I’m Katie, and traveling the world is basically my main personality trait. I just got back from my latest adventure—Guatemala and El Salvador—and I can’t wait to overshare every juicy detail with my desk-mate Grace (whether she likes it or not).

On this trip, I turned the big 3-0, leveled up my Spanish (hola, ¿cómo se dice “help”?), explored the fascinating culture of the local Mayans, surfed some gnarly waves, and dove deep into the recent political discourse in El Salvador.

This travel series has it all—laughs, learning, food that’ll make your mouth water, and moments so unforgettable they’ll have you reaching for your passport.

So, join me as we head south to Central America, meet incredible locals, and uncover how tourism is shaping their world. This is Broad Abroad!

This podcast was recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Agreement.
Broad Abroad is a production of Gotham West Studios. All rights reserved.

Episode 1, Lake Atitlán: Volcanos, Culture, and Celebration

What better place to celebrate my 30th birthday than at Lake Atitlán, AKA the Lake Como of Central America. This place is pure magic—surrounded by three towering volcanoes and home to indigenous Mayan communities who craft the most beautiful handmade clothing and cook up mouthwatering local dishes.

I found the dreamiest (and budget-friendly!) Airbnb villa with jaw-dropping views of the lake and volcanos, and to make things even more special, I hired local chefs to whip up a feast twice a day. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off the trip!

The warmth of the people here, the vibrant culture, and the sheer beauty of the landscapes have completely stolen my heart. Guatemala isn’t just a hidden gem—it’s a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences. If it’s not on your bucket list yet, trust me, it should be!

00:00 – Welcome to Broad Abroad

00:04 – Exploring Guatemala & El Salvador

02:22 – Travel Adventures & Reflections

03:16 – How Katie Planned Her Big 3-0 Bash 🎉

07:09 – First Impressions of Guatemala

10:11 – Magical Moments at Lake Atitlán

12:56 – ATV Town-Hopping

15:28 – Crafts & Culture: Weaving & Pottery 🧶

17:41 – Katie’s Birthday Bash Highlights 🎂

24:20 – Jewelry Shopping & Local Life

29:43 – Reflections & Farewell Feels

Pack your bags and get ready to wander with Katie in this inspiring and playful episode of Broad Abroad!

Links

Air BnB, Villa Patziac 

ATV tour with Simoon Rentals & Tours 

Avianca Airlines

This podcast was recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Agreement.
Broad Abroad is a production of Gotham West Studios. All rights reserved.

After checking out of my birthday villa, I took a quick two-minute lancha ride to Free Cerveza, an eco-friendly hostel, to spend my final two nights at Lake Atitlán. In hindsight, I’m starting to think I should’ve done these two stays in reverse order...

Next, I headed to Antigua—a picturesque Spanish colonial city brimming with museums, restaurants, and shops. It’s truly a tourist’s haven. With its lava cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and incredible food scene, it’s no surprise this gem is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To dive deeper into Guatemalan history, I joined a free walking tour with Happy Harold, who brought the city’s rich history and culture to life. He was so entertaining and, true to his name, so happy! Definitely a 10/10 tour.

But, of course, no trip is complete without a little chaos. Just when everything seemed picture-perfect, disaster struck… below the belt. And, of all nights, it happened right before my Acatenango Volcano overnight hike—a must-do experience in Guatemala if you’re up for it.

Let’s just say it became a cautionary tale of what not to do before tackling the country’s most iconic trek. But hey, what’s an adventure without a few hiccups? Between the laughs, lessons, and jaw-dropping views, this trip has already secured its spot as one for the books.

I should get some rest now because tomorrow I’m up early for my flight to… El Salvador!

