Down Under and Beyond with Brett Parry

Ok, this one went a little long folks. It could have gone longer though. Also made me realize I probably want to make time to ask future guests even more about themselves. People are so interesting. Especially Aussies doing cool stuff at home and around the world. Neill and I chinwag about his experiences back home in Australia as a photographer in the music scene, his love of writing, eventually connecting with his birth parents, the book that was born out of his perspective as a adopted child, and of course his latest passion producing the The Aussie Radio Show, a podcast made up of magazine style content featuring interviews with some of Australia’s biggest stars. There’s also food, music, musings, news and views related to all things Australian. It was just great to here from such a good bloke who does such a wonderful job of interviewing his guests but perhaps does not get many opportunities to share his own story. I am honoured he did so for us here. Make sure Neill’s show is on your podcast list. Check it out online HERE, or subscribe on iTunes and have a listen, as well as adding a review so we can get the word out about this great resource of Aussie culture and heritage. Cheers mates! The post 014 – Neill Bartlett From The Aussie Radio Show Drops In For a Yarn appeared first on Down Under and Beyond.

Karen performing live It’s great to be back. Relaunching the podcast is something I promised myself to do here in 2016, and it’s great to kick things off again by chatting to someone I have come to admire for her work and inspiration. Karen Jacobsen is an award winning performer and speaker. Her voice can be heard on GPS devices around the world, and as the Australian voice for Siri on the iOS operating system. Karen tells us about her past year’s accomplishments, as well as plans for the future. Follow more on Karen’s website www.thegpsgirl.com. Click here to watch her recent performance on stage at Australia’s Carol by Candlelight event. Follow Karen on Facebook Be sure to connect with Brett on Facebook and Twitter, or leave a comment in the notes below. As mentioned in the episode, have a listen to the Aussie Radio Show by our good mate Neill Bartlett. The post 013 – Karen Jacobsen The GPS Girl and The Aussie Voice of Siri appeared first on Down Under and Beyond.

Danyelle Kelly is an Australian teacher and researcher currently located in the Silicon Valley in the US. She is passionate about promoting respect for other cultures and building community through personal connections. At a very young age Danyelle has experienced both indigenous and foreign cultures first hand through her own travel and education. She is actively applying these experiences to her teaching and research. You can reach Danyelle through the following links. @danykelly www.danyellekelly.com Thank also to our supporters Down Under Endeaours Travel Kookaburra Licorice The post 012 – Encouraging Culture and Community through Education – Interview with Danyelle Kelly appeared first on Down Under and Beyond.

  This episode of the podcast is dedicated to the remembrance and recognition of ANZAC day and its place in Australian and New Zealand culture. ANZAC Day stands as one of the most enduring events on the calendar in both countries and honours the contribution and sacrifice of those that have served their country, and indeed those that have paid the ultimate price.   Celebrated every year on April 25th, Australians and New Zealanders around the world pause to remember and honour.   “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.”   Lest We Forget   The post 011 ANZAC Day – Remembrance and Honour appeared first on Down Under and Beyond.

During 2013, I came across an Aussie character who I found was driving around the world in a Holden Commodore, a car that represents a classic Australian brand. After doing two trips around Australia that resulted in documentaries, Brendan Edgerton set off on an around the world adventure, searching out rare examples of an American made car called the Tucker. After spending about 4 months touring the US, he set off to Europe and eventually worked his way across Russia. Brendan brings his down to earth, Aussie approach to our chat and fills us in on some of his adventures from his 300 days driving around the world, including of course his now iconic “Bonnet Surfing” carry ons. We will be following Brendans travels as he undertakes his next challenge, around the world in 80 days, again driving the “The Bullet”. Brendan’s Blokes In Sheds Website The Blokes In Sheds Facebook Page Down Under Endeavors Travel Kakadu Traders Australia   The post 009 Around the World in an Aussie Car – A Chat with Brendan Edgerton appeared first on Down Under and Beyond.

