Guest Bio

Jackie Nourse is the founder of Traveling Jackie and host of the award-winning podcast JUMP with Traveling Jackie, where she shares stories that inspire others to explore the world boldly. A lifelong traveler and storyteller, Jackie chose a path of global adventure at age 18 and never looked back — turning her love for travel into a full-time lifestyle over the past two decades.

She has collaborated with leading outdoor brands including Osprey Packs, Oboz Footwear, Atomic Skis, Carve Designs, and Four Wheel Campers, and earned recognition for the documentary short film “Chiloé,” created in partnership with Osprey. Through her podcast and guided group trips, Jackie invites her audience to take the leap — building confidence, connection, and courage through travel. When she’s not exploring the world, you’ll find her in Montana playing ice hockey or road-tripping in her truck camper with a mountain bike in tow.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Jackie about her inspiring path from travel blogger to podcasting powerhouse. She reflects on the life-changing decision to study abroad in Costa Rica, a leap that sparked her lifelong love for travel and set the stage for her global adventures. Through candid storytelling, Jackie shares how stepping into the unknown again and again has shaped her identity and career.

Jason and Jackie explore how language, culture, and even loneliness play a role in personal transformation through travel. Jackie emphasizes that the most meaningful growth often happens during the most challenging moments. She offers advice for aspiring travelers, encouragement for parents of adventurous kids, and heartfelt reflections on the relationships and resilience that form through a life on the move.

Key Takeaways

• ✓ Jackie’s love of travel and language began early and shaped her life direction.
• ✓ The name “JUMP” reflects her belief in bold choices and transformative leaps.
• ✓ Studying abroad can be a turning point in personal growth and worldview.
• ✓ Staying with a host family offers immersive, eye-opening cultural experiences.
• ✓ Loneliness is a natural part of travel — and a catalyst for inner strength.
• ✓ Facing discomfort while traveling builds confidence and resilience.
• ✓ Language fluency improves rapidly through real-life immersion and practice.
• ✓ Travel allows people to redefine themselves outside their usual environments.
• ✓ Parents can play a key role in supporting a young person’s desire to explore.
• ✓ Cross-cultural experiences build empathy and meaningful human connections.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Guest Bio

Rhiannon Hutton is the founder of The Luxury Travel Specialist, where she curates high-end, deeply personalized travel experiences for clients seeking more than just a getaway. With over two decades of experience in the travel industry, Rhiannon’s career began in a traditional shopfront agency and has evolved into a niche role centered around bespoke luxury journeys. Her own transformative experiences — including a life-altering incident during a trip to China — have shaped her mission to help others explore the world with purpose and confidence. Beyond her travel expertise, she is now an author and advocate for personal resilience, using her story to inspire growth, healing, and bold adventures through travel.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Rhiannon about her remarkable evolution in the travel industry — from early days in a traditional agency to launching a business that specializes in luxury, intentional travel. She shares a pivotal story from her past: a harrowing hijacking experience in China that not only tested her courage but also reframed her entire outlook on life and travel.

Rhiannon opens up about the emotional and spiritual impact of that journey and how it led her to write a forthcoming book on resilience. She explains how trusting her instincts — both on the road and in business — has become central to her philosophy. The conversation also touches on her upcoming wellness-focused travel projects, designed to help others navigate trauma and discover their own strength through curated group experiences.

Key Takeaways

• ✓ Rhiannon has more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry.
• ✓ She transitioned from a traditional agency model to offering high-end, personalized travel services.
• ✓ The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to virtual consultations and online client engagement.
• ✓ A hijacking incident during a trip to China deeply influenced her perspective on travel and safety.
• ✓ She stresses the importance of listening to your instincts while exploring unfamiliar places.
• ✓ Her personal experiences have inspired her to write a book about resilience and transformation through travel.
• ✓ Rhiannon believes challenging experiences can serve a greater purpose in helping others heal.
• ✓ She is developing future travel programs focused on wellness, growth, and group connection.
• ✓ Her work aims to support people who have experienced trauma or life-altering events.
• ✓ She views travel as a powerful tool for recovery, empowerment, and self-discovery.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Guest Bio

Amanda Black is the founder of The Solo Female Traveler Network, a global community empowering women to explore the world with confidence and connection. With over a decade of experience in immersive travel and community design, Amanda has helped thousands of women break out of their comfort zones and find belonging through adventure. Her passion for creating transformative group experiences has taken her across the globe — from remote villages to vibrant cities — always in search of meaningful human connection.

She’s also the creator of Kindred Community, a series of women-only retreats built around authentic bonding and personal growth. Amanda is a TEDx speaker whose talk, “Shared Firsts: Redesigning How We Find Belonging,” explores how strong relationships form through shared new experiences. Whether she’s leading a group trip or covered in sawdust in her woodshop at home in San Diego, Amanda brings creativity, empathy, and a deep belief in the power of community to everything she does.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Amanda about the transformative nature of solo travel and the power of women supporting women on the road. Amanda opens up about how a personal loss led her to explore the world alone — and eventually inspired her to build the largest solo female travel community in the world.

From the early challenges of organizing her first group trip to designing soulful connection retreats, Amanda shares insights into what makes travel truly life-changing. She and Jason discuss safety, resilience, and how real connection often comes not from finding your people, but from creating shared firsts with strangers who become lifelong friends.

Key Takeaways

• ✓ The Solo Female Traveler Network connects over half a million women worldwide
• ✓ Solo travel can be a powerful and safe experience for women
• ✓ Community helps travelers feel supported and confident
• ✓ Amanda’s journey began as a response to personal grief and transformation
• ✓ Group trips offer deep emotional connections and shared experiences
• ✓ Organizing tours comes with both logistical challenges and profound rewards
• ✓ Perceptions of safety are often shaped more by fear than fact
• ✓ Connection retreats focus on vulnerability, joy, and authentic bonding
• ✓ Travel is a tool for resilience, growth, and lifelong friendships
• ✓ Amanda believes meaningful connection comes from shared new experiences

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.