Out and About with Jesse Tyler Ferguson

​Go out and about with JTF

Image courtesy Luke Fontana

Jesse Tyler Ferguson, a multifaceted talent celebrated for his award-winning performances, engaging storytelling, and impactful advocacy within the LGBTQIA+ community, embarks on a new journey with Out Traveler’s new monthly series, Out & About With...

Each month, join us as we embark on a voyage of discovery, featuring stories from LGBTQ+ icons and allies, as they share their unique travel experiences and adventures.

Known for his vibrant role in the Broadway revival of Take Me Out and his humorous turn in Cocaine Bear, Ferguson seamlessly blends his artistic prowess with a deep commitment to social issues. His latest endeavors, including the intimate podcast Dinner's on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson and the heartfelt scripted podcast Gay Pride and Prejudice, showcase his ability to connect and converse on a myriad of topics. Behind the scenes, Ferguson’s production work, notably in the documentary Broadway Rising, highlights the resilience of the Broadway community, while his executive role in Welcome to Chechnya underscores his dedication to global LGBTQIA+ rights. A celebrated author and the beloved Mitchell Pritchett from ABC’s award-winning comedy series Modern Family, Ferguson’s journey from Broadway career to advocacy work exemplifies a life dedicated to storytelling, equality, and the transformative power of art.

In this enlightening interview, we dive into the personal world of Jesse Tyler Ferguson, revealing his travel predilections and personal anecdotes that paint a vivid picture of his life off-camera. From his go-to retreats in California to his culinary haunts in New York City, Jesse offers a taste of his world, sharing everything from his cherished season to the travel essentials that ensure a seamless journey. Moreover, we delve into his latest venture, Dinner’s on Me, a podcast that seamlessly blends celebrity interviews with the culinary arts, set against the backdrop of Los Angeles and New York City’s premier restaurants. This series, dropping new episodes every Tuesday on all major podcast platforms, invites listeners to join Ferguson as he engages in candid, rich discussions on creativity, perseverance, and the art of conversation with the likes of Julie Bowen, Jim Parsons, Fred Armisen, and Niecy Nash-Betts ­ all over a shared meal.

Image courtesy The Madrona/Image by Daniel Seung Lee

The Madrona in Healdsberg, California

Favorite hotel?
JTF: The Madrona in Healdsberg, California

Image courtesy Ci Siamo/Image by Giada Paoloni

Ci Siamo, NYC

Favorite restaurant?
JTF: Don Angie & Ci Siamo in New York City

Favorite season?
JTF: Fall. Specifically, fall in New York.

Must have travel essential item(s)?
JTF: Small hand steamer and packing cubes

Go-to movie to watch on a flight?
JTF: Best in Show

Image courtesy Cann

Cann cannabis-infused social tonic

If you found yourself stranded on an island, which three items would you hope to have with you?

JTF: A good long book that I wouldn’t mind reading a few times...like the Barbra Streisand biography or Infinite Jest, CANN Cannabis Infused Social Tonic, and my Caddis reading glasses (for the book).

What’s been your most memorable/humorous travel experience so far, and why?

JTF: One time, Justin and I got diverted through Pittsburgh in the middle of a snowstorm on a trip from Anguilla. Our luggage ended up being lost, and we only had shorts and t-shirts...in a snowstorm. We did a quick shopping spree for warmer clothes and had a fun impromptu night at the Ace Hotel in Pittsburgh.

What’s one travel destination that exceeded your expectations and why?

JTF: Missoula, Montana. I was actually born there, but I left when I was very young. My dad celebrated a milestone birthday there and it was my first time getting to actually see this beautiful state.

Are there any unique or lesser-known travel spots you would recommend to our readers?

JTF: Antiparos, Greece; Provincetown, Massachusetts; and Comporta, Portugal

How do you navigate and embrace local LGBTQ+ culture when visiting different countries?

JTF: Justin and I love to pop into a local gay bar when we are traveling. While we were visiting Colombia and Cuba, we also found and visited the local LGBTQ centers.

Can you share a travel tip or hack that has made your journeys more enjoyable or convenient?

JTF: I like to keep a travel journal of everywhere we stayed, ate, and shopped. It’s fun to go back and remember, but also helpful when my friends ask for travel recommendations.

Are there any travel destinations on your bucket list that you haven’t had a chance to visit yet, and if so, where are they?

JTF: All of Asia. We are so excited to travel to Japan. Also, Africa.

Image courtesy Luke Fontana

What role do you believe travel plays in promoting diversity, inclusion, and understanding?

JTF: Seeing other countries and cultures and immersing ourselves in different cultures is a necessary part of our travel. The planet always feels a little smaller when we visit other countries and meet new people.

How do you balance your personal life and privacy while being in the public eye during your travels?

JTF: It’s always interesting to see which countries Modern Family is popular in. Sometimes, it takes me by surprise. It’s always strange being recognized when I’m like, on a boat in the middle of the ocean or walking down some remote street in Portugal.

Your podcast Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson uniquely combines celebrity interviews with the experience of great food and drink. What inspired this concept, and how do you feel it stands apart from other celebrity interview podcasts?

JTF: I always have the best conversations over a good meal, so we thought, why not do a podcast at the dinner table? I love being able to share some of my favorite restaurants with my guests. The structure of the show is very loose and relaxed, which I think makes everything feel much more like a conversation than an interview. It’s also fun hearing what my guests order!

Image courtesy Lunetta/Image by Jakob Layman

Season 2 of Dinner’s on Me kicks off with Ed O'Neill at Lunetta

For the upcoming season of Dinner’s on Me, what new themes and discussions can listeners look forward to? Could you also give us a sneak peek into some of the guests who will be joining you?

JTF: I love how each episode's theme reveals itself naturally through the conversation. I have a wonderful discussion with Weird Al Yankovic about trusting your individuality and creating your own space to be creative. Kathy Griffin and I talk about new beginnings and giving yourself the opportunity and grace to reboot yourself and start over. Season two opens with a very meaningful conversation with Ed O'Neill. His storytelling is unparalleled, and we have a really great conversation about longevity in the acting business and learning from mistakes.

How do you prepare for each episode of Dinner's on Me? What guides your choice of guest and the restaurant to pair with them, and are the conversation topics spontaneous or pre-planned?

JTF: I always try to go in wildly prepared but without expectations about where the conversations will go. I have a list of people on my phone who are dream guests of mine, and it’s so exciting because a lot of them are being booked for upcoming episodes. When it comes to the restaurants, we want to take our guests to places we feel they might be a match. I mean, it was no mistake that I took Jesse Williams to an Indian Italian Sports Bar or Weird Al Yankovic to a famous vegan restaurant. It’s fun for me to expand my palate and try new things with my guests.