Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories

From Corporate to Bangkok: Bill Mullen's Journey
How a vacation turned into a new life in Thailand.
Bill Mullen, affectionately known as Bangkok Bill, shares his transformative journey from a corporate job in the U.S. to living in Thailand.
The Call to Adventure
Bill reflects on his time in a corporate position. "On paper I was making good money," he admits, "but it just didn’t feel like it. I was just over broke." It was during a Christmas party when his friend Nan urged him to stop complaining about his need for a vacation and instead ask, "What is your excuse now?" This pivotal question set the stage for a life-changing trip.
Booking the Flight
After some back-and-forth about the cost of flights to Thailand, Bill took the plunge when he found a ticket for $619 round trip.
"I learned I can’t use these American airlines anymore. They’re ridiculous!"— Bangkok Bill Mullen
But the next challenge was finding someone to travel with. After reaching out to numerous friends with no success, he called Nan again and asked her a peculiar question: "Do you want to travel with guys or do you want to travel with girls?" Bill’s choice was clear.
An Epic Journey
Once in Thailand, Bill had an unforgettable experience filled with adventure and beauty — swimming with elephants, scuba diving, and breathtaking sunsets.
"I fell in love with a girl, but I also fell in love with the country."— Bangkok Bill Mullen
Upon returning to the U.S., he made a bold move: he gave his boss three months' notice, declaring his intention to move to Thailand permanently. The rest, as they say, is history.
Thailand Adventure Secrets
Now, Bill shares his love for Thailand through his podcast, Thailand Adventure Secrets, where he guides listeners away from tourist traps and towards authentic experiences.
"Don't let Instagram plan your vacation. That’s not a good idea!"— Bangkok Bill Mullen
He also authored a book titled Getting Lost in the Magic of Thailand, aimed at helping others discover the true essence of the country.
Conclusion
Bill's story is a reminder that sometimes, a leap into the unknown can lead to the most rewarding experiences. For those yearning for adventure, his journey from corporate life to the vibrant streets of Bangkok may just inspire your next trip.
Listen to this episode for more insights and adventures from Bangkok Bill.
Find Bill's website here: https://www.thailandadventuresecrets.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thailandadventurenetwork6670
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/billmullen3/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wmullen/
Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send Bill Roehm a message on #PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

This week I spoke with fellow podcasters Shannon and Ann. They discuss their backgrounds, the inception of their podcast, and the impact of travel stories on listeners. The conversation flows into their travel experiences, including memorable trips to New Orleans and Scotland, and humorous misadventures along the way. They share anecdotes about their travels, including a hilarious encounter with a man in New Orleans and their culinary experiences. The episode concludes with reflections on their travels and future plans.
Find their website here: https://www.traveltimestories.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannon.l.lamkin/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@traveltimestorieswithshannon
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/traveltimestorieswithshannon
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-lamkin/
Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send Bill Roehm a message on #PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

Empowering Communities: Forrest McSweeney's Vision in Guyana
Discover how small grants can transform lives in remote areas.
Welcome to this week’s edition, where we delve into the inspiring journey of Forrest McSweeney, a young philanthropist dedicated to empowering small business owners in Guyana's indigenous communities.
A Passion Ignited by Travel
Forrest's story begins in the lush landscapes of Guyana, where he first traveled with his father at a young age. These experiences left a profound impact on him, shaping his understanding of privilege and opportunity. As he recalls,
"Seeing kids who didn't own anything more than a pair of flip-flops really showed me how fortunate I was."
This early exposure to life in remote communities fueled his desire to make a difference. He founded a nonprofit organization that provides small grants—typically around $500—to local entrepreneurs, helping them acquire essential tools like ovens, solar panels, and other equipment vital for their businesses.
Transformative Impact of Small Grants
Forrest emphasizes that while these amounts may seem modest, they can create life-changing opportunities.
"The amount of money you’d spend on a fancy dinner is enough to get a farmer a water pump and protect them from the upcoming drought."
His organization doesn’t simply hand out money; instead, it empowers individuals to help themselves. This philosophy echoes the age-old adage:
"If you give a man a fish, he eats for a day. If you teach a man to fish, he can eat for a lifetime."
Forrest’s mission is to equip these entrepreneurs with the means to build sustainable futures.
Expanding Beyond Grants
In addition to financial support, Forrest’s organization is branching out to tackle other pressing needs in the communities they serve. They’re working on initiatives for clean water access and school uniforms for children, recognizing the interconnectedness of these basic needs and business sustainability.
"We're helping people build more of these gutter systems to collect rainwater, which is crucial for their survival."
This holistic approach ensures that the support provided is not only financial but also practical and culturally relevant.
Get Involved
Forrest invites anyone interested in supporting his mission to connect with him through their website, Upliftproject.org. Contributions go directly to helping small business owners in Guyana, and Forrest is eager to share stories and updates through social media.
"People here are really willing to give to help someone they’ve never met."
A Reflection
Forrest’s journey serves as a reminder of the power of small acts of kindness and how they can ripple outwards, igniting change in unexpected places. His commitment to uplift others speaks volumes about the impact one individual can have in the world. To learn more about Forrest's work and see how you can help, visit his socials.
Join us next week as we continue to explore stories of inspiration and transformation from around the world.
Find his website here: https://upliftproject.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573171685668
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UpliftProjectgy
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/upliftprojectgy/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@upliftprojectgy
Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send Bill Roehm a message on #PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

