravagant meals." - Forbes "Exclusive and beyond the ordinary." - NY Times
ABOUT STEFAN: Stefan Kerkhofs is a Belgian entrepreneur and innovator, best known as the co-creator of the Dinner in the Sky concept. This unique dining experience involves lifting diners, chefs, and a table 50 meters (about 150 feet) into the air using a crane.
The concept, launched in 2006 alongside marketing expert David Ghysels, has become a global phenomenon, operating in more than 80 countries. It is celebrated for its mix of culinary excellence and adventurous atmosphere, often drawing celebrity attention and media coverage. Kerkhofs' entrepreneurial journey began with his company Benji Fun, which introduced bungee jumping to Europe in 1990. Later, he expanded into creating innovative and high-profile events through his company, The Fungroup. His background in technical mechanics, gained from working with his family's crane business, played a significant role in his ability to design such creative and daring concepts.
Inside this episode:
⛅The concept ⛅ Fear Factor ⛅ Egos & drinking in the sky ⛅ How to innovate ⛅ Blue ocean ideas ⛅ The marketing flywheel of DITS ⛅ Seatbelts & foie gras ⛅ Locations in the U.S.? ⛅ Different DITS events ⛅ Dinner in the Sky 2.0! ⛅ Dining with the Prince of Monaco ⛅ The jump that changed Stefan's life
🌍 From Us: The Creator's Lab is on pre-sale now, a 30-day deep dive into completing one project and disrupt the status quo of Consume > Create. Join the next 30-day intensive here.
Want to know the top two health issues today that most would never consider? Don't miss today's episode between The Quest Express and neurosurgeon Dr. Jack Kruse also known as "Uncle Jack" as he gives us a few doses of truth serum.
Dr. Jack Kruse is a respected neurosurgeon and CEO of Kruse Longevity Center at Destin, a health and wellness company dedicated to helping patients avoid the healthcare burdens we typically encounter as we age. He is currently in private practice in the Gulf South.
As a neurosurgeon, Dr. Kruse’s research has been published in respected dental and medical journals. His popular blog, www.JackKruse.com, gets over 250,000 unique worldwide visitors per month from countries like Australia, Germany, Russia, and Zambia (Africa).
Inside this episode:
☀️ What are the top two leading health threats today? ☀️ What is blue light & why is it harmful in isolation? ☀️ The Palm C gene, cortisol, insulin & blue light exposure ☀️ The casino and blue light breakthrough ☀️ The UV Light Myth ☀️ Why your Hemoglobin A1C is up and diabetes is everywhere ☀️ Quantum biology and the government ☀️ Why we’re all getting fat ☀️ How to fix your gut problems ☀️ How to get rid of your insomnia ☀️ What's really in the mRNA jabs ☀️ Turbo-cancers in Germany study ☀️ Decentralized medicine and the myth of Obamacare ☀️ Bitcoin - the real vaccine ☀️ Myths on Cholesterol & Statins >> The Great Cholesterol Con by Anthony Colpo ☀️ The Framingham Heart Study (FHS) ☀️ Covid crimes ☀️ Epilepsy ☀️ The pragmatist’s biohack :: YOUR ENVIRONMENT
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep. 104: Every Swipe Costs You a Masterpiece You'll Never Create
05 Dec 2024
00:11:53
Your smartphone isn't just stealing your time - it's robbing your genius.
Want to join the Jan 1 Creator's Lab? Cart will open on Mon. Dec 9th and close on December 27th.
👉🏼 YES! I'm interested! To enquire or join the first lab, email us @ host@thequestexpress.com with "LAB" in the subject line to get on the list. We'll send you the link and any info you require when pre-sale opens.
The Creator's Lab is a 30-day incubator designed to help individuals break free from the dopamine loop and regain control over their time and creativity. The lab, starting January 1st, will have 5 to 25 participants who will follow Carrie's Creator's principles, combining gentle digital detoxes, accountability, and a framework for optimization and mastery. The Creator's Lab has been tested and shown phenomenal results.
Not ready for the Lab? Macro and micro-plan your 2025 (only available through December 13th - link will not work after that.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep. 103: Miles Spencer - Trekking On The Edge of "A Line In The Sand"
02 Dec 2024
00:53:50
This week The Quest Express travel podcast unlocks an ancient way to travel through the Middle East: on foot! We sit down with Miles Spencer who co-authored "A Line in the Sand" with Wells Jones.
Next week: The Quest Express speaks to Dr. Jack Kruse, a respected neurosurgeon and CEO of Kruse Longevity Center at Destin.
ABOUT:
Miles is a fairly normal guy from Pittsburgh that strayed a long way from home. He's been a mentor of tech founders for 30 years, and a father of kids for 11 years. His day job has involved creating over 1,100 jobs while founding, financing, building and exiting three digital media companies. Prior to that, he was a Venture Principal at Capital Express (register.com), hosted MoneyHunt on PBS (pre- SharkTank), led over 1,500 people across 14 miles of open sea on kayak, and trekked 1,100 miles through the deserts of Saudi, Jordan and Syria… and A Line in the Sand ended up an Amazon Bestseller in the Middle East. After a bit of a pandemic reset, Miles is now actively investing and directly managing teams in digital media, entertainment, and consumer products. And painting watercolors with my daughter or playing rugby with my son.
