Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast

This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," we revisit the November 2022 episode on Richmond, Virginia. It was Ryan and Kiernan's first overnight trip together (staying in separate hotels, of course)! They discuss museums, historic homes, graves, Presidents, and plenty about the Civil War. They also share their restaurant recommendations and uncover a standout hidden treasure in a National Park! The American Civil War Museum https://acwm.org/ Virginia Museum of Fine Arts https://vmfa.museum John Marshall House https://preservationvirginia.org/historic-sites/john-marshall-house/ Hollywood Cemetery https://www.hollywoodcemetery.org/ Maggie Walker House https://www.nps.gov/mawa/index.htm Society of Cincinnati https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_of_the_Cincinnati Virginia State Capitol http://virginiacapitol.gov/index.php/tours/ Statue of George Washington https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_George_Washington_(Houdon) James Madison's Montpelier https://www.montpelier.org/ Paul Jennings https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Jennings_(slave) Eater's Richmond List https://dc.eater.com/maps/best-bars-restaurants-bakeries-richmond-dining-guide Barcode https://www.barcoderva.com/ Triple Crossing Brewery https://triplecrossing.com/ Emily Dickinson's House https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/28/arts/design/emily-dickinson-museum-renovation.html

On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Ryan chats with "Jade," a flight attendant for a US airline, about the high-flying lifestyle and her biggest traveler pet peeves. Recorded in-person in Boston, Ryan also complains about the Logan Airport Uber Pickup experience. Things we talk about in this week's episode: Michelin in Mexico: https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/tags/Mexico

On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan leads us through highlights from his trip to Guatemala—museums of Guatemala City, the pyramids (and howler monkeys!) of Tikal National Park, Antigua volcano hikes, and the part-devil/part-saint of Lake Atitlan. Plus, LOTS OF GORY CATHOLIC STUFF! Things we talk about in this week's episode: The Rick Steves Guide to Life https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2024/04/29/rick-steves-home-partner-philanthropy-washington/ US State Department Guatemala Safety Information https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Guatemala.html Brief History of Guatemala's complicated political history and civil war https://cja.org/where-we-work/guatemala/ Palacio Nacional de la Cultura https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Palace_(Guatemala) Museo Ixchel https://museoixchel.org/en/museo-ixchel-english/ Museo Miraflores https://www.museomiraflores.org.gt/ Museo Nacional de Arqueologia y Etnologia https://sig.muniguate.com/proyectosDIGM/cultura/museos/MUSEOS/Arqueolog%C3%ADa%20y%20Etnolog%C3%ADa.html Tikal National Park https://www.tikalnationalpark.org/ Antigua https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antigua_Guatemala Santa Catalina Archi https://theculturetrip.com/central-america/guatemala/articles/a-brief-history-of-antiguas-santa-catalina-arch Convento de las Capuchinas https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iglesia_y_Convento_de_las_Capuchinas,_Antigua_Guatemala Efrain Recinos sculpture park https://intothearmsofamerica.com/destinations/guatemala/antigua/the-little-museum-up-in-the-antigua-hills/ Lake Atitlan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Atitl%C3%A1n Maximon https://atitlanliving.com/guatemala-travel-information/how-to-visit-a-cofradia-in-santiago/ Michelin Star Analysis https://www.chefspencil.com/michelin-dining-costs-analysis/ Your iPhone's Hidden Noise Machine https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/iphone-tips-tricks/

On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Ryan interviews Emma Weissmann on the boom of concert travel led by Taylor Swift. Plus, Kiernan endorses Mitt Romney again. Things we talk about in this week's episode: Mitt Romney for Harvard President. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/04/16/mitt-romney-harvard-president-antisemitism/ Emma Interview: TravelAge West: https://www.travelagewest.com/ Emma's podcasts: https://www.travelagewest.com/Podcasts Taylor Swift cruise: https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Cruise/taylor-swift-cruise NPR article on economic impact: https://www.npr.org/2023/12/27/1221483930/girl-economy-taylor-swift-beyonce-barbie-2023 Last Stop: https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/a60314481/literary-travel-boom/ https://www.bnbfinder.com/

On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan digs in on regional Italian cuisine with one of the show's most interesting guests ever: opera and Italian cuisine expert Fred Plotkin. Fred talks us through some of the most popular and most obscure foods of Italy, sharing history and wonderful anecdotes all along the way. Part 2 of 3! Things we talk about in this week's episode: "Italy for Food Lovers" https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/italy-for-food-lovers Fred Plotkin biography https://www.wqxr.org/people/fred-plotkin/ The Atlantic's "Crying Myself to Sleep on the Biggest Cruise Ship Ever" by Gary Shteyngart https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/05/royal-caribbean-cruise-ship-icon-of-seas/677838/ CNN's Grandmother and Son Are on the Move https://www.cnn.com/travel/grandma-joy-ryan-grandson-seven-continents/index.html

