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Introducing Table & Compass: A New Podcast from Wanderers Compass

Table & Compass Podcast, Introducing Table & Compass: A New Podcast from Wanderers Compass

“Every great journey begins with a single step. Every meaningful conversation begins with a seat at the table. Welcome to Table & Compass.”

Over the years, one thing has continued to stand out through all of our travels. The most memorable parts of any journey are often the people we meet and the stories they share.

When we started Wanderers Compass, our mission was simple: to inspire curiosity, encourage exploration, and share the incredible places, history, and experiences we discover along the way. From castles and historic landmarks to hidden gems and cultural traditions, we have loved bringing the world closer to our readers and listeners.

But every destination has a deeper story. Behind every place is a community. Behind every tradition is a history. And behind every journey is a person with experiences, ideas, and perspectives worth sharing.

That realization inspired our newest adventure: Table & Compass.

A New Chapter in Our Story

Table & Compass Podcast, Introducing Table & Compass: A New Podcast from Wanderers Compass

Table & Compass Podcast is a natural extension of everything we have always loved about travel. Our Wanderers Compass Podcast focuses on destinations, adventures, and the stories we uncover around the world. Table & Compass gives us the opportunity to explore the conversations that connect us all.

The name itself represents the heart of this podcast. The table has always been a place where people gather, stories are exchanged, and meaningful conversations begin. The compass represents curiosity, discovery, and the desire to explore something new. Together, they reflect our belief that every person has a story, and every conversation can open the door to a new perspective.

Through Table & Compass, we will go beyond destinations to explore culture, history, community, sustainability, creativity, and the experiences that shape how we see the world.

Inspired by Global Connections

Table & Compass Podcast, Introducing Table & Compass: A New Podcast from Wanderers Compass
Sphere Within Sphere at United Nations in NYC

One of the inspirations behind this podcast comes from Joelle’s work with the United Nations and the opportunity to engage with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and communities around the world.

Those experiences reinforced something we have discovered throughout our own travels. Although our backgrounds and circumstances may be different, we share many of the same hopes, challenges, and dreams.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlight many of these shared priorities, including protecting our planet, supporting communities, preserving cultural heritage, promoting education, and creating a more connected world. While Table & Compass is not solely focused on the SDGs, the values behind them align closely with the conversations we hope to bring forward.

Table & Compass Podcast, Introducing Table & Compass: A New Podcast from Wanderers Compass
SDG’s diagram at United Nations Headquarters in NYC

Our goal is to create a space where we can listen, learn, and share stories that encourage understanding and inspire curiosity.

A Partnership with Big Blend Media

Table & Compass Podcast, Introducing Table & Compass: A New Podcast from Wanderers Compass

We are thrilled to launch Table & Compass in partnership with Big Blend Media House, a team that shares our passion for storytelling and meaningful conversations.

For years, Big Blend Media has created a platform that connects people through travel, culture, history, food, lifestyle, and inspiring stories. Their commitment to bringing voices together makes them the perfect partner for this new chapter.

We are especially excited to have Lisa Smith, co-founder of Big Blend Media House, joining us as a co-host. Lisa’s enthusiasm for storytelling and her ability to create engaging conversations make her a wonderful addition to this journey.

We are incredibly grateful for Lisa and the entire Big Blend Media team for helping bring this idea to life. We look forward to the conversations, connections, and discoveries ahead.

Our First Episode: A Conversation with Carlisle Richardson

We couldn’t think of a better way to begin the Table & Compass Podcast journey than with a conversation centered around connection, community, and creating a better understanding of our world.

Our first episode features Carlisle Richardson, whose remarkable career and experiences have taken him around the globe. Carlisle served as Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations. He has dedicated much of his career to international relations, sustainable development, and building connections between communities.

In this opening conversation, we explore the importance of understanding different cultures, the role communities play in shaping our world, and the ways individuals can contribute to positive change. Carlisle shares insights from his experiences working internationally and offers a thoughtful perspective on how collaboration and communication can help address the challenges we face today.

The conversation reflects exactly what we hope Table & Compass will become—a place where we can sit down with fascinating people, ask meaningful questions, and learn from the journeys that have shaped their lives.

Just as travel has taught us, sometimes the greatest discoveries come from simply taking the time to listen.

You Can Find Us on Substack Too

https://substack.com/@bigblendmedia

Where and When Can You Find Us?

Our podcast airs on the first Monday of every month, at 4:00 PM EST / 7:00 PM PST. Whether you’re curious about the people behind the stories, enjoy meaningful conversations, or love exploring new ideas and perspectives, Table & Compass brings you engaging discussions that connect culture, community, history, travel, and the human experience. Available on all major podcast platforms, you can join us wherever you listen and be part of the conversations that inspire curiosity and connection.

Here’s where you can find the Table & Compass Podcast home base on Podbean.

And more! Just search for “Table and Compass Podcast,” and you’ll find us ready to welcome you to the table.

Join Us at the Table

Launching the Table & Compass Podcast is an exciting new chapter for us. We are grateful to have you join us on this journey.

For those who have followed Wanderers Compass from the beginning, thank you for continuing to support our adventures and the stories we share. For those discovering us for the first time, welcome; we are happy you found your way here.

