Moving Along: Recent Episodes
Christi Cassidy
Moving Along explores travel, relocation and life transitions. Christi Cassidy shares stories of people who packed up and left--either by necessity or choice; advice from experts in organization, budgeting and moving; and tips on making your life transition a positive new adventure.
Moving Along talks with podcaster/blogger Craig Constantine during the final week of his and wife Tracy’s five-week Ford Transit van (“Panda”) trip across Newfoundland. Craig shares how childhood camping and Caribbean sailing—with heavy navigation and planning—shaped his approach to travel, watching his mom plan trips with paper and pencil, and why Newfoundland appealed as a place to “depressurize,” despite being more developed than expected. He explains balancing “non-negotiables” (especially prebooked ferry dates) with flexibility, using Crown land, campgrounds and the iOverlander app for overnight spots, and coping with variable terrain and weather.
Craig describes year-long preparation after buying the van, outfitting it with fold-down bed/table systems, organized crates, Starlink and a cellular booster for remote work, and on-trip improvements built from a local hardware store run. To avoid constant status updates, he built a microblog with AI that became travelog.place, and reflects on tight-space communication, driving too much and planning next year’s journey to Tuolumne Meadows near Yosemite.
00:00 Introduction to Craig Constantine
02:21 No Lighthouse
03:59 Growing Up in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
09:59 Boondocking in Newfoundland
11:39 It's a Big Van But...
12:55 Finding the Nuts
13:25 Finding Places to Sleep
15:57 Not Much Grows Here
17:09 Planning the Trip
19:50 This Is Like a Sabbatical
20:54 The Van Named Panda
21:49 Jerry-rigging the Van
25:14 Clever Solutions: Crafting a Wall of Storage
28:20 Make It Better, Have Fun, That's the Whole Point
29:59 Pecking Order at the Campground
32:09 What You Do Defines Who You Are
34:14 You Have to Make the Ferry
35:58 Type A List Maker
39:03 From the Paper Tablet to the Travel Microblog
41:58 Builder
43:05 You Can Do This
44:38 Newfoundland Is an Hour and a Half...
45:07 Where to Next?
47:14 Any Oops?
48:31 Planning All the Problems Out of the Trip
49:06 It's Birds
50:57 Shorthand: A Different Kind of Mindfulness
53:02 Books I Didn't Touch
53:52 That's Not How the Id Works
Links
https://constantine.name
https://travelog.place
https://ioverlander.com/
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
Wouter Mayeur, founder of Property Invest Blog, has lived in Berlin, Hamburg and Barcelona, and he now resides in London with his family. He shares his experiences investing in real estate in London and Montenegro, costs to move abroad, moving with children, and his plans for purchasing a condo in Thailand. Wouter and his wife, a Canadian-Hong Kong native, travel annually to Hong Kong with their two children, and Wouter has his eye on Shenzhen, China. In addition to Montenegro and Chiang Mai, Thailand, he recommends hidden gems and “underinvested” places to investigate in Europe, Asia and South America. His practical advice includes the nitty-gritty of assessing properties from afar, renting short-term or living in your home abroad, and the logistics of property transfer taxes, purchase and moving.
Blog:
Property Invest Blog
https://propertyinvestblog.com/
Facebook Group:
Buying & Living Abroad – Property Tips, Honest Insights
https://www.facebook.com/groups/propertyabroadtips/
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
Belfast rider and author Chris Donaldson weaves the tale of his decades-long attempt to reach Australia on his 1979 Moto Guzzi Le Mans. Leaving Belfast at 21 amid the Troubles, he planned to ride to Australia but was diverted by the Iranian Revolution, traveling instead through Africa (including apartheid South Africa), the Americas, and Argentina, later recounting it in his memoir Going the Wrong Way. Chris reflects on traveling for the journey, the kindness of strangers, and how writing the book 40 years later drew on diaries and photos. After his first adventure, Chris joined the family furniture shop in Belfast, which over the years he expanded into London and Dublin. In 2021, encouraged by a friend, he resumed his quest after COVID, faced border issues (including being denied entry to Jordan), continued alone after his friend quit the trip in Athens, and finally reached Australia, forming the basis of his next book, Adventure Before Dementia (May 2026). He discusses travel changes due to phones and the internet, Moto Guzzi community, other rides including Russia and U.S. trips, and how a Parkinson’s diagnosis motivates him to keep pursuing adventures.
Pictures of Chris, His Moto Guzzi and His Travels
Don’t miss the gallery on Chris’s website: https://chrisdonaldson.world/gallery-2/
Instagram: @chrisdonaldson.author
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Chris Donaldson
02:43 From London to South Africa
04:02 With a Motorbike, You're Bonded to the Landscape
04:22 From the U.S. Down to Argentina
06:53 Another Go at Australia
08:30 What's Changed in 40 Years, What's Stayed the Same
11:38 Going Back to the Family Business in Belfast
14:14 A Pensioner Riding a Motorbike Around the World
16:42 Pilgrimage to Australia - Arriving at Last
17:54 The Moto Guzzi Le Mans
19:23 Crossing the Sahara on the Motorbike
20:23 The Biggest Problem at Age 21
22:52 Every Corner Is a Danger
23:59 Traveling Light
27:10 Teo Lamers Cathedral of Moto Guzzi Festival
27:57 Texas
29:30 It Keeps You Young
31:00 Meeting Up With Old Friends on New Journeys
32:20 Russia
34:42 Spark of Recognition
38:06 Adventures Before Dementia and Going the Wrong Way
Chris’s Books
Going the Wrong Way
Adventures Before Dementia
Both books are available on his website: https://chrisdonaldson.world
Or use Amazon (not an affiliate link) if ordering from the U.S. or Canada:
Going the Wrong Way - https://www.amazon.com/Going-Wrong-Way-Australia-possibly/dp/1838012761
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
Landscape photographer Tom Reed discusses his influences (Ansel Adams, Edgar Payne, the Hudson River School, and Japanese martial arts/aesthetics) and his books of photography—The Granite Avatars of Patagonia, Moved by a Mountain, and Summers in the Sierras.
Tom Reed delves into the ideas from his TEDx talk “Natural Beauty and Aesthetic Arrest,” describing aesthetic arrest—borrowed via Joseph Campbell from James Joyce—as being stunned by beauty to the point of losing the usual sense of self. He explores why eroded mountains can feel majestic, drawing on physicist Thomas Campbell’s ideas about organization versus entropy and linking organization to love. Reed connects his photography composition to Japanese tea ceremony and ikebana’s dominant/subdominant/subordinate principle, recounts quitting film photography after his camera was crushed, years of intense looking, wide travels (Caribbean, Belize, Alaska, Hawaii, California), near-drowning surfing in Oahu and how he finally returned to photography.
Tom lives in Fort Bragg on the rugged Mendocino Coast of Northern California, travels to wild places and spends five weeks each summer at a cabin he built in Alaska.
00:00 Introduction to Tom Reed, Landscape Photographer
01:53 Aesthetic Arrest
06:11 Inspiration from an Alpine View
08:19 Why Erosion Can Be Majestic
11:00 Japanese Aesthetics: Ikebana and Chabana
12:23 Creating the Composition
13:46 Putting Yourself in the Right Position for the Composition
14:35 Principles of Flower Arranging as Applied to Photography
16:15 The Majesty of What Stands
16:35 What's Standing Is Still Organized
19:14 On Photography: The Cameras Got Heavy
21:54 In Belize with Birdie
28:24 The Artist's Impulse
29:36 Near-Death Experience Surfing the North Shore of Oahu
33:23 Raw Beauty That Inspires Awe
35:51 A Masculine Sense of Beauty
37:57 Leaving Hawaii
38:32 A Hobo Life with the Fall Colors in New England
40:44 Building a Cabin in Alaska
42:57 The Japanese Aesthetic
43:38 Aikido and Athletics
45:25 An Aikido Bum for 10 Years
47:01 Learning Tea Ceremony
47:43 Tea Ceremony and the Concept of Wabi-Sabi
49:46 Going to Japan
51:56 How to Contact Tom Reed
Tom’s Books
The Granite Avatars of Patagonia
Moved by a Mountain, Inspiration from an Alpine View in Alaska (also an audiobook, featured in Alaska Magazine and Cirque)
The Other Side, On the Road in South America
Summers in the Sierras (limited edition)
Find these at https://TomReedBooks.com
(not an affiliate link)
Tom’s TEDx Talk
"Natural Beauty and Aesthetic Arrest" (TEDxHomer, 2011)
https://youtu.be/aB8L5a-P6NM?si=3-LmcdGe2EPJScBr
Contact Tom Reed
https://tomreed.com
https://tomreedbooks.com
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
Donna Barwald, an LA-based professional organizer and educator with 20 years’ experience, shares how she has helped families, seniors and businesses organize, declutter, and downsize.
Donna explains how organizing helped her regulate her own ADHD, discusses supporting neurodivergent clients by creating systems that match how they use space (including entry “drop zones”), and describes how visual clutter increases stress and decision fatigue. She contrasts fight/flight/freeze responses to mess, describes body doubling, and connects decluttering to feng shui-style energy flow and a calmer home.
Donna addresses downsizing for current and future life needs—including preparing for assisted living or moving in with a child. She talks candidly about handling guilt, “might need it” objects, what to do with gifts, keepsakes and collections, and why hoarding is a separate mental illness.
She offers practical tactics like one-in/one-out, favorites-first packing, labeled storage, drawer-based organization, and planning moves by infrastructure and layout.
Note that the audio on Christi's part is a little faded, but Donna's audio is fine.
Contact Donna Barwald
Website: https://neatlyarranged.com
Email: DonnaBarwald@gmail.com
Contact Donna for a free consultation!
