Roam, reminisce and inspire

From African safaris and European mishaps, to road trips closer to home, Bree shares how the podcast is inspiring listeners to discover new destinations and encouraging locals to tell their own travel tales.

When and how did the podcast come about?

We are making an effort to increase our podcast content, and while many podcasts we produce are of a serious nature, and not always the happiest topics, we were looking for a lighter theme.

So many people enjoy travel, and travelling results in so many interesting stories.

How long does each travel story go for?

It varies, but usually around 30 minutes.

What are some of the adventures and stories you’ve told?

So far, I've had a fun debate about the pros and cons of cruise ship holidays with cruising addict Sandy, heard Camille detail searching for lions and other game to observe on horseback in Africa, discussed European Contiki tours with a couple of young, first-time international travellers, chatted to Dean from GV Social Riders about the group’s lap of Tasmania on board their motorbikes which they took over on the ferry, and spoken with a young woman who travelled New Zealand’s South Island in a hire car by herself.

How long does each one take to bring together?

Not too long really. I just get people in to chat about their experience, record the interview in our podcast studio at The News and then polish it up a little bit with a touch of editing to add an intro and remove any awkward pauses and what-not before publishing.

So, don’t worry, if you get tongue-tied or need to start your sentence again, that’s absolutely fine, I have tools to fix that. It’s not live radio, thankfully.

What kind of stories are you looking for going ahead?

Any kind of travel that you’re excited to talk about.

It doesn’t have to be overseas or interstate, you could even come and talk to me about your love of camping in the Victorian High Country, for example.

The thing about travel stories is that yours can inspire adventure-minded people to try a new kind of travel or check out a new destination.

What is the best way for people to listen to them?

Go to the “podcasts” section on the Shepp News website.

All our podcasts are free to listen to.

Have you got a favourite travel story you’ve done with someone and why?

I found it fascinating listening to Camille Kennedy's wild African adventure.

When she told me she rounded a bush in the Botswanan scrub on her horse and came face-to-face with a lion, my jaw dropped.

I mean, can you imagine that? I was so keen to hear what happened next.

Is there a funny travel story?

Pip Turton’s European trip was very entertaining.

It sounded almost like a script written for a National Lampoon’s Vacation sequel.

You won’t believe the freak incidents that took place on one single trip, from being asked to get naked and surrender her phone in a German nightclub, to flying home in her PJs when her hotel caught fire, it was a wild ride.

Do they sometimes become articles?

Yes, we’re aiming to eventually turn all the Roam If You Want To podcasts into readable articles.

We can’t let your stunning travel photos go to waste.

How would you like people to get in touch?

People can email me directly at bree.harding@mmg.com.au or by phoning 5820 3226.

Anything you want to add?

As daunting as it might seem to come in for an interview that’s being recorded for a podcast, it is really just the most casual chat where you get to relive your favourite travel memories when you tell me, and subsequently our audience, about them.

You’ll forget you’re being recorded within a couple of minutes, I promise.

I love living vicariously through you vagabonds, let's chat!

Listen to Roam If You Want To and explore more Shepparton News podcasts online at:

www.sheppnews.com.au/podcasts