We explore cultural diversity, highlighting differences, similarities, and misconceptions. Our global experiences have revealed a range of cultural clashes, beliefs, stereotypes, opinions, and values.
Learn More About Your Hosts
Benef 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.
Paul, the worldly maestro from Huntington, NY. A proud graduate from the University of Miami and NYU, he's 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.
Trecia from Brooklyn grit to Texas charm, Trecia brings 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.
Rhythm & Roam
with Benef, Paul, and Trecia
Buckle up, culture vultures! We're about to dive headfirst into the fascinating world of what makes people tick across the globe. From weird and wonderful beliefs to mind-blowing cultural quirks, we'll uncover the secrets hidden behind how different folks see the world.
No boring lectures here! We'll dig into social trends to understand why things are the way they are. But don't worry, this won't be a snooze fest. We'll keep things light and playful, proving that learning about different cultures can be a laugh riot.
So, are you ready to embrace the "crazy"? Let's go on a cultural adventure that will leave you eyes wide open and keep you laughing!
Join us for a passport knuckle ride!
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
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, freedom, and what it means to be an outsider welcomed in. From being stuck for days at a Nicaraguan barricade to finding humanity in roadside strangers, his story is part travel diary, part human lesson.
Subscribe to our newsletter for more Rhythm & Roam goodness at RhythmAndRoam.com
Thursday Mar 19, 2026
Thursday Mar 19, 2026
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.
They discuss the differences between African Ancestry DNA and commercial ancestry tests, the emotional impact of reconnecting with ancestral homelands, and the importance of heritage preservation and cultural identity within the global diaspora. This conversation celebrates Black ancestry, self-discovery, and the reclaiming of African heritage. Visit us at RhythmAndRoam.com
Thursday Mar 05, 2026
Thursday Mar 05, 2026
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 initiatives to education projects, we explore the ripple effect of political decisions on the world's most vulnerable populations. Visit our website at RhythmAndRoam.com
Thursday Feb 19, 2026
Thursday Feb 19, 2026
What happened to R&B groups, and why does it matter?
In this episode of Rhythm & Roam, we sit down with DJ, professor, and author Amani Roberts to unpack the cultural, political, and business legacy of Black R&B groups, from The Isley Brothers to TLC. We go way beyond nostalgia.
We discuss how R&B has shaped Black culture in America and abroad, and its global impact. Amani shares insights from his book, The Quiet Storm, explaining why the music industry shifted away from groups, how hip-hop/rap and other genres filled the gap, and what the future of R&B and music entrepreneurship looks like.
If you love music, Black culture, or music entertainment, this conversation is for you. Whether you grew up on vinyl, cassettes, or playlists, this one hits different. Visit our website RhythmAndRoam.com, Subscribe to our newsletter!
Thursday Feb 05, 2026
Thursday Feb 05, 2026
Meet travel trailblazer, April, who literally traveled to 7 continents and 193 countries. In this episode, we unpack the mindset it takes to dream this big, the solitude behind adventure, and what happens when "everywhere" becomes home. Her story aims to inspire travel enthusiasts and adventure seekers by showing that your travel journey is about more than destinations. It's about discovering identity and belonging. Visit our website at RhythmAndRoam.com
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
What's it like to travel the world as a gay man, a filmmaker, and a truth-teller, in places where your very existence challenges tradition? In this Rhythm & Roam episode, our guest, Neil, reveals the courage it takes to capture authentic stories while navigating laws and cultures that don't always welcome you. We also explore Neil's novel series "Prime Time Travelers", a fictional reimagining of world history through an inclusive, truthful lens. Visit us at www.RhythmAndRoam.com to learn more about our podcast.
Thursday Jan 08, 2026
Thursday Jan 08, 2026
We’re rewinding over 50 years to a time when “off the grid” actually meant off the grid. Meet Barry, a fearless traveler who, alongside his wife, drove solo across Africa before GPS, social media, or even paved roads in most regions.
This episode isn’t just about adventure—it’s an honest look at what it meant to explore uncharted territory. Barry shares how they navigated political unrest, unguarded borders, and language barriers with nothing but grit, curiosity, and non-verbal communication. You’ll hear what pushed them to ignore the doubters, trust their instincts, and discover the power of humanity when words fail.
Visit us at RhythmAndRoam.com
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
In this holiday edition of Jet Lag Diaries, we break down Thanksgiving 2025—from Paul's first attempt at a jerk turkey to the cultural conversation around washing your meat and how these traditions shape Black and diaspora holiday cooking. We catch up on our Thanksgiving stories, share our upcoming Christmas holiday plans, and tease what's next for Rhythm & Roam in 2026, including new travel episodes, culture deep-dives, and global guests.
If you're into travel culture, holiday traditions, and unfiltered conversations that blend humor, heritage, and global storytelling, this episode is your vibe. Visit RhythmAndRoam.com and subscribe to our newsletter! We're sharing our favorite holiday recipes!