Travel & Adventures
273 episodes · 2018–2021 · 81 debates · 104 pieces of advice · 304 stories · 190 quotes
The Daily Talk Show — Australia’s daily podcast, hosted by Tommy Jackett and Josh Janssen — discussed travel & adventures across 273 of its 1,022 daily episodes between 2018 and 2021. This page collects what was actually said: 190 verbatim quotes, 104 pieces of advice, 304 stories told on air, 81 on-air debates, each linked to the exact moment in the episode and on YouTube.
Where they stand
Moments where the table disagreed, straight from the transcripts.
Leans toward safer long-term bets like index funds (NDQ) over speculative single companies, citing Warren Buffett's philosophy, though he admits to getting drawn into speculative thinking about companies like Oliver's.
Questions whether high-growth companies like Airbnb are even profitable relative to funding raised, and is skeptical of chasing stock bets like Kogan given how founders profit from IPOs while share prices later drop.
Finds the genre 'toxic' because it perpetuates an unrealistic, curated perfect-lifestyle image (e.g., everyone supposedly starting the day with hot water and lemon).
Agrees the content is curated for engagement/monetization, arguing creators show only their best habits while potentially being 'putrid' in other areas of life.
Thinks coin chocolate and American Hershey's chocolate are both bad, tasting like 'off milk' or vomit.
Rates Hershey's-style chocolate better than coin chocolate, dismissing coin chocolate as liked only by kids with no palate.
Jokes that he might be 'infamously awkward,' treating the label with self-deprecating humor.
Argues infamous technically means having a bad reputation, and pushes back that Tommy's reputation isn't actually bad, just notable.
Rick Steves is very funny and endearing, with a quirky old-school persona worth watching, including his bloopers.
Had never heard of Rick Steves and found the extended enthusiasm about him somewhat baffling until experiencing it.
Prefers easing into the day with quiet/talkback radio rather than loud music first thing in the morning, especially with a child in the car.
Says he personally would prefer playing tunes loud to get fired up, contrasting with Josh's quieter approach.
Observes that people seem noticeably on edge in public spaces right now, citing reactions to his son playing in puddles and a crowded roadblock/park scene.
Agrees with the sentiment but frames it more around the irony of overcrowded 'safe' lockdown activities like parks and Christmas lights drives.
Enjoys leaning into unfamiliar social situations and chance encounters both at home and abroad, actively looks for serendipitous moments and connections with strangers.
Feels comfortable being open and spontaneous with strangers mainly when overseas; at home he finds it awkward, for example disliking when a barista or new cafe owner learns his name.
Prefers trains for travel, enjoys getting off at different locations and mountainous routes, but does not want to do a cruise.
Raises the idea of a cruise and notes he would get seasick, seemingly less enthusiastic about long train trips without getting off.
Her parents refused to let her celebrate Halloween as a kid, viewing it as 'that American holiday.'
Observes that Halloween has become a massive, widely celebrated thing in Australia now.
Notes that even in a place like Bendigo trick-or-treating felt a 'bit dodgy.'
whether Jim (Tommy's dad) was right to defy lockdown closures of his mowing/landscaping business
Ep 870▶ 1:55Supportive — argues mowing is an outdoor, low-risk activity and Jim was right to push back and stay open.
More cautious — notes the difficulty of drawing a line once some outdoor activities are allowed, since everyone could claim they can do their activity 'responsibly'.
Opposes giving family members large cash sums, arguing money doesn't necessarily improve life and can create stress; prefers funding experiences, properties to stay in, and lifestyle upgrades instead.
Agrees broadly with Josh's reasoning but argues some petty cash should still be given case-by-case for lifestyle changes and trip expenses.
Questions the logic, noting that providing free housing is itself a major financial gift even without direct cash.
Advice from the show
all 104pieces →What was actually said, attributed and linked to the moment.
How do you avoid needing the bathroom on long-haul flights?
Josh says he avoids drinking much of anything during long flights because he doesn't like having to climb over other passengers to use the bathroom, rather than following typical advice to stay hydrated.
How should you approach booking travel/accommodation when life circumstances might change?
Focus on controlling the controllables — book affordable accommodation in advance when prices are low, even if upcoming life changes (like a new baby) make timing feel uncertain.
What's a sound long-term investing strategy for beginners?
Rather than trying to time the market or bet on single companies, invest for the long term in index funds (such as one tracking top NASDAQ companies), following Warren Buffett's approach.
What's the key lesson for a long remote road trip like driving to the Twelve Apostles?
Plan out exactly where you'll refuel in advance rather than assuming a petrol station will appear — remote stretches can go much longer than expected without services.
How can people cope with having to make an unwanted career pivot (e.g., artists moving to corporate work) during a crisis?
Frame the change as a short-term experiment (e.g., 12-18 months) rather than a permanent identity shift—this framing makes it feel more tolerable and gives a sense of control, even though frustration will still surface at times.
How do you avoid overweight carry-on luggage fees at the airport?
If your carry-on bag has heavy equipment like camera gear, take it out and hold it while the bag is weighed, then put it back into the bag once you've cleared the weight check.
How do you get a young child to accept limited music choices on a long car trip?
Prime the child beforehand with a believable reason (e.g., the car was serviced and music options are limited) and offer a simple binary choice, such as 'Daddy's music or nothing,' so they feel in control while you still manage the actual music played.
How can a family create a music playlist that works for everyone on a road trip?
Hold a dedicated 'playlist organising' session where each family member shares their favorite tracks and the child picks favorites from each parent's selection, blending everyone's music into one rotating playlist.
What should you do if you find someone's lost wallet with cash in it?
Track down the owner using identifying information (like a licence) rather than keeping the cash, and if they try to reward you, you can initially decline before accepting — don't let others who didn't help claim a cut.
How can you make the most of networking at a conference?
Lean into the mindset of being in 'your world' at a conference — actively seek out people you know or want to meet rather than hanging back, since everyone there is open to the same kind of connecting.
How can you find cheaper international flights when corporate travel agents quote high prices?
Josh and Naysan found that going directly through sites like Skyscanner, or using a browser without tracked cookies, and splitting a trip into multiple separate flights (rather than booking through a travel agent) got them a much cheaper fare than the quoted $5,500.
How can you negotiate a free stay at a holiday rental in exchange for content?
Offer to produce a shout-out plus a mix of photos and video; if you can't film or edit well, lean on friends/partners who can, and consider turning it into a structured piece (e.g., a real-estate style video, a sit-down interview, or a highlights reel) rather than vague 'content.'
What should you do if you discover an Airbnb booking isn't the private space you expected?
If sharing with the host feels too uncomfortable, it's reasonable to cut your losses, explain the misunderstanding, and leave rather than stay somewhere you don't feel comfortable, even if it means forfeiting money already paid.
How do you set expectations early in a new relationship?
Don't overdo grand romantic gestures (helicopter rides, fancy dinners) early on; instead give a realistically unglamorous experience upfront (like farting early) so the relationship is built on something sustainable.
How do you know if your writing is good?
George Martin argues that a hallmark of good writing is being able to read it out loud naturally; if it doesn't read well aloud, it suggests a forced or 'poser' writing style.
Soggy pie vs soggy sausage roll — which do you choose?
Tommy's stated rule (recounted from his blog) is that a soggy sausage roll beats a soggy pie if you have to choose between the two.
Is it a good idea to dip into your superannuation early during a financial crisis?
Avoid withdrawing early superannuation if possible — pulling out even $20,000 early can cost around $120,000 in lost growth by retirement, and the early-access scheme was really designed for sole traders who rarely contribute to super anyway.
How should you handle hygiene and reduce infection risk when coming home during a pandemic?
Scott Tweedie describes a strict at-home routine: removing shoes and a layer of clothing right at the front door, then using disinfectant wipes on everything touched outside (phone, EarPods, bank card) before fully entering the apartment, treating it like a personal quarantine checkpoint.
How do you negotiate a job move overseas while still under contract with your current employer?
Tweedie suggests playing it cool in negotiations (not appearing desperate), working through visa requirements with an immigration lawyer early, securing a reasonable get-out clause from your current contract, and keeping the move confidential from industry outlets until the new employer is ready to announce it themselves.
How do you manage your social energy while travelling long-term?
Recognise that energy flows both ways — sometimes you need to give energy to others and sometimes you need to withdraw and let your own energy be replenished; it's okay to go days without talking to anyone if that's what you need, and pushing yourself out when you shouldn't isn't good for anyone.
How do you keep a travel/reality show from being exploitative or offensive toward other cultures?
Choose subjects who are already passionate about and having fun with their own unique pursuits, enter into their world and share their enthusiasm rather than mock differences, and aim to highlight what's universally fun rather than what's culturally divisive.
Should a growing business self-manage its web hosting?
Don't let a non-specialist run system updates on self-managed hosting; find a provider (ideally local) that can be reached immediately when something breaks, rather than relying on overseas support.
Is it okay to pull kids out of school for a family trip?
According to a book Derek read, it doesn't matter if you take kids out of school before year 7 (primary school) for travel, as they'll likely learn more life skills travelling with parents than they would in class.
What's the key to pursuing a big business vision without getting overwhelmed?
Start small but always think big — focus on small, achievable daily/weekly steps while keeping the larger vision in mind, rather than getting paralysed by the size of the end goal.
Stories told on air
Josh tells a story about a man knocking on his parents' door in Phillip Island to invite his dad to a Chevy car club, which leads to a tangent about his dad actually belonging to a different, highly political car club full of bickering members.
told by Josh
Josh recalls a trip to Bali where a woman on the beach offered his mum Lynn a manicure; when declining, Lynn impulsively gave a fake name, 'Susie,' only for the woman to call out 'Susie, Susie' the next day, highlighting the awkwardness of the lie.
told by Josh
Bumping into Chase Jarvis and Post Malone in New York
Ep 100025:09On the same day they interviewed Seth Godin in Central Park, Tommy and Josh randomly encountered photographer/entrepreneur Chase Jarvis on a street corner and interviewed him on the spot, then later that evening spotted Post Malone outside a Chinese restaurant with a heavy security detail, reportedly larger than Bill Clinton's.