I have recorded this short than usual episode just to share with you the results of some thinking I have been doing in relation to the content of the podcast. There has been couple of weeks of really trying to identify the kinds of things I truly would love to bring to you. From this has come the decision to take a slight sidestep in content. I will be seeking out stories and inspiration from others, encouraging them to share their experiences in stepping out of their comfort zone to follow their passions or dreams. You may be one of these people. Everyone’s story is different. Each experience is unique, but many can relate and use it prepare for their own journey in life. I would love to hear from you, or perhaps you know someone with a great story to tell. Either way, let me know. I would love to hear it and include it as an interview. Please leave your comments here below, or send me an email at brett@downunderandbeyond.com. The post 008 A short update on the purpose behind the Down Under and Beyond podcast appeared first on Down Under and Beyond.

Perth sits on the magnificent Swan River Lucky number 7 for the podcast and in this episode I speak with Sandy Nerlich, Regional Director North America for Tourism Western Australia and Bradley Pallant who is himself an Aussie, now based in New York. Brad is Manager, National TMC & Agency Accounts USA with Qatar Airways. Western Australia provides some extraordinary travel experiences across its vast expanse, one that takes up 1/3 of the continent of Australia. Sandy explains some of these offerings including those located along the coastline, such as the area known as Australia’s Coral Coast, where it is possible to swim with the world’s largest fish, the Whale Shark. Sandy touches on many more attractions reaching into the area known as Australia’s Golden Outback. Then of course there is the beautiful city of Perth. Qatar Airways has been offering service to Australia since September 2009 as part of its rapid expansion. Service to Perth was added in May 2012 through Doha. Bradley expands more on Qatar Airway’s development and also talks about great stopover opportunities in Doha for those traveling through to other destinations such as Perth from many worldwide locations including many in the US. Enjoy this great insight into Western Australia, a destination not normally first thought of by travelers Down Under, as well as a great alternative option for flying to Australia with Qatar that can include some exotic stopover opportunities. Links: www.westernaustralia.com www.qatarairways.com There is more info on some of the itineraries available here: Perth and Margaret River, Ningaloo Reef and Broome, El Questro Homestead, and also a wonderful Australian Highlights vacation originating in Perth, including one the worlds great railway journeys on the Indian Pacific.     The post 007 Destination Western Australia with Sandy Nerlich from Tourism Western Australia and Bradley Pallant from Qatar Airways appeared first on Down Under and Beyond.

  This week features the very first interview I have done for the podcast and it turned out to be a beauty! I found the Australian Outback Camels Facebook page by accident and after a good browse through this and also their website, I had to find out more. I am so glad I did. Russell shares the story of how he went from the world of academics to setting out on a two year trek of his own, through to now hosting visitors from around Australia and the world and leading them on a journey of discovery. Tara gives some great insight on the history of camels in Australia as well as some aspects of what people can expect when taking part in one of their treks. Finally they tell us about the wonderful satisfaction and reward they get from hearing how participants go away from each trek with a new perspective on life. www.AustralianCamels.com www.russellosborne.com www.facebook.com/OutbackAustralianCamels         The post 006 Inspiring interview with Tara and Russell from Australian Outback Camels appeared first on Down Under and Beyond.

  This episode  is my first back from a few weeks on the road attending various places and happenings around the US. A higher profile of Australia Day events has prompted a number of questions from listeners and those I met while traveling as to just what Australia Day is, along with why and how it is celebrated. I cover relevance of the date itself, as well as some background to it’s eventual recognition as Australia’s number one celebration as a nation. I also feature the lead up to the Winter Olympics in Sochi and a little about the Aussie team. If you are in or around Chicago on  Wednesday, February 26th 2014, our great supporters Down Under Endeavours are hosting an information session on Fiji, featuring speakers representing different aspects of travel to to this wonderful holiday destination. You can RSVP by sending me an email at brett@downderandbeyond.com The post 005 – What is Australia Day? appeared first on Down Under and Beyond.

