PRESS
UP AND GONE | APRIL 27, 2020
https://upandgoneblog.com/reading-recos-travel-books-to-escape-into/
Reading Recos: Travel Books to Escape Into
RED AROUND THE WORLD | JUNE 27, 2019
https://redaroundtheworld.com/2019/06/27/best-books-about-north-korea/
27 of the Best Books about North Korea to Read Instead of Actually Going There
RT LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
https://richard-t.com/10-best-travel-books/
10 Best Travel Books That’ll Feed Your Wanderlust
THE NEW YORK TIMES | MAY 10, 2018
Will American Travelers Be Able to Return to North Korea?
TRAVEL + LEISURE | SEPTEMBER 18, 2017
What One Photographer Learned When She Took Portraits of People Around the World
GW MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2017
Wanna get away? JUST GO
Alumna Wendy Simmons has been to about 92 countries and says anyone can go places—if they want to bad enough.
AOL | JULY 28, 2017
19 travel photography books that will change the way you see the world
From the streets of New York to Paris, France, the stunning pages in these books were all captured by world-class photographers. Get inspiration for your next trip or learn about places you’ve never even heard of by getting lost in the pages of these 19 top-rated travel photography books! ” My Holiday in North Korea can be found on slide 19.
TRAVEL WITH RICK STEVES | JUNE 24, 2017
Program 488: Enjoy your Seat
Tips on How to Enjoy a Long Haul Flight — Uninterrupted Me Time
BLOOMBERG | JUNE 22, 2017
Bloomberg.com
Traveling to North Korea? That’s a question Washington, tour groups, and adventure travelers are considering.
THE PETER TILDEN SHOW KABC RADIO | JUNE 20, 2017
The Peter Tilden Show
Wendy discusses her trip to North Korea, and tourism to the country in the wake of the Otto Warmbier tragedy.Interview starts at 18:10
TRAVEL WITH HAWKEYE PODCAST | APRIL 7, 2017
Audioboom.com
Travel Writer Wendy Simmons discusses her book ‘My Holiday in North Korea, The Funniest / Worst Place on Earth.’ Hawkeye says this may be the most fascinating interview he’s ever done, it’s so surreal.
TRAVEL WITH RICK STEVES | APRIL 1, 2017
Writer, photographer, and businesswoman Wendy Simmons describes her remarkable tour of North Korea.
Program 479: Atlas Obscura America; The Not-Quite States; North Korea Holiday
Click Here to Listen
DAYTIME / WFLA TAMPA | OCTOBER 10, 2016
WFLA.com
Wendy discusses her book on ‘Daytime TV Show’ with host Cyndi Edwards at WFLA.
RUDY MAXA’S WORLD | OCTOBER 8, 2016
Author Wendy Simmons talks vacationing in the funniest/worst place on earth.
Click Here to Listen
(Interview begins at 13:00 mark)
SAN FRANSISCO CHRONICLE | OCTOBER 3, 2016
Travel Books that Defy Your Expectations by Spud Hilton
“My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest / Worst Place on Earth” by Wendy E. Simmons: You remember “Eat, Love, Pray” and “Under the Tuscan Sun”? Yeah, this really isn’t like those. It’s better.
NEWSCHANNEL 3 MEMPHIS | SEPTEMBER 19, 2016
WREG.TV
Wendy discusses her book and trip to North Korea with Marybeth Conley and Alex Coleman.
KFI AM 640 SAN DIEGO | SEPTEMBER 5, 2016
The Bill Handel Show
Bill Handel interviews Wendy about her book and her vacation in North Korea.
ONTRAVEL | SEPTEMBER 1, 2016
OnTravel
Wendy visits with Paul and Elizabeth to share insights on her trip to North Korea, and how the experience impacted her.
OK! | AUGUST 26, 2016
OK Magazine
OK Magazine features Wendy’s live interview w Donna Freydkin on AOL Build.
NATIONAL ENQUIRER | AUGUST 26, 2016
National Enquirer features Wendy’s live interview w Donna Freydkin on AOL Build.
STAR | AUGUST 26, 2016
Star Magazine features Wendy’s live interview w Donna Freydkin on AOL Build.
RADAR | AUGUST 26, 2016
Radar Online features Wendy’s live interview w Donna Freydkin on AOL Build.
KABC (790/KABC) LOS ANGELES | AUGUST 17, 2016
The Peter Tilden Show
Peter interviews Wendy about her book, North Korean, and the highest level North Korean defector ever.
AOL BUILD ORIGINALS AT AOL BUILD | AUGUST 16, 2016
Wendy Simmons in conversation with Donna Freydkin, discusses her book and life inside the Hermit Kingdom.
