Some places invite you to visit. Others ask you to stay. That’s what happened to journalist and historian Joanna Lillis when she first traveled to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2001 — a simple weekend trip that welcomed her so deeply into the region, she never left. 

In the glow of Samarkand’s vibrant markets and iconic blue-domed architecture, Joanna shares the moments from her trip that revealed a deeper truth about travel: that the most meaningful experiences come not from what we see, but from how we connect. She even found herself welcomed into a local wedding, an unplanned moment of celebration that turned a weekend visit into something far more personal.

As she reflects on nearly 25 years living in Central Asia, Joanna weaves together historical tidbits, personal insights on the power of openness, and what it means to move through the world not just as an observer, but as an active participant.

Follow Joanna Lillis on Instagram @joanna_kazakhstan and learn more about her adventures in new latest book: “Silk Mirage: Through the Looking Glass in Uzbekistan”

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

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.

 

Some places invite you to visit. Others ask you to stay. That&rsquo;s what happened to journalist and historian Joanna Lillis when she first traveled to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2001 &mdash; a simple weekend trip that welcomed her so deeply into the region, she never left.&nbsp;
In the glow of Samarkand&rsquo;s vibrant markets and iconic blue-domed architecture, Joanna shares the moments from her trip that revealed a deeper truth about travel: that the most meaningful experiences come not from what we see, but from how we connect. She even found herself welcomed into a local wedding, an unplanned moment of celebration that turned a weekend visit into something far more personal.
As she reflects on nearly 25 years living in Central Asia, Joanna weaves together historical tidbits, personal insights on the power of openness, and what it means to move through the world not just as an observer, but as an active participant.
Follow Joanna Lillis on Instagram @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joanna_kazakhstan/">joanna_kazakhstan</a> and learn more about her adventures in new latest book: &ldquo;<a href="https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/silk-mirage-9781350292468/">Silk Mirage: Through the Looking Glass in Uzbekistan</a>&rdquo;
---------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
&nbsp;

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;

Samarkand, Uzbekistan: Where Strangers Become Wedding Guests (ft. Joanna Lillis)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/58710cf4-3729-412b-ab47-b42b0148d440/transcript

Sometimes the feeling of belonging arrives when… and where… you least expect it. 

For legendary travel writer Paul Theroux, a road trip through Quebec became more than just another transformative travel journey in his half-century career. Following family roots stretching back more than 300 years, Paul hit the road through Canada’s vast province and made his way to the small town of Yamaska in Quebec, where generations of distant relatives and an unexpected welcome gave this lifelong outsider the rare feeling of homecoming. 

From tracing church steeples through Quebec’s historic villages, sharing a traditional meal at a cabane à sucre, and exploring Montreal and Quebec City, Paul reflects on his time in Quebec, as well as the experiences that have shaped his life as a writer and traveler, the road to finding himself, and why listening may be the simplest path to genuine connection.

Follow Paul Theroux on Instagram @paul.theroux and find his latest book "True North" wherever books are sold. 

Travel Tips: Quebec (from the episode)
Explore Montreal and Quebec City: Paul Theroux recommends both for their culture, food, music, and welcoming atmosphere - a great way to start exploring Quebec.
Road trip through Quebec: Rent a car and go beyond the major cities through the province’s smaller towns and villages to experience more of its distinct culture, history, and landscape.
Visit a cabane à sucre: Experience a traditional Quebec sugar shack, where maple syrup and a hearty Québécois meal offer a delicious window into Quebec’s local cuisine and traditions.

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

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.

Sometimes the feeling of belonging arrives when&hellip; and where&hellip; you least expect it.&nbsp;
For legendary travel writer Paul Theroux, a road trip through Quebec became more than just another transformative travel journey in his half-century career. Following family roots stretching back more than 300 years, Paul hit the road through Canada&rsquo;s vast province and made his way to the small town of Yamaska in Quebec, where generations of distant relatives and an unexpected welcome gave this lifelong outsider the rare feeling of homecoming.&nbsp;
From tracing church steeples through Quebec&rsquo;s historic villages, sharing a traditional meal at a cabane &agrave; sucre, and exploring Montreal and Quebec City, Paul reflects on his time in Quebec, as well as the experiences that have shaped his life as a writer and traveler, the road to finding himself, and why listening may be the simplest path to genuine connection.
Follow Paul Theroux on Instagram @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/paul.theroux/?hl=en">paul.theroux</a> and find his latest book "<a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/products/true-north-paul-theroux?variant=44736028606498">True North</a>" wherever books are sold.&nbsp;
Travel Tips: Quebec (from the episode)
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Explore Montreal and Quebec City: Paul Theroux recommends both for their culture, food, music, and welcoming atmosphere - a great way to start exploring Quebec.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Road trip through Quebec: Rent a car and go beyond the major cities through the province&rsquo;s smaller towns and villages to experience more of its distinct culture, history, and landscape.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Visit a cabane &agrave; sucre: Experience a traditional Quebec sugar shack, where maple syrup and a hearty Qu&eacute;b&eacute;cois meal offer a delicious window into Quebec&rsquo;s local cuisine and traditions.</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.

Quebec: A Canadian Road Trip Through Family Roots and Belonging (ft. Paul Theroux)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/400c5ebd-68d6-427e-a962-b4c001527ce8/transcript

What if one destination could offer endless ways to explore the wild, while giving us new reasons to care deeply about it? 

For Brave Wilderness creator and adventurer Coyote Peterson, few places offer as many opportunities for adventure as Queensland, Australia, where setting out from the vibrant capital of Brisbane can lead to tropical coastlines, ancient rainforests, and some of the planet’s most remarkable wildlife.

From searching for monitor lizards, to diving off a speeding boat to catch a 220-pound sea turtle, to venturing to the remote edges of the Cape York peninsula, Coyote takes us through the life-changing travel experiences in Queensland that keep pulling him back for more. Along the way, he shares his favorite stops and food, reflects on the people and conservationists who have brought him closer to the natural world, and reveals why getting to know our world’s creatures more intimately can inspire us to care more deeply about protecting them.

Follow Coyote on Instagram @coyotepeterson and TikTok @coyotepetersonofficial

Follow Brave Wilderness on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/c/BraveWilderness

Travel Tips: Queensland (from the episode)
Give Queensland at least two weeks: It’s a massive region, so give yourself enough time to explore without rushing from one stop to the next.
Explore the Gold Coast beyond just the beaches: If you can, head into the rocky tide pools at low tide for a closer look at Queensland’s marine life, but keep your distance from wildlife and know the conditions before venturing in.
Try to spot a kangaroo in the wild: Check out one of Queensland’s most iconic animals in its natural habitat, while keeping a respectful distance and letting the wildlife set the terms of the encounter. 

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

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 one destination could offer endless ways to explore the wild, while giving us new reasons to care deeply about it?&nbsp;
For Brave Wilderness creator and adventurer Coyote Peterson, few places offer as many opportunities for adventure as Queensland, Australia, where setting out from the vibrant capital of Brisbane can lead to tropical coastlines, ancient rainforests, and some of the planet&rsquo;s most remarkable wildlife.
From searching for monitor lizards, to diving off a speeding boat to catch a 220-pound sea turtle, to venturing to the remote edges of the Cape York peninsula, Coyote takes us through the life-changing travel experiences in Queensland that keep pulling him back for more. Along the way, he shares his favorite stops and food, reflects on the people and conservationists who have brought him closer to the natural world, and reveals why getting to know our world&rsquo;s creatures more intimately can inspire us to care more deeply about protecting them.
Follow Coyote on Instagram @coyotepeterson and TikTok @coyotepetersonofficial
Follow Brave Wilderness on YouTube at<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/BraveWilderness"> https://www.youtube.com/c/BraveWilderness</a>
Travel Tips: Queensland (from the episode)
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Give Queensland at least two weeks: It&rsquo;s a massive region, so give yourself enough time to explore without rushing from one stop to the next.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Explore the Gold Coast beyond just the beaches: If you can, head into the rocky tide pools at low tide for a closer look at Queensland&rsquo;s marine life, but keep your distance from wildlife and know the conditions before venturing in.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Try to spot a kangaroo in the wild: Check out one of Queensland&rsquo;s most iconic animals in its natural habitat, while keeping a respectful distance and letting the wildlife set the terms of the encounter.&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.

Queensland: Choose Your Own Wild Travel Adventure Through Australia’s Outdoors (ft. Coyote Peterson)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/8d297086-af26-4d7d-acf7-b4b40134befb/transcript

When it comes to Paris, your return isn't about recreating the past, but discovering just how far you've come.

For author, television host, and food expert Antoni Porowski, Paris has been a lifelong love affair, from childhood memories beneath the Eiffel Tower…to romantic getaways, whirlwind Fashion Weeks, and a recent extended stay while filming his new National Geographic series "Best of the World," which invited Antoni to experience Paris with fresh eyes. 

Through a montage of sunset runs, gourmet restaurants, boutique hotels, delicious cheeses, historic landmarks, and corners of the city he’d long overlooked, Antoni shares his favorite immersive travel stories in Paris, how his perspective has evolved, and why so many of the life-changing travel experiences we treasure the most are the ones we never could have planned.

Follow Antoni on Instagram and TikTok @antoni

Travel Tips: Paris Vacation
Go beyond the baguettes and steak frites! Explore how other cultures are fusing with French cuisine to create something totally new.
Try a boutique hotel experience. You never know which spot could become your new home away from home!
Talk to everyone, and listen. Engage with the locals to learn their favorite places to shop, dine, and explore.

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

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.

When it comes to Paris, your return isn't about recreating the past, but discovering just how far you've come.
For author, television host, and food expert Antoni Porowski, Paris has been a lifelong love affair, from childhood memories beneath the Eiffel Tower&hellip;to romantic getaways, whirlwind Fashion Weeks, and a recent extended stay while filming his new National Geographic series "Best of the World," which invited Antoni to experience Paris with fresh eyes.&nbsp;
Through a montage of sunset runs, gourmet restaurants, boutique hotels, delicious cheeses, historic landmarks, and corners of the city he&rsquo;d long overlooked, Antoni shares his favorite immersive travel stories in Paris, how his perspective has evolved, and why so many of the life-changing travel experiences we treasure the most are the ones we never could have planned.
Follow Antoni on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/antoni/?hl=en">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@antoni?lang=en">TikTok</a> @antoni
Travel Tips: Paris Vacation
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Go beyond the baguettes and steak frites! Explore how other cultures are fusing with French cuisine to create something totally new.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Try a boutique hotel experience. You never know which spot could become your new home away from home!</li>
<li aria-level="1">Talk to everyone, and listen. Engage with the locals to learn their favorite places to shop, dine, and explore.</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.

Paris: Returning to the City of Love with New Eyes (ft. Antoni Porowski) 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/0604975b-a30c-4bd4-bc89-b4a60128d54b/transcript

Samarkand, Uzbekistan: Where Strangers Become Wedding Guests (ft. Joanna Lillis)

In 1 playlist(s)

Wayfinder: Life-Changing Travel

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips