Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
Bob Bowman is the coach of the most famous swimmer in the world: Michael Phelps. While he won’t confirm if Phelps will compete in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, he says the two enjoy competition of another kind: horseracing. “Michael and I own some horses (Water Cube, By a Hundredth),” says Bowman, who is based out of Baltimore. “These horses are amazing athletes in their own right.”
Comedian Steve Hofstetter was a regular guest on shows such as “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” “Comedy All-Stars” and “Comics Unleashed.” Now, the entertainer is hosting and executive producing his own series, “Laughs,” on Fox. Besides traveling to scout talent for ‘Laughs,” Hofstetter, who has a role in Adam Carolla’s film “Road Hard,” is on the road for his stand-up comic gigs.You may also recognize him from his commercial for JDate, the dating site where he met his wife.
Few business journalists make their way into pop culture. Then there’s Maria Bartiromo, who was dubbed as the “Money Honey.” Joey Ramone of the Ramones was clearly smitten with her, too. He sang her praises in his song, “Maria Bartiromo.” “I’ve traveled the world, largely on business going from Asia to Europe and Brazil,” says the 46-year-old New Yorker. “I’ve been to so many places and it’s hard to get out and see all the things I want to because I’m so busy with work. But I try to make time and go back on my own.”
Born in Wales, Tom Ellis made a name for himself in the BBC soap opera “EastEnders.” The actor, 35, now stars as Dr. William Rush in the USA Network’s new medical drama, “Rush.” He calls London home, but is currently based out of Vancouver shooting his series. “Vancouver is such a beautiful city,” says Ellis. “It’s unreal. I love how it’s a city thoughtfully nestled within nature.”
Entrepreneur Dan Storper has always loved traveling and music. With Putumayo World Music — his independent record label that specializes in world music — Storper has been able to combine his two passions. “Most of my travel over the years has centered around business,” says Storper, 62. “But I love researching museums and hotels and usually let the people I’m meeting suggest the restaurants.”
For ESPN sportscaster Chris Fowler and his wife, Jennifer Dempster, travel is a way of life. “We never get sick of it,” says Fowler, 51. “Travel really is our vice, moreso than any possessions. We will spend money to enjoy a nice trip and see a place we haven’t visited before.” Fowler, whose duties include hosting “College GameDay” and ESPN’s tennis coverage, also is Brent Musburger’s play-by-play replacement for ABC’s “Saturday Night Football.”
Actor Bob Saget is best known for his work on the ’80s sitcom “Full House” and as the host of “America’s Funniest Home Videos.” But the comic also has a cult following of fans that enjoy his off-color stand-up routines. Saget, 58, is also an author who writes about his life in the book, “Dirty Daddy: The Chronicles of a Family Man Turned Filthy Comedian” (It Books, $26.99). A resident of Los Angeles, the entertainer describes himself as a Twitter-head
On his truTV series “The Carbonaro Effect,” Michael Carbonaro puts a spin on the hidden camera reality series by adding a magical touch. Imagine “Candid Camera,” but with more pranks and sleight of hand tricks.
Musician Lisa Loeb (of “Stay” fame) has some tips for traveling with young children: “Prepare yourself! Bring tons of snacks and activities, make sure you get a good night’s sleep before you venture out, don’t forget extra diapers and bring strollers and car seats with you. And lots of wipes. And maybe some Starbucks gift cards for the people around you on the plane.”
“Property Brothers” star Jonathan Scott says, “I don’t think you can truly appreciate where you came from unless you have experienced how other cultures live. Travel has made me a more humble person with a better perspective on life.”