INFORMED TRAVELER | AUGUST 7, 2016
SEG 3
“My Holiday in North Korea”
IN BED WITH SUSIE BRIGHT | JULY 8, 2016
Episode 711: Holiday in North Korea: From Sex to the Maternity Ward
On this week’s In Bed, Susie talks to new author Wendy E. Simmons who took the trip no one else had on their bucket list – North Korea. A lifetime of globetrotting did nothing to prepare her for the “Through the Looking Glass” experience of North Korea where a hostel will remark on the sunny weather as they are standing in the rain.
SUPER AWESOME NORTH KOREA POBCAST | JULY 7, 2016
S.A.N.K. 027 – Interview with Wendy Simmons, author of “My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place On Earth”
The boys pull it together long enough to read a truly interesting book, written about one woman’s solo vacation to North Korea and her humanizing yet frustrating experience with various handlers and government officials. They then (John actually) extend themselves and set up an interview with the author, Wendy Simmons. She was funny, gracious, and at all times honest in her criticism and praise for the country and people of North Korea. Listen in and hear the amazing conversation three degenerates and an author end up having.
KRCB-FM NORTH BAY PUBLIC RADIO (NPR) SAN FRANSISCO | JULY 4, 2016
A Novel Idea With Suzanne M. Lang
Wendy E. Simmons is a world traveler. Not a novice. Not a pushover. Her trip to North Korea challenged every bit of her perceptions of herself and other people. Captured in her recent memoir, My Holiday in North Korea, the Funniest/Worst Place on Earth, Wendy tells the strange, sad, and funny tale of her 10 days as a solo traveler there (if that’s what you call having two minders, a driver, and never being alone except in her hotel room).
550 AM KTRS (ABC NEWS RADIO), ST. LOUIS, MO | JUNE 27, 2016
“Paul Harris Show”
“Wendy Simmons has written one of the most remarkable books I’ve read this year… My Holiday in North Korea made me face-palm so much I had to talk with her.” Award-winning veteran broadcaster Paul Harris interviews Wendy about her trip to North Korea.
WNYC RADIO, NPR FLAGSHIP STATION, NEW YORK, NY | June 16, 2016
“The Leonard Lopate Show”
Wendy Simmons details the 10 days she spent as a tourist in North Korea in My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest Worst Place on Earth. She gives an inside look at the constant surveillance, scrutiny and anxiety she experienced during her brief and closely guarded stay. She also took dozens of photographs that provide a rare glimpse into the nation.
THE DISPLACED DISPATCH | JUNE 5, 2016
The Displaced Dispatch
MY HOLIDAY IN NORTH KOREA and Wendy E. Simmons were featured in The Displaced Dispatch, a weekly newsletter from thedisplacednation.com, a website for international creatives.
KCNC-TV (CBS LOCAL), DENVER, CO | MAY 26, 2016
“Noon News”
“The photography is wonderful, you’re quite a photographer as well as an outstanding writer. Excellent book! Really brilliant writing,” said “Noon News” anchor Alan Gionet on MY HOLIDAY IN NORTH KOREA during his interview with Wendy Simmons.
Also featured on MSN.
710 KNUS NEWS TALK RADIO, DENVER, CO | MAY 26, 2016
“The Peter Boyles Show”
“I didn’t put it down, it’s a great read,” said Peter Boyles, 710 KNUS News Talk Radio Host, of MY HOLIDAY IN NORTH KOREA. Boyles interviewed Wendy Simmons for an hour on his program while she was in town on her book tour.
KGO 810AM, SAN FRANCISCO, CA | MAY 23, 2016
“Ronn Owens”
KGO’s top-rated radio program host Ronn Owens interviewed Wendy Simmons during her book tour stop in San Francisco. Owens chatted with Wendy about what she found while visiting the secretive country of North Korea and took calls from listeners during the live 60-minute interview.
KTLA-TV, LOS ANGELES, CA | May 20, 2016
“Morning News”
L.A.’s most watched local AM news program featured Wendy Simmons while she was in town for her book tour. Wendy talks about oddities she encountered on her North Korea trip including how the first morning she was there, the country declared war on the U.S. over the movie, “The Interview” starring James Franco and Seth Rogan.
BOOKS & BOOKS, CORAL GABLES, FL | May 18, 2016
While on her multi-city book tour for MY HOLIDAY IN NORTH KOREA, Wendy Simmons appeared at Books & Books in Coral Gables, FL where her event was lived-streamed by the bookseller. The recorded event featuring audience Q&A and Wendy reading from her book can be viewed on their website.
