travel
In Traveling Through, David Prior—travel writer and founder of experiential travel company Prior—sits down with friends and culture-makers like Jenna Lyons, David Remnick, Deborah Needleman, Athena Calderone, and more to trace the trips, objects, and encounters that shaped who they are. Because the most interesting stories aren't about where you went. They're about what stayed with you. New episodes every other Thursday. Find it on Youtube, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Traveling Through is proudly presented by Capital One. Eligible cardholders can book unforgettable experiences at entertainment.capitalone.com. Traveling Through is hosted by David Prior. It is produced by Clare Slaughter along with Kristin Mendez and Drew Morris of Born Ready Films. Associate Producer is Alex Greiner. The Pushkin team includes Gretta Cohn, Jacob Weisberg, Eric Sandler, Grace Ross, Justin Richmond, Morgan Rater, Leah Rose, Sarah Bruguiere, Jake Gorksi, Jake Flanagin. Theme music com
JJ Martin, founder of the fashion brand The Double J, has opened a five-story flagship store in Manhattan. Beyond fashion, Martin aims to help people "raise their vibration" through her brand, which she sees as a vehicle for connecting with inner radiance.
JJ Martin reflected on her career path, starting from writing for online fashion news and the International Herald Tribune before moving to Harper's Bazaar. She credits her time at Harper's Bazaar, working under Glenda Bailey, for instilling a strong work ethic and a drive to 'go the extra mile'.
JJ Martin suggests that an aversion to wearing color often stems from a difficulty with being seen. She connects her brand's emphasis on color and maximalism to a broader mission of 'raising your vibration' and helping individuals connect with and express their own radiance.
JJ Martin describes herself as a 'spiritual normalizer,' bridging the gap between esoteric practices and everyday people by sharing her own journey through challenges like depression and infertility. She emphasizes making spirituality accessible by focusing on how it makes people feel, rather than direct proselytizing.
JJ Martin shares her evolving perspective on Florence, initially prejudiced against it due to associations with fashion week, but later discovering its charm through a local boyfriend. She highlights the power of art, like Botticelli's and Da Vinci's works at the Uffizi, to activate one's 'energy body' and recommends unique sites like the church of Orsanmicheli.
JJ Martin discusses her fascination with volcanoes and waterfalls, viewing them as connections to the Earth's core energy. She explains that connecting with the Earth can be challenging for those who struggle with embodiment, but that these natural power points can help ground individuals and raise their vibration, citing places like Mount Shasta and Giza as examples.
JJ Martin describes her transformative trips to Egypt, involving private access to ancient temples at dawn, as a 'rebirthing process'. She also highlights Bali's nurturing energy, likening it to the 'softest arms of the mother Goddess,' and stresses the importance of finding local practitioners connected to the land's traditions.
JJ Martin defines 'transcendental travel' as journeys that induce a shift in consciousness, prioritizing experiences that expand awareness over purely shopping or dining recommendations. She finds inspiration in sacred sites and local traditions, citing Sardinia as a significant discovery for its ancient heritage and unique landscapes.
JJ Martin views Cappadocia, Turkey, as a destination that can be transcendental if approached with an open mind, focusing on meditation in caves and energetic experiences rather than just tourist attractions. She also raves about Turkish food, particularly the yogurt, calling it superior to Greek yogurt.
JJ Martin shares her positive experience traveling through Ireland, visiting stone circles and Dolmens, which she describes as ancient, monolithic structures resembling 'alien galactic portals.' She notes the persistent belief in fairies there, even among locals like their bus driver.
JJ Martin expresses her trust in Mount Etna, Sicily, describing it as an extraordinary experience, even hiking it while it was erupting. She contrasts Sicily's less groomed appearance with other parts of Italy but finds its raw energy powerful. Her next anticipated travel destination for transcendental experiences is Peru.
Chef Flynn McGarry discusses the shift from traditional 'destination dining' to a model where travel experiences incorporate high-quality food, noting that diners now seek unique points of view rather than just multi-course tasting menus. He highlights how this evolution is reflected in the hospitality industry, particularly in hotels.
