Ryan Slough

Joelle Machia is an award-winning travel writer, content creator, photographer, and podcaster, and the co-founder of Wanderers Compass, an online travel website dedicated to immersive, experience-driven travel storytelling. With decades of international travel experience, Joelle brings a global perspective shaped by sustained time on the road and a deep curiosity for how culture, history, and place intersect. Her work focuses on destinations best understood beyond the surface, often weaving together historical context, local voices, and personal experience. Through writing, photography, and multimedia storytelling, Joelle documents travel as a tool for connection—one that encourages curiosity, empathy, and respect for the communities being visited. Joelle also serves as a United Nations ECOSOC representative, where her focus is on sustainable and responsible travel practices. This role informs her approach to storytelling, emphasizing ethical tourism, cultural sensitivity, and long-term impact rather than trends or checklists. As co-host of the Wanderers Compass Podcast, Joelle explores destinations alongside business partner Ryan Slough through conversation and lived experience, highlighting how travel can shape perspective and deepen understanding. Her work aims to inspire travelers to slow down, travel thoughtfully, and engage more meaningfully with the world around them.