Best Armchair Productions Podcasts (2025)

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She Thrives Abroad: From Fear to Freedom Abroad with Lauren McDonnell 1:01

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6h ago1:01

1:01

Lauren McDonnell of She Thrives Abroad shares her journey from Alabama to the Netherlands, detailing the motivations behind her family's move abroad, the extensive research and planning involved, and the challenges of transitioning to a new culture. She discusses the importance of safety, quality of life, and education for her children, as well as …

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Winging It in San Salvador 31:07

6d ago31:07

31:07

We’ve got something a little different but very special for you today. This episode comes from Winging It, a travel podcast hosted by my friend James Hammond, who you’ll hear from shortly. He takes us on an immersive, on-location audio adventure through San Salvador, El Salvador – and trust me, it’s a journey worth tagging along for. James has a br…

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Early Retirement in Italy: Choosing Meaning Over Money in Midlife with Dan Kidson 59:18

7d ago59:18

59:18

In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Dan shares his journey from a corporate career in the U.S. to pursuing his dream of living in Italy. He discusses his love for travel, the challenges of finding a home, navigating the visa process, and the cultural immersion he experienced in his new community. Dan also highlights the bureaucratic hurd…

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Let ‘er Buck! Broncos, Steers, Whiskey & Beer at the Pendleton Roundup 28:35

10d ago28:35

28:35

It might’ve been my first rodeo, but it won’t be my last! “It’s part action movie, part rock show blurring into the superbowl. It feels modern, but bull riding itself goes back to the bronze age. And that’s true for rodeo contests in general: bull riding, barrel racing or wild cow milking, they’re all based on tradition, and in keeping those tradit…

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Pathways June – Buckin’ Broncos, Ancient Graffiti and the Secrets of Lake Baikal 38:52

13d ago38:52

38:52

Every month on Pathways, host Aaron Millar and producer Jason Paton crack open a few stories, play their favorite clips, and take you on a whirlwind preview of what’s coming up this month on Armchair Explorer. It’s part travel hangout, part behind-the-scenes, and a whole lot of part “wait, you did what?” Special Offer: we’ve revived our NEWSLETTER!…

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Renovating Life: An American Family’s Move to Portugal 50:11

14d ago50:11

50:11

In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shannon interviews Allison, an American expat living in Portugal. They discuss Allison's journey from New York to Portugal, the challenges of moving abroad with children, the process of finding a suitable school, and building a community in a new country. Allison shares her experiences with language le…

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Move Overseas Now: Real Talk on Visas, Mindset & Building a Life Abroad with Shawna Lum 52:28

21d ago52:28

52:28

In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shawna shares her journey from growing up in Los Angeles to living in Spain and helping others move abroad. She discusses her experiences in the corporate world, her love for the European lifestyle, and the creation of her business, Move Overseas Now, which assists Americans in relocating to Europe. Sh…

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DISCOVER: South Australia Road Trip Part 2: The Wild Side 38:52

22d ago38:52

38:52

We're back for part two of our Discover series on the less travelled, but adventure-rich state of South Australia. Our Discover Guides are deep dives into new destinations, where we interview experts to get the ‘drum’ on the places they live and love. This series is produced as a road trip through a lesser-known part of Australia filled with natura…

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Alone Across Gola: Riding through the Rainforest with Adventurer Jude Kriwald 43:32

24d ago43:32

43:32

“At home, mindfulness is an app, a tool to fight the noise. In the wild, peace and calm rule by default … Out in the open, my mind is released from the noise. It sways with the trees and flows with the rivers. It blows over snow tipped mountaintops and down into wide sunlit valleys expanding to fill its surroundings. The vistas are bigger, but ther…

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Reinventing Life and Work in France with Andrew Guck 59:58

28d ago59:58

59:58

In this episode, guest Andrew Guck shares his remarkable journey from upstate New York to building a life in southern France, where he’s lived for over a decade. What began with a casual interest in French class—and a long-lost crush—eventually led to a love story, a spontaneous elopement, and a bold move abroad. Andrew opens up about the cultural …

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DISCOVER: South Australia Road Trip: From Adelaide to the Edge of the Outback 46:39

