Travel With Meaning – Details, episodes & analysis

Ever wondered what it's like to record a podcast at 38,000 feet? Host Mike Schibel takes Travel With Meaning to new heights—literally—onboard Condor Airlines' flight from Frankfurt to Los Angeles on the sleek Airbus A330-900neo.

Joined by flight attendant Brendan Osborne, this episode captures the heart of travel, connection, and adventure midair.

Brendan shares what makes Condor stand out—from its stylish new striped fleet and boutique-style business class to its family-like culture and genuine hospitality. He also opens up about his personal journey from banking to flying, his most meaningful travel moments, and how travel represents freedom in his life. Plus, listeners get an inside look at Brendan's appearance on The Voice Germany and how he balances his passion for music with his career in the skies.

This episode celebrates wanderlust, storytelling, and the joy of seeing the world through new eyes—no passport required.

What to Listen For

[00:00:00] Mike introduces Travel With Meaning's first-ever in-flight recording

[00:02:14] The boutique comfort of Condor's new Airbus A330neo fleet

[00:03:32] Brendan shares the meaning behind Condor's colorful striped design

[00:04:43] How Condor's team culture creates a family-like atmosphere onboard

[00:05:41] Brendan's strategy for beating jet lag after long-haul flights

[00:06:19] His first solo flight and inspiration to become a flight attendant

[00:07:05] What "freedom through travel" means to him

[00:07:42] A magical moment watching the sunset from Table Mountain in Cape Town

[00:09:10] Brendan's journey on The Voice Germany and his upcoming single "Let It Go"

[00:11:36] Mike wraps up the journey from 38,000 feet and looks forward to the next adventure

 

What happens when you trade speed for stillness? In this special episode, Mike shares his journey along the legendary Danube River aboard the Riverside Mozart. From the historic streets of Vienna to quiet castles and vineyards, this slow travel experience reveals why river cruising isn't just another trip — it's an invitation to breathe, connect, and be fully present.

Along the way, Mike talks with the Riverside crew, and fellow travelers to explore what makes this kind of journey different — from intimate hospitality and local cuisine to community, wellness, and moments under the stars. If you've ever dreamed of slowing down without missing out, this episode will make you rethink how you travel.

What to Listen For

[00:00:00] Welcome from Vienna and intro to Riverside Luxury Cruises

[00:01:18] Why Vienna sets the perfect tone for the journey

[00:03:07] Ocean vs. river cruising — the flow that changes everything

[00:04:31] Nicole on how Riverside exceeded expectations

[00:06:50] Intimate hospitality: Sonja explains why river cruising is different

[00:08:47] Communal spaces, music, and creating connection onboard

[00:10:06] Chef Johannes on local sourcing and authentic regional cuisine

[00:12:13] Wellness and slow travel — saunas, spas, and stillness

[00:13:48] The beauty of slowing down with someone you love

[00:15:16] A moment of stillness: Nicole's favorite memory on deck

[00:17:19] Chad on why river cruising reveals the world's hidden beauty

[00:18:28] Jenn on travel as a calling, not just a job

[00:19:54] Finding stillness, reflection, and your North Star on the river

In this special episode of the Travel With Meaning podcast, host Mike Schibel brings you a unique blend of conversations with renowned chefs and a talented local musician from Maui. They highlight the depth of Maui's culinary and cultural richness, reveal how Maui has impacted their lives, and share their stories of community resilience after the Lahaina wildfires.

Recorded at the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, join us  as we chat with, Chef Maneet Chauhan, Chef Stephanie Izard, Chef Jonathan Pasion from Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, and Chef Ryan Schelling from Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, as well as  musician Ua Bradshaw from Maui.

This episode is a celebration of the island's resilient community—a community that invites travelers to return to Maui, now more than ever. Tune in to be reminded of the beauty of Maui, the strength of its community, and the unbreakable bond between the people, the places, and the culture.

Tune in to this heartfelt episode and be reminded of the beauty of Maui, the strength of its community, and the unbreakable bond between the people, the places, and the culture.

The people and the spirit of Maui is strong – Maui is open and welcomes you back, now more than ever. Visit GoHawaii.com/Maui.