On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan grades ChatGPT, evaluating its organization of three weekend getaways. Ryan shares tips on how to correctly leverage ChatGPT for travel plans. Introducing a fresh segment, "The Layover," Ryan chats with Tommy Wallach from Hatch Escapes on the launch of their latest immersive adventure, "The Ladder." Things we talk about in this week's episode: ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com/ Hatch Escapes: https://www.hatchescapes.com/ OOO Episode on Escape Rooms: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-50-escape-rooms-with-tommy-wallach/ LAST STOP Ryan: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-admin-accelerates-plan-to-unleash-apex-predator-near-rural-community-over-widespread-local-opposition Kiernan: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/willy-wonka-musical-parody-inspired-by-viral-event-1235852849/

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

On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Ryan ventures to Buenos Aires and shares his top neighborhood picks, eats too much steak, and embarks on a quest for elderly giraffes. Also, the boys debut a fresh segment called Nonsense Banter. Ryan's BA photos on Insgagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C32MfWpuTpH/?img_index=1 Other Links: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/02/air-canada-must-honor-refund-policy-invented-by-airlines-chatbot/

In this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Ryan speaks with Dawn Padmore, Vice President of Awards at the James Beard Foundation, about the newly released list of semi-finalists and how the JBF discovers these exceptional restaurants across the United States. Additionally, Ryan and Kiernan share some of their favorites from the list. The JBF: https://www.jamesbeard.org/ Semi-Finalists List: https://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/the-2024-james-beard-awards-semifinalists Notre Dame Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notre-dame/id1438098925?i=1000436877749

On this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan talks to Amy Virshup, the Travel Editor of the New York Times, about the paper's just released "52 Places to Visit in 2024" list. Plus, the boys launch a new segment called "The Judy Alert" to help Ryan's mother determine whether her son is in danger. Things we talk about in this week's episode: "52 Places to Go in 2024" https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/travel/places-to-travel-destinations-2024.html Quito, Ecuador episode https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/quito-ecuador/id1438098925?i=1000610538652 Ecuador Travel Advisory https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/ecuador-travel-advisory.html White House Press Release on Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/08/08/fact-sheet-president-biden-designates-baaj-nwaavjo-itah-kukveni-ancestral-footprints-of-the-grand-canyon-national-monument/

On this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," the boys revisit their 2023 Travel New Year's Resolutions, set down some new ambitions, respond to some SCATHING listener reviews, and then relax into full New England Winter Mode with a city guide to Stowe, Vermont. Things we talk about in this week's episode: Vermont Covered Bridges https://www.vermontbridges.com/goldbrk.htm#:~:text=The%20Gold%20Brook%20Bridge%20in%20Stowe%2C%20built%20in%201844%2C%20is,Vermont's%20Howe%20truss%20railroad%20spans. Stowe Mountain Resort https://gostowe.com/listing/stowe-mountain-resort/ Trapp Family Lodge https://www.trappfamily.com/about-us.htm Stowe Recreation Path https://www.stowerec.org/parks-facilities/rec-paths/stowe-recreation-path/ Bear Pond Books https://stowebooks.com/ Idletyme Brewing Company https://idletymebrewing.com/ Alchemist Beer https://alchemistbeer.com/ "25 Stunning Sites in South America" by The Discoverer https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/25-stunning-sites-south-america/XvHyVpKgiwAG5ann?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2004919419 Japanese Plane Collision https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/02/world/asia/tokyo-haneda-plane-fire.html Alaska Airlines Boeing Loses a Door Plug Midflight https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/07/us/alaska-airlines-boeing-passengers.html

