My Podcast, "Rick Steves Over Brunch"
For starters, I should denote that it isn't just my podcast, as I actually run Rick Steves Over Brunch with my good friend Stephanie Craig from History Fangirl. Steph and I actually met at a travel blogging conference in Jerusalem in May of 2016 and become fast friends. So much so, she actually attended my wedding which took place a little more than a month ago, and she travelled all the way from Bulgaria to do so.
At this point, I believe we've travelled in nearly ten countries together, and I can't imagine that'll stop anytime soon.
If you're in a rush, but want to see what it's all about go ahead and Subcribe on iTunes
The Origins of Rick Steves Over Brunch
In the spring of last year, Steph approached me and asked if I wanted to start a podcast, the origins of what was to become Rick Steves Over Brunch. We're both podcast fanatics (I'm actually subscribed to over 125 podcasts), and Steph had been listening to podcasts where people were dissecting shows such as Law and Order and so forth and adding their own spin to it.
She approached me and basically said, "why can't we do something similar for travel?" That's when we zeroed in on a true passion of ours, the one and only Rick Steves. For those who don't know, Rick Steves is a goliath in North American travel, and he is known for his guidebooks and television show which focuses on travel, particularly in Europe.
We thought, "why not watch episodes of his show where he's visited places we've both been to and record an episode?" The rest, as they say, is history.
NOTE: This post may contain some affiliate links. That means, simply, that I may get commissions from some of my recommendations. That being said, my opinions are fully my own.
Wait, What's Rick Steves Over Brunch, Again?
Steph and I hanging out in Sofia, Bulgaria on my birthday last year, along with her boyfriend - No doubt only focused on Rick Steves Over Brunch, I'm sure.
In sum, Rick Steves Over Brunch is a podcast where Stephanie Craig (from History Fangirl) and I break down episodes of the classic travel TV show, Rick Steve’s Europe. The show officially launched on April 30, 2018, and we drop new episodes drop every other Sunday (which, theoretically, is right around brunch time.)
If you want to listen to the podcast, subscribe. You can subscribe on iTunes, or just listen wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts, including on Spotify. If you like the show, we'd love any reviews and feedback, as long as they're distinctively positive, of course.
Rick Steves’ 2019 Lineup
All of episodes are below, but I thought I’d just make life a little easier for you, and add links to all of the books that Rick Steves has released so far for 2019!
Episodes of Our Podcast, Rick Steves Over Brunch
We've already released a bunch of episodes, so you've got some catching up to do. Below, I'll list the episodes in order. I'll embed the Rick Steves article that we're discussing, then our episode. Ideally, you'll watch or re-watch the Rick Steves episode for that location, but if you have a general idea of who Rick Steves if you'll be fine, as Steph and I prone to going on tangents.
The list will be in reverse chronological order, from most recent on down, and I'll update it as we go along.
If you do like the show, please don't forget to give us a rating and comment on your favourite podcast provider, it makes a big difference.
Episode #34 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - London: Mod and Trad
“In this episode, we chat about the 2004 Rick Steves’ Europe episode ‘London: Mod and Trad.’ We'll talk about the British Museum, exploring the South Bank, and if there's enough ‘Mod"‘mixed in with the ‘Trad.’”
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “London: Mod and Trad” before listening.
Episode #33 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - European Travel Skills Part II
“In this episode, we chat about the 2014 Rick Steves’ Europe episode ‘European Travel Skills: Part II.’ Jason Moore from the Zero to Travel podcast joins Chris for a VERY SPECIAL episode discussing all things packing, travel safety, and how much trip planning is enough (and how much is too much).
Note: I also appeared on the Zero to Travel podcast to talk about going all in on your dreams!
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “European Travel Skills Part II” before listening.
Episode #32 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - Prague
“In this episode, we chat about the 2014 Rick Steves’ Europe episode ‘Prague.’ Allison Green (from Sofia Adventures and Eternal Arrival) fills in for Stephanie to chat with Chris about Prague, a city Allison lived in back in 2009 and recently got to revisit. They chat about if British stag parties are ruining Prague, Czech beer, and more!”
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Prague” before listening.
Episode #31 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - Paris: Regal and Intimate
“In this episode, we chat about the 2012 Rick Steves’ Europe episode ‘Paris: Regal and Intimate.’ We'll talk about how great it is to grocery shop in Paris, how art museums are being recontextualized over colonial acquisitions, and how to enjoy Paris travel in a more relaxed, atmospheric manner.”
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Paris: Regal and Intimate” before listening.
Episode #30 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - Portugal’s Heartland
“In this episode, we chat about the 2018 Rick Steves’ Europe episode ‘Portugal's Heartland.’ We'll talk about our favorite Portuguese wines, if the Duoro Valley is the prettiest place on Earth, and why a Portuguese road trip is always a good idea.”
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Portugal’s Heartland” before listening.
Episode #29 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - An Interview with Rick Steves!
“In this episode, we interview the man himself, Rick Steves about all things travel! We share listener questions, talk about the ethics of travel and climate change, how to avoid lines in Europe, what we can expect from future episodes of the show, and more.”
Episode #28 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - Rome: Back-Street Riches *WITH RICK STEVES!”
“In this episode, we chat about the 2012 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Rome: Back-Street Riches” with the travel legend, Rick Steves himself! We'll talk about how much Italian food is too much, Rick's philosophy on action shots, and the single best Rome travel tip you need to hear before hitting the city.”
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Rome: Back-Street Riches” before listening.
Episode #27 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - Dublin
“In this episode, we chat about the 2003 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Dublin and Mystical Side-Trips.” We discuss Dublin's amazing museum scene, how to earn a certificate in pouring a Guinness, and whether there's just too much to do in Dublin for a single episode.”
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Dublin and Mystical Side-Trips” before listening.
Episode #26 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - European Festivals I
“In this episode, we chat about the 2018 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “European Festivals I.” We chat about how festival travel is different from regular travel, how not to be a jerk when you're at a religious event, and why Greek fireworks have a safety warning issued by the US State Department.”
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “European Festivals I” before listening.
Episode #25 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - Rome: Baroque Brilliance
“In this episode, we chat about the 2012 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Rome: Baroque Brilliance.”
Note: This episode was recorded in March and is being released now due to technical issues with the editing process of the episode.
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Rome: Baroque Brilliance” before listening.
Episode #24 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - Salzburg and Surroundings
“In this episode, we chat about the 2006 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Salzburg and Surroundings.” We discuss apple strudel, how Chris made it to almost thirty years-old without seeing The Sound of Music, and how many action shots Rick packed into this episode.”
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Salzburg and Surroundings” before listening.
I’ll come back and embed this, but for now you can use this link.
Episode #23 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - Chris Met Rick at the “Travel as a Political Act” Talk in Toronto!
“Holy cow, Chris met Rick in Toronto after listening to Rick's talk on his book "Travel as a Political Act." For this episode, Chris shares some of Rick's insights from the lecture and we discuss our thoughts. Plus, find out exactly what happened when Chris met Rick.”
Episode #22 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - Amsterdam
“In this episode, we chat about the 2014 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Amsterdam.” We discuss Dutch cuisine, the ethics of AirBnB, and why Stephanie ended up running through the streets of Amsterdam fleeing an imaginary Jason Bourne-style killer. Plus Rick gets candid about marijuana.”
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Amsterdam” before listening.
Episode #21 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - The Best of Israel
“In this episode, we chat about the 2014 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “The Best of Israel.” We discuss the similarities between Arabic and Israeli cuisine (hint: indistinguishable to the layman), chat about the political impact Rick makes with even having episodes like these, and why travel to Israel is a good idea no matter what your religion or political views are.”
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “The Best of Israel” before listening.
Episode #20 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - Budapest: The Best of Hungary
“In this episode, we chat about the 2004 Rick Steves’ Europe episode ‘Budapest: The Best of Hungary.’ We discuss why the Terror House Museum is one of the best in the world, the delicious Hungarian cuisine, and and whether or not you should go on a Danube river cruise. Plus, Rick Steves talks about his nipples!”
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Budapest: The Best of Hungary” before listening.
Episode #19 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - Travel Skills Part 1
“In this episode, we chat about the 2014 Rick Steves’ Europe episode "European Travel Skills: Part I .” We discuss tricks and tips for renting cars, why we avoid trains at times, and we enjoy Rick Steves' without his shirt on.”
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “European Travel Skills: Part 1” before listening.
Episode #18 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - Berlin
“In this episode, we chat about the 2014 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Berlin.” We discuss why Berlin is a great place to get Turkish food, why Berlin is one of the best cities to visit museums, and how it might be the best world-class city for the budget-minded traveller”
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Berlin” before listening.
Episode #17 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - London: History and Dynamic
“In this episode, we chat about the 2000 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “London: Royal and Rambunctious.” For this episode, we're joined by friend and special guest Chris Christensen, host of the Amateur Traveler podcast. We'll chat about what has changed (and what hasn't) in the twenty years since this episode was filmed, London's much-improved cuisine, and what exactly is going on during that theater scene.”
Episode #16 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - The Best of West Ireland: Dingle, Galway, and the Aran Islands
“In this episode, we chat about the 2002 Rick Steves’ Europe episode, ‘The Best of West Ireland: Dingle, Galway, and the Aran Islands.’ We’ll chat about whether or not you should visit the Aran Islands, what it’s like driving through the Burren, and how much time is too much time to spend in a high school gym. Plus, we get to meet Rick’s kids!”
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “The Best of West Ireland: Dingle, Galway, and the Aran Islands” before listening.
Episode #15 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - Rome: Ancient Glory
“In this episode, we chat about the 2012 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Rome: Anceint Glory.” We’ll chat about how this episode is different than Rick’s typical style, whether ‘Italy at night’ qualifies as an emotion, and how much gelato is too much gelato. Plus, we have a long talk about Chris’s ‘Canadian laugh.’”
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Rome: Ancient Glory” before listening.
Episode #14 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - The Best of Slovenia
“In this episode, we chat about the 2010 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “The Best of Slovenia.” We’ll chat about Ljubljana’s charming architecture, discuss how many days are the right amount to spend in Lake Bled and Stephanie will dish about her Slovenian beer tartare horror story. Spoiler alert: Slovenia might be the most fairty-tale-esque county in Europe.”
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “The Best of Slovenia” before listening.
Episode #13 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - Bulgaria
“In this episode, we chat about the 2016 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Bulgaria.” We’ll debate whether Sofia or Plovdiv is the best city in the country, talk about what it’s like to visit Budludzha today, and swoon at Rick’s updated interpretation of Dad jeans. Plus, shopska salads!”
It was also a pleasure to have Allison from Eternal Arrival on for this episode!
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Bulgaria” before listening.
Episode #12 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - Highlights of Paris, Eiffel and Monet to Crème Brûlée
“In this episode, we chat about the 2004 Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Highlights of Paris, Eiffel and Monet to Crème Brûlée.” We’ll talk about the number one mistake first-time tourists make in the city, the do's and don'ts of riding the metro without getting your pockets picked, and whether Rick should have worn that mustard yellow shirt. Plus, we'll theorize what happened to knock the most famous museum in Paris off of Rick's itinerary.”
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Highlights of Paris: Eiffel and Monet to Crème Brûlée” before listening.
Episode #11 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - Venice: City of Dreams
"In this episode, we chat about the 2012 Rick Steves' Europe episode "Venice: City of Dreams." We'll talk about bad Italian pronunciations, debate whether overtourism or climate change pose a bigger threat to Venice's future, and marvel at Rick's ability to stand up in a gondola. Plus, Rick's Italy sweater makes its first appearance on the podcast."
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Venice: City of Dreams” before listening.
Episode #10 of Rick Steves Over Brunch - Romania
"In this episode, we chat about the 2016 Rick Steves' Europe episode "Romania." We'll talk about Romania beyond Dracula and castles, the difference between hornica and tuica, and how much polenta is too much polenta. Plus, we're still awestruck at how well Rick rides around in a horse-drawn cart.
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Romania” before listening.
Episode #9 of Rick Steves Over Brunch: Poland Rediscovered: Kraków, Auschwitz, and Warsaw
"In this episode, we chat about the 2004 Rick Steves' Europe episode "Poland Rediscovered: Krakow, Auschwitz, and Warsaw." We'll talk about Stephanie's love of Salt Mines, Chris's love of Polish vodka, and whether or not Krakow is the best surviving medieval city in Europe today. Plus we'll talk about the importance for travellers to come here to learn about the legacy of the Holocaust while acknowledging that this is an emotional and personal journey that takes time to process and contextualize. "
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Poland Rediscovered: Kraków, Auschwitz, and Warsaw” before listening.
Episode #8 of Rick Steves Over Brunch: Bonus! Istanbul's Grand Bazaar on the History Fangirl Podcast
"Chris got married! Congratulations!!! Weddings are hectic! Chris needed to take a week off to deal with all of the wonderful errands that weddings require during their lead-up. Therefore, instead of bringing you an episode of Rick Steves Over Brunch, here's a throwback to the time when Chris was a guest on Stephanie's other show, "The History Fangirl Podcast," where we talk all about Istanbul's Grand Bazaar. Think of it as a companion to the RSOB episode "Istanbul."
Episode #7 of Rick Steves Over Brunch: Istanbul
"In this episode, we chat about the 2008 Rick Steves' Europe episode "Istanbul." We'll talk about how much Istanbul has changed in the past ten years, ponder if Turkish breakfast is the best meal on earth, and give Rick his due for nearly baring it all in the Turkish baths."
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Istanbul” before listening.
Episode #6 of Rick Steves Over Brunch: Copenhagen
"In this episode, we chat about the 2008 Rick Steves' Europe episode "Copenhagen." We'll talk about how Rick throws shade on the Swedes, whether or not drinking Aqua vitae qualifies as an action shot, and why neither Stephanie nor Chris longs for Danish food."
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Copenhagen” before listening.
Episode #5 of Rick Steves Over Brunch: Belfast and the Best of Northern Ireland
"In this episode, we chat about the 2004 Rick Steves' Europe episode "Belfast and the Best of Northern Ireland." We'll talk about how amazing a full Irish breakfast is, discuss the changes Belfast has undergone in the fifteen years since this episode was shot, and marvel at Rick's solid jacket choices.
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Belfast and the Best of Ireland” before listening.
Episode #4 of Rick Steves Over Brunch: Vienna
"In this episode, we chat about the 2006 Rick Steves' Europe episode "Vienna." We discuss the highs and lows of the Austrian food scene, how to rock the Vienna Christmas market scene, and get meta about the definition of museums. Plus we have some harsh things to say about the cold open on this one."
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Vienna” before listening.
Episode #3 of Rick Steves Over Brunch: Athens and Side-Trips
"In this episode, we chat about the 2008 Rick Steves' Europe episode "Athens and Side-Trips." No one holds a gyro or rocks green-on-green quite like Rick Steves. We break down the episode's cold open, best stunts, and fabulous guests while throwing in our own take on Athens travel and discussing how travel in Greece has changed in the past ten years with new museums while keeping the food scene classic."
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Athens and Side-Trips” before listening.
Episode #2 of Rick Steves Over Brunch: Barcelona and Catalunya
"In this episode, we chat about the classic Rick Steves's Europe episode "Barcelona and Catalunya." This episode highlights both the beauty of the region but also has some of Rick's best stunt work (he pops out of an egg FFS. What can't that man do?) Ricks Steves' Barcelona is one of the beautiful parks, delicious drinks, and so many toothpicks.
Feel free to refresh your memory by watching the Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Barcelona and Catalunya” before listening.
Episode #1 of Rick Steves Over Brunch: Start Here
"Travel writers Stephanie Craig and Christopher Mitchell introduce the podcast where they'll chat about episodes of the classic travel tv show, Rick Steves' Europe."