The Young Pioneer Podcast

Епизоди

• S4, Ep 4: Exiles & Exploitation - Pitcairn Islanders & Ghana’s Hand-Painted Movie Posters 17.06.2026 32мин

  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 Justin Martell speaks with YPT's local partners on Pitcairn Island, the UK's most remote overseas territory, about life on...
• S4, Ep 3: Andrew MacLeod - What You Learn After Visiting Every Country 16.05.2026 1ч 44мин

  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. MacLeod reflects on North Korea, Darfur, Tuvalu, Nauru, and the global lessons learned after deca...
• S4, Ep 2: Surviving Airline Chaos - The Return of Josh Cahill 11.03.2026 1ч 36мин

  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 industry and shares insider travel tips for surviving airline disruptions. Get In Touch! For mo...
• S4, Ep 1: Marko Peck - 2nd Passports, CBI & the Future of Global Mobility 19.02.2026 1ч 11мин

  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 diversification works, and what it means for the future of travel and personal freedom. Listeners can also use...
• S3, Ep 9: Inside the Pyongyang International Film Festival 31.12.2025 1ч 8мин

  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 anywhere else. We also talk through upcoming and last-minute Young Pioneer Tours departures, includ...
• S3, Ep 8: General Butt Naked - From Cannibal Warlord to Preacher 05.10.2025 48мин

  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 the conflict, the horrors of the war years, and his journey as he seeks redemption and voices supp...
• S3, Ep 7: Bougainville - Culture, Conflict, and the Path to a New Nation 08.09.2025 31мин

  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 autonomous region, its independence movement, and what makes it distinct from mainland Papua ...
• S3, Ep 6: Lebanon Unveiled - Navigating History, Culture, and Resilience 02.07.2025 32мин

  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 challenging hiatus, they discuss the country's tumultuous past, including the civil war, recent financial crises, an...
• S3, Ep 5: No Filter, All Adventure - Interview with Travel Content Creator Mike O'Kennedy 06.05.2025 1ч 21мин

  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 from Mosul to North Korea. He discusses the art of unscripted travel, describing how adventures like hitc...
• S3, Ep 4: Behind the Headlines - Interview with CNN's Will Ripley on Covering North Korea 22.03.2025 1ч 7мин

  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 "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.
• S3, Ep 3: The Black Girl from Pyongyang - Interview with Monica Macias 10.03.2025 1ч 17мин

  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 Equatorial Guinea's fight for independence from Spanish colonial rule. Following her father's assassination in a co...
• S3, Ep 2: Mile High Club, Death Threats & US Ban - Interview with Aviation YouTuber Josh Cahill 17.01.2025 2ч 41мин

  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 and aviation YouTuber, Josh Cahill. Known for his engaging and, at times, controversial airline review...
• S3, Ep 1: Visiting Papua New Guinea's Mount Hagen Festival 12.10.2024 26мин

  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 cultures and stunning scenery. At this year’s Mount Hagen Festival tour, Justin had the ple...
• S2, Ep 6: June, 2024 North Korea Travel Update & Dr. Calvin Sun Interview 10.06.2024 1ч 8мин

  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 four years, which made news among the community of North Korea watchers, the discussion gives a projected timeli...
• S2, Ep 5: Horn of Africa Part Three - Eritrea 08.02.2024 54мин

  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 "North Korea of Africa." Get In Touch! For more information on how you can visit our "destinations you...
• S2, Ep 4: Horn of Africa Part Two - Somaliland 06.12.2023 47мин

  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 Somaliland. As usual, Martell provides updates on YPT's upcoming tours to Mali, Burkina Faso and Angola. Get I...
• S2, Ep 3: Horn of Africa Part One - Djibouti 09.10.2023 31мин

  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's local guide about Djibouti and its growing tourism sector, Martell also provides updates on North K...
• S2, Ep 2: Mundari Cow Blowing and Urine Showers in South Sudan 07.07.2023 1ч 12мин

  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 hopeful, and its landscape is rich in culture that is completely unique to this young country. Listen to ...
• S2, Ep 1: Exploring the Island of Socotra, Yemen 14.04.2023 45мин

  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 more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from"...
• S1, Ep 9: American Foreign Policy with Former US Congressman Dennis Kucinich 10.04.2023 36мин

  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 foreign policy and the importance of dialogue in international relations. Get In Touch! For more information on how yo...