Meet Tim – a long-distance hiker and cyclist who uses playfulness to transform challenge and discomfort into joy. His love for long-form travel has taken him across the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, the Tour Divide, and beyond. Along the way, he shares what life on the trail—both alone and with others—can teach us about embracing the unknown and finding delight in unexpected places.

Meet Rafi — pizzaiolo, dough whisperer, and mastermind behind The Berkshire’s own Hilltown Hot Pies. In classic Italian pizzaiolo fashion, Rafi spins us a tale that stretches from his family’s sauce-splattered culinary history to his wanderings through U.S. and European food scenes — with an unexpected detour onto an Alaskan fishing boat. It’s all part of the winding path that eventually led to the birth of Hilltown Hot Pies. Expect carbs, chaos, sea spray, and a whole lot of heart.

Meet Kathleen, an enthusiast for finding adventure right outside your back door. In this episode, we explore how food can connect people to place, how Kathleen has found both adventure and misadventure in Alaska, and a very memorable lesson in how not to handle bear spray.

Meet Henna. A lifelong athlete who’s traded structured competition for the free-flowing adventure of cycling with a surfboard and skis in tow. In this episode, we dig into what it’s like to transition out of college athletics, embrace being a beginner again, and why asking for help can actually make your travels better.

Expect zero glamour and maximum honesty. Ella and Mary hear from Eric as he roasts France, relives Mexico GI nightmares, debates the tragedy of modern airplanes, and recounts why bungee jumping is probably a bad idea.

Meet Marshall, who’s redefining cycling by inspiring people to unplug from metrics, slow down, and reconnect—on bikes and with each other. Through unplugged adventures, he and his friend Lucas create a moving container for deeper connection. We discuss Strava, gear culture, and how a playful, mindful approach to riding can make us feel more alive.

Meet Chris!  A pilot with a passion for scuba diving and history, he shares with us a few airplane don'ts and learn about some unexpected family connections.

Meet Claudia! This episode provides an inside look at life on an international concert tour with a Latin reggaeton star & how growing up in multiple countries can shape your mindset and adaptability in travel.

 We are so excited to kick off season two of Wheels are Off! As a reminder, we are Ella and Mary, and this is our podcast dedicated to celebrating those gloriously imperfect travel moments when things go sideways and something even better unfold. We created this platform as a space to share those stories that remind us why we explore in the first place, to be surprised, to be humbled, and to connect.

On this episode we're diving into a recent bike trip we took together.It was meant to be all about cycling, soul-fueling conversations, and relaxation — but things didn’t quite go as planned.

Today, we’re joined by Vanessa—a Colombian immigrant, professional athlete, community builder, and unapologetic voice in the world. We talk about her journey in the outdoor world, the power of representation, and what it means to take up space with joy and purpose.

Inspired by her words and want to support the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Renewal Program, press here to learn more and donate.

Meet Jess!  One of our dearest friends and fellow travelers. We talk about how Nepal and a life-changing 'around the world ticket' sparked her transformation from a structured lifestyle to being a full-time nomad. Jess shares moving stories of unexpected kindness and generosity from strangers across the globe.

Thanks to our sponsor, Dr. Casey Carr Bella Vita Retreat.

Meet the positive force that is Dirty Dan! He recently raced 2,700 miles on his bike from Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, in a self-supported gravel race called the Tour Divide…and he did it in 15 days, 7 hours, and 37 minutes.

Thanks to our sponsor, ⁠Jackson Hole Roasters.

Meet Eric! This episode dives into the gloriously imperfect side of travel. We swap stories about vehicle mishaps on road trips, dirtbag tactics on long-haul flights, an all-time pow day, and the ride-or-die travel partners who make the chaos worthwhile.

Thanks to our sponsor, Jess_revolveyourself South India Cycling Tours

Meet Rachel. Be prepared for faking it until you make it in the sailboat industry and being stuck at sea for two weeks with an unfortunate co-captain.

Thanks to our sponsor, Jess_revolveyourself South India Cycling Tours

Meet Guido. All things bikes- Italian vintage races, first tours, fashion, and philosophical thoughts.

Thanks to our sponsor, Jess_revolveyourself South India Cycling Tours

Ciao ciao! We created this episode to introduce ourselves and give you some context as to why we created this platform. Enjoy!

Thanks to our sponsor, ⁠⁠Jackson Hole Roasters.

Meet Peppe, the inimitably kind and hilarious Italian who was a a part of Ella's first bike tour ever and who is a long time friend of Mary's as well. He will describe the history of Sicily, show us how to order coffee like a local, and will remind us what it means to live life with infectious joy.

Thanks to our sponsor, ⁠⁠Jackson Hole Roasters.

Meet Gray. We'll talk coffee roasting, digestive disasters, and one truly ill-timed edible. Buckle up!

Thanks to our sponsor, ⁠Jackson Hole Roasters.

Meet Alex. One miscalculated meal in Japan, an unexpected place to sleep, and a series of misadventures during COVID lockdown prove sometimes the wheels really do come off.

Thanks to our sponsor, Jackson Hole Roasters.