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Join host Justin Martell on the Young Pioneer Podcast for an unfiltered conversation with Mike O’Kennedy (aka “Mike Okay”), the British travel documentarian whose boots have tread everything from Iraq’s war-scarred streets to North Korea's far east. In this episode, Mike pulls back the curtain on his experiences in conflict zones and unusual destinations, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from Mosul to North Korea. He discusses the art of unscripted travel, describing how adventures like hitchhiking across China fuel his philosophy of embracing chaos with humor.

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In our latest episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, host Justin Martell had the privilege of speaking with Will Ripley, CNN’s Senior International Correspondent known for his extensive coverage of North Korea. With 19 visits to the Hermit Kingdom, Will offers a unique perspective on life in one of the world’s most enigmatic countries. 

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In this episode of The Young Pioneer Podcast, we delve into the life of Monica Macias, author of "Black Girl from Pyongyang." As the daughter of Francisco Macías, the first president of Equatorial Guinea, Monica's journey began when she was sent to North Korea for her education. There, she received personal guidance from President Kim Il-Sung, who had supported her father during Equatorial Guinea's fight for independence from Spanish colonial rule. Following her father's assassination in a coup in 1979, Monica continued to reside in Pyongyang under the care of the "fatherly leader." Join us as we uncover her experiences and insights she shares in her memoir.

Before we delve into our interview with Monica, it’s important to mention the current situation regarding travel to North Korea. As of now, the border remains closed, with no confirmed timeline for reopening. While this news is disappointing for those wishing to explore the enigmatic country, our conversation with Monica provides a fascinating perspective on life in North Korea from someone who has experienced it firsthand.

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In this exciting episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, we break the news that North Korea's special economic zone of Rason has officially reopened to foreign tourists. Tune in for the details of this development and what it means for future travel to the DPRK.

But that’s just the beginning! In this epic, first-of 2025 episode, we are joined in our Manila studio by multi-award-winning airline and aviation YouTuber, Josh Cahill. Known for his engaging and, at times, controversial airline review content, Josh has captivated millions with his unique perspective on travel. From luxurious Emirates flights to the challenges faced on sanctioned airlines like Iran Air, Josh's insights cover the full spectrum of flying experiences.

Throughout our conversation, we explore Josh's early life and projects, the inspiration behind his popular YouTube channel, the thrill of engaging with a vast audience, and the powerful story of organizing Afghanistan's first all-female flight.

As we navigate through rapid-fire questions, Josh shares his favorites in the airline industry, including the best customer service, food, and the most comfortable options for long-haul flights in coach. He even reveals whether he is a member of the Mile High Club!

We also delve into his numerous achievements, including multiple awards in the aviation space, and discuss the challenges he faces as a critic, including contentious encounters with airline staff. Getting personal, Josh opens up about some of his most notable incidents and how he maintains integrity in his reviews.

Looking ahead, we discuss Josh’s future aspirations and the evolution of airline travel and vlogging post-pandemic. So buckle up and enjoy this long episode - perfect listening for your next long-haul flight!

Follow Josh Cahill's airline reviews and travel experiences at:
https://www.youtube.com/@JoshCahill
https://gotravelyourway.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gotravelyourway
https://x.com/gotravelyourway

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YPT are pleased to announce that the Young Pioneer Podcast is back with its third season, bringing listeners perspectives from some of the world’s most fascinating and sometimes controversial travel destinations! On this episode, Visiting Papua New Guinea’s Mount Hagen Festival, host Justin Martell shares his experience diving into the breathtaking beauty of Papua New Guinea—a land rich in unique cultures and stunning scenery. 

At this year’s Mount Hagen Festival tour, Justin had the pleasure of interviewing our local tour leader, Pious, who shares insights into the festival’s rich history and its significance to the Western Highlands Province. You won’t want to miss this firsthand perspective as Pious reflects on the festival’s personal meaning to him, as well as the history of some of its most famous participants, such as the Mudmen of Goroka, Simbu’s Skeleton Men, and even comments koteka penis sheaths worn by some of the Highlands’ tribes. He also gives his perspective on the potentiality of Bougainville gaining its independence from Papua New Guinea. If our interview with Pious piques your interest, have a look at our itineraries for our 2025 Mount Hagen Festival and Goroka Festival tours!