#TravelWithMeaning #TravelStories #MauiStrong #GoHawaii #VisitMaui 

 

Welcome to Episode 30 of the podcast. This is going to be a solo-cast episode. I'm honestly still amazed and beyond grateful to make it to episode 30! Huge thank you to all who have supported this endeavor and shared feedback along the way. Many more awesome podcast conversations coming up with truly extraordinary guests. This episode is actually recorded in the back on the Travellers Autobarn camper-van I was traveling in. I wanted to get out of LA on Black Friday and #Optoutside camping up the coast. My oldest nephew Howard came with me. It was a nice break for both of us. We don't get to spend much time together as he lives north of Phoenix. He's twenty-Two and very different from where I was in my life at twenty-two. He's very smart, loyal and a hard worker, not saying that wasn't me, but I had been to dozens of countries, was focused on meeting women and having crazy life experiences. Howard is a little more reserved, but he has mentioned to me several times how much he wants to travel. We talked a lot about traveling on this camping trip. I've told him since he graduated high school four years ago I would send him on a trip and pay his airfare and ground transportation, he just has to say when he's ready. In sitting around the campfire drinking a beer I asked Howard so when is the right time, he said maybe February? I said what's holding you back, he said his job. I shared with him what if I could help create an opportunity for a better job than he currently has when he returns. He loved that idea and we started working on resume together. Not sure if he will take me up on this trip in February, but I really hope so. This trip would not have been possible without my Travellers Autobarn campervan. If you follow me on social (@Schibel @Travelwithmeaning) you've seen me post about the van and Travellers Autobarn several times. What you might now know if I've had a relationship with TAB for almost ten years since my first trip to Australia. I share about how that relationship started and talk about a video I made for them during my thirty days in a station wagon driving south on the east coast of Australia. Check out the video here and don't hesitate to connect with Travellers Autobarn for a road trip adventure - make sure you use the code Travel With Meaning for a discount.
Thanks for listening.
See you on the open road!

 

 

Owner and Executive Chef Gio Osso captures the daily dynamism of authentic Mediterranean cooking at Virtú Honest Craft, located in Scottsdale, AZ's Bespoke Inn. Among the laidback, coastal villa-vibe of his restaurant, Osso creates a menu that changes multiple times a week, highlighting the best ingredients sourced seasonally from across the country and around the world. "I like big, bold flavors," Osso says, "but it has to be clean and crisp, involving all of the senses." To allow himself the freedom to prepare such flavorful, yet simplistic, straightforward dishes, Osso spends as much time as necessary to find the ideal product, be it seafood from Spain, cheese from Italy, or spices from Northern Africa.

Much like his dishes, the chef considers each of his employees individually to ensure a happy and productive team. "Someone might need you to be a coach, someone else might need you to be a friend," he explains. "If you give me 120%, I'll give it right back to you—I want to foster greatness." Overall, he strives to be the best teacher he can be.

"I started cooking when I was still in a highchair," Osso explains, referring to the pot his mother gave him to "stir" while she prepared meals. "It was the only way I would eat—so it was no shock to my parents when I wanted to become a chef." Although he grew up in Cliffside Park, NJ, his culinary inspiration comes from summers spent in Southern Italy on a farm in Calabria with animals, gardens, and a large family that convened every year around family recipes.

After gaining kitchen experience in New Jersey, Osso graduated from the fast-paced New York Restaurant School in 1993 at the top of his class, and cut his teeth with an externship at March under Chef Wayne Nish, in local pizzerias, and in hotel kitchens such as at the Algonquin Hotel. In 1994, John Foy's Sonoma Grill in East Rutherford, NJ plucked Osso for its sous chef, placing him alongside Chef de Cuisine Richard Lowack. Lowack served as a culinary and operational mentor to Osso, and the two went on to work together at numerous other restaurants until Osso struck out on his own as executive chef for Stamford, CT's Fio' Ristorante in 1996, and then opened his own restaurant, café, retail, and catering operation, American Gourmet, two years later in Allendale, NJ.

Osso linked up with his mentor again in 2002, when Lowack requested Osso's help in the pastry department of his new Phoenix restaurant. Soon after arriving in the desert, Osso launched Sugo Pastaria and Wine Bar, an upscale pasta-centric Italian spot. He spread his culinary influence further throughout the city by consulting on restaurants including Luc's, Oscar Taylor, Blue Note Cellars, and Spiga. After then spending two years at Scottsdale's Estate House, revamping the culinary program as executive chef, Osso's career took an unexpected turn in 2010 as he jumped at an opportunity to oversee concession operations at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, via HMS Host. Managing on-site operations and an off-site commissary, Osso successfully introduced 13 local concepts to the airport, substantially elevating its culinary offerings.