The Quest Express speaks to Sally Morgan, an award-winning singer-songwriter, voice coach, speaker development trainer, keynote performer, and author. Sally's expertise and infectious energy make her a sought-after speaker/trainer for singers, actors, executives and more.
👂🏼 For audio, follow us on Apple, Spotify, iHeart Radio or your favorite podcast platform
🌍 Ready to adventure with us in a no-tech immersion?
💻 Fill out the waiting list here to be the first invited & receive updates when American and international experiences launch. It's the only way to join.
🚨 ANNOUNCEMENT: You can now watch full-length videos of selected interviews on our YouTube Podcast channel.
HAWAII: Zack Geist lives with his wife and community in an ecovillage on the Hamakua coast of Hawaii. They are in service to the ecology, beauty and transformation.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Ep. 100: Unlocking Season Two with Old & New
12 Nov 2024
00:03:52
Celebrating our 100th episode, we're going to continue to talk to the most interesting and passionate guests all over the world, but under a new theme.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Top 10 Episode Countdown of Season One
08 Nov 2024
00:57:07
TOP 10 Episodes of Season One: On November 11, 2023 The Quest Express launched the first episode starting with a reflection on how environment shapes and influences everything. Then we began an odyssey through Venice, Italy. This year we've chatted with authors, comedians, artists, trailblazers, tour guides, businessmen, and more. We all share a love of place, environment and travel.
I hope you've enjoyed the stories from all over the world. If you're ready for something new, we'll be announcing a new theme for Season Two as we continue to speak to people from all over the world.
Up next: Season Two Launch & Announcement on November 11, 2024!
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Five Cities & One Season in Review: From Venice to Aspen
28 Oct 2024
00:29:26
We're approaching Season Two so let's reflect on the past year. We interviewed people in Venice, New Orleans, Edinburgh, Jerusalem and Aspen. In this episode we dive deep into what makes each city unique.
Next episode: Take a quiz to find out your city personality
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Discover the Secret Hawaiian Principles of Huna
17 Oct 2024
00:27:29
MAUI: In Part II of the interview with Maui-based Jonathan Hammond, we conclude a discussion on the principles of Huna, Hawaiian ancient wisdom. Visit Jonathan's website HERE. Follow The Quest Express on any major podcast networks. Season 2 starts November 11!
🌺The principle of Manawa 🌺The principle of Aloha 🌺The principle of Mana 🌺The principle of Pono 🌺How to align with a purpose that benefits the collective 🌺What is Ho'oponopono 🌺The word for God in Hawaiian 🌺Feeling your feelings to heal
BIO: Jonathan is a Maui-based Author, Spiritual Teacher, Energy Healer, Shamanic Practitioner, and Spiritual Counselor. He is a graduate of Harvard University and The University of Michigan.
Jonathan isa certified Master Teacher in Shamanic Reiki, Usui and Karuna Reiki. He is on the Advanced Graduate Studies Advisor for Shamanic Reiki Worldwide and an ordained Alaka’i (teacher/guide) in the Kahili Hawaiian Shamanic tradition.
Jonathan was ordained as an Interfaith Minister in 2008.
He has training and certifications in Cherokee Bodywork with The Coyote Institute, Huna (Hawaiian Shamanism) with Aloha International, and all core curriculum with the Foundation of Shamanic Studies. Jonathan has been initiated through the Minoan Fellowship in Wicca, and has trained in the therapeutic facilitation of psychedelics with Inward Bound in Ireland.
In addition to maintaining a robust private practice, Jonathan teaches classes in Shamanism, Spirituality, and Energy Healing at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, The Shift Network, The One Spirit Learning Alliance, Shamanic Reiki Worldwide, and Penn State University. Internationally, Jonathan has facilitated spiritual retreats in Costa Rica, Bali, Nicaragua, Peru, and Mexico.
He has studied shamanism, meditation, energy healing and the chakras with some of the most prominent teachers and healers in North and South America; as well as apprenticeships with shamans of Brazil, Bali, Nicaragua, Mexico and Hawaii.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Jonathan Hammond Reveals Hawaii: Indigenous Cultures & Shamanic Practices
13 Oct 2024
00:22:17
MAUI: Part I of two episodes on Hawaiian indigenous culture and traditions, the wisdom of kahunas, and the magical vortex of Hawaiian energy with Jonathan Hammond. Buy Jonathan's book HERE. Jonathan lives on Maui, Hawaii. He is in private practice in Hawaii, and he sees online clients from North and South America, Europe, Australia and the Far East.
BIO: Jonathan is a Maui-based Author, Spiritual Teacher, Energy Healer, Shamanic Practitioner, and Spiritual Counselor. He is a graduate of Harvard University and The University of Michigan.
