God, she has a gorgeous voice. Though Carole Whitelock sat in-studio at ABC Adelaide, and I on headsets at ABC in Sydney, she instantly became my new best friend as we spoke, 850 miles distant, during this live radio interview last July in Australia. Isn’t it funny how you can meet a total stranger, and feel you’ve known her you’re entire life? Have a listen, and you’ll hear what I mean.

[audio:http://www.dotgarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/ABC-Adelaide-whitelock-vlahides-interview1.mp3|titles=Carole Whitelock, ABC Interview with John Vlahides]

My second worldwide-television debut happened first in India, and I couldn’t help but wonder, Had anyone watched me on TV through the window of an electronics store? If so, I wish I could tell them that I was watching them back (Hello from California!). What they saw: Madagascar, through my eyes. Have a look.

No script, no hair, no makeup, no wardrobe—Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled turns conventional travel-television on its head. My only directive as host was to be my “weird, wacky, unfiltered San Francisco self.” What else could I be? To those who write me and ask, How can I get your job? I say this: Leading an authentic life pays off. The show is airing now on National Geographic Channels International, in 40 countries around the globe.