For the first time in a year and a half of the podcast I've decided there will be no new release this week on Sunday. In remembrance of the tragedy of the events of 9/11/01 and the 25th anniversary - I've decided to re-release this episode from almost exactly a year ago. It's wonderful, thoughtful, and inspiring - Lyubim is an incredible human and this is worth a listen. We'll be back to our normal schedule effective Sunday 9/20.
Thank you for listening and for understanding. Please enjoy. From the original release:
 
In this really unique and special episode, Lyubim shares his incredible journey from being an immigrant in the United States to creating a mission that supports amputee veterans through paragliding. He reflects on his experiences during 9/11, his career in finance, and the challenges he faced while living in Ukraine.
 
Lyubim emphasizes the importance of cultural connections and local interactions during travel, sharing memorable stories from his adventures around the world, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and exploring various European cities.
 
Find his mission site here: https://wings4heroes.org/
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wings4heroes
 
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/wings4heroes
 
Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send William Roehm a message on #PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

Exploring Unconventional Journeys with Adam Graham
A unique perspective on travel, sports betting, and fire trucks.
Welcome to another episode of the Where Have You Been podcast! This week, we dive into the world of unconventional travels with Adam Graham, a fire truck manufacturer and sports handicapper, who shares his fascinating journey and insights.
A Unique Profession
Adam's day job revolves around building fire trucks at Sutfin, where he manages the aerial unit projects. "It's a great industry to be in. You help people save lives and keep firefighters safe," he shares. Adam's role allows him to work closely with communities, from big cities to small towns.
He explains, "We do about 40 trucks a year, with around 120 in our backlog. It gives me time to ensure each truck is right, making the job rewarding and low-stress."
From Finance to Fire Trucks
Interestingly, Adam's pathway to project management was somewhat serendipitous. Starting as a finance major, he took a job with a startup in Las Vegas, which later grew into a major player in the natural gas pump industry. His travels began there, as he explains, "I had no idea my job would lead to such incredible experiences around the world."
The Sports Betting Side Hustle
As if managing fire truck projects isn't enough, Adam is also a sports handicapper. His approach combines his love for numbers and betting culture, which he embraced while living in Vegas. "I started by recording picks from respected betters and analyzing them for trends. That laid the groundwork for my betting company, LFG.Vegas," he explains.
Adam emphasizes the importance of responsible betting: "It's about helping people manage their bankrolls and not blowing it all in one go."
A Full Circle Moment in Travel
While Adam's job allowed him to travel extensively, his current focus is more family-oriented. "We've settled down now, taking the kids to places like Disney World and Cedar Point. It's more about creating memories with them than my own adventures now," he notes.
Reflecting on his journey, it’s clear that both Adam's professional and personal experiences have shaped a unique perspective on travel and life.
Want to hear more? Tune in to the full episode for more stories from Adam's travels and insights into his fascinating career!
Find Adam's website here: https://lfg.vegas/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/lfg.vegas/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lfg.vegas
Twitter (X): https://x.com/LFG_Vegas
Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send Bill Roehm a message on #PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

With the NFL season fast approaching, I decided to re-air this amazing episode from 7/31/25 in which I interviewed Dave Richard, a senior fantasy football writer for CBS Fantasy Football. We discuss the evolution of fantasy football, the culture surrounding it, and the importance of travel in life. Dave shares his experiences living in Florida, his work-related travels, and memorable trips, including winning a trip to Hawaii on Wheel of Fortune. The conversation also touches on interactions with NFL players, the crossover between fantasy and real football, and the role of CBS Sports in shaping fantasy football analysis. Dave emphasizes the significance of getting out and experiencing life, making connections, and creating lasting memories.
 
