Where Wanderers Compass Has Been Published, Featured, and Recognized

“We are all storytellers. We all live in a network of stories. There isn’t a stronger connection between people than storytelling.”

jimmy Neil smith

Below is a list of all the publications, podcasts, freelance work, and television media appearances in which Wanderers Compass has been featured.

In 2023, a whole new, exciting, and transformative direction began for Wanderers Compass Travel Blog. We had the honor of being named one of the Top 10 Most Incredible Travel Experts by LA Weekly, which was a total surprise! At the time, we were still growing in the travel blogging space, so receiving such recognition was both unexpected and incredibly humbling. Being featured on that list opened up numerous new opportunities, including media coverage that exceeded our expectations. In 2024, we expanded into freelance work, which we had not anticipated. We’re thrilled to share the milestones we’ve achieved and the progress we’ve made.

We are very active now in freelance writing. It’s a thrilling challenge that allows us to dive deeper into sharing our experiences, and we’re excited to continue this alongside our growing online presence. As we publish new articles, we’ll ensure that they are shared here for your enjoyment.

In 2025, we launched our own Podcast channel, Wanderers Compass. Our show airs on the second Monday of every month. Come check us out and hear about our travel adventures.

In 2026, we launched our digital magazine, Wanderers Compass: A Big Blend Podcast Magazine. New issues once a month.

Throughout it all, our mission has remained the same: to create engaging content, inspire readers to embrace the joys of travel, and share our passion for exploring the world. We’re fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel when life allows, and we look forward to sharing more stories and adventures with you in the future.

How Did We Get Here?

How did we turn our dreams into reality? It’s all thanks to you, our amazing readers. Your support and interest in our stories, travels, photography, guides, tips, and resources have made all the difference. We’re so grateful to have you with us on this incredible journey. Your encouragement and feedback keep us motivated to deliver the best travel content we can.

And to our family and friends who have supported us from the very beginning, thank you. Your patience, your edits, and your unwavering belief in us have been invaluable. We wouldn’t have made it this far without you.

Here’s to the next chapter of our travels and the adventures ahead!

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It does take a village, and we have an awesome one! To learn more about our story, visit our About Us page.

Publications/Podcasts/Press Releases/Television Coverage where Wanderers Compass has been featured

Freelance Work Outside of Wanderers Compass Website

1. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, How to Visit Hiroshima Respectfully: A Meaningful Guide; Wander With Wonder, July 15, 2026

2. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Traveling Europe Across Generations; On Substack with Big Blend Media House, July 13, 2026

3. Joelle Machia, Readers’ Choice Awards Best Fast Casual Chain of 2026; “Expert” Panelist for Reviewed.com, July, 2026

4. Ryan Slough, Readers’ Choice Awards Best Sandwich Chains of 2026; “Expert” Panelist for Reviewed.com, July, 2026

5. Joelle Machia, Readers’ Choice Awards Best Taco Chain of 2026; “Expert” Panelist for Reviewed.com, July 15, 2026

6. Joelle Machia, Readers’ Choice Awards Best Airport Hotels of 2026; “Expert” Panelist for Reviewed.com, May 20, 2026

7. Joelle Machia, Readers’ Choice Awards Best Historic Hotels of 2026; “Expert” Panelist for Reviewed.com, May 20, 2026

8. Joelle Machia, Why Brand Loyalty Matters More for Business Travelers Than Most Professionals Realize, Forttuna Councils, May 18, 2026

9. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Caribbean Connections, On Substack with Big Blend Media, May 11, 2026

10. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Castle Hunting in Southern Wales, Travel Food and Wine Podcast Magazine. May, 2026

11. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Cappadocia: Walking Through Turkey’s Living Landscape; Food Wine and Travel Magazine, April 28, 2026

12. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Exploring Kyoto; Wanderers Compass and A Big Blend Media Substack Article and in Wanderers Compass Magazine, March 9, 2026

13. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Magical Istria; Wanderers Compass: A Big Blend Radio Podcast Magazine, February 9, 2026

14. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, The Thrill of Castle Hunting, March 2025 Highlights, Travel Food and Wine A Big Blend Radio Podcast Magazine; Vol 1/Issue 2025-2026

15. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Our First Book: Founders in Focus: Unstoppable Entrepreneurs & Their Game Plans, Chapters 6 & 7, Published January 2026

16. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Dubai, Reconsidered: What We Found When We Finally Said Yes; Wanderers Compass, A Big Blend Radio Podcast Magazine, January 13, 2026

17. Joelle Machia, Best Pizza Chain 2025, Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, July 2, 2025

18. Ryan Slough, Best Fast-Food Chain 2025- Readers’ Choice, Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, May 22, 2025

19. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Whisky and History: Exploring Edinburgh Castle Podcast, June 9, 2025

20. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Exploring the Presidio, San Francisco’s Best-Kept Secret, Parks, and Travel Magazine, May 12, 2025

21. Joelle Machia quoted in How to Bring Castlecore Elegance Into Your Home, Rent.com/Blog, May 9, 2025

22. Joelle Machia, Dalida: Mediterranean Magic in San Francisco’s Presidio, FWT Magazine, April 25, 2025

23. Joelle Machia, Best Pick-Your-Own Fruit Farm Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, May 8, 2025

24. Joelle Machia, Best Coolers Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, April 24, 2025

25. Joelle Machia, Best Petting Zoos Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, April 10, 2025

26. Joelle Machia, Best Amusement Park Live Show  Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, March 27, 2025

27. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, The Thrill of Castle Hunting, Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine, March 21, 2025

28. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, 8 Things to Love About Easter Island (Beyond the Moai), FWT Magazine, March 21, 2025

29. Our First Podcast: Castle Hunting Around the World, Big Blend Radio & TV, March 14, 2025

30. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough Exploring Montepulciano: A Guide to Tuscany’s Historic Hilltop Town and Its Famous Wines on Wanderlog.com March 12, 2025

31. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Dubrovnik Old Town Walls: A Must-See Croatian Landmark, Hero Traveler, March 10, 2025

32. Joelle Machia, Best Tour Operator  Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, February 13, 2025

33. Joelle Machia, Best Free Museum Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, January 30, 2025

34. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Tokyo Adventures: 4 Unique and Fun Things to Do, FWT Magazine, January 25, 2025

35. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Iceland Glacier Lagoons: The Ultimate Guide to Jokulsarlon, Fjallsarlon & Diamond Beach, Guide to Iceland Website, February 3, 2025

36. Joelle Machia, ” How Business Leaders Can Evaluate Their Effectiveness Over Time Forbes, December 3, 2024

37. Joelle Machia, How Business Travel Builds Better Leaders, Forbes, November 22, 2024

38. Ryan Slough, Best Whiskey – Readers’ Choice Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, October 10, 2024

39. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough A Journey on the Cumberland Valley Family Adventure Trail FWT Magazine October 18, 2024

40. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough Kinderijk Windmills Ultimate Guide to Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Netherlands Guest Post on herotraveler.com November 2024

41. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough Cologne Cathedral: History, Architecture and Things to Do Guest Post on herotraveler.com January 2025

42. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough Mas Olivier Winery: Authenticity Amidst Mass-Produced Traditions FWT Magazine August 30, 2024

43. Joelle Machia, contributing to 20 Steps Entrepreneurs Can Take To Level Up Their Businesses Panel Expert, Forbes, June 28, 2024

44. Joelle Machia, Cultural Intelligence: Navigating Cross-Cultural Business Interactions, Forbes, July 26, 2024

45. Joelle Machia, Dear Business Traveler: Step Off Your Balcony To Enjoy The Real Perks Of Business Travel, Forbes, September 17, 2024

46. Joelle Machia, Travel Writers Taste Yakima Valley Wines from Two of its 120 Wineries, FWT Magazine. June 25, 2024

47. Joelle Machia, Best Aquarium – Readers’ Choice Panel Expert Newsweek Magazine, March 14, 2024

Media Pieces Written About Wanderers Compass

1. How Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough Built Wanderers Compass Through A Shared Passion for Storytelling and Cultural Discovery (July 20, 2026)
Travel HQ

2. Meet Ryan Slough (May 18, 2026)
Bold Journey Magazine

3. How Ryan Slough Brings Cultural Context and Intentional Travel to Wanderers Compass (May 14, 2026)
New York Weekly

4. Ryan Slough Builds Wanderers Compass Around Cultural Travel and Better Travel Guidance (May 15, 2026)
LA Wire

5. Meet Joelle Machia (April 23, 2026)
Bold Journey Magazine

6. Ryan’s Placement on Forttuna Business Council, Official Profile (May 11, 2026)

7. USA Today Press Release of Joelle’s placement on the Forttuna Business Council as a Global Advisory Board Member (April 13, 2026). Also appeared across many publications worldwide.