Jonathan isa certified Master Teacher in Shamanic Reiki, Usui and Karuna Reiki. He is on the Advanced Graduate Studies Advisor for Shamanic Reiki Worldwide and an ordained Alaka’i (teacher/guide) in the Kahili Hawaiian Shamanic tradition.
Jonathan has completed four years of training in Inter-Spirituality and Inter-Spiritual Counseling at the One Spirit Learning Alliance, and he was ordained as an Interfaith Minister in 2008.
He has training and certifications in Cherokee Bodywork with The Coyote Institute, Huna (Hawaiian Shamanism) with Aloha International, and all core curriculum with the Foundation of Shamanic Studies. Jonathan has been initiated through the Minoan Fellowship in Wicca, and has trained in the therapeutic facilitation of psychedelics with Inward Bound in Ireland.
In addition to maintaining a robust private practice, Jonathan teaches classes in Shamanism, Spirituality, and Energy Healing at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, The Shift Network, The One Spirit Learning Alliance, Shamanic Reiki Worldwide, and Penn State University. Internationally, Jonathan has facilitated spiritual retreats in Costa Rica, Bali, Nicaragua, Peru, and Mexico.
He has studied shamanism, meditation, energy healing and the chakras with some of the most prominent teachers and healers in North and South America; as well as apprenticeships with shamans of Brazil, Bali, Nicaragua, Mexico and Hawaii.
Before moving into his work in holistic health, Jonathan had a successful career as an award-winning actor appearing on Broadway and Television.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
A Parable on Radical Forgiveness & Heroism with Candice Mama
04 Oct 2024
00:38:22
BONUS - SOUTH AFRICA: Feeling like there is too much darkness in the world? Today The Quest Express parts the clouds for a moment with beacon of light Candice Mama, who was born in apartheid South Africa and turned adversity into a parable on forgiveness when she forgave and hugged her father's murderer.
"Dehumanisation stems from an invalidation of experience and incorrectly narrating a history." -- Candice Mama
We also talk discuss why some people insist on categorizing or boxing you, why they may feel threatened with expansion and what to do about it!
BIO:
Candice is an extraordinary figure recognized globally for her profound impact on peace and reconciliation. Lauded by Vogue as one of the world's top 33 most inspiring women alongside icons like Michelle Obama and Malala Yousafzai, Candice's accolades include being named among the Top 20 African Women by the African Union and the United Nations. Her journey is poignantly captured in the acclaimed documentary "It’s A Pleasure to Meet You," which highlights her courageous act of forgiving her father's murderer, apartheid assassin Eugene De Kock, showcased at the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris.
A beacon of hope, Candice's commitment to forgiveness has earned her numerous awards, including the Human Beacon of Dignity Award from Columbia University. Her voice resonates through her book "Forgiveness Redefined" and contributions to significant works like "SHE" by the UN. As a multi-award-winning speaker, international podcaster, and TEDx speaker, Candice continues to inspire and educate audiences worldwide, emphasizing the transformative power of forgiveness and empathy.
Beyond her personal achievements, Candice is a dynamic leader and mentor. She serves on the executive boards of international organizations, co-leads the UN-backed Women Power initiative in South Africa, and is the Co-CEO of AIME, an organization with operations in 52 countries. Her dedication extends to mentoring indigenous communities and engaging in post-conflict societies, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to global peace and reconciliation.
Candice's influence spans across diverse platforms, from sharing stages with global leaders like former US President Bill Clinton to engaging in thought-provoking debates with intellectuals at prestigious universities. Her ability to connect deeply with audiences, whether through public speaking or her insightful podcast interviews, solidifies her reputation as a compassionate and powerful advocate for change. Candice Mama's story is a testament to resilience, empathy, and the boundless potential of forgiveness to heal and unite communities worldwide.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Supper Clubs, The Hidden Secrets of Copenhagen & Aromatic Hikes
27 Sep 2024
00:32:13
BONUS: From travel trends to the DNA of a real foodie Devaki Das, Founder of Weave a Thousand Journeys takes us through a delectable journey starting with her intimate Supper Clubs and ending with her Last Supper. For all serious foodie travelers, having the WATJ team in your pocket is a very smart move.
Devaki Das is the founder of Weave A Thousand Journeys (WATJ), a travel company specializing in bespoke, luxury, curated vacations that blend culinary arts and architectural elegance. Inspired by a chaotic trip with friends in Tuscany in 2011, Devaki created WATJ to design seamless, personalized travel experiences with meticulous attention to detail, celebrating culture, food, wine, and architecture.
WATJ crafts unique travel experiences tailored to each destination. In Ireland, tours focus on archaeology and nature, while in Burgundy, the emphasis is on wine, cuisine, and wellness. Devaki's passion for the culinary arts began at age eight, leading her to publish a cookbook by age 17 and teach culinary arts at various institutions. Her deep knowledge of cooking, complemented by a certificate in Science and Cooking from HarvardX, ensures that WATJ offers immersive gastronomic experiences.
Devaki leverages her professional background in architecture, with her passion for the culinary arts and extensive network of experts, to curate unparalleled travel journeys that embody luxury, exclusive adventures, and authentic architectural insights.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Meet Devaki Das: Founder of Weave A Thousand Journeys
20 Sep 2024
00:34:48
BONUS: Foodie travellers, don't miss this episode. The Quest Express talks to Devaki Das of Weave A Thousand Journeys! From Mumbai to Australia, from meeting her husband in Singapore to a book of clients who have claimed her services for life - enjoy her personal journey to Weave A Thousand Journeys.
Inside:
Family template and influences
Singapore, architecture & life partner
How Devaki forged her own path
The perfect Venn diagram
Client Role Play: Venice
Basque, Spain & Portuguese influences
Community Cooking in Portugal
Begin your culinary and architecture travel journey with Devaki HERE
Devaki Das is the founder of Weave A Thousand Journeys (WATJ), a travel company specializing in bespoke, luxury, curated vacations that blend culinary arts and architectural elegance. Inspired by a chaotic trip with friends in Tuscany in 2011, Devaki created WATJ to design seamless, personalized travel experiences with meticulous attention to detail, celebrating culture, food, wine, and architecture.
WATJ crafts unique travel experiences tailored to each destination. In Ireland, tours focus on archaeology and nature, while in Burgundy, the emphasis is on wine, cuisine, and wellness. Devaki's passion for the culinary arts began at age eight, leading her to publish a cookbook by age 17 and teach culinary arts at various institutions. Her deep knowledge of cooking, complemented by a certificate in Science and Cooking from HarvardX, ensures that WATJ offers immersive gastronomic experiences.
Devaki leverages her professional background in architecture, with her passion for the culinary arts and extensive network of experts, to curate unparalleled travel journeys that embody luxury, exclusive adventures, and authentic architectural insights.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Meet Danielle Shantz: Author of Healing in the Halls & The People's Principal
05 Sep 2024
00:49:48
BONUS: The Quest Express talks to the principal of a middle school in Canada, but not the kind of principal on Ferris Bueller, "Nine times, Mrs. Bueller. Nine times." No, Danielle Shantz is more of a People's Principal and advocate for students, parents and teachers alike. She was inspired to write Healing in the Halls after witnessing the widespread damage to kids, parents and teachers in the aftermath of Covid. Website: www.healinginthehalls.com
Book your own VIP Day / Weekend: info@thedinnerstory.com
Season 2: host@thequestexpress.com
Inside:
Artistic roots
Consequences of Covid on kids
A path forward for education
Experiential learning & engagement
Danielle is a lifelong learner with a deep connection to her farm family heritage, placing great importance on family bonds. An educator by profession, she loves nature and enjoys writing as a way to connect with others. Her passion for continuous learning and her appreciation for the natural world reflect her nurturing spirit and commitment to personal and communal growth.
Healing in the Halls: A Reflection of the Pandemic and Its Impact on Schools, Education, and Families is a poignant and timely exploration of the profound changes wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic in the realm of education. This thought-provoking book delves into the heart of the crisis, shedding light on how schools, educators, students, and families navigated unprecedented challenges in Saskatchewan with her family, her roots are here, in the Land of the Living Skies. The art of sharing stories comes from her grandfather and father, who instilled in her a love of the art of communication and making connections with all you meet. Through these experiences, stories, and the love of learning and educating, the idea of creating a collection of stories, problems, and most importantly solutions, emerged. Read more here...
The Vacant Farm - By A.C.(Tony) Steiert Not a scene from a painter's book. Just a vacant farm-with an aging tired look. The yard once a haven and a farmer's pride, Taken over by nature in her stride. A lonely windmill hanging its head, No longer pumping-just resting instead. The barn, weather-beaten with aching back. Not a single eye left anywhere, But broken and shattered through wear and tear. Once it housed the farmer's steeds, Ready and waiting for the family needs. Gone is Bossy with her four bottles of milk- More important to mother than botts of silk. The outhouse with open door and empty chair- With an old Eaton's catologue still hanging there. The house - once a home and happy abode, just full of memories yet to be told. No longer does the chimney mother's secrets tell For the wood and heat had its own special smell. In the attic, some antiques giving way to rust, Resting silently beneath a mantle of dust, I feel the presence of a family here, Although they have been gone for many a year. I can see the mother with apron wrapped, Working a strudel with fingers apt. What joys-what secrets-these walls could reveal Were I but able their vibrations to feel
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Meet American Expat, Ande Wanderer: Former Journalist & Creator of Wander Argentina
25 Aug 2024
01:00:15
BONUS EPISODE: Today we meet an American expat and former journalist who has made Buenos Aires her permanent home. We talk tango, AI, the globalist agenda, off grid living & Bucket List travel.
Next week: A Middle School Principal turns the trials of Covid into a book and restores hope in parents, engagements in students, and a clear path forward for teachers.