Find Dave on Twitter (X...whatever...): https://x.com/daverichard
 
CBS Fantasy Football Today: https://www.cbssports.com/writers/fantasy-football-today/
 
Watch the video of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tD9ohyZKyUs
 
Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send William Roehm a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

Discovering Italy: A Journey Through History and Adventure
Join Joseph Walker as he uncovers Italy's hidden treasures.
In this episode, we embark on a captivating journey through Italy's rich history with Joseph Walker, a U.S. Navy veteran turned historian and tour guide. Joseph shares his extraordinary experiences and insights that go beyond the typical tourist trail.
A Passion Ignited
Joseph’s love for Italy ignited during his time in the Navy. He recalls,
"I got there, and within 24 hours, I kind of knew that's where I was supposed to be."His journey into the depths of Italian history began with a quest to uncover the mysteries of a sunken city north of Naples, leading to a life-changing discovery.
The Sunken City Adventure
On a fateful day, Joseph hired a fisherman and ventured into the cold waters, where he stumbled upon ancient Roman mosaics. Reflecting on this moment, he shared:
"I was in heaven... I really love this. I like this more than anything else that I have ever done."This discovery not only enriched his life but also opened up tourism to the site, benefiting local families.
Beyond the Tourist Path
Joseph emphasizes that the true essence of Italy lies beyond the well-trodden paths of Rome and Venice. He invites travelers to explore lesser-known sites like the Grotta di Romito, home to ancient cave paintings, stating:
"These are the types of experiences that I say, yes, see the big things... but we see these special things, these things that you will carry with you for the rest of your life."
A Unique Perspective
As a historian, Joseph brings a unique perspective to Italy’s past, especially through his focus on figures like Frederick II. He explains how the emperor’s diverse court influenced architecture and culture, reflecting on the significance of places like the Castle del Monte:
"He was the Renaissance man two centuries before the Renaissance."
Joseph’s tours aim to balance the grand with the intimate, ensuring travelers not only see the must-visit sites but also connect with Italy in a meaningful way.
Join the Journey
To learn more about Joseph's tours and uncover Italy’s hidden gems, visit ItalianHistoryWithJoseph.com. Explore a side of Italy that transforms lives and creates unforgettable memories.
Let Joseph guide you on an adventure that is as much about discovery as it is about connection with a land rich in history.
FREE GIFTS from Joseph at https://italianhistorywithjoseph.com/stories
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/italian_history_with_joseph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18XDLS8Wwh/?mibextid=wwXIfr
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@italianhistorywithjoseph
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Italian_History_With_Joseph
Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send Bill Roehm a message on #PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