Virtú Honest Craft, which debuted in 2013, sprouted in Osso's mind back in 2006, while he spent a month traveling with friends throughout Southern Italy, sampling local Mediterranean cuisine. In the wake of Virtú's success, Osso opened Nico Heirloom Kitchen as a posh, sophisticated spot for seasonal West Coast-inspired Italian cuisine, in Gilbert, AZ, in 2016.

Chef Osso resides in Gilbert with his wife, Bethany, their three children, and two dogs, a German shepherd and a boxer. Away from the kitchen, the musician-at-heart loves playing his guitar as often as he can, and gets his kicks on the soccer field as well—he almost became pro, once upon a time. 

 

Born and raised in Mechanicsville, Virginia, Jason is a singer-songwriter who first came to prominence in the San Diego coffee shop scene in 2000. In 2002 he released his debut studio album, Waiting for My Rocket to Come, which contained the hit single "The Remedy (I Won't Worry)". With the release of his second album, Mr. A-Z, in 2005, Mraz achieved major commercial success. The album peaked at number 5 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 100,000 copies in the US. In 2008 Mraz released his third studio album, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. It debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200 and was an international commercial success primarily due to the hit "I'm Yours". The song peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving him his first top ten single, and spent a record 76 weeks on the Hot 100. His fourth album, Love Is a Four Letter Word, peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200, his highest-charting album to date. Mraz has won two Grammy Awards and received two additional nominations, and has also won two Teen Choice Awards, a People's Choice Award and the Hal David Songwriters Hall of Fame Award. He has earned Platinum and multi-Platinum certifications in over 20 countries, and has toured in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and parts of Africa.    Jason is a passionate environmentalist and humanitarian lending his name, voice and support for causes that are near to his heart.  His Mraz Family Farms grows avocados, coffee and passion fruit. The Jason Mraz Foundation works to shine for arts education and the advancement of equality.  For information of Jason's current and up coming tour visit Jason Mraz.     

Chris Burkard is an accomplished explorer, photographer, creative director, speaker, and author. Traveling throughout the year to pursue the farthest expanses of Earth, Burkard works to capture stories that inspire humans to consider their relationship with nature, while promoting the preservation of wild places everywhere.

Layered by outdoor, travel, adventure, surf, and lifestyle subjects, Burkard is known for images that are punctuated by untamed, powerful landscapes. Through social media, chris strives to share his vision of wild places with millions of people, and to inspire them to explore for themselves.

His visionary perspective has earned him opportunities to work on global, prominent campaigns with Fortune 500 clients, speak on the TED stage, design product lines, educate, and publish a growing collection of books. Along with his team, Burkard is based out of his production studio and art gallery in the Central Coast of California.

At the age of 32, Burkard has established himself as a global presence and influencer. He is happiest with his wife Breanne raising their two sons Jeremiah and Forrest in his hometown of Pismo Beach, California

 

California born and bred, Kassia Meador began surfing at age 14. by 17-years-old, Kassia was a sponsored pro-longboarder, traveling the world and competing in surf events globally. Known for her graceful surf style, Kassia was crowned the "queen of noseriding" by the New York Times and in 2011 ranked 2nd on the WSL women's longboard tour.

Throughout her 17-year career as a competitive sponsored athlete, Kassia was actively involved in designing products under the umbrella of her sponsors. In 2013, Kassia left sponsored surfing to build a brand--that focused on quality instead of quantity--for women by women.

Since launching in 2015, KASSIA+SURF has pushed the limits of women's surf culture, lifestyle, and design. With a mission to create aquatically functional wetsuits, accessories, and lifestyle gear, KASSIA+SURF is about freedom, empowerment, and enlightenment. Delivering superior quality goods by using eco-conscious production. Future flavor with a classic twist.

