Summary
Introduction to Jeff Jenkins
Jeff Jenkins wants travelers to know: If he can do it, they can too. It wasn’t until after his 20th birthday that Jenkins boarded an airplane for the first time. While some might view this as a delayed start to travel, he has since established himself as one of the most notable figures in the travel industry.
Jenkins’ Social Media Influence
Jenkins, known on social media as “Chubby Diaries,” has cultivated a community of over 100,000 followers on Instagram. Through his platform, he actively inspires individuals of all backgrounds to explore travel opportunities, regardless of their circumstances or appearance. His motivational content has encouraged many to envision new possibilities in their travel journeys.
“Never Say Never” Documentary Details
The travel content creator is taking his influence to new heights with a travel documentary series titled “Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins,” which premiered on July 9 on National Geographic TV. Jenkins emphasizes the importance of representation in media, stating, “I already have people from my audience telling me that they’ve never seen someone that looks like us have a travel show, and it gives them a sense of pride and inspiration.” He believes that working with networks like National Geographic helps amplify his message that everyone can travel and enjoy life, irrespective of size, race, or background.
Adventures and Experiences in the Show
Throughout the series, Jenkins engages in exhilarating adventures that demonstrate the resilience and determination of individuals, regardless of size. The series features challenges like a challenging 70-foot mountain climb, heart-pounding whitewater rafting, and sailing amid a windstorm.
Reflecting on his most daunting experience, Jenkins shared, “The scariest moment while filming was whitewater rafting in New Mexico. I’ve done a lot of kayaking, but whitewater kayaking was a completely different challenge. Balance was critical, and as a larger individual, I feared capsizing multiple times. The scariest part was falling out and figuring out how to survive a tumultuous river ride.”
Personal Growth Through Travel
Jenkins’ favorite episode was filmed in Japan, where he immersed himself in the rich culture, tradition, and diverse food varieties. Notably, he faced off against a former world sumo champion in the ring, an experience he cherished. Jenkins’ primary objective is to showcase that, through determination and courage, anyone can conquer their fears and embrace adventure.
In addition to airing on National Geographic, the program will also be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
Jenkins concluded, “The biggest takeaway from this experience is my resilience. Constantly facing new challenges and stepping outside of my comfort zone provided me with a sense of pride and confidence I’ve never felt before.”
