In Part 2 of this interview, travel journalist Joel Balsam explains how to effectively pitch publications, and how he structures his lifestyle of full time world travel. He then reflects on the ethics of travel writing, the white man’s gaze, and the dynamics of the travel-influencer economy. Matt and Joel share their experiences and inspiration from Langa Township in South Africa. Next they reflect on genocides, ethnic cleansing, and the importance of supporting collective liberation. Joel then reflects on the impact travel has had on him as a person and how Anthony Bourdain influenced him. Finally, Matt and Joel reflect on the importance of platforming marginalized narratives and standing in solidarity with oppressed people. FULL SHOW NOTES AT: www.TheMaverickShow.com
Episode #267: The Ethics of Travel Writing, Platforming Marginalized Voices, and Supporting Collective Liberation with Joel Balsam
Episode Summary
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About the Guest
Joel Balsam
Joel Balsam is a Canadian freelance journalist, author of 13 Lonely Planet guidebooks, and has been a full-time digital nomad since 2015. With more than a decade of experience as a freelancer, he has reported from five continents on a wide array of topics including travel, culture, language, environment, politics, technology, and business. Joel has written for Travel + Leisure, National Geographic Travel, Time, The Guardian, BBC Travel, Lonely Planet, Atlas Obscura, The Globe and Mail, Vice, ESPN and many more. He speaks 4 languages and has traveled to nearly 60 countries.
What You'll Learn
- Understanding the travel-influencer economy and how to navigate the ethical challenges of travel writing.
- Lessons and Inspiration from Langa Township in Cape Town, South Africa
- How to Platform Marginalized Voices and Support Collective Liberation
Links From the Episode
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CHECK OUT JOEL’S LONELY PLANET GUIDEBOOKS
READ JOEL’S ARTICLES
- Pictures of Bread Baking for Day of the Dead Celebrations in Oaxaca, Mexico
- The Dream of An ‘Internet Country’ That Would Let You Work From Anywhere
- Black Cowboys: Creole Trail Rides Showcase Unique Culture
- The Mysterious, Naked Night Runners of Western Kenya
- What Happened to Montreal’s Legendary Melon?
- Chasing River Monsters
- Snake Venom and Cancer Research
#1 BOOK THAT JOEL RECOMMENDS
#1 PERSON WITH WHOM JOEL WANTS TO HAVE DINNER
TOP 3 FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
TOP 3 BUCKETLIST DESTINATIONS
LOCATION WHERE THE INTERVIEW TOOK PLACE
OTHER PLACES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
TOP 6 HIPHOP EMCEES
CONTACT JOEL
Time Stamped Show Notes
**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.
[3:15] How to Pitch Publications as a Freelance Writer
[5:11] How Joel Structures His Travel Lifestyle
[7:45] Joel’s Reflections on the Ethics and Politics of Travel Writing
[12:35] Lessons from Langa Township in Cape Town, South Africa
[15:50] Reflecting on Genocides and Ethnic Cleansing
[18:55] Reflections on Solidarity and Collective Liberation
[22:00] How Travel Has Impacted Joel
[24:14] The Impact of Anthony Bourdain
[26:30] Platforming Marginalized Narratives and Standing in Solidarity with Oppressed Groups
[30:22] The Lightning Round
[39:35] How to Contact and Follow Joel
