About
Rhythm & Roam

Rhythm & Roam isn't your typical travel podcast. We're three hosts from mixed-race, multicultural backgrounds, broadcasting across three time zones. We discuss our adventures and really dive into all the cultural exchanges that make roaming this world so fascinating. Each trip we take offers an opportunity to learn more about ourselves and others as well as open our eyes to a better understanding of different cultures. Our episodes highlight these cultural encounters as we navigate our often erroneous perceptions. At a time when representation matters more than ever, Rhythm & Roam proves that adventure has no age, no race, and no borders. We're here to dig deep, challenge stereotypes, and redefine what it means to see the world!
Recent Episodes
Featured award-winning podcasts
Gas, Grit, and Border Crossings: The Ride of a Lifetime
This episode of Rhythm & Roam is for every dreamer who ever said, ”What if I just kept driving?” We sit down with Matt, who did exactly that, driving solo from Los Angeles to Panama through Mexico, Central America, and a few unexpected roadblocks along the way (literally). He opens up about fear, fr...
When DNA Becomes A Map: Fula Roots African Ancestry
In this episode of Rhythm & Roam Podcast, co-hosts Benef, Paul, and Trecia sit down with Queen Michele, Founder of the Fula History & Genealogy Society of America, to explore her remarkable journey tracing her maternal lineage to the Fula people of Guinea-Bissau through African Ancestry DNA. Visit u...
USAID Unfunded: The Quiet Crisis
Rhythm & Roam goes behind the headlines to uncover what happens when a cornerstone of global development, USAID, loses its funding. Our guest, Julie, a former director, shares firsthand what the shutdown means for the communities, programs, and people who relied on America’s aid. From healthcare ini...
Our Team
Rhythm & Roam is brought to you by these world travelers

Host
Benefsheh Verell
Benefsheh was born in Chicago and grew up in Madison, WI, and Grand Rapids, MI. She knew she needed to fly the Midwest coop and joined the military via West Point. Having lived, worked, and traveled worldwide, she’s been the ugly American more times than she cares to remember. Dance, French, and, of course, travel are her passions. She resides in Colorado and can’t get enough of those glorious mountain views.

Host
Paul Island
Paul, the worldly maestro from Huntington, NY. A proud graduate from the University of Miami and NYU, is a fusion of sunshine and city lights. His passport tells tales of global escapades, navigating the realms of the good, bad, and uniquely unforgettable. Currently, he’s savoring croissants and culture in the heart of Paris, where every cobblestone whispers stories of love and adventure. He’s living life, one Eiffel Tower view at a time.

Host
Trecia Cooke
Trecia, from Brooklyn grit to Texas charm, breathes fresh air to the Texas real estate world with a blend of savvy and down-to-earth wit. A seasoned advisor, broker associate, and traveler, she brings a quirky charm, a touch of sophistication, and a lot of "hot mess" energy. Trecia lives in the suburbs with her husband and canine companion, Gryffin.
Reviews
What people say about us
Engaging, authentic, and just plain fun.
Really great group of hosts. They are fun, have great energy, and they prompted awesome topics and conversations. I loved being a guest.
Thoughtful Conversation
What fun! All of you were such amazing hosts and made me feel at ease. I loved our conversation and look forward to finding ways to continue supporting each others work!
Great travel and culture podcast!
Paul, Benef, and Tricia are fun hosts with a huge range of experiences living and traveling abroad that are relatable to any avid traveler!
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