GoneTrending

There’s nothing like listening to a well-made travel podcast to get you hyped for your next big adventure. While travel is still somewhat unpredictable and COVID restrictions are shifting daily (though loosening, in general), the auditory travel landscape is thriving.

Whether you need inspiration for where to book your next trip or just an escapist dose of adventure, the 15 podcasts below will inspire your wanderlust and give you vital skills. Some will get you excited for your future travels, some will motivate you to book a flight (and tell you where to do exactly that), and some will provide detailed guides to the world’s most sought-after (and lesser-known) destinations. Check them all out below and find the one that strikes your fancy.

EDITOR’S PICK:

Wild Times Podcast With Forrest Galante

What It’s About:

Outdoor adventurer, TV personality and conservationist Forrest Galante hosts a travel podcast that’ll get you stoked for your next big trip and make you laugh. Every episode combines the outdoors, wildlife, and wilderness with a heaping helping of comedy to keep listeners engaged and entertained. The Wild Times Podcast is ideal for those who are passionate about living life to the fullest and not taking themselves too seriously.

Where To Start:

Well… I say start with “TWT #91,” in which I join Galante and his cohorts to talk about my time spent communing with Komodo dragons on the Indonesian island of Rinca. What I love about this pod is, first and foremost, all the shit talking. But second of all, I think that the show respects ecosystems and cultures when it talks about travel. I often find myself googling destinations I heard about (or animal encounters at certain destinations) after listening to an episode.

Listen Here: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

The Travel Diaries

What It’s About:

The Travel Diaries is an interview series hosted by journalist Holly Rubenstein, in which she chats with guests about their adventures around the world and how travel experiences have shaped their lives. Rubenstein will cover everything from their earliest childhood travel memory and the first place they fell in love with travel to their top bucket list destinations.

Where To Start:

There are six full seasons of The Travel Diaries, so there’s plenty to listen to. If you don’t want to jump all the way back to the beginning, start with season four. Gregory Porter’s episode, specifically, features a conversation about travel intertwined with music, sports, and the many unexpected twists life can throw at you. The multi-Grammy-winning singer, who was traveling 200 days a year before COVID, shares his most far-out travel experiences and how they’ve shaped him as a person.

Listen Here: Apply Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox

Get Lost Podcast

What It’s About:

Hosted by travel writer Joe Sills, Get Lost Podcast dives into thrilling stories of exploration and adventure, as told by journalists, explorers, and vagabonds. With former guests like Matthew McConaughey, as well as UPROXX’s own Zach Johnston and Steve Bramucci, it’s easy to get pulled into each episode.

Where To Start:

The episode entitled “Giza,” which aired in March 2020, is the best way to immediately pique your interest. Sills interviews Egyptologist and Emmy award-winning filmmaker Ramy Romany about the forgotten tunnels beneath the Giza Plateau and how he discovered the likely tomb of an Egyptian God.

Listen Here: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox

Women Who Travel

What It’s About:

On Women Who Travel, Condé Nast Traveler editors Lale Arikoglu and Meredith Carey talk about the realities of traveling as a woman today. They share their own experiences and interview women from around the globe who are trailblazing their way through the food, hospitality, adventure, and travel journalism industries.

Where To Start:

Many women dream of traveling the world but are afraid to go at it alone. “Remembering How to Solo Travel Again” is an excellent place to start for any woman who’s ready to take that leap of faith on her own. This episode provides practical solo travel tips, advice on planning your next solo adventure, as well as reflections about the joys of solo travel for women.

Listen Here: Apply Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox

The TravelPulse Podcast

What It’s About:

The TravelPulse Podcast dives into everything from travel news updates and adventure tips to insightful interviews with industry experts and other guests. Hosted by TravelPulse’s Executive Editor Eric Bowman, this podcast gives you everything you need to know about travel today.

Where To Start:

“Social Media’s Place in Travel” delivers an interesting take on how to utilize the many social media platforms while traveling today. The episode features Tiffany Dowd, a global luxury hotel expert and the founder of Luxe Social Media. She shares her best social media tips and discusses the latest trending topics in the world of travel.

Listen Here: Apply Podcasts, Spotify

Counting Countries

What It’s About:

Counting Countries is a show for those who are curious about the farthest corners of the planet. Host Ric Gazarian brings listeners the stories from the few adventurers who’ve spent their lives traveling to every country on Earth — something only a couple hundred people have done.

Where To Start:

“Charles Veley … And The Commitment To Travel” is a great place to jump in. It’s a long episode, reaching almost three hours, but it’s worth the listen. Guest Charles Veley, dubbed an “extreme traveler,” gets real about what it takes to travel the globe and shares some of his most exciting adventures. Save it for a long road trip or flight.

Listen Here: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox

Travel With Meaning

What It’s About:

Hosted by Mike Schibel, Travel With Meaning tells interesting travel stories that have impacted the lives and careers of everyone from artists, entertainers, and athletes to entrepreneurs, CEOs, and travel experts. It’s a great listen for anyone who’s interested in how intentional travel can make a difference in our everyday lives. Episodes hover around the one-hour mark, making it an excellent commuter podcast.

