The Young Pioneer Podcast

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 an island settled by the descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers.

From Ghana's unique movie poster tradition to one...

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 decades spent at the frontlines of conflict, disaster relief, and international politics.

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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.

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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 code YPTCBI2026 for 50% off a private consultation.

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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, including January trips to Western Sahara and Benin and Togo. 

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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 support for justice, even if he himself stands among the accused.

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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 New Guinea. 

Our Bougainville tour is available as an add-o...

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, and the impacts of the Beirut Port explosion. With 18 recognized religious groups coexisting within its borders, Lebanon's history is a mosaic of opinions...

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 hitchhiking across China fuel his philosophy of embracing chaos with humor.

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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. 

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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 coup in 1979, Monica continued to reside in Pyongyang under the care of the "fatherly leader." Join us as we uncover her e...

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 content, Josh has captivated millions with his unique perspective on travel. From luxurious Emirates flights to th...

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 pleasure of interviewing our local tour leader, Pious, who shares insights into the festival’s rich history and its significanc...

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 timeline for the Hermit Kingdom's re-opening as well as some educated guesses about the future of tourism in North Korea. 

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." 

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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. 

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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 Korea travel and popular upcoming tours, such as the return of our one-of-a-kind Least Visited Countries Tour.

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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 this episode for field recordings made during a night spent with the nomadic Mundari tribe, the infamous...

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.  

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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.

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Felix Abt is a business expert on North Korea currently based in Vietnam. Abt was one of the first foreign businessmen to seek and do business in Kim Jong Il's North Korea, where he lived between 2002 to 2009 consulting and advising on business development within the country. He is also the author of the fascinating memoir "A Capitalist in North Korea: My Seven Years in the Hermit Kingdom." On this episode, Gareth and Justin are joined by YPT's North Korea tour manager Rowan Beard for a conversation with Felix Abt and delve into everything regarding doing business with one of...

On this episode on the Pioneer Podcast, co-host Justin Martell flies solo and interviews Jeffrey Donenfeld. Jeffrey Donenfeld is a venture investor, field science manager, and explorer. His projects have taken him across the polar regions, into the boardroom and occasionally onto broken dinghies. He’s a geek for a good rocket launch, loves almost missing flights, and yes, will listen to your startup pitch. Find him at http://jeffreydonenfeld.com/

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On Episode 6 of the Pioneer Podcast, Gareth Johnson and Justin Martell interview Jodie Hill. Jodie Hill is a well-traveled English lawyer who was instrumental in helping to setup the world's first crowdfunded tropical island. She is also the Prime Minister that same Island's micronation, the Principality of Islandia!

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On Episode 5 of the Pioneer Podcast, Gareth Johnson and Justin Martell interview Jonny Blair. Blair is a famous travel blogger from Northern Ireland, football fanatic and author/owner of dontstopliving.net. He is the foremost expert on micronations, and on this episode the group share their thoughts on which micronations truly 'count' as a country.

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Our guest on Episode 4 of the Pioneer Podcast is Dr. Joseph Terwilliger. Dr. Joe is a geneticist, professor of neurobiology at Columbia University Medical Center, and a classically trained tuba player! However, our listners might be more familiar with Dr. Joe from seeing him alongside NBA superstar Dennis Rodman on his multiple trips to North Korea for his basketball diplomacy projects and meetings with its leader Marshal Kim Jong Un. Fluent in the North Korean dialect, Chosunmal, Dr. Joe served as Dennis' Korean translator in North Korea and worked with him again during Dennis' appearance at the 2018 North Korea–Un...

Dave Kitson is an ex-Premier League footballer who made his name with Reading and Stoke. Following his career he has not been without controversy. He has stated that he would like to become PFA Chairman (trade union for footballers). On many occasions he has also been accused of being the “secret footballer” an as of now unknown ex-footballer who has written a number of tell all books about the professional game. As you can imagine quite an interesting character to have on a podcast! Believe it, or not footballers are just people too. Whilst they might have a reputation for...

On Episode 2 of the Pioneer Podcast, Gareth Johnson and Justin Martell interview Dean Karalekas about his 2019 trip with Young Pioneer Tours to Bir Tawil, an uninhabited patch of land located between Egypt and Sudan.  Dean Karalekas is an academic whose research interests include international security, indigenous rights, and cultural studies. He is also a frequent YPT traveler and the author of "The Men in No Man's Land: A Journey Into Bir Tawil." Pick up your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Men-No-Mans-Land-Journey-ebook/dp/B08CZBT2W7

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The first episode of the Pioneer podcast features two homegrown talents, with YPT founder Gareth Johnson and Pioneer Media founder Justin Martell taking the spotlight for the inaugural episode. Justin Martell in 2017 founded YPT’s partner, Pioneer Media, offering production services across a wide variety of unique locations from Asia to Eastern Europe. He has worked extensively in the horror movie genre (he once shot a horror film in Albania with Gareth serving as co-producer!) and has written the foremost authoritative book on 60s pop star Tiny Tim. He certainly has a tale to tell. 

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