S4, E11: The Plus-Size Traveler Aiming to Transform the World

In the 11th episode of Travel Tales by Dinogo, season four, we embark on a global adventure with Jeff Jenkins, the host of National Geographic's Never Say Never.

Transcript

Aislyn Greene, host: I’m Aislyn Greene, and this is Travel Tales by Dinogo. Each episode features a traveler sharing a transformative journey. Additionally, this season, I’m engaging with each storyteller to explore significant travel questions. Although I’m not physically sitting with them—recording from my houseboat in Sausalito—you get the gist.

How often do you step outside your comfort zone while traveling? Personally, I find it has become easier with time. However, I’m continually inspired by individuals who remind us that pushing our boundaries makes life much richer. One such individual is Jeff Jenkins, the host of National Geographic's Never Say Never. For the show, he explores the globe, challenging his physical limits by climbing trees in the Adirondacks, swimming with sharks in Mexico, and trying sumo wrestling in Japan. You can check out some amusing photos of that on our Instagram. But it’s also a show focused on accessibility. Jeff is the founder of Chubby Diaries, an online community for plus-size travelers. His journey to becoming a travel TV star was unexpected, yet his platform has resonated with many, advocating for greater inclusivity in travel media.

Through Never Say Never, Jeff aims to demonstrate that, as he states in the show, "you can resemble me and still live your best life."

Thank you for joining us, Jeff. Welcome to Travel Tales.

Jeff Jenkins, TV personality: I’m thrilled to be here today. It’s been a long time in the making.

Aislyn: Absolutely! I hear you've had a whirlwind summer filled with travel.

Jeff: Indeed, I have. Yes, indeed.

Aislyn: Are you—back home now? Where is your home base?

Jeff: Yes, I'm currently in Austin. This is actually the first time I've been home in quite a while, and I'll be here until the end of the month before my travel schedule ramps up again.

But you know what? Being at home allows me to organize my business and catch up on things. I’m genuinely excited to be here. When people ask what vacation means to me now, I say, "Home, specifically my bed. That’s my vacation."

Aislyn: “My job revolves around travel—being home feels like a vacation.” I totally understand. It must be a lot of work, right? Traveling so much.

Jeff: It certainly is.

Aislyn: So, where did your summer adventures take you? Were you on a cruise?

Jeff: We were actually meant to go on a cruise, but that didn’t happen. I didn’t visit many spectacular destinations this time; I went to New York four or five times, as well as L.A., San Diego a couple of times, New Orleans, Orlando, and Tampa. No international trips or exotic locales this time, but I truly enjoy exploring the U.S.

Aislyn: Your show, Never Say Never, is all about adventurous travel, right? Could you summarize what it’s about?

Jeff: Absolutely! Never Say Never With Jeff Jenkins is an adventure travel show where I take on epic challenges and step outside my comfort zone. The core theme is that life truly begins at the edge of my comfort zone. It’s designed to inspire viewers, showing them that they can travel and embrace life regardless of their size.

Aislyn: It can be pretty nerve-wracking to watch some of your stunts. I remember in the first episode, you had to jump backward into a cave—how wild was that?

Jeff: Yeah, that cave jump! You know, I didn’t think it would be that challenging, though it was a bit nerve-wracking. But so many people reacted saying, 'That’s a definite no for me!'

Aislyn: That's fascinating that so many people had that reaction. What was the most daunting moment for you during the show?

Jeff: Without a doubt, it was climbing Notch Mountain. It was my very first time ever attempting mountain climbing. We’re talking about using both hands and feet here, and honestly, I’d only ever seen fit, slender individuals do it. I hadn’t seen anyone of my size attempt it before.

It was incredibly nerve-wracking because I kept thinking, 'How am I going to reach the top?' There were moments I wanted to give up, especially when the summit seemed so far away. But being able to complete it was remarkable. It was the proudest and yet the most terrifying thing I've ever done.

Aislyn: Do you think the show motivated you to push through? If the cameras weren't rolling, would you have said, 'Okay, I've done enough?'

