In conversation with tourists

"In Conversation with Tourists" is a series of interviews designed to explore travelers' stories and encourage reflection on the meaning of journeys. Through honest, heartfelt conversations, we aim to understand our shared desire for exploration, adventure, authentic experiences, self-discovery, cultural understanding or meaningful connections. We advocate for slow tourism—encouraging pauses, observation and thoughtful reflection. At the same time, we invite local tourism industry experts, creatives and sometimes residents to share their insights, with the hope of fostering a more human and relatable understanding of Edinburgh’s rich history, vibrant present, and authentic character.

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Latest episodes

05 September 2025

Journeys Through a Lifetime: Nadia on Family, Freedom and Finding Herself

This conversation with Nadia felt like paging through a living album of travel—full of warmth, laughter, and quiet reflection. She brought me into her childhood summers in Italy, her teenage adventures in Rhodes and the Swiss Alps, and the years of building new memories with her own family. What struck me most was how each trip wasn’t just about the destination, but about who she was at that stage of life. Now, in her fifties, Nadia is wondering what solo travel might awaken in her, if she can gather the courage to step into it. Sitting with her stories reminded me just how deeply travel shapes us, not only in the moment but across a lifetime.

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28 August 2025

From Chicago to Edinburgh: A heartwarming conversation with Gabe

At the Edinburgh Fringe, every street corner buzzes with possibility—and in this heartwarming episode of In Conversation with Tourists, I speak with Gabe, a young writer and actor from Chicago, who has brought his play to the Edinburgh Fringe. From his research to uncover the family history and heritage to memories of New Mexico, we explore how travel, performance and curiosity shape the way we see the world. A joyful, optimistic and deeply human episode about connection, gratitude, and the magic of stepping into new places with open eyes and an open heart.

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20 August 2025

When dreams come true and Edinburgh takes your heart away

This episode is with Erica, a wonderful performer from California whose soothing voice feels like it was made for storytelling. We talk about her show, of course, but also about how deeply she connected with Edinburgh—how the city feels beautiful, old, and alive, and why the Meadows quickly became her favorite place. I loved hearing what she would take home as souvenirs: her daily journal entries, written no matter how tired she was, so she’ll never forget this experience, and maybe a piece of locally crafted jewelry to treasure. Erica also shares her refreshing way of traveling—blending in, mingling with locals, soaking up the atmosphere without the need to “perform” as a tourist. She speaks so warmly about how much Edinburgh residents truly value theatre and how inspiring it was to be part of the Fringe this year. For her, every bit of time and effort it took to come here was completely worth it.

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18 August 2025

Evelyne performing Pain Killer: Fringe, Fearlessness & Finding Edinburgh

This week I’m joined by Evelyne, an incredible artist from California whose play Painkiller pushes boundaries both on the page and on stage. We explore the deeply personal inspirations behind her work, what it feels like to perform at the world’s largest cultural festival, and the surprising ways an international audience can shape an artist’s voice. Evelyne also shares her impressions of Edinburgh—its warmth, its multicultural vibrancy, and we discuss the city’s striking contrast of cobbled streets, grand Georgian architecture, and wild natural beauty. Evelyn’s story is both an artist’s reflection and a visitor’s love letter to Scotland’s capital.

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13 August 2025

Dirty blues, wild vintage jazz and folk music at Fringe

On this episode of In Conversation with Tourists, I meet The Traveling Janes, an international band performing at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe. With members from the U.S., France, and Scotland, they come together as a colective, blending diverse influences into what they call “dirty blues, wild vintage jazz and folk music.” We talk about their musical journeys, how they navigate the world while collaborating across borders and what the Fringe means to them as performers. From the thrill of impromptu street performances to the opportunities of playing for a global audience, this conversation explores the intersections of music, travel and the vibrant energy of one of the world’s most iconic festivals.

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07 August 2025

Italian roots, companionship and forming memories

In this warm and curious conversation, I’m joined by Rossano—a Scottish traveller with deep Italian roots—as we explore the essence of what makes a journey truly memorable. From reconnecting with family across borders to soaking in the light, smell and sound of faraway places, Rossano shares his reflections on travel. We chat about travelling with companions, collecting keepsakes (yes, even the humble fridge magnet), and the often-overlooked details that stay with us long after we've returned home. It's an episode about presence, connection, and the small things that make big impressions. Join us for a beautifully human take on the meaning of travel.

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