Questions? host@thequestexpress.com
Bio: Andy Wanderer is a former journalist who moved to Buenos Aires to escape the live-to-work matrix. Once she became fluent in Spanish and established herself here, she redirected her zeal for exploration, learning and storytelling into creating "Wander Argentina," a digital platform for those captivated by this expansive and fascinating country.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Aspen's History & The Billionaire Migration
19 Aug 2024
00:29:38
ASPEN: Today we conclude the Aspen Series with 4th generation Aspenite and Aspen Hall of Famer, Tony Vagneur, who gives us a historical tour of Aspen.
Read Tony's column, "Saddle Sore" in The Aspen Times here:
Visit the Aspen Historical Society: www.aspenhistory.org and if you're living in Aspen or moving there...
Hire his daughter Lauren, Creator & Owner of Chic & Tidy: www.chicandtidy.com
Inside this episode:
The Paepke's vision for Aspen
Judge Shaw & The Paepke Migration
Silver, Limestone & Prostitutes
Aspen Historical Society
The Story of Hotel Jerome
A ghost in Tony's childhood home
Next Week: Ande Wanderer, a former journalist from NYC who moved to Buenos Aires to escape the live-to-work matrix.
Questions? host@thequestexpress.com
Bio: Tony Vagneur was born into the Vagneur ranching family in Woody Creek. His great-grandfather, Jeremie Vagneur arrived from Val d’Aosta, Italy, in 1882, and carved out a ranching dynasty that thus far includes five generations. He is a life-long rancher and businessman. Known primarily for his column, "Saddle Sore", in The Aspen Times and his exploits as a general raconteur and cattle ranching cowboy.
Tony grew up on the original Vagneur homestead in Woody Creek, named the Elkhorn Ranch by his grandfather, Ben. Tony graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and business administration from the University of Colorado.
Once back in Aspen, Tony began working for his aunt and uncle (Eileen and Vic Goodhard) at Aspen Trash Service, Inc., a relationship that would indelibly mark Tony’s business career for the next 25 years. He also did stints as a builder, a bartender, an equipment operator, a horse trainer, a ski racer, a string of Marlboro commercials and a long run at the T Lazy-7 Ranch. Tony put in seven years as an Aspen Mountain Ski Patrolman.
Tony spent much of his free time helping the Vagneur Ranch Company take care of the cattle in the high country. The cow camp became his home away from home. In the late 1980s, he created his own volunteer educational position with the U. S. Forest Service, a relationship he maintains to this day.
Since 2000, Tony has spent winters on the ski hill and summers caring for herds of cows in the mountains above East Sopris Creek. He has been a regular volunteer on boards like the Roaring Fork Valley Planning Commission and the Red Butte Cemetery board. His column, “Saddle Sore,” appears each Saturday in The Aspen Times, and he fills up his spare time playing the piano around town.
The Vagneur family’s ranching legacy continues to now include Tony’s daughter, Lauren, and her husband, Ty Burtard. The couple leases the family’s original homestead in Woody Creek, operating it as a hay and cattle ranch.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Meet Tony Vagneur: 4th Generation Aspenite, Lifelong Rancher & Businessman
15 Aug 2024
00:22:12
ASPEN: The Quest Express speaks with our final guest in our Aspen series: Tony Vagneur. He writes a column for The Aspen Times, called "Saddle Sore" which you can check out HERE and subscribe to The Aspen Times to follow.
Part II drops this weekend followed by a few weeks of bonus episodes before the next city.
Email feedback: host@thequestexpress.com
Bio: Tony Vagneur was born into the Vagneur ranching family in Woody Creek. His great-grandfather, Jeremie Vagneur arrived from Val d’Aosta, Italy, in 1882, and carved out a ranching dynasty that thus far includes five generations. He is a life-long rancher and businessman. Known primarily for his column, "Saddle Sore", in The Aspen Times and his exploits as a general raconteur and cattle ranching cowboy.
Tony grew up on the original Vagneur homestead in Woody Creek, named the Elkhorn Ranch by his grandfather, Ben. Tony graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and business administration from the University of Colorado.
Once back in Aspen, Tony began working for his aunt and uncle (Eileen and Vic Goodhard) at Aspen Trash Service, Inc., a relationship that would indelibly mark Tony’s business career for the next 25 years. He also did stints as a builder, a bartender, an equipment operator, a horse trainer, a ski racer, a string of Marlboro commercials and a long run at the T Lazy-7 Ranch. Tony put in seven years as an Aspen Mountain Ski Patrolman.
Tony spent much of his free time helping the Vagneur Ranch Company take care of the cattle in the high country. The cow camp became his home away from home. In the late 1980s, he created his own volunteer educational position with the U. S. Forest Service, a relationship he maintains to this day.
Since 2000, Tony has spent winters on the ski hill and summers caring for herds of cows in the mountains above East Sopris Creek. He has been a regular volunteer on boards like the Roaring Fork Valley Planning Commission and the Red Butte Cemetery board. His column, “Saddle Sore,” appears each Saturday in The Aspen Times, and he fills up his spare time playing the piano around town.