Grab your nog, it's the annual OOO Christmas Spectacular where the boys put aside their passports to focus on Santa's operational efficiencies and Sesame Street Christmas music. Things we talk about in this week's episode: Rankin Bass Musicals https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rankin/Bass_Animated_Entertainment Freeze Miser https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEbFfoBPfw4 The Largest Nativity Scene in South America https://www.expreso.ec/ocio/cultura/cuenca-reclama-pesebre-grande-latinoamerica-173858.html "Santa Baby" by Ariana Grande https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlR0MkrRklg Cookie Monster's "12 Days of Christmas" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQCmsuK-Lmw Ugly Sweater Ornament https://www.ebay.com/itm/255838445784?hash=item3b9128e0d8:g:Uj4AAOSwodVjeaGy&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8NPxIqG7TEJv1y5rq1ngNG9jrGcrhJezWdhmJou2WW3KRzFtstVU77F2rBgYqUVIGP%2FOuTkPbL09UTcSjPoyXy7TJRs5s8aCpCpqz4C%2FU4Ym%2F4cP%2BNrvCbzs4Hc4gIkqx2uZXJFhWyT%2BB3HqTtzxOFLuzeWvjTOmvF%2Bo1REtDZhOxtuRqLBaTwwoNpLZhq%2B550zP5Qaw%2Ba%2BpSyt1HNJMpJF0OdHdKPKCXtN%2BDHNOdgnStEqShRLcQLhiz2Ngnrp4SGQQKQO%2BohqLxrI0iGz8pksqxDSb0SjLR%2FgxG1yA6rylPFbvl3EBfTOHJruagIQlYQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4jryaSNYw Ugly Possum Ornament https://www.jdevlinglassart.com/bac-185-possum-ornament/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAj_CrBhD-ARIsAIiMxT84-U1us_3R7qrv4OkXqRFy_GWNyikBaBFlB6SgDuxyP4TcVLy45rcaAhhaEALw_wcB

This week on the pod, join Ryan as he explores Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. Discover a Millennial Malecon, delve into miniature history museums teeming with pirates, and encounter feral iguanas. Also, stay tuned as Kiernan learns what a chameleon is. Things we talk about in this week's episode: Quito Episode: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-149-quito-ecuador/ https://apnews.com/article/ecuador-crime-cocaine-fernando-villavicencio-4f96684926c2600e2483373555a7cf42 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malec%C3%B3n_2000 https://www.lonelyplanet.com/ecuador/pacific-coast-and-lowlands/guayaquil/attractions/museo-en-miniatura-guayaquil-en-la-historia/a/poi-sig/1504404/363353 https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/Establishments/Ecuador/Guayaquil/Casa-Juli%C3%A1n.html https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/Establishments/Ecuador/Guayaquil/Mikka.html The Last Stop: Ryan: Z-Food in Quito (https://zfoodquito.com/) Kiernan: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/20/us/death-valley-lake.html

This week on the pod, Kiernan takes us to merry old England to visit sites related to William Shakespeare in honor of the 400th anniversary of the publication of the First Folio. Without the Folio, we would likely have lost half—HALF!—of Shakespeare's plays. Libraries around the world will be hosting special events throughout the year, and there's never been a better time to head to the theatre! Things we talk about in this week's episode: Ryan's OTHER podcast Red Pen https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/red-pen-a-grammar-podcast/id1658608663 Folio 400 https://folio400.com/where-are-they/ Panda Diplomacy https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/08/us/politics/panda-zoo-china.html Atlanta Zoo https://zooatlanta.org/activity-type/wild-encounters/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAu9yqBhBmEiwAHTx5pxOo1X0nXLy7cGyxIpUqgR-UgVVrsz2trHpg2aUUxlotA-4Pp-j6_hoCQtEQAvD_BwE NYer article about Panda Mating https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/09/02/bears-do-it Folio anniversary write-ups we like https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/03/books/review/shakespeares-first-folio-turns-400.html https://www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2023/november/the-first-folio-at-400 Misc: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/theater-floorboards-shakespeare-uncovered-2376341

On this week's episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan teaches Ryan how to protect himself from bears, and not the Fire Island-type. National Parks Bear Safety https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/idkt_bears.htm Bear Spray https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/species/livingwithwildlife/bears/pdfs/bear_spray_what_you_should_know.pdf Critter Gitter Sensor https://crittergittersensor.com/ Futuro House https://www.wboc.com/news/kent-county-futuro-house-nears-national-historic-register-landing/article_44c49dca-6e0d-11ee-a74d-671f80e01aed.html?fbclid=IwAR3h371CgsAgIFynOBhO9yJhGHkOMC4XOaVIjCiTp8lnoGzdbNGnyTFCAP4 Ark Encounter https://arkencounter.com/

Join Ryan as he recounts his recent adventure in Bahía Solano, Colombia. Encounter tall, handsome motorcycle drivers, majestic whales, Colombian Huck Finns, and baby turtles. Don't miss Ryan's many exhilarating experiences crossing multiple bridges. Things We Talked About in Today's Episode: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/ Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/917672623315797476?source_impression_id=p3_1697708123_XGHn8l8m1zAwtWd6 Turtles: https://www.instagram.com/tortugasdelpacifico/ Coolest Bar In Town: https://www.utriahostel.com/ The Bitch: https://www.amazon.com/Bitch-Pilar-Quintana/dp/164286059X