Donna’s Books
This Mess Is Making Me Stress
Improve Your Move: How to Downsize with Ease and Move On to Your Next Adventure
Timestamps
00:00 Donna Barwald Introduction
01:16 The Impulse to Organize
04:21 Donna's Mission
04:56 Creating the Environment in Which to Succeed
05:39 Drop Zones
07:53 Growing Up in San Jose, California
10:20 Finding Peace by Creating Space
11:33 Fight, Flight or Freeze
14:32 Body-Doubling
16:29 The Value of Decluttering
18:58 With Clutter, People Feel Bad About Themselves
21:53 Keeping the Judgment at Bay
27:37 Downsizing
32:25 "But I might need it"
34:40 You Don't Need a Presidential Library
35:42 Inner Peace Is More Important
35:54 Resistance, or 100 Pairs of Socks
37:05 Saving Things for the Future You...And Here You Are
37:40 Hoarders Are Not the Same as Collectors
40:11 Sticking with Your Favorites
41:11 Little Known Secrets of Downsizing
45:06 Crap Equilibrium
47:07 Dealing with Gifts - Wanted and Unwanted
49:04 Dealing with Keepsakes - Wanted and Unwanted
50:03 How to Handle Children's Keepsakes from School
55:36 Garages: The Home of Old Dreams
56:47 Cut Your Losses
01:02:27 Organization Is 90% Infrastructure
01:04:54 Drawers Are Key
01:07:05 Get in Touch with Donna Barwald
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
Leadership strategist Edna White, creator of the Keeping It Real On Purpose podcast and Wounded to Wonderful newsletter, discusses the culture shock of moving from Alabama to Long Island as a child, her nervous breakdown in her 40s, and her decision to teach English in China. Living in China, she climbed the Great Wall and sampled tarantula and scorpion, returning to New York a changed woman ready to help others. She is the founder of Second Chance, Inc. and lives on Long Island in New York.
00:00 Moving Along Introduction to Edna White
03:34 Black Girl Growing Up in Alabama and Long Island
07:31 Leadership
10:19 Finding Your Original Identity
12:10 Embracing Your Emotions
13:40 Meshing Emotions and Leadership
18:07 Edna's Gift of Clairsentience and for Helping Others
19:42 Making the Wrong Mistakes
20:12 The Solitude of Home and Canoeing
21:06 Learning to Meditate
22:23 Teaching and Traveling in China
24:16 Walking the Great Wall of China
27:16 Zip Line Down the Mountain
28:13 Arriving in China
30:17 Culture Shock in China
30:58 Real Chinese Food
33:58 A New Leaf, Writing and Coaching Back in New York
34:10 Eye-Opening Lessons About Communism and Religion in China
36:53 Learning Different Kinds of Meditation in China
37:27 Can We All Be Leaders?
39:51 How to Contact Edna
Contact Edna:
https://ednawhite.com
At Edna's website, you can sign up to get more information about her projects:
Podcast: Keeping It Real on Purpose
Newsletter: Wounded to Wonderful
Book (not an affiliate link): The You Project: Uncover the Real You and Create a Better Life
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
Belinda Coker (SoulTreader.com), a New Zealand-born Australian currently based in the UK, redefined her life through hiking and travel. Her mission is to get women over 50 outdoors and into the wilderness.
Belinda recounts early solo overland travel through Southeast Asia and India, volunteering on a solar power project in Ladakh, later working in Japan, and eventually entering corporate life and raising three children.
During the 2020 pandemic she realized she’d lost her adventurous self, bought hiking boots, joined a Meetup hike with very fit older hikers, and committed to maintaining health and adventure while advocating for trail safety, proper gear, and group hiking.
She describes a recent near-hypothermia incident on the Canary Islands GR131 when unexpected cold rain and cloud cover forced an emergency exit. She also discusses Europe’s hut-to-hut culture versus wild camping, New Zealand’s extensive trails and huts, and her post-corporate house-sitting work via The House Sitting Collective, including a listener discount code HSTRAVEL.
00:00 Moving Along - ep. 36 - Belinda Coker
00:21 Introduction to Belinda Coker
03:08 The Big OE - Overseas Experience - from Tauranga, New Zealand
06:07 India and Volunteering on the Solar Power Project in Ladakh
06:50 From India Home to Australia
08:04 Look in the Mirror
09:37 One Hike Was All It Took
11:25 Hiking: Where to Start
13:24 Buying Your First Pair of Hiking Boots
14:46 Near-Death Experience in the Canary Islands
21:10 Free Resource about Safety for Hikers
22:05 Hut-to-Hut, Inn-to-Inn Hiking
23:43 Hut Culture
25:06 Getting into the Wilderness for Women
27:13 House-Sitting
31:56 Benefits of House-Sitting
34:36 The House Sitting Collective - Special Promo Code for Listeners
Contact Belinda Coker:
Soul Treader – Belinda’s website
https://soultreader.com/
https://soultreader.com/hike-it-right/
(Hike It Right. - Free Resource - 78 Pages of Health, Safety & Hygiene on the Trail)
The House Sitting Collective
https://housesittingcollective.com/
Discount Code for 10% off all House Sitting Courses - HSTRAVEL
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
Artist David Deighton was born in Paris and began traveling Europe and the world at age 14. After years of nomadic exploration, he and his wife decided to settle down in Santa Fe in the Southwest United States.
He installs his unconventional “art experiment,” called Triptych Dialogue, in national parks across the United States and beyond. It is part of his mission to rekindle social connections face-to-face, to seek civility and to resist the digital echo chamber.
In fact, he first tried the experiment of bridging the political divide using social media. Not only was it an uncivil arena, he was “shadow banned” and even received death threats from across the boundaries he was trying to cross.
That’s when he knew the only way to find common ground was through words, and in person, by asking three questions and listening. He admits that even starting the conversations is not easy, even with the tool of a microphone in hand.
Each conversation ends with a question about “one word” that represents and encapsulates the participant’s thoughts in the interview. It is these words that form a kind of lyrical underpinning to the videos and to the project itself.
David posts videos on YouTube of his interactions with strangers at the Triptych Dialogue art installations. At the national parks, David asks his three questions of Americans visiting and tourists from around the world, who are drawn to the beauty of the national parks, particularly the Grand Canyon.
Fans of the New Mexico landscape will appreciate David’s ventures to Pecos National Historical Park, White Sands National Park, Carlsbad Caverns and even the Roswell Courthouse.
David also substitute teaches in the Santa Fe public school system and discusses his successful use of the same technique--three questions followed by the "one word" capper--with his students.
When we spoke, David was on his way to Colombia to take the Triptych Dialogue art experiment to another continent and see what civility he could find there.
To see the yearlong social media experiment David ran, check out Triptych Dialogue on Instagram:
instagram.com/triptych_dialogue
To see the ongoing Triptych Dialogue videos, check out YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@triptych-dialogue
More about Servas: https://servas.org/
Contact David Deighton
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@triptych-dialogue
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
Renae Ninneman, founder of Beyond Tourism (goingbeyondtourism.com), helps travelers prepare culturally for international travel and moving abroad.
Born in a Dutch enclave in western Michigan, Renae explains how living in Seoul, South Korea for a year teaching English without cultural preparation led her to focus on “below the iceberg” cultural expectations. Travelers often dismiss discomfort as “it’s the culture,” Renae says, instead of naming and exploring what’s happening and seeking a human connection. Stereotyping and ethnocentrism often play a role.
Renae contrasts differing expressions of kindness and friendliness in the U.S. compared with Germany and Latvia, and direct versus indirect communication, describing her approach as a mix of research and experience. She earned certification in the Cultural Intelligence Model (with four CQ dimensions, including CQ strategy for preparation and in-the-moment awareness and follow-up reflection).
The conversation touches on travel for missionary work, her parents’ initial opposition to South Korea and their later visits. She advises travelers to start with self-reflection on their own cultural values, then identify differences in others and, finally, to adapt behavior, noting that “kindness” does not always translate across cultures.
Renae shares some revealing stories of her own learning process, including a humiliating workplace gaff while she was working in the U.S. on refugee resettlement and the damage her collegial relationship suffered because of it.
Nearly arrested for jaywalking, she recounts a frightening incident in South Korea where she was confronted by a stranger, police were called, and she narrowly escaped what could have been a dire situation.
Timestamps
00:00 Moving Along
00:35 Introduction to Renae Ninneman
01:00 Beyond Tourism
02:16 Teaching English in South Korea
04:06 Cross-Cultural Disconnects
08:42 The Cultural Intelligence Model - Cultural Intelligence as a Skill
10:58 Cultural Intelligence Skills for Business Travel
12:25 Growing Up in Western Michigan's Dutch Community
14:38 Learning the Language
15:32 Cross-Cultural Competence and the Most Humiliating Moment
20:11 When Being Direct Has Its Advantages
20:57 Direct and Indirect Communication Styles
22:45 Where to Start When Preparing to Travel or Move to Another Country
27:16 Kindness as a Universal Language?
29:22 Almost Arrested in Korea
35:15 Contact Renae and Going Beyond Tourism
Resources
Beyond Tourism
https://goingbeyondtourism.com
The Cultural Intelligence Center, https://culturalq.com/
The Culture Factor Group, Helsinki, https://www.theculturefactor.com/
Geert Hofstede (1928 – 2020), https://geerthofstede.com/
Erin Meyer, The Culture Map
David Livermore, Digital and Divided
Contract Renae Ninneman, founder of Beyond Tourism:
renae@goingbeyondtourism.com
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
In this episode of Moving Along, Christi Cassidy interviews Scott Kirk, CEO and founder of Visas.pt, a company that assists people looking to move to Portugal with visa and immigration services. Scott discusses the exponential growth of their online community, which includes 2.4 million monthly visitors to their Facebook groups, including Moving to Portugal and Living in Portugal.
Contrary to popular belief, Portugal is not becoming overrun with Americans moving to Portugal, and Scott offers words of wisdom for respecting the Portuguese culture and ways to fit in.
The conversation delves into Scott's own adventurous background stemming from his family's travel history, leading to his extensive global travels and eventual settlement in Portugal.
Scott also provides detailed insights into the process and nuances involved in moving to Portugal, addressing various visa types for retirees, digital nomads, entrepreneurs and others, economic considerations, real estate market dynamics and scams to watch out for.
Often called the “Gateway to Europe,” Portugal is a welcoming country and gay-friendly. Still, Scott emphasizes the importance of responsible immigration and cultural integration.
Scott offers practical advice for those considering relocating and details the pathway to dual citizenship, currently a five-year process that may soon become a 10-year process. The discussion highlights not only the challenges and benefits of moving to Portugal but also Scott's personal motivations and experiences that shaped his journey.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Scott Kirk
02:35 Island Boy in Victoria, British Columbia
04:05 Digital Nomad in Remote Brazil
06:28 Why Portugal?
08:47 Founding Visas.pt
11:38 Is Portugal Getting More Expensive?