Where To Start:

We’d be remiss not to suggest episode 43 of Travel With Meaning as an ideal starting point, which features UPROXX Life’s own founding editor, Steve Bramucci. He shares all about his incredible travel background and past adventures, then discusses the future of the travel industry.

Listen Here: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox

Travel Tales

What It’s About:

Comedian and TV host Mike Siegel created Travel Tales to highlight the best and worst experiences that travel has to offer, as told by a variety of adventurous guests, including fellow comedians, actors, producers, writers, and travel professionals. This podcast brings a humorous, lighthearted tone to travel that’s sure to get you stoked for your next big trip.

Where To Start:

You gotta love a good music groupie adventure. For Angelyn Rudd, following The Grateful Dead on tour turned into a lifetime of traveling the world. In her Travel Tales episode that aired in August 2021, Rudd dives into the story about how following her favorite band inspired her to visit more than 60 countries (and counting).

Listen Here: Apply Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox

Wild Ideas Worth Living

What It’s About:

Wild Ideas Worth Living, produced by REI, is made for those who love adventure and the outdoors. The show features conversations with people who, “took the path less traveled and brought their wildest ideas to life.” Host and journalist Shelby Stanger interviews everyone from world-class explorers and athletes to authors, scientists, and entrepreneurs.

Where To Start:

As travelers, it’s important to consider our lasting impact on the planet and the environments we visit. “Preserving Our Parks with Keith Eshelman and Sevag Kazanci” shines a light on conservation. This episode features a conversation with the founders of Parks Project, a brand that donates its proceeds to protecting National Parks and inspires the next generation to take care of our public lands.

Listen Here: Apply Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox

This Week In Travel

What It’s About:

Hosted by Gary Arndt and Jen Leo, This Week in Travel delivers weekly roundtable discussions on travel news and the travel industry with leading travel writers, bloggers, and podcasters. In a time when travel guidelines are constantly changing, this podcast provides necessary information about what’s going on in the travel world.

Where To Start:

If you want to be up to date with all the latest travel news, I’d start in March of 2021 with the episode, “Simon Wright – The Future of Travel.” Simon Wright, is the industry editor at The Economist, and this episode dives into a conversation about predicting what travel will look like in the coming years and how the pandemic has affected different aspects of the travel industry.

Listen Here: Apply Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox

Travel With Rick Steves

What It’s About:

Travel With Rick Steves, who’s a host and writer of over 100 public travel shows and the author of 30 best-selling travel guidebooks, is a weekly one-hour conversation with guest experts and callers, about travel, cultures, people, and the many awe-inspiring things we find around the world. Steves’ immense travel background and industry experience, along with his selection of enticing guests, provides insight into destinations all around the globe.

Where To Start:

There are 11 seasons full of episodes to choose from and you really can’t go wrong with any of them. But I especially love the, “648 Becoming a Digital Nomad; Window Seat; Spirit of the Grand Canyon,” which aired in August of last year. More than ever, the digital nomad life is widely accepted and becoming more common as most people continue to work from home. This episode provides tips on becoming a digital nomad for anyone who’s looking to work off the grid, as well as how to get the best view on your next flight.

Listen Here: Apply Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox

Like a Local Podcast

What It’s About:

On Like a Local Podcast, the co-hosts Katie Hylton and Stephanie Girard interview travelers about the places they live. The goal is to create a resource that gives listeners a local’s point of view on their next destination, so they can get the inside scoop on all the best places to eat, explore, drink, and stay.

Where To Start:

There are less than 50 episodes since the show just launched at the end of 2020 (with more episodes to come in 2022), so you might as well start from the very beginning. The hosts kick off the show by interviewing Sarah Tahami about her home city of Savannah, Georgia. Throughout the episode, Tahami, a travel influencer who focuses on food and drinks, shares everywhere you need to eat and sip in Lowcountry, Savannah.

Listen Here: Apply Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox

Armchair Explorer

What It’s About:

This documentary-style podcast, Armchair Explorer, immerses you straight into the travel experiences discussed on the show using music and cinematic effects, for the ultimate storytelling entertainment fix.

Where To Start:

I’m a sucker for anything that has to do with the Titanic, mostly because it reminds me of a young Leonardo DiCaprio. I say start with “Diving the Titanic with Deep Sea Explorer Rory Golden.” The episode follows deep-sea explorer Rory Golden’s fascinating, once-in-a-lifetime journey to see the Titanic up close, 12,600-feet below sea level.

Listen Here: Apply Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox

The Offbeat Life

What It’s About:

If your dream is to make a living as a full-time traveler, The Offbeat Life podcast is for you. Host Debbie Arcangeles interviews travelers from around the world about how they left their conventional lives to live a nomadic lifestyle.