In honor of the "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast" 5 year anniversary, Kiernan landed a big interview: travel luminary Rick Steves. Rick has been THE dream guest for the boys since Day 1 and he's finally here in studio. Kiernan and Rick talk European sightseeing, the ins-and-outs of travel book writing, and why Portugal is better than Orlando, FL. Is it the end of The Quest for Rick Steves or the beginning of The Great Kiernan-Rick Bromance? Things we talk about in this week's episode: Everything Rick Steves https://www.ricksteves.com/ Rick Steves' Europe Season 12 https://www.ricksteves.com/tv-programmers/season/twelve The Last Stop: Stuff You Should Know: Night of the Grizzlies https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/night-of-the-grizzlies/id278981407?i=1000630016148 Banff Grizzly Deaths https://www.npr.org/2023/10/02/1203036630/bear-attack-couple-dies-canada-banff

On this week's episode, Kiernan talks to Washington Post journalist and podcaster Lillian Cunningham about her fantastic 5-episode National Park podcast "Field Trip." They talk about environmental disasters, how Native American communities relate to the Parks, and the challenges of making audio stories about highly visual landscapes. Plus, RYAN VISITS BOSTON. Things we talk about in this week's episode: "Field Trip" https://www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/field-trip/ "Presidential" https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/business/podcasts/presidential/ Rich Men North of Richmond https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqSA-SY5Hro Spoke in Somerville http://www.spokewinebar.com/ Chez Baldwin https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/chez-baldwin Plum Island https://www.newburyport.com/plum-island-beach/ Bob Lobster https://boblobster.com/

On this week's episode, Kiernan and Ryan discuss their sometimes divergent philosophies of what makes a perfect airplane movie, the best thing to do with your screen if you're not using it, and why you don't want to sit in front of Ryan when he's engaged in a heated round of Tetris. Things we talk about in this week's episode: Fail Foliage Map: https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/ Last Stop: https://www.roerich.org/ https://www.factorytoursusa.com/ Rate and Review Us: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/out-of-office-a-travel-podcast/id1438098925 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/

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

On this week's episode, the boys make recommendations for their favorite city in the world: New York City! NYC has SO MUCH to do it can be overwhelming, so let Kiernan and Ryan recommend their curated must-do list for a first trip to the city—museums, theater, and famous landmarks abound! Things we talk about in this week's episode: American Museum of Natural History https://www.amnh.org/ The Met Museum https://www.metmuseum.org/ MoMA https://www.moma.org/ The Cloisters https://www.metmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit/met-cloisters Statue of Liberty https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/ Ellis Island https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/ Tenement Museum https://www.tenement.org/ Grand Central Terminal https://www.grandcentralterminal.com/ New York Public LIbrary (you want to go to the Main Branch) https://www.nypl.org/ The Morgan Library https://www.themorgan.org/ Empire State Building (see it, don't go up) https://www.esbnyc.com/ 9/11 Memorial Museum https://www.911memorial.org/ Time Square https://www.timessquarenyc.org/ Broadway shows https://www.broadway.com/shows/tickets/ TKTS https://www.tdf.org/discount-ticket-programs/tkts-by-tdf/tkts-live/ "Scoring Broadway Tickets" episode https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scoring-broadway-tickets/id1438098925?i=1000433455504 Tulcingo de Valle https://www.tulcingorestaurant.com/ Central Park https://www.centralparknyc.org/ The High Line https://www.thehighline.org/ New Rules for Visiting Europe https://www.npr.org/2023/07/27/1190453405/europe-travel-visa-etias-how-to-apply Atomic Bomb Statue on Upper West Side https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/24212#:~:text=Fifteen%20feet%20tall%2C%20made%20of,that%20leveled%20Hiroshima%20in%201945

This week, join the boys as they take you back to Nashville, Tennessee, reliving their December 2019 episode to the Music City. Original Nashville Episode With All Links: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-61-nashville/ More Tennessee Content: Chattanooga & Lookout Mountain: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-88-chattanooga-lookout-mountain/ Knoxville & The Great Smoky Mountains: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-85-knoxville-the-great-smoky-mountains/

This week, the boys discuss the viral article on the most popular tourist attractions in the United States from HawaiianIslands.com with Brittany Mendez. Listen to find out why they both may end up in an asylum. Check out the article and maps here: https://hawaiianislands.com/blog/favorite-american-tourist-attraction/ Things We Talked About In Today's Episode: Ryan on Overcoming The Divide: https://overcomethedivide.buzzsprout.com/1217318/13192884-the-democratic-primaries-media-strategy-with-ryan-j-davis https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/ https://floridapanhandle.com/shark-attack-data/ https://floridapanhandle.com/blog/the-most-and-least-expensive-vacation-destinations-around-the-world-and-states/ The Last Stop: Ryan: Ends August 13 https://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/under-cover-leyendecker-and-american-masculinity Kiernan: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/07/23/metro/behind-maine-flag-debate-an-identity-crisis/?s_campaign=breakingnews:newsletter