13:05 Prato do Dia - Plate of the Day
14:49 Beach Life
15:53 Blue Flag Beaches in Portugal
17:48 Gateway to Europe
20:04 Requirements for Retiring to Portugal on a D7 Visa
22:29 Healthcare in Portugal
24:08 Cost of Living in Portugal
24:32 Buying a Place in Portugal
27:09 Schengren Shuffle
27:55 The Golden Visa
28:33 Requirements for the Pathway to Dual Citizenship in Portugal
31:11 Rainbow Connection: Gay-Friendly Portugal
32:20 Taxes in Portugal
32:58 Non-Retirement Visa Options for Portugal
34:12 Starting a Business in Portugal - The D2 Visa
34:41 Visas for Highly Qualified Skilled Individuals and Students
36:04 Digital Nomads in Portugal
37:06 Scams to Beware of in Coming to Portugal
41:32 Mistakes People Make in Emigrating to Portugal
Resources
https://visas.pt
https://rainbowconnection.pt
Living in Portugal Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/expatsinportugalqa
Moving to Portugal Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/movingtoportugal2.0
For a free consultation and to contact Scott Kirk: https://visas.pt/contact.php
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
Dr. Jeffrey Barnes, also known as Dr. Disneyland, delves into the enchanting history and life lessons of Walt Disney. Dr. Barnes, an author and professor, shares his unique experiences growing up as a military child, his transformative journey to Disneyland and his eventual deep dive into Walt Disney’s remarkable story of resilience and creativity.
Author of The Wisdom of Walt and Life Lessons from Walt, Dr. Barnes muses on the evolution of Disney parks, the impact of storytelling and the current business challenges and strategies of the Disney brand.
He is blunt in his assessment of the Jimmy Kimmel incident with ABC and Disney+ and doesn’t shy away from discussing Disney’s corporate leadership and post-pandemic pricing strategies. “Not consumer-friendly, not family-friendly,” he says.
Dr. Barnes also shares personal anecdotes and powerful insights on creativity, overcoming obstacles and the enduring magic of Disney that continues to inspire generations. Tune in to explore the rich tapestry of Disney's legacy and how its lessons can be applied in everyday life.
Books by Dr. Jeffrey Barnes
The Wisdom of Walt
Life Lessons from Walt
Contact Jeff Barnes and find links to buy his books at his website: https://thewisdomofwalt.com
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Disneyland
04:02 Memorable Family Vacations - The Land of Oz and Disney World
05:21 Loving Disney World and the Comedown on First Visit to Disneyland
07:29 Walt's Story
10:37 Reinterpreting Disney World as an Adult
14:20 Bucket List Disney Parks Around the World
14:57 How Jeff Likes to Travel
16:29 How did the book come to be?
18:59 Diagnosed with life-threatening brain tumor
21:37 Second Brain Tumor
22:11 Is Disney for the Wealthy Only?
24:52 Post-Pandemic Pricing at Disney
25:40 Disney Corporate Leadership
27:38 Disney, Bob Iger and Jimmy Kimmel
31:11 Disney as Reflection of American Society Through the Decades
38:53 Roy Disney and Financial Restraints
41:32 Advice for Visiting Disney the First Time
43:49 How the Magic Is Made
45:27 Leadership Lessons from Walt
47:27 Consulting at Disney
Places Mentioned
Disneyland
Disney World
Storybook Mansion
Riverside, California
Florida Panhandle
Orlando, Florida
Boone, North Carolina
Kansas City
Los Angeles
Griffith Park
Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disney Seas
Disneyland Paris
Euro Disney
Glendale
Fort Huachuca
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
St. Petersburg, Florida
Marceline, Missouri
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
Sylvina Lanusse, a mixed-media artist and host of Walking for Inspiration, takes us on an engaging journey across continents and through the layers of her rich artistic process. From the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the tranquil shores of Vancouver Island, Sylvina has woven her love for the ocean and nature's elements into every piece of art she creates. Her recent Italian adventure adds yet another color to her palette, as she shares how the Vatican's marble floors sparked her creativity. Sylvina's story is not just about art, but about the emotional landscapes of migration, the bittersweet nature of farewells and the surprising connections formed along the way.
In this episode, we also explore the poignant themes of immigration and belonging. Sylvina opens up about how a generous benefactor changed the trajectory of her life, enabling her to study abroad and refine her artistic voice. We delve into the heartache of losing her parents, of losing her canine companion Polo and the intricate feeling of having multiple homes across the world. Art emerges as a sanctuary for Sylvina, a space where creativity transcends geographical borders and offers solace amid life's upheavals.
Silvina reflects on how the spontaneity of migration has shaped her path, leading her to find stability and opportunity in Canada—it’s a story of resilience, creativity and connection.
CHAPTERS
[00:00:34] Introduction to Silvina Lanusse
[00:02:11] Early Life and Family Background
[00:04:31] Beach Memories and Sensory Experiences
[00:07:51] Walking for Inspiration and Artistic Sensitivity
[00:09:58] Travel Adventures and Cultural Connections
[00:15:45] Benefactor's Support and Artistic Journey
[00:19:41] Finding Community Through Art
[00:22:11] The Art Is My Lifeline
[00:26:26] The Bond with Polo
[00:28:14] Coping with Loss
[00:29:30] Walking for Inspiration
[00:31:10] Shaped by Migration
[00:34:38] Choosing Canada Over the U.S.
[00:37:35] Embracing the Artist's Life
[00:39:09] Reflections on Immigration
[00:42:56] Connecting with Silvina
Contact Silvina: @silvinalanusseart
Website: https://www.silvinalanusseart.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silvinalanusseart/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silvinalanusseart
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@silvinalanusseart
Walking for Inspiration – Silvina's video podcast on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@silvinalanusseart
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
Chip Walter, celebrated science journalist and author, National Geographic documentary filmmaker and former CNN bureau chief, embarked on an awe-inspiring journey with his wife, Cyndy, crafting a once-in-a-lifetime global expedition amid the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 720 days, they achieved the extraordinary feat of traveling around the world sans jets, spanning 125,000 miles across six continents and 41 countries through a medley of transportation modes, including buses, ferries and even camels. Chip shares tales from his adventurous childhood in Pittsburgh, where his curiosity and love for exploration first took root, and how these passions eventually led him to a career in journalism.
Selling their home to embrace a nomadic lifestyle, Chip and Cyndy’s odyssey began in Newfoundland and took them through diverse landscapes, from the American West to Baja, to Santa’s Workshop in Finland and the deserts of Morocco, to Egypt, South America and on to Antarctica. What began as a fluke is now a comprehensive chronicle in 37 journals and a blog, Vagabond Adventure (vagabond-adventure.com), filled with videos, photos, postcards and near-daily posts. These experiences serve not just as travel logs but as reflections on the pressing issues of our time, such as climate change. A firm believer in the power of storytelling, Chip brings to light the urgency for advocacy and action.
Travel, in its purest form, serves as a transformative force, a theme Chip passionately elaborates. Immersing themselves in varied cultures and societies over two years, Chip and Cyndy discovered the profound ability of travel to break down racial barriers, expand one’s worldview and instill humility. Chip articulates with vivid anecdotes how true engagement with the world cultivates not only appreciation but also a deeper understanding of humanity. This episode promises to inspire listeners to step out of their comfort zones and explore the tapestry of unfamiliar cultures, enriching lives while making us more interesting and compassionate individuals.
Chip’s blog:
https://vagabond-adventure.com/
Find out where Chip and Cyndy are now at Polar Steps:
https://www.polarsteps.com/
Chip's books and more:
https://chipwalter.com/
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
Paul Island and Benef Verell, two co-hosts of the travel podcast Rhythm & Roam, share their stories about travel, relocation and how they came to start their own podcast with their friend Trecia Cooke.
How did Paul and Benef get the travel bug? Benef recounts her Midwest upbringing and how family trips, mostly within the region, laid the groundwork for her future wanderlust. It wasn't until she joined the military, in an unexpected journey to West Point, that her travel experiences truly expanded, igniting a lifelong passion for exploring new places. Similarly, Paul reflects on his childhood travels that were mostly confined to the New York tri-state area and Florida.
From there we explore the intricate ways in which family, culture and unexpected paths influence travel and career choices. Paul recalls how his older sister's dreams of London inspired further exploration and a career in the military, expanding his own travel horizons. We touch on the cultural roots that influence aspirations, such as Paul’s Jamaican and British connections, and Benef’s Afghan roots. The conversation offers insights into the interplay of family influences, cultural backgrounds, and how these elements shape unexpected life paths.
The conversation turns to the impact of cultural diversity and identity on travel experiences. Benef and Paul share their encounters with stereotypes, “traveling while Black and biracial,” and the cultural expectations they’ve confronted while traveling and living abroad.
Laced with humor and canny insights, their stories highlight the importance of understanding and adapting to cultural differences, the benefits of solo travel and the unique travel styles that lead to memorable journeys.
LINKS
Rhythm & Roam
https://rhythmandroam.com/
Ireland episode with Paul and Benef
https://rhythmandroam.com/episode/the-ireland-trip-that-made-us-question-everything
Passport Knuckle Ride: Staying Sane While Traveling in a Crazy World (Pocket Travel Guide)
https://rhythmandroam.com/book
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
Sailing the world. It’s the adventure of a lifetime for Alison Gieschen, who has been sailing the high seas with her husband, Dan, since selling their New Jersey farm in 2017. Together they have traveled to 47 countries and four continents aboard their 43-foot sailboat, Equus.
Alison Gieschen shares her journey from growing up in upstate New York and moving to North Carolina, to becoming an avid sailor inspired by early family vacations in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She recounts her serendipitous meeting with her husband, Dan, a three-time national sailing champion and Merchant Marine, and their decision to sail around the world.
Throughout the podcast, Alison details their blue water sailing adventures, including their unexpected but fortuitous stop at the Galapagos Islands and their many challenges at sea. She also touches upon her emotional struggles, such as overcoming PTSD from a severe storm during their early voyages, and the significant role that fate and mentorship played in her sailing journey.
Alison reflects on her sustained love for horses, drawing parallels between her past in competitive horseback riding and her current life aboard Equus. Alison recounts memorable destinations like the Azores—where a chance walk to town leads to a singular encounter with a cheesemonger—and Ireland, where she and Dan ended up housesitting in a Downton Abbey recreation on Bantry Bay during COVID. Throughout her travels, she is continually surprised and thrilled at the kindness of strangers.
Additionally, Alison discusses the environmental and humanitarian issues associated with Chinese fishing fleets, emphasizing the need for awareness and action regarding their harmful practices.
Places mentioned in this episode:
Rhinebeck, NY
Red Hook, NY
Boston
U.S. Virgin Islands
New Jersey
New Bern, NC
Charlotte, NC
Tahiti, French Polynesia
Hiva Oa, Marquises, French Polynesia
Azores
Panama
Galapagos Islands
The Pacific Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean
Ireland
Bantry Bay, Ireland
St. Martin
Bermuda
More about the Chinese fishing boats:
Chinese fishing boats and forced labor, report from Al Jazeera English, Jun 20, 2024
Books by Alison include Riding the Waves of Reality, the nonfiction chronicle of their first four years of blue water sailing aboard Equus.
Alison's other books can also be found on Amazon. These are not affiliate links, just so you know.
Connect with Alison and Dan:
Sailmates.org
Instagram: @sailmates_on_equus
Facebook: Alison Gieschen
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Podium.page and/or Descript.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
In this episode of Moving Along, host Christi Cassidy interviews Barry Maughan, a former chief of English to Africa for the Voice of America and the author of Beneath the African Sun (Outback, 2025). Barry shares his memoir and travelogue of living in Ethiopia during the early 1970s and his extensive journey with his wife, Suzanne, from Egypt to South Africa in a VW Combi camper bus named Bridget. The discussion also delves into his nearly 25-year career in Washington, D.C., his childhood in Australia, and the serendipitous events that shaped his life and travels. They explore the power of serendipity, the importance of embracing opportunities, and the value of travel (especially for children) in broadening one's perspective. Barry reflects on his significant journalistic experiences, including covering the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie and the devastating famine in Ethiopia, and his heartfelt insights on race, class and the role of family in African cultures. The conversation further touches on the vital role of the Voice of America in Africa and his concerns about its recent dismantling.
Bio
Barry Maughan is a lifelong writer and was an international broadcaster and journalist for more than forty years. During that time, he plied his trade on four continents, including stops in Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the United States. His major news coverages included the coup that overthrew Emperor Haile Selassie in September 1974, and the devastating drought and subsequent famine in Ethiopia’s northern province of Wollo. The last 24 years of his career were spent at the Voice of America in Washington, D.C., where he retired as chief of the English to Africa service. Since his retirement, Barry has kept busy writing about his extensive travels and life experiences. Find out more and contact Barry: https://barrymaughan.com
00:36 Introduction to Barry Maughan
01:46 Barry's Early Life and Love for Travel
08:07 The Serendipitous Meeting in Egypt
10:01 Exploring Egypt and Heading South
17:40 Life and Work in Ethiopia
23:35 Challenges and Adventures in Africa
28:35 Navigating Language Barriers in Ethiopia
28:56 The Petrol Station Dilemma
31:03 Travel Adventures in Kenya
32:43 Cultural Insights and Family Values in Africa
39:34 The Voice of America
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Podium.page and/or Descript.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
Barbara Johnson is an acclaimed author who shares a personal journey back to Ireland that was sparked by the tragedy of her partner’s sudden death. Kathleen’s Irish ancestry led her to discover her own heritage, and many cousins who live still in the northwest of Ireland. Barbara recounts her experiences growing up in a military family, which fostered a love for travel and her emotional journey as she buried Kathleen's ashes in Ireland with her family. The episode dives into themes of loss, travel and the challenges and healing involved in relocations and transitions late in life, touching upon Barbara's thoughts about moving to Ireland and her reflections on writing. Barbara says, "Kathleen used to say her heart was in New York, her body in Maryland, but her soul was in Ireland."
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Podium.page and/or Descript.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
Episode Highlights
00:00:03: Introduction to Christi Cassidy and Moving Along podcast, which focuses on travel, relocation and life transitions.
00:00:35: Christi welcomes Anna Bernstein, discussing her past with Mantra Public Relations and moving to Ecuador.
00:02:14: Anna thanks Christi for the introduction and mentions their use of audio for the podcast despite having a video connection.
00:02:17: Anna talks about her upbringing in Norman, Oklahoma, and the influence her parents' New York roots had on her.
00:03:19: She describes her early travels to New York and experiences while in college.
00:04:17: Discussion on how she ended up choosing the University of Kansas over schools in New York.
00:06:26: Anna shares her career shift from being a stockbroker in Kansas City to pursuing her passion for performing in New York.
00:07:44: Her journey to New York involved a detour to Italy, fulfilling her dream to be there.
00:08:22: Transitioning from a stockbroker to becoming a voice coach and founding Voice Success. 00:09:45: The birth of her teaching career in singing and exploration of brain function in voice.
00:14:04: Her success in accent reduction and subsequent focus on corporate training.
00:14:56: Discusses her career establishing a business in Seattle and working with major companies like Microsoft.
00:17:45: Details about her work and life in Seattle before moving to Mexico. 00:19:39: Decision to move to Mexico and experiences that followed.
00:22:24: Logistics of moving to Mexico discussed, including traveling with the car and a cat.
00:24:38: Learning Spanish and living in a small Mexican town. Experience in Mexican culture and affordability.
00:30:34: Her choice of exploring North Carolina when unsure about staying in Mexico. 00:32:59: Selling her house in Seattle facilitating further travels and transitions.
00:34:07: Addresses a lack of fear in moving and taking big life changes, viewing them as non-threatening endeavors.
00:41:15: Explores moving to Cuenca, Ecuador, due to financial concerns and safety considerations with the political climate in the USA.
00:49:41: Living comfortably on Social Security in Ecuador and the liberties afforded by financial stability abroad.
00:51:47: Recommends Ecuador as a favorable destination for retirees.
00:54:08: Closing remarks and encouragement to listen to Moving Along for more stories.
Key Takeaways
- Fearlessness in moving and adapting to new cultures can lead to rich and fulfilling experiences.
- Focusing on professional skills that are transferable can aid in maintaining financial security while living abroad.
- Understanding the importance of financial planning, especially regarding Social Security and investments. Considering alternative living locations for better quality of life and affordability in countries like Ecuador.
Tweetable Quotes
"It just never occurred to me to be afraid." — Anna Bernstein
"Just don't be afraid. Just try things." — Anna Bernstein
"Any excuse for a party, that's Latin America or South America." — Anna Bernstein "I know where I don't want to be, and right now it’s in the States." — Anna Bernstein
"You can always buy furniture. You know, who cares?" — Anna Bernstein
Resource for Those Wanting to Move Abroad
Elite Documents Apostille
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Podium.page and/or Descript.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
Growing up off Exit 109 of the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey, Diane Wyzga remembers family vacations as setting the stage for a lifetime of wanderlust. Growing up as the eldest of seven, Diane’s early adventures in state and national parks sparked a passion for exploration that never faded. Join me as I chat with Diane, founder of Quarter Moon Story Arts, and we navigate her multifaceted journey from Navy nurse to lawyer, and now a storyteller on Whidbey Island and host of the daily podcast "Stories from Women Who Walk."
The episode unfolds with tales of youthful independence and the courage to chart one's path. Childhood memories of collecting S&H Green Stamps for camping gear with Diane’s family are the precursor to a love for hiking and a life marked by exploration. Diane's story of trekking the Camino de Santiago as a transformative milestone resonates as Diane reminisces about her backpacking adventures across Europe. With a trusty travel guide and a heart full of optimism, Diane’s early journeys reveal an enduring spirit of adventure.
--------- HIGHLIGHTS ---------
0:02:33 - Childhood Travel Memories and Green Stamps
0:06:23 - Life-Changing Outdoor Adventures
0:11:19 - Life Divided
0:16:57 - Backpacking Across Europe Without Set Plans
0:23:02 - From Backpacking Europe to Navy Service
0:30:35 - Trips to New York City
0:39:59 - Last Hope Island and Diane's Polish Heritage
0:46:26 - Camino del Santiago: Encouraging Note From a Friend
0:55:48 - Granny D's Inspiring Journey Across America
Contact Info & Links
Quarter Moon Story Arts: https://www.quartermoonstoryarts.net
E-mail: info@quartermoonstoryarts.net
Stories From Women Who Walk with daily 60 Seconds podcast:
https://stories-from-women-who-walk.simplecast.com/
Diane as “Wyzga on Words” on Substack:
https://dianewyzga.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search
Diane on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-f-wyzga-QMSA
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Podium.page and/or Descript.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
Travel enthusiasts and those facing the prospect of relocation, gather around for a rich tapestry of stories and insights with me, Christi Cassidy, and our special guest, Devra Jacobs, author of A Happy Move. Discover how Devra's adventurous spirit, cultivated during her formative years in the Bay Area and later in New Jersey, has led her through an enriching journey of frequent moves within the U.S. and across the globe. Her story offers a refreshing perspective on embracing change, moving with loved ones and pets, and the intricate dance between staying connected to family while exploring new horizons.
Thinking about what to pack and what to leave behind? We unravel the complexities of downsizing, balancing sentimental treasures with practical decisions, and weighing the cost of shipping versus replacing items.
Now approaching her 30th move (from Flagstaff to Arkansas), Devra shares strategies for researching your new home’s weather, language and culture, and the importance of being prepared for the challenges of moving. These handy tips are not just for those crossing oceans but also for anyone tackling the logistics of a local move.
For those yearning to understand the nuances of adapting to new environments, Devra’s anecdotes from moving to Korea in the late 70s as a young military wife and new mother—complete with unexpected cultural surprises—serve as a guide. From understanding pet regulations to harnessing the power of community, each tale is a stepping stone toward finding your own sense of home. Packed with personal stories interwoven with practical advice, this episode is your gateway to making any move a seamless and rewarding adventure.
A Happy Move: Everything You Need to Know Before and After the Boxes Are Packed by Devra Jacobs and Brit Elders (Beyond Words Publishing, 2024, distributed by Simon & Schuster)
Contact Devra, read her blog and watch practical videos on packing and moving: https://ahappymove.com
Chapters
(00:03) - Personal Stories of Travel and Relocation
(12:07) - Moving and Downsizing
(17:32) - Moving Tips and Cultural Insights
(25:35) - Moving Stories and Reflections
(30:40) - Moving Strategies and Tips
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Podium.page and/or Descript.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
Podcast Summary
Ariana Johnson, the newly crowned Ms. Black Ohio USA 2025 (and Ms. Black Ohio USA 2024), joins us on a riveting journey through her life of advocacy and ambition. Raised with an appreciation for diverse cultures, Ariana brings rich insights into how travel and education shaped her values. Our conversation reveals her gratitude for her strong women role models around her, her passion for the arts and her love of childhood icons like Beverly Cleary and the American Girl series, which fueled her imagination and inspired her advocacy work.
Ariana's experience in pageantry, a world she once hesitated to enter, transformed her path and empowered her mission. Through pageants like the American Royal Beauties, she found a supportive community that celebrated her dedication to social equity and mental health advocacy. Her commitment shines as she shares the influence of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority in her journey, where mentorship and positive role models have played a crucial role.
We tackle pertinent issues like hair discrimination, which affects Black women in professional settings, and discuss Ariana's impactful work with the FAMICOS Foundation. With aspirations in the family court system, modeling, and maybe even moving to New York City or Miami to pursue her dreams, Ariana's story is one of determination and purpose. Her pride in representing Ohio and commitment to maternal health in the Black community make this episode a compelling testament to her journey and advocacy. Join us for an inspiring narrative of empowerment and ambition that promises to engage and uplift.
Reach Ariana on Instagram or Ariana on LinkedIn
CHAPTERS
(00:03) Journey of Advocacy and Ambition
Miss Black Ohio USA 2024 discusses her childhood love for diverse cultures, pageantry as a platform for advocacy, and the impact of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
(14:14) Empowering Black Women Through Pageantry
Personal journey in music and pageantry, choir and flute experiences, introduction to pageantry at 19, crowned print model title in American Royal Beauties.
(28:01) Navigating Advocacy and Empowerment
Journey into social work through family mediation, mentorship, and hair discrimination in professional settings.
(38:05) Career Dreams and Aspirations
Hair discrimination in the Black community, community development work, aspirations in family court and modeling industry.
(45:16) Miss Black Ohio's Platform and Pride
Miss Black Ohio shares her dedication to her platform and commitment to maternal health in the Black community, representing Ohio with pride.
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Podium.page and/or Descript.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
What if the tapestry of your life was woven through constant change and cultural encounters? Join us for an insightful conversation with writer and poet Robert Lunday, who shares his journey of growing up as a military dependent and his impending move from Houston to the serene landscapes of Kyushu, Japan. Robert opens up about how his early experiences of frequent relocations fostered a deep curiosity and understanding of diverse cultures—skills that will surely aid him as he embraces a new beginning in Japan.
Together, we navigate the sensitive subject of global disappearances, focusing on countries like Mexico, Japan, and the United States and the disappearance in 1982 of Robert’s stepfather. Our discussion highlights the courage of grassroots efforts, often led by families, to find missing loved ones when official avenues fall short. From poignant artistic memorials by a Mexican shoemaker to the haunting tales of Indigenous communities, these stories underline the power of collective action and the profound impact of “missingness” on identity and community.
As Robert prepares for his new, expat life in Japan, the conversation shifts to themes of cultural integration and adaptation. We explore the intriguing opportunities presented by Japan's abandoned homes and the unique challenges faced by expatriates in preserving these relics of rural history. Through the story of Robert’s wife, Yukiko, and her equestrian pursuits, Robert reflects on the blend of tradition and innovation that defines life in rural Japan. Whether discussing societal norms or language barriers, Robert's insights promise to enrich your understanding of what it means to truly belong in a new place.
Robert Lunday: https://robertlunday.com/
Disequilibria: Meditations on Missingness by Robert Lunday
University of New Mexico Press, 2023
You can order Robert’s latest book directly from his website: https://robertlunday.com/books/
Chapters
(00:03) Moving Along With Robert Lunday
Robert Lunday's childhood as a military dependent shaped his worldview, finding solace in libraries and adapting to new environments.
(15:19) Studying Global Disappearances and Responses
Exploring disappearances in Mexico, Canada, Japan and the U.S., including law enforcement's role, grassroots efforts and the impact on Indigenous and Black communities.
(22:07) Global Disappearances and Collective Action
Indigenous experiences, personal journeys, and collective support in navigating the complexities of missing loved ones.
(27:46) Navigating Missing Persons Cases and Support
Social media's impact on missing persons, personal experiences, verification, global research, and ambiguous loss.
(42:19) Cultural Integration and New Beginnings
Adapting to new environments, diversity in Houston classrooms, challenges of immigration, and the role of writing in processing experiences.
(48:07) Exploring Japanese Culture and Language
Exploring Japanese culture and language, adapting as a foreigner, and considering societal norms and demographics with Robert's Japanese wife, Yukiko.
(55:43) Japanese Abandoned Homes and Expatriate Life
Abandoned homes in rural Japan are being purchased by non-Japanese for vacation purposes, while cultural practices like horse sashimi and waste disposal are also discussed.
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Post-production help from Auphonic.com.
Show notes written with assistance from Podium.page and/or Descript.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram
Alex Howard, editorial director of Lonely Planet, discusses his journey from Central Florida to leading the world's top travel guidebook publisher. Discover Alex's recommendations for hidden gems like Isle Royale National Park in Michigan, Haida Gwaii in British Columbia, and the Puye Cliff Dwellings at Santa Clara Pueblo in New Mexico. Alex shares personal stories, from childhood trips to Disney World, the Redwoods and Hong Kong, to backpacking in China (where he met his wife) and India, to adventuring in an Alaskan glacier bay, dressed in an Arctic dry suit and paddling around icebergs.
Beginning as a backpacker reliant on Lonely Planet's guidebooks, "the blue spines," Alex transformed into a guidebook creator himself, driving Lonely Planet's vision for over a decade.
Passionate about authenticity in travel journalism, Alex offers editorial tips for aspiring Lonely Planet writers, talks about Lonely Planet's Offbeat Destinations guides and discusses sustainability in travel. Plus, Alex muses on Lonely Planet's distinction among travel guidebooks for its focus on locals and experiences. Here he also reveals what destination proposals he'd like to see cross his desk.
This episode is perfect for travel writers and avid adventurers alike, seeking to explore the world’s offbeat paths and create their own transformative journeys.
00:38 Alex Howard's Early Travel Memories
03:56 Backpacking and Teaching in China
07:02 Lonely Planet's Evolution and Challenges
11:03 Memorable Travel Experiences
20:12 Travel Writing Insights and Advice
27:44 Offbeat Destinations and Future Plans
Contact info
You can find Alex Howard, editorial director of Lonely Planet, at LinkedIn, Instagram or Twitter/X.
Check out Lonely Planet's website.
Follow Lonely Planet's Webby Award-winning Instagram.
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Show notes written with assistance from Underlord. You know who you are.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram!
Danny van Leeuwen, the host of Health Hats, tells good stories. About his incredible experience on a swaying walkway 20 stories above the jungle canopy in Costa Rica. About the time he fell on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. About the first time he fell. About trying to climb 11th century castle steps in Spain. A nurse and healthcare advocate, he shares his experiences of living with multiple sclerosis and being an advocate for health equity.
Danny also discusses his background, including his career in healthcare and membership in several important health organizations. He remembers what travel meant to him as a child and recounts his various adventures traveling with disabilities, including trips from Chicago and Detroit to New York, to the Camino in Spain, to the Portugal Camino and to Costa Rica.
Danny provides practical advice on dealing with the challenges of traveling with a disability, emphasizing the importance of support systems and leveraging available resources. He also touches on his work with underrepresented communities and his interest in long COVID research. Danny's philosophy of taking calculated risks and remaining adaptable despite physical limitations resonates throughout the conversation.
Danny van Leeuwen Info
Contact Danny: https://health-hats.com/#contact
Health Hats Website: https://health-hats.com/
Danny Health Hats Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/dvanleeu
Danny crossing the suspension bridge in Costa Rica with Juve Acuna, the grandfather of disability travel guides, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1zokW8rnNk
Places mentioned:
Boston
Chicago
Detroit
New York
Spain Camino de Santiago
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
Portugal Camino
Costa Rica
Cloudland State Park, Georgia
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Show notes written with assistance from Underlord. You know who you are.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram!
As a child, Autumn Carolynn gazed skyward, dreaming of the day she'd soar above the clouds. Now, with the passport stamps of 30 countries adorning her well-traveled pages, she sits down with me, Christi Cassidy, to recount her evolution from a flight attendant to a travel design manager and travel photographer. Our conversation sweeps across the globe, from the academic pathways of Canterbury to the high skies and the intricate world of travel planning. Autumn's stories are a mosaic of laughter, mishaps and invaluable insights that remind us of travel's transformative power on our lives.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to confidently navigate the globe alone? Autumn opens the curtain on the challenges and triumphs of solo travel, her journey into the world of flight attendants—where every half-point in training could change your fate—and the artistry behind capturing moments that tell a story. She shares personal anecdotes and practical tips, and together we celebrate the special kind of magic one finds in new destinations and long-lasting memories made with friends, strangers and loved ones alike.
Wrapping up our adventure, we tackle the intricacies of trip planning, from choosing accommodations to embracing the spontaneity of travel. Autumn encourages us to push past travel anxiety, to seize the day and book that flight, immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of cultures awaiting discovery. Her book, Traveling in Wonder, beckons with tales from her voyages and serves as a guide for the anxious traveler seeking to conquer fears. So, tune in, get inspired, and perhaps you'll find yourself planning your own journey into the wonderful world of travel.
-------- HIGHLIGHTS ---------
0:03:10 - Childhood Dream of Becoming Flight Attendant
0:06:18 - Followed Gut Feeling, Became Flight Attendant
0:12:05 - Benefits of Solo vs Group Travel
0:18:53 - Rediscovering Photography During Lockdown
0:43:55 - Finding Flight Deals Using Kayak
0:47:27 - Advancements in Travel Technology
0:51:17 - Flexible Travel Plans and Destinations
0:53:42 - Overcoming Anxiety Through New Experiences
Resources recommended by Autumn Carolynn:
Kayak
Hostelworld.com
Viator
Reddit - travel subreddit
Couchsurfing.com
Rick Steves travel guides
Places mentioned in this episode:
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Canterbury, England
Newcastle, England
Australia
Costa Rica
San Francisco
Iceland
Chicago, Illinois
Elmhurst, Illinois
Illinois State University
Norway
Japan
Budapest, Hungary
Seoul, South Korea
Contact information:
Website: https://autumncarolynn.com
Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @autumncarolynnphotography
TikTok: @autumncarolynnphotograph (no y)
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Show notes written with assistance from Podium.page.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram!
Carlton Klein's first and most dramatic great adventure involved secretly dropping out of college, riding a bicycle to Mexico and taking every form of transportation but planes down to Bogota, Colombia. He writes, “I came away with some wild experiences like working on the Panama Canal, and trying to avoid drug mules in Mexico. That trip also did a lot for me in terms of reviving my zest for life and polishing out my social skills, but didn't sort out the larger issues.” It did, however, plant the seed for an idea that would become a business after another big transition.
Originally from Chevy Chase, Maryland, Carlton worked in Washington, D.C. and, once he headed back to school, earned a master’s degree in international development at the University of Maryland. He spent years spent living and working in developing countries including India, Burma (Myanmar) and Colombia.
He had just completed his field work in India, working with the Wildlife Trust of India, and returned to the U.S. Covid-19 hit not long after, and he wound up running logistics for two Covid field hospitals.
We discuss Carlton’s transition from backpacking wanderlust to entrepreneur with an import business, how he found his way out of his own personal nadir, how he got the idea for Lost Canyon Imports and how he envisions his future.
