Wayfinder invites you to indulge in the art of travel through story, sensation, and self-discovery. Hosted by Daniel Scheffler, veteran travel writer, this immersive new series ventures beyond guidebooks and itineraries into the transformative journeys that reshape how we see the world and ourselves.

 

Rediscover the beauty and awe-inspiring moments that define life-changing travel. From swimming with whales in Tahiti to savoring local flavors and hidden traditions in Tunisia, each episode captures the heart and humor of adventure through the eyes of real travelers.

 

Every other week, join Daniel as he explores the experiences that can only be found when we follow our senses, trust our inner compass, and let curiosity lead the way.

 

Check out Daniel Scheffler's Substack:https://withoutmaps.substack.com/about

Follow iHeart's Ruby Studio:https://www.instagram.com/rubyiheart/?hl=en

 

Our Team:

Executive Producer: Ciara Kaiser

EP of Post Production: James Foster

Supervising Producer: Nakia Swinton

Story Producer: Ryan Amador

Post-Production: Siara Spreen

Theme Music: Max Hershenow

Show Art: Samantha Rayman

Wayfinder invites you to indulge in the art of travel through story, sensation, and self-discovery. Hosted by Daniel Scheffler, veteran travel writer, this immersive new series ventures beyond guidebooks and itineraries into the transformative journeys that reshape how we see the world and ourselves.
&nbsp;
Rediscover the beauty and awe-inspiring moments that define life-changing travel. From swimming with whales in Tahiti to savoring local flavors and hidden traditions in Tunisia, each episode captures the heart and humor of adventure through the eyes of real travelers.
&nbsp;
Every other week, join Daniel as he explores the experiences that can only be found when we follow our senses, trust our inner compass, and let curiosity lead the way.
&nbsp;
Check out Daniel Scheffler's Substack: <a href="https://withoutmaps.substack.com/about">https://withoutmaps.substack.com/about</a>
Follow iHeart's Ruby Studio: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rubyiheart/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/rubyiheart/?hl=en</a>
&nbsp;
Our Team:
Executive Producer: Ciara Kaiser
EP of Post Production: James Foster
Supervising Producer: Nakia Swinton
Story Producer: Ryan Amador
Post-Production: Siara Spreen
Theme Music: Max Hershenow
Show Art: Samantha Rayman

Wayfinder is a podcast for the curious, luxurious, and adventurous traveler. Host and veteran travel writer Daniel Scheffler ventures off the map and into traveler stories of beauty, blunder, and transformation, those unforgettable moments guidebooks can't capture.

 

Inspired by the ancient Polynesian wayfinders who navigated the ocean by stars, swells, and intuition, each episode features an immersive tale of what happens when we follow our senses and trust our inner compass to lead the way. With local tips, food adventures, and cultural encounters, Wayfinder reveals not just where to travel, but how to journey through the world with humor, wonder, and our own curiosity.

Wayfinder is a podcast for the curious, luxurious, and adventurous traveler. Host and veteran travel writer Daniel Scheffler ventures off the map and into traveler stories of beauty, blunder, and transformation, those unforgettable moments guidebooks can't capture.
&nbsp;
Inspired by the ancient Polynesian wayfinders who navigated the ocean by stars, swells, and intuition, each episode features an immersive tale of what happens when we follow our senses and trust our inner compass to lead the way. With local tips, food adventures, and cultural encounters, Wayfinder reveals not just where to travel, but how to journey through the world with humor, wonder, and our own curiosity.

Wayfinder: Life-Changing Travel

Wayfinder is an immersive podcast for curious travelers eager to take on the world and willing to be changed by it. Hosted by seasoned travel writer Daniel Scheffler, each episode features an in-depth conversation with a traveler about a global destination that transformed them. Through alluring, firsthand accounts, this show uncovers what makes each place unforgettable, along with thoughtful tips and takeaways to help you chart your own journey. 

From elemental landscapes and cultural crossroads to intimate, life-altering moments far away from home, Wayfinder explores how travel broadens our horizons, deepens our connections, and invites us to see the world...and ourselves...a little differently.    

Wayfinder is an immersive podcast for curious travelers eager to take on the world and willing to be changed by it. Hosted by seasoned travel writer Daniel Scheffler, each episode features an in-depth conversation with a traveler about a global destination that transformed them. Through alluring, firsthand accounts, this show uncovers what makes each place unforgettable, along with thoughtful tips and takeaways to help you chart your own journey.&nbsp;
From elemental landscapes and cultural crossroads to intimate, life-altering moments far away from home, Wayfinder explores how travel broadens our horizons, deepens our connections, and invites us to see the world...and ourselves...a little differently. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Introducing Wayfinder: Life-Changing Travel

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/3ae0fedf-d1b6-4d99-bbb2-b35b00fb1319/transcript

What if saying ‘yes’ to the unexpected led you on a healing journey you didn’t know you needed?” 

When actor Harvey Guillén received a spontaneous invitation to Ortigia, a picturesque island off the coast of Sicily, he had no idea how much the trip would change him. Fresh off of a breakup, Harvey embarked on an Italian summer adventure that became an unexpected journey of friendship, discovery, and personal renewal.

From the sun-soaked streets and sparkling Mediterranean waters, to food stories of fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and the vibrant flavors of Sicilian cuisine, Harvey shares his favorite travel stories, including a spontaneous glass-bottom boat ride that turned into an unlikely friendship with a group of locals. 

It’s here on this island in Sicily, where Harvey discovers the joy of slowing down, the power of letting go, the rewards of spontaneity, and the need to stay open to the people and experiences that can change our lives forever. 

Follow Harvey Guillén on Instagram (@harveyguillen) and TikTok (@harvey_guillen).

Travel Tips: Ortigia (from the episode)
Take a glass-bottom boat tour: One of Harvey Guillén’s favorite experiences was a glass-bottom boat excursion he discovered while relaxing on the beach. On these very special boats, you can see below you into the water. Keep an eye out for boat excursions along Ortigia's waterfront.
Eat like the locals: Harvey recommends embracing Ortigia's fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and pizza, but his favorite discovery was the region's sweet, tangy lemons. Don’t miss trying a traditional Sicilian granita, a refreshing shaved-ice treat that locals enjoy for breakfast during the hot summer months. 
Wander Ortigia’s historic streets and swim in the Mediterranean: Harvey loved wandering the island's narrow streets, admiring its weathered architecture, and listening to the sounds of Vespas and seagulls along the waterfront. During the hot summer months, plan plenty of time for swimming in the refreshing Mediterranean waters, or taking a boat out to swim offshore, one of his favorite ways to experience the island.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

About Wayfinder: Life-Changing Travel:

Wayfinder: Life-Changing Travel is a podcast for the curious, luxurious, and adventurous traveler. Host and veteran travel writer Daniel Scheffler ventures off the map and into immersive experiences of beauty, blunder, and transformation, sharing travel stories of those unforgettable moments guidebooks will never capture. With local tips, food adventures, and cultural encounters, Wayfinder shows us not just where to travel, but how to journey through the world with humor, wonder, and curiosity.

For Daniel, luxury travel is as much about a remarkable encounter as an extraordinary place to stay. He brings that same curiosity to adventure travel, going into the unknown and finding the people and places that stay with us long after we return home.

About Daniel Scheffler:

Daniel Scheffler is a travel writer, storyteller, and lifelong adventure-seeker who has spent years circling the globe in search of the experiences that can change us. Having traveled to more than 140 countries and written for publications including The New York Times, National Geographic, and Condé Nast Traveler, he believes the best journeys begin when we let go of the map. As the host of Wayfinder: Life-changing Travel, Daniel explores how travel can help us lose ourselves, find something unexpected — and ultimately come home changed.

