The first series of an inspiring, new travel podcast – “This Place, This Story” – is officially launched today.

The first six episodes – which cover diverse locations from Malaysia to New Zealand – aim to inspire both armchair explorers and travellers who can't wait to hit the road in more socially engaged ways.

Each episode features:

• a love letter to one destination, a town, region or country
• locals and travel specialists who share their stories about what makes these places tick
• insider planning tips and expert insights

“I enjoyed contributing, I reckon it's interesting, fun and thought provoking, even in a tragic location like Myanmar," says Tony Wheeler.

“It's very different to other travel podcasts,” says Simon Richmond, one of the producer-presenters on the show. “Only one destination is covered in each episode, providing listeners with in-depth, behind the scenes, off-the-beaten path experiences and perspectives.”

“We feature people who really know their stuff – native born locals as well as expats – who are passionate about their neck of the woods – who take you on a journey to hear, see, taste, even smell their adventures”.

“And we tap into the shift towards slower and more considered vacations, where meaningful encounters with local people spark a connection, and real 'wow - that's amazing' moments,” says Simon.

“This podcast is very much a pandemic baby,” explains Tasmin Waby, another of the co-producers. “With travel writing off the table for a while there, a group of us got together and stoked our own wanderlust by creating something new in collaboration with contacts around the globe”.

Featured travel specialists include Tony Wheeler, founder of Lonely Planet Publications and Hilary Bradt, founder of Bradt Guides, along with numerous enthusiastic locals.

Discover how American expat Martin T. Sherman learned to love London by cycling around the UK's capital's historic streets. Join a fascinating road trip with Portuguese local, Ana Palma, through the backroads of Alentejo, via nature reserves and historic villages. Take a dip with Sophie Pierce into the rivers of Dartmoor, England, as well as the lakes and rivers of Myanmar with Dominic Horner. Join Marco Ferrarese on a hike across the rainforest interior of Penang, Malaysia and along the coast of New Plymouth on New Zealand's north island with Rawiri James.

PRODUCER-PRESENTERS: Kate Armstrong, Belinda Dixon, Doug Murray, Simon Richmond & Tasmin Waby

This production team of five has a culminated experience of 100 years of travel journalism, working with Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, BBC and other media.

Episodes:

1: Penang, Malaysia
2: London, UK
3. Alentejo, Portugal
4. Dartmoor, UK
5. Myanmar
6. Aotearoa/New Zealand

This Place, This Story is available on all the standard podcast apps including Apple, Spotify and Audible.

For more information:

(UK) Simon Richmond: +44 (0)790 607 8020, simonrichmond2@mac.com 
(USA) Kate Armstrong: +1 202 413 3184, karmstrong100@gmail.com