The Young Pioneer Podcast
Hosted by Justin Martell and the YPT team, The Pioneer Podcast is the official podcast of Young Pioneer Tours, offering unique perspectives as they travel to the world's most unusual and hard-to-reach destinations. The show provides insights into off-the-beaten-path travel experiences.
Episodes
S4, Ep 4: Exiles & Exploitation - Pitcairn Islanders & Ghana’s Hand-Painted Movie Posters
On this episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, we've got a special two-part edition. First, YPT Africa Regional Manager Morgan Bourven sits down with Robert Kofi of Ghana's Deadly Prey Gallery to discuss the country's famous hand-painted movie posters, how they came about, and why they've become sought-after works of art around the world. Then, YPT Pacific Regional Manager Justi
S4, Ep 3: Andrew MacLeod - What You Learn After Visiting Every Country
Former Red Cross and United Nations official, humanitarian lawyer, author and businessma Andrew MacLeod joins host Justin Martell on the Young Pioneer Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on visiting every country on Earth, working in war zones from Rwanda to the Balkans, coordinating the UN response to the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, and exposing abuses within the international aid sector. MacLeo
S4, Ep 2: Surviving Airline Chaos - The Return of Josh Cahill
Aviation YouTuber Josh Cahill returns to the Young Pioneer Podcast to break down the growing chaos in global air travel. As conflicts in the Middle East reshape flight routes and close major airspace corridors, airlines are scrambling to reroute aircraft and passengers are facing delays, cancellations, and unexpected journeys. Josh explains what’s really happening behind the scenes in the aviation
S4, Ep 1: Marko Peck - 2nd Passports, CBI & the Future of Global Mobility
In Season 4, Episode 1 of the Young Pioneer Tours Podcast, Justin Martell and Rowan Beard sit down in the Manila studio with global mobility expert Marko Peck, managing partner of Peck & Nascimben Global. With travel to 140+ countries and extensive experience advising governments and clients on citizenship by investment, Marko explains why second passports matter, how citizenship diversificati
S3, Ep 9: Inside the Pyongyang International Film Festival
In this episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, Justin Martell and Rowan Beard unpack their once in a lifetime experience attending the Pyongyang International Film Festival, offering rare insight into what it is actually like to travel to North Korea today. From cinema and cultural exchange to logistics, access, and how travel to the DPRK has evolved, this is a ground level update you won’t hear an
S3, Ep 8: General Butt Naked - From Cannibal Warlord to Preacher
In this episode, we speak with Joshua Milton Blahyi, better known to the world as General Butt Naked, one of the most feared rebel commanders of Liberia’s brutal civil war, which ravaged the country from 1989 to 1997. Once infamous for his violent tactics and ruthless reputation, Blahyi has since turned his life toward faith, preaching, and a mission of reconciliation. We discuss his rise during t
S3, Ep 7: Bougainville - Culture, Conflict, and the Path to a New Nation
Recorded during our recent trip to Bougainville - a corner of the pacific some say will soon become the world’s 194th country. From WWII relics and island villages to the Tama Festival and even a visit to the Twin Kingdom of Me’ekamui and Papaala, YPT’s latest visit went deeper than ever before.In this episode, YPT co-founder Gareth Johnson talks with our local partner John about life in this aut
S3, Ep 6: Lebanon Unveiled - Navigating History, Culture, and Resilience
Join Caitlin Graham, YPT's Middle East and Central Asia Manager, as she explores the complex history of Lebanon from the heart of Beirut. In this episode, Caitlin interviews our local guide, Mira, who shares invaluable insights into Lebanon's rich tapestry of cultures and religions, shaped by centuries of diverse influences.As Lebanon re-emerges as a travel destination after a challengin
S3, Ep 5: No Filter, All Adventure - Interview with Travel Content Creator Mike O'Kennedy
Join host Justin Martell on the Young Pioneer Podcast for an unfiltered conversation with Mike O’Kennedy (aka “Mike Okay”), the British travel documentarian whose boots have tread everything from Iraq’s war-scarred streets to North Korea's far east. In this episode, Mike pulls back the curtain on his experiences in conflict zones and unusual destinations, sharing behind-the-scenes stories fro