We invite you to listen to the Table & Compass Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, subscribe, and join us for conversations that explore the people, places, and ideas that make our world so fascinating. Check back often for new episodes.

The journey continues, but this time we’re pulling up a chair.

Welcome to Table & Compass.

© 2026 Wanderers Compass All Rights Reserved

Flights, Accommodations, and Everything You Need to Book in One Place

Are you planning a vacation this year? Start your research early to explore your options and find what fits your budget. By booking your own travel, you’ll uncover great deals and have complete control over your itinerary. The links below can be used for all elements of your trip, not just accommodations.

It is essential to price out accommodations on various sites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is a European company. Not all properties appear on both, so it is best to check both. Our personal first choice is Booking.com. If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well. Click the link below to check out hotels and vacation homes in the area. It may be just the motivation you need to start planning that next grand adventure.

Want to learn the story behind Wanderers Compass?

Check our most recent posts

Travel Insurance

Squaremouth.com
Our Favorite Travel Insurance Site!

We strongly advocate comprehensive travel insurance, not only for minor inconveniences but also for major, unexpected events such as medical emergencies. We never leave home without it. Our go-to resource is Squaremouth.com. which offers a user-friendly platform that connects you with top-rated, reputable insurance carriers. Plus, they’ll mediate on your behalf if you run into any issues.

To empower you as a consumer, we recommend you read our blog post on why travel insurance is essential and how to secure the best coverage from leading companies at an affordable price.

MedjetAssist
Medical transport back home from anywhere in the world

Medjet is a leading provider of global air medical transport. Unlike traditional travel insurance, which typically covers medical evacuation to the nearest facility, Medjet goes further by ensuring you’re transported back to the U.S. to the hospital of your choice once you’re stable enough to fly. Medjet offers membership plans that focus on medical transport, while Medjet Horizon provides expanded coverage for broader protection. Individual trip policies start at just $99, and annual policies are available for around $300. Most policies have an age limit of 74.

To learn more about how Medical Evacuation membership with Medjet Assist works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.  

Accommodations and Airfare

Booking.com
Hotels, Home rentals, BNBs, Flights, and other Transportation & Tours 

Booking.com connects millions of travelers to unforgettable experiences, a wide range of transportation options, and incredible places to stay—from homes to hotels and beyond. As one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces, it supports well-known brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes. For its convenience, variety, and reliability, it’s our preferred booking platform.

Expedia and VRBO
Hotels, home rentals, BNBs, flights, and other transportation & tours 

Expedia is a U.S.-based company with a mission to make global travel accessible to everyone, everywhere. At Wanderers Compass, we embrace independent travel, and platforms like Expedia are essential to making that a reality. Expedia allows you to book every aspect of your trip—from flights and accommodations to rental cars, cruises, and activities—making it a one-stop shop for all your travel needs.

Transportation

Daytrip
Personalized city-to-city private car transfer service

Daytrip provides an affordable private car service for city-to-city transfers worldwide, and we absolutely love their service. It’s a cost-effective alternative to renting a car, offering comfortable, stress-free travel with scenic stops along the way. For example, we used Daytrip for travel between Budapest and Vienna, enjoying some fantastic detours to local attractions. With professional drivers and customizable routes, Daytrip ensures a smooth ride while allowing you to explore hidden gems and unique sights along your journey.

To learn more about Daytrip, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.  

Travel Experiences

Viator
The leading marketplace for travel experiences

Viator believes that travel is all about creating unforgettable memories. With over 300,000 experiences to choose from—ranging from simple tours to extreme adventures, plus a wide array of unique, niche activities—it’s never been easier to make lasting memories. We frequently use Viator during our travels and especially appreciate its flexible cancellation policy, which provides peace of mind with every booking.

Shopping

Wanderers Compass Amazon Storefront
An excellent source for all travel essentials and guides that we have vetted ourselves

Amazon is one of the world’s most comprehensive online shopping platforms, offering lower prices, a wide selection, and fast delivery through its global fulfillment network.

This page contains affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Do you have a question or comment for us?

Authors

  • Table & Compass Podcast, Introducing Table & Compass: A New Podcast from Wanderers Compass

    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.

    View all posts
  • Table & Compass Podcast, Introducing Table & Compass: A New Podcast from Wanderers Compass

    Ryan Slough 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 more than a decade of extensive international travel, Ryan brings a global perspective shaped by time spent across Europe, the Mediterranean, and beyond, often returning to places to understand them more deeply.

    Ryan’s path to travel was shaped by more than 20 years of service in the U.S. Army, where exposure to different cultures, landscapes, and histories sparked a curiosity that would later become transformative. Travel became a way for him to reconnect with purpose, perspective, and a sense of possibility beyond uniformed life. That personal transformation became the inspiration behind the creation of Wanderers Compass.

    As co-host of the Wanderers Compass Podcast, Ryan shares stories that explore how travel can be a powerful tool for growth, reflection, and connection.

    His work frequently highlights castles, fortifications, heritage sites, and destinations shaped by resilience and conflict, blending historical context with modern travel experiences. Through writing, photography, and conversation, Ryan hopes to show how meaningful travel can help others navigate their own journeys—both across the world and through life.

    View all posts

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