Thank you to Jeff Jenkins, National Geographic TV show Host of Never Say Never for joining me on my podcast. We met in person at the 2023 New York Travel and Adventure Show where I was a speaker!
Enjoy his new show from National Geographic and Disney+ starting July 9, 2023 and our interview below:
Lisa Niver:
This is Lisa Niver from We Said Go Travel and I am honored to be here today with Jeff Jenkins.
Hey, Lisa. How are you? I am honored to be here, as well, so thank you so much for having me.
Lisa Niver:
It was so much fun to meet you in New York at The Travel and Adventure Show. The most giant congratulations. You have so much going on right now and so much success. Can you tell all the listeners what is happening with you, and tell the vision?
2023 New York Travel and Adventure Show: Mickela Mallozzi, Lisa Niver and Jeff Jenkins
Jeff Jenkins:
I’m excited just to announce that I have a travel adventure show that’s coming out this summer, July 9, 2023, called Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins, where I travel all over the world doing things outside of my comfort zone. I believe this show is going to be very motivational and inspiring.
Lisa Niver:
I completely agree. What I’ve watched on your incredibly thriving social media, TikTok and Instagram and everywhere, I think you’re right. I think you will inspire so many people that look like you, people that don’t look like you, and I love your quote, that life begins where your comfort zone ends.
Jeff Jenkins:
That’s it. That’s the whole theme of the show, actually.
Lisa Niver:
Tell us a little bit. I read about you, that you didn’t get on a plane until you were 20 years old in college. I know you traveled from Florida by car, but was it really that first flight when the travel bug bit you?
Jeff Jenkins:
Yes, I was 20 years old. My first flight was to Japan. I wasn’t in Japan less than an hour or two that I thought I’m ready to do this again. I’m ready…because I believed that we could go from Florida all the way to Japan in less than the time it takes to go from Florida to New Jersey, and I thought love this. They served me food, and you could watch movies. I was loving it. When I got to Japan, I was just in awe because I was on a whole other continent and country.
Lisa Niver:
Just so everybody understands, you’re saying you used to drive to New Jersey, and it took so long, that it was almost faster to get to Japan by a plane?
Jeff Jenkins:
Yes. It was faster to get to Japan from Florida by plane than it was to drive to New Jersey by car.
Lisa Niver:
So, you thought this is way better.
Jeff Jenkins:
Yes. I’ve really enjoyed that a lot more.
Lisa Niver:
Tell everybody a little bit about how things got started, because I think your first trip was as a choir director? Is that when you went to Japan?
Jeff Jenkins:
No, it wasn’t. My first trip, I was in college at that time, and I did this program called Camp Adventure, where we would work on military bases. We were contracted through the government to work on military bases, and I did summer camps and things like that with students in multiple countries.
Lisa Niver:
Were you always a singer? Tell us how you got in the choir.
Jeff Jenkins:
I was always a singer, and when I was in college, I thought I don’t really want to do business, and that’s what my first major was. I figured out what I wanted to do, and I wanted to sing and be a musician. I went into music education.
Even when I was in there, I thought I don’t know what to do, and that’s when my director said you can get a job as a choir teacher and get paid right out of college. That sounded good because, as a college student, we were broke, and a job out of college, that sounded really good. I like that idea.
Lisa Niver:
You definitely have a choir director smile. You’re so expressive.
Jeff Jenkins:
I’m pretty sure I didn’t get that from choir at all, not even a little bit, and actually, I don’t know that many choir directors that are as expressive as me. I think I get all my smiles from actually traveling. I remember the first time I actually smiled, consistently in pictures, was when I went to Japan the first time. I thought I look better when I smile, and it took until I was 20 years old before I started smiling in my pictures.
Lisa Niver:
Well, you should keep doing it. You look great, and is there any chance we might get a tiny snippet of singing from you?
Jeff Jenkins:
Not a chance. I know the power of singing. That was 30 something years of my life of doing that.
Lisa Niver:
I’m guessing you’re amazing as a singer. So, you were working with students. You were doing choir, and then what made the shift? I know you had The Amazi Project, where you were working with wells in Africa?
Jeff Jenkins:
My stepfather had passed, and that really opened my eyes that I really want to do something else, because I never wanted to be a public schoolteacher, and I became one, and then felt I was stuck as one, not because of the kids, but just because of public school teaching and administration and stuff like that.