Jeff: Honestly, yes. I likely would have stopped. I probably wouldn’t have attempted some of the things I did. But I kept telling myself, even while on the rock, that I was doing this not just for me, but to show others they could do it too. Shifting my focus to others inspired me and gave me the motivation to really push through.

It’s the support from others that drives me. That encouragement helps me step out of my comfort zone, allowing me to be a source of representation.

Aislyn: I love that. You've often mentioned how part of your mission is to make adventure travel more accessible for plus-size travelers.

That really resonated with me during your journey in Japan. Was that experience particularly emotional for you? It seemed like getting to the sumo event was a significant moment. Were you motivated by the viewers more than by your own desires, do you think?

Jeff: Absolutely both. Japan remains my favorite country; that shoot was special. There was a certain magic in the air for our crew and me. It felt incredible, and I had been thinking about those challenges for two to three months leading up to it.

I knew what lay ahead: sumo wrestling. I was aware that I might have to remove my shirt, and initially, I resisted that idea. I remember saying, "No, I don't want to expose myself like that." In many ways, I struggled with the reasoning behind it, but ultimately, even if it was just for me, it was a fun experience, and I’m glad I went through with it.

I still think about how many people connected with my decision to take off my shirt—something I had never done before. Many viewers told me they cried because it wasn’t just about me exposing my skin; it was also about participating in the sumo match. It was two challenges combined into one.

Hearing how deeply this resonated with others was beautiful. I remember a guy mentioning it had been two decades since he last took his shirt off due to concerns about others’ opinions at the beach or pool. He even thought about how his 13-year-old felt about it.

He shared that in the end, he just didn’t care anymore and noticed that nobody was paying attention to him. I found that insight astonishing.

Aislyn: That’s amazing! Have you felt any lasting changes within yourself since filming the first season?

Jeff: Why am I feeling so emotional today? Wow, who knew? One thing that stands out is my resilience. Filming this show made me realize just how much energy, effort, and commitment go into creating quality content. I put myself through a lot—between the activities and excursions we tackled, it was truly adventurous and intense. My body was bruised for days, and there was a moment I thought I might lose my life. To push through all of that, to maintain my mental and physical strength while keeping a smile on my face and finding joy in the process—it felt like I was channeling the focus of someone like Lionel Messi or LeBron James. I’ve never felt that level of intensity before. My crew was incredible, always amazed at my energy. They’d say, "We’re exhausted, and you’re like, ‘Let’s go, whatever!’ with a smile!"

That experience taught me a lot about leadership. I learned how to effectively lead and delegate while working with a team of 30 people every day.

Aislyn: That’s monumental. It sounds life-changing. Have you always seen yourself as an adventure seeker when it comes to travel?

Jeff: In my mind, I thought I was. I’ve realized lately that my true power lies in moving past the need for permission—feeling like I have to ask to do something.

Instead, I want to take the initiative and say, "You know what? I don’t need anyone’s approval to do this; I’m just going to go for it." That mindset itself is adventurous, opening up countless opportunities. One of the most adventurous things I can think of is growing up in the inner city. I’m from Orlando, which is often viewed as just Disney territory. There are two sides to Orlando—the theme park side and the real-life side where people actually live. Many are surprised to learn that real life happens there, too. Yes, we live here!

So, I really started to break out of my shell about 17 years ago. One of the most adventurous things I did back then was go to the movies alone. It felt like a taboo! I remember the first time I mentioned it to someone, they were shocked, saying, "You did what?"

They were like, "I didn’t even know people did that! I’ve never tried it." That moment taught me a valuable lesson: it's perfectly fine to enjoy activities solo. I realized I didn’t need anyone’s permission to seek experiences. This was back when I was 18 or 19, fresh out of high school and in college. That experience pushed me to step outside my comfort zone; if I had to do things on my own to enjoy them, then so be it.

