Welcome to Passports and Boarding Passes — your go-to travel podcast for tips, stories, and unforgettable adventures. We’re your hosts, Shawn and Zia — just two longtime friends who share a deep love of travel. After 25 years of friendship, countless conversations about exploring the world, a few shared family trips, and random run-ins at airports, we decided to bring our passion to life through this podcast. Each week, we share practical advice, destination highlights, behind-the-scenes aviation insights, and guest stories to help you travel smarter, bolder, and lighter. Your adventure starts here — and we’re glad you’re along for the ride.

Shawn

You could say aviation runs in Shawn’s blood. With one grandfather spending his entire career engineering airplanes and another who built his legacy at United Airlines, it was almost inevitable that Shawn would take to the skies — and he hasn’t looked back since.

With nearly 30 years in the aviation industry, Shawn has held operational leadership roles at several major airlines and now works for one of the world’s leading airplane manufacturers. His career has given him a front-row seat to the inner workings of air travel — from the tarmac to the executive boardroom.

Shawn brings a deep appreciation for the mechanics, strategy, and magic that make modern flight possible. Whether he’s problem-solving behind the scenes or flying with his own family on their latest adventure, his passion for aviation is always front and center. Born into a legacy of flight and fueled by a spirit of exploration, Shawn’s stories and insights help make Passports and Boarding Passes an engaging and informative listen for travelers and aviation enthusiasts alike.

Zia

A travel industry powerhouse, Zia is the founder of a thriving travel business specializing in cultural immersion adventures for globetrotters of all kinds. Her roots in aviation run deep — she’s has spent years working in the airline industry and was a licensed private pilot. When she’s not curating dream itineraries for clients, she’s jet-setting with her family on one-of-a-kind global experiences.