The Travel Channel recently launched a new series called Dhani Tackles the Globe. The show finds pro-athlete Dhani Jones (NFL Linebacker for the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints and, currently, the Cincinnati Bengals) traveling to different countries around the world, spending a week there to learn and take part in a signature game of that culture. In essence, this show is Dhani Jones: The Gamer Traveler, just dealing with different kinds of games.

It is because of the niche focus on games that I find the show fascinating. Often when I have traveled, I have caught glimpses of the games people play in other countries, but never have had a chance to attend any of them, at most, following some matches on TV. I do believe that, much like food or literature or music, a culture’s games reveal a lot about it, giving us, the travelers, a new way to engage with it. I don’t know that I would personally jump into a sawdust ring to try some Swiss Schwingen, let alone play in a Rugby or Hurling match, but I will watch Dhani get into it with glee (the man has the body and the training to survive those, so it’s all good).

Dhani is a personable host as well. He is a bit bombastic, but down to earth, and while he’s not shy at all, he still comes across as humble, especially when considering the various sports he’s trying, understanding the place these have in each culture and what they mean in terms of tradition. The other thing I like about Dhani as host is the (desperately needed) change he brings to the Travel Channel’s roster, which up to this point has been a very white/Caucasian one. I hope the Travel Channel continues to develop new travel shows featuring hosts from different races/ethnicities, showing a more diverse face of travel.

Dhani Tackles the Globe plays new episodes Mondays at 9 PM on the Travel Channel (check your local listings), then repeats every so often (see the Travel Channel Weekly TV Schedule for times).

Now, maybe I can convince the Travel Channel to develop The Gamer Traveler as a show where I visit different states and countries and play their roleplaying/board/card games. It would be a smash hit!