told by Tommy Jackett and Josh Janssen
Tommy scheduled automated wage payments for Easter Monday, a public holiday, assuming it would process normally, but the transfer was delayed. He and Amy ended up with only $1.70 accessible while in a country town, had to borrow $60-$80 from Amy's sister for petrol, and spent an anxious period calling ING to find out what went wrong.
told by Tommy Jackett
Josh recounts filming comedic sketches with YouTuber Matt D'Avella and struggling badly with simple acting directions, such as pretending not to notice a camera or acting naturally on a fake FaceTime call, prompting D'Avella to laugh at how 'pantomime' his performance became.
told by Josh Janssen
Matt describes arriving in Sydney for hotel quarantine and being offered a choice between a room with a balcony or a larger suite, a decision that reportedly divided the police and military staff present; he chose the balcony and spent much of his two weeks playing video games.
told by Matt D'Avella
Josh and Tommy planned a trip to LA to sell podcast sponsorships using a CPM-based pitch, personally funding flights for themselves and Mason on a credit card, but the sponsorship push generated zero dollars despite producing episodes with guests including Matt D'Avella and Tully.
told by Josh Janssen and Tommy Jackett
Tommy recounts travelling to Paris with his pregnant partner Amy, finding the best croissants via Siri's recommendation, eating them near the Eiffel Tower, and a confusing cab ride where the driver didn't understand their pronunciation of the landmark's name, only to find it closed due to a soccer event the night before.
told by Tommy
Tommy recounts that Jules Lund was in Santorini around the same time as his honeymoon; afterward Tommy asked him about the local toilets and learned Jules had ignored the sign warning not to flush paper, clogging the plumbing.
told by Tommy Jackett
Tommy relays a secondhand story that Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews was on holiday but spending 10 hours a day on the phone just 20 minutes from his usual office, prompting his wife to tell him to just go back to work.
told by Tommy Jackett
Tommy recalls his mum used to fold towels into swan shapes and that he would rearrange his bedroom every few months as a kid to make it feel like a new place, comparing it to living in a hotel.
told by Tommy Jackett
Josh recounts a New Year's trip to Lorne where he and a friend, unable to queue for a packed pub, climbed onto a motel roof attached to the pub, found an open window into a family's room, asked to pass through, and later repaid the family with a bottle of wine from the pub's bottle shop.
told by Josh Janssen
Josh describes travelling with an overweight carry-on bag (20kg) across 34 flights in 3 months without issue until German airport staff in Munich insisted on weighing it; he explains the trick of holding camera equipment while the empty-ish bag is weighed, then repacking it afterward.
told by Josh Janssen
As a 15-year-old doing a VCA film program, Tommy was told by his dad that you needed a licence to get dry ice, which turned out to be a convenient lie to avoid the hassle of picking it up, and Tommy used a subpar smoke machine instead.
told by Tommy Jackett
Josh recounts an overloaded weekend of three different picnics, including one where Sev's got hit in the head by a baseball despite a seemingly good throw, and another where GB overthrew a ball that smashed into a stranger's picnic setup at Edinburgh Gardens, drawing annoyed looks.
told by Josh Janssen
While walking laps around an oval to boost his step count, Tommy spotted a wallet on the ground containing cash, cards, and a phone. He tracked down the owner's house nearby, learned the man had dropped it after his dog had an epileptic fit, and returned everything. Despite bystanders hinting they wanted a cut, the owner insisted on giving Tommy $50, which he planned to spend on his mum's birthday.
told by Tommy Jackett
Josh recalls his and Bree's trip highlights, including an inexpensive, excellent Airbnb and subsidised milk bars in Kraków, Poland, and a stay with a long-time American expat host in a medieval Italian town.
told by Josh Janssen
In their words
“They should call me Caramello Koala.”
“We're in a country town with $1.70 in our accessible bank account.”
“Warren Buffett's whole thing is don't try and time the market, go into an index fund, do that, and you'll do better than trying to fucking buy and sell.”
“Nearly running out of petrol made the whole road trip, like, how grateful do you become for petrol when you nearly run out?”
“I actually just played video games the entire time. I just like played 60 hours of, uh, Ghost of Tsushima, which was pretty great.”
“When the going gets tough, it can also be horrible and you don't like that.”
“But, um, the total amount from the sponsorships equaled to $0.”
“Breadsticks on the ground, fucking residue of croissants everywhere.”
“It's, it is a bizarre time to be alive. It's weird.”
“Day on a plate is so toxic. Morning routines, so toxic.”
“We've committed to do The Daily Talk Show for 10 years.”
“You've plugged the power source up your ass and you fucking can't stop thinking after doing 15 shows.”
“They are like a fucking pulled back elastic band ready to snap any moment.”
“I think he sees the kid in the back and thinks, oh, that's, um, that's nice, that's nice.”
“serendipitous moments, I always I always end up loving them.”
“This is the best version of a bad situation. That's how I feel.”
“You really feel poor when you go to a place like Singapore because you see the people that have the money and you've got the shopping centres with all the great places, but the food's really good.”
“Move over Kardashians, look out, Keeping Up with the Janssens.”