We talk about his concern over the growing homogeneity of the world, the fine line of exploitation and saving the arts of faraway cultures, and the sense of loss he feels as he witnesses cultures and traditions disappearing. One of the most tangible pieces of a culture, he believes, is the crafts they make. Carlton went back to Colombia, met with traditional artisans, filmed their process and the culture behind the pieces and started a company to sell their works in the U.S., contributing to a steady stream of income for them.
You can reach Carlton Klein here: lostcanyonimports@gmail.com
Instagram: @lostcanyonimports
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@LostCanyonImports
Website: https://www.lostcanyonimports.com/
Places mentioned in this episode:
Chevy Chase, Maryland
McDaniel College
University of Maryland
Washington, D.C.
Austin, Texas
El Paso, Texas
Mexico
Panama Canal
Bogata, Colombia
Nevado del Tolima, Colombia
Burma
Myanmar
Bolvia
India
Sibundoy Valley, Colombia
Magdalena River, Colombia
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Show notes written with assistance from Podium.page.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram!
G’sta peels back the layers of being a successful hip hop musician, producer and studio owner. A hip hop baby, Sean Self, known as G’sta, began writing and performing as a child in the 7th Ward of New Orleans, hitting his stride in the late 1990s.
This year, G'sta celebrates 20 years of owning his own studio, So Stimulus Entertainment. He recently released “Classic Status” to celebrate hip hop’s 50th anniversary. Along the way, he and his family escaped Hurricane Katrina, he hit rock bottom and faced deep depression over a failed music contract, and he reclaimed his self-esteem, rising to the top in Las Vegas, where he owns a home and lives with the love of his life.
G’sta talks openly about embracing his corporate self while fueling the creativity that has never left him, fusing the two with a new vision of licensing the personal brand he has created.
G'sta's collaborators and shoutouts (a selection, in no particular order):
DJ Blaknificent, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Money Shot Chris, L.A. Create, Dizzy Wright, Carl Marshall, Travis Snow, Korg USA, Robert King at Red Giant Rights Group, Popeye Calliope, Master P, No Limit Records, Jay-Z, Nas, Ice Cube, Doug E. Fresh, The Outlaw, Big Boy's Neighborhood, Derek McLeod, Horacio Sigler, Geneus Branding, among many others
Places mentioned:
New Orleans, Louisiana; Atlanta, Georgia; Houston, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; Jamaica; Natchez, Mississippi, Birmingham, Alabama; Shreveport, Louisiana
"Classic Status" copyright (c) So Stimulus Entertainment. Used by permission.
"Classic Status" official video featuring D.J. Blacknificent - on WorldStar:
https://worldstarhiphop.com/videos/wshhY8H86Qah9KG6Cywt/gsta-classic-status-feat-d-j-blaknificent-so-stimulus-entertainment-sponsored
G'sta on SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/gsta-g
G'sta on Instagram, @gsta_g
https://www.instagram.com/gsta_g
Sean G'sta Self on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sean.gsta.self/
G'sta on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/7GstaG
Everything G'sta, on the So Stimulus Entertainment website:
https://sostimulusent.com/
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------
(0:00:04) - Life Transitions and Travel Experiences
(0:14:58) - Music, Careers, and Collaborations
(0:26:46) - Navigating Creativity in Traditional Job
(0:38:52) - Importance of Life Coaching and Growth
(0:51:08) - Maintaining Health and Creativity
(0:55:54) - Creative Album Production in Studio
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS ---------
(0:00:04) - Life Transitions and Travel Experiences
Sean G'sta's journey from New Orleans to Las Vegas, including travel, relocation, cultural experiences and resilience.
(0:14:58) - Music, Careers and Collaborations
Multifaceted artist's journey from music to insurance and IT, reigniting passion for music through album covers and celebrating hip-hop's 50th anniversary.
(0:26:46) - Navigating Creativity in Traditional Job
Nature's balance between a day job and creative career, using collaborations, licensing, and mentorship to inspire the next generation.
(0:38:52) - Importance of Life Coaching and Growth
Timing, personal growth and supportive individuals are crucial in achieving goals.
(0:51:08) - Maintaining Health and Creativity
Overcoming challenges of MS while pursuing music career, maintaining positivity, adapting lifestyle, staying in good shape and connecting with fans.
(0:55:54) - Creative Album Production in Studio
Excitement for new album, creative process, #IWin, gratitude for support and inspiration, artist-audience mutual appreciation.
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Show notes written with assistance from Podium.page.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram!
“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”
—Joseph Cambell (1904 – 1987)
Every journey is a tapestry of experiences, and Urmi Hossain’s story weaves a vibrant pattern of culture, identity and self-discovery that stretches across continents. Our conversation peels back the layers of Urmi’s life, from her early years in Italy to her adventures in Canada, illuminating the bittersweet nature of frequent relocations. She recounts the challenges of being a Bengali Muslim in Catholic schools and the complexity of being a third culture kid caught between worlds. With each move, Urmi faced the daunting task of bidding farewell to friendships and adapting to new surroundings, yet she found a way to embrace the excitement of exploration and the richness of Canada’s multicultural milieu.
Digging deeper into the heart of immigration, Urmi reflects on her parents’ brave leap from Bangladesh to Italy—perhaps influenced by Italy’s permissive Martelli’s law—a journey made not for work but for the promise of a better future. This chapter of Urmi’s life paints an intriguing portrait of identity struggles, as she feels more anchored to her Italian and Bengali roots than to her Canadian citizenship. Urmi likens the move to Canada to Joseph Campbell’s “cave you fear to enter,” which holds “the treasure you seek.” The analogy captures both the risks and the rewards of diving into the unknown, a country where even the language, Quebecois, created a formidable hurdle to acceptance. Her adventurous spirit is a testament to the power of taking chances and the profound impact such decisions have on shaping one’s life narrative.
In the final stretch of our intimate dialogue, we traverse the landscape of Urmi’s personal growth and the resilience she has honed over the years. Becoming a Toastmaster has helped her in pursuing her ultimate quest for giving a coveted TED Talk. She is a dedicated mentor to other women and girls through her volunteer work in Canada, and Urmi shares how her commitment to fitness, particularly boxing, has fortified her mental and physical strength. As we wrap up, we contemplate the paradoxical relationship between joy and sadness and the adaptability that is carved from life’s hurdles. Urmi’s journey from Palermo to Montreal exemplifies the transformative process that many of us navigate, reminding us that the essence of our shared human experience is as unpredictable as it is beautiful. Join us for this heartfelt exploration that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever sought their place in the world.
Highlight Timestamps
(03:08 - 04:27) Exploration and Self-Discovery Through Moving
(10:17 - 12:06) Immigration Experiences of Bangladeshi Family
(14:54 - 15:52) Questioning Ethnicity and Accents
(21:08 - 22:18) Journey of Personal Transformation
(29:50 - 30:55) Exploring Career Paths and Personal Accomplishments
(32:23 - 33:06) The Importance of Taking Risks
Places mentioned in this episode:
Palermo
Bangladesh
Italy
U.K.
Montreal
Canada
About Urmi Hossain
Urmi Hossain is Bengali by blood and Italian by birth. She is the author of Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth from Interracial Struggle. She works in the financial services industry in Montreal, Canada, where she currently resides. Blogger, speaker, mentor and polyglot, she is fluent in Italian, Bengali, French and English.
Urmi is an advocate of women’s empowerment and very passionate about teaching and mentoring other girls and women. She is part of the organization called Women In Leadership for the Victoria Chapter in Canada as the social media lead. She enjoys being a promoter of self-investing and personal development. In her free time, she enjoys reading books and boxing.
Contact Urmi at her blog: https://www.myways.ca/
Urmi’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZoiI0SGU0Xo9_lNjtLWtgg
Urmi’s book on Amazon: Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth from Interracial Struggle
Urmi Hossain on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/urmi-hossain
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Show notes written with assistance from Podium.page.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram!
Ever wondered about the power of resilience in navigating life's bumps? Prepare to be captivated as we explore this and more with the remarkable Pat Wetzel, pilot, adventurer, author and podcast host of Bump in the Road. Pat's life is a rich tapestry of domestic and world travel, marked by immense joys and formidable challenges--from growing up in a globetrotting, food-loving family to a Wall Street career to facing a cancer diagnosis, divorce and a business betrayal. As she pulls back the curtain on her adventurous life, you'll discover the delicious thrill of soaring in Whiskey Oscar, her sailplane; her love of “indigenous,” pre-Google travel; and the transformative power of perspective-pivoting.
In an enlightening chat, Pat delves into the heart of her life's adversities, revealing how she found joy and positivity amidst turmoil. Through tales of resilience, we investigate the importance of self-care and the necessity of stepping out of our comfort zones to truly understand our strengths and weaknesses. Listen in as we discuss the importance of shifting perspectives, and explore how Pat employs meditation as a tool to quiet her mind and make conscious choices. She offers a unique lens on travel as a means of resetting and discovering inner strength, and her approach is sure to inspire you.
In our final segment, we explore the importance of meaningful conversations about life's challenges. Pat extends an invitation to you, our listeners, to join her on her website for more inspiring stories and to chart your own adventures. Prepare to be inspired to dream big, evolve and keep moving along, no matter what bumps you encounter on your road. Embrace this delightful opportunity to dive into an enlightening conversation about travel, life transitions and the power of resilience.
(Show notes written with some help from PodiumGPT.)
Places mentioned:
Prescott, Arizona
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Paris, France
Calistoga, California
Lake Tahoe, California
Minden, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Phoenix
Sedona, Arizona
Flagstaff, Arizona
The Badlands, South Dakota
Los Angeles, California
Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
Wall Street
Silicon Valley
Upper Saddle River, New Jersey
Links
Bump in the Road website: https://bumpintheroad.us/
Bump in the Road podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bump-in-the-road/id1515348427
Bump in the Road book (Amazon affiliate link): https://a.co/d/6amkuaA
8 Minute Meditation Expanded: Quiet Your Mind. Change Your Life. by Victor Davich: https://www.amazon.com/Minute-Meditation-Expanded-Quiet-Change/dp/0399173420
Pat’s interview with Erik Weihenmayer, Blind Visionary: https://bumpintheroad.us/erik-weihenmayer-blind-visionary/
Pat’s interview with Gary Hensel, The Spiritual Warrior, on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7\_UAUC5zNbg?si=z3p4zsWH\_K9RZJAy
The Way of Wisdom with Gary Hensel: https://bumpintheroad.us/the-way-of-wisdom-the-spiritual-warrior/
The Way of Wisdom with Gary Hensel and Deborah Toyias Kozich on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umEV\_LexKME
Moving Along podcast website: https://movingalongpodcast.com/
Contact Christi Cassidy, host and creator: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Show notes written with assistance from Podium.page.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram!