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

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

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

On this week's episode, Ryan sits down with Mark Sansom, Content Director for North America's 50 Best Bars, to talk about this year's 50 Best Bars in North America list. Plus, Ryan and Kiernan share some of their favorite bars that didn't make the list. Things we talk about in this week's episode: North America's 50 Best Bars: https://www.worlds50bestbars.com/northamerica/ The World's 50 Best Restaurants Main Website: https://www.theworlds50best.com/ World's 50 Best Discovery Search Tool: https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/ The Last Stop: Ryan: https://www.hudsonriverrail.com/ Kiernan: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/19/magazine/first-class-ethics.html

On this week's episode, the boys right a major wrong: in over 150 episodes, they've never done an episode on London for first-timers! England's capital city can be overwhelming—world-class museums on every corner, historically significant architecture left and right, churches and zoos and gardens and parks and theater and libraries! What is a tourist with limited time to do?? This episode tells you. Things we talk about in this week's episode: Obscure Musuems of London Episode https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-141-obscure-museums-of-london-part-1-return-trip/ River Thames https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-long-and-winding-history-of-the-thames-139049496/ Handy Guide to Neighborhoods of London https://www.huffpost.com/entry/48-london-neighborhoods-a-quick-reference-guide_b_7557148 Planning your public transportation https://tfl.gov.uk/maps_/tfl-go Taxis and "The Knowledge" (NYer article was behind a paywall so here is a NYT) https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/10/t-magazine/london-taxi-test-knowledge.html Westminster Abbey https://www.westminster-abbey.org/ Saint Paul's https://www.stpauls.co.uk/ Houses of Parliament https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/ Tower of London https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/ Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/8725947-changing-the-guard Hampton Court Palace https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/#gs.ysui4s Shakespeare's Globe https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/ West End https://officiallondontheatre.com/london-west-end-guide/ British Museum https://www.britishmuseum.org/ Tate Modern https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern Tate Britain https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain Victoria and Albert https://www.vam.ac.uk/ V&A David story https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/the-story-of-michelangelos-david Natural History Museum https://www.nhm.ac.uk/ Churchill War Rooms https://winstonchurchill.org/visit/churchill-war-rooms/ British Library https://www.bl.uk/discovering-our-collections John Soane Museum https://www.soane.org/ Trafalgar Square https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trafalgar_Square Piccadilly Circus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piccadilly_Circus Hyde Park https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park Kew Gardens https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/visit-kew-gardens We love Rick Steves's London guide for first-timers and, for those who are looking to get way off the beaten path, Jonglez Publishing's "Secret London."

On this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," the show turns 150! The boys reminisce, compare themselves to Sisyphus, and talk about their deep airport feelings.

In this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," get ready for some high-altitude exploration as Ryan takes us to Quito! Learn about Simon Bolivar's significant other (who was both a lover and a fighter) and discover what qualifies as a tree worm. For more information on the places and experiences discussed in the podcast, check out the following links: Vanishing Postcards podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vanishing-postcards/id1544610020 Historic Quito (UNESCO World Heritage Site): https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/2/ Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Granda) Basílica del Voto Nacional Basilica and Convent of San Francisco El Panecillo + Virgen de Quito Telefériqo - Quito: https://teleferico.com.ec/ Manuela Sáenz Museum: https://museo-manuela-saenz.negocio.site/ Guayasamín Museum: https://guayasamin.org.ec/ Mitad del Mundo Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Cristobal Ortega Maila Restaurants: Rincón de Francia Somos (featuring Chef Alejandra Espinoza) -Chontacuro (tree worm) dish: https://travelislife.org/chontacuro-eat-live-worms/ Urko Last Stop: Ryan shares a study that shows the farther you wander, the happier you'll be (https://entrylevelrebel.medium.com/new-study-the-farther-you-wander-the-happier-you-will-be-7fbfafa556f), while Kiernan suggests checking out the WPA murals at United States post offices (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_post_office_murals).

On this week's episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan speaks with glamping entrepreneur Kevin Ferguson, cofounder of Starlight Haven, a luxury hospitality company focused on lesser-known natural wonders in the American South. Things we talk about on this week's episode: Starlight Haven www.visitstarlight.com Kevin Ferguson https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinferguson2/ Hot Springs National Park https://www.nps.gov/hosp/index.htm

On this week's episode, Kiernan takes us to one of the least populated (and most atmospheric!) national parks: Congaree in South Carolina. Bald cypress knees and abandoned gin stills await! Plus, Kiernan says something CRITICAL about RICK STEVES. Things we talk about in this week's episode: Rick Steves in "Travel & Leisure" https://www.travelandleisure.com/rick-steves-tips-to-avoid-common-travel-issues-7367914 Congaree National Park https://www.nps.gov/cong/index.htm Bald Cypress Trees https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Plants-and-Fungi/Bald-Cypress Harry Hampton https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_R._E._Hampton Friends of Congaree Swamp https://friendsofcongaree.org/location/bluff-trail-guide/ Eisenberg's LIVES! (As S&P Lunch) https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/11/21/playful-nostalgia-and-honed-classics-at-sp-lunch

In this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan and Ryan explore the colorful world of acclaimed Mexican architect Luis Barragán and his iconic works in Mexico City. Ryan chats with Martin Luque, a CDMX-based architect who actually grew up in Casa Gilardi - the last house designed by Barragán! Also, Kiernan shares his insights on traveling with kids and even shares a harrowing tale of his Dickensian youth. Things we talked about on today's episode: Martin's Father talks about Casa Gilardi: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=10154827207262454 Casa Gilardi: https://casagilardi.mx/ Tetetlan & Casa Pedregal: http://www.tetetlan.com/ Casa Estudio Luis Barragán: http://www.casaluisbarragan.org/eng/en_index.html Chapel and Convent of the Capuchinas Sacramentarias https://www.barragan-foundation.org/works/list/capuchin-convent-chapel The Last Stop: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/24/t-magazine/luis-barragan.html

On this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan and Ryan celebrate the release of the New York Times's annual "52 Places to Go" list. Plus, Kiernan ruminates about the importance of family vacations and Ryan triumphantly returns to Brooklyn. Things we talked about on today's episode: NYT's "52 Places to Go in 2023" https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/travel/52-places-travel-2023.html Mark Twain House vandalism https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/mark-twain-house-in-hartford-vandalized-by-rocks-bricks/2948094/ Museum of Modern Renaissance https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/massachusetts/museum-of-modern-renaissance-ma/

On this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Ryan takes us on a journey to Oaxaca City, the home of mezcal and loads of Catholic Churches—a great combo! Plus the boys discuss why Panama hats are, weirdly, Ecuadorian. Things we talked about on today's episode: Centro Cultural San Pablo Museo Textil de Oaxaca Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán CUATROSIE7E GALERÍA Estampa Galeria La Casa De Las Artesanias Criollo (Enrique Olvera) Casa Oaxaca el Restaurante Boulenc Mercado 20 de Noviembre Bar Ilegal Mezcalogia El Árbol del Tule (The Tree of Tule) Mercado Gastronómico de Santa María del Tule (Try a Tlayuda) The Last Stop: Ryan: Noma is closing at the end of 2024!https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/09/dining/noma-closing-rene-redzepi.html Kiernan:https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/04/04/the-mezcal-tour-of-oaxaca

This week on "Out of Office," the boys make merry and chat through the top NYC Christmas trees. Plus, Louis Armstrong spies a Christmas creep! Stop Podcasting Yourself: https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/stop-podcasting-yourself/ Things we talked about on this week's episode: Met Creche Controversy: https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/24/nyregion/a-familys-tradition-helping-decorate-the-met-christmas-tree-has-come-to-an-end.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare Ugly Ornament 1: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1120326393/big-chonky-glitter-grinning-ornament?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=ugly+christmas+ornament+face&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&pop=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1 Ugly Ornament 2: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1325171158

This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan takes us on a tour of his home turf: New Haven, Connecticut! It's all apizza (a-BEETZ!), fake medieval buildings, dinosaurs, and New England charm. Plus, a BRAND NEW RICK STEVES'S SERIES! Things we talked about on today's episode: Ryan's new bastard podcast "Red Pen" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/red-pen-a-grammar-podcast/id1658608663 Rick Steves's new show https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/art Wooster Square https://www.ctvisit.com/listings/wooster-square Pepe's https://order.pepespizzeria.com/ Sally's https://www.sallysapizza.com/ Modern http://modernapizza.com/ Da Legna x Nolo https://jet2nolo.com/ Zuppardi's https://zuppardisapizza.com/ Bar https://www.yelp.com/biz/bar-new-haven Beinecke Library https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beinecke_Rare_Book_%26_Manuscript_Library Gutenberg Bible page turning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKXDGFOoxvc Harkness Tower https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harkness_Tower Taft seat in Woolsey Hall https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/19/nyregion/a-president-s-custom-seat-still-best-in-the-house.html Crypt societies https://archive.curbed.com/2018/6/21/17484316/yale-secret-society-tomb-history-skull-bones Yale University Art Gallery https://artgallery.yale.edu/ Yale Center for British Art https://britishart.yale.edu/ Peabody Museum https://peabody.yale.edu/ "The Age of Reptiles" mural https://news.yale.edu/2019/12/02/peabodys-iconic-dinosaur-mural-gets-check-ahead-museum-renovation Atticus Bookstore https://atticusnhv.com/ Book Trader Cafe http://www.booktradercafe.net/ The Coffee Pedaler https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeepedalernewhaven/ "Bones and All" https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/bones-and-all-midwest-setting-explained Art of the Brick https://artofthebrickexhibit.com/

This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan takes us back to London to explore the wild and wacky world of small and odd museums. Forget the British Museum, we're going to a museum all about WINDMILLS!!