My real adventures began in college, inspired by icons like Steve Irwin and Rick Steves. I saw all these amazing places on screen and thought, "I didn’t know I could experience this!" The first time I flew was at 20, and I went to Japan. Fast forward 17 years, and I’m still on my journey, eager to explore more.

Aislyn: Just stepping outside your front door can be an adventure, right? People are often surprised when they hear you’re dining or traveling solo. How long was your first trip to Japan?

Jeff: I was there for four months—the entire summer!

Aislyn: What were you up to there?

Jeff: I was actually contracted by the government to help run child development centers and summer camps called Camp Adventure on American military bases. They took a thousand students from across the nation to various military installations abroad, and I ended up in Okinawa and Yokosuka, Japan. It was an amazing experience!

I was in awe, thinking, "What is happening?" It was completely beyond anything I had ever imagined. It all started a year earlier when I met a friend just before she headed off to Japan for the program. My mind was blown—I was like, "Wait, where are you going?" She told me she was going to Japan, and I was stunned! This was back before Instagram and when Facebook was just emerging. My only knowledge of Japan was from what I read in travel guides.

I remembered bits from National Geographic, but that was it. The fact that she, a young Black girl of 19, was going there inspired me. I thought, "Can I do that?" I was determined to find a way to get to Japan, and I discovered that it was an expense-paid opportunity.

I ended up paying $700, but technically it cost me nothing because there was a stipend. I used that to cover my expenses. So for four months in Japan, it was only $700 and everything was included—such a fantastic deal that I truly cherish.

Aislyn: There's quite a gap between that experience and the show. How did that transition happen?

Jeff: I spent nine years as a high school choir teacher, but eventually decided to resign to explore my true passions. Teaching in a classroom felt limiting, as I always envisioned traveling with my students. As a choir teacher, that was part of the job—taking kids on trips. I once took 50 students to New York, many of whom flew for the first time and stayed in a hotel. It was a big deal for them!

I was eager to do more, like taking them to Spain, but we only managed the New York trip and some local excursions. I thought, "These kids deserve more experiences!" So, I shifted gears and became an entrepreneur.

A friend encouraged me to start my own business. I thought, "Why not?" and began reselling books on Amazon. It involved a lot of waiting around at places like Goodwill for new arrivals to scan and sell.

One day, while waiting, I picked up a random book and started reading about dreams. I almost put it down, knowing it would remind me of my own hesitations about pursuing my dreams.

I realized I had stopped dreaming. The book taught me not only to give myself permission to dream but also to dream big, envision those dreams, and commit to them. It was then that I wrote down 109 things I wanted to accomplish.

At that time, my friends and I had just launched a water well project in Rwanda. None of us were engineers, and I had no idea how to extract water from the ground. But the success of that project made me think, "It’s time to aim high, everyone!" After three days of reflection, I asked myself, "If money were no object and anything I dreamed could come true, what would I do?" I concluded that I wanted to travel the world, help people, and get paid for it.

That day in May 2018 marked my commitment to becoming a travel blogger. I discovered that being a travel influencer was a viable way to earn money while exploring the globe.

I launched Chubby Diaries, realizing I needed a niche. No one was discussing the experiences of plus-size travelers, and I wanted to carve out a space for those voices. I knew I could represent marginalized groups like myself, who often lacked visibility.

I started Chubby Diaries to redefine travel representation. My content resonated with people, and I consistently produced new material. I attended every travel networking event I could, began consulting, and connected with various brands.

I became a journalist—a boy who was teased by friends and family for constantly asking, "How do you spell this word?" I could never seem to get it right. Yet, who would have thought that the same kid would eventually win awards for his journalism? This just shows that greatness often requires tools and support; sometimes, you need a little help to reach your goals. For me, that tool was a word processor, which transformed my writing and led to recognition from many.

In short, I started contributing to various publications and gaining recognition. Travel + Leisure named me one of the most influential figures in travel over the past 50 years. Being listed alongside icons like Rick Steves and Anthony Bourdain was surreal. That's when I received a call from Nat Geo, or rather a production company working with Nat Geo, asking to create a show centered around me, back in 2021.

