EMQB Interview: Dhani Jones

A poet, philanthropist, artist, and environmentalist, Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Dhani Jones stars in what can only be described as a global sports odyssey — a Travel Channel new original series — Dhani Tackles the Globe (Monday nights, 9 p.m. ET).

Photo courtesy Travel Channel

By actively participating in some of the most beloved national pastimes from around the world, Dhani discovers that sports have the universal ability to open a window into a culture, define a destination, and unlock a common passion in people that is as different as it is familiar. Tapping into his athletic abilities, Dhani experiences the thrills and challenges of each game by playing it himself. In each episode, he tries his hand at a new sport including Rugby in England, Muay Thai in Bangkok (Thailand), Hurling in Ireland, Dragon Boat racing in Singapore, Schwingen in Switzerland, and Jai alai in Spain.

Floundering at times and triumphing at others, he throws himself completely into the team and individual competitions he faces. Off the field, with the help of his adopted teammates and coaches, Dhani immerses himself fully in each locale’s sights and sounds, getting the locals’ take on the best places for any traveler to eat, drink, shop, and stay. Throughout his travels, he finds the love for sports and competition is shared internationally, providing an immediate common ground wherever he lands. I spent some time talking with Dhani about his new show and the accompanying experiences he’ll never forget.

Photos courtesy Travel Channel

• 0:14 – The multi-talented Mr. Jones has many interests
• 0:51 – What Dhani Tackles the Globe is all about and how it got started
• 1:42 – Dhani traveled and filmed between Bengals offseason worlkouts
• 2:16 – Visiting Thailand, Switzerland, England, Singapore, Ireland and Spain
• 3:19 – Hand-to-hand combat sports were most difficult — Muay Thai, Schwingen
• 4:16 – Dhani has one week to learn the sport and compete against “veterans”
• 4:50 – The body is confused but relaxing and get back to the basics helps
• 6:02 – Street vendors — eating bugs in Thailand vs. hot dogs in NYC
• 6:37 – Milking cows in Switzerland also part of the whole cultural experience
• 7:28 – Dealing with the challenges and embracing the rewards
• 8:07 – Seeing life through different eyes — more mature, less ignorant
• 9:00 – Dhani Tackles the Globe Season Two? It’s up to you!

Links: Travel Channel, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Bengals.com

Dhani Tackles the Globe Episode One Preview – Muay Thai
Dhani Tackles the Globe Episode Two Preview – Schwingen
Dhani Tackles the Globe Episode Three Preview – Rugby

Special thanks to Michaé Holloman and Marjorie Hall.

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