Chef Flynn McGarry emphasizes the profound influence of Japanese hospitality and presentation on his culinary philosophy. He notes that the meticulous organization of a meal, akin to kaiseki, and the precise delivery of dishes are crucial for conveying nuanced flavors and experiences, impacting his approach at restaurants like Cove.
Chef Flynn McGarry shares his design aesthetic, influenced by 'quiet maximalism' and Belgian designers like Trees van Nottan and Axel Vervoordt. He emphasizes the importance of contextual design, adapting aesthetics to specific locations like New York, contrasting it with the more rigid approach of Scandinavian modernism.
Chef Flynn McGarry describes his evolving relationship with collecting, moving from accumulating items impulsively to a more intentional focus on craftsmanship. He explains how his past 'phases' of collecting, such as boats and airplanes, have informed his design vision, even leading to the inspiration for the Gem Wine space.
Chef Flynn McGarry reflects on the challenging yet freeing nature of pursuing a unique vision in design and hospitality, contrasting 'curation' with mere 'collecting'. He emphasizes that true curation requires intention and that achieving a cohesive vision, whether for a menu or a space, involves continuous adjustment and refinement.
Chef Flynn McGarry attributes his self-assurance to early exposure to scrutiny, which has made him comfortable with failure and the absence of a clear career blueprint. He notes that while initial ambitions focused on accolades, his current definition of success is tied to realizing his vision and the successful execution of his projects.
Chef Flynn McGarry reveals that a week-long trip to Portugal significantly influenced his culinary style, particularly its seafood and combination of coastal freshness with hearty elements. This immersion led to a dedicated Portuguese seafood menu at Gem, and a lasting obsession with crab, which now features consistently in his restaurants.
Deborah Needleman, formerly editor-in-chief of The New York Times Style Magazine, discusses her dramatic career shift from high-profile editing to hands-on craft, starting with broom making and evolving into basket weaving and other crafts.
Deborah Needleman describes her month-long residency in Venice, initially intending to showcase her basketry, but realizing the need to connect her art to the local environment. She found researching Venetian basketry through art history to be a breakthrough.
Needleman discusses her current project focusing on Moroccan basketry, specifically Berber (Amazigh) traditions. She notes the distinction between tourist-oriented souk crafts and the more traditional, functional items still made by indigenous communities.
Needleman reflects on her research trip to Japan, which deepened her interest in craft and travel. She highlights how Japanese culture reveres craft, with artisans often dedicating their lives to mastering techniques passed down through generations.
Both Needleman and host David Prior emphasize the value of approaching travel with a specific interest, whether it's craft, food, or festivals, as a way to gain deeper connection and access to a place and its people. This 'lens' can transform a trip from superficial sightseeing to a meaningful cultural immersion.
Needleman shares her experience in Varanasi, India, describing it as a profoundly spiritual and apocalyptic place where life and death are openly present. Despite its intensity and sensory overload, she found it to be a place of immense power and a snapshot of humanity.
Interior designer Nate Berkus shared the deep emotional and empathetic impact of experiencing the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in Sri Lanka, where he lost his partner Fernando. He recounted how, despite the immense grief, the experience fostered a profound sense of empathy that reshaped his perspective on people and places.
Nate Berkus discussed his philosophy on interior design, emphasizing how objects tell stories and reflect the lives of the people who inhabit a space. He believes that the best interiors represent not only who people are currently but also their past experiences, losses, and aspirations.
Nate Berkus shared his formative experiences in Paris at age seventeen, where he was fascinated by the blend of modern life within an ancient setting. He found inspiration in the city's architectural history and the contrast between different design movements.
Nate Berkus shared a humorous anecdote about being denied entry to The Ritz in Paris due to his attire after a trip, contrasting it with the immediate and welcoming reception he received at Claridge's in London following the tsunami, which solidified his loyalty to the latter.
Nate Berkus detailed Oprah Winfrey's significant role in raising funds for Sri Lanka after the 2004 tsunami, which led to the construction of a vocational school named after his late partner, Fernando. Berkus initially hesitated but eventually returned to Sri Lanka a year later for the school's opening, describing it as a deeply restorative experience.
