Located 1200 meters (3900 feet) above sea level, this little Panama mountain boasts the perfect climate. It is obvious why it is such a hit with expats and retirees. Great weather, lots of restaurants, and a walkable, small town feel.
Paul McBride joins the show to discuss Boquete’s enduring appeal and why you should consider it even if you want to be near a beach. We also talk about the real estate market, how the area has changed over the last decade, and where you should be looking for investment opportunities.
Additionally, Paul tells us about the costs to build a home as well as local market prices and why he has called Boquete, Panama home for over a decade.
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The Show Notes
Contact Paul anytime here.
Viva Tropical Radio
Our guest today, Juani, travels the world providing Ayahuasca ceremonies for people looking for a spiritual breakthrough. He talks about why people attend, and how they gain valuable insight into their lives using a traditional plant mix. He also discusses why this relatively obscure Amazon practice is gaining popularity in the modern world.
Josh also speaks with Juani about his job as an Ayahuascero, traditions from the ceremony, his training, and much, much more. Juani talks about his approach and how he mixes modern with traditional practices to help people grow, change, and live a healthier life.
This is your chance to go inside a real ceremony and hear the traditional music called Icaros usually reserved for ceremonies only.
A great show for anyone interested in a mystifying subculture that is gaining popularity worldwide.
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Show Notes
Illustration by Anderson Debernardi
Peter Chapman, Financial Times reporter and author of Bananas: How the United Fruit Company Changed the World, joins the show to discuss a fascinating history of Central America known by few. This is an intriguing story that has inspired many from the Latin region to speak up, from Che Guevara to Pablo Neruda.
He covers the rise of United Fruit Company, one of the most powerful companies in the world during the early to mid 1900’s, and its integral part in forming many of Central America’s nations. For 100 years the company controlled most of the region; they rigged elections and massacred people, all while building their banana empire.
Peter also talks about how United Fruit Company set the blueprint for multinational companies today.
Enjoy the show.
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Show Notes
Author of Deep: Freediving, Renegade Science, and What the Ocean Tells Us about Ourselves, James Nestor joins the show and describes his journey from surface dweller to swimming with sperm whales.
James also tells us that he learned the human body is uniquely adapted to the underwater environment.
Other things covered on this show are the freaky but true free diving championships in Greece, going 2500 feet under water in a D.I.Y. submarine, and speaking with the whales. Tune in to hear all this and more and add a little adventure to your day.
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- Click here for the show archive
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Show Notes
James Nestor Deep
Please buy James Nestor’s book Deep, now in paperback with new and expanded sections.
Photo Credit: Fred Pompermayer
Mark Healey discusses spearfishing, riding sharks, and how to stay calm when a 50-ft. wave pounds you. A long-time water enthusiast, Mark reveals how he gets ready for giant surf and how to tell if a shark is right for riding.
Josh and Mark also discuss breathing techniques as well as the disconnect between marine scientists and people who are in the water every day. An inspiring discussion that we hope will motivate you to start your own ocean adventure.
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You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
- Click here to subscribe via iTunes
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- Click here for the Gallivanting show archive
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Show Notes
Learn More About Mark Healey here.
Check out Mark riding sharks and giant waves.
Mark offers elite access to incredible ocean experiences here.
Mark is grateful to his sponsors:
Viva Tropical Radio
In this episode we cover the Southern Zone of Costa Rica, an area on the Pacific coast stretching from Manual Antonio south to the border of Costa Rica and Panama.
Casey Stamps, investment specialist, comes back to do a deep dive into this very large and diverse region.
We discuss building costs, where he thinks the opportunities are located, what is making this region grow, and the investment and buying strategies that are working today. We also discuss who would really love this stretch of coast and why.
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You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
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- Click here for the show archive
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Show Notes
Learn more here about Casey Stamps and his company.
Viva Tropical Radio
Maya scholar Dave Schaefer drops by to discuss the Mayan calendar and the Mayan creation book Popol Vuh. He speaks about his favorite ruins and how he got started studying Mayan hieroglyphs in Guatemala.
Dave and Josh also talk about why and how modern Mayan people aren’t being recognized. If you are interested in Mayan history or just want an introduction to Mesoamerican culture, this show is for you.
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You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
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- Click here for the show archive
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Show Notes
Dave Schaefer’s website for supporting local indigenous projects.
Cracking the Maya Code (documentary on the Maya)
Books to read to learn more
Popol Vuh: Palenque eternal city of the Maya
Viva Tropical Radio
Scott Nichols joins the podcast to discuss his trials and tribulations of building a house in Central America. He is currently in the middle of a building project and took the time to stop and share with us his progress and knowledge about all things building in Latin America.
He and Josh tackle the topics of:
- How to find a builder
- What to know before you design a house
- Why certain materials are more expensive
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who is considering building a house in the Latin Tropics for living or investment.
Listen to the show
You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
- Click here to subscribe via iTunes
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- Click here for the show archive
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The Zapatista uprising happened over 20 years ago, on January 1, 1994. On that day, indigenous peoples poured onto the streets of cities like San Cristobal De Las Casas. They were armed, they were poor, they spoke for all the oppressed people. Their strong leadership and planning led to one of the most storied and respected revolutions of post-modern times.
How did this revolution that took place in the southern state of Mexico, called Chiapas unfold? And what has changed since then?
Hilary Klein, author of Compañeras: Zapatista Women’s Stories, talks about the Zapatista movement and how it inspired grass-roots support from all over the world, galvanized behind a message that we can all champion.
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You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
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- Click here for the Gallivanting show archive
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The Show Notes
You can buy Hilary’s book here
For even more information about the Zapatista story, check out these links: Vice.com Democracynow.org
Viva Tropical Radio
Ecuador has a ton of coastline, but much of it isn’t good for beach living due to high cliffs and industrial activities. When Park and I explored Ecuador from tip to tip and covered the entire coastline, we found there are several spots that could be perfect to live and you have to know what is happening locally to determine where is best.
So today we are speaking with Greg Gilliam, long-time Ecuador expat, about how to approach the Ecuador market and where you should focus your time when looking for your own paradise. Greg is a builder, hotel owner, and real estate entrepreneur, who has lots of experience and a straightforward approach you are sure to learn from on the show.
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The Show Notes
Contact Greg Gilliam here
Learn more about Canoa Beach Hotel
Viva Tropical Radio
John Acott, long-time broker in Belize, tells you what is happening with Belize real estate.
Learn how much it costs to build in Belize, and where the top three places to live and invest are located. Also a major infrastructure change on the horizon that if it happens, will be something you need to know.
John is from San Ignacio, which is rarely covered, and from all accounts seems to be a tremendous value for living. Tune in to hear all this and more.
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You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
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The Show Notes
John Acott’s website
Viva Tropical Radio
Josh and Park have experienced many different colorful situations over the years while scouting out real estate investments. Join them today for a podcast recount as murder confessions, 300 lb. tunas, and 9mm Berettas all make appearances when they retell some of their stories from the road.
Maybe the greatest job in the world, Park and Josh reminisce about some of their most memorable days while exploring the far reaches of Central America in their search for the best real estate can offer.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How to get the right boat for scouting
- Why bodyguards make fun scouts
- Where you can reel in a 300 lb. tuna
And much more.
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You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
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The Show Notes
- Get Paydirt here
- Watch Josh and Park get pulled out of the mud by a horse
- Park and his tuna