00:25 Villa Vibes to Hostel Horrors 

01:17 Hostel Horrors: Katie's Experience at Free Cerveza

03:01 Grace's Nightmare Hostel Story in Bali

08:35 Kayaking and Hiking Misadventures

10:59 Preparing for the Volcano Hike: Tips and Warnings

16:50 Antigua Adventures: Exploring the Town and Its History

24:00 Tourism and Inequality in Guatemala

25:30 Challenges and Hopes for Guatemala's Future

31:06 Volcano Hike

42:50 Conclusion and Credits



Season 1, Episode 2, Links

Free Cervesa Hostel

Barbara’s Boutique Hostel 

Shuttle between Lake Atitlán and Antigua

Free Walking Tour with Happy Harold 

Rincón antigüeño

Sources 

Poverty Stats 

Children living in poverty

Corruption 

Discrimination 

This podcast was recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Agreement.
Broad Abroad is a production of Gotham West Studios. All rights reserved.

Next stop: El Salvador! I’ve heard so much about the country’s dramatic improvements in safety under President Nayib Bukele, and I was curious to see it for myself. I met Giovanni, a local Spanish teacher, who shared his perspective on how things are changing here—especially when it comes to security and tourism.

Spending time with Giovanni reminded me why I love learning Spanish so much. It’s not just about the language itself but about connecting with people on a deeper level. And speaking of new challenges, I decided to try my hand at surfing for the first time! Let’s just say it was a humbling experience, but there’s something so exhilarating about learning a skill that forces you to let go and go with the flow (literally).

El Salvador surprised me in all the best ways, and I’m leaving here inspired and more curious than ever about this vibrant country.

0:44 Welcome to El Salvador

1:11 El Salvador's Dark Past and Hopeful Future

5:02 Exploring El Salvador: From Flights to Fun

08:58 Practicing Spanish with Lisbeth

17:17 Transportation in El Salvador

18:35 Surfing Adventures

22:07 Culinary Delights: Pupusas

23:59 Spanish Lessons with Giovanni

26:26 Bitcoin and Safety in El Salvador

Links Episode 3

Esencia Nativa

Los 3 Hermanos Surf School 

Sources 

​​NBC News Clip 

This podcast was recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Agreement.
Broad Abroad is a production of Gotham West Studios. All rights reserved.

Welcome to Broad Abroad, the travel podcast that explores the world with curiosity, chaos, and a bit of humor 🌍🎙️ 

My last few days in El Salvador gave me so much to reflect on. This trip wasn’t just about the adventure—though that seven waterfalls hike with my guide Elmer was jaw-dropping and the pupusas were life-changing (seriously, I could eat them every day)  It was also about getting a deeper understanding of El Salvador’s complex history—from gang violence to shifting political tides. One of the most powerful moments was a free walking tour with Héctor, who shared his firsthand story of growing up during the height of gang control. His resilience, honesty, and take on President Bukele’s controversial policies gave me a whole new perspective. Every time I travel, I’m reminded that the most important stories come from local voices. That’s what makes exploring new places so meaningful to me. And as this chapter closes... I think Asia might be calling next 🛫🌏 

📍 Chapters 

00:00 – Introduction & Disclaimer 

01:57 – Seven Waterfalls Hike 

💧 05:34 – Héctor’s Story of Resilience 

12:59 – Bitcoin & Tourism ₿✈️ 

21:28 – Living Under Gang Control 26:17 – Bukele’s Rise to Power 29:06 – Encounters with Police 🚓 32:26 – CECOT: The Harshest Prison 🏢 42:50 – Historical Gang Context 44:22 – Hope for El Salvador’s Future 48:44 – Reflections on Travel 🌍 51:02 – Credits & Acknowledgments 🧭 Links 🚶‍♂️ Walking Tour with Héctor https://www.guruwalk.com/es/walks/62117-come-como-un-local-camina-como-un-amigo?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeOG_Lig-uB3FYFqHGV71QApR59XCe9-nmx2PIYcdi7AT0eSAFAZqqmUTZtRg_aem_zX6OiTDPQuS_X39MM1M0xg https://www.instagram.com/hector_kw6?igsh=bGw1bWo3cWZncDUx

 

 

This podcast was recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Agreement.
Broad Abroad is a production of Gotham West Studios. All rights reserved.