8. LinkedIn announcement of Joelle’s placement on the Forttuna Business Council as a Global Advisory Board Member (February 2026)

9. Joelle Machia and Wanderers Compass: Redefining Transformational Travel with Purpose (January 19, 2026), CEO Weekly

10. Forttuna Global Excellence Awards 2025 Global Edition: Where Visionaries Forge the Future (2024)
Boston Herald and various other publications, such as AP News

11. Introducing the Icons of Influence: The Forttuna Group Unveils The Forttuna Global 100 (2025)
Various New Organizations

12. Meet the 15 Leading Travel Experts (2024)
MSN

Check out #2

13. Top 10 Most Incredible Travel Experts for Adventure Lovers Worldwide (2023)
LA Weekly

We are listed at #9

14. Wanderers Compass Travelers Joelle and Ryan Named Top Ten Most Incredible Travel Experts by LA Weekly (2023)
Yahoo Finance

15. Meet Joelle Machia (2025) Canvas Rebel

16. From Military Service to Global Exploration: How Army Veteran Ryan Slough Found Healing and Purpose Through Wanderers Compass Travel Blog (July 2025)
Luxury Travel Magazine

17. Planning the Perfect Getaway in 2025: Top Travel Solutions You Can Trust (October 2025)
Just Luxe

18. Why Wanderers Compass Founders Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough Say Meaningful Travel Begins on the Roads Less Traveled and How to Plan Adventures That Truly Matter (2025)
Elite Luxury News

19. Globetrotters Ryan & Joelle Share Essential Traveling Tips On Wanderers Compass (2023)
INSC Digital Magazine

20. The Wanderers Compass: Travels of Bloggers Ryan & Joelle Shared Through Breathtaking Photos (2023)
The Hustlers Digest

21. Castle Hunters: Travel Bloggers Ryan & Joelle Share The Tales of Exploring Over 350 Castles on Wanderers Compass (2023) Bulletin Feed

22. The Inspiring Story of Travelers Ryan and Joelle: Creators of the Popular Blog, Wanderers Compass (2023)
RedX Magazine

23. Cash-strapped but Got Itchy Feet? Fuel Your Wanderlust with Travel Bloggers Joelle and Ryan (2023)
NetNews Ledger

24. Redefining Travel: Content Creators Joelle and Ryan Explain Why a Great Travel Itinerary Is Important (2023)
Buzz Sentinel

25. Stories of Exploration: Globetrotting Duo Ryan and Joelle on Pursuing Their Dreams Through Wanderers Compass (2023)
Miami Daily Post

26. Joelle and Ryan from Wanderers Compass Share Five Reasons Why Travelling is Necessary (2023)
The Ohio Daily

27. The Wanderers Compass: Here’s How Ryan and Joelle Inspire Others for Travel and Adventure through Breathtaking Photography (2023)
London Daily Post

28. Travel Bloggers Joelle and Ryan Highlight Five Experiences That Should Not Be Missed While Traveling (2023)
Influencer Daily

29. Raise a Glass to Global Flavors: Explore the Best Libations from Around the World with Wanderers Compass (2023)
Disrupt Magazine

30. Healthy Travels: Oncology Nurse Joelle from Wanderers Compass Shares Pro Tips to Stay Healthy during International Travels (2023)
LA Progressive

31. Press Release Wanderers Compass Travelers Joelle and Ryan Named’ Top 10 Most Incredible Travel Experts’ by LA Weekly (2023)
Markets Business Insider

32. Press Release Wanderers Compass Travelers Joelle and Ryan Named’ Top 10 Most Incredible Travel Experts’ by LA Weekly (2023)
Market Watch

33. Embark on an Adventure with Joelle and Ryan’s Wanderers Compass (2023)
Readers Digest UK

34. From Anxious to Wanderlust: Finding Freedom in Travel with Joelle and Ryan (2024) The Chicago Weekly

35. Veterans’ Restorative Journeys: Exploring with Wanderers Compass (2024). The Chicago Journal

36.Travel Light, Travel Far: Essential Packing Strategies from Wanderers Compass (2024), Women’s Journal

