The Power of Storytelling, Centering BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ Travel Narratives, and Producing Fly Brother with Ernest White II (Ep 147)

Hear how growing up amid institutional racism shaped his storytelling, travel writing, and thoughtful view of the world. ============================ 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 Ernest White II talks about his parents’ experience growing up in the Jim Crow American South, and then reflects on his upbringing in Jacksonville, Florida, and his desire to travel the world even as a kid. He then shares his experience attending Florida A&M University, explains the historical significance of HBCUs, and opens up about how his college experience really shaped his views on the reality of institutionalized racism and policing in the U.S.. Ernest then talks about his study abroad experience in the Dominican Republic, and reflects on the racial and power dynamics of being able to “pass” for a local. He then shares what he loves about Sao Paulo, Brazil and why the city is so special and unique. Ernest then offers his thoughts on the gender-fluidity on display during Carnival in Brazil, and also reflects on LGBTQIA+ travel to places like Morocco where homosexuality is officially illegal. He also reflects on the unique brilliance of James Baldwin and shares this thoughts on the transformative impact of travel. Ernest then talks about the power of words, storytelling, travel writing and discusses “Panorama: The Journal of Intelligent Travel”. He explains how and why to write memoir with an edge, and offers tips on honing the craft and becoming a great travel writer. He then talks about his journey producing the PBS Docu-Series “Fly Brother with Ernest White II”, and the unique points of differentiation that separate the series from other travel shows. And, finally, he offers his thoughts and tips on how to travel the world more thoughtfully and sustainably. → 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!