29d ago46:39

46:39

G’day and good onya! Our Discover Guides are deep dives into new destinations, where we interview experts to get the ‘drum’ on the places they live and love. Today we’re excited to share the first of two episodes exploring South Australia, a less-trodden state rich in adventure, wildlife and natural beauty. This two-part series is produced as a roa…

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CONNECTION: Dreamtime Diving on the Great Barrier Reef 29:28

1M ago29:28

29:28

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system in the world. Covering an area of 135,000 square miles, it is bigger than the United Kingdom, Holland and Switzerland combined. Lay it out across Europe and it would reach from London to Moscow, making it is the largest living structure in the world and the only one visible from outer space. Today, …

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Introducing “Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant” 42:48

1M ago42:48

42:48

Today, we are sharing an episode of Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, the chart-topping and Webby Award-winning podcast from our friends at Nature on PBS. Back for a brand new season, Going Wild features some of the coolest champions of nature – like a former butterfly technician who saved an endangered species while incarcerated, and a marine ec…

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IMMERSION: Homecoming: Chief Joseph’s Promise and the Flight of the Nez Perce 29:19

1M ago29:19

29:19

Welcome back to the Hidden Trails of Oregon! In the first episode of our new season, host Aaron Millar heads to the eastern edge of the state, far from the bustle of coastal cities and the craggy heights of the cascade mountains. We're going on location in the traditional lands of the Nez Perce to uncover a piece of history unknown to most outsider…

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DISCOVER: The Place Where Land and Sea Meet at Victoria, B.C. 37:47

1M ago37:47

37:47

In this episode, we’re heading to the city of Victoria on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. They call this the place where ‘land and sea meet, and cultures converge’. Victoria is a city surrounded by wild nature on all sides, from the tranquil waters of the Salish Sea to the mighty rainforests of Vancouver Island. Our Discover…

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PATHWAYS: Dreamtime Dives, African Forests and Baby Kangaroos 43:37

2M ago43:37

43:37

Every month on Pathways, host Aaron Millar and producer Jason Paton crack open a few stories, play their favorite clips, and take you on a whirlwind preview of what’s coming up this month on Armchair Explorer. It’s part travel hangout, part behind-the-scenes, and a whole lot of part “wait, you did what?” In this episode, we’re going from the dreamt…

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How NOT to Retire Abroad: One Couple’s Story of Moving to Portugal 49:26

2M ago49:26

49:26

In this episode, I'm joined by Matt and Dawn — better known as The Unretirees — who traded their big-city grind for a brand-new life on Portugal’s Silver Coast. We talk about how they sold almost everything they owned, why the pandemic was a turning point, and what made Portugal the obvious choice (spoiler: fast-track citizenship and serious beach …

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ADVENTURE: From the Shadow of Denali Into the Thaw with Jon Waterman 37:37

2M ago37:37

37:37

Today we are taking a journey to the arctic circle, in the far north of the American continent. This is a story about climbing, and surviving, one of the tallest mountains on Earth. It’s about paddling through the most remote national park in America, the Gates of the Arctic; and it’s about finding wonder and hope in places where that hope is nearl…

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Doing Italy: Life Lessons from a Female Founder with Thea Duncan 1:03:45

2M ago1:03:45

1:03:45

In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shannon chats with Thea Duncan, the founder of Doing Italy. The conversation explores Thea's journey to Italy, her love for the culture, and how she helps others navigate the process of moving to Italy. Thea shares her experiences with intuition, the impact of COVID-19 on her career, and practical advi…

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How to Move Abroad (Without Forcing It): The Power of Intuition & Divine Timing with Nicolle 1:01:21

2M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

What if your next big move—whether it’s across the world or deep within—wasn’t about figuring it out, but about feeling it through? In this episode, Shannon sits down with Nicolle Merrilyne, a Certified Intuitive Energy Healer, Medium, and Meditation Teacher who recently left California to follow her intuition—and her spirit guides—all the way to S…

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Astrocartography 101: Finding the Best Place to Live, Love & Thrive with Helena Woods 1:01:52

2M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

What if your birth chart could tell you where in the world you're meant to thrive? In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon chats with world traveling professional relocation astrology specialist Helena Woods about the weird, sometimes woo-woo, and yet wildly accurate world of astrocartography— otherwise known as the “astrology of place”. They di…

