Why We Travel: Recent Episodes
Shannon Strong
Why do people love to travel and explore the unknown? Why We Travel is a podcast featuring guests that will answer this question through their travel related stories from around the world. These stories will cover an endless range of topics and may be emotional, thought-provoking, or just plain fun. The goal is to forge connection to guests and the places they share about, create a community of global citizens, and inspire listeners to create adventures of their own. Following each story, we will dive into discussion on