Where To Start:

“How to Travel for Free Using Miles and Points” is a practical place to start listening. While we’d all love to work as full-time travelers, this isn’t always possible. This episode teaches you how to make use of your airline miles and credit card points so you can travel the world on a budget.

Listen Here: Apply Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox

JUMP With Traveling Jackie

What It’s About:

JUMP With Traveling Jackie delivers a collection of guest stories, solo episodes, and often raw and personal accounts from host Jackie Nourse. Throughout the show, she discusses travel and adventure in conversations that are meant to motivate her audience to get out and see the world for themselves. This podcast is ideal for anyone seeking travel advice and inspiration.

Where To Start:

If you’re interested in the details behind planning a big trip, listen to “How to Plan a Long Distance Backpacking Trip, Featuring the Tahoe Rim Trail.” In this episode, avid adventurer Dawn Swinney shares her guide to the iconic Tahoe Rim Trail, while providing useful tips for listeners to plan an epic backpacking adventure of their own.

Listen Here: Apply Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox

On She Goes

What It’s About:

On She Goes is a travel and lifestyle podcast that’s dedicated to inspiring women of color to travel confidently, adventurously, and more often.You’ll hear a range of topics covering what it’s like to travel while Black, travel tips, representation in travel media, diversity in the outdoors, and getting paid to travel.

Where To Start:

On She Goes ran from 2017 to 2020, but it’s still relevant and worth listening to in 2022. I’d even recommend starting from the most recent episode and working your way backward. Season 5, Episode 11, “How NOT to Travel Like a Basic Bitch in the Time of COVID” talks about the importance of giving back, supporting locals, educational travel, and post-pandemic travel predictions (listen to see if they came true!).

Listen Here: Apply Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox

Russia continues to wage war on Ukraine while billionaire Elon Musk strangely challenged Vladimir Putin to a physical fight. Over on Russian State TV, as well, the overriding tone has been surreal, although in compliance with the Kremlin’s wishes. They also grew absolutely giddy when a Fox News commentator suggested that Ukranians bend over and let Putin do, well, whatever. There’s been solidarity-resistance from the outside world when Anonymous claimed to have hacked into Russian TV stations to air graphic battle footage, but there are cracks coming from within now.

Via Meduza editor Kevin Rothrock, here’s a clip of the moment when a then-unidentified woman dashed onto the soundstage of a Channel One broadcast with a sign reading, “Stop the war! Don’t believe propaganda! They’re lying to you here!”

BBC One Russia editor Steve Rosenberg also noted the incident, calling it “absolutely astonishing.”

Via Mediaite, the story took a turn when Financial Times Moscow Bureau Chief Max Seddon identified the woman as Channel One editor Marina Ovsyannikova, who was promptly taken into police custody and charged with “discrediting the Russian armed forces.”

From there, The Daily Beast’s Julia Davis published a Twitter thread with a video statement (clearly recorded before her on-set move) from Ovsyannikova, who expressed regret in helping to spread misinformation and Kremlin propaganda as part of her job:

“What is currently happening in Ukraine is a crime. Russia is a country-aggressor… All responsibility for this aggression lies on the conscience of one person: Vladimir Putin. My father is Ukrainian, my mother is Russian. They were never enemies… Unfortunately, for the last several years I worked at Channel One, promoting Kremlin propaganda and for that I am very ashamed right now… I am ashamed that I allowed lies to be told from TV screens, that I allowed Russian people to be zombified. We stayed quiet when all of this was just getting started in 2014…. We didn’t come out to protest when the Kremlin poisoned Navalny. We continued to quietly watch this inhumane regime… Now the whole world turned away from us.”

Marina Ovsyannikova remains in custody and will likely remain there for some time. As noted by The Guardian, a rogue independent news broadcasting of this kind could land her in prison for 15 years per a criminal law against so-called “fake news.”

(Via Mediaite & The Guardian)

The Brooklyn Nets picked up an important win on Sunday against the Knicks thanks to a 53-point performance from Kevin Durant in what was the first home game attended by Kyrie Irving this season.

Irving purchased courtside seats to the game and watched Durant’s sensational effort as a fan, as he still cannot play in games but can attend them now as New York City’s mandate for workers remains in place but has been lifted for people going to events. It seemed clear that the goal from the Nets and Irving was to point out the rather absurd optics of Irving being allowed to sit courtside at a game as a fan but not play in it, with Kevin Durant not mincing words about his frustration with the situation afterwards (which, again, is one that would’ve been solved long ago if Irving had gotten vaccinated).

The only issue for the Nets was that they allowed Irving to join the team at halftime in the locker room, which is obviously not an opportunity afforded to a normal fan as it is considered part of the “workplace environment.” As such, that violated New York City protocols, which earned the franchise a $50,000 fine from the league.

That, of course, is a drop in the bucket for the Nets, but is simply the league reasserting its commitment to making teams abide by local health guidelines at all times. As for whether the pressure applied by the Nets on the city to lift its mandate will be effective, that once again got shut down by mayor Eric Adams on Sunday morning.

All told, this saga appears like it will continue, with no parties budging on their stance — from Kyrie Irving’s refusal to get the vaccine, to New York’s stance on the vaccine mandate, to the NBA’s stance on enforcing local guidelines — and the result will be continued awkwardness and potential fines should the Nets open the locker room to Irving again during a game at home before anything changes.

Breaking news: Ted Cruz’s definitions of the words “interesting” and “suspect” are apparently very different from the rest of ours.

Take for instance his quippy little anecdote of meeting with Joe Biden’s Supreme Court Nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson. Jackson is making the round with sitting U.S. Senators as part of her confirmation trial so, sooner or later, she was going to have to pay the Republican from Texas a visit. On a recent episode of his podcast/Youtube series The Verdict, Cruz recounted that meeting by offering up details he deemed “interesting” enough to share. One such detail: that Brown refused his offer of Cuban coffee and as a Cuban-American, he found that “highly suspect.”

Now, we can obviously take a joke (even a painfully-unfunny poor attempt at one) but it feels necessary to point out that this asinine excuse for not liking a respected judge who might just become the first Black woman to sit on the highest court in the country is exactly the kind of stupid reasoning Cruz would lean on to vote no during Jackson’s confirmation hearing.

Still, it’s fairly hilarious to watch Cruz try to trade on his Cuban roots considering he’s been unofficially dubbed the worst Cuban-American, beating out fellow Senator Marco Rubio for the title. Not that that should bother him any. We hear he prefers vacationing in Cancun anyway.

As you may recall, Obi-Wan Kenobi, the forthcoming Disney+ show about the iconic Star Wars Jedi, ran into some difficulties on the way to the small screen. There were issues with the original scripts, which had to be largely scrapped. Star Ewan McGregor claimed those claims were “bulls*it, but it appears there was at least some truth to them. Indeed, it’s only now been made public that amidst the turmoil, the show wound up ditching another beloved character’s return.

As per The Hollywood Reporter, the show originally brought back Darth Maul, the horned, double lightsaber-wielding baddie from the first Star Wars prequel The Phantom Menace. How was Maul supposed to return given that a young Obi-Wan literally sliced him in half? Was he in flashbacks? We may never know. But we do know that Maul was in the scripts long enough that actor Ray Park was at one point in active prep to return to the role.

This all happened about two years ago, when pre-production on the show was put on pause and the scripts were dramatically reworked. The reason, according to THR, was not that they were bad per se, but that series director Deborah Chow noticed they were a little too similar to The Mandalorian, which had recently wrapped its first season:

Sources note that Filoni and Favreau were concerned about Obi-Wan covering similar ground as Mandalorian — the Lone Wolf and Cub-like story of Kenobi coming out of hiding to protect a child-aged Luke Skywalker. Maul was one of the villains who would participate in the hunt for the pair; Vader was nowhere to be found in this faraway galaxy at this stage, according to those with knowledge of the project. Also, Filoni and Favreau pushed Chow and the show to “go bigger,” according to several sources. In any case, those concerns made their way to Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy, who pressed the pause button.

But don’t fret that you won’t be seeing Darth Maul reunite with Obi-Wan for another duel. After all, you’re getting Darth Vader instead. Obi-Wan Kenobi premieres on Disney+ on May 25.

(Via THR)

One of the best ways to enjoy bourbon is to drink it with an accompanying beer. Sometimes known as a boilermaker (usually when the whiskey is in shot form), this combo is a favorite of drinkers and bartenders alike. In theory, the beer often acts as a sort of chaser for the warmer alcohol you’re enjoying as the main course. “A beer back” as it’s called by aficionados.

Charles Bement, sommelier and beverage director of B. Hospitality in Chicago, loves the bourbon-beer combination. In his opinion, the beer choice is just as important as the whiskey, because the two need to play off of each other.

“I think doing IPA and bourbon can be overpowering,” Bement explains. “Lager has just enough weight and citrus components to pair well with the caramel notes that you get on a nice Kentucky bourbon.”

To that end, we tasked a handful of well-known bartenders to pair beers they love with bourbons to provide us all a guiding light on the beer back issue. They didn’t disappoint in their selections. Check them all, below!

Shiner Bock and Buffalo Trace

Kristan Arnold, bartender at Elgin Public House in Chicago

ABV: 45%

Average Price: $24

Why This Pairing?

At my bar, we do a bock and bourbon special with Shiner Bock and Buffalo Trace Bourbon. They are a perfect combo. Both of them have subtle complexities of sweet-bitter caramel notes that are perfect for an after-work combo.

Budweiser and Jim Beam White Label

Andrew Guerin, bartender at Bourbon O Bar in New Orleans

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $20

Why This Pairing?

I’m a bit of a classic on this. Give me a shot of Jim Beam and a Budweiser. I know exactly what I’m getting every time — classic bourbon flavors of caramel, vanilla, and oak and crisp with a thirst-quenching beer that tastes like beer.