Lisa Niver:
I did it also, and I totally respect your choice. So, I’m with you.
Jeff Jenkins:
Life is short. He died when he was 50 something, and I was 30, and I thought 20 years from now, What do I want to do? I don’t think I want to do this, and that’s when we started the project, the water well project, and while I was there, I kept asking myself the question of–Jeff, if money wasn’t an option, if whatever you dreamt up was to actually happen for you, what seriously would you do? And it was to be real with myself, and then that’s when I figured out that I wanted to help people and get paid to do it, or travel the world and help people and get paid to do it, and that’s what took me down this journey to becoming the internet sensation that I am today.
Lisa Niver:
You are an internet sensation. It’s true. So, you are out there traveling, and I think I read that you were talking about you didn’t see a lot of people like you being represented. You’ve taken a lot of steps to encourage that, so, can you tell the listeners… you’ve worked with some different alliances. You founded things. How did that go?
Jeff Jenkins:
It was my cousin who helped me pick my niche, because everybody kept saying you need a niche. She was a PR rep, and helped me realize that I’m chubby and black. I can talk about that. There’s nobody really talking about those experiences.
And even the books and stuff that I was reading…and I already had started down this entrepreneurial journey and I learned how to brand myself. I always tell people part of my success has come because I treat Chubby Diaries like a business, because that’s what it is, and so the way that Fortune 500 companies run themselves, I try to run Chubby Diaries in that same manner.
That organization and uniformity definitely has helped a lot, and it helped me realize, I need a mission statement, and my mission statement is redefining what it looks like to travel. We wanted to change the perspective of how you only saw skinny, usually white men, on different marketing ads and stuff like that. You never saw a person of size on there. You never saw a chubby person on there, a person in a wheelchair.
It’s those things that I wanted to tackle, and especially helping chubby people, and that’s what I wanted. I wanted there to be more representation in the travel space, and so, I was going to help change that. That was my plan, and through that the word got around, and the message resonated not with just people from my community, but it resonated with the world in a lot of ways. I’ve been able, during the pandemic, to help co-found the Black Travel Alliance.
I was named by Travel and Leisure as one of the most notable people in travel in the past 50 years, and that was a big, big honor. I continue to just strive. I think you being able to help people make it easier for people to come alongside you, because at the end of the day, that’s all I’m here to do. I love teaching…I’m still a big teacher.
Lisa Niver:
You’re definitely teaching. I noticed a lot of the TikTok videos have something about how to get past your perceived limitations. I loved some of your suggestions about, if you’re afraid to travel, you could start local, you could bring a friend, and I especially liked when you said follow people that look like you. People need suggestions.
Jeff Jenkins:
I even think that for myself. I have really big goals, and I think that’s what separates me, too, from a lot of people, is that my goals are massive. They are audacious. They’re bold.
Lisa Niver:
Like, what?
Jeff Jenkins:
Lisa, I want to go to space. I do. It’s going to happen just like I got this TV show.
I read off my goals every single day, and I do my affirmations and goals every single day, and having a TV show was on that list. I went two and a half years of saying it over and over again…well, almost three, of just saying, every day, that I’ll have a TV show, and then, boom, here we go. TV show. Nat Geo came a calling.
Lisa Niver:
National Geographic and Disney. You are in the super big times. Congratulations.
Jeff Jenkins:
Thank you so much.
Lisa Niver:
You didn’t just get a TV show that three people are going to watch. You’re going to be on the whole planet.
Jeff Jenkins:
One hundred and seventy-eight different nations is what I heard. I thought was just out of this world.
It’s the dedication. It’s the drive. It’s the determination. It’s the people believing in the dreams that you had. That, I think has separated me in a lot of ways, but then it’s also the thing that has continued to encourage others, and I think that part has just been so beautiful.
Lisa Niver:
So beautiful, and I’m impressed. TV show, going to space. Can you share any other bold, audacious goals with us?
Jeff Jenkins:
Yeah. I want to…I mean, it sounds crazy, and it’s a monetary thing, but it’s like, hey, I want a billion dollars. I didn’t want this ever in my life, and I still, in some ways, think it’s icky, but it’s not because I realize…because having that NGO that I had, building those water wells, I realized being a civil servant and as a teacher, and having a nonprofit, the theme that you run into the most is money.