The Vagneur family’s ranching legacy continues to now include Tony’s daughter, Lauren, and her husband, Ty Burtard. The couple leases the family’s original homestead in Woody Creek, operating it as a hay and cattle ranch.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Wishing on a Michelin Star & Barclay's Last Supper
09 Aug 2024
00:33:20
ASPEN: Today The Quest Express continues with Barclay Dodge, Owner of Michelin-Star Restaurant BOSQ, reveals what it really takes to capture a Michelin Star. What's on the menu for Barclay's Last Supper and how he manages his rock star team.
Make reservations at BOSQ, contact: molly@bosqaspen.com
The Michelin-Star journey: the good, the bad, & the gruelling
Advice for a young cook or aspiring chef
Bio: One MICHELIN Star Chef Dodge draws from the best of his local farms to the raw, wild flavors of the wilderness. His plates are accessible and consistently thoughtful.
Chef Barclay Dodge’s love of cuisine began in his grandmother’s kitchen and it grew through his vocational experience as a teenager in Aspen restaurants. His passion deepened during his time working at Michelin Star restaurants and under the tutelage of acclaimed chefs.
After being introduced to the cutting edge experimentation in gastronomy while at El Bulli, under Ferran Adria and Albert Adria, Chef Dodge went to open and operate two restaurants of his own, including Bosq. He is inspired by the roots of a place. From his own roots in the Aspen valley to his extensive traveling and culinary investigations into local food cultures.
In 2010, he returned to his Aspen roots to focus on his restaurant and create a family of two girls, Lennon & Mia along with his wife Molly.
Image by Karl Wolfgang
NEXT WEEK: Tony Vagneur, 4th generation Aspenite, life-long rancher, businessman & columnist of "Saddle Sore" in The Aspen Times.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Meet Barclay Dodge: Michelin-Star Chef & Owner of BOSQ in Aspen
07 Aug 2024
00:33:19
ASPEN: Barclay Dodge has traveled the world and honed his craft for the last 35 years working in great kitchens, under amazing chefs. In 2010, he returned to his Aspen roots to focus on his restaurant and create a family of two girls, Lennon & Mia along with his wife Molly.
Make reservations at BOSQ, contact: molly@bosqaspen.com
Bio: One MICHELIN Star Chef Dodge draws from the best of his local farms to the raw, wild flavors of the wilderness. His plates are accessible and consistently thoughtful.
Chef Barclay Dodge’s love of cuisine began in his grandmother’s kitchen and it grew through his vocational experience as a teenager in Aspen restaurants. His passion deepened during his time working at Michelin Star restaurants and under the tutelage of acclaimed chefs.
After being introduced to the cutting edge experimentation in gastronomy while at El Bulli, under Ferran Adria and Albert Adria, Chef Dodge went to open and operate two restaurants of his own, including Bosq. He is inspired by the roots of a place. From his own roots in the Aspen valley to his extensive traveling and culinary investigations into local food cultures.
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Giving Back to the Aspen Community with Greg Poschman
05 Aug 2024
00:42:48
ASPEN: Part II of our conversation with Pitkin County Commissioner, Greg Poschman. Paris, Hollywood, and the spirit that buoyed Aspen during the pandemic. To read Greg's bio or listen to Part I, CLICK HERE
Inside this episode:
Working with Sting in Paris
The road to the Emmys
How filming documentaries became public service
The tension & resolution between groups in Aspen
How to be heard if you live in Pitkin County
What makes Aspen so special as a community?
Six ways to get involved in the Aspen community
1. Roaring Fork Safe Passages: This organization works to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions in the Roaring Fork Valley by advocating for safe passages like land bridges and tunnels. Get involved by subscribing to their newsletter for updates and support opportunities through their website. https://www.roaringforksafepassages.org/
2. Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT): AVLT conserves open lands for agriculture, wildlife habitat, and public recreation in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys. Get involved by volunteering, donating, or attending events listed on their website. | https://www.avlt.org/
3. Lift-Up: Lift-Up provides essential humanitarian services, including food distribution and financial assistance, to struggling individuals and families in Western Colorado. Get involved by volunteering, donating, or participating in their events via their website. | https://www.liftup.org/
4. Brennan Center for Justice: The Brennan Center focuses on democracy, justice, and the rule of law through rigorous research and advocacy. Get involved by donating, subscribing to their newsletter, or participating in their events and campaigns. | https://www.brennancenter.org/about
5. Independence Pass Foundation (IPF): IPF is dedicated to preserving and restoring the ecological health of Independence Pass through various conservation projects. Get involved by volunteering, donating, or attending events as detailed on their website. | https://www.independencepass.org/
6. Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES): ACES promotes environmental stewardship and sustainability through educational programs and conservation projects. Get involved by participating in their programs, volunteering, or donating through their website. | https://www.aspencore.org/
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
A Conversation with Greg Poschman, Pitkin County Commissioner
01 Aug 2024
00:24:15
ASPEN: Today we speak with Emmy-award winning Greg Poschman whose parents owned a ski lodge called The Edelweiss, and is currently serving Aspen as Pitkin County Commissioner. Going back to WWII we learn about his origin story, how his parents settled in Aspen and his path from engineering to producer, director & cameraman.
