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YPT are pleased to announce that the Young Pioneer Podcast is back with its third season, bringing listeners perspectives from some of the world’s most fascinating and sometimes controversial travel destinations! On this episode, Visiting Papua New Guinea’s Mount Hagen Festival, host Justin Martell shares his experience diving into the breathtaking beauty of Papua New Guinea—a land rich in unique cultures and stunning scenery.

At this year’s Mount Hagen Festival tour, Justin had the pleasure of interviewing our local tour leader, Pious, who shares insights into the festival’s rich history and its significance to the Western Highlands Province. You won’t want to miss this firsthand perspective as Pious reflects on the festival’s personal meaning to him, as well as the history of some of its most famous participants, such as the Mudmen of Goroka, Simbu’s Skeleton Men, and even comments koteka penis sheaths worn by some of the Highlands’ tribes. He also gives his perspective on the potentiality of Bougainville gaining its independence from Papua New Guinea. If our interview with Pious piques your interest, have a look at our itineraries for our 2025 Mount Hagen Festival and Goroka Festival tours!

But that’s not all! This episode also highlights our extraordinary upcoming journey through Central Africa. From December 2nd to 12th, we’ll explore the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cabinda in Angola. Additionally, learn about our exciting tours in South Sudan, where you can experience the heart of Juba and the unique lives of the Mundari cattle herders. And don’t miss the opportunity to discover the birthplace of voodoo in Benin and Togo, where spiritual rituals and sacred sites await!

All this and more on this episode of The Young Pioneer Podcast!

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

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The Young Pioneer Podcast Season 2 concludes with a double-header episode! S2, Ep 6 opens with a discussion between host Justin Martell and YPT founder/CEO Gareth Johnson discussing the big question "when will North Korea re-open for tourism?" Recorded YPT's recent research trip to China to meet with our North Korean partners and explore the Sino-Korean border for the first time in four years, which made news among the community of North Korea watchers, the discussion gives a projected timeline for the Hermit Kingdom's re-opening as well as some educated guesses about the future of tourism in North Korea.

Following Gareth’s interview, Justin talks with YPT friend and travel partner Dr. Calvin Sun. Calvin is both an ER doctor in New York City and travel agent. Through his company Monsoon Diaries, he has partnered with YPT on many tours for well over a decade. In the interview, recorded in Mogadishu, Somalia, Justin and Calvin discuss Calvin's new book "The Monsoon Diaries: A Doctor’s Journey of Hope and Healing from the ER Frontlines to the Far Reaches of the World," available now from Harper Horizon.

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

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On this inaugural 2024 episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, we open with an interview with YPT CEO and Founder Gareth Johnson to discuss a number of exciting, new tours just recently announced for this year. After speaking with Gareth, host Justin Martell debuts his interview with YPT's local travel partner in the reclusive horn of Africa nation of Eritrea, referred to by some as the "North Korea of Africa."

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.