Golden Road Mango Cart and Eagle Rare 10

Daniel Yang, lead bartender at Electra Cocktail Club in Las Vegas

ABV: 45%

Average Price: $48

Why This Pairing?

This may sound a bit strange, but I would personally choose a nice frozen glass full of Golden Road’s Mango Cart, which is a smooth mango-flavored wheat ale that offers a beautiful balance to the dryer finish to my pour of Eagle Rare 10-year bourbon. Having a nice contrast of refreshing fruit aroma to bold and oaky flavors of the bourbon makes the sipping all the better.

Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout and Frey Ranch Bourbon

Lewis Caputa, lead bartender at Rosina Cocktail Lounge in Las Vegas

ABV: 45%

Average Price: $55

Why This Pairing?

This question depends on my mood, but I’ll go with a Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout and a really strong and tasty bourbon like Frey Ranch. Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout is a modern classic for me. The chocolate really comes through on the palate. Frey Ranch is great because of the cinnamon notes that come out on your nose and as you taste it. Chocolate and cinnamon? Great combo.

Trumer Pils and I.W. Harper 15

Evan Hosaka, lead bartender at The Dorsey Cocktail Bar in Las Vegas

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $93

Why This Pairing?

Trumer Pils alongside I.W. Harper 15-year bourbon is my favorite combination because it brings me back to an earlier time in my bartending career when I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area. Trumer Pils is a refreshing pilsner at about 4.7 percent ABV while the I.W Harper 15 is light in alcohol for bourbon at 43 percent ABV. But, it offers heavy and sensational flavors on the palate with notes of oak, caramel, spice, and vanilla. The distillery has been around for a long time but mainly produced for the international market until it was brought back to the domestic market in 2015.

Pabst Blue Ribbon and Old Grand-Dad Bonded

Joshua Scheid, beverage manager at REX at The Royal in Philadelphia

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $20

Why This Pairing?

If I’m going for beer and bourbon, there’s nothing like a cold PBR and a shot of Old Grand-Dad Bonded. The extra oomph from the bonded bourbon with the grocery store white bread sweetness of PBR is so comforting.

Neko no Sukiyoubi and Savage & Cooke Burning Chair

Mariza Sabino, general manager at Dirty Habit in San Francisco

ABV: 44%

Average Price: $55

Why This Pairing?

My personal favorite right now is Neko no Sukiyoubi (Wednesday Cat White Ale) and Savage & Cooke’s Burning Chair. I love the barrel notes in the Burning Chair and there are mild tropical notes that pair perfectly with the mild fruit and maltiness of the ale.

Miller High Life and Maker’s Mark 46

Stephen Ohalloran, bar manager at Camino Riviera in San Diego

ABV: 45%

Average Price: $40

Why This Pairing?

Try not to overthink this one. I go with a Makers 46 and some Miller High Life. It’s an inoffensive beer that can go with just about anything paired with a nice and slightly higher-proof bourbon to punch it up a bit.

Coors Light and Woodford Reserve

Claire Sexton, bar manager at Kettner Exchange in San Diego

ABV: 45.2%

Average Price: $35

Why This Pairing?

Guilty pleasure — I love light beer. I have been working in craft bars for all of my adult life. And even with endless spirits options from faraway lands behind the bar, I always lean towards an ice-cold lager like Coors Light and some good old Woodford Reserve bourbon to sip while closing.

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Bulleit

Subhash Sankar, head mixologist at Alaia Belize in San Pedro Town, Belize

ABV: 45%

Average Price: $30

Why This Pairing?

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Bulleit Bourbon are my picks. If you’re looking for something lighter and hoppier, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale would be fantastic, It’s got a strong, astringent flavor, so it’s a good palate cleanser against the bourbon.

Stella Artois and Maker’s Mark

Aaron Ramirez, lead bartender at Mr. C Beverly Hills in Los Angeles

ABV: 45%

Average Price: $28

Why This Pairing?

After a long day of work, I love to settle down with a boilermaker. In my opinion, the best combination for that is Maker’s Mark and Stella Artois Lager. The smooth, oaky, almost caramel notes of the bourbon complement the almost fruity notes of the Lager.

Whiner NWAR Tsokolate Stout and FEW

Nicholas Webster, bar manager and Fulton Market Kitchen in Chicago

ABV: 46.5%

Average Price: $40

Why This Pairing?

Pairing Few Bourbon with a dark, chocolate-driven stout can help ease the cravings for spring. The NWAR Tsokolate stout from Whiner Beer company is one of my favorites to pair with FEW. The notes of chocolate, coffee, and toasted coconut compliment the rich flavors of caramel and spiced cloves in FEW Bourbon.

Rick Ross can probably be forgiven for not knowing who Saucy Santana is. After all, the fast-rising rap newcomer’s largest audience remains on TikTok, where Saucy’s song “Material Girl” has completely taken over, appearing in well over 27 million views since its release in 2020. However, Ric — who is no stranger to making the jump from underground sensation to mainstream superstar — isn’t surprised by Santana’s success and says hip-hop undoubtedly has space for more queer artists to make similar leaps.

