About Us
The Travel Hour Collective: Your Guide to Balancing Career and Travel
Who We Are
The Travel Hour Collective started with a simple question: Why do we have to choose between building careers and seeing the world?
Founded by two HBCU graduates who turned their PTO into a movement, we're here to prove you can balance the 9 to 5 and the beach, the budget hostel and the luxury resort, the rat race and the passport stamps.Joc is a digital nomad who has mastered the art of remote work, bouncing between countries while maintaining his career and seeking Black culture in every corner of the globe. Matt P. leveraged his research background and study abroad experiences to build a life where travel isn't just a vacation, it's a lifestyle.
What started as conversations between two friends has grown into a full collective: a podcast reaching 50+ countries, travel consultation services helping others make their travel dreams actionable, and a community that refuses to wait until retirement to see the world.
We've been featured in Ebony Magazine, hit over 1,000 downloads, and built a reputation for keeping it real about what it takes to travel while Black. From navigating visas and time zones to finding the best spots to turn up in Brazil or finding our people in Bali.
Whether you're working a 9 to 5, dreaming of a gap year, a digital nomad figuring out your next move, or somewhere in between planning your next weekend getaway. We're here to show you that travel isn't about choosing between your career and your peace, it's about finding what works in order to live your best life.
Our Mission
To empower travelers who refuse to wait, choose, or compromise. We believe travel is about cultural immersion, diaspora connection, and exploring the world unapologetically as your authentic self, all while building the life and career you want.
What We Offer
Podcast
Weekly episodes with real conversations about travel, culture, career, and everything in between.
Resources & Guides
Practical tools to make your travel goals actually happen.
Travel Consultations
One-on-one strategy sessions to help you plan and book your next trip.
Community
A space for people who are done waiting and ready to move.
Welcome to The Travel Hour Collective. Let's build the life we want. The World is yours.
Meet the Team
Digital Nomad & Co-Host
Joc
What's good fam I'm Jacques “Joc” James. I'm a digital nomad who has fully embraced the nomadic lifestyle, bouncing between countries while working remotely and proving that budget travel doesn't mean sacrificing experience.
Growing up in the Midwest, my grandmother taught me the art of traveling on a dime, a lesson that shaped my entire approach to exploring the world. What drives me most is diaspora travel, seeking out Black culture and community wherever I land. Whether I'm in Brazil, Tanzania, or Colombia, I'm always asking: where are my people, and what's their story?
When I'm not on the road, you can catch me building community or chilling with the homies planning the next linkup.
Travel Strategist & Co-Host
Matt P
What’s good, everyone! I’m Matthew “MP” Morgan-Pegues, and I currently live in Southern California. Travel has been woven into my life for as long as I can remember, from childhood trips between Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina for family reunions, to exploring the world beyond borders. My passport has taken me from the beaches of Mexico and Indonesia to the ancient wonders of Egypt and Greece, the vibrant streets of South Korea, and the cultural richness of The Netherlands and Italy, with each destination shaping my perspective and deepening my love for exploration.
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As co-host of Thee Travel Hour, I bring these experiences and stories to life every episode, breaking down travel tips, cultural insights, and real talk about exploring the world as a Black millennial. I’m passionate about encouraging everyone to see the world and experience different cultures. Black Male Travel isn’t just a movement; it’s a lifestyle, and I’m committed to showing young Black men that the world is ours to explore. When I’m not recording or traveling, you can catch me at the beach, creating content for my YouTube channel, or hanging with friends.
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Let's Work Together
Interested in being a guest on The Travel Hour podcast or having Joc and Mat P as guests on your podcast?
Email us for partnership inquiries at: travelhourljm@gmail.com
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