KTVI-TV (FOX), ST. LOUIS, MO | MAY 16, 2016
“Fox 2 Morning News”
Wendy Simmons was interviewed on St. Louis’s #1 TV morning show about her 2014 trip to North Korea and her book MY HOLIDAY IN NORTH KOREA. She shares about arriving “the day America attacked North Korea which was the first lie I was told” and other anecdotes from the trip.
KMOV-TV (CBS), ST. LOUIS, MO | MAY 16, 2016
“Great Day St. Louis”
“A witty read and has a lot of attitude in it!” says “Great Day St. Louis” of MY HOLIDAY IN NORTH KOREA (recommended for summer reads). In this interview, Wendy Simmons shares that she went to North Korea seeking a unique experience, and how North Korea delivered and then some.
550 AM KTRS (ABC News Radio), ST. LOUIS, MO | May 13, 2016
“The McGraw Show”
“The best AM personality in St. Louis” (The Riverfront Times) McGraw Milhaven interviewed Wendy about her book MY HOLIDAY IN NORTH KOREA. During the interview McGraw remarks, “What’s fascinating about the book is not only do you have your insights put down into words, these are some of the first pictures I’ve ever seen of normal life inside North Korea.” A portion of the interview is available for listening to via link above.
AROUND THE WORLD WITH ARTHUR VON WIESENBERGER | MAY 12, 2016
In this syndicated radio interview, Wendy Simmons shares why she traveled to North Korea, how her experiences inspired her book (that she had no plans to write when she went), and how she was treated while in the country.
WTNH-TV (ABC), NEW HAVEN, CT | MAY 10, 2016
“CT Style”
Wendy Simmons is no stranger to travel. With more than 85 countries under her belt, nothing should have surprised her. Yet, Simmons says North Korea took the cake by far. “Everything I was told, beginning to end, was not true,” said Simmons in this interview with WTNH-TV’s Ryan Kristafer.
READ.WRITE.REPEAT. | MAY 6, 2016
READ.WRITE.REPEAT.
Book Blog Read.Write.Repeat featured and reviewed My Holiday in North Korea calling the book “unique, fascinating” and noted Wendy is “…a wonderful photographer and she captured some really gorgeous images…. They are an integral part of her story telling and they make the book unique, particularly since so few candid photographs come out of NoKo at all.”
TALKRADIO 790 KABC, “MCINTYRE IN THE MORNING” | MAY 5, 2016
Top Los Angeles radio host, Doug McIntyre, interviewed Wendy about My Holiday in North Korea and her travels in the country on his drive-time show “McIntyre In The Morning.”
SOMONEY WITH FARNOOSH TORABI | MAY 2, 2016
Wendy Simmons, North Korea Author
Wendy discusses her experience in North Korea, and new book, “My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest Worst Place on Earth,” and of course, her philosophy on money.
MRS. MOMMY BOOKNERD’S BOOK REVIEWS | FEBRUARY 4, 2016
Mrs. Mommy Booknerd’s Book Reviews
An interview with Wendy about writing, and what it’s like to be a writer, with a sneak peak of her forthcoming book, “My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth.”
SOUTHERN OREGON BUSINESS JOURNAL | FEBRUARY 1, 2016
Tales and photos from Wendy’s recent trip to Chad, and a preview of her forthcoming book, “My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth”
TRAVEL ADVICE SHOW PODCAST | JANUARY 26, 2016
traveladviceshow.com
The rarely visited and phenomenal country of Tchad (Chad) is discussed in this podcast by Wendy Simmons and Travel Advice Show co-hosts Chris Newton and Jerry Fuller. In 2014, only 100 tourists came to this Sahara-desert covered country that rarely sees more than 300 tourists annually. Recently returned from Tchad, Wendy shares her experiences as she covers 4,000 km of Tchad’s varied terrain, cultures, food, and scenery.
Click Here to Listen
JOHNNYJET.COM | DECEMBER 11, 2015
Travel Style: Wendy Simmons
Want to know how to travel in style, just like the pros? We check in with frequent flier, Wendy Simmons, to find out how often she flys, her favorite destinations and what she’d never leave home without.
RUDY MAXA’S WORLD | NOVEMBER 15, 2015, Hour 1
Award-winning photojournalist Wendy Simmons draws on visits to 85 countries to come up with her guide on how not to make stupid mistakes while traveling.
ON THE GO WITH JOHN HAMILTON | NOVEMBER 15, 2015
KGO 810 Radio, Show 158
Ms. Wendy Simmons, Travel Writer, Photographer and intrepid world traveler revealed her two two-step formula for keeping travel bags down to a simple carry-on–no matter your destination. Click on the link below to read the easy steps.