Aislyn: Did you get to choose the locations and activities? Did a lot of that come from you?

Jeff: I hope everyone hears me when I say: write down your 109 things to do before you die. My role in choosing locations and activities was simply based on that list I created.

It's wild to think that this list was made three or four years prior. How incredible is that?

Aislyn: You manifested it!

Jeff: Isn’t it wild? They were like, "You want to go hot air ballooning? Sure! You want to visit Vietnam? No problem!" You really never know what could happen.

Aislyn: That's amazing! How long did the entire filming process take?

Jeff: Eight months—eight months in total.

Aislyn: Got it. Was it pretty much nonstop during that time?

Jeff: No, it wasn't continuous. We had significant breaks. We shot the first episode, then took a two-month hiatus before returning. I would film two episodes, take a week or so off, and then go back. But from October to December, we filmed the last four episodes nonstop. There was a short break between Japan and Vietnam, and then we transitioned from Asia to South America. Instead of heading all the way home, I decided to explore Southeast Asia during my week off. I think I ended up in Malaysia.

Aislyn: What’s next on your agenda?

Jeff: I’m thrilled to be back home and planning my own adventures! I want to invite some friends along and we’re exploring opportunities. It’s not a question of if, but when we can shoot a season two, and I already have some exciting destinations in mind. I keep mentioning in interviews that my top pick would be Antarctica.

So, Nat Geo, if you’re listening, Antarctica is definitely on my wish list!

Aislyn: Would you be up for a cold plunge there?

Jeff: Oh, I might just do it! For you all, I would absolutely take the plunge. But really, you never know what these thrilling experiences teach you until you dive in. You also discover what you like or don’t like. Sometimes you realize, "You know what, that’s enough for me. I tried it once, and I’m good."

Aislyn: "I don’t need to go rock climbing again."

Jeff: I’m up for rock climbing again, but crossing a suspension bridge? Never again! That’s just not for me anymore.

Aislyn: It’s important to understand your limits. Trying something and realizing it’s not for you is definitely healthy! You’ve mentioned that your mantra is life begins where your comfort zone ends. What advice would you give to others looking to step outside their comfort zones or facing their fears?

Jeff: During my college trip to Japan, I learned that mantra from my mentor, Chris Kasparik. He encouraged me to just go for it! He said to identify your comfort zone and then decide to act without overthinking it—just do it!

He really pushed us—on just our second day in Japan, he organized a full scavenger hunt around the city.

Aislyn: Oh, that sounds like fun!

Jeff: It did sound fun, but not at first. I had just arrived! I mean, it was literally day two. He was like, "Alright, you need to catch a train, grab a taxi, order food from this spot, and walk to this temple."

So, while I got to see and explore a lot, it was pretty intimidating at first. But eventually, as we overcame those challenges, I thought, "Wow, we’re actually making this work! Maybe I can keep going with this." It really hit me that stepping outside my comfort zone comes with valuable lessons.

As I mentioned earlier, you discover what you enjoy and what you don’t. You realize that the beauty of life often lies outside your comfort zone. The more you push those boundaries, the more your world expands.

Exactly! Your comfort zone expands, and you don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to appreciate it. You start to try foods you would have never tasted and visit places you’d never consider. When you think, "I can do the things Jeff or others have done," it encourages you to step outside your comfort zone because that’s where real life happens.

Aislyn: I love that perspective! It’s such a clever idea to use a scavenger hunt to help overcome culture shock or fear right from the start—especially while you're still jet-lagged. What a brilliant strategy!

Jeff: I think I still do that now. Whenever I arrive in a new country, I’m eager to explore right away. Oh wow, I do this everywhere now! He really set the tone for that. Did I just have a realization about myself? Amazing!

Aislyn: And there’s no time to get anxious about what might be ahead, like, "This is uncomfortable" or "I don’t speak the language"—all those things that can feel so intimidating. You don’t even know the cultural norms or how to hail a taxi!