Nate Berkus discussed the concept of 'traveling through grief,' acknowledging the challenge of returning to places associated with loss. He shared how his experience in Laos, which stemmed from a decision to avoid the coast of Thailand after the tsunami, became a significant and cherished trip, highlighting the importance of embracing new experiences even amidst personal pain.
Nate Berkus described Luang Prabang, Laos, as one of his favorite places, praising the Aman resort's architecture, which is a former French colonial hospital. He highlighted the town's tranquil atmosphere, the saffron-robed monks, the night market, and the immersive cultural experiences, including a boat trip on the Mekong River.
Nate Berkus expressed a deep appreciation for handmade crafts from Mexico, noting their integral role in his home decor. He also shared his unexpected connection to Portugal, where he and his partner Jeremiah purchased a farm, finding charm in its slower pace of life, natural beauty, and the strong sense of community.
Nate Berkus discussed the unexpected charm of Portugal, noting its slower pace of life, emphasis on family and nature, and high-quality craftsmanship, particularly in textiles and footwear. He highlighted the family's farm and their integration into the local village community, experiencing genuine warmth and acceptance.
Nate Berkus shared insights into his current life phase, encompassing the joys of fatherhood, a strategic reboot of his brand with new licensing deals, and the emotional journey of caring for his mother who has dementia. He emphasized a thoughtful approach to future television projects, prioritizing meaningful opportunities over mere visibility.
Chef Andy Baraghani shared insights into his formative years at the renowned restaurant Chez Panisse, where he began working at sixteen. He emphasized the importance of continuous curiosity, practice, and especially tasting throughout the cooking process, lessons learned from his time there and from the restaurant's founder, Alice Waters.
Andy Baraghani draws a parallel between the abundant use of herbs in Persian cuisine and Vietnamese food, noting Vietnam as a place where he experienced a similar cultural embrace of fresh herbs. He highlights the country's diverse range of herbs and their integral role in dishes like 'Bún riêu' and 'Chả lá lốt'.
Andy Baraghani discovered a Vietnamese dish called 'Chả lá lốt' (fried fish with turmeric and dill) that reminded him strongly of Persian cuisine. He noted the use of dill, a significant herb in Persian cooking, and the dish's flavor profile, which shared similarities with Persian herb rice dishes, particularly 'Sabzi polo'.
Andy Baraghani discusses his trip to Beirut and meeting Kamal Mouzawak, founder of 'Souk el Tayeb,' a farmer's market aimed at cataloging Lebanese agricultural and food culture. Baraghani notes the market's location on the former Green Line as a symbol of reconciliation, bringing together women from diverse religious communities.
During his visit to Beirut, Andy Baraghani explored the Armenian neighborhood of Bourj Hammoud and was struck by the similarities between Armenian and Persian cuisines. He noted the delicate flavors, mildness, and use of sweet elements in both, contrasting them with the typical heat found in some other cuisines.
Andy Baraghani identifies Vietnam, Lebanon, and Turkey as three solo travel experiences that profoundly shaped his palate and cooking style. He particularly notes the influence of Turkish spices, like Urfa Biber, and the overall culinary discoveries made during these trips.
Andy Baraghani expresses his deep-seated yearning to visit Iran, a place he considers a missing piece due to his heritage. He describes the confusion of deeply engaging with Persian culture through food and language while being unable to visit, and his efforts to spread awareness of this culture, often misunderstood in the U.S., through his work.
Andy Baraghani and David Prior express a shared passion for Sicilian granita, with Baraghani highlighting its unique texture and Prior championing mulberry granita as his favorite. They discuss the fragility of mulberries and how they translate into this distinctively creamy, non-dairy frozen dessert.
Andy Baraghani shares his experiences in Japan, recommending it as a must-visit for food and design lovers. He suggests ending a trip in Tokyo for shopping and advises against over-planning, emphasizing a more relaxed approach to fully appreciate the country's quality and experiences.