Most nonprofits and NGOs have that same issue. It comes down to money, but having money, I can provide. I can provide for my family. I can provide for families to come, like my descendants, and then also be able to give to organizations, or create organizations, that I want to create, and so I have a why for everything. I want to take my family on trips. I want to be able to pay for my parents’ retirement, because our system didn’t set my parents up well.
I know that, as they get older, that they’re going to need some help, and I want to be able to provide that. So, that’s why I work hard and I do what I do now. I want to own part of the Orlando Magic. That’s my favorite basketball team. I want to own part of them, and so, those are some of the big goals that I have.
Lisa Niver:
Well, I imagine, when we talk again, that you will say you do own part of the Orlando Magic, or who knows, all of it, plus more than a billion dollars. I can’t wait until I see your pictures from outer space. That’s amazing.
Jeff Jenkins:
Yes, I can’t, either. I can’t wait, either, Lisa.
Lisa Niver:
I know you have the TV show, and I know you have goals, and what about, are you doing motivational speaking, because that seems like a natural next piece?
Jeff Jenkins:
That’s what we’re moving towards, motivational speaking. I am going to conferences and speaking on how to grow and develop yourself as a person or as an organization. I will be picking up more of those speaking gigs.
Lisa Niver:
That would be amazing. I can’t wait to hear you, and so, I know you went to Hawaii, and I think it was your 45th state? Is that right?
Jeff Jenkins:
Probably so. I’ve been to Hawaii a few times since the first time I went.
Lisa Niver:
Have you made it to all the states yet?
Jeff Jenkins:
No. Still got two.
Lisa Niver:
What’s left?
Jeff Jenkins:
We have Arizona and Alaska.
Lisa Niver:
Oh, wow, two of my favorite places.
Jeff Jenkins:
And the American territory of Puerto Rico. I want to count that, as well.
Lisa Niver:
Yes. I have been there many times. I used to work on the cruise ships. I used to sail out of Puerto Rico, and I work with the Destination Puerto Rico Team, and if that is on your list, that is one bold goal I can help you with. Space, I don’t know the right people, not yet.
Jeff Jenkins:
Not yet. Not yet. We will.
Lisa Niver:
Not yet. Not yet, and Alaska, I used to work on the cruise ship, and I spent three summers in Alaska, and I can tell you it is amazing. It is so beautiful.
Jeff Jenkins:
Yeah. I got to get there.
Lisa Niver:
I think that would make a very good video. Your 50th state. You’re in Texas now, right?
Jeff Jenkins:
In Austin.
Lisa Niver:
I’m trying to remember. I think Alaska is the largest, and is Texas second?
Jeff Jenkins:
Yes, it is.
Lisa Niver:
Although I’m sure, in Texas, they would tell you they’re the biggest and the best, right?
Jeff Jenkins:
Oh, definitely. Well, they’ll tell you…yes, they will. I understand now why they have so much pride in this place. So, it’s a great place, but they teach kids young here. Like, this is Texas. Welcome. We’re the great nation of Texas. Not a state. We’re a nation, they say.
Lisa Niver:
Well, they were their own country. I know that your episodes for the TV show are full of incredible challenges, and I imagine we can’t preview too many of the destinations, but are there some other challenges that you’re very proud of that you can share with us now?
Jeff Jenkins:
I would say that we had a grueling schedule, and we were filming almost eight months. It was a long time, but you’ll see in the show, that I do stuff that you normally don’t see plus-size people doing at all–from rock climbing to scuba diving, and handling apex predators. It’s some interesting stuff. I thought– what did I sign myself up for?
Lisa Niver:
I know you’ve written articles about can chubby people ski, and I saw some footage on TikTok of you scuba diving, and those are two of my favorite things. I can’t wait to see more of that, and if people want to learn more about you, what’s the best place to find you?
Jeff Jenkins:
My website, but you can also just go to Google and type in Jeff Jenkins Chubby Diaries or travel. You can see me there, on Instagram and TikTok. I’m on there consistently.
Lisa Niver:
And how does it work for you? You put out so much great content. Are you the filmer and the editor and the idea person? Are you doing that all by yourself, or do you have a whole team now?
Jeff Jenkins:
Not anymore. I have a team for some things, but I still am at the forefront of the filming part of it, but I do get help with ideas now, because I need it. It’s hard to just sit there and come up with ideas.
Lisa Niver:
Well, it’s an amazing step to have a whole team. You’ve done so much between the Black Travel Alliance, Chubby Diaries and the NGO that builds wells. We know that when you get a billion dollars, that you’ll use that to really make a difference.
Jeff Jenkins:
I sure will, and I’m making a difference now, and that’s my plan. So, even with the little bit I have, I am making sure that I make an impact with that.
Lisa Niver:
I agree. You are making an impact and remind everybody again about where and when this summer they can watch you overcoming these incredible challenges at the edge of your comfort zone.
Jeff Jenkins:
Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins premiers July 9 on Nat Geo and Disney+.
Lisa Niver:
It has been such a pleasure to speak with you.
Jeff Jenkins:
Thank you.
Lisa Niver:
You are truly an inspiration. I really want to thank you for spending this time with me.
Jeff Jenkins:
Thank you, Lisa, once again, and thank you, everybody who listened.
Lisa Niver:
We can’t wait to follow along. Thank you so much. Start watching July 9, 2023. This summer, it’s all happening. Thank you.
Jeff Jenkins:
Thank you. Thank you.
Bio: Jeff Jenkins is an award-winning Travel/ Food Blogger, speaker, podcast host, and Influencer based out of Austin, Texas. Jeff most recently is proud to add travel documentarian to his list of adventures as he stars in a show that explores diverse cultures, locations and overcoming fears, backed by National
Geographic and Disney+.
Jeff’s article for Travel and Leisure: The National Parks That Saved Us
EBONY: By providing representation, Jenkins hopes to inspire more plus-sized travelers seek adventure and voyage with confidence. “‘THE CHUBBY DIARIES’ JEFF JENKINS ON HIS UPCOMING NATGEO SHOW DOCUMENTING HIS EXPERIENCES AS A PLUS-SIZED TRAVELER”
“I’m praying that once the show is edited and comes out, you all will feel proud, Jenkins said. “I am literally doing this for us. NatGeo has never had a host that looked like me on any of their shows, I am the first. It is simply me being me as a fat, Black man, and I have made it my mission to take on these challenges so that you can see yourself through me, and hopefully be inspired to create your own adventures.”
Check out Jeff’s tips for plus-size travelers wanting to venture out more:
“Southwest Airlines does a great job with its ‘People of Size’ policy. The airline will allow you to get an extra seat for free if needed, if there is availability on the flight. If there isn’t availability, they will book you on the next flight that does, if you have flexible travel plans.”
The Amazi Project: Interview with Jeff Jenkins [Podcast 51]
Black Travel Alliance: Founding Board Member
Texas Monthly: https://www.texasmonthly.com/travel/chubby-diaries-documents-the-realities-of-vacationing-while-fat-and-black/ “Chubby Diaries” Documents the Realities of Vacationing While Fat and Black”
Jenkins, 35, is the penman behind the blog, Instagram account, and growing online community Chubby Diaries, which he created in 2018 to help other bigger-bodied people as well as people of color navigate the challenges that come up when they travel. He publishes posts headlined “The Best Theme Park for Plus Size People” and “Can Chubby People Ski?” based on the barriers he faces while visiting new places. He’s also a board member of the Black Travel Alliance, a nonprofit network of Black travel professionals. “I’m a fat, Black guy,” he says. “It’s my experience, and nobody else was talking about it.”
For people who are fat, curvy, round, or plus-sized, the travel and outdoor industries can be prohibitive. There’s the blatant discrimination, as when some hotels and restaurants only hire people under a certain weight. And then there’s the subtler inequality, like pool towels that aren’t big enough to wrap around your body and in-room robes that come in just one size. Airplane seats are shrinking. Amusement park rides, skydiving, zip lines, and other adventure excursions enforce weight restrictions. Life jackets, wet suits, and other gear rentals often go up to only size large or extra-large. As a professional traveler, Jenkins knew he had to spend an additional $100 to buy his own wet suit to dive with sharks in South Africa, and he wants to prepare his similar-bodied readers for the realities of vacationing while fat—and to advocate for change in the travel industry.
Jenkins has been drawn to adventure since he was a kid growing up in Orlando, Florida. He eagerly anticipated eighteen-hour road trips to visit extended family in New Jersey, especially the stop at the highway landmark in South Carolina called South of the Border. He took his first airplane trip during college, when he worked for a program that hosted summer camps on American military bases across the world. He visited seventeen countries, including Germany and Japan. “That’s where I got that travel bug. I was bit hard,” he says.
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Lisa’s book: Brave-ish, One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty
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