Today, we’re talking with Eliot Stein, a journalist, writer, book author, and deputy editor at BBC Travel. Eliot and I first got to know each other through our shared passion for stories that reveal something about a place through the lens of tradition and unique cultural practices.

Eliot has edited a few of my stories at BBC Travel, where he started a column called Custom Made that highlights cultural custodians preserving vanishing customs. Eliot's book, Custodians of Wonder: Ancient Customs, Profound Traditions, and the Last People Keeping Them Alive, is now available.

Original Air Date: Feb 14, 2024.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Writing "The Last Surviving Sea Silk Seamstress" for BBC Travel
• How to build relationships and trust with people you're reporting on
• How traditions shape places and people
• Going beyond tourist attractions
• Eliot and I discuss changing reading habits
• Eliot's book "Custodians of Wonder" is now available
• How Eliot's journalism background set him up for the process of writing a book
• The intense commitment required to write a book
• Eliot gives advice to aspiring authors and shares resources like the Writer's Digest conference
• The story behind a photo featuring traditional soy sauce production in Japan

Featured on the show:

• Eliot's book, Custodians of Wonder, is now available wherever books are sold
• Follow Eliot on Instagram: @eliot.stein
• Read Eliot’s article on BBC Travel: The last surviving sea silk seamstress
• Learn about the Barrel-aged soy sauce, also available online at trf-ny.com
• Pitch your book idea: writersdigestconference.com
• Read the BBC Travel author brief

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Going Places with Yulia Denisyuk is a show that sparks a better understanding of people and places near and far by fostering a space for real conversations to occur. Each week, we sit down with travelers, journalists, creators, and people living and working in destinations around the world. Hosted by Yulia Denisyuk, an award-winning travel journalist, photographer, and writer who's worked with National Geographic, The New York Times, BBC Travel, and more.

Learn more about our show at goingplacesmedia.com.