Where have we been? Here's a brief rundown on what's been happening. The broken arm (oops!) thanks to a dog-walking accident in early August. No vacation! But a weekend getaway Nan and Christi took to Ogunquit, Maine, staying on the beach. And a sad RIP for a former Moving Along podcast guest and dear friend.
Coming up in the next few months: Pat Wetzel, host of Bump in the Road podcast and her book of the same name; Urmi Hossain on her journey as a Bengali-Italian from Italy to Montreal; Lovelace Cook on her work with FEMA in the Southern U.S. and her forthcoming book Meet Me in Mumbai; and Nina Costa, who toured the world with beloved New Orleans musician Dr. John and then the U.S. with Steve Martin and Marty Short.
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Show notes written with assistance from Podium.page.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram!
(0:00:06) - Tommy Ngo's Journey
(0:13:28) - Family, Music, and Coming Out
(0:22:16) - Vietnamese Culture, Religion, and Art
(0:35:36) - Love for Music, Culture, and Fashion
In this engaging conversation, we explore Tommy's family dynamics, his dedication to music and art and the significant role his father played in their immigration to the United States. Tommy opens up about his relationship with his brother, their shared experiences of coming out as gay and his plans to reconnect with family in Vietnam. His story is a testament to resilience, bravery and the transformative power of music.
Tommy provides a window into Vietnamese culture, Buddhism and his experience as a child with a vegan diet. He talks about his passion for painting and singing, and why he chose not to pursue a career in entertainment. His journey through the fashion industry reveals his adaptability, innovation and the influence of his Vietnamese roots. Listen to this episode for an inspiring story of overcoming odds, embracing identity and finding success in unexpected places.
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS ---------
(0:00:06) - Tommy Ngo's Journey
Tommy Ngo shares his journey from Vietnam to the U.S., his career in fashion and music and his entrepreneurial venture in Hudson, NY.
(0:13:28) - Family, Music and Coming Out
Tommy Ngo shares his experience growing up in Vietnam, his passion for music, art and dance, his father's process to get the family to the U.S., his and his brother's coming out and his plan to return to Vietnam.
(0:22:16) - Vietnamese Culture, Religion and Art
Tommy Ngo's upbringing in Vietnam, Buddhism, vegan diet, Catholic church choir, karaoke, painting and singing are discussed.
(0:35:36) - Love for Music, Culture and Fashion
Tommy Ngo shares his journey in fashion, adapting to electric sewing machines, transitioning to his own business and the influence of Vietnam.
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH FULL SUMMARIES ---------
(0:00:06) - Tommy Ngo's Journey (13 Minutes)
Tommy Ngo tells me his fascinating story of growing up in Vietnam and eventually moving to New York. He was always passionate about music and art, and his older sister took care of the family while his father served in the Vietnam War. Tommy was discovered for his singing talent by someone in his neighborhood and he went on to sing opera on a circuit of small towns. He shares his experience of the Communist takeover in Vietnam and how it affected his family. He then talks about his journey to the U.S. and his career in the fashion industry, meeting his life partner at the Metropolitan Opera. Finally, Tommy speaks about his entrepreneurial venture, his gallery and luxury nail salon in Hudson, New York.
(0:13:28) - Family, Music and Coming Out (9 Minutes)
I speak with Tommy Ngo about his experience growing up in Vietnam and his eventual move to New York. We discuss his passion for music, art and dance, and the process his father went through to get his family accepted into the United States. We also explore Tommy's relationship with his brother, and how they both came out as gay in different settings. Tommy shares his plan to go back to Vietnam to celebrate his nephew's wedding and reconnect with his family.
(0:22:16) - Vietnamese Culture, Religion, and Art (13 Minutes)
I chat with Tommy Ngo about his upbringing in Vietnam and his eventual move to New York. We explore his background with Buddhism, his experience with a vegan diet, and his involvement in a Catholic church choir. We talk about his family's karaoke set-up and his passion for painting and singing, and why he ultimately chose not to pursue a career in entertainment. We also consider how the expectations of Vietnamese culture and his religion have impacted his life choices.
(0:35:36) - Love for Music, Culture and Fashion (9 Minutes)
I chat with Tommy Ngo about his journey in the fashion industry. He talks about his introduction to tailoring and his transition to higher end luxury salons. He shares how he has adapted to electric sewing machines and how his work in fashion has impacted his hands. Tommy explains why he decided to transition out of the fashion industry and into his own business. We discuss how his experience in Vietnam influenced his decision to pursue fashion and the importance of the cultural options New York has provided him.
Tommy Ngo on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/tommyhaingo/
Moving Along music by Eve's Blue
Contact: Christi Cassidy, christi@movingalongpodcast.com
CREDITS
Host and creator: Christi Cassidy
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Artwork by Phyllis Busell
Music by Eve’s Blue.
Show notes written with assistance from Podium.page.
LINKS:
More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com
Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram!
In a free-flowing conversation, Deborah Sundahl talks about how she came to travel six months each year to Europe and Scandanavia giving lectures and workshops about women's sexuality--a second career born of a need to promote her book about female ejaculation and the G-spot. She discusses what happens at her hands-on workshops, which serve women in their 40s who are discovering their true sexuality, some for the first time.
Other topics range from a discussion of On Our Backs, the lesbian magazine Deborah co-founded in the 1980s, to AIDS and what women learned from gay men and the BDSM community, to writing a book about female ejaculation and the G-spot--a gamble that went from passion project to a whole new profession as a traveling sex educator and lecturer.
About Deborah Sundahl
Deborah Sundahl (https://deborahsundahl.com/) is a pioneer in female sexuality with 35 years’ experience. Her groundbreaking book is Female Ejaculation and the G-Spot (“not your mother’s orgasm book”). She has produced many videos on female ejaculation and G-spot sexuality (available at her store, https://deborahsundahl.com/shop/). A master sexuality teacher, lecturer and sex educator, Deborah travels throughout the U.S., Scandinavia and Europe teaching women and couples her unique, effective method for discovering and loving the G-spot. She is an advocate for adult sex education and sexual wellness.
Sources for More Information
The Human Female Prostate: From Vestigial Skene's Paraurethral Glands and Ducts to Woman's Functional Prostate. By Milan Zaviacic. Slovak Academic Press, Bratislava, Slovakia, 1999
“Clinical Significance fo the Paraurethral Ducts and Glands” by John W. Huffman, M.D. (Chicago), May 1951
Abstract: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/article-abstract/549701
Full text: https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/american-medical-association/clinical-significance-of-the-paraurethral-ducts-and-glands-QICfsXLu76?key=JAMA
Regnier de Graaf, 1641 – 1673
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regnier_de_Graaf
Alexander Skene, 1837 – 1900
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Skene
Ernst Gräfenberg, 1881 – 1957
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernst_Gr%C3%A4fenberg
On Our Backs
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_Our_Backs
The Human Sexuality Collection, Cornell University
https://rare.library.cornell.edu/human-sexuality-collection/
Susie Bright Papers and On Our Backs Records
https://rmc.library.cornell.edu/EAD/htmldocs/RMM07788.html
Human Sexuality Collection on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/CornellSexCollects/
+++
Music by Eve’s Blue
Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Website: https://movingalongpodcast.com/
Moving Along guest Patrice Jenkins, Ph.D., is an organizational psychologist, consultant and frequent speaker on topics related to career and retirement transitions. She is the host of Day One Dreams podcast and author of two books, it’s still good: Dreams Don’t Have Expiration Datesand What Will I Do All Day? Wisdom to Get You Over Retirement and On with Living! Her online course, A Guide to Take the Weirdness Out of Retirement, is available at Udemy.com. Contact Patrice: https://patricejenkins.com/
Some of the topics we discussed...
Living the dream
Defining the dream
Should I relocate?
Creating purpose in retirement years
When retirement dreams are dashed
Act on your dream
Here are some tips to making your Thanksgiving dinner not too intense when visiting family. Applies to all family holiday dinners!
Nan Kinney and Christi Cassidy talk about visiting familly over the coming Thanksgiving and how to make the weekend visit a little less stressful.
Christina Beauchemin, Christi's friend and client, author of Let My Legacy Be Love (Woodhall Press, 2021), has great ideas on how to chill out and take the pressure off of Thanksgiving dinner. Find out more: https://christinabeauchemin.com/
Seinfeld - if you can find the episode with the "conversation cards," let Christi know @ christi@movingalongpodcast.com.
Into the maw of disaster, Mark Pellerito travels to wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes and even to train derailments on behalf of the National Weather Service, where Mark works as an incident meteorologist. Since the age of five, he's wanted to be a weatherman, and he started out as a local TV weatherman in Michigan. Then all hell broke loose, and his dream came crashing down. He and the entire newsroom were fired. Mark's wife, Marisa, was pregnant with twins; they had just bought a home in Battle Creek, Michigan. Friends suggested he apply to the National Weather Service, and before long, Mark was relocated in Glasgow, Montana, and training at the Shower Bath Fire in Idaho, then the Rattlesnake Complex, also in Idaho. Before long he was sent to the Iron Complex fire in California. Then, he was summoned to Sydney, Australia during the worst fire season they'd ever seen. In addition to wildfires, Mark talks about hurricanes, tornadoes, his love of weather from the time he was a kid and a New Jersey train derailment just outside of Philadelphia.
About Marian Amo
Marian Amo is an intricate part of the work done at Publishers Weekly. She enjoys writing, dancing, and baked goods. In her free time, you can catch her reading a good book or taking on new hobbies.
The Rum Cake - Marian's take on this DEE-lish rum cake recipe from the Spicy Southern Kitchen
https://spicysouthernkitchen.com/rum-cake-recipe/
Rum Cake
This Rum Cake is the ultimate party cake. With rum added to the batter and another 1/2 cup soaked into the baked cake, there's a whole lot of rum flavor.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings 18
Ingredients
Rum Syrup
baking spray
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1/2 cup salted butter, cut into pieces
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
4 large eggs
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup white or golden rum
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup salted butter
1/2 cup white rum
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
Preheat oven to 325 degrees and spray a 12-cup Bundt pan with baking spray. Sprinkle walnuts into the bottom of the pan. Set aside.
-
Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, mix together flour, sugar, pudding mix, butter, baking powder, and salt for 2 minutes.
-
Add milk, eggs, and coconut oil and mix on LOW for 2 minutes
-
Add rum and vanilla and mix on LOW for 1 more minute.
-
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let cool slightly while you make the Rum Syrup.
-
To make rum syrup, combine butter, rum, brown sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bringto a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Sugar should dissolve and syrupshould thicken just slightly.
-
Stir in vanilla extract.
-
Leave cake in Bundt pan and poke holes all over the top with a skewer or toothpick or a fork.Slowly pour glaze over top of cake. It will not all absorb into the cake right away. Let sit 30-45 minutes and invert cake onto a cake stand or plate. Store at room temperature.
You can reach Marian courtesy of Christi Cassidy, christi@movingalongpodcast.com
In Part 2 of our interview with Sonya Weisshappel, the CEO and founder of Seriatim professional organizers and inventory managment experts tells stories from her 23 years of helping people assess, get rid of and donate their stuff. Often precipitated by a crisis or major life transition such as a death in the family or decision to downsize or retire, people confront their belongings and often don't know where to turn. Sonya's mantra is know what you have, and once you know what you have you can determine its value. We discuss the importance of having an inventory of household items when bringing caregivers and home health aides into the home to care for elderly relatives. On the lighter side, Sonya talks about confronting the dusty shoes in the closet and how "stuff" comes to overtake your space. The Scandanavian idea of "death cleaning"--or decluttering along the way rather than waiting till the end.
Sonya also speaks highly of Brené Brown's book Atlas of the Heart and the importance of not judging people's styles of collecting and decorating.
Sonya grew up in New York City where she started her organizing company, Seriatim, in 1999. Proudly dyslexic, Sonya founded her business in order to avoid writing a resume and now, almost two decades later, she and her Seriatim team have earned themselves a reputation as consummate Chaos Whisperers. In 2017, Sonya became the first organizer to be accepted into the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program. She is currently President of the New York Council of Relocation Professionals (NYCORP). In her spare time, Sonya organizes her husband, three children, and rescue dog, Finn.
You can reach Sonya at https://www.seriatim.net/
Sonya Weisshappel, CEO and founder of Seriatim (seriatim.net) was born and raised in San Francisco. When she was 13, her parents moved to New York, and living on Central Park West gave Sonya a whole new vision of herself in the world...especially when her dad died a year later. It taught her empathy, a key skill in dealing with people in her business, who call her when they don't know where to start.
Proudly dyslexic, Sonya founded Seriatim in 1999, when she was at a loss for writing out a resume and applying to jobs in the usual way.
But she'd learned the primal skills of organization from her mother, who handled her aunt's design business in San Francisco, from a summer job at a Brooklyn table linens business (and where she learned to rub elbows with Bloomingdale's, Saks and other high-end retailers) and in Hawaii, where she worked for a fish and fruit exporter.
In this episode, we discuss what's in storage, and how much do you pay?
Appraisals help you understand what to keep, sell or donate. Knowing what you have helps you not lose valuable possessions, and not have them stolen. In part 2 we deal with household help and how having a full inventory of what you own can protect you.
Insurance premiums may be way overblown if you don't know what's in that storage locker. Whether inheritances or flea market finds, know what you have so you can understand its value and whether you want to save what you have.
Yes, no and maybe piles help you organize your basic things like books and "miscellaneous" drawers.
In part 2, we delve deeper into the value of keeping a list of what's in your home, especially when you hire help. How to organize your stuff in order to cut insurance premiums. The value of inventory management when it comes to saving money.
The audio is a little crinkly in part 1. Part 2 is clearer. Check out the transcript--and email Christi--if you have any questions.
Learn more about Sonya and Seriatim, professional organizing and inventory management experts : seriatim.com
Places mentioned in this episode:
San Francisco
New York City
Manhattan
Central Park West
Brooklyn
Hawaii
Music by Eves Blue
Want more? Contact your host, Christi Cassidy, at christi@movingalongpodcast.com
From Kansas to New Mexico...to Hawaii? Meet Kandy and Dave Shortle, originally from the great state of Kansas, who after retiring to Santa Fe, New Mexico--and enjoying high desert life for many years--sold their house during the pandemic and moved to Waikoloa, Hawaii, on the Big Island. How did they do it? Dave was full-time in the Army National Guard, and together he and Kandy raised a family and now have children and grandchildren who live in Silicon Valley, California. Moving from a house to a condo with a view of the ocean...moving to paradise...is a dream come true. Kandy and Dave have practical tips...and oh, yeah, how about moving that car?
Places mentioned in this episode:
Marysville, Kansas
Hays, Kansas
Manhattan, Kansas
Niagara Falls, New York
Corning, New York
Skidmore College
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Puerto Rico
Costa Rica
Waikoloa, Hawaii
The Big Island, Hawaii
Mauna Kea, Hawaii
Mauna Kea Golf Course, Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii
+++ Music by Eves Blue
By the time these two long-haul truckers met in Windy Wyoming, Christina and Jamie Crim were ready for love, ready for adventure, ready for a family. After a harrowing pregnancy, the Crims had a beautiful son, a "truckers' baby," and Las Vegas beckoned. The future was bright...until their dreams shattered.
What could they do? Some of us leave by choice, some of us by necessity. This is a story of leaving by choice, and then by necessity. It is the story of a young couple with a baby who found the promise in long-haul trucking, having moved from California to Las Vegas. And the economic devastation that befell them in Las Vegas. Then came COVID and even more economic havoc.
Theirs is a story of true love, faith and family, of finding hope and strength despite being broke and homeless in Sin City. Together, they made the heartwrenching decision. To stay or to leave? How would they rebuild their life and business?
Listen in to the Crims' story of the nomadic life, of hope, of homelessness, of the kindness of newfound friends and strangers and, ultimately, of leaving Las Vegas.
Places mentioned:
Poughkeepsie
Hudson, New York
The Hudson Valley
Quebec, Canada
North Carolina
Chicago
Ford Heights, Illinois
The Lincoln Highway
Underground Railroad - see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Heights,_Illinois#History
Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, Illinois
San Jose
Solana Beach, California
Del Mar Fairgrounds, California
Wyoming
New Haven, Connecticut
Bakersfield, California
Amarillo, Texas
Reno, Nevada
Brewster, New York
Las Vegas, Nevada
Also mentioned:
CRST - https://crst.com/
Aviation mechanics
Aviation Institute of Maintenance - https://aviationmaintenance.edu/campuses/las-vegas-nv/
COVID-19
Warrior J Trucking
C~Crim Trucking
University of Phoenix - https://www.phoenix.edu/
Aveda Institute - https://aveda.edu/
Contact info, links and shout-outs:
Crim de la Crim. crimdelacrim1982@gmail.com
https://crimdelacrim.co/
The people who kept Ni'Syah safe in Las Vegas:
Mrs. Benzena Brown, from Genesis II Church in North Las Vegas. Author of So I Will, So I Can. https://linkedin.com/in/benzena-brown-1260b195
Patricia Miles - a.k.a. Ms. Pat or Auntie Pat
Mischlane Melton - www.mischlanemelton.com
Music by Eves Blue.
Debby Mayer is a writer and talker in San Diego, California. She has published a novel, Sisters; a memoir, Riptides & Solaces Unforeseen, numerous short stories and reams of journalism. When she lived in New York State, she received two grants from the New York Foundation for the Arts: one in nonfiction, for “Therapy Dogs,” an excerpt from Riptides, and one in fiction for “The Secretary,” a short story published in The New Yorker. She holds an MA in creative writing from City College, where Sisters won the DeJur Award. Her day jobs have been arts administration (Poets & Writers, Inc.) and editing (Publications Office, Bard College). More at debbymayer.com.
Topics discussed:
"Go West, Old Woman" copyright (c) Debby Mayer. Read, recorded and used by permission.
"The Pandemic Café" copyright (c) Debby Mayer.
Travels with Sizzle
San Diego Union-Tribune
The Columbia Paper
Hudson, New York
Mira Mesa, San Diego
International travel
U.S. travel
Traveling solo as a widow
Traveling with pets
Driving cross-country with a dog
Traveling with a former show dog
Basenji breed
Buying a condo long-distance
Moving to San Diego
Music by Eves Blue, used by permission.
Connect:
Debby Mayer: https://debbymayer.com/
Moving Along: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MovingAlongPodcast
Christi Cassidy, host and producer: christi@movingalongpodcast.com
Growing up in Northern California
Traveling to Mexico City as a kid
Learning Spanish
Parenting magazine
Moving to New York City
Getting mugged in NYC on her first night there
Latina magazine
Jennifer Lopez - JLo - on the cover of the first Latina magazine
Living in Chelsea, Manhattan
Moving to her happy place - from New York City to Hermosa Beach in SoCal, Southern California
Moving with a cat, Rocco
Flying cross-country, not driving
Moving from Hermosa Beach to San Diego
The surprises and trials of living in San Diego
About Ramona Gonzales
Digital Advertising & Technology Consultant
Ramona Gonzales Consulting
Ramona Gonzales is a digital media veteran who started her career as a magazine editor. After nearly two decades of working for publishers, digital agencies, and technology companies—and active participation in industry initiatives—she launched her consulting company in 2009. Her clients encompass digital publishers, ad tech companies, and industry organizations such as the IAB, IAB Tech Lab, the Digital Advertising Alliance, and the Association of National Advertisers. Her consultancy provides services and solutions that are infused with revenue, data, and yield management principles and tactics, as well as industry best practices.
Before then, she consulted for online publishers and media companies for Microsoft Advertising and Rapt (acquired by Microsoft in 2008). Prior to that, as Director of Digital Media, she led LPI Media's digital media operations, P&L, strategic direction, business goals, and product development for four years. (LPI Media, the publisher of Out and The Advocate magazines, was acquired by PlanetOut and subsequently by HereTV Media.)
In the late 90s, Ramona oversaw the assessment, definition, and organization of digital content for major clients at Ogilvy Interactive (Director of Content Strategy in the Information Architecture Group). Her first foray into the digital arena was in 1997 as one of two producers who created SesameStreet.com. She moved to New York City in 1996 to launch Latina magazine, the first national magazine for Hispanic women in the US. Prior to Latina, she was an editor at Parenting magazine in San Francisco.
Ramona earned a BA in Journalism (minor in Women Studies) at San Jose State University.
Connect
Ramona Gonzales: www.ramonagonzales.com
Music by Eves Blue and used by permission.
Moving Along is a podcast about travel, relocation and life transitions. Should you do it? What’s involved? What’s the cost? Will you miss opportunities if you decide to stay instead of leave? At Moving Along, you’ll hear stories of people who packed up and left--either by necessity or choice; advice from experts in organization, budgeting and moving; and tips on making your life transition a positive new adventure. Where are you headed next?