Guest Bio

Jackie Nourse is the founder of Traveling Jackie and host of the award-winning podcast JUMP with Traveling Jackie, where she shares stories that inspire others to explore the world boldly. A lifelong traveler and storyteller, Jackie chose a path of global adventure at age 18 and never looked back — turning her love for travel into a full-time lifestyle over the past two decades.

She has collaborated with leading outdoor brands including Osprey Packs, Oboz Footwear, Atomic Skis, Carve Designs, and Four Wheel Campers, and earned recognition for the documentary short film “Chiloé,” created in partnership with Osprey. Through her podcast and guided group trips, Jackie invites her audience to take the leap — building confidence, connection, and courage through travel. When she’s not exploring the world, you’ll find her in Montana playing ice hockey or road-tripping in her truck camper with a mountain bike in tow.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Jackie about her inspiring path from travel blogger to podcasting powerhouse. She reflects on the life-changing decision to study abroad in Costa Rica, a leap that sparked her lifelong love for travel and set the stage for her global adventures. Through candid storytelling, Jackie shares how stepping into the unknown again and again has shaped her identity and career.

Jason and Jackie explore how language, culture, and even loneliness play a role in personal transformation through travel. Jackie emphasizes that the most meaningful growth often happens during the most challenging moments. She offers advice for aspiring travelers, encouragement for parents of adventurous kids, and heartfelt reflections on the relationships and resilience that form through a life on the move.

Key Takeaways

• ✓ Jackie’s love of travel and language began early and shaped her life direction.
• ✓ The name “JUMP” reflects her belief in bold choices and transformative leaps.
• ✓ Studying abroad can be a turning point in personal growth and worldview.
• ✓ Staying with a host family offers immersive, eye-opening cultural experiences.
• ✓ Loneliness is a natural part of travel — and a catalyst for inner strength.
• ✓ Facing discomfort while traveling builds confidence and resilience.
• ✓ Language fluency improves rapidly through real-life immersion and practice.
• ✓ Travel allows people to redefine themselves outside their usual environments.
• ✓ Parents can play a key role in supporting a young person’s desire to explore.
• ✓ Cross-cultural experiences build empathy and meaningful human connections.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.