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DISCOVER: River Drifting, Reef Diving & Rainforest Wandering in Tropical North Queensland 43:21

2M ago43:21

43:21

In this episode, we’re heading deep into the wilds of Tropical North Queensland, Australia—where the oldest rainforest in the world meets the greatest reef on the planet. We’ll be connecting with an Aboriginal guide to learn indigenous perspectives on the land; doing something called ‘River Drifting’ through the ancient forests of Daintree; seeing …

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🎧 PATHWAYS: Rainforest Drifts, Kangaroo Islands & Denali’s Frozen Edge 28:30

2M ago28:30

28:30

This is your monthly guide to the world’s wildest travel stories – one adventure at a time. Every month on Pathways, host Aaron Millar and producer Jason Paton crack open a few stories, play their favorite clips, and take you on a whirlwind preview of what’s coming up on Armchair Explorer. It’s part travel hangout, part behind-the-scenes, part “wai…

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How to Move Abroad At Any Age with Cepee Tabibian 47:09

3M ago47:09

47:09

In this episode, Cepee shares how a restless career path and a big leap abroad led her to create She Hit Refresh—a thriving community for women over 30 ready to reinvent their lives overseas. We dive into the highs and lows of her expat story, what it really takes to start over in a new country, and why community is the secret ingredient to a succe…

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BUCKET LIST: Eye-to-Eye with Giants: Whale Watching in Victoria, B.C. 14:39

3M ago14:39

14:39

"I've been guiding or working around whales now for almost over just about over a decade, and I still am in awe at all of the experiences that we have. It's just a wonder of a magnitude that people don't really get to experience anywhere else in urban life" – Nik Coutinho, Prince of Whales In this Bucket List episode, produced in our immersive docu…

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Wanna Move Abroad? Your Exit Strategy Starts Here with Jen Barnett 34:36

3M ago34:36

34:36

Welcome to the very first episode of Armchair Expat. In this kickoff conversation, host Shannon Acton chats with Jen Barnett about her journey from Alabama to Mérida, Mexico—and how she turned her relocation experience into a powerful resource for others through her platform, Expatsi. Jen opens up about the political motivations behind her move, th…

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ADVENTURE: Becoming Forrest Gump: The Man Who Ran Across America Five Times (IRL) 37:48

3M ago37:48

37:48

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Rob Pope, the first person in the world to complete the legendary run made famous by one of Hollywood’s most beloved characters – Forrest Gump. Yes, you heard that right. Rob took on the challenge of following Forrest’s route mile by mile, crossing the country not once, but FIVE times. That’s like running from th…

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Armchair Expat Promo 0:44

3M ago0:44

0:44

What really happens when you leave everything familiar behind and start over in a new country? Armchair Expat is a podcast about moving abroad, living overseas, and building a life you love on your own terms. Hosted by Shannon Acton of @BargainHomesAbroad, each episode features real stories from people who have relocated internationally—whether for…

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BEST OF EXPLORER: Where’s Wallis? No Guidebook, No Google, No Clue with Best-selling Travel Author Brian Thacker 38:57

3M ago38:57

38:57

Follow best-selling travel author Brian Thacker on a unique, mad-cap adventure to three of the remotest countries on Earth. Inspired by the intrepid spirit of explorers of old, Brian decided to tear up the guidebook, switch off the phone and turn up to a country knowing absolutely nothing about it in advance. He picked three countries at random: th…

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PATHWAYS: Flight of the Nez Perce, the Prince of Whales and Run Forrest Run 31:01

3M ago31:01

31:01

At the start of every month, host Aaron Millar and producer Jason Paton preview what’s coming up on Armchair Explorer, play their favorite clips, and reveal the stories they’re most excited to share. A cross between a highlight reel, an interview, and two people telling travel tales down the pub, our Pathways episodes are your guide to choosing you…

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ADVENTURE: The Long Ride Home: 10,000-miles on Horseback from Canada to Brazil 43:15

4M ago43:15

43:15

“I came face to face with grizzly bears. I had to befriend drug lords. I saw two people shot dead. I witnessed a guy trying to kill his wife with five gunshots. I crossed the tallest mountains in the world. I had to swim rivers with horses. I was lost in deserts and nothing, absolutely nothing, brought me more pain and heartache and stress than man…

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IMMERSION: Muskets, Marching and a Haunted Hospital 29:02

4M ago29:02

29:02

As soon as they walked into the barracks at Fort Sisseton, they were handed muskets - heavy Springfield 63s from the Civil war era - given a uniform and told to march. Presenter Brian Thacker and producer Jason Paton thought they were just covering the annual Sisseton historical festival, in South Dakota, as spectators. Turns out they were getting …

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Red Bull: How To Be Superhuman 41:53

4M ago41:53

41:53

Abdullah Zeinab’s epic Rhino Run adventure crossing South Africa and Namibia redefines what’s possible in endurance cycling. Unsupported and unforgiving, this grueling 1,700-mile ultra-cycling race put his mental strength, grit and resilience to the ultimate test through breathtaking but brutal landscapes – where a tiny detail, like a tiny screw, m…

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Following in the Treads of the 1897 All Black Bicycle Corp with Erick Cedeño 38:09

4M ago38:09

38:09

“Those are my heroes, those guys paved the way for me to be able to travel through this country, free, and they're almost superhuman to me.” - Erick Cedeño, Bicycle Nomad In 2013, Erick Cedeño, aka. Bicycle Nomad, came across an old photograph that changed his life. Taken in 1897, it showed 20 black soldiers riding bicycles across the American West…

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PATHWAYS: Buffalo Soldiers, a Long Rider, and How to be a Superhuman 22:33

4M ago22:33

22:33

At the start of every month, host Aaron Millar and producer Jason Paton preview what’s coming up on Armchair Explorer, play their favorite clips, and reveal the stories they’re most excited to share. A cross between a highlight reel, an interview, and two people telling travel tales down the pub, our Pathways episodes are your guide to choosing you…

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JOURNEY: Canada’s Wild Rivers and Shimmering Lakes: Paddling Ontario by Canoe 22:45

5M ago22:45

22:45

In this episode, we dive into the soul of Ontario’s wild, tranquil landscapes alongside award-winning travel writer and photographer Alex Robinson. From serene canoe journeys gliding through Algonquin Provincial Park to exhilarating white-water escapades on the Madawaska River, this journey is an invitation to immerse yourself in the pristine water…

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IMMERSION: Irish Myths and Mysteries: Searching for St. Brigid on Location in Ireland 54:33

5M ago54:33

54:33

St. Patrick might be the most famous of the Irish saints...but he's far from the most interesting. In 2023, St. Brigid’s Day was decreed a National Holiday in Ireland to honor Brigid. Over the millennia, this legendary woman has evolved into a figure encompassing myth, holy legend, pagan icon, and now modern feminist symbol. But who was Brigid, rea…

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BUCKET LIST: In the Heart of Denali: Dream Sleeps on Alaska’s Ruth Glacier 17:47

5M ago17:47

17:47

In this Bucket List episode, Aaron Millar takes us to one of the most remote and breathtaking locations on Earth: Sheldon Chalet in Alaska. Perched on a rocky outcrop in the middle of the Ruth Glacier, 70-miles from civilization, with views of the east face of Denali out of your bedroom window, this is perhaps the most spectacular hotel in the worl…

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IMMERSION: The Elements of AlUla: Arabia’s Lost City and the Power of Water 1:01:14

5M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

Before the modern city of Alula rose to prominence, its natural springs and water systems were at the heart of its existence. For centuries, Alula's oasis has been a critical stop on the Incense Road, connecting cultures and trading routes across the Arabian Peninsula. Water, both from the sky and the earth, has sustained life here, and its managem…

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PERFORMANCE: Strings, Stories, and the Blues: Rick Rushing Live from Chattanooga 31:19

5M ago31:19

31:19

Before the bustling streets of Chattanooga and the sounds of modern life, the blues were born from the struggles and stories of generations past. Deep in the heart of this city in Tennessee, the blues pulse through the air, enriching the soil, and infusing every corner of this musical mecca. In this episode, we take you to the roots of this powerfu…

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ADVENTURE: Iceland: Surfing the Northern Lights & Riding the Forgotten Coast with Chris Burkard 33:24