But that’s not all! This episode also highlights our extraordinary upcoming journey through Central Africa. From December 2nd to 12th, we’ll explore the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cabinda in Angola. Additionally, learn about our exciting tours in South Sudan, where you can experience the heart of Juba and the unique lives of the Mundari cattle herders. And don’t miss the opportunity to discover the birthplace of voodoo in Benin and Togo, where spiritual rituals and sacred sites await!

All this and more on this episode of The Young Pioneer Podcast!

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The Young Pioneer Podcast Season 2 concludes with a double-header episode! S2, Ep 6 opens with a discussion between host Justin Martell and YPT founder/CEO Gareth Johnson discussing the big question "when will North Korea re-open for tourism?" Recorded YPT's recent research trip to China to meet with our North Korean partners and explore the Sino-Korean border for the first time in four years, which made news among the community of North Korea watchers, the discussion gives a projected timeline for the Hermit Kingdom's re-opening as well as some educated guesses about the future of tourism in North Korea. 

Following Gareth’s interview, Justin talks with YPT friend and travel partner Dr. Calvin Sun. Calvin is both an ER doctor in New York City and travel agent. Through his company Monsoon Diaries, he has partnered with YPT on many tours for well over a decade. In the interview, recorded in Mogadishu, Somalia, Justin and Calvin discuss Calvin's new book "The Monsoon Diaries: A Doctor’s Journey of Hope and Healing from the ER Frontlines to the Far Reaches of the World," available now from Harper Horizon. 

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On this inaugural 2024 episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, we open with an interview with YPT CEO and Founder Gareth Johnson to discuss a number of exciting, new tours just recently announced for this year. After speaking with Gareth, host Justin Martell debuts his interview with YPT's local travel partner in the reclusive horn of Africa nation of Eritrea, referred to by some as the "North Korea of Africa." 

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On this episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, we kick things off by interviewing YPT's newest staff member Morgan Bourven, discussing his background and current focus on our cruise tours. After talking with Morgan, we continue our Horn of Africa series with a field recording of host Justin Martell's conversation with our local tour partner in the unrecognized sovereign state of Somaliland. As usual, Martell provides updates on YPT's upcoming tours to Mali, Burkina Faso and Angola. 

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On this episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, YPT guide Justin Martell brings listeners Part One of a three-part series recorded during our recent Horn of Africa tour. Covering Djibouti, Somaliland Eritrea and Mogadishu, our Horn of Africa tour provides travelers with an affordable and safe way to visit one of Africa's most geo-politically complex regions. In addition to an interview with YPT's local guide about Djibouti and its growing tourism sector, Martell also provides updates on North Korea travel and popular upcoming tours, such as the return of our one-of-a-kind Least Visited Countries Tour.

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On this episode of the Pioneer Podcast, YPT guides Justin Martell, Rowan Beard, along with a group of YPT travelers, explore the world's newest nation: the Republic of South Sudan. Neglected by the central government in Khartoum when part of Sudan and then plunged into civil war following independence in 2011, life has been hard for the South Sudanese. However, its people are friendly and hopeful, and its landscape is rich in culture that is completely unique to this young country. Listen to this episode for field recordings made during a night spent with the nomadic Mundari tribe, the infamous cattle herders known for their cow vagina blowing and cow urine showering practices, as well as an extended interview with YPT's local partner all about the history of South Sudan, past and present. 

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In this episode, YPT partner and sometimes-guide Justin Martell talks with local Socotra travel operator Adnan Alnoby. The two discuss Socotra's past history and current political situation, as well as the amazing experience travelers can expect when visiting this unblemished, one-of-a-kind island paradise. Martell also provides listeners with exciting YPT tour updates.  

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Gareth Johnson and Justin Martell speak with former congressman Dennis Kucinich. Kucinich has just published his latest book "The Division of Light and Power," which chronicles his struggle as America's youngest mayor to stop the sale of Cleveland's Municipal Light. On the back half of the conversation, Gareth and Justin are able to pose some general questions about American foreign policy and the importance of dialogue in international relations.

