I caught up with the charismatic Jeff Jenkins, a trailblazer in redefining the narrative of plus-size travel. As a plus-sized content creator and National Geographic adventure host, Jenkins is breaking boundaries and advocating for accessibility in the travel industry. I was captivated by his exhilarating tales from scaling 70-foot rock cliffs to swimming with sharks. His story is a testament to resilience, diversity, and the resolve to redefine the world of travel.

It was thought-provoking hearing about Jeff's superpower - the ability to inject a positive vibe into any situation. His zest for life is infectious and his perspective on stepping beyond one's comfort zone is refreshing. Being the first black, plus-sized content creator on our show, Jeff's upcoming National Geographic show 'Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins' promises to be a game-changer, as it embarks on an eight-part series of life-transforming adventure challenges. A conversation that was long overdue, and we hope to see more of such diverse representation. 

Our conversation took an interesting turn when Jeff shared his passport stories and insights for fellow plus-sized travelers. From convincing his 60-year-old dad to get a passport to reminiscing about his trip to Japan, Jeff's travel anecdotes are heartwarming and inspiring. He emphasizes how travel changes one's perspective, paving the way to meet different people and experience diverse cultures. Jeff also shares practical tips for plus-sized travelers, encouraging them to explore freely and confidently. His empowering outlook on travel, representation, and accessibility is a beacon of hope for every plus-sized individual yearning to see the world.

Ready for an excursion through the gastronomic delights of Portland and the stunning sights of Oregon? Join us as we swap our globetrotting adventures for the charm of local travel. In this week's episode I wandered through the state’s beauty from Cannon Beach to the Gorge, all while relishing mouthwatering delicacies from places like Voodoo Donuts and Desi PDX. The melodic cheer of a Timbers game and the spirited atmosphere of a graduation at the University of Oregon added an unforgettable flavor to my journey. 

I was thrilled to have Judiaann Woo, a marketing consultant and digital creator, accompany me on this culinary  journey. Judiaann's love for Portland's food spots had us salivating and her insights on managing screen time and uplifting one's professional online presence were nothing short of enlightening. She shared her journey, her foodie favorites, and her knack for capturing the perfect travel shot. Her tips left us eager to explore more and, of course, to eat more! 

The podcast unwinds with a discussion around the economics of the restaurant industry and the significance of bolstering local food establishments. Portland's food scene vibrates with creativity and diversity, owing much to its inclusive nature. We dive into how this inclusivity promotes accessibility for all, regardless of background or budget. We talk about the impact of social media on kids and the importance of setting healthy boundaries around screen time. We also share some clever tips for improving your iPhone photography skills and creating organic connections on social media. So, let’s set off on this vibrant journey through Oregon, one story at a time.

We couldn't wait to chat with Emily Everett, co-owner of Portland's Quaintrelle restaurant and manager of Abbey Road Farm, You won't believe how her passion for creating unforgettable memories for her guests helped her overcome challenges and led to the restaurant's big move to its current location. Not only that, but we also discovered how Emily and her co-owners turned Abbey Road Farm into a thriving winery, event center, and bed and breakfast in Carlton, Oregon!

In this captivating conversation, Emily spills the beans on the farm's growth, which includes 42 acres of grapes, 14 different varietals, and a renovated horse arena that's now an event center. Be prepared to drool as we discuss the fascinating wine list curated by their wine director, Chris Cooper.  

But that's not all – Emily also shares her favorite recent meals in Portland, the best tofu she's ever had, and her go-to dishes. We wrap up the conversation by talking about her travel plans, dream destinations, and debunking the myth of Thomas Jefferson bringing macaroni and cheese to the United States. Trust us, you don't want to miss this delightful and mouthwatering episode!