
Not Lost
iHeartPodcasts and Pushkin Industries·21 episodes
When both his popular culture podcast and long-term relationship come to an end, journalist Brendan finds he has the time — and freedom — to pursue his dream: a travel podcast where he goes places and learns about them by getting invited to a stranger’s house for dinner. A friend joins him at each destination and they drink, dance, and eat their way from Montréal to Mexico City, often learning as much about themselves as the place they’re visiting. Not Lost is both a delightful travel escape and an insightful look at people — locals and visitors alike — trying to make sense of...
Episodes
Where have you been, what did you find, and who did it make you? On the new podcast Traveling Through, host David Prior, travel writer and founder of immersive travel company PRIOR, invites culture makers like Jenna Lyons, David Remnick, Deborah Needleman, and Athena Calderone to unpack the places, objects, and experiences that have changed their perspective, influenced their work, or marked a turning point in their lives. Because the best stories aren't about the destination; they're about curiosity. Self-taught designer, cook, and creative force Athena Calderone dubbed "the modern girl's Martha Stewart by T magazine joins David to trace the restless curiosity that took her from Long Island to New York's nightlife scene, and on to Ibiza, Morocco, and Rome, always finding beauty and inspiration just beyond the obvious. Find Traveling Through on YouTube, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get podcasts. New episodes release every other Thursday. Check out our Apple Maps Guides on Marrakech's Most Magical Riads here and Vienna s Best Coffeehouses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 1968, in the dense jungles of Vietnam, a team of Green Berets was pinned down by an overwhelming North Vietnamese Army force. Their last hope was a young Air Force pilot named James Fleming. Despite being low on fuel and facing a wall of enemy fire, Fleming refused to turn back. The rescue mission seemed destined to fail, but a split-second decision would earn Fleming the nation’s highest military honor. Binge the full season of Medal of Honor, ad-free, with a Pushkin+ subscriptions. Sign up on the Medal of Honor show page in Apple or at Pushkin.fm/plus and use the code MOH25 for 25% off an annual subscription. Connect with the team! Follow Pushkin on social @pushkinpods Follow JR Martinez @iamjrmartinez Email the team: [email protected] Episode resources: “SOG Combat in Cambodia: Under the Gun at Tango Five-One” by Randy Harrison, Soldier of Fortune Magazine, August 1982 Green Hornets: The History of the U.S. Air Force 20th Special Operations Squadron by Wayne Mutza (Schiffer Military History, 2007) Secret Green Beret Commandos In Cambodia: A Memorial History of MACVSOG's Command and Control Detachment South (CCS) And Its Air Partners, Republic of Vietnam, 1967-1972 by Fred S. Lindsey (AuthorHouse, 2012)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sometimes a two-week vacation just isn't enough - we all might need to leave our jobs for three months, six months or even a year. Taking an extended break can be great for our wellbeing - allowing us to recharge our batteries and reassess our priorities. But for most of us taking a sabbatical feels impossible - so live at SXSW Dr Laurie asked the advice of sabbaticals expert DJ DiDonna. DJ teaches at Harvard Business School and founded The Sabbatical Project - but in a past life he established a hectic start-up and eventually found he was badly in need of an extended career break. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What if psychedelics could transform the way we treat trauma, chronic pain, and insomnia? This week, neuroscientist and psychedelic researcher Grace Blest-Hopley joins the show to break down the research on psychedelics and female biology. She discusses how psychedelics work in the brain, and the ways that psychedelic-assisted therapies might be beneficial for women in midlife. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Hystelica’s resources on psychedelic retreats The Heroic Hearts Project Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review Unraveling the Biological Underpinnings of Psychedelics Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Psychedelics Administered to Military Veterans in Naturalistic Retreat Settings The acute effects of classic psychedelics on memory in humans Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: six-month follow-up Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Johns Hopkins study on psychedelics and Alzheimer’s Note: In this show, we use “women” as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are more complex, and acknowledge the experiences we describe reach beyond that word.