S3, Ep 4: Behind the Headlines - Interview with CNN's Will Ripley on Covering North Korea
In our latest episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, host Justin Martell had the privilege of speaking with Will Ripley, CNN’s Senior International Correspondent known for his extensive coverage of North Korea. With 19 visits to the Hermit Kingdom, Will offers a unique perspective on life in one of the world’s most enigmatic countries. Get In Touch! For more information on how you can visit our &qu
S3, Ep 3: The Black Girl from Pyongyang - Interview with Monica Macias
In this episode of The Young Pioneer Podcast, we delve into the life of Monica Macias, author of "Black Girl from Pyongyang." As the daughter of Francisco Macías, the first president of Equatorial Guinea, Monica's journey began when she was sent to North Korea for her education. There, she received personal guidance from President Kim Il-Sung, who had supported her father during Equ
S3, Ep 2: Mile High Club, Death Threats & US Ban - Interview with Aviation YouTuber Josh Cahill
In this exciting episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, we break the news that North Korea's special economic zone of Rason has officially reopened to foreign tourists. Tune in for the details of this development and what it means for future travel to the DPRK.But that’s just the beginning! In this epic, first-of 2025 episode, we are joined in our Manila studio by multi-award-winning airline a
S3, Ep 1: Visiting Papua New Guinea's Mount Hagen Festival
YPT are pleased to announce that the Young Pioneer Podcast is back with its third season, bringing listeners perspectives from some of the world’s most fascinating and sometimes controversial travel destinations! On this episode, Visiting Papua New Guinea’s Mount Hagen Festival, host Justin Martell shares his experience diving into the breathtaking beauty of Papua New Guinea—a land rich in unique
S2, Ep 6: June, 2024 North Korea Travel Update & Dr. Calvin Sun Interview
The Young Pioneer Podcast Season 2 concludes with a double-header episode! S2, Ep 6 opens with a discussion between host Justin Martell and YPT founder/CEO Gareth Johnson discussing the big question "when will North Korea re-open for tourism?" Recorded YPT's recent research trip to China to meet with our North Korean partners and explore the Sino-Korean border for the first time in
S2, Ep 5: Horn of Africa Part Three - Eritrea
On this inaugural 2024 episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, we open with an interview with YPT CEO and Founder Gareth Johnson to discuss a number of exciting, new tours just recently announced for this year. After speaking with Gareth, host Justin Martell debuts his interview with YPT's local travel partner in the reclusive horn of Africa nation of Eritrea, referred to by some as the "N
S2, Ep 4: Horn of Africa Part Two - Somaliland
On this episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, we kick things off by interviewing YPT's newest staff member Morgan Bourven, discussing his background and current focus on our cruise tours. After talking with Morgan, we continue our Horn of Africa series with a field recording of host Justin Martell's conversation with our local tour partner in the unrecognized sovereign state of Somalilan
S2, Ep 3: Horn of Africa Part One - Djibouti
On this episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, YPT guide Justin Martell brings listeners Part One of a three-part series recorded during our recent Horn of Africa tour. Covering Djibouti, Somaliland Eritrea and Mogadishu, our Horn of Africa tour provides travelers with an affordable and safe way to visit one of Africa's most geo-politically complex regions. In addition to an interview with YPT
S2, Ep 2: Mundari Cow Blowing and Urine Showers in South Sudan
On this episode of the Pioneer Podcast, YPT guides Justin Martell, Rowan Beard, along with a group of YPT travelers, explore the world's newest nation: the Republic of South Sudan. Neglected by the central government in Khartoum when part of Sudan and then plunged into civil war following independence in 2011, life has been hard for the South Sudanese. However, its people are friendly and hop
S2, Ep 1: Exploring the Island of Socotra, Yemen
In this episode, YPT partner and sometimes-guide Justin Martell talks with local Socotra travel operator Adnan Alnoby. The two discuss Socotra's past history and current political situation, as well as the amazing experience travelers can expect when visiting this unblemished, one-of-a-kind island paradise. Martell also provides listeners with exciting YPT tour updates. Get In Touch! For mor
S1, Ep 9: American Foreign Policy with Former US Congressman Dennis Kucinich
Gareth Johnson and Justin Martell speak with former congressman Dennis Kucinich. Kucinich has just published his latest book "The Division of Light and Power," which chronicles his struggle as America's youngest mayor to stop the sale of Cleveland's Municipal Light. On the back half of the conversation, Gareth and Justin are able to pose some general questions about American fo
S1, Ep 8: Felix Abt on Being a Capitalist in North Korea
Felix Abt is a business expert on North Korea currently based in Vietnam. Abt was one of the first foreign businessmen to seek and do business in Kim Jong Il's North Korea, where he lived between 2002 to 2009 consulting and advising on business development within the country. He is also the author of the fascinating memoir "A Capitalist in North Korea: My Seven Years in the Hermit Kingdo
S1, Ep 7: Exploring Antarctica with Jeffrey Donenfeld
On this episode on the Pioneer Podcast, co-host Justin Martell flies solo and interviews Jeffrey Donenfeld. Jeffrey Donenfeld is a venture investor, field science manager, and explorer. His projects have taken him across the polar regions, into the boardroom and occasionally onto broken dinghies. He’s a geek for a good rocket launch, loves almost missing flights, and yes, will listen to your start
S1, Ep 6: How to Buy Your Own Island & Start Your Own Micronation with Jodie Hill
On Episode 6 of the Pioneer Podcast, Gareth Johnson and Justin Martell interview Jodie Hill. Jodie Hill is a well-traveled English lawyer who was instrumental in helping to setup the world's first crowdfunded tropical island. She is also the Prime Minister that same Island's micronation, the Principality of Islandia!Get In Touch! For more information on how you can visit our "destin
S1, Ep 5: The World's Foremost Micronations Scholar Johnny Blair
On Episode 5 of the Pioneer Podcast, Gareth Johnson and Justin Martell interview Jonny Blair. Blair is a famous travel blogger from Northern Ireland, football fanatic and author/owner of dontstopliving.net. He is the foremost expert on micronations, and on this episode the group share their thoughts on which micronations truly 'count' as a country.Get In Touch! For more information on ho
S1, Ep 4: Dr. Joe Terwilliger on Meeting Kim Jong Un with Dennis Rodman
Our guest on Episode 4 of the Pioneer Podcast is Dr. Joseph Terwilliger. Dr. Joe is a geneticist, professor of neurobiology at Columbia University Medical Center, and a classically trained tuba player! However, our listners might be more familiar with Dr. Joe from seeing him alongside NBA superstar Dennis Rodman on his multiple trips to North Korea for his basketball diplomacy projects and meeting
S1, Ep 3: Traveling to "Weird" Countries with Professional Footballer Dave Kitson
Dave Kitson is an ex-Premier League footballer who made his name with Reading and Stoke. Following his career he has not been without controversy. He has stated that he would like to become PFA Chairman (trade union for footballers). On many occasions he has also been accused of being the “secret footballer” an as of now unknown ex-footballer who has written a number of tell all books about the pr
S1, Ep 2: Getting Kidnapped in Bir Tawil with Dean Karalekas
On Episode 2 of the Pioneer Podcast, Gareth Johnson and Justin Martell interview Dean Karalekas about his 2019 trip with Young Pioneer Tours to Bir Tawil, an uninhabited patch of land located between Egypt and Sudan. Dean Karalekas is an academic whose research interests include international security, indigenous rights, and cultural studies. He is also a frequent YPT traveler and the author of &
S1, Ep 1: Justin Martell on International Film Production
The first episode of the Pioneer podcast features two homegrown talents, with YPT founder Gareth Johnson and Pioneer Media founder Justin Martell taking the spotlight for the inaugural episode. Justin Martell in 2017 founded YPT’s partner, Pioneer Media, offering production services across a wide variety of unique locations from Asia to Eastern Europe. He has worked extensively in the horror movie
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