Pop Culture Passport - Exploring Quirky & Cool Travel Destinations in the USA
Pop Culture Passport is your guide to quirky and cool travel destinations across the USA. Every other week, we explore unique things to do, from movie and TV filming locations and theme parks to roadside attractions, quirky museums, regional foods, and the fascinating stories behind the places you visit.
If you'd happily add 60 minutes to your trip to visit a filming location, the Jell-O Museum, a legendary roadside attraction, or a local spot with an incredible backstory, this podcast is for you.
I'm Beth Schillaci, aka the Roaming Yeti. I'm a travel content creator, pop culture nerd, and firm believer that the best discoveries happen when you layer a little curiosity on top of wherever you're already headed. I call them side quests: the detours, the unexpected stops, the "wait, THAT'S here?" moments that make any trip unforgettable and personal.
Whether you're planning a dedicated trip or looking for the perfect thing to add to somewhere you're already going, a work trip, a family visit, or a drive through a new city, there's always something worth the detour.
Think of this as traveling with your slightly nerdy, sort-of-cool friend who loves deep dives, unexpected discoveries, and finding the story behind the story.
Explore episodes about:
- Movie & TV filming locations
- Quirky museums & unique attractions
- Road trips & roadside attractions
- Theme parks & themed entertainment
- Regional foods, candy history & food tourism
- Day trips & weekend getaways
- Hidden history, origin stories & local legends
- Pop culture travel across the USA
Grab your Pop Culture Passport — let's roam.
Episodes
158 episodes
Staying Off Property at Walt Disney World – The Good, The Bad, and The Transportation
Episode 55Have you wanted to visit Walt Disney World but are not sure you want to be fully immersed in the Disney bubble but still have the benefits? If you answered yes, maybe staying off-property at a Disney Hotel Partner ...
Center for Puppetry in Atlanta GA – Kermit, Fraggles and Elmo!
Episode 54Who are some of the most treasured and nostalgic characters from your childhood?If you answered anyone from Jim Henson, Sesame Street, or The Muppets, you’re in for a fantastic trip down memory lane today!In this...
First Trip to Buc-ee’s – Does it Live Up to the Hype?
Episode 53Have you ever taken a road trip where you considered the gas station a main attraction?If not, you probably haven’t visited Buc-ee’s, a wildly popular convenience store known for its catchy billboards, clean bathrooms, ...
Walt Disney World Monorail Bar Crawl – Fun Outside the Park Gates
Episode 52What’s your favorite part about visiting Walt Disney World?While there’s so much love about these magical theme parks, there’s also a lot you can do outside the park gates. In this episode of the podcast, I ...
Thrills & Chills: Islands of Adventure – First Timer’s Guide
Episode 51Are thrill rides something you look for when choosing your theme park destinations?Whether you’re seeking thrills or prefer a more chill park experience, Universal's Islands of Adventure has it all.In this episod...
Thrills & Chills: Universal Studios Orlando – First Timer’s Guide
Episode 50What’s the biggest rookie mistake you’ve ever made at a theme park?From navigating long lines to choosing theme park dining to knowing which thrill rides are for you, planning a trip can have a steep learning curve....
Welcome to Pop Culture Passport
Welcome to Pop Culture Passport - your guide to exploring all the quirky, cool, and iconic places that make the U.S. so unique. Whether you’re a pop culture fan, a travel enthusiast looking for something a little different, or maybe a ...
Trolls of Norway: Mythical Guardians of the Great Outdoors
Episode 66Are you captivated by the mystical world of trolls and their deep-rooted connection to Norwegian folklore?In this episode, we'll uncover the fascinating world of trolls in Norway—their origins, diverse types, and enduri...
Dream Trips – Scandinavia with Joanne McCoy
Episode 64Do you have Scandinavia on your bucket list? Well, if you didn’t before, you will after this episode. Joanne McCoy shares her immersive experiences in Scandinavia, delving into the cultural wonders of Denmark, Sweden, and Norw...
The Top 10 International Theme Parks on My To-Visit List
Episode 58Did you know that there is a theme park with a dark ride based on Jumanji? Here's the unexpected twist—it's not in the United States but in northeast Italy! In this episode, I share a little background on myself an...
Updates and Hiatus
Episode 48In this episode, Beth provides some insight into upcoming trips and taking an hiatus on new episodes until the new year. The new year will bring new adventures, stories, and nostalgia of your favorite places. During hiatus, th...
From Jingle Cruises to Gingerbread Dreams: Discover the Fun of Walt Disney World During the Holidays
Episode 47In this episode of The Roaming Yeti podcast, you join host Beth Schillaci as she shares her excitement for her upcoming trip to Walt Disney World during the holiday season. Beth discusses the festive atmosphere and magical exp...
Universal Orlando Resort Planning
Episode 46Beth, the host of The Roaming Yeti podcast, excitedly shares her upcoming trip planning for Universal Studios Orlando. As she reminisces about her last visit 24 years ago, she dives into the park’s history, tracing its origins...
The Magic of Animatronics – Interview with Lee Romaire
Episode 45Unlock the magic of animatronics - Lee Romaire's adventures in the space of animatronics reveal the enchanting possibilities this technology holds in theme parks and entertainment. Revolving around realistic creations and inte...
The Evolution of Road Trip Food: From Hardtack to Cheesy Pretzels
Episode 44Join me as we embark on a mouthwatering journey through time, exploring the fascinating history of road trip food. From hardtack and canned fruits to drive-in diners and social media discoveries, discover the evolution of flav...
Haunted Places in the US Part 2 – Exploring Haunted Hotels and Ships
Episode 43Beth Schillaci, the host of The Roaming Yeti podcast, is back with another spooky episode. In this installment, she delves into the haunted histories of hotels and ships in the United States. Beth's passion for adventure and h...
Let’s Visit Haunted Places in the US – Part 1
Episode 42In this episode of The Roaming Yeti podcast, I send my fearless Yeti, Addi, to explore some of the most haunted locations in the United States. Join me as I as I share Addi's bone-chilling experiences and findings at haunted p...
Let’s Go To Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom
Episode 41In this episode, join me as I take you on our exciting journey of attending Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom. I share our experience and insights, providing valuable tips and recommendations for makin...
The Fascinating History of Roadside Attractions
Episode 40During my episode with Steve about his road trip adventures, my intrigue for roadside attractions skyrocketed. These kitschy landmarks, found sprinkled along America's highways, had always been curiosities to me. I realized th...
Let’s Go to Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival
Episode 39In this week's episode of The Roaming Yeti podcast, I dive into our recent visit to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. I share my personal experiences, recommendations, and tips for attendees. Don't miss out on th...
Epic Baseball Road Trip
Episode 38Welcome to the Roaming Yeti Podcast, where we share travel stories full of nostalgia, interesting locations, and the tales behind those locations. I am your Host and Head Yeti, Beth Schillaci.In this episode, we dive in...
Disney Destination D23 Debrief
Episode 37On this week's episode, Julia and I discuss some of the Disney park announcements made during the Destination D23 presentation. As you will hear, I wasn't planning on doing this episode, but after listening to the live stream ...
Craft Beer Oasis: Discover the Hidden Gem of BrewDog’s DogHouse Columbus Hotel
Episode 36Hey, fellow craft beer enthusiasts! I can't wait to share my latest adventure with you. I recently had the pleasure of staying at BrewDog's DogHouse Columbus Hotel<...
Haunted Legends of the Canadian Rockies
Episode 35We are back with another episode of the Addi Files! Join me as we explore the haunted legends of the Canadian Rockies. In this spine-tingling adventure, we'll be uncovering the ghostly tales of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel...
