Episode #147: The Power of Storytelling, Centering BIPOC and GLBTQ+ Travel Narratives, and Producing Fly Brother with Ernest White II

Episode Summary

Ernest White II talks about his parents’ experience growing up in the Jim Crow American South, and then reflects on his upbringing in Jacksonville, Florida, and his desire to travel the world even as a kid. He then shares his experience attending Florida A&M University, explains the historical significance of HBCUs, and opens up about how his college experience really shaped his views on the reality of institutionalized racism and policing in the U.S.. Ernest then talks about his study abroad experience in the Dominican Republic, and reflects on the racial and power dynamics of being able to “pass” for a local. He then shares what he loves about Sao Paulo, Brazil and why the city is so special and unique. Ernest then offers his thoughts on the gender-fluidity on display during Carnival in Brazil, and also reflects on GLBTQ+ travel to places like Morocco where homosexuality is officially illegal. He also reflects on the unique brilliance of James Baldwin and shares this thoughts on the transformative impact of travel. Ernest then talks about the power of words, storytelling, travel writing and discusses “Panorama: The Journal of Intelligent Travel”. He explains how and why to write memoir with an edge, and offers tips on honing the craft and becoming a great travel writer. He then talks about his journey producing the PBS Docu-Series “Fly Brother with Ernest White II”, and the unique points of differentiation that separate the series from other travel shows. And, finally, he offers his thoughts and tips on how to travel the world more thoughtfully and sustainably. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: www.TheMaverickShow.com

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What You'll Learn
  • How and Why to Write Travel Memoir with an Edge
  • The Making of the PBS Docu-Series “Fly Brother with Ernest White II”
  • Tips for GLBTQ+ Travel to Countries Where Homosexuality is Illegal
Links From the Episode

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WATCH “FLY BROTHER WITH ERNEST WHITE II”

SUPPORT “FLY BROTHER” SEASON 2 WITH A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION

Through a partnership with 501(c)(3) organization Filmmakers Collaborative, Fly Brother is able to accept tax-deductible charitable contributions to fund post-production and distribution costs for Season Two. Supporters contributing $500 or more are featured on the website as supporters of public television and diverse storytelling. Supporters contributing $1K or more also receive an on-screen acknowledgment of gratitude at the top and bottom of all ten episodes of the series. The overall fundraising goal is $100K by October 1st.

WRITINGS BY ERNEST MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

#1 BOOK THAT ERNEST RECOMMENDS

WRITERS THAT ERNEST RECOMMENDS

#1 PERSON WITH WHOM ERNEST MOST WANTS TO HAVE DINNER

OTHER PEOPLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

 TOP 3 FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

 TOP 3 BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS

LOCATION WHERE THE INTERVIEW TOOK PLACE

 OTHER PLACES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

CONNECT WITH ERNEST

Time Stamped Show Notes

**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.

[4:02] Ernest’s Parents’ Upbringing in the Jim Crow American South

[11:27] Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida

[13:36] Developing an Interest in World Travel as a Kid

[16:55] Studying Abroad in Sweden During High School

[21:48] Attending Florida A&M University and the Historical Significance of HBCUs

[26:37] Reflections on Institutionalized Racism and Policing in the U.S.

[31:55] Studying Abroad in the Dominican Republic During College

[35:42] Reflections on the Power Dynamics of “Passing” for a Local

[40:47] The Unique Thrill, Energy, Culture and Beauty of Sao Paulo, Brazil

[45:55] Street Art and Creativity in Sao Paulo, Brazil

[48:00] Reflections on Gender-Fluidity During Carnival in Brazil

[52:27] GLBTQ+ Travel to Countries Where Homosexuality is Illegal

[55:51] Reflections on James Baldwin and the Transformative Impact of Travel

[1:00:04] The Power of Words, Storytelling and Travel Writing

[1:04:46] Panorama: The Journal of Intelligent Travel

[1:07:02] How and Why to Write Travel Memoir With an Edge

[1:09:24] Tips for Becoming a Great Travel Writer

[1:11:55] Producing the PBS Docu-Series “Fly Brother with Ernest White II”

[1:22:39] Reflections on Traveling More Thoughtfully and Sustainably

[1:28:49] The Lightning Round

  • #1 Book Ernest recommends
  • #1 Person with whom Ernest most wants to have dinner
  • #1 Piece of advice to his 18 year old self
  • Top 3 Favorite Travel Destinations
  • Top 3 Bucket List Destinations
  • Top 3 Writers that Ernest Recommends

[1:32:07] Contact and Connect with Ernest

headshot photo of a man smiling

Ernest White II

Ernest White II is a producer, storyteller, world traveler, and the founder and CEO of Presidio Pictures—a film, television, and digital media studio centering BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and senior/elder narratives. He is also executive producer and on-camera host of the award-winning travel docu-series “FLY BROTHER with Ernest White II,” now airing on US television and streaming worldwide at PBS.org. Ernest is also the nonfiction editor at Panorama: The Journal of Intelligent Travel and his writing has also been featured in USA Today, National Geographic, the TravelChannel.com and many other publications. Originally from Jacksonville Florida, Ernest has now traveled to over 70 countries and is a passionate proponent of global community building and transformational travel. He currently serves on the Condé Nast Traveler Advisory Board and the Board of Directors for the Impact Travel Alliance—a nonprofit organization focused on sustainable travel. He also serves as an advisor for Travel Unity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing diversity within the travel and tourism industries.

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