Jeff: It’s much easier now, thanks to social media. If I travel to a new country, I can just hop on YouTube and watch videos from others who’ve been there. Even if someone has just a few followers, their first video might offer valuable insights about what to do—or what to avoid. I’m like, "Oh, that’s good to know!"

As a plus-size traveler, I can guide you on activities I’ve enjoyed that you can try too, even if there are some excursions that may not be suitable. I always emphasize that while we might not be able to do everything, there are plenty of other experiences available for us.

This approach helps reduce feelings of isolation or embarrassment when facing rides or excursions, especially when you discover, upon arrival, that you can't participate due to size limitations.

Aislyn: You mentioned in the show the custom wetsuit and harness issues, highlighting a lack of accessibility. Have you noticed any industry changes in that regard?

Jeff: Not a complete shift yet, but I have seen some minor improvements. I recognize there’s still much work ahead, but people are becoming more receptive. Sometimes, making something more accessible can be as simple as providing extended sizes for wetsuits.

In fact, I didn’t need a fully custom wetsuit; I only required a specialized one for thicker options. For standard wetsuits, like shorties, I can easily order those from Amazon right now.

When I visited Mexico, I remembered purchasing a wetsuit in 2017 or 2018, anticipating my great white shark diving adventure in South Africa. Knowing they likely wouldn’t have my size, I ordered it on Amazon and had it sent to a friend in New York since we were flying out together. This experience highlighted that making activities more inclusive is often just about providing extended sizes and making minor, safe modifications that consider plus-size individuals.

Many people simply don’t think about plus-size needs, which I’ve encountered even from CEOs and leaders in travel brands. In the past, they would often express surprise, saying, 'Oh, I never considered this before.' Fortunately, I believe there’s been significant progress recently.

During the design and planning phases, if more thought is given to inclusivity, it can become much easier to cater to plus-size travelers. In my experience in the travel industry and consulting, I emphasize the economic potential of this demographic. My own study revealed that 98% of plus-size individuals stated they would take additional trips if there were better accessibility options.

This demonstrates that this group has the financial means to travel; they simply require accessibility and accommodations. Companies are always seeking to tap into new markets, and this is a significant one, considering that a large portion of the American population is classified as overweight or obese, with 42% being obese.

Aislyn: I love that! It seems there are more discussions about accessibility in travel lately, and just starting that conversation is crucial. Is there anything else you hope the show will inspire in viewers?

Jeff: Absolutely. My hope is that stepping outside brings a sense of wonder. With all the negativity saturating TV and social media, I want my show to be a source of inspiration and joy. I keep hearing that it brightens people’s moods, which is exactly what I aimed for. It’s like a show you didn’t realize you needed until you experienced it. I hope to keep showcasing stories of individuals exploring and trying things they never imagined they would.

Aislyn: Thank you so much, Jeff, for your time and inspiration. I’m really looking forward to season two—and Antarctica!

Jeff: It’s been a true pleasure to be here with you today. I’m honored, so thank you!

Aislyn: That was Jeff Jenkins. While season two of Never Say Never hasn't been confirmed yet, he already has some exciting ideas, possibly including Antarctica. We’ll provide links to Chubby Diaries and the show, which you can catch on Disney Plus, in our show notes, along with his social media profiles.

And that wraps up this season, everyone! Happy holidays! Don’t forget to subscribe to our sister podcast, Unpacked. We’ll link to it in the show notes. It will return in January, and Travel Tales will be back in Spring 2024.

Excited for more Travel Tales? Head over to Dinogo.com/podcast, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and X at @Dinogomedia. If you enjoyed today’s journey, I hope you’ll return for more amazing stories. Subscribing makes it effortless! You can catch Travel Tales by Dinogo on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Please remember to rate and review the show; it helps us secure incredible guests like today’s and assists other travelers in discovering us.

You’ve been listening to Travel Tales, a production of Dinogo Media. This podcast is produced by Aislyn Greene and Nikki Galteland, with music composed and produced by Strike Audio.

Everyone has a travel story. What’s yours?