Inside this episode:
How Greg's parents met
Skiing, Edelweiss & wildflower hunting
The silent PTSD of WWII
The influence of the Paepke's on Aspen culture
The old Aspen Design Conference & Aspen Ideas Festival
Greg's quest to express himself in the most fulfilling career
Bio:
Greg Poschman lives on a mountain side near Aspen, Colorado with his wife Maureen and their two children. Maureen is the president of an international travel and lifestyle communications agency called Promo. Greg has a background as a producer, director and cameraman for documentaries and television series. This focus on the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge and interesting stories has taken him all over the world to document expeditions, foreign cultures, humanitarian issues and exotic wildlife.
Greg has a civil engineering degree from the University of Colorado with minors in business and filmmaking. He’s won three national Emmy awards for directing and camerawork, and he shares those honors with creative and brilliant collaborators.
He has served on the boards or advisory boards of Aspen area non-profits, including Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES, ) Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) and Aspen Public Radio. Activities include mentoring startup non-profits, building boards of directors, recruiting executive talent, empowering development and helping them transition to new business models. He served on Pitkin County’s Healthy Rivers and Streams Advisory Board before joining the Pitkin County Board of Commissioners in 2017. He knows the Aspen community well, having made many biographies and documentaries for and about local people and institutions, including ACES, Wilderness Workshop, English in Action, The Aspen Institute, The Aspen Music Festival, Challenge Aspen, and the Aspen Hall of Fame.
Greg hopes that Aspen kids will grow up having the incredible natural environment, and the recreational and educational opportunities his childhood in Aspen offered him.
Consider donating & supporting these local Aspen causes:
Want more bite-sized Aspen stories? Catch the Growing Up Aspen podcast with Andy Collen & Chris Pomeroy HERE
What happens to a sunken fishing boat or a thirsty truck driver? And what got into Burt Reynolds? The Quest Express continues the wild ride with the authors of Growing Up Aspen: Adventures of the Unsupervised. Buckle up for more stories of four kids who grew up in Aspen in the 70's and 80's... before the paparazzi knew their town.
Inside this episode:
The significance of Fleetwood Mac's Landslide
John Denver, Ted Bundy & the pranks of Hunter S. Thompson
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Growing Up Aspen: Adventures of the Unsupervised
24 Jul 2024
00:24:56
Read Growing Up Aspen now >> PURCHASE HERE on Amazon Catch the Growing Up Aspen podcast with Andy Collen & Chris Pomeroy HERE
LO SEMPLE
Lo arrived in Aspen in 1974 in the back of his parents green Volvo station wagon. He currently writes a local column every Saturday for the Aspen Daily news, and can be spotted around town or on the bike trails and ski mountains of Aspen and Snowmass.
He also helps travelers from all over the world via Suit Yourself, Aspen's mobile skiwear outfitters—renting skiwear for over 25 years.
DEAN JACKSON
In another life, Dean Jackson was a professional actor, voice-over artist, and puppeteer. While living the life of a starving artist in New York City was an adventure, that life transitioned into a more traditional career once he got married and discovered that Ramen was not a lifestyle choice.
Dean and his lovely wife, Kyra, now live in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has managed high-rise buildings and since applying those skills to create the project management division of a local community management company, is the point-person for managing their team and a multitude of community living challenges. He wrote for an industry magazine for sixteen years, and wrote the travel blog, “So I Married a Tour Guide.” He has begun dabbling in voice work and acting once again.
In their spare time, Dean and Kyra enjoy traveling, gardening, reading, listening to Jazz, and slow dancing in the kitchen.
CHRIS POMEROY
Chris was born in the mountains and raised from infancy in Aspen, Colorado. He left the valley in the 1990s to pursue a career in Newspaper management. He worked at three newspapers over the span of a decade, The Aspen Times, the Fort Collins Coloradoan, and the Athens Banner-Herald. He shifted away from the industry in the early
2000s with a short stint in agency work, and then to his current job of 15+ years, consulting in Internet Banking for Digital Insight, Intuit, and now NCR.
He has won many awards for campaigns, layout, and illustration throughout the years, and has done illustrations for national companies, newspapers, and magazines for a myriad of uses.
When not “slaving for the man” he has worked in the art of animation, one of his true passions, for the better part of 30 years. As any animator can tell you, animation is a love of the art and the art of sacrifice.
He currently resides in Athens, Georgia with his wife, two sons, a dog, cats, and a bunch of fish.
ANDY COLLEN
Andy cut his entrepreneurial teeth at the age of 16 by becoming Burton Snowboard’s first Aspen distributor. After his college years, he discovered a culture of independent animators in Portland, Oregon, and moved there, working at Teknifilm, the local 35mm film processing lab while connecting with the local artists and studios. He freelanced for Will Vinton Studios (Claymation, California Raisins, The PJs), Blashfield Studio (Photo cut-out, MTV music videos), and mentored with Tom Arndt of Merlin’s Hammer.
