Meet Rosie from Popcuria
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Today I’m happy to share that I’m featuring Rosie from Popcuria, a travel podcast!
Rosie Julin is the creator and producer of Popcuria, a podcast of people and places. Each episode we explore how the what and where you live changes the who and why of a person’s life. And all of the messy and fascinating stories created in-between. Basically, we travel around and talk to people. And learn something new along the way.
How Long have you been blogging for? Why’d you decide to start a travel blog?
I started creating travel audio documentaries a year ago and blog a bit on the side to help bring in traffic to my podcast’s site.
I started creating content for similar reasons as many others: a more independent lifestyle, I enjoy working for myself, I saw a need out there and am trying to fill it.
After trying a few different business ideas, I landed on audio documentaries because I felt a strong sense of purpose in documenting these people and places.
Do you have any tips for new travel bloggers/Aspiring travel bloggers?
Just start and keep trying and learning. What I create now is a much more refined, much more targeted product than where I started. And that’s great.
I started out thinking I was going to create a blog for “off-the-beaten-path” destinations, but there are many blogs out doing covering those places and doing a nice job at that!
And I kept circling back to this idea that my favorite part about traveling was getting to know the locals, hearing their stories, and learning a bit more about their life.
So that’s how Popcuria became a podcast. Because if you want to create something where you talk to locals, then create a podcast.
What’s one thing you wish you knew before you started traveling?
I don’t remember what I wish I knew before starting to travel and I originally read this question as what do I wish I knew before starting my blog/podcast?
I did not anticipate having to spend so much time coming up with different marketing strategies. It can be overwhelming.
Particularly since I’m doing something a bit unusual. Audio documentaries are very labor-intensive; a single episode can take a few weeks to produce.
I’ve also only recently learned to get feedback on my work. I thought I did before, but the feedback tends to be a bit different when it’s not your mom! I now seek at least two to three other opinions, and it really helps to guide my work.
Often I think I’ve made my point clear, but I then show it to someone else, and they still have questions. Feedback makes sure that you’re communicating what you want.
Why do you love to travel?
The discovery! New foods, friendly folks, gorgeous vistas, winding cobblestone roads.
Being exposed to a new environment with new sets of challenges always provokes new, interesting, or even uncomfortable thoughts which in turn prompt personal growth. It’s a good thing.
That’s why I include a reading list as part of my podcast. I read up on my destination before going and make sure to include my recommendations for anyone else who might want to join in.
What’s your best and worst travel experience?
I haven’t really had any bad travel experiences: the typical missed flights, lost items, sunburns, etc. Nothing horrible.
My best travel experience is always when I am somewhere that surprises, shocks me, or takes my breath away. Ilulissat, Greenland, Machu Picchu, and Canyonlands National Park are a few places that come to mind.
Do you prefer solo travel or traveling with other people? Why?
I definitely prefer traveling solo. I get to travel at my own pace and choose what I see and do. There’s a lot less compromising when traveling solo.
Plus I don’t always plan or stick to a plan while traveling and that can be frustrating for any potential travel buddies.
What’s your favorite place you’ve ever been to? Why?
At the moment, Maine. I’ve spent a lot of time in Maine this year: a semester attending audio storytelling school – yes that’s a thing – in Portland, Maine, and recording my first podcast episode in Deer Isle, Maine.
Deer Isle was wonderful to visit: beautiful scenery, great local people, and stories, and I was surprised by what I learned.
What’s your biggest travel tip?
Pack light. Make sure you can lift your own bag. Generally, two to three outfits seem to be sufficient for almost all trips.
Is there one specific thing you like to do, see, or buy in every place that you visit?
I like to explore on foot, on long meandering walks, where I get a little lost. Usually, these walks take me through locals’ neighborhoods, parks, and grocery stores!
Always check out the local grocery store! It’s always a highlight on my trip.
Is there one particular food that you’ve tried while traveling that you loved? What food was it and why do you love it so much?
There’s so much good food that comes to mind. I’ll say Catalan tomato bread because it’s so easy to replicate at home. Rub tomato and garlic on crusty bread, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. That’s it!
Quick questions
Plane or train? Plane
Hotel or hostel? Hostel
City or nature? City, but nature too! Both!
Popular site or off the beaten path? Generally, off the beaten path but the popular sites are important to visit too! Sites like the Eiffel Tower, Yosemite, Angkor Wat are popular for a reason, they’re incredible! When visiting a new place I try to have a good mix of both.
Suitcase or backpack? Backpack, always
Fast travel or slow travel? I’m typically a fast traveler. But I’m trying to go slow.
Professional camera or iPhone photography? I want to say professional camera but honestly, Google Fi. I love my Google Fi for photos.
Warm or cold weather? How about a perfect 75 degrees?
Interested in following Rosie from Popcuria elsewhere? Be sure to follow her on Instagram!
All photos used throughout this post are taken by Rosie from Popcuria.
