Advertise on podcast: Turkish Airlines Series

In this episode of the Turkish Airlines Podcast, host BJ Cunningham sits down with Mustafa Ekmen, General Manager at TKPAY, to explore how financial technology can make travel simpler and more seamless. From navigating payments abroad and managing different currencies to instant refunds, rewards and Miles&Smiles integration, they discuss the everyday financial friction travelers face and how TKPAY aims to bring these experiences together in one travel wallet. They also explore Türkiye’s evolving fintech landscape, the importance of trust in financial services, and the future of payments across the wider travel ecosystem.

Travel further, spend smarter, and discover more. In this episode of Widen Your World, we explore budget-friendly destinations for young travelers, from Belgrade and Tbilisi to Budapest and Eskişehir. We also discover some of Europe’s most inspiring cultural festivals, visit Istanbul’s most photogenic spots, and look at how Turkish Airlines special offers for students and young travelers can make new adventures more accessible. Listen now and start planning your next journey.

In this episode of the Turkish Airlines Series Podcast, BJ Cunningham welcomes Deniz Daştan, Corporate Sustainability Management Manager at Turkish Airlines, for a conversation about the future of sustainable aviation. From next-generation aircraft and operational efficiency to sustainable aviation fuel, waste management and environmentally conscious cabin practices, Deniz explains how sustainability is being integrated into the everyday operations of a global airline. The conversation also explores how passengers can make more conscious choices, why collaboration is essential to creating meaningful change and what Turkish Airlines’ carbon-neutrality goal for 2050 looks like in practice. An insightful conversation about responsibility, consistency and the power of progress, reminding us that building a more sustainable future is not about achieving perfection overnight, but about moving forward step by step.

In this episode of the Turkish Airlines Series Podcast, BJ Cunningham welcomes Bruna Lopez Salerno, a creator, traveler, and storyteller. Drawing on the warmth and curiosity of her Brazilian and Italian roots, Bruna explores the world with a perspective that sees travel not only as discovering new places, but also as connecting with people, cultures, and emotions. In this episode, we hear how Bruna’s journey as a traveler began, why she feels at home in Türkiye, her hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia, her personal connection with Ephesus, her admiration for Istanbul, and the memorable moments from her journeys with Turkish Airlines. An inspiring conversation that reminds us how travel can sometimes become much more than a destination, turning into a true story shaped by curiosity, connection, and the search for meaning.

In this episode, BJ Cunningham sits down with Ensar Karabulut, Holidays Packages Manager at Turkish Airlines Holidays, to explore the emotional side of modern travel design. From leading one of Turkish Airlines’ largest international operations in Frankfurt to helping build Turkish Airlines Holidays from the ground up, Ensar shares insights from his journey across aviation, hospitality, and travel experience design. Together, they discuss what it takes to create seamless travel experiences, how technology and human connection shape modern travel, and why hospitality remains at the heart of every journey. The conversation also explores the vision behind Turkish Airlines Holidays, the challenges of building a travel platform from scratch, and the future of personalized travel experiences. Join us for an inspiring conversation about curiosity, culture, innovation, and the people behind unforgettable journeys.

B.J. Cunningham speaks with Sedat Bornovalı—art historian, cultural translator, and one of Istanbul’s most compelling storytellers. From guiding world leaders through the layered halls of Hagia Sophia to spending a lifetime interpreting the evolving identity of Istanbul, Sedat reveals what it truly means to live inside history rather than simply study it. Trace his journey from a childhood surrounded by beauty to becoming a bridge between civilizations—translating not just languages, but entire worldviews shaped by Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Turkish legacies. Discover Sedat’s philosophy on memory and meaning—why history is not something we lose, but something that evolves and accumulates with every generation. From unexpected lessons sparked by children’s questions to profound encounters with figures like Pope Benedict XVI, this episode explores how perception, belief, and storytelling shape our understanding of truth. He also reflects on cultural connection in a globalized world, and how institutions like Turkish Airlines transform travel into a gateway for deeper human understanding.

In this episode, we explore one of the most meaningful experiences in travel: the sacred journey of Hajj and Umrah. From the spiritual significance of Mecca and Medina to the shared rituals that bring millions together in devotion, this journey is defined by reflection, unity, and purpose.Travel through the sights and sounds of the holy cities — from the timeless presence of the Kaaba to the serene courtyards of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi — and discover how each step carries meaning beyond distance. Along the way, we explore the rich history of Istanbul as a gateway for pilgrims, and how modern travel with Turkish Airlines helps make this journey seamless and deeply personal.Beyond the Hajj, the experience continues. From the coastal energy of Jeddah to the mountains of Taif and the calm shores of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia offers a unique blend of spiritual depth and cultural discovery.

Behind every essential medical supply, every time-sensitive shipment, and every package that connects families across continents lies a complex web of logistics you may never see—but the world always relies on.In this episode, we go behind the scenes with Yücel Çınar from Turkish Cargo to explore the global commerce in constant motion. From one of the world’s most strategic locations, Yücel reveals how his team orchestrates the movement of millions of products through "Smartest"—the technologically advanced heart of their operations.Yücel shares fascinating insights into how cargo often travels right beneath your feet on passenger flights and reflects on the delicate balance between cutting-edge AI and the irreplaceable human touch.

B.J. Cunningham sits down with BAFTA-winning filmmaker and visual storyteller Rob Whitworth. Trace Rob’s fascinating evolution from a traditional photography student to the creator of "flow motion," a groundbreaking cinematic style that blends time-lapse and fluid movement to capture the essence of the world’s most iconic locations. Discover Rob’s unique philosophy —rejecting static perspectives in favor of impossible, roving journeys that connect wide-angle vistas with the tiny, human details of everyday life. He also reflects on his celebrated collaborations with Turkish Airlines, discussing the technical and emotional process behind these films, and how the hospitality of the Turkish people left as much of an impression on him as the breathtaking landscapes themselves.

We journey back nearly 12,000 years to explore Taş Tepeler, the "Stone Hills" of Southeastern Türkiye. Follow us through the monumental pillars of Göbeklitepe and the ritual mysteries of Karahantepe as we uncover the dawn of human society and the very first settled communities.Trace the roots of humanity's great transformation at Taş Tepeler, where the very first farmers domesticated Einkorn wheat and forever changed how we live and eat. Discover how Turkish Airlines has brought this ancient history to life by serving the "World’s Oldest Bread" to passengers 30,000 feet in the air. From the golden, honey-colored streets of Şanlıurfa to the hand-etched stone monoliths of Anatolia, learn how you can effortlessly fly into the heart of history and witness where modern civilization began.

B.J. Cunningham sits down with chef, author, and Forbes Top 50 creator My Nguyen. Trace My’s incredible journey from her roots in Vietnam to becoming a global culinary influence with millions of followers. My shares the personal stories behind her upbringing in California, her initial rebellion against traditional gender roles in the kitchen, and how she eventually found her way back to her heritage through food. Discover My's philosophy on "real food"—rejecting processed shortcuts in favor of simple, 30-minute meals that prioritize health without sacrificing soul. She also reflects on her 2023 collaboration with Turkish Airlines, where she explored the luxury of Turkish hospitality and the surprising cultural parallels between Asian and Turkish family-style dining.

B.J. Cunningham sits down with Turkish Airlines cabin chief Hülya Sadıkoğlu to explore the art of hospitality at 30,000 feet. Far beyond safety procedures and service protocols, Hülya reveals what it truly means to care for travelers in the sky — where every passenger is treated as an honored guest and every interaction reflects centuries of Turkish hospitality.

In this episode, we explore how Turkish Airlines Holidays makes traveling the globe easier than ever. Follow us through the serene beaches of Bodrum, the historic charm of Antalya, and the lively souks of Marrakech — before venturing further to Japan, Egypt, and Thailand. Discover the world’s most inspiring holiday destinations and learn how Turkish Airlines Holidays combines flights, stays, and authentic experiences to help you plan your perfect escape — effortlessly.

Behind every smooth check-in, quick baggage drop, and stress-free boarding lies technology you may never notice—but always feel. In this episode, we sit down with Murat Turhan, Head of Digital Passenger Solutions at Turkish Technology, to uncover the invisible systems shaping the future of air travel. From biometric boarding and AI-driven solutions to small innovations that save passengers precious minutes, Murat shares how his team keeps the world’s most connected airline running seamlessly. At the heart of it all is a simple mission: making travel easier, calmer, and more human—one digital solution at a time.

Journey into the heart of Anatolia, where poetry, devotion, and dance come together in Konya. Follow in the footsteps of Mevlana Jalal ad-Din Rumi — a 13th-century poet, saint, and Sufi mystic whose teachings continue to inspire millions. From his early travels across the Middle East to the transformative encounters with spiritual guides, Mevlana’s story unfolds within the ancient streets of Konya, his final home.Step inside the mesmerizing Şeb-i Arus festival — a week-long celebration where whirling dervishes perform the Sema ceremony, blending music, rhythm, and spiritual union. Explore museums, markets, local dishes, and the city’s winter glow during Mevlana Week, when visitors from across the world gather to honor love, poetry, and the Divine.Prepare for inspiration, beauty, and wonder — Konya is calling.