37. The Rise of Authentic Travel: Beyond Perfect Social Media (2024) World Reporter

38. Ryan Slough named International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association Member of the Month, December 2024

39. Wanderers Compass Travelers Joelle and Ryan Named Top Ten Most Incredible Travel Experts by LA Weekly (2023)
Business Insider

40. North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) August Featured Journalist of the Month: Ryan Slough (2025)

Podcasts

1. Our Seventeenth Podcast on Big Blend Media, How Travel Builds Confidence Across Generations, July 13, 2026

2. Our First Edition of Table and Compass Podcast on Big Blend Media, The United Nations Is LIke A Table Where Every Country Has A Seat, July 6, 2026

3. Our Sixteenth Podcast on Big Blend Media, Caribbean Connections: Exploring Sint Maarten, Saint Martin & Anguilla, May 11, 2026

4. Our Fifteen Podcast on Big Blend Media House, Beyond the Postcard of the Caribben: Voices of Sint Maarten & Beyond, June 8, 2026

5. Our Return to the IFWTWA Podcast on Big Blend Media, Wales, United Kingdom Castle Hunting, April 20, 2026

6. Our Thirteenth Podcast on Wanderers Compass, Cotwolds, April 13, 2026

7. Our Twelfth Podcast on Wanderers Compass, Exploring Kyoto, March 9, 2026

8. Our Eleventh Podcast on Wanderers Compass, Discovering the Magic of Istria, February 9, 2026

9. Our Tenth Podcast on Wanderers Compass, Discovering Dubai: Where Tradition Meets Modern Life, January 12, 20256

10. Our Ninth Podcast on Wanderers Compass,
Chesapeake Stories & Coastal Charm: Exploring Maryland’s Eastern Shore, December 8, 2025

11. Our Eighth Podcast on Wanderers Compass,
Exploring Sustainable Tourism: A Global Perspective, November 10, 2025

12. Our Seventh Podcast on Wanderers Compass, Exploring the Susquehanna River Valley, October 13, 2025

13. Our Sixth Podcast on Wanderers Compass, Easter Island, September 8, 2025

14. Our Fifth Podcast on Wanderers Compass, Exploring Ireland Through a Child’s Eyes, August 11, 2025

15. Special Episode Collaboration, Historic Main Streets, Downtowns, Villages & Plazas, Big Blend Radio & TV, July 31, 2025

16. Our Fourth Podcast on Wanderers Compass Channel, Epic Adventures in Turkiye: Ancient Cities, Culture and Cuisine, Big Blend Radio & TV, July 14, 2025

17. Our Third Podcast on Wanderers Compass Channel, Whisky & History; Exploring Edinburgh Castle, Big Blend Radio & TV, June 9, 2025

18. Memorial Day collaboration with Big Blend Radio, Honoring Service: Acts of Kindness, Travel, and Military Appreciation, Big Blend Radio & TV, May 26, 2025

19. Our Second Podcast on Wanderers Compass Channel, Exploring The Presidio: San Francisco’s Best-Kept Secret, Big Blend Radio & TV, May 12, 2025

20. Our Inaugural Podcast on Wanderers Compass Channel, Travel Writer Success Insider with Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Big Blend Radio & TV, April 14, 2025

21. Our First Group Podcast Spring Garden Party Big Blend Radio & TV March 21, 2025

22. Our First Podcast: Castle Hunting Around The World, Big Blend Radio & TV, March 21, 2025

Contributor Spots

1. Joelle Machia Roaming the Globe: The Quest to Uncover the Best Pubs, Bars, and Breweries Around the World (2024) Article Ritz

2. Joelle Machia, Staying Safe and Healthy: A Guide to Navigating Health Emergencies While Traveling (2024), Posting Tree

3. Joelle Machia, How Traveling Can Transform Your Life? (2024) The Enterprise World

4. Ryan Slough First Time Traveling Abroad? Here is Everything You Need to Know (2024), California Business Journal

Interested in how you can travel for free? Check out our article here.

Television Interviews

1. Great Day Colorado Interview with Ryan

2. Wanderer’s Compass blog: Helping others realize their travel dreams
Massachusetts WWLP Mass Appeal Show

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