Ross learned about Saucy Santana — a fellow native of Miami — during an interview with YouTube gossip vlogger Funky Dineva, who asked for his take on gay rappers coming into the rap game. “I’m not familiar with the name Santana, but live your life, chase your dreams, and go hard, man,” Ross replies smoothly, meeting Dineva’s follow-up question — “Do you think hip-hop will ever embrace the LGBT community fully?” — with an equally unfazed response. “I believe hip-hop has already embraced it. Without a doubt.”

“Material Girl” isn’t the only Saucy Santana song fans have received warmly, nor is Rick Ross the first rapper to co-sign the burgeoning star. His 2020 single, “Walk,” is also a viral favorite on TikTok, with 516 million views on the #WalkChallenge and related hashtags. Santana has worked with LightSkinKeisha on “Back It Up,” Sukihana on “Food Stamp H*e,” Latto on “Up & Down,” and “Shisha” with City Girls, for whom he once worked as a makeup artist. His debut album, Keep It Playa, dropped in December of 2021.

As far as Rick Ross’ claim that hip-hop has embraced queer artists goes, he might be a little optimistic in that respect. Last year, Lil Nas X had one of the best-performing debut albums in recent memory but still had to field homophobic comments from rappers like Boosie and fans who questioned him for not working with any other Black men on the album, something he pointed out had more to do with those he asked than with his own preferences.

Multiple times per week, our TV and film experts will list the most important ten streaming selections for you to pop into your queues. We’re not strictly operating upon reviews or accrued streaming clicks (although yes, we’ve scoured the streaming site charts and ratings) but, instead, upon those selections that are really worth noticing amid the churning sea of content. There’s a lot out there, after all, and your time is valuable.

10: (TIE) The Adam Project (Netflix film)

Enjoy this A-lister laden movie (Ryan Reynolds is the time-traveling son of Mark Ruffalo, who’s also teaming up here with his 13 Going On 30 co-star here) that’s pretty much comfort food. And even though emotions can run high, it’s essentially harmless escapism, and what more can you ask for when the world is stressful right now? As far as sci-fi goes, that aspect isn’t the strongest here, but it’s a pleasant little watch.

10: (TIE) Our Flag Means Death (HBO Max series)

Finally, pirates get the workplace comedy that they deserve, and yup, this is pretty much What We Do In The Shadows on the high seas. Taika Waititi portrays the notorious Blackbeard, and he desperately wants to throw the towel in, but retiring as a pirate ain’t so easy. There’s mutiny afoot and plundering never stops being hard as hell, and then there’s a gentrification-siding pirate that is a disgrace to the profession. It’s so silly, and thank god for that levity.

9. The Thing About Pam (NBC series streaming on Peacock)

Renee Zellweger really loves to look unrecognizable, so this true-crime series is her jam for sure. She portrays Pam Hupp, who was involved in a diabolical scheme that led to the murder of Betsy Faria, whose murder somehow ended up being pinned on her husband. Dateline NBC got involved, and naturally, that led to a podcast and, eventually, this dissection of the whole tawdry affair.

8. Pieces Of Her (Netflix series)

The sight of Toni Collette as a possibly sketchy mother might bring back Hereditary vibes, but perhaps that’s part of the attraction here. Bella Heathcote portrays a 30 something who’s attempting to parcel out what happened in her childhood, and of course, there are dueling timelines here. There’s viral fame and a cult and, yeah, you are not prepared for the twists here.

7. From (Epix series)

Because one can never have too many Lost imitators, this show takes an unescapable trip into a really calm-seeming town that happens to trap residents. And then the monsters surface, but this is much more of a slow-burn story than a straight-up scare-the-hell-out-of-you story. Those who are waiting for more Manifest should sign on to keep the ratings-fires burning.

6. Severance (Apple TV+ series)

Ben Stiller is here to tear your little non-work-life-balanced world apart. The always-great Adam Scott stars, and both Patricia Arquette and Christopher Walken make supporting turns, so you should probably stop working right now and watch this show. Or at the very least, get your best Zoolander Blue Steel face going on.

5. Snowfall: Season 5 (FX series)

The late John Singleton’s brainchild is alive and well with the Franklin family posed to enjoy everyone of their long-running dreams, but yeahhhh that ain’t happening. The heat is cranked up to eleven in South Central LA with the 1980s not turning out to be the fun and games that everyone’s expecting. Much of this has to do with the cocaine-associated death of Len Bias ruining a good time for all.

4. Fresh (Searchlight Pictures film on Hulu)

Sebastian Stan’s dance moves are only one of the highlights of this satiric take on the dating world that might make you delete all of your profiles right now. It’s a slightly gory film that transforms from a romcom vibe into a full-fledged horror flick, but in the middle of all of that conflict, a darkly humorous flame persists. Daisy Edgar-Jones toes a very fine line here, and again, Sebastian is leaving Bucky Barnes on ice with his choices.

