Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small
Welcome to the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, where we go far beyond the beaches, resort hotels, and cruises to explore the really cool places, people, and activities that adventurous travelers crave. If your idea of a great vacation is sitting on a beach at an all-inclusive resort, you’re in the wrong place. However, if you’re like me, and a beach resort vacation sounds like torture, stick around. You’ve found your tribe.
My name is Jason Elkins, and as an adventure travel marketing consultant and tour operator myself, I am on a mission to impact the lives of adventure travelers, the tour operators they hire, and the communities that host them, creating deeply meaningful experiences that make this big world feel just a bit smaller.
Are you ready to discover your next great adventure, whether that looks something like climbing Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa, SCUBA diving in the South Pacific, or hot air ballooning in Turkey? Then you’ll be happy to know that each episode of the Big World Made Small Podcast features a fascinating interview with an adventure travel expert that has agreed to share, with us, their own personal stories, favorite adventure destinations, and even some incredibly helpful tips and tricks they’ve learned while in the field. I trust that by the end of each episode you’ll feel like booking a ticket to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of these amazing places, and getting to know the incredible people that live there.
I’ll be your guide as we explore this amazing planet and its people on the Big World Made Small podcast. I am a former US Army paratrooper, third generation commercial hot air balloon pilot, paramotor pilot, advanced open water SCUBA diver, and ex-Montana fly fishing guide and lodge manager. I have managed boutique adventure tour operation businesses in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, off-shore in Belize, the Adirondacks in New York, and the desert of Arizona. I also spent nearly a decade with Orvis International Travel, leading a talented team of tour operation experts, putting together and hosting amazing fly fishing and adventure travel excursions around the world. I have tapped into my experience and network of travel pros to put together a weekly series of exclusive expert interviews that I am excited to share with you.
For the last couple of years I have lived a fully nomadic lifestyle, feeding my passion for exploration, creating amazing adventures, and meeting some of the most fascinating people along the way. I record every episode while traveling, so in a sense you’ll be joining me on my journey. Let’s discover some great adventures together and make this big world feel just a bit smaller.
And, don’t forget to take a quick trip over to our website at bigworldmadesmall.com and join our adventure travel community, where you’ll benefit from new episode announcements, exclusive adventure travel opportunities, and special access to the experts you’ve met on the show. You can also follow us on social media, using the links in the show notes below. And, if you’re getting value out of the show please help us grow by sharing it with your friends, family, and anyone else you know that wants to get far beyond the beaches, resort hotels, and cruise ships, the next time they travel.
I’ll publish another episode soon. Until then, keep exploring. It’s the best way to make a big world feel just a bit smaller.
https://adventuretravelmarketing.com/podcast
Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small
Adventure Travel with David Long - Eko Patagonia
David Long
Founder
Eko Patagonia
A former exchange student turned visionary founder, my journey to creating Eko Patagonia led me to Chile’s pristine Aysén region. Through personal transformation and deep connection to the land, I developed the ALIVE AWAKE AWARE framework that now guides our lux boutique eco-lodge. Our innovative approach to regenerative travel combines world-class fly fishing, cultural immersion, and conscious adventure in one of Earth’s last wild places.
summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins interviews David Long, founder of Eko Patagonia. They explore David's journey from growing up in Springfield, Oregon, to establishing a luxury boutique hotel in Patagonia, Chile. The conversation delves into David's childhood experiences, his passion for fly fishing, the importance of mindfulness in nature, and the transformative power of travel. David shares insights from his Rotary Exchange experience in Chile and his transition from a long career at Intel to pursuing his dream of creating a unique travel experience in Patagonia. In this conversation, David Long shares his transformative journey to Patagonia, detailing his experiences that led him to leave his corporate job at Intel and pursue his passion for creating a unique travel experience at Eko Patagonia. He discusses the challenges of developing a sustainable lodge, the philosophy of 'Alive, Awake, Aware' that guides the guest experience, and the diverse activities offered to visitors. David emphasizes the importance of personal growth and connection to nature, making Eko Patagonia a destination for those seeking adventure and self-discovery.
takeaways
- Eko Patagonia offers personalized luxury experiences.
- David's childhood in Oregon shaped his love for the outdoors.
- Fly fishing is a meditative and mindful practice.
- Nature provides a unique opportunity for self-connection.
- The Rotary Exchange program significantly influenced David's life.
- Staying with a welcoming family in Chile deepened his cultural understanding.
- Fly fishing connects people to beautiful, remote locations.
- David's career at Intel was fulfilling but he sought a new adventure.
- The transition from corporate life to hospitality was inspired by passion.
- Connection with self is as important as connection with others. David's journey to Patagonia was deeply personal and transformative.
- Encouragement from loved ones can be pivotal in pursuing passions.
- Quitting a stable job can be a significant step towards fulfilling dreams.
- The development of Eko Patagonia involved unique challenges and solutions.
- Sustainability is a core value in the lodge's development.
- Guests can expect a variety of experiences beyond just fishing.
- The 'Alive, Awake, Aware' philosophy enhances the guest experience.
- The lodge offers a communal atmosphere for guests to connect.
- Seasonal variations in Patagonia can affect travel plans.
- The guide staff is passionate and committed to the local community.
Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.
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