TRAVEL ADVICE SHOW PODCAST | NOVEMBER 9, 2015
traveladviceshow.com
Hosts Chris and Jerry discuss three important travel topics with Wendy Simmons who has traveled to 85 countries and counting. This unique program discusses women traveling the world alone, suggestions and directions for taking photographs that truly capture the subject, and some excellent packing trips to make your travel less stressful. “Wendy’s sense of humor and enthusiasm for traveling is catching and fun and immediately comes across. This definitely is a must-listen-to program prior to any trip you take.”
Click Here to Listen
WHIRL WITH MERLE | BLOGTALK RADIO | NOVEMBER 6, 2015
blogtalkradio.com/merleswhirls
Wendy Simmons is big on traveling. She doesn’t drag five suitcases, regardless of where she is going or for how long. How does she get away with packing just one carry-on bag? Perhaps we can all use a few tips to avoid some extra airline fees. Wendy shares her secrets.
Click Here to Listen
(Interview begins at 4:25 minute mark)
QUOTES MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 4, 2015
Advanced Traveling
Wendy Simmons is an American who does traveling with the ease most of us do their everyday chores. After visiting more than 85 countries (and writing about some of them in a Huffington Post blog) she talks to us about her adventures and her upcoming book on North Korea.
SOUTH BROOKLYN POST | NOVEMBER 3, 2015
Read the Great Cobble Hill Travel Writer Wendy Simmons
She’s a columnist on Huffington Post, a regular at Bar Tabac on Smith, and she’ll keep you entertained for hours. – See more at: southbrooklynpost.com
WORLD FOOTPRINTS RADIO | OCTOBER 13, 2015
Traveling Solo
Wendy Simmons is an intrepid traveler whose solo adventures have taken her from Ethiopia to North Korea and beyond. She joins World Footprints radio to share her wealth of travel advice and gives us a preview of her book about her trip to North Korea. She’ll also share the outcome of a battle between a rat and her toothbrush. (Interview from minutes 2:00 – 19:45)
NATIONAL TRAVEL RADIO NETWORK | OCTOBER 5, 2015
Arrive Like a Celebrity and Other Tips to Enjoy Your Journey
New York based travel writer and photographer Wendy E Simmons offers some tips on making your travels a bit more enjoyable.
NY BOOK EDITORS | AUGUST 2015
MOSCOT EXEC DISCUSSES HER DIY DEBUT
Wendy Simmons, president of New York City eyewear company MOSCOT, has been all over the globe. But it was a 10-day trip in North Korea that inspired her to take pen to paper—or, rather, fingertips to keyboard—and write a book.
BUZZFEED | JANUARY 20, 2015
I Crashed A North Korean Wedding And Things Got Creepy
Writer and photographer Wendy Simmons finds herself in North Korea caught between an international crisis sparked by the release of the Sony Pictures film “The Interview” and accidentally crashing a wedding.
FODOR¹S | NOVEMBER 26, 2014
Fodor’s Travel Tastemaker: Wendy Simmons, Photographer and President of MOSCOT Eyewear
The avid traveler shares her immersive-travel advice and discusses the importance of having an empty schedule when abroad.
THE NEST | NOVEMBER 6, 2014
See the Modern-Global Brooklyn Loft that Wendy Simmons Co-President of MOSCOT Calls Home
Globtrotter and Co-President of MOSCOT eyewear, Wendy Simmons, invited us into her Brooklyn loft space that reflects her eclectic style, filled with treasures from her global travels.
MERAVIGLIA | APRIL, 2014
Traveler’s Picks by Wendy Simmons
President of MOSCOT, photographer, intrepid globetrotter, Wendy shares her favorite picks around the world.
POE GO | SUMMER, 2014
Tunisia Time
Intrepid, globetrotting, professional photographer Wendy Simmons shares her passion for Tunisia and its people.
THE JAMES ALTUCHER SHOW | AUGUST 19, 2014
What’s Really Going On in North Korea? Ep. 37
Professional photographer and worldwide traveler shares what’s really going on in North Korea with first-hand experiences and the truth of what she encountered.
LEVELED MAGAZINE | AUGUST 30, 2012
Leveled Magazine
An interview with Wendy about Wendy as she helps chart MOSCOT’s worldwide growth, as well as business and product development.
THE NEW YORK TIMES | APRIL 23, 2012
He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Metal Model
For a campaign now under way, Moscot, a family-owned firm in New York that sells eyewear, is turning to heavy metal performers like Chris Adler, of Lamb of God; Matt Heafy, of Trivium; Scott Ian, of Anthrax; Alex Skolnick, of Testament; and Zakk Wylde, of Black Label Society.