Welcome to the Travel Media Lab Podcast!
On this podcast, we bring you stories from places near and far and sit down with the world’s most exciting travelers, journalists, creators, and people working in the travel space. Guided by Yulia’s years of working in the travel media industry, we meet the people living in the Middle Eastern deserts, jam with street artists in Chicago, and more. We also share insights from Yulia’s years of working as a published travel photographer and writer. Enjoy!
Latest Episodes
S9 E102: When Stories Choose Us With Travel Photographer Karthika Gupta
We explore the world of travel, culture, and diversity with Chicago-based travel journalist and photographer Karthika Gupta.
S9 E101: Identity, Belonging, & The Privilege of Travel With Journalist Emy Rodriguez
This week’s episode is a thought-provoking conversation on privilege, travel, and finding a sense of belonging with our guest, Emy Rodriguez, a freelance travel journalist from Arecibo, Puerto Rico.
S9 E100: The Essence of Bedouin Hospitality With Wadi Rum’s Ahmad Marayeh
On our 100th episode, we embark on a captivating adventure to the heart of Wadi Rum Desert with Ahmad Marayeh, a Bedouin and co-founder of Rum Planet Camp.
S9 E99: Stories That Matter With Editor Esme Benjamin
We talk to editor and podcaster Esme Benjamin about her incredible journey through the world of travel journalism and more.
S9 E98: Why Jordan Is Yulia's Favorite Place
In this episode, I talk to our podcast producer Noelia Sanchez about why Jordan is so special to me.
S8 E97: There Is No Expiration Date To Your Creativity
Today, let's embark on a journey that explores the powerful connection between creativity and taking chances on ourselves.
S8 E96: What Getting Published Feels Like with freelance writer Joliene Adams
Today, we have an incredible guest, Joliene Adams, a freelance writer and linguist who is also our Intro to Travel Journalism program student and Circle member.
S8 E95: Listen To This When You’re Ready To Give Up On Yourself
In this episode, I share Esme Benjamin’s experience taking a chance on one of her story ideas and how it led to her idea being optioned for TV series development.
S8 E94: Leading the Life of Travel and Storytelling (It's Possible!)
In this episode, I want to talk to you about something near and dear to my heart – storytelling.
S8 E93: How Do You Know If Your Travel Story Has Potential?
In this episode, I'll share my top three considerations for evaluating your travel stories and unlocking their potential.
S8 E92: Why Aren’t You Published Yet?
In this episode, we will tackle the five most common obstacles aspiring travel writers and content creators face when they’re starting out in the industry.
S8 E91: My Advice for Aspiring Travel Photographers and Writers
In this episode, I share my experience and offer practical advice on how to break into the industry.
S8 E90: How To Succeed as A Freelancer with Journalist Lola Méndez
Lola Méndez shares invaluable insights on breaking into the travel media space, her pitching process, and how freelancers can achieve success.
S8 E89: Advice for Aspiring Journalists with Sarah Khan, Award-Winning Travel Journalist
Award-winning journalist Sarah Khan shares some savvy advice for aspiring journalists looking to build their portfolios and develop some of the crucial connections that make freelancing a reality.
S8 E88: Living Beyond Expectations with Storyteller Lola Akinmade Åkerström
You’ll hear from Lola Akinmade Åkerström, a true multipotentialite who refuses to be restricted to a single category.
S8 E87: The Driving Force Behind Unearth Women with Nikki Vargas
Unearth Women founder Nikki Vargas talks about what it takes to establish yourself in the travel writing industry, her transition from a job in advertising to launching her magazine, and more!
S8 E86: How to Get Your Pitch Accepted with Vanessa Dewson
Vanessa shares her photography journey, her fears around pursuing travel writing and pitching her work, and her experience attending our course.
S8 E85: You’re Good Enough To Do This Work with Karthika Gupta
In this episode, we hear from travel photographer and writer Karthika Gupta about her professional career journey, how she shifted away from the traditional career path, and what motivated her to pursue her dreams.
S8 E84: Insights On Travel Editors & Tourism Boards
This episode comes from The Circle, where we spent time unpacking key takeaways from this year's IMM Conference, providing an overview of the event, and discussing the current state of the travel media industry.
S8 E83: Getting A Book Deal? It's Possible! with Travel Writer & Photographer Christine Chitnis
Today, Christine joins us to share her valuable insights and help you translate your unique skills into marketable concepts.
S8 E82: Where I'm Going in 2023 [Qatar, Sierra Leone, and more]
We discuss Yulia’s travel plans for 2023, what her word for the year is, and the goals she wants to accomplish.
S7 E81: Season Finale: How I Traveled To 7 Countries in 7 Weeks
In this season finale, you’ll hear about my visit to seven different countries in just seven weeks and my reflections after going on this trip.
S7 E80: When The Creative Path Calls, Answer (Re-Release)
In this episode, I’m joined by 3 amazing women making big moves in their creative careers as travel writers and photographers.
From Passion for Travel to Award-winning Stories with Jessica Vincent (Re-Release)
In this episode, we catch up with the multi-award-winning travel journalist Jessica Vincent.
S7 E78: Getting Your Travel Stories Published
In this episode, I give an overview of the structure of the program, how it differs from other travel journalism courses out there, and how it benefits participants.
S7 E77: Writing for Condé Nast Traveler With Travel Writer Ashley Brooks (Re-Release)
Today, our very own Travel Media Lab community member Ashley Brooks is here to share her exciting travel writing success story.
S7 E76: Q&A Part 2: The Business (Re-Release)
In the last part of this two-part Q&A series, I will discuss the business aspect of travel journalism.
S7 E75: Q&A Part 1: The Craft (Re-Release)
In the first part of this two-part Q&A series, I will be addressing questions related to the craft of being a travel journalist.
S7 E74: On Assignment in Black Forest, Germany
In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of a recent assignment of mine to Black Forest, Germany, documenting the craftsmen and women of the region.
S7 E73: Editor Insights Part 2
In the last part of this two-part series, we’ll hear from veteran travel editors Sarah Khan and Lauren Keith.
S7 E72: Editor Insights Part 1
In part one of this two-part series, we’ll hear from three veteran travel editors: Ashlea Halpern, Nikki Vargas, and Ashley Halligan.
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