Without Maps Podcast

I’m addicted to traveling. I mean, also, drugs, sex and alcohol, yes sure (well, in the past say). But I went to everything from boarding school, to dozens of AA and SCA meetings, to a mini rehab, to a few ashrams, to endless therapists (some who I slept with, so that didn’t help), to the finest spas across the planet, to just fucking cold turkey to deal with all of those. Travel, well that’s different, it’s heroin for your bullshit, it's a gang bang for your bigotry. I see your judgment, and that’s just fine.

Join us as we pop the cork with Pauline Lhote, the lead sparkling winemaker at CHANDON in Napa, California. From the art of crafting world-class sparkling wines to the science behind each bubble, Pauline shares insights into the winemaking process, her journey in the industry, and what makes CHANDON’s sparkling wines truly exceptional. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just curious about what goes into every bottle, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship, passion, and style that define modern sparkling wine.

It is the faux filled, shiny and bright theme park that holds and thrills real America, and brings every possible iteration of America together.

You know sometimes you meet people and you just click? Well that was it with the fabulous owners of St. James Social - a boutique hotel in Bayfield, Wisconsin. So please meet the delightful Annalisa Bermel and her husband, Cody (you will love his warm and fuzzy accent). They have superior taste and if you need a getaway place, this should be very high on your list. Listen to how they built it...

Yes sometimes even I need some alone time on the islands. 

Every time I think I managed to get under America’s skin I realize I don’t know it at all. I’ve traveled to most of the states at this point - by train, boat, doggie-sled, plane, horseback, sea plane, snowboard, and a wagon of some kind - and, of course, also road tripped virtually across every inch of this giant, glorious lump of a country. But more lessons are always waiting for me...

The land of the Berber hasn’t changed - adventure still conquers. Come with me as we find something beautiful in Morocco. 

Blanche is a world traveler. She is easy, adventurous, curious and never says no. We have since I was a little boy been all over the planet - many times over. Recently at age 80 something she arrives in Los Angeles for the first time and explains "What a Marvelous place - let's explore it all" or on our trip to Tokyo she learnt that yes at a certain age even a lady should be luxuriating in sneakers. She hangs out with all my friends, even in their NYC hotel rooms when they're getting hair cuts. She naps anywhere and speaks to everyone. Here are some of our adventures together. 

Now we have been friends for over 15 years, so to me it's just lovely Bob. But in fact Bob Guccione Jr is a legend in the publishing business - he started SPIN magazine and more recently Wonderlust Travel. He knows a lot about a lot, and I always marvel at his wit, creative mind and soulfulness. We sit down for a long long chat, which I think you will enjoy very much. He says it like it is, as you know I like to do myself. 

In today's episode, we're spending time with the French born chef Dominique Crenn. She is the only female chef in the United States to attain three Michelin stars for her restaurant, Atelier Crenn, in San Francisco We hung out and talked about love, life, travel, food, the menus she’s doing for the Belmond riverboats in France, and even her kids. I've been in love with Dominique since the moment we met, because not only did I think that she was witty and very smart, she also had this deep wisdom… and a little twinkle in her eye.