Moonlighting as a Jazz Singer in Puerto Rico, Attending Fidel Castro's Funeral in Cuba, and Becoming a Fully-Nomadic Political Consultant with Flora Mendoza (Ep 221)

Hear why understanding a destination’s history and politics can transform how you travel and connect with people there. ============================ Get the Monday Minute my weekly email with 3 personal recs for travel, culture, and living beyond borders you can read in 60 seconds. ============================ ON THIS EPISODE Flora Mendoza joins Matt over a bottle of wine in Dakar, Senegal.  She reflects on what she loves most about Senegal after spending a month in Dakar, and also shares her experiences traveling through Tunisia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.  Next, Flora talks about being half Mexican and half Basque, shares her experience growing up in Queens, NY, and reflects on her study abroad experience in Salvador de Bahia in Brazil.  She then talks about her journey with music and acting which included studying opera in Italy, being a recurring extra on Saturday Night Live, and spending time with Michael K Williams.  Next, Flora talks about her path to becoming a professional political consultant and pollster, and explains how she turned that into a fully remote position and started traveling the world full time.  She explains why she prioritizes an understanding of the history and politics of her travel destinations and then talks about her trip to Palestine.  Flora and Matt then reflect on the general importance of making distinctions between government policy vs. the individual citizens of a country, and how dominant groups in all societies have the option to side with oppressed groups.  Flora then talks about moonlighting as a Jazz singer in Puerto Rico, attending Fidel Castro’s funeral in Cuba, and traveling through Colombia in two different decades.  She offers tips on traveling with a relationship partner, solo female travel, and balancing work and travel in different time zones.  Matt and Flora then reflect on the beauty of the Basque country.  Finally, Flora shares what travel means to her and opens up about the real reason why she continues to nomad and live her life to the fullest. → Full show notes with direct links to everything discussed are available here. ============================ FIND YOUR NEXT EPISODE Explore The Maverick Show Starter Packs — some of my favorite conversations curated by theme so you can easily find the episodes that match your interests. ============================ FREE RESOURCES FOR YOU See my Top 10 Travel Apps See my Top 10 Books that Shaped the Way I Travel See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual) Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use) ============================ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram and DM Matt to continue the conversation Please leave a rating and review — it really helps the show and I read each one personally Support the show by buying me a coffee — espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes!