I work as a Chief Mate on the oceanographic research ships of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography at UC San Diego. The voyages and expeditions I worked have brought me from the Yangtze River of China, to the icebergs off Antarctica, and many other points around the world. We generally do physical oceanography in the Pacific Ocean and connected waters.

My passion is world travel and I have spent the last 13 years working and independently traveling through over 80 countries. I have no home and live out of a backpack (although a girl in Taiwan has me settling down for the first time in my life). I also love to read literature, study history, and make trouble where and when I can.

Traveling to North Korea has been a life changing experience but it's far from being my only one. I have hiked at Mt. Everest, worked as a white water rafting guide, hung out with rebels and liberation armies in various war zones, been killed off in a Chinese kung-fu film, studied Vietnamese at a university in Hanoi, and most recently passed my exams for the US Coast Guard's highest license, Master Unlimited.

Jordan has always had an affinity for social influence, interpersonal dynamics and social engineering, helping private companies test the security of their communications systems and working with law enforcement agencies before he was even old enough to drive.

Jordan has spent several years abroad in Europe and the developing world, including South America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and speaks several languages. He has also worked for various governments and NGOs overseas, traveled through war-zones, and been kidnapped — twice.

He’ll tell you: The only reason he’s still alive and kicking is because of his ability to talk his way into (and out of) just about any type of situation. At The Art of Charm, Jordan shares that experience, and the system born as a result, with students and clients.

Gabriel has worked as a management consultant, advising media, technology and banking clients on their strategy and operations. In Spanish and French, Gabriel helped companies acquire their rivals, develop Latin-American mobile networks, master DVD distribution and build new entertainment ventures. Working with innovative companies around the world ignited a love for economics and adventure.

While on the road, Gabriel began writing articles, pop music, comedy and scripts. The travel obsession continued — his passport now stuffed with visas and drenched in ink — until one afternoon he received the invitation to visit the hermit kingdom of North Korea. The experience changed his life. Gabriel now writes and speaks regularly, deeply influenced by his travels and experiences.

Check out the first podcast ever recorded inside North Korea. Then hear our reflections upon returning to the States.