Andy met Amy Blumenstein while producing It’s About Peace, a collaborative short film that Amy and many other local artists contributed animated scenes to. Andy and Amy soon married (at the Portland Zoo) and started their boutique studio, Happy
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
Snowlight Arts: Creativity, Community & Aspen
21 Jul 2024
00:15:26
ASPEN: We sit down with Valery Moore Kelly, Founder & Creative Director of Snowlight Arts in Aspen. With fond memories of how Aspen used to be, we discuss how Aspen inspired her love of nature, art & community.
BIO: Valery Moore Kelly, founder and creative director, was born and raised in Aspen, Colorado. She nurtures her artistic practice and hones her creative expression in her studio & home office, downstream from Aspen, in the Crystal River Valley,
Valery’s dream of creating Art and collaborating with fellow Artists and Art Collectors is coming to life with SnowlightArts.com. She curates Art to add to Snowlight Art’s online gallery, connecting Artists and their creative process to the development of human consciousness. She wants to live in a world where people share a diversity of sensory experiences that bring a meaningful unity to their lives.
Valery writes, “Art provides a holistic and dynamic approach to being consciously human. Reflecting on Nature’s beauty lifts my spirits. I crave colors of sunrise, grey pebbles in the creek, umber bark on trees. I delight in sunlight on water. I yearn for the mystery and beauty of peaks. Horizons and hillsides pour into valleys, drawing me deeper in. Freedom of expression arises most clearly when I am active in pure contemplation.
My response to Nature contrasts to my automatic reaction to politics and news. Golden autumn leaves, distant indigo peaks, a farmhouse roof in red-orange, each align my vision of this complex and complicated life. I seek calm in clouds, reflected in the ripple of river eddy.
I long for uncomplicated days of my youth in Aspen, waking late on a summer morning, the sun high and hot, cumulus building, snow melting, fields greening, dandelions bursting yellow, cool breeze in shadow of scrub oak. Color of life-energy rising from roots into aspen trunks. Weariness and inevitability of today’s news cycles contrasts with the innocence of my youth amidst the beautiful contour of mountains and peaks.
How can I be responsive? Less reactive? What is my natural being? How can I employ my imagination and intuition to comprehend reality? Art offers a way to develop my senses and my inner capacity to live in a sacred manner. When I delve deeply into the heart of my being, there dwells freedom.”
SnowlightArts.com will take you on a journey of discovery to Find Inspiration. Please join Valery and SnowlightArts and our growing community of Artists.
To discover how Art and expression can connect you to a creative community, please follow us on social media @snowlightarts, and join our email newsletter here.
Contact The Quest Express: host@thequestexpress.com
Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel
A Conversation with Valery Moore Kelly of Snowlight Arts
17 Jul 2024
00:25:11
ASPEN: The Quest Express launches its next city series with a painter who was born and raised in Aspen. Aspen episodes will air through the remainder of the summer. Purchase her artwork HERE
Inside this episode:
What was Aspen to those who were raised here pre-colonization
The influence of nature on Valery's work
The loss of a family home and other unintended consequences
Bougainvillea, family memories, and a poignant memory
In a world of social media what is the solution for preserving communities?
BIO: Valery Moore Kelly, founder and creative director, was born and raised in Aspen, Colorado. She nurtures her artistic practice and hones her creative expression in her studio & home office, downstream from Aspen, in the Crystal River Valley,
Valery’s dream of creating Art and collaborating with fellow Artists and Art Collectors is coming to life with SnowlightArts.com. She curates Art to add to Snowlight Art’s online gallery, connecting Artists and their creative process to the development of human consciousness. She wants to live in a world where people share a diversity of sensory experiences that bring a meaningful unity to their lives.
Valery writes, “Art provides a holistic and dynamic approach to being consciously human. Reflecting on Nature’s beauty lifts my spirits. I crave colors of sunrise, grey pebbles in the creek, umber bark on trees. I delight in sunlight on water. I yearn for the mystery and beauty of peaks. Horizons and hillsides pour into valleys, drawing me deeper in. Freedom of expression arises most clearly when I am active in pure contemplation.
My response to Nature contrasts to my automatic reaction to politics and news. Golden autumn leaves, distant indigo peaks, a farmhouse roof in red-orange, each align my vision of this complex and complicated life. I seek calm in clouds, reflected in the ripple of river eddy.
I long for uncomplicated days of my youth in Aspen, waking late on a summer morning, the sun high and hot, cumulus building, snow melting, fields greening, dandelions bursting yellow, cool breeze in shadow of scrub oak. Color of life-energy rising from roots into aspen trunks. Weariness and inevitability of today’s news cycles contrasts with the innocence of my youth amidst the beautiful contour of mountains and peaks.
How can I be responsive? Less reactive? What is my natural being? How can I employ my imagination and intuition to comprehend reality? Art offers a way to develop my senses and my inner capacity to live in a sacred manner. When I delve deeply into the heart of my being, there dwells freedom.”
SnowlightArts.com will take you on a journey of discovery to Find Inspiration. Please join Valery and SnowlightArts and our growing community of Artists.
To discover how Art and expression can connect you to a creative community, please follow us on social media @snowlightarts, and join our email newsletter here.
Contact The Quest Express: host@thequestexpress.com