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
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.
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 Benefsheh, 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
Thursday May 28, 2026
Thursday May 28, 2026
Step into a crowded Irish pub, the fiddle starts, the pints are flowing… and you're wondering if it's okay to clap, sing, or join in. In this episode of Rhythm & Roam, Benef, Paul, and Trecia sit down with Irish fiddle player, podcaster, author, educator, tour guide, and arts manager, Tara Connaghan, to unpack the unspoken etiquette of traditional Irish music sessions. If you've ever dreamed of traveling to Ireland, joining a session, or just walking into a new environment without second-guessing yourself, this conversation is your guide. Visit RhythmAndRoam.com for more with Benefsheh, Paul, & Trecia.
Thursday May 14, 2026
Thursday May 14, 2026
In this episode, we sit down with Renae Ninneman, founder of Going Beyond Tourism and CulturalQ, to explore what it really means to develop cultural intelligence (CQ). We go beyond surface-level awareness to unpack how CQ shapes how we travel, connect, and show up in diverse spaces.
Renae shares her journey into cross-cultural work, breaks down the difference between cultural awareness and true intelligence, and explains how intentional preparation can transform your travel experiences. We also dive into real-life applications, including a look at Benef's cultural intelligence assessment results and what they reveal.
Whether you're traveling abroad, working across cultures, or just trying to better understand the world around you, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to move beyond tourism and into meaningful connection.
Visit us at RhythmAndRoam.com for more!
Thursday Apr 30, 2026
Thursday Apr 30, 2026
What does it really take to sell everything, leave land behind, and sail across the world? In this episode of Rhythm & Roam Podcast, we sit down with author and world traveler Alison Gieschen, who made the bold decision to walk away from conventional life and embrace full-time sailing across the globe. From confronting fear in the open ocean to discovering humanity through strangers in faraway places, Alison shares what it truly means to live freely, courageously, and creatively. If you've ever dreamed of escaping the 9-to-5, traveling the world, or redefining what "home" means, this episode will challenge and inspire you. Visit our website at RhythmAndRoam.com and try our new travel planning app RhythmAndRoamTrips.com
Thursday Apr 16, 2026
Thursday Apr 16, 2026
From tourist to traveler, this travel podcast dives into slow travel, cultural immersion, meaningful travel stories, and purpose‑driven adventures beyond tourism. Benef, Paul, & Trecia sit down with Dan and Mikkel. Two storytellers who've built a lifestyle around intentional exploration and seeing the world through history, curiosity, and human connection. They unpack how to design a life that makes room for deep journeys, not just quick vacations, and how to use local stories, context, and reflection to transform every trip into something that changes you. If you're craving more than bucket‑list photos and want to travel with depth, purpose, and heart, this episode is your roadmap to traveling deeper on and off the map. Try our new travel planning app at RhythmAndRoamTravel.com
Thursday Apr 02, 2026
Thursday Apr 02, 2026
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!