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maya Shankar, host of Pushkin's A Slight Change of Plans podcast, just released a new book, "The Other Side of Change". To celebrate, we're sharing an exclusive excerpt with the Pushkin community. It's about what first sparked Maya’s interest in change, and the story of a woman named Olivia Lewis. Order “The Other Side of Change: Who We Become When Life Makes Other Plans” at changewithmaya.com/book, or wherever you like to buy books. About The Other Side of Change: Life has a way of thwarting our best-laid plans. Out of nowhere, we’re confronting the end of a relationship, an unexpected diagnosis, the loss of a job, or some other twist of fate. In these moments, it can feel like we’re free-falling into the unknown.As a cognitive scientist, Maya Shankar has spent decades studying the human mind. When an unwanted change in her own life left her reeling, she sought out people who had navigated major disruptions. In "The Other Side of Change", Shankar tells their riveting, singular stories and weaves in scientific insights to illuminate universal lessons hidden within them.When a big change happens to us, it can lead to profound change within us. The unique stresses and demands of being thrust into a new reality can lead us to uncover new abilities, perspectives, and values, transforming us in extraordinary ways. What if we saw moments of upheaval as an opportunity to reimagine who we can be, rather than as something to just endure? Whether you’re processing a past change, grappling with a present one, or bracing for a future one, this book is a wise and thought-provoking companion to help you discover who you can become on the other side of change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wayfinder invites you to indulge in the art of travel through story, sensation, and self-discovery. Hosted by Daniel Scheffler, veteran travel writer, this immersive new series ventures beyond guidebooks and itineraries into the transformative journeys that reshape how we see the world and ourselves. Rediscover the beauty and awe-inspiring moments that define life-changing travel. From swimming with whales in Tahiti to savoring local flavors and hidden traditions in Tunisia, each episode captures the heart and humor of adventure through the eyes of real travelers. Every other week, join Daniel as he explores the experiences that can only be found when we follow our senses, trust our inner compass, and let curiosity lead the way. Check out Daniel Scheffler's Substack: https://withoutmaps.substack.com/about Follow iHeart's Ruby Studio: https://www.instagram.com/rubyiheart/?hl=en Our Team: Executive Producer: Ciara Kaiser EP of Post Production: James Foster Supervising Producer: Nakia Swinton Story Producer: Ryan Amador Post-Production: Siara Spreen Theme Music: Max Hershenow Show Art: Samantha RaymanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lili Taylor loves her acting career - but the emotional intensity of her work and the constant travel can take its toll. But Lili has found a way to relax and unwind - watching birds. As Lili explains in her new book Turning to Birds: The Power and Beauty of Noticing - if we stop to listen to birdsong or pause to watch their busy daily lives - we give ourselves a break from our own stresses. Get ad-free episodes to The Happiness Lab by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks, exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkinSubscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Revisionist History, Malcolm Gladwell's podcast about the overlooked and misunderstood, returns with investigations on everything from PAW Patrol to the secret behind English muffins to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Plus much, much more.Get ad-free episodes to Revisionist History by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks, exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkinSubscribe on Pushkin.fm: pushkin.fm/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the International Day of Happiness, we're sharing a special episode from The Happiness Lab. It's a chance to talk about happiness and what we can all do to be happier. March 20th also sees the release of the World Happiness Report. A big finding of 2025's report is that more of us are dining alone—and that's bad news. The report's editor Jan-Emmanuel De Neve shares the stark figures showing that shared meals are in decline, while Dr. Anne Fischel of The Family Dinner Project gives tips on how to dine better with friends, families and colleagues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy. But all too often, the darker, colder days of winter, and even the stress of preparing for the holidays themselves, can lead people to feel something else: rushed, stressed, lonely, or even hopeless. How can you make sure this year is bright? Dr Laurie joins Dave DeSteno on his show How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality to unpack the psychological secrets of celebrations from Christmas, to Hanukkah, to Yule, and more. They’ll also discuss how we can put that wisdom into practice, whatever our beliefs, to make this season a happier and healthier one for all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How is 5G powering the use of AI to revolutionize life-saving solutions? Malcolm sits with T-Mobile for Business CMO Mo Katibeh, 3AM Innovations COO Ryan Litt, and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Dr. Azizi Seixas to find out in this special episode of Revisionist History. Brought to you in partnership with T-Mobile for Business, and recorded live from the Mobile World Congress in Las Vegas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're a few months into the new year. Maybe you're a freshly minted, idealized version of yourself. Or maybe your new year's resolutions are as distant as the icebergs of Antarctica. But no matter what your life looks like, there's one thing you can count on: travel. Today, we’re sharing a special episode from Unpacked by AFAR. Unpacked by AFAR is back for a new season which unpacks the most captivating and challenging topics in the travel industry. Like this episode, where AFAR editors Sarika Bansal, Tim Chester, and Billie Cohen join host Aislyn Greene to unpack AFAR’s annual "Where to Go" list and discuss how and why they chose the places on the list, which ones they have personally visited, and their predictions for the year ahead. Listen to more episodes of Unpacked by AFAR and follow the podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
No piña coladas were consumed during travel writer Pico Iyer’s quest for paradise. Instead he found himself communing with guides and locals in thorny parts of the globe: Iran, Kashmir, and North Korea, among others. Brendan speaks with Pico about his lifetime of exploration and what it’s taught him. Then comedian, musician and self-proclaimed “disinformationist” Reggie Watts talks about growing up in Montana and shares his do’s and don’ts for TSA pre-checkers, wedding guests, and folks in the window seat. Plus, Brendan boards a flight on this last episode of this season of Not Lost Chat. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brendan finds the perfect Not Lost Chat guest in author Cheryl Strayed, who not only wrote the bestselling travel memoir “Wild,” but is also a renowned advice columnist. First, they talk about Strayed’s epic trek up the Pacific Coast Trail after losing her mother to cancer, divorcing her husband, and quitting hard drugs. And then Brendan smoothly pivots the conversation to advice, talking about Strayed’s bestselling book of essays “Tiny Beautiful Things” and then getting her to answer listeners' travel questions about everything from what books to read to what shoes to wear on the road.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brendan receives a postcard from the only registered US historical landmark outside America and then talks with the great essayist, novelist and occasional world-class complainer, Geoff Dyer about travels to Tahiti, India, Venice and more. Then “Euphoria” star Colman Domingo stops by to answer your travel questions, launch a campaign against babies in business class, and roast Brendan for his brunch-avoidant tendencies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brendan speaks with Kristin Newman, author of “What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding: A Memoir,” about falling in love in a different language, plus she provides travel tips for folks who are single and looking. And writer and director Paul Feig (“Freaks and Geeks,” “Bridesmaids”) talks about his civilized approach to shooting movies abroad and why he always travels in a suit and tie …all while answering listener’s travel questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brendan visits Japan on a trip that puts the “junk” in junket. Then he speaks with Marius Kociejowski, author of The Serpent Coiled in Naples, an immersive plunge into the Italian city where skulls are worshiped and blood soaks into the stones. Plus comedian Jessi Klein answers your questions about parent-child separation on planes, and opines about her favorite travel activities: sitting near the ocean and drinking. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brendan talks with Jessica Nabongo, the author of “The Catch Me if You Can: One Woman’s Journey to Every Country in the World” about the mysterious community of “country counters” and the non-mysterious eurocentricity of most travel media. Then Canadian pop duo Tegan and Sara talk about surviving life on tour, plus answer your burning questions about road trips (good), bed and breakfasts (bad), and guided tours (you’ll just have to listen to find out.) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New York Magazine described “Not Lost” as having the “slight energy of Andrew Sean Greer’s Less” so Brendan calls the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the comic, road trip novels “Less” and “Less is Lost” to find out if they should be offended. Plus, a postcard from Hollywood, and stand-up comedian Jay Pharoah answers listener questions about airport and flight etiquette, with a stirring speech on when it’s ok to push the flight-attendant button.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who do we become when we travel? Who are we allowed to be? And where is everyone going? Brendan Francis Newnam is on a mission to find out. Join him as he speaks with travel writers (Pico Iyer, Jessica Nabongo, Marius Kociejowski ), celebrities on-the-go (Jay Pharoah, Tegan & Sara, Colman Domingo), and ordinary misfits like himself for a mini-season of in-studio conversations. Not Lost Chat begins January 4th, 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After wrapping up Season 1 of Not Lost, and a few odds & ends at home, Brendan heads to Portugal and experiences an emotion he can’t quite explain... so he asks locals to help him out. “Postcards” are an occasional series of shorter Not Lost episodes that Brendan produces when he travels. Not Lost is a co-production