 

Reef McIntosh  - Big Wave Surfer    In this episode we sit down with Big Wave Surfer and Pipeline legend Reef McIntosh.   Growing up in Kauai, Hawaii, Reef was destined for a life in the ocean. I mean just his name alone…but the journey wasn't always easy.  Reef shares intimately of his early surf trips to the North Shore, Fiji and Tahiti.  These are all places Reef dreamed about as a young grom.     Through his passion, perseverance and patience it led him to live his dreams as a professional surfer. You will hear in our conversation Reef shares a crazy story that got him a lot of attention in the media from Sports Illustrated and other major news outlets when the jet ski he was driving went over one falls of a wave as well as over the head of Big Wave Surfer, Raimana at Teahupoo, Tahiti (click here to watch).     Reef's story is a great reminder that dreams don't happen over night.  Stay focused on what you want, go after it, strengthen that muscle everyday and trust your path with no expectations of when it has to happen.  If you find yourself in Malibu check out the authentic and upscale Mexican restaurant Reef's family operates Casa Escobar.   

Hi! My name is April, nice to meet cha!

I was born in the 80's. I moved around a lot in my earlier years. No, I wasn't a military brat. We moved a lot partially because of my father's work and partially because he was an explorer like me. I just say I'm from Louisiana and Alabama because that is where my roots come from and most of my family still lives there.

We moved away from Alabama when I was 7 years old. That was when I fell in love with traveling and the mountains. My parents along with me and my 2 sisters packed up everything we owned and moved to Ohio. Next it was beautiful Utah where we lived in the tiniest town I've ever lived, and many small towns along the way. I remember my childhood as being so much fun. We were always packing up and moving, taking long road trips to incredible places and camping. As a kid I had a blast!

We moved to Oregon when I was eight or nine years old. The first place we lived was way up in the mountains in a campground. The five of us lived the whole summer in a 15 foot camper. We hosted and managed the campground in exchange for food and propane. That was one of my favorite memories from my childhood. Everyday was an adventure! Living without electricity is a pretty cool experience. We even had to carry our water from the creek and heat it on the open fire to take baths in a make-shift tub out of a large cooler. Doesn't that sound awesome!?

My mother was the best person I've ever known. She really was a strong woman. Through all of it she never complained. She was the master of making something amazing out of nothing. We never had a lot but we always had enough. She could take the most boring basic ingredients and make a stunning meal out of it, and outdoors to! Anytime I would complain or ask why we had to do all of this and why couldn't we live like normal kids she would just say, "It's an adventure! How many kids do you know that have the whole world as their backyard? You are lucky!"

My dad is such a free spirit and wanderer just like I am. He took us on the best adventures and always made sure we took "the scenic route" everywhere we went. And you better believe I was always right there with him, usually on his back or shoulders. It's because of them that I have a love for the unknown, an appreciation for the little things, and look for every opportunity to turn a situation into an adventure.

I lived a pretty "normal" life in Oregon for 8 years, the longest I lived anywhere so far. I enjoyed goofing around and being silly with my friends growing up and summer days were spent at the river or lakes or out in the mountains. Oregon is absolutely breathtaking in the summer.

Then when I was 17 we moved to California, the summer before my senior year of high school. I got my first job at the local ski resort, Dodge Ridge, and when I graduated high school I became a full time snow bum. From the age of 17-21 I lived on the mountain and snowboarded everyday. It was the best time of my life! Then I decided it was time to grow up, so I moved to Los Angeles.

I moved to LA in 2006, and attended The Art Institute, where I got my Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design. Art school was unreal! I was at the top of my class and graduated with Honors. I was a winner at the Art Institute's annual fashion show and even got to show my collection at LA Fashion Week, which is a big deal! After graduation I worked on some film and commercials doing wardrobe and I fell in love with costume work. I enjoy the creativity involved in Costuming and the entertainment world is a lot of fun.

A couple years ago I decided to take a step back from the Fashion world and focus my attention on something else. It's so easy to get sucked into the hustle and bustle of the city life and forget your purpose. So I've been taking every opportunity to go outside and live the life I love. Not just going about the daily routine but actively LIVING life!

The fashion and the creativity will always be a part of me. Nature will always be a part of me, and I believe that it is here that I find my place. My hopes here are to inspire anyone to get out there and do the same. Start living! Do what makes you happy. Stop waiting. Feel everything. Love achingly. Give impeccably. Let go.

Xoxo,

April~