Welcome to a new year. 2014 promises to be a big one. It is my wish that everyone can make that happen, and in this episode I touch on some basic goal setting tips so you can be intentional about what you want to achieve for you and you family in the coming year. I have included a link to a free worksheet that you can use to apply these tips. In this episode we also announce the winner of our first $250 online coupon to the Kakadu Australia on-line store. We are doing it all again this month so be sure to sign up on our mailing list for your chance to win! I list my top 10 things to do and see in and around Sydney. Something for everyone. Arts, culture, dining, cruising, opportunities to see some animals, natural surroundings and even some wine, It.s all here. Please be sure to say G’day in the comments section below and let us know what you want to hear in upcoming episodes. Happy New Year! The post 004 – Down Under and Beyond. New Year Goal Setting and 10 Top Things to do in Sydney appeared first on Down Under and Beyond.

In this week’s episode, I explain the reason it is best to focus on the “why” when we consider taking a long trip. I reference some aspects that are featured by Dave Ramsay when trying to get your partner on board with tackling finances and getting out of debt, and how this can be applied to planning long haul travel.   I mention the OZ Podcast Directory as a great hub for Aussie based podcasts on lots of different subjects. In addition there are some great US based groups that bring together interests from both Australia and the US. Links are listed at the bottom of the post. A reminder to sign up for our mailing list to go in the draw to win $250 to spend in the Kakadu Australia online store. Your choice from their great range of hats, jackets, coats, shirts, bags and accessories.  Also a huge thank you to Down Under Endeavors for their great support in providing content and inspiration for all things in travel. Finally I list my top 10 tips for surviving that long haul flight. Everything from before you take off to when you’re in the air. I would love to hear your own tips. Add them in the comments below or email me at brett@downunderandbeyond.com. Here are the links to resources I mention in this episode: ANZACC (Australian, New Zealand and American Chamber of Commerce) American Australian Association – New England American Australian Association – California Australia American Association – Washington DC American Australian Association – Sydney Australian American Chamber of Commerce – Houston     The post 003 Down Under and Beyond – Focusing on the why, 10 tips for surviving the long (plane) haul appeared first on Down Under and Beyond.

In this episode I tell about the first time taking my then future wife Marta to meet the relatives in Australia, and how her reaction to first seeing Sydney out the window of the plane had it’s effect on my appreciation of home. We have a new supporter of the podcast. Kakadu Traders Australia are a manufacturer of high quality outdoor gear. Shirts, jackets, coats, vests, pants, as well as a great selection of bags and luggage. We are having a draw on December 31st for a $250 gift certificate to spend in Kakadu’s online store. Simply sign up for our free mailing list on the right hand side of this page to enter. Visit www.kakaduaustralia.com to check out all the great gear. Australia is a different place to experience Christmas. The kids are out of school, the sun is shining, and Aussies are enjoying the hot weather. Santa gives the Reindeer a rest and lets a mob of six white boomer Kangaroos tow the sleigh. You might even see Santa in shorts! There are some big sporting events on  that are worth checking out, but it’s generally a great time of fun and games. Fun and games in an Aussie Christmas (Photo Courtesy of Down Under Endeavors) Finally we feature some goings on related to the G’Day USA festivities that take place during the early part of each year. Lots of big Aussie names come together to celebrate contributions of Australians to the areas of business, government, tourism and lifestyle. A  number of gala events take place in major US cities, including the Los Angeles Black Tie Gala, which features awards given to Australians from film, television, music, sports and culture. Visit www.australia-week.com for details on these and other events, The post 002 Down Under and Beyond – Christmas In Australia. Win some Aussie gear from our new sponsor. Big stars at G’Day USA Events appeared first on Down Under and Beyond.

In this, the very first episode of Down Under and Beyond, I put out the welcome mat and introduce some of the fun we will be having as we head down the track of presenting some of the travel and lifestyle aspects of Australia. I talk about the fact that quite a number of people that I come across that say it is their dream to visit Australia, and why my response to that statement is a little jarring. I mention a little about how we need to consider and recognize some of the reasons we travel, along with the great cultural aspect it can expose us to. There’s a little introduction to me, and we also have a bit of laugh at Australia’s reputation in the wildlife department. Finally, we take a quick flyover of Australia and point out some of the facts relating to it’s various states and territories, as well as give you some perspective as to the general size of the place. Follow along with the map below.     The post 001 Down Under and Beyond – Introduction, Welcome and Some Quick Australian Geography appeared first on Down Under and Beyond.