of Pushkin Industries, Topic Studios, and iHeartMediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s the Saturday before the final episode of Not Lost is due and Brendan still doesn’t know where he is going. Will he escape New York and find the right destination? Not Lost will return in the fall. In the meantime, we’d love to hear from you. Send audio postcards to [email protected]. Not Lost is a co-production of Pushkin Industries, Topic Studios and iHeartMedia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two years have passed since Covid brought production of Not Lost to a screeching halt. In that time, Brendan has turned norm-core: he gets a steady job, a live-in partner, a car, and becomes a viewer of prestige cable dramas. But the show must go on, so he and his friend, audio producer John DeLore, head to a place Brendan considers the opposite of the Big Apple — Big Sur, California. A couple days of redwoods and Pacific air give rise to fresh questions: How is traveling different when you have someone waiting for you back at home? And what if you discover your soulmate is an elephant seal named “1885”? Not Lost is a co-production of Pushkin Industries, Topic Studios and iHeartMedia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Against the backdrop of Valentine’s Day weekend, Brendan and his friend Luke Burbank explore the Hoover Dam, Vegas’s Chinatown, and the night sky. (Is that a UFO?) Brendan’s plan to avoid sin in Sin City goes well, but after a visit with a priest and a dreamy encounter with the man who created the slogan “What Happens in Vegas Stays In Vegas,” all bets are off! Not Lost is a co-production of Pushkin Industries, Topic Studios and iHeartMedia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With Not Lost’s executive producers breathing down his neck for an actual dinner party, Brendan and Danielle Henderson head to CDMX to see if mi casa is really su casa. From dance lessons to shamanistic rituals, they strive to understand this vast metropolis… while also finagling an invitación fiesta. Will the masked wrestlers of Lucha Libre bodyslam our duo into understanding the coolest city in North America? Or will Montezuma’s notorious vengeance take them out instead? Not Lost is a co-production of Pushkin Industries, Topic Studios and iHeartMedia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brendan and Danielle Henderson head to the Big Easy and discover that it’s anything but. Carousel bars, gospel choirs, voodoo readings, and a visit to a slavery memorial plunge the duo into conversations about race, art, god, and the good life. They mingle with local luminaries like jazz-great Kermit Ruffins, voodoo priestess Madame Cinnamon Black, and a chef who dreams about gumbo. Not Lost is a co-production of Pushkin Industries, Topic Studios and iHeartMedia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brendan has never been to Portland, Maine, but that hasn’t stopped him wanting to live there. This episode he and Danielle Henderson head to Vacationland to see if it can live up to its nickname. Fueled by lobster rolls and salt air, the two visit lighthouses, bookshops and the world’s only known museum of the umbrella cover. And to really get a sense of what it means to be a Mainer, they visit the Vatican for preppies: the headquarters of LL Bean. After conversations with poets, politicians, baristas and business owners in Portland, Brendan is left with one outstanding question: Is Maine too strange? Not Lost is a co-production of Pushkin Industries, Topic Studios and iHeartMedia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brendan, a self-avowed “Great Indoorsman,” approaches Montana’s outdoor recreation opportunities with trepidation. Meanwhile, his friend Danielle Henderson, who once lived in Alaska, rediscovers a part of herself she left behind when she moved to Los Angeles. Not Lost is a co-production of Pushkin Industries, Topic Studios and iHeartMedia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brendan and his friend Danielle Henderson seek out the je ne sais quoi of the Québécois. Along the way, they learn about the Quiet Revolution, French-Canadian celebrity mags, and local pastries known as “nun’s farts.” Brendan, determined to make his new travel podcast as creative as possible, seeks help from Leonard Cohen’s ghost, while Danielle hides from Montreal’s sub-zero temperatures in a Nordic Spa, where she discovers a masseuse who puts the therapist in massage therapy. Not Lost is a co-production of Pushkin Industries, Topic Studios and iHeartMedia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brendan Francis Newnam was the host of a popular radio show, coasting through a happy adulthood when it all came crashing down. And so, like many before him, he decided to hit the road, but not on his own. In Not Lost, Brendan and a friend travel to a new place every week, meeting the locals in hopes of understanding their homes. And angling for an invitation to dinner. As they veer from Montréal to Mexico City, from New Orleans to Bozeman, they discover it's possible to find yourself in places you've never been. Not Lost is a co-production of Pushkin Industries, Topic Studios and iHeartMedia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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