3. The Dropout (Hulu series)

The fake-deep-voiced Elizabeth Holmes’ rise and fall as Theranos CEO takes center stage here. Although the retelling itself takes on a paint-by-number air, there’s still plenty here about Seyfried’s performance that will fascinate all. She’s got the long-game-grift commitment going on, of course, but don’t forget about the turtleneck (just like Steve Jobs) and the stark red lipstick to show you that she means business. Also onboard are Naveen Andrews, William H. Macy, and Alan Ruck, all of whom help demonstrate how convincingly that Holmes pulled the wool over the world’s eyes while her inner circle swirled.

2. Vikings: Valhalla (Netflix series)

The O.G. series captivated for six full seasons, and this spinoff just got the greenlight for another two rounds. So, you’d best catch up with this story that picks up about a century ahead of its predecessor with heroes and destiny and gritty action going on a plenty. This season, viewers will meet a new generation of heroes, including history-famous Vikings including Leif Eriksson (Sam Corlett), Freydis Eriksdotter (Frida Gustavsson), and Nordic prince Harald Sigurdsson (Leo Suter). The battle between Christianity and pagan views only amplify the existing rivalries as all groups battle for honor and survival.

1. Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty (HBO series on HBO Max)

Although this series obviously appeals most to sports fans, there’s also a great deal of showmanship and technical prowess that anyone can step up and enjoy these spectacles and a glimpse behind the courtside curtain. As is the case with many successful streaming endeavors these days, Adam McKay’s heavily involved here because he can’t have his hands in too many projects. The story follows the ascension of the 1980s-era L.A. Lakers under the direction of owner Jerry Buss. John C. Reilly stars as Buss with all of his visionary aplomb along with the expected, unsavory side effects. Quincey Isaiah portrays Magic Johnson, so of course, expect to see all of his partying along with exploits for the rest of the team, who dabble in drugs as well. There might be some ball-playing, too.

With lush views, breathtaking beaches, volcanic mountains, and a diverse selection of good eats and drinks, Bali is a must-visit location for vagabonding adventurers and spiritual nomads alike. It certainly didn’t become Indonesia’s most-visited destination by being one dimensional.

For travel influencer Jaro Cabla, Bali turned out to be more than just another stop on his around-the-world tour. While the surf spots, tourist attractions, and unique accommodations are undoubtedly badass, Cabla treasured the experience for helping to further connect him to nature, his community, and himself.

“I love to tell stories through my travel videos and content,” Cabla tells UPROXX. “My goal is to inspire the younger generation to pursue their own dreams relentlessly, and live as the best possible version of themselves.”

If you’re ready to experience Bali’s vibrant culture for yourself, check out Cabla’s fool-proof travel guide to Bali below. From snorkeling with manta rays to hiking up a volcano at sunrise to sleeping in a treehouse, he’s sharing everything you need to eat, see, and do.

ALSO READ:

• Bali-Based Travel Pro Alexandra Saper Gives Us The Ultimate Guide To Bali, Indonesia
• Model And Travel Influencer Kara Del Toro Shares Her Detailed Guide To Tulum, Mexico
• Long-Term Travel Pro Kesi Irvin Shares Her Travel Guide To Uganda
• Travel Couples Share The Absolute Best Hotel Rooms They’ve Ever Stayed In
• An Island-Hopping Guide To Turks and Caicos

WHY BALI?

Bali has a place for everyone on her island, whether you are coming here for a short-term vacation or a long-term stay. I personally came to Bali because I knew it would push my career forward in content creation and meeting like-minded people.

Bali is also one of the places on earth that offers world-class surfing. There’s a wave here for everyone, whether you’re just learning or you’ve been charging barrels your entire life. If you find yourself being called to Bali, this island will stretch you in a hundred different ways. You’ll emerge transformed, pushed out of your comfort zone, for better or for worse.

What’s one thing that every first-time visitor should see or do in Bali?

Spend time in Ubud and try out some yoga classes and ecstatic dances at The Yoga Barn. You can rent a beautiful bamboo eco-villa like The Rescape Villa or Eco-Six, the kind of accommodation you don’t normally get to experience in places like the USA or Europe. Ubud is not like any other place on earth, so if you are looking to stretch your mind and dip into the whole spiritual realm, this is the place to go.

I know you only asked for one thing, but I can’t NOT mention the Nusa Islands. Nusa Penida is just pure magic, with scenery that you only see in movies. I recommend going to see Diamond Beach and staying at the Airbnb called Tropical Glamping. This will be an experience of a lifetime.

All-time favorite restaurants?

Bali has such an amazing variety of foods for literally everyone. I am not a vegan but the vegan food here in Bali is hands down some of the best food I’ve had. I had a chance to try Indonesian food as well and there is a specific place in Uluwatu called d’alvie. Everything on their menu is delicious.