Watch Full Videos + Bonus Content on YouTube @BroadAbroadPodcast

Instagram @BroadAbroadPodcast

In Season 2 of Broad Abroad, I travel curiously through South Korea—from ice fishing to the DMZ, spa treatments, sizzling K-BBQ, and Seoul street snacks. But it’s not just about food and fun—I sit down with locals, professors, and creators to ask: what does it really mean to be Korean today?

Expect honest conversations about beauty standards, family pressures, cultural taboos, and Korea’s dramatic rise from war-torn to world stage. This season peels back the glossy surface to reveal the heart of Korea.

Full episodes drop every other Monday starting May 26. Let’s travel curiously.

 

 

This podcast was recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Agreement.
Broad Abroad is a production of Gotham West Studios. All rights reserved.

Watch Full Video on YouTube

Travel TikTok's Posted Daily 

 

 

🌏 In this episode:

• Katie’s housing hack that helped her afford a month of global travel 🏠
• Visiting the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival — a 3-week trout ice fishing festival complete with bare-handed fishing and heated “foreigner shelters”
  → Festival Website  (runs in January)
• Skiing at Yongpyong Resort, the biggest ski resort in Korea and home to the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang
  → Yongpyong Resort
• Getting around Korea without Google Maps (hint: download Naver Maps or Kakao Maps)
• Using a T-money card for metro rides (pick one up at any CU convenience store!)
• Grilling freshly caught Sancheoneo trout and trying bare-hand ice fishing 🐟
• Navigating etiquette with a toddler, an octopus, and a very helpful Korean man
• Visiting a traditional fish market and witnessing the king crab selection process at Sorae Pogu Fish Market (소래포구 종합어시장)
  → Sorae Pogu Info
• Sampling beondegi (번데기) aka silkworm pupae 🤢 and classic street snacks like hotteok (호떡)
• Dining at Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자), a Michelin guide restaurant serving legendary kalguksu noodles
  → Myeongdong Kyoja
• Joining a Gwangjang Market food tour with a guide who may or may not be a K-model 😳
  → Gwangjang Market

🧠 Katie’s Travel Tips:

• Don’t rely on Google Maps in Korea! Naver and Kakao are your besties.
• Hold onto that T-money card—you’ll use it for trains, buses, and more.
• Want to ski in Korea? Rentals are cheap, slopes are accessible, and you can even rent ski clothes on the spot.
• Sharing food is the norm—expect lots of plates, scissors, and communal bites.

🍻 Featured Korean Drinks:

• Soju + Beer = Somaek (소맥): The country’s go-to drink combo
• Makgeolli (막걸리): A traditional, slightly fizzy rice wine served in bowls

Guest Cameos:

• 🎙 Maria & Mark (Dan’s friends on sabbatical in Korea)
• 🎙 Bryan Jun, Korean-American content creator
  → Bryan on TikTok

This podcast was recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Agreement.
Broad Abroad is a production of Gotham West Studios. All rights reserved.

Welcome to Broad Abroad: the travel podcast that explores the world with curiosity. 🌍

✈️ In Season 2, I flew across the world in the dead of winter to uncover the real South Korea—from K-beauty to the DMZ, street food to K-pop, and everything in between.

🎧 Episode 2: Korean Beauty & Military Service – Glowing Up and More
Summary:
From $60 Botox to K-pop controversies, this episode of Broad Abroad is more than skin deep. I’m Katie, and I let Korea freeze my face and melt my double chin (for science and for content). Then I sat down with Koreans to ask why looking good is mandatory—and so is the military. We talk BTS enlistment, Yoo Seung-jun’s dramatic downfall, and how beauty standards shape identity. Plus, co-host Grace helps me unpack viral scalp facials, snail slime serums, and a love letter to Olive Young.

