OUR LOONEY STORY

Many food and travel shows followed in their footsteps, but Globe Trekker was the first where the hosts truly invited you to travel along with them—to experience the ups and downs of life on the road in a world without smartphones to rescue you from every crisis or curious question. A time when you only had yourself—and the kindness of local people—to rely on. 

Globe Trekker ran for two decades. And though it quietly vanished in the age of streaming, its influence continues to be felt in every travel TV host and YouTuber who winks to the camera and says “Come with me, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.” 

Much like the show, Ian and Justine also seemed to disappear in the digital age. Though they both went on to other things (Ian made more shows and worked on his art, Justine became an Academy Award-nominated filmmaker), neither of them embraced the brave new world of social media. They fell out of touch with their fans. And they watched as the world of travel evolved—becoming both more accessible, and more of a burden for the communities impacted by the surge in casual tourism.

They missed the old days of analog travel and of human connection. They missed the show. And they missed all the fans they saw online, still asking: Whatever happened to Globe Trekker?

So now they’re back—with an all-new show called Our Looney Planet. Not to recreate the past, but to reconnect—with the places that helped shape their lives, and to learn from the people who are shaping what’s going to happen next. In each episode, they revisit a destination and meet someone who can speak to what life is like there now. They’re talking to artists, activists, chefs, elders, YouTubers, and more—people building lives and creating work that reflects the beauty and complexity of their local cultures.

And they want you to come along for the ride—again. There’ll be stories, laughter, and plenty of detours. But at the heart of it, Our Looney Planet is still about the same thing that Lonely Planet and Globe Trekker always were: experiencing the world with open eyes, open ears, and an open heart.

So join us, and help make our planet feel a little less lonely. 

…Even when it sometimes seems a little bit looney.