In Ubud, you have to try Zest. Their Jackfruit Steak is a must-have. Of course, when you are in Canggu, visit Secret Spot and try their Southwest chicken bowl or eat at Pizza Fabbrica. Pizza Fabbrica has SUCH GOOD PIZZA and calzone.

Here are some other recommendations in Canggu:

• I am Vegan Babe — Ceasar Salad
• BB52 Burgers — literally any burger on the menu
• Manggis — Best spaghetti and meatballs ever!

Best outdoor excursion or adventure activity in Bali?

I guess this activity isn’t directly in Bali, but it’s in Nusa Penida which is part of Bali. One of the most magical experiences was to snorkel with manta rays. These filter feeders were massive gentle giants in the water and the experience itself was like any other. Sanctum Divers is located on Nusa Penida. Their boats were clean and they also brought snacks and water for us and ensured the equipment was clean and ready to go.

If you are not much of a swimmer, Bali has thousands of waterfalls that you can visit. Some of my favorites are Sekumpul in North Bali, Nung-Nung, and Leke-Leke.

One of my favorite excursions was doing a sailing trip around The Komodo Islands, which actually has some of my favorite beaches and trails with the most epic views. It was a five-day sailing trip that took us to a pink sand beach, we saw Komodo Dragons, and then the iconic Padar Island. All food and water were provided on the boat and the crew kept us comfortable every day.

Favorite beach in Bali?

I am a surf head, so I have to say that my favorite beach is Uluwatu. The sunsets are epic from the cliffside and you can also just sit and watch the surfers, with a fresh coconut in hand. However, if you want to just hang out and enjoy the beach, go to Dreamland. The name says it all — the water is crystal blue with white sand and it’s absolutely stunning. You can also do some swimming if the waves aren’t too crazy.

There is also Binging Beach that’s a five-minute cliffside walk down, just up from a well-known reef break called Bingin. There’s also a little warung on the cliff by the beach called Kelly’s Warung with a wicked sunset view.

Hiking trail with the absolute best view?

The sunrise volcano hike in Bali is called Mount Batur. I woke up at around 2 in the morning to start driving to the mountain, which was about a two-hour drive from Canggu. The hike itself was about two hours up as well and the views at the top were absolutely breathtaking. While I didn’t have a guide with me, it is recommended. There is also an option to camp at the top with hot chocolate and food. I personally haven’t done it that way but I’ve spoken to people who loved the experience.

Coolest hotel or place to stay?

Skai Joglo in Ubud. It is hands down the nicest treehouse with the most beautiful view of the rice fields. The price is reasonable at about $60 per night. When I stayed there, the staff decorated the entire pool with flower petals, it was the best place to capture some epic content. In the morning they also had an option to serve a floating breakfast, which is also a cool experience if you’ve never done something like that before.

What surprised you most about Bali?

The spiritual side. The energy here is so strong. I’ve spent a bit of time here to really tap into it and feel the vibrations of the island. I know it sounds airy-fairy but you have to be here to truly experience it, and not to mention, be open to it. I’ve met so many people who just had a terrible time here and left after a few weeks, and I’ve met people who came here and never left.

This place is magic and she will test you in many ways. Experiences and emotions are definitely heightened here and it can either make or break a person. I’ve had my fair share of highs and lows while being here where I’ve hit burnout and got in with the partying scene where I realized that that actually isn’t what I wanted for myself and my life. I came to Bali initially to grow my business and instead, I spent 70 percent of my time going on a personal journey of self-discovery.

Anything else you’d like to add about Bali?

Be mindful on the roads and just get to know the culture a little bit. After all, you are coming to this country as a guest, and you can’t act or treat the people here like you are above them. I really wish that I learned to speak more of the language during my time here.

Well, Twitter‘s timeline experiment was fun while it lasted.

Wait. No, it wasn’t.

Twitter’s decision to switch from a default chronological timeline to an algorithmically-handpicked “Home” feed that shows suggested tweets was an unmitigated disaster. It was called one of Twitter’s “worst product decisions in a while,” and led to headlines like, “Twitter just made a big change to our timelines, and I hate it.” Save it for Truth Social.

As the Verge wrote:

Some users shared criticism of the change almost immediately after its March 10th announcement, as the Latest feed is preferred to the Home feed for many. The out-of-sequence Home feed can, at times, be confusing, especially for people who use Twitter for updates during a breaking news event like the war in Ukraine.

The change was so unpopular that Twitter has already abandoned the feature after less than a week. “We heard you –– some of you always want to see latest Tweets first. We’ve switched the timeline back and removed the tabbed experience for now while we explore other options,” the Twitter Supports account tweeted on Monday. Here’s an idea: explore an option that isn’t this option. I don’t know what kind of monster wants to see “top” tweets instead of the latest tweets, and frankly, I don’t want to. I’m not the only one.

The silver lining is that it made this tweet from 2016 relevant once again.

Never a bad day for florps.

(Via the Verge)