Highlights:
💉 Get $60 Botox in Korea (and freeze your forehead at 30)
🔬 Experience a Korean skin analysis, redness therapy, and viral scalp facial
🔥 Try a fat-zapping “InMode” treatment and debate salmon DNA injections
🧴 Haul the best K-beauty at Olive Young (snail mucin, birch juice, and more)
🛍️ Discover why Korean shirts say “Michigan” instead of Hangul
🎤 Dive into K-pop culture, BTS enlistment, and Singles Inferno
🪖 Explore South Korea’s mandatory military service—and Yoo Seung-jun’s downfall
💬 Chat with Korean-American creator Bryan Jun about identity, fame, and controversy

🎙️ Featuring: ⁨@TheBryanJun⁩
📸 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@broadabroadpodcast
🌏 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/broadabroadpodcast/

🎧 Listen to the podcast:
Apple Podcasts (enhanced audio-only) → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/broad-abroad/id1787966980

✈️ Planning a trip to Korea?
Get 10% off your cultural experience with Korea by Local using code BROADABROAD.

👇 CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Botox in Korea: $60 and Frozen at 30
03:00 - Full Rundown: Facials, Lifting, Fat-Melting Tech
07:00 - What Is InMode? And Is It Worth It?
10:00 - Salmon DNA, Glass Skin & Korean Beauty Standards
13:05 - Budget Beauty Travel Tips
14:43 - Viral Scalp Therapy & Olive Young Haul
18:40 - Snail Mucin, Birch Juice & More
19:52 - Korean Shopping Culture (Wallace & Gromit??)
22:00 - K-pop Fame & Public Scrutiny
26:12 - Military Service: Law, Loyalty, & the K-pop Dilemma
33:00 - Will BTS Reunite?
35:10 - Sneak Peek: Korean History with Prof. Lee
35:45 - Credits & Gratitude

—

💬 Say hi in the comments! Have you tried Korean skincare? Do you think celebrities should be exempt from military service?

#koreabeauty #kbeauty #travelpodcast

This podcast was recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Agreement.
Broad Abroad is a production of Gotham West Studios. All rights reserved.

💻 FULL VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

🇰🇷 In this episode, we dive deep into Korea’s past and present with a gripping history lesson:
How did South Korea go from being one of the poorest, most war-ravaged countries on Earth…to becoming one of the richest and most influential in just 40 years?

🎙️ Featuring:
-Professor Lee, born in 1956 in Seoul, who survived the Korean War and witnessed Korea’s meteoric rise
-Raw reflections on poverty, U.S. military aid, and pop culture’s role in Korea’s global rise
-Unfiltered truths about today’s challenges: chaebols, education pressure, birth rates, and more

🔎 Chapters
00:00 – Korea’s Historic “Glow-Up”
01:05 – The Rise and Fall of Korea’s Dynasties
02:45 – Japanese Colonial Rule & Erasure of Identity
04:00 – The Cold War Splits a Nation
05:00 – 3 Million Deaths & No Peace: The Korean War
06:15 – Meet Professor Lee: A Firsthand Account
10:15 – Pop Culture, American Aid & the Miracle Economy
17:00 – Korean Etiquette Tips for Travelers
19:15 – Millennial Pressure, Burnout & Education Extremes
22:28 – The Chaebol Dynasty: Republic of Samsung?
29:18 – Modern Korea’s Challenges—and its Bright Future

👇 Let me know your thoughts in the comments—especially if you’re Korean or have visited Korea recently!

#KoreanHistory #TravelPodcast #SouthKorea🇰🇷 #TravelCuriously #BroadAbroad

This podcast was recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Agreement.
Broad Abroad is a production of Gotham West Studios. All rights reserved.

Trash balloons. Underground tunnels. Martial law.

In the season finale of Broad Abroad: Korea, I travel to the DMZ to get a firsthand look at the world’s most surreal border—and then stumble into protests the next day. From secret infiltration tunnels to speakers blasting K-pop into North Korea, this episode unpacks the bizarre reality of life at the edge of two Koreas.

My guest Bryan Jun breaks down South Korea’s wild political rollercoaster—yes, including President Yoon's declaration of martial law and impeachment. But don't worry: there's also some lighter bonus episodes on Korea coming soon.

As always: Travel curiously.

📍 CHAPTERS:

00:00 Intro – Poop Balloons & DMZ
01:00 Visiting the DMZ (feat. Alex the tour guide)
04:00 Secret Tunnels and Sneak Attacks
06:00 North Korea’s Empty Buildings & Propaganda
08:00 Political Tensions
12:00 What It Would Take to Reunify Korea
15:00 Bryan Jun on Korea’s Wild Presidential Track Record
23:00 Travel Tips + Farewell to Korea
24:00 What’s Next: Bonus Episodes & Side Quest Tease

This podcast was recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Agreement.
Broad Abroad is a production of Gotham West Studios. All rights reserved.

Planning a trip to the Philippines can feel overwhelming — there are more than 7,600 islands to choose from, and I wanted to see everything. In this episode, I share what I actually did on my two-week trip and what I wish I had done differently. I’m joined by my friend (and actor) Mucho Garcia, who grew up in Cebu, and he adds local insight, cultural context, and plenty of must-do recommendations.

This one feels really special to me because it’s not just about beaches and boats — it’s about the choices you make when you travel, and the balance between wanting to see it all and actually slowing down to enjoy it.

Watch the Full Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MuikSL9wvE

Follow the journey:
https://www.tiktok.com/@broadabroadpodcast
https://www.instagram.com/broadabroadpodcast

Chapters
0:00 – Welcome to the Philippines 🇵🇭
3:00 – My 2-week Philippines itinerary
6:00 – Scuba diving & Apo Island
8:00 – Volcano caves
12:00 – Manila traffic & Boracay beaches
13:00 – Unique things to do (sardine run, canyoning, tarziers, Chocolate Hills)
17:00 – Katie’s Travel Tips (transport, safety, cash, scuba)
20:00 – Filipino food & desserts (halo-halo, ube, lechon)
25:00 – Traditions, tattoos, karaoke, and culture
28:00 – Lessons learned: slowing down when traveling

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Broad Abroad so we can keep traveling curiously together!

Connect with Mucho:
https://www.instagram.com/muchogarciagarcia/

#Philippines #TravelPodcast #BroadAbroad #TravelCuriously #TravelPodcast

This podcast was recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Agreement.
Broad Abroad is a production of Gotham West Studios. All rights reserved.

Whale shark tourism in the Philippines has exploded in recent years, especially in Oslob where encounters are guaranteed by feeding the sharks. When I first started planning my trip, I was so tempted — I mean, how often do you get the chance to swim alongside a whale shark? But then I started hearing more about the ethics behind it, and I knew I wanted to dive deeper into the debate.
In this episode, I sit down with two incredible guests who love the ocean even more than I do:

Louise “Shark” Rascon – Sustainability designer & environmental scientist
Instagram: / louisekicclao
Her thesis: https://tinyurl.com/y5htseuh

Elle Hernandez – Marine biologist & TikTok creator
Instagram: / ellehernndz
TikTok: / ellehernndz

🌊 Together, we talk about:
-What’s really happening with whale shark feeding in Oslob and why it matters
-More ethical alternatives like Donsol’s community-led ecotourism program
-The real state of the Philippines’ coral reefs (and why “pretty” doesn’t always mean healthy)
-What I learned from Chris, a local dive master in El Nido, about tourism, climate change, and reef health
-How tourism can harm — but also help — coastal communities

Chapters
0:00 – Intro: Why whale sharks brought me to the Philippines
2:00 – The truth about whale shark feeding in Oslob
4:00 – Donsol: a sustainable alternative
7:00 – Coral reefs and the myth of “pretty = healthy”
9:00 – Local dive master insight from El Nido
10:30 – Climate change & community impacts
13:00 – How to practice responsible tourism
15:00 – Closing thoughts: travel curiously, travel responsibly

This episode is really close to my heart because it blends my love of scuba diving with the bigger question of how we, as travelers, can leave places better than we found them. If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, I hope this inspires you to think a little differently about how you spend your time in the water.

📸 Follow the journey:
/ broadabroadpodcast
/ broadabroadpodcast

#Philippines #WhaleSharks #SustainableTravel #BroadAbroad #TravelCuriously

This podcast was recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Agreement.
Broad Abroad is a production of Gotham West Studios. All rights reserved.