This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Ryan recaps his recent trip to Asunción, Paraguay. He talks museums, restaurants, a scaffolded pink palace, and why Sopa Paraguaya isn't soup. Also, don't miss Ryan wandering a cemetery bothering grave diggers. Things we talked about in today's podcast: Follow The Out Of Office Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/ Pakuri:https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/Establishments/Paraguay/Asuncion/Pakuri.html Pizzeria Javori: https://www.instagram.com/javorai_py/ Lido Bar:https://lidobar.com.py/ Paulista Grill:https://www.instagram.com/paulistagrill/

This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," it ain't Barcelona without Gaudí, and it ain't a podcast without Ryan and Kiernan. The boys highlight Gaudí's top architectural treasures—weird, organic-seeming, and magnificent. Visit the orginal episode for more details: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-34-gaudis-barcelona/

This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Ryan and Kiernan recap a momentous occasion: their first overnight trip together! (Separate hotels.) They talk museums, graves, historic homes, Presidents, the Civil War (A LOT of Civil War), and restaurant picks. Plus, a standout National Park hidden treasure! The American Civil War Museum https://acwm.org/ Virginia Museum of Fine Arts https://vmfa.museum John Marshall House https://preservationvirginia.org/historic-sites/john-marshall-house/ Hollywood Cemetery https://www.hollywoodcemetery.org/ Maggie Walker House https://www.nps.gov/mawa/index.htm Society of Cincinnati https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_of_the_Cincinnati Virginia State Capitol http://virginiacapitol.gov/index.php/tours/ Statue of George Washington https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_George_Washington_(Houdon) James Madison's Montpelier https://www.montpelier.org/ Paul Jennings https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Jennings_(slave) Eater's Richmond List https://dc.eater.com/maps/best-bars-restaurants-bakeries-richmond-dining-guide Barcode https://www.barcoderva.com/ Triple Crossing Brewery https://triplecrossing.com/ Emily Dickinson's House https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/28/arts/design/emily-dickinson-museum-renovation.html

This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan gets an excuse to listen to himself reminisce about all the best Lesser Known National Parks. The National Park System's most popular sites– Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion— have become victims of their own success, with long lines and visitor frustration. But Lesser Known Parks are just as packed with treasures and far less packed with people.

On this special Halloween episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan and Kiernan share some of their top picks for (supposedly) haunted places to visit. With these stories of unlucky Confederate children, folks with a death wish, and voodoo practitioners, you might want to leave the lights on for this one. BOO! Things we talked about in today's podcast: OOO Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/ Boston's Granary Burying Grounds https://www.thefreedomtrail.org/trail-sites/granary-burying-ground Haverstraw Hitchcock House https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/2014/10/in-haverstraw-the-house-that-inspired-hitchcock/ Charleston's Magnolia Cemetery https://www.bulldogtours.com/tours/the-spirits-of-magnolia-cemetery-tour/1 New Orlean's Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1 https://www.frenchquarter.com/st-louis-cemetery-no-1/ New Jersey's Devil Tree (and slightly warm rock) https://weirdnj.com/stories/devils-tree/ National Park Ghost Stories https://parktrust.org/blog/scary-stories-from-national-parks/ Georgia Guidestones https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/georgia-guidestones-destroyed-in-an-explosive-attack-180980383/ Poe's graves https://www.eapoe.org/balt/poegrave.htm

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, we head back to Colombia! Ryan talks about his recent trip to Bogota, from a chocolate handwash to finally taking a Funicular. Plus, all the must-see museums. Tune in to discover if Ryan rode a llama. Things we talked about in today's podcast: https://www.banrepcultural.org/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Clara_Church_Museum https://parque93.com/ https://www.theworlds50best.com/latinamerica/en/the-list/salvo-patria.html https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/Establishments/Colombia/Bogot%C3%A1/Leo.html https://www.theworlds50best.com/latinamerica/en/the-list/41-50/criterion.html https://www.theworlds50best.com/latinamerica/en/the-list/el-cielo.html https://www.wicomicotourism.org/blog/take-a-look-inside-the-perdue-family-farmhouse

This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," we take another listen to one of Kiernan's favorite interviews—cookbook author and food writer Anissa Helou! Anissa talks about the diversity of foods in the Islamic world and some of her favorite travel anecdotes.

