Travel journalist Lisa Niver shares her Spring 2026 news, highlighting her podcast Make Your Own Map now streaming in 75 countries across Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and South America. This update includes media appearances, speaking engagements from SXSW to Tucson, and upcoming travel to Switzerland, Liechtenstein (country 103), and Italy, reflecting a season of global storytelling and growth.
From Manhattan and Sarasota to Hollywood Boulevard and Austin’s SXSW, 2026 is off to a dynamic start with national recognition, speaking engagements, and expanding media coverage. After winning 1st Place Podcast Host at the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards, Make Your Own Map is now streaming in 67 countries worldwide. ✈️
As 2025 winds down, I’m reflecting on a year full of travel, stories, and gratitude. From Caribbean waters to French Polynesian islands, I’ve journeyed with my memoir Brave-ish, now honored with its 12th award. This season of light — birthdays, Chanukah, and adventures near and far — reminds me how fortunate I am to live a life of curiosity, joy, and connection. I’m ready for the next brave-ish chapter in 2026.
From book events and speaking stages to hiking in Utah and nights under the Hollywood Bowl stars, this season has been full of meaning, movement, celebration, and connection. With Brave-ish turning two and my own birthday marking another personal New Year, I’m grateful for where I’ve been — and excited for what I’m stepping into next.
This summer brought speaking engagements, new media features, my podcast reaching 60 countries, and the honor of celebrating both a Telly Award and Press Club win—alongside time with family, hiking in Utah, and moments of reflection. As Elul closes 5785 and Rosh Hashanah approaches, I’m grateful for health, resilience, and the chance to keep sharing stories while honoring those we’ve lost and standing with those still waiting for freedom.
June was filled with joy and gratitude—from winning journalism awards to celebrating meaningful time with family in New York City. With stories in print, podcasts shared, and moments that matter, this month reminded me how powerful connection and storytelling truly are.
May brought a wave of honors and meaningful moments I’m incredibly grateful to share. I’m thrilled to announce that my Ireland TV segment, “Celtic Charm,” on The Jet Set TV won a Telly Award, and I’m a five-time finalist for the upcoming Southern California Journalism Awards, including recognition for both my podcast, my Jet Set TV segment on Icon of the Seas and I am a finalist again for Online Journalist of the Year!
April was filled with gratitude and milestones, from BRAVE-ish climbing to #5 Most Wished For to celebrating my mom’s birthday skiing in Park City. Between Passover reflections on freedom and future dreams sparked at SeaTrade Cruise Global in Miami Beach, it was a month of hope, connection, and new horizons.
March was a month of milestones—from sharing my Antarctica adventure and seventh continent on TV to earning the 10th award for my memoir, BRAVE-ish and seeing my Ireland TV special featured in Pasadena Magazine.
February brought milestones—speaking at the Adventurers Club on Galentine’s Day and celebrating seven continents with new Antarctica videos!