5M ago33:24

33:24

In this episode, we journey into the wild, rugged landscapes of Iceland through the eyes of renowned photographer and filmmaker, Chris Burkard. From an unplanned surfing adventure under the Northern Lights to his grueling exploration of Iceland's remote "Forgotten Coast," Chris takes us on a path of discovery and inspiration. We explore the vast be…

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PATHWAYS: Northern Lights, Irish Saints and Alaskan Dreams 28:04

6M ago28:04

28:04

At the start of every month, host Aaron Millar and producer Jason Paton preview what’s coming up on Armchair Explorer, play their favorite clips, and reveal the stories they’re most excited to share. A cross between a highlight reel, an interview, and two people telling travel tales down the pub, our Pathways episodes are your guide to choosing you…

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IMMERSION: Wellness in the Desert: Sacred Waters, Sound Baths, and Starry Skies 41:34

6M ago41:34

41:34

Before movie star colonies, country clubs and pool parties, the first people to lay claim to Palm Springs were the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians. The spring waters were sacred to the local tribes, and today people from around the world visit the area to take in its healing waters. But there’s wellness in more than just the water. The deser…

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BUCKET LIST: 100-mile Pub Crawl along the South Downs Way, England 15:28

6M ago15:28

15:28

In this Bucket List episode, host Aaron Millar recounts the most audacious, tipsiest, and ridiculous hike of his life: a 100-mile pub crawl across the entire length of the South Downs National Park, near his hometown of Brighton England. “Should you ever happen to find yourself walking with only one boot on in the middle of the night,” Aaron writes…

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BUCKET LIST: The Everest of Great White Shark Cages Dives 22:27

6M ago22:27

22:27

On today’s bucket list episode, we are following award-winning travel writer James Stewart as he attempts the ‘Everest of Cage Dives’. In the Neptune Islands of Australia, home to the most great white sharks on the planet, there is a cage dive that drops you all the way to the ocean floor. And it was set up by the man who survived the shark attack …

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IMMERSION: Land of Stone and Light: On Location in Badlands National Park 24:33

6M ago24:33

24:33

They call it The Land of Stone and Light because of the way sunlight plays on its rocky terrain. It is a geological tapestry of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires, home to one of the richest fossil beds on the planet. The Lakota people called it Mako Sica, which is where it got its name. But there is nothing bad about the Badlands. Record…

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ADVENTURE: Whale Warriors and Eco-Pirates: Patrolling the Southern Ocean with Best-Selling Author Peter Heller 23:59

7M ago23:59

23:59

“… tied up at the pier was this all-black pirate ship with the Jolly Roger flag at the bow. It was menacing as hell, and I walked up to the superstructure, and there on the on the outer bulkhead, was all these skulls and crossbones. They were the names of all ships these guys had sunk or rammed on the high seas.” In 2005, adventure journalist and b…

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PATHWAYS: Ancient Kingdoms, Badlands and the Everest of Cage Dives 29:00

7M ago29:00

29:00

At the start of every month, host Aaron Millar and producer Jason Paton preview what’s coming up on Armchair Explorer, play their favorite clips, and reveal the stories they’re most excited to share. A cross between a highlight reel, an interview, and two people telling travel tales down the pub, our Pathways episodes are your guide to choosing you…

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IMMERSION: Pizza Farms, Fish Boils and Sacred Corn: Here’s to Those Who Wisconsin 44:57

7M ago44:57

44:57

“The thing about eating a meal with people is it breaks down barriers … But then beer elevates that to the magic of the intoxication of a shared experience. That is why beer and pizza go well together - the primal solving of the human conflict problem and the primal mysticism, paired perfectly.” – Tony Schultz, Stoney Acres Farm Here’s to those who…

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IMMERSION: Glamour in the Desert: Shag houses, Mr Tiki and Sinatra’s Favorite Haunt 54:33

7M ago54:33

54:33

Palm Springs is a must-visit for cinephiles, history buffs, adventure seekers, architecture enthusiasts and foodies, but this desert city is better known as the home of glitz and glamour. Today, we are stepping back in time to when Palm Springs was Hollywood’s favorite hideaway, when mid-century architecture shaped the town and suavely clad folk si…