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Felix Abt is a business expert on North Korea currently based in Vietnam. Abt was one of the first foreign businessmen to seek and do business in Kim Jong Il's North Korea, where he lived between 2002 to 2009 consulting and advising on business development within the country. He is also the author of the fascinating memoir "A Capitalist in North Korea: My Seven Years in the Hermit Kingdom." On this episode, Gareth and Justin are joined by YPT's North Korea tour manager Rowan Beard for a conversation with Felix Abt and delve into everything regarding doing business with one of the most sanctioned countries in the world.

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On this episode on the Pioneer Podcast, co-host Justin Martell flies solo and interviews Jeffrey Donenfeld. Jeffrey Donenfeld is a venture investor, field science manager, and explorer. His projects have taken him across the polar regions, into the boardroom and occasionally onto broken dinghies. He’s a geek for a good rocket launch, loves almost missing flights, and yes, will listen to your startup pitch. Find him at http://jeffreydonenfeld.com/

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On Episode 6 of the Pioneer Podcast, Gareth Johnson and Justin Martell interview Jodie Hill. Jodie Hill is a well-traveled English lawyer who was instrumental in helping to setup the world's first crowdfunded tropical island. She is also the Prime Minister that same Island's micronation, the Principality of Islandia!

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On Episode 5 of the Pioneer Podcast, Gareth Johnson and Justin Martell interview Jonny Blair. Blair is a famous travel blogger from Northern Ireland, football fanatic and author/owner of dontstopliving.net. He is the foremost expert on micronations, and on this episode the group share their thoughts on which micronations truly 'count' as a country.

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Our guest on Episode 4 of the Pioneer Podcast is Dr. Joseph Terwilliger. Dr. Joe is a geneticist, professor of neurobiology at Columbia University Medical Center, and a classically trained tuba player! However, our listners might be more familiar with Dr. Joe from seeing him alongside NBA superstar Dennis Rodman on his multiple trips to North Korea for his basketball diplomacy projects and meetings with its leader Marshal Kim Jong Un. Fluent in the North Korean dialect, Chosunmal, Dr. Joe served as Dennis' Korean translator in North Korea and worked with him again during Dennis' appearance at the 2018 North Korea–United States Singapore Summit. How does a Columbia University Medical Professor and tuba player from New York end up meeting the leader of the Hermit Kingdom, alongside one of the most flamboyant NBA players of all time? Find out that and more in Episode 4 of the Pioneer Podcast.

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Dave Kitson is an ex-Premier League footballer who made his name with Reading and Stoke. Following his career he has not been without controversy. He has stated that he would like to become PFA Chairman (trade union for footballers). On many occasions he has also been accused of being the “secret footballer” an as of now unknown ex-footballer who has written a number of tell all books about the professional game. As you can imagine quite an interesting character to have on a podcast! Believe it, or not footballers are just people too. Whilst they might have a reputation for playboy lifestyles and holidaying in places like Dubai, Dave Kitson is very much the exception to the rule. In fact it was his interest in “weird” countries that led him into contact with us, from where a friendship was formed. The first half, the free bit we shoot the breeze about travel in general, before the second half where we go into a bit more juice detail and ask some slightly more interesting questions. 

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On Episode 2 of the Pioneer Podcast, Gareth Johnson and Justin Martell interview Dean Karalekas about his 2019 trip with Young Pioneer Tours to Bir Tawil, an uninhabited patch of land located between Egypt and Sudan.  Dean Karalekas is an academic whose research interests include international security, indigenous rights, and cultural studies. He is also a frequent YPT traveler and the author of "The Men in No Man's Land: A Journey Into Bir Tawil." Pick up your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Men-No-Mans-Land-Journey-ebook/dp/B08CZBT2W7

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The first episode of the Pioneer podcast features two homegrown talents, with YPT founder Gareth Johnson and Pioneer Media founder Justin Martell taking the spotlight for the inaugural episode. Justin Martell in 2017 founded YPT’s partner, Pioneer Media, offering production services across a wide variety of unique locations from Asia to Eastern Europe. He has worked extensively in the horror movie genre (he once shot a horror film in Albania with Gareth serving as co-producer!) and has written the foremost authoritative book on 60s pop star Tiny Tim. He certainly has a tale to tell. 

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.