Comfort Zones: Jonathan Thompson
The award-winning host of 'Adventure Cities' takes our questionnaire.
Here at Mack Weldon, we’re all about making you feel comfortable, no matter where you are in this crazy world. So it’s only right we came up with something called the Comfort Zones questionnaire—a short list of statements expressly designed to help us learn more about our favorite people’s favorite people, places, and seats. (Yes, seats.)
First up is Jonathan Thompson. An award-winning travel journalist, he’s currently the host of the Discovery GO series Adventure Cities, where you’re liable to find him hiking in Geneva, ice canoeing in Québec City, river boating in Australia, or otherwise living up to the name of his show.
The object that makes you feel most at home.
My car—a 2023 Mini Cooper. It’s weird, after a few days away, I really miss the sensation of driving it, and the familiarity of being behind the wheel.
The one non-clothing item you have to pack for any trip.
My St. Christopher pendant. I always wear it when I travel—not for any religious reason. It’s just a source of comfort, as I know I’ve survived some utterly ridiculous situations while it’s been around my neck. It’s still here, and so am I. And that's a real comfort.
The best seat you’ve ever sat in.
An F-18 Super Hornet Fighter Jet with the Blue Angels. I was very proud of the fact that I didn’t puke on that flight—I did black out at 7Gs though.
The person outside of your family you’re most yourself around.
One of my closest friends is Lee Thompson, the founder of Flash Pack. It’s funny when you’re just completely on the same wavelength as somebody else, and even though we live on separate continents we always pick up exactly where we left off.
The topic you never tire of discussing.
Football—both types, for as long as you have time. Both of my teams play in blue—Everton and the Dallas Cowboys—and they both last won a trophy in the 1995 season, so it’s been a rocky few decades. I guess I like to share that pain with anyone who'll listen.
The joke you can rely on to make people laugh.
I have a well stocked quiver of dad jokes, but what normally makes people laugh the most is when I try to say "water" in an American accent.
The most comfortable place in any airport (minus the lounge).
That sweet first step after security, when all the stress is over, everything is back in your bag and the airport is your oyster.
What you consider your personal “comfort food.”
I always resort to British recipes when I fancy comfort food. So Toad-in-the-hole, Lancashire hotpot, things like that. The ultimate British comfort food, though, has to be Shepherd’s pie. (With lamb, not beef, obviously).
The piece of clothing you’d wear every day if you could.
Mack Weldon’s Maverick Tech Chino. Honestly, I’ve been high up mountains in them and I’ve been in high-end restaurants with them. There’s nothing they can’t do and nowhere they can’t go. I LOVE them. [Editor’s note: We did not ask Jonathan to say this. But we also agree.]
A moment of the day that brings you peace.
Whenever I can open a book, even if it's only for 10 minutes. I’m a firm believer in the maxim that reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. Now my perfect book time is on my porch in the early evening, after my one-year-old son has gone to bed.
The specific time and place you’d most eagerly return to.
May 1995, the last time my football team, Everton, won a trophy. Then I’d hang around for 8 months to watch the Dallas Cowboys with the Super Bowl too.
The weather you’d choose if the weather never changed.
This is easy. I love bluebird days. Cold and crisp…but with that sharp sun in the sky. Maybe a little breeze. The perfect kind of day for the Stormchaser jacket.
A song that soothes your soul.
“Shiny Happy People” by REM. The first single I ever bought. It always makes me smile and makes me think of good days past... and good days to come.
Words of wisdom you can’t live without.
All the best words of wisdom seem to come from Winston Churchill. And one I always remember is: “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”
The last time you left your comfort zone.
This morning, I jumped off the Stratosphere in Las Vegas. I’m actually afraid of heights…but I’m more afraid of failure.