Creating Unforgettable Travel Experiences with Paul Partridge
Discover how family gatherings can transform travel plans.
When it comes to creating memories, few things resonate as deeply as shared experiences with loved ones. In this episode, Bill Roehm sits down with Paul Partridge, a seasoned travel writer and the founder of Travel Villa Guide, to explore how group travel can foster connections that last a lifetime.
A Journey from Finance to Travel
Paul's path to becoming a travel expert is as unique as the trips he now curates. Starting his career as a financial advisor, his passion for writing and travel blossomed alongside. "I started as a sports writer and transitioned into travel writing, which became a passion project while I ran my own business. Eventually, I turned my side gig into a full-time endeavor," Paul shares.
The Heart of Travel Villa Guide
At Travel Villa Guide, Paul emphasizes creating a world where families and friends can celebrate life's significant moments together—birthdays, anniversaries, or simply a long-overdue reunion. "We create experiences where everyone who matters can gather under one roof, allowing those unforgettable stories to unfold," he explains.
"When we could finally get together after years of trying, it felt like we were in our own little world."
This philosophy stems from personal experiences, especially a family trip planned for his father-in-law's 80th birthday. The desire to be together in one space sparked a realization for Paul that group travel could be transformative.
The Challenges of Group Travel
Planning a trip for a large group can be daunting. Paul notes, "The hardest part is getting everyone together. You have people scattered across different states or even countries, and accommodating various ages and preferences is no small feat."
He points out that one person often takes on the role of planner, which can lead to stress and missed connections. "You want to enjoy the vacation, but instead, you're juggling logistics. We aim to alleviate that chaos by providing spaces that allow for gathering without the hassle of coordination."
Why Choose a Villa?
Unlike hotels, where guests can feel isolated, villas offer the perfect environment for groups. Paul describes the advantages:
Shared Spaces: Villas provide communal areas where families can gather, eat, and share stories without the disruption of hotel life.
Flexibility: Groups can enjoy togetherness while also having the option for personal space.
Convenience: No need to coordinate across different floors or rooms, making it easier to enjoy each other's company.
The Magic of Travel
Paul's passion for travel is evident, particularly when he recounts his first trip to Italy with his wife, a journey that solidified his love for exploring new places. "Staying in a former papal retreat, the experience was magical. The chef would ask what we wanted for dinner, which was unlike anything I'd ever encountered."
Through his stories, it's clear that travel is more than just a pastime for Paul—it's a way to bond, connect, and make lasting memories.
As you consider your next adventure, think about the moments you'll create with those you love. For more insights on group travel and creating unforgettable experiences, check out Paul’s work at Travel Villa Guide.
Paul has given our listeners a FREE GIFT!! Head to https://gift.travelvillaguide.com/ to collect yours! Thank you, Paul!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelvillaguide
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@travelvillaguide
Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send Bill Roehm a message on #PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

Exploring the World Through Educational Travel
Join Jewel Rozanski as she shares her journey and insights on travel.
Travel isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the experiences that shape us. Jewel Rozanski, a former educator turned travel entrepreneur, believes in the transformative power of travel and education. She runs Cultured Travel, a company dedicated to designing educational group tours around the globe.
The Spark of Passion
Jewel’s love for travel began in her early teaching days when she took students to explore the Yucatan in Mexico. “I felt it was challenging to teach them Spanish and teach them about the culture when they really never saw people who lived that culture or who spoke that language natively,” she shared. This experience ignited her passion for creating opportunities for students to learn through travel.
From Classroom to Travel Business
After years of organizing trips while teaching, Jewel had a pivotal conversation with a parent who shared her values on the importance of travel. In 2019, they launched Cultured Travel, offering meticulously designed tours that prioritize education and cultural immersion. Jewel emphasizes, “I build a community too...having the right type of people who know that they’re sort of in it to learn something.”
Crafting Unique Experiences
Every trip is a labor of love. Jewel spends up to two years researching and planning each itinerary, ensuring strong local connections to provide authentic experiences. For example, she created a Whiskey Rebellion tour in Pittsburgh, blending history with local insights to enrich participants' understanding. “I like to actually research a place first,” she explained, highlighting the importance of preparation in crafting memorable journeys.
The Allure of New Orleans
When asked about her favorite destination, Jewel surprised many by naming New Orleans. "It's addicting. Everything... the music, the architecture, the food," she enthused. Jewel finds the city’s blend of cultures and rich history captivating, making it a place where she feels truly alive.
Jewel's story is a testament to the power of travel as a tool for education and personal growth. As she prepares for her upcoming trip to Iceland, her passion for exploration continues to inspire those around her.
To discover more about Jewel and her adventures with Cultured Travel, visit culturedtravel.org.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/culturEDtravel/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CulturedTravelUSA
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/cultur.ed.travel/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jewel-rozanski-39721228b
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@culturedtravel
Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send Bill Roehm a message on #PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

This week I had a really great conversation with Dustin Tichenor. Dustin emphasizes that travel doesn’t always have to be about luxury or big destinations like Disney World. He believes that making memories is what truly counts. It’s about engaging experiences, whether it’s a visit to a local museum or a weekend getaway to a nearby state. He shares insights on how families can enjoy travel without breaking the bank, focusing on the joy of discovery and the value of time spent together.
Find Dustin's website here: https://www.thecwgt.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canwegothere
Pinterest: https://pin.it/JIGBP0oUe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Can_We_Go_There
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/can_we_go_there
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecwgt
Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send Bill Roehm a message on #PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast