The Nomad Tapes

A Podcast Series from World Nomads

A Bold Vision for World Nomads Storytelling

World Nomads is no stranger to podcasting, but the landscape has changed dramatically since your last episode in 2020. Today, a podcast is more than just audio. It is a launchpad for a full ecosystem of content: blog posts, YouTube videos, social media content, newsletters, and more.

During the pandemic, podcasting exploded. With millions of shows now competing for attention, cutting through the noise takes more than quality audio. It requires a bold concept, smart storytelling, and a clear strategy for standing out.

The pitch below is for an immersive travel series that transports listeners directly into the heart of each destination. It takes a documentary-style approach with rich sound design and captivating interviews to spark curiosity, inspire exploration, and reignite wanderlust.

While a traditional interview-style podcast is still something we could produce, and produce well, we wanted to offer a concept that looks beyond the average format. This pitch is designed to spark ideas for something more ambitious, more immersive, and more aligned with the spirit of adventure that defines World Nomads.

As a co-producer, World Nomads will play an integral role in curating destinations, facilitating connections with local voices, and ensuring the content aligns with the brand’s values of responsible travel and cultural immersion. This partnership will ground each episode in authenticity while highlighting the adventurous spirit that defines World Nomads.

Podcast Overview

Our vision for The Nomad Tapes is a documentary-style travel podcast that captures what it truly feels like to explore the world. The unexpected moments, the challenges that shape you, and the connections that stay with you long after the journey ends. Inspired by the World Nomads spirit of adventure and curiosity, each episode follows a traveler’s path and brings listeners along through immersive sound and unscripted conversations.

Listeners will hear from locals, fellow nomads, and cultural voices who share not just where to go but why it matters. These are personal and thoughtful stories, rooted in respect for the places and people encountered along the way.

This is not about ticking boxes or chasing perfect photos. It is about embracing the unknown, staying open, and letting the journey change you.

Each episode also offers opportunities to expand across World Nomads blog, social media, and travel guides. It adds depth to your destination content while reinforcing your values around cultural connection, ethical travel, and global exploration.

This audio trailer brings the concept to life, complete with a sample pre-roll ad to show how World Nomads can use the podcast as a powerful storytelling and branding tool.

Format - Narrative Documentary

A narrative documentary-style podcast offers a rich and immersive storytelling experience. Each episode blends real conversations, thoughtful narration, and field recordings to bring listeners into the heart of the journey. It is designed to feel personal, like traveling alongside a friend. You are not just hearing about a place, you are experiencing it.

Episodes follow the natural flow of a trip, from first impressions to deeper connections and moments of reflection. Along the way, listeners hear from locals, fellow travellers, and cultural voices who help shape the story. We capture the sounds of each place, from bustling streets and lively markets to remote landscapes and quiet moments, creating an audio experience that feels as real as being there.

This format calls for higher production value because it relies on sound design, location recordings, and intentional storytelling. The result is a polished, unique, and authentic series that invites listeners to slow down, tune in, and see the world through new eyes.

Episode Breakdown Example.

Madagascar: Island of Wonders (35-45 min)

Pre-Roll Ad (Dynamic)
A 30-second dynamic pre-roll ad for World Nomads, tailored to promote travel insurance, seasonal offers, or specific campaigns. This ad slot is designed to be updated easily throughout the life of the podcast, ensuring relevance and flexibility.

Introduction (Opening Scene) 2–3 minutes
The episode opens with the sound of waves crashing against Madagascar’s wild coastline. A warm, inviting voice sets the scene: baobab forests silhouetted against an amber dawn, lemurs calling in the treetops, and the scent of spices drifting through bustling markets. Listeners are immediately immersed in the island’s untamed magic.

Featured Voices: Rich host narration blended with local soundscape

Arrival and First Impressions 6–8 minutes
Touch down in Antananarivo and head straight for the city’s lively streets. Grab a steaming plate of mofo gasy from a roadside stall. Through spontaneous chats with vendors and drivers, listeners soak up the city’s energy which is vibrant, chaotic, and full of character.

Featured Voices: Local street vendors, drivers, market traders. Unscripted conversations that reveal the city’s heartbeat.

Cultural Immersion 8–10 minutes
Journey to a remote village where skilled hands weave raffia into intricate baskets, and elders share oral histories that trace back generations. Visit a music workshop where the rhythms of traditional valiha fill the air, blending with the laughter of children learning to play.

Featured Voices: Village elders, raffia weavers, traditional musicians, and local families.

Adventure and Exploration 8–10 minutes
Trek through the Avenue of the Baobabs at sunrise, the ground dusty beneath your boots. Join a local guide on a hike into the otherworldly Tsingy de Bemaraha, with the sound of feet on stone and wind whispering through the labyrinth of spires. Take a quiet canoe trip along the Tsiribihina River, where the calls of kingfishers and the splash of paddles echo in the stillness.

Featured Voices: Local conservationists, hiking guides, boatmen. Passionate voices who know the land intimately.

Personal Moments 4–6 minutes
The host reflects on the contrasts of Madagascar, the joy and resilience of its people, the fragile beauty of its ecosystems. Quiet nights beneath endless stars spark reflections on what travel teaches us about ourselves.

Featured Voices: Solo reflection, but could include snippets of candid conversation with crew or fellow travellers

Closing Segment 2–3 minutes
End with a communal meal of romazava shared with a host family, the sounds of conversation and clinking bowls blending with soft music in the background. The episode wraps with a simple call to action:
“Plan your own adventure with confidence. Visit worldnomads.com to learn more.”

Episode Inspiration

  • Lima — Coastal Cuisine, Culture, and Markets

    In Peru’s vibrant capital, the Pacific breeze mingles with the aroma of ceviche and sizzling anticuchos. Stroll through buzzing markets, share pisco sours in hidden bars, and meet chefs blending tradition with innovation. From seafood caught that morning to Afro-Peruvian beats in lively plazas, every moment reveals Lima’s rich cultural fusion and coastal soul.

  • Chiang Mai — Temples, Street Food, and Traditions

    Northern Thailand’s cultural capital blends ancient tradition with modern life. Wander temple courtyards at sunrise, join monks for alms-giving, and savor spicy khao soi at a roadside stall. As night falls, explore bustling markets filled with color, music, and the aroma of sizzling skewers. Every street tells a story of Chiang Mai’s gentle rhythm.

  • Lisbon — Music, Markets, and Local Flavours

    Lisbon’s hills echo with the soulful sounds of fado as trams rattle past tiled facades. Meet artisans who keep old crafts alive, from tilemakers to guitar luthiers. Share petiscos at neighborhood tascas and soak in the city’s creative energy. Between grilled sardines and riverside sunsets, Lisbon’s layered stories come alive at every turn.

  • Marrakech — Souks, Spices, and Rooftop Views

    In the red city, labyrinthine alleys lead to buzzing souks where brass gleams and spices fill the air. Follow locals through the medina, sip mint tea on rooftops, and watch as sunset bathes minarets in gold. From artisans at work to street food sizzling over open flames, Marrakech blends ancient traditions with modern spirit.

  • Reykjavík — Hot Springs, Harbors, and Nordic Beats

    Iceland’s creative capital hums with cozy cafés, fresh cod sizzling at the harbor, and bold murals brightening the streets. Join locals soaking in hidden hot springs, hear tales of trolls and glaciers, and explore a city shaped by fire and ice. Reykjavík’s quirky energy invites travellers to slow down, connect, and embrace the Arctic edge.

Travel Stories, Experienced Across Every Channel

Content Ecosystem Breakdown

  • Podcast Episodes: The core narrative documentary audio series. Each episode delivers immersive stories and interviews that form the foundation of all content.

  • YouTube Videos: Full-length filmed interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and travel vlogs. Using simple but effective setups — like an iPhone on a tripod — we can capture professional-quality video without the need for expensive crews or equipment. This adds visual storytelling to reach video-first audiences and improve discoverability.

  • Social Media Reels and Shorts: Short, shareable clips from interviews, highlights of key moments, quick travel tips, and stunning visuals from each location. These bite-sized videos are ideal for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube Shorts, helping engage followers and attract new audiences.

  • Blog Posts: Expanded stories, travel guides, and insider tips based on episode themes. These deepen the audience’s understanding and provide SEO value, driving organic traffic to the World Nomads website.

  • Newsletter Content: Episode recaps, exclusive insights, and travel inspiration delivered directly to subscribers. Helps maintain engagement and encourages listeners to explore more content.

  • Travel Guides Integration: Align episodes with existing World Nomads travel guides by adding personal stories, local interviews, and practical advice, enriching the guides and providing multi-dimensional content.

  • Marketing Campaigns: Highlight key episodes, promote new seasons, and leverage influencer collaborations and paid social ads using clips and visuals from the series to broaden reach.

Not too long ago, podcasts mostly lived in their own little world, separate from everything else. But podcasts today aren’t just something you listen to, they’re something you build around. A single episode can spark an entire ecosystem of content that fuels video, social media, blogs, existing World Nomads travel guides, marketing campaigns, and so much more. Every story becomes a starting point for deeper connection.

With all of the advances in technology in the past five years, we can easily capture far more than what makes it into each episode, without the need to expand the budget or crew. Why stop at audio when we can film the full interviews for bonus YouTube content, integrate travel footage to create short, shareable reels for Instagram, and capture behind-the-scenes moments, photos, and insider tips that help audiences experience the journey with us?

This is just a glimpse of what’s possible. In the section below, we’ll expand on these ideas and share ways to turn The Nomad Tapes into a storytelling engine that inspires, engages, and travels as far and wide as your audience does.

Audience and Impact

The Nomad Tapes is crafted for curious explorers and adventurous spirits who do not just want to see the world but truly experience it. Your audience consists of travellers who seek authentic stories, embrace challenges, and value meaningful connections with the places and people they visit. These listeners are passionate about responsible travel, cultural immersion, and stepping beyond the typical tourist path.

By offering immersive storytelling grounded in real voices and on-the-ground experiences, the podcast inspires listeners to approach travel with openness, respect, and a sense of discovery. Each episode delivers more than destination highlights; it shares the lived realities, unexpected moments, and personal transformations that make travel so impactful.

For World Nomads, this podcast becomes a vital touchpoint for building deeper relationships with the community. It aligns perfectly with the brand’s commitment to adventure, curiosity, and responsible exploration. The Nomad Tapes positions World Nomads not only as a trusted travel partner but also as a storyteller and advocate for meaningful travel experiences.

Beyond inspiring listeners, the podcast opens doors for active engagement from social media conversations and listener submissions to partnerships with local guides, artisans, and cultural organizations. It invites the audience to become part of a larger community of explorers who value connection, authenticity, and the true spirit of travel.

To ensure the series delivers measurable impact, we will track key metrics such as downloads, listener retention, social engagement, website traffic, and newsletter growth. These insights will guide ongoing improvements and demonstrate how the podcast supports World Nomads’ broader marketing goals.

Finally, the series reflects World Nomads’ commitment to responsible travel by highlighting sustainable practices, respectful cultural exchange, and ethical exploration. Through authentic and mindful storytelling, The Nomad Tapes inspires listeners to travel with curiosity and care.

In short, The Nomad Tapes does not just tell stories. It sparks journeys, both outward and inward, that resonate long after the episode ends.

Monetization and Marketing

The Nomad Tapes is designed not just to inspire listeners but also to support World Nomads’ business goals through smart, flexible monetization strategies.

Dynamic Ad Insertion
Using dynamic ad insertion technology, World Nomads can serve timely and targeted messages promoting their core offerings such as travel insurance, safety campaigns, or special promotions. This allows ads to stay relevant regardless of when an episode is listened to, maximizing impact and ROI. Ads will be carefully crafted to blend with the show’s adventurous tone and resonate authentically with the audience.

Sponsorship and Partnerships
 Beyond internal ads, the podcast can welcome aligned sponsorships from travel gear brands, eco-tourism operators, or community initiatives. This expands potential revenue streams while reinforcing the podcast’s adventurous and conscious ethos.

Cross-Platform Campaigns
The podcast will be integrated into a wider marketing ecosystem, including social media, video content, and blog storytelling. This multi-channel approach amplifies reach and engagement, driving listeners to World Nomads’ website and product pages. It also creates opportunities for collaborative campaigns around key travel seasons or new product launches.

Measuring Success
Detailed analytics on downloads, listener demographics, and ad performance will help optimize content and marketing efforts over time. The goal is a podcast that grows with World Nomads’ evolving needs and becomes a cornerstone of their content strategy.

How We’ll Bring Your

Vision to Life

  • Pre-Production

    Concept development and creative team assembly

    Host casting and selection

    Scriptwriting and storyboard creation

    Destination planning, logistics, and bookings

    Talent booking, interview scheduling, and location scouting

    Strategic planning for integrated bonus content capture

  • Production

    High-quality audio recording of dialogue and interviews

    Recording of immersive soundscapes and ambient environments

    Direction of hosts and interview subjects for natural, engaging delivery

    Daily host audio diaries to enhance storytelling depth

    Capture of behind-the-scenes footage, photos, travel & bonus content

    Secure daily backup, file management, and asset organization

  • Post-Production 

    Comprehensive audio editing and assembly

    Custom sound design and music mixing to enhance emotional impact

    Professional mixing and mastering for consistent, broadcast-quality sound

    Voice-over recording and integration

    Editing and packaging of bonus content

    Final delivery, publishing management, and content distribution support

FAQs

  • Yes, having a strong marketing strategy, and a dedicated budget to support it, is essential to ensure the podcast reaches its full potential. A well-planned approach will generate buzz, attract listeners, and amplify the impact of the series across World Nomads’ platforms.

    From the start, the marketing strategy could include:

    Teasers and Trailers
    Build anticipation with short audio and video previews ahead of launch. These can be shared across World Nomads' channels to generate early interest.

    Social Media Campaigns
    Leverage platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to share behind-the-scenes content, location footage, episode highlights, and compelling soundbites to spark curiosity and engagement.

    Collaborations and Influencer Partnerships
    Work with World Nomads ambassadors, travel content creators, and aligned brands to expand reach and connect with new audiences.

    Email Newsletters
    Promote the podcast to World Nomads’ subscriber base through well-timed announcements, episode spotlights, and travel inspiration tied to each release.

    Paid Promotions
    Use targeted social and digital ads to reach key demographics and travel-minded listeners in priority markets. A modest but focused ad budget can significantly boost visibility, especially at launch.

    A strong marketing plan, supported by the right resources, ensures the podcast doesn’t just launch — it thrives. It positions The Nomad Tapes as a signature storytelling platform within the World Nomads brand, inviting listeners to engage more deeply with your content, community, and mission.

  • Absolutely. Podcasts are a powerful way to spotlight World Nomads’ own campaigns, partner brands, and businesses especially those aligned with your values around responsible travel, cultural connection, and adventure. Whether it is travel insurance, gear, ethical tourism initiatives, or destination partners, integrating sponsorships into the podcast allows for authentic, story-driven promotion that resonates with your audience.

    With dynamic ad insertion, World Nomads can run its own ads promoting travel insurance products, new campaigns, seasonal offers, or product launches and update them at any time. Ads can be swapped out or refreshed long after an episode goes live, ensuring each one continues to support your current marketing goals.

    This flexibility turns the podcast into a dynamic, long-term asset. The Nomad Tapes becomes not only a storytelling platform but also a smart, sustainable channel for driving awareness and action across the World Nomads ecosystem.

  • Narrative series like The Nomad Tapes require more time to craft each episode with care, blending interviews, sound design, and storytelling elements. While quick turnarounds are possible, we recommend planning at least several weeks in advance to ensure the highest quality and a smooth production process.

    Most narrative podcasts benefit from recording and capturing material well ahead of release dates, allowing time for editing, sound mixing, and immersive audio design. Many producers batch-record interviews and field recordings over days or weeks to build a robust archive that supports storytelling flexibility.

    We will work closely with you to develop a flexible production schedule tailored to the needs of the series and your availability, balancing creative ambition with realistic timelines to deliver compelling episodes consistently.

  • We’ll ensure the podcast is available on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and many more. We can also integrate it into your website, apps or other digital channels for seamless access.

  • We’ll provide analytics on listener demographics, download numbers, and engagement rates to help you track the podcast’s performance. This data will offer insights into your audience and guide future content strategies.

  • Once the show is live, ongoing costs can include hosting fees, and promotion. We’ll provide a breakdown of these costs during the planning stage.

  • We’ll collaborate with you to align the podcast themes with your goals, target audience, and brand identity. Together, we’ll identify compelling stories, destinations, and angles to create episodes that resonate with listeners, travellers, and followers of World Nomads.

About

Mike is a freelance audio engineer, sound recordist, producer, traveller, and adventurer based in Kelowna, British Columbia, with over 20 years of experience. He began his career in music production, eventually founding Music City Studio, a commercial recording facility where he worked with hundreds of independent artists over more than a decade.

Driven by a passion for travel and storytelling, Mike transitioned into narrative podcasting and film. His work has taken him around the world and across every Canadian province and territory, producing immersive audio stories that capture the essence of place and the people who shape it. He has recorded, produced, and mixed thousands of podcasts and contributed to multiple award-winning documentaries and television series, bringing a cinematic approach to sound and a deep respect for narrative.

Through his company, Eighty Five Audio, Mike collaborates with a trusted network of filmmakers, producers, writers, and photographers who share his passion for exploration and creativity. Together, they bring stories to life across podcasts, film, branded content, and beyond.

Let’s work together

This pitch is just the starting point. Collaboration is key to making The Nomad Tapes a truly polished and meaningful reflection of World Nomads’ voice and travel expertise. I’m genuinely excited to hear your thoughts and ideas, and I appreciate the opportunity to share a few of mine. Let’s connect soon to explore how we can bring this series to life together.

Mike Pedersen
Owner, Writer & Producer
Eighty Five Audio

mike@eightyfiveaudio.com
🇨🇦 +1 (250) 801-8445