It has been a while since my last episode of Let’s Go Kickass Today and a part of me was wanting to relaunch the podcast when the calm had settled from the storm but frankly, we don’t know when that will be and we could all do with some additional inspirational content right now.

I couldn’t relaunch my podcast without reflecting on the change that has occurred since my last episode back in April. Not only change from the pandemic, but also by the death of a black American, George Floyd. The police brutality created a storm of protests and riots not only across America, but around the globe too.

Major organisations, companies, businesses and millions of individuals, are standing in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and the anti-racism it stands for. Rather than posting a simple black square on Instagram to show my solidarity with black people and the oppression, racism and discrimination they face, I wanted to interview incredible people from the fields of music, adventure and culture for my podcast, about their own experiences.

Rather than just interviewing my guests for audio platforms, I also wanted to explore video interviews too (over Zoom and over shaky internet might I add) so I could physically see them when I was talking to them. An aspect of my podcast that I genuinely love, is making connections with remarkable people and in some instances, making a friend and colleague too. I would love to say this was timed for Black History Month, but it actually was planned to be released in August but unfortunately, things in my life have been a little hectic. I don’t believe in having certain days or months for certain races or genders as honestly, everyday we should appreciate black people and how important they are to our race and planet, but if it encourages more conversations and education, then so be it.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with travel writer and content creator Travis Levius, where we talk all things travel, his journey into becoming a travel writer, authentic travel experiences and what the industry needs to do to become more equal for all. Click on his name to check out his beautifully curated Instagram filled with travel adventures and luxury hotel rooms, as well as his articles for CNN and so many more. As I say in the interview, he really nails Instagram.