What if saying &lsquo;yes&rsquo; to the unexpected led you on a healing journey you didn&rsquo;t know you needed?&rdquo;&nbsp;
When actor Harvey Guill&eacute;n received a spontaneous invitation to Ortigia, a picturesque island off the coast of Sicily, he had no idea how much the trip would change him. Fresh off of a breakup, Harvey embarked on an Italian summer adventure that became an unexpected journey of friendship, discovery, and personal renewal.
From the sun-soaked streets and sparkling Mediterranean waters, to food stories of fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and the vibrant flavors of Sicilian cuisine, Harvey shares his favorite travel stories, including a spontaneous glass-bottom boat ride that turned into an unlikely friendship with a group of locals.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s here on this island in Sicily, where Harvey discovers the joy of slowing down, the power of letting go, the rewards of spontaneity, and the need to stay open to the people and experiences that can change our lives forever.&nbsp;
Follow Harvey Guill&eacute;n on Instagram (@<a href="https://www.instagram.com/harveyguillen/?hl=en">harveyguillen</a>) and TikTok (@<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@harvey_guillen?lang=en">harvey_guillen</a>).
Travel Tips: Ortigia (from the episode)
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Take a glass-bottom boat tour: One of Harvey Guill&eacute;n&rsquo;s favorite experiences was a glass-bottom boat excursion he discovered while relaxing on the beach. On these very special boats, you can see below you into the water. Keep an eye out for boat excursions along Ortigia's waterfront.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Eat like the locals: Harvey recommends embracing Ortigia's fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and pizza, but his favorite discovery was the region's sweet, tangy lemons. Don&rsquo;t miss trying a traditional Sicilian granita, a refreshing shaved-ice treat that locals enjoy for breakfast during the hot summer months.&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Wander Ortigia&rsquo;s historic streets and swim in the Mediterranean: Harvey loved wandering the island's narrow streets, admiring its weathered architecture, and listening to the sounds of Vespas and seagulls along the waterfront. During the hot summer months, plan plenty of time for swimming in the refreshing Mediterranean waters, or taking a boat out to swim offshore, one of his favorite ways to experience the island.</li>
</ul>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
About Wayfinder: Life-Changing Travel:
Wayfinder: Life-Changing Travel is a podcast for the curious, luxurious, and adventurous traveler. Host and veteran travel writer Daniel Scheffler ventures off the map and into immersive experiences of beauty, blunder, and transformation, sharing travel stories of those unforgettable moments guidebooks will never capture. With local tips, food adventures, and cultural encounters, Wayfinder shows us not just where to travel, but how to journey through the world with humor, wonder, and curiosity.
For Daniel, luxury travel is as much about a remarkable encounter as an extraordinary place to stay. He brings that same curiosity to adventure travel, going into the unknown and finding the people and places that stay with us long after we return home.
About Daniel Scheffler:
Daniel Scheffler is a travel writer, storyteller, and lifelong adventure-seeker who has spent years circling the globe in search of the experiences that can change us. Having traveled to more than 140 countries and written for publications including The New York Times, National Geographic, and Cond&eacute; Nast Traveler, he believes the best journeys begin when we let go of the map. As the host of Wayfinder: Life-changing Travel, Daniel explores how travel can help us lose ourselves, find something unexpected &mdash; and ultimately come home changed.

Ortigia, Sicily: Travel Stories of Seaside Adventures, Sicilian Food, and New Beginnings (ft. Harvey Guillén)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/bd32fafa-87b1-4a7d-a3f5-b4f8011bff75/transcript

What if food could be the quickest path to experiencing a place’s people, culture, and history? 

For lifelong traveler, chef, and host of “Bizarre Foods” Andrew Zimmern, food has always been the first step to understanding the world. Returning to Vietnam for an immersive culinary adventure, Andrew immerses us in the sensory experience of a country bursting with energy, extraordinary flavors, and travel stories waiting to be discovered beyond  the country’s common tourist routes.

From savoring street food on tiny plastic stools and reconnecting with an old friend over chicken and rice, to biking through the rice fields of Hoi An and sharing a homemade meal with a family in Hue, Andrew reveals how following one’s taste buds can connect travelers to a culture and its people in ways few other experiences can. 

Along the way, he reflects on his friendship with Anthony Bourdain, the transformative power of staying curious, and why paying attention to the world around us becomes all the more meaningful when we consider how limited our time on earth really is. 

Follow Andrew Zimmern on Instagram (@chefaz) and TikTok (@andrew.zimmern).

Travel Tips: Vietnam (from the episode)
Eat where the locals eat: Chef Andrew Zimmern recommends seeking out small, family-run restaurants and street food stalls, often recognizable by their tiny plastic stools and open kitchens. Don't be afraid to venture down a side street, pull up a stool, and try something unfamiliar.
Explore the countryside around Hoi An by bike: One of his group tour's favorite experiences was a 15-mile bike ride through rice fields, stopping for iced coffee and fresh coconuts, meeting local farmers, and finishing with a Vietnamese cooking lesson and an eight-course meal along the river.
Spend time on Vietnam's rivers: Andrew believes travelers often miss an essential part of Vietnamese culture when they only explore by road. Take a boat along the country's rivers to see floating communities, fishing boats, and the everyday commerce that happens on the water. It's a chance to experience a side of Vietnam that you simply can't see from the streets.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

About Wayfinder: Life-Changing Travel:

Wayfinder: Life-Changing Travel is a podcast for the curious, luxurious, and adventurous traveler. Host and veteran travel writer Daniel Scheffler ventures off the map and into immersive travel experiences of beauty, blunder, and transformation - those unforgettable moments guidebooks can't capture. With local tips, food adventures, and cultural encounters, Wayfinder reveals not just where to travel, but how to journey through the world with humor, wonder, and our own curiosity.

About Daniel Scheffler:

Daniel Scheffler is a travel writer, storyteller, and lifelong adventure-seeker who has spent years circling the globe in search of the experiences that can change us. Having traveled to more than 140 countries and written for publications including The New York Times, National Geographic, and Condé Nast Traveler, he believes the best journeys begin when we let go of the map. As the host of Wayfinder: Life-changing Travel, Daniel explores how travel can help us lose ourselves, find something unexpected — and ultimately come home changed.

What if food could be the quickest path to experiencing a place&rsquo;s people, culture, and history?&nbsp;
For lifelong traveler, chef, and host of &ldquo;Bizarre Foods&rdquo; Andrew Zimmern, food has always been the first step to understanding the world. Returning to Vietnam for an immersive culinary adventure, Andrew immerses us in the sensory experience of a country bursting with energy, extraordinary flavors, and travel stories waiting to be discovered beyond&nbsp; the country&rsquo;s common tourist routes.
From savoring street food on tiny plastic stools and reconnecting with an old friend over chicken and rice, to biking through the rice fields of Hoi An and sharing a homemade meal with a family in Hue, Andrew reveals how following one&rsquo;s taste buds can connect travelers to a culture and its people in ways few other experiences can.&nbsp;
Along the way, he reflects on his friendship with Anthony Bourdain, the transformative power of staying curious, and why paying attention to the world around us becomes all the more meaningful when we consider how limited our time on earth really is.&nbsp;
Follow Andrew Zimmern on Instagram (@chefaz) and TikTok (@andrew.zimmern).
Travel Tips: Vietnam (from the episode)
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Eat where the locals eat: Chef Andrew Zimmern recommends seeking out small, family-run restaurants and street food stalls, often recognizable by their tiny plastic stools and open kitchens. Don't be afraid to venture down a side street, pull up a stool, and try something unfamiliar.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Explore the countryside around Hoi An by bike: One of his group tour's favorite experiences was a 15-mile bike ride through rice fields, stopping for iced coffee and fresh coconuts, meeting local farmers, and finishing with a Vietnamese cooking lesson and an eight-course meal along the river.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Spend time on Vietnam's rivers: Andrew believes travelers often miss an essential part of Vietnamese culture when they only explore by road. Take a boat along the country's rivers to see floating communities, fishing boats, and the everyday commerce that happens on the water. It's a chance to experience a side of Vietnam that you simply can't see from the streets.</li>
</ul>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
About Wayfinder: Life-Changing Travel:
Wayfinder: Life-Changing Travel is a podcast for the curious, luxurious, and adventurous traveler. Host and veteran travel writer Daniel Scheffler ventures off the map and into immersive travel experiences of beauty, blunder, and transformation - those unforgettable moments guidebooks can't capture. With local tips, food adventures, and cultural encounters, Wayfinder reveals not just where to travel, but how to journey through the world with humor, wonder, and our own curiosity.
About Daniel Scheffler:
Daniel Scheffler is a travel writer, storyteller, and lifelong adventure-seeker who has spent years circling the globe in search of the experiences that can change us. Having traveled to more than 140 countries and written for publications including The New York Times, National Geographic, and Cond&eacute; Nast Traveler, he believes the best journeys begin when we let go of the map. As the host of Wayfinder: Life-changing Travel, Daniel explores how travel can help us lose ourselves, find something unexpected &mdash; and ultimately come home changed.

Vietnam: A Culinary Journey Through Street Food, Family Kitchens, and Hidden Restaurants (ft. Andrew Zimmern)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f9ca91bf-3995-4676-958f-b4eb0150e876/transcript

For professional surfer Lakey Peterson, a life spent chasing waves and adventure around the world has brought her back to Oceania and the South Pacific throughout nearly every chapter of her life. From learning to surf in Australia, to finding direction among surfing legends in Fiji, and slowing down among the rolling hills of New Zealand, each return has become a marker of who she was, who she’s becoming, and just how far she’s come…with her favorite airline, Fiji Airways, helping carry her, and her surfboards, along the way.

From surfing legendary waves like Cloudbreak, to exploring the rugged coastline and wine country of Western Australia, to road-tripping through New Zealand, Lakey shares the people, places, and waves behind some of her most memorable travel stories, and why returning to a familiar destination can reveal just how much we’ve changed.

Follow Lakey Peterson on Instagram and TikTok @lakeypeterson

To learn more about Fiji Airways, visit: FijiAirways.com

Travel Tips: Oceania (from the episode)
Explore Western Australia by car: Head beyond the cities and road trip the coast around Margaret River, where Lakey recommends exploring the region’s beaches, surf spots, and wineries. Some of her favorite days involve following a local’s “dropped pin,” pulling over and grabbing a board, near a less-crowded stretch of coastline. 
Leave room to wander in New Zealand: Lakey recommends getting in the car without too much of an agenda. Around Raglan, some of her favorite days were spent driving slowly through the rolling hills, stopping at waterfalls, and checking out waves.
Get out on the water in Fiji: Don’t limit a Fiji trip to the resort. Lakey recommends exploring the islands and ocean surrounding it. Take a boat to neighboring islands; go snorkeling, surfing, spearfishing; or head out for a hike in the luscious scenery. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------

About Wayfinder: Life-Changing Travel:

Wayfinder: Life-Changing Travel is a podcast for the curious, luxurious, and adventurous traveler. Host and veteran travel writer Daniel Scheffler ventures off the map and into immersive travel experiences of beauty, blunder, and transformation - those unforgettable moments guidebooks can't capture. With local tips, food adventures, and cultural encounters, Wayfinder reveals not just where to travel, but how to journey through the world with humor, wonder, and our own curiosity.

About Daniel Scheffler:

Daniel Scheffler is a travel writer, storyteller, and lifelong adventure-seeker who has spent years circling the globe in search of the experiences that can change us. Having traveled to more than 140 countries and written for publications including The New York Times, National Geographic, and Condé Nast Traveler, he believes the best journeys begin when we let go of the map. As the host of Wayfinder: Life-changing Travel, Daniel explores how travel can help us lose ourselves, find something unexpected — and ultimately come home changed.

For professional surfer Lakey Peterson, a life spent chasing waves and adventure around the world has brought her back to Oceania and the South Pacific throughout nearly every chapter of her life. From learning to surf in Australia, to finding direction among surfing legends in Fiji, and slowing down among the rolling hills of New Zealand, each return has become a marker of who she was, who she&rsquo;s becoming, and just how far she&rsquo;s come&hellip;with her favorite airline, Fiji Airways, helping carry her, and her surfboards, along the way.
From surfing legendary waves like Cloudbreak, to exploring the rugged coastline and wine country of Western Australia, to road-tripping through New Zealand, Lakey shares the people, places, and waves behind some of her most memorable travel stories, and why returning to a familiar destination can reveal just how much we&rsquo;ve changed.
Follow Lakey Peterson on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lakeypeterson/?hl=en">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lakeypeterson?lang=az">TikTok</a> @lakeypeterson
To learn more about Fiji Airways, visit: <a href="FijiAirways.com">FijiAirways.com</a>
Travel Tips: Oceania (from the episode)
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Explore Western Australia by car: Head beyond the cities and road trip the coast around Margaret River, where Lakey recommends exploring the region&rsquo;s beaches, surf spots, and wineries. Some of her favorite days involve following a local&rsquo;s &ldquo;dropped pin,&rdquo; pulling over and grabbing a board, near a less-crowded stretch of coastline.&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Leave room to wander in New Zealand: Lakey recommends getting in the car without too much of an agenda. Around Raglan, some of her favorite days were spent driving slowly through the rolling hills, stopping at waterfalls, and checking out waves.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Get out on the water in Fiji: Don&rsquo;t limit a Fiji trip to the resort. Lakey recommends exploring the islands and ocean surrounding it. Take a boat to neighboring islands; go snorkeling, surfing, spearfishing; or head out for a hike in the luscious scenery.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
About Wayfinder: Life-Changing Travel:
Wayfinder: Life-Changing Travel is a podcast for the curious, luxurious, and adventurous traveler. Host and veteran travel writer Daniel Scheffler ventures off the map and into immersive travel experiences of beauty, blunder, and transformation - those unforgettable moments guidebooks can't capture. With local tips, food adventures, and cultural encounters, Wayfinder reveals not just where to travel, but how to journey through the world with humor, wonder, and our own curiosity.
About Daniel Scheffler:
Daniel Scheffler is a travel writer, storyteller, and lifelong adventure-seeker who has spent years circling the globe in search of the experiences that can change us. Having traveled to more than 140 countries and written for publications including The New York Times, National Geographic, and Cond&eacute; Nast Traveler, he believes the best journeys begin when we let go of the map. As the host of Wayfinder: Life-changing Travel, Daniel explores how travel can help us lose ourselves, find something unexpected &mdash; and ultimately come home changed.

Oceania: Catching Flights & Chasing Waves through Fiji, Australia & New Zealand Travel (ft. Lakey Peterson)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/bc257ebc-e0af-4482-b95d-b4dd012c8ac9/transcript

Introducing Wayfinder: Life-Changing Travel

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