In preparation for next week's new episode on Bogota, Colombia, Ryan takes us back to episode 68 of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, '' which explored Medellin. Featuring the best museums, cultural sites, parks, cafes, and restaurants, plus the boys grapple with the ethics of narcotourism. Things we talked about in today's podcast: Museo de Antioquia https://www.museodeantioquia.co/ Museo de Arte Moderno http://elmamm.org/ El Castillo Museo y Jardines http://www.museoelcastillo.org/ Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour + Escalators https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/colombia-medellin-neighborhood/index.html Museum Pablo Escobar https://www.pabloescobargaviria.com/ Inflexión Memorial Park https://www.medellinabrazasuhistoria.com/inflexion-memorial-park/?lang=en Cemetario Jardines Montesacro https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/pablo-escobars-grave Café Zeppelin https://www.facebook.com/cafezeppelin/ Naturalia Café Naturalia Café - Home Halong http://halong.com.co/ El Poblado https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Poblado Club Oráculo https://www.facebook.com/ClubOraculo/ New Yorker "The Afterlife of Pablo Escobar" https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/03/05/the-afterlife-of-pablo-escobar Vida Americana at The Whitney https://whitney.org/exhibitions/vida-americana Curio Spice Company https://www.curiospice.com/ - Listen to past episodes at: https://outofofficepod.com/ - Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/

This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Star Wars enthusiast Kiernan puts on his Jedi robes and communes through The Force with Jimmy Mac, host of the Star Wars podcast "Rebel Force Radio." The two dig into how Disney has endeavored to bring the galaxy far far away to life at Galaxy's Edge— AKA Star Wars Land—and in the new immersive experience The Galactic Starcruiser. Be forewarned: these two nerd out deep. Things we talked about in today's podcast: Rebel Force Radio https://www.rebelforceradio.com/ Rancho Obi-Wan https://ranchoobiwan.org/ Galloping Ghost https://www.gallopingghostarcade.com "Behind the Attraction" Star Tours https://dorksideoftheforce.com/2021/07/13/star-tours-explored-disney-behind-the-attraction/amp/ Galaxy's Edge https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/star-wars-galaxys-edge/ Kowakian Monkey-Lizard https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Kowakian_monkey-lizard Starcruiser https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/star-wars-galactic-starcruiser/overview Nal Hutta https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Nal_Hutta The Twins https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/The_Twins_(Hutts) Financial Times on Airline Food https://www.ft.com/content/018f132b-864d-4c53-8ebf-a5cad8ee4bdb

On this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan recounts his travels in the secluded mountain kingdom of Bhutan, which just last week reopened its borders to tourists after 2.5 years of COVID restrictions. Extraordinary scenery, Gross National Happiness, and penis deities abound! Things We Talked About: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhutan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gho https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kira_(Bhutan) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gross_National_Happiness https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/29/opinion/bhutan-is-no-shangri-la.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paro_Taktsang https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drukpa_Kunley https://themalamarket.com/ http://time.com/5534495/hot-abraham-lincoln-statue/

On this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Ryan transports us to a magical land filled with ketchup rivers and museums of miniatures. No, not Narnia. Pittsburgh! He's also joined by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Senior Food Writer and Dining Critic Hal B. Klein to hear how the food scene is more than perogies. Hal B. Klein: https://twitter.com/halbklein https://www.post-gazette.com/life/food Pittsburgh Links: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/ https://carnegiemuseums.org/ Last Stop: https://twitter.com/lawrence_wright/status/1569127019895455744?s=20&t=j-OqK2U5OykqWej51Tb4Ww https://immersivevatican.com/ https://www.artmajeur.com/en/magazine/2-art-news/the-sistine-chapel-set-for-netflix-demolished-just-after-it-was-used-5-million-dollars-go-up-in-smoke/332002

On this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," the boys take a return trip to Episode #9 to discuss one of Kiernan's top travel destinations: Iceland! Easily accessible from both Europe and the US, Iceland is a country like no other—wind, sand, snow, volcanoes, glaciers, and maybe the hardest-to-pronounce words on Earth! The Museums Of Iceland: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-87-the-museums-of-iceland/ Iceland Episode Links: https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/jorunnsg/ingvellir-national-park https://www.icelandtravel.is/attractions/geysir/ http://gullfoss.is/ https://visitreykjavik.is/hellisheidi-power-plant-geothermal-energy-exhibition https://www.amazon.com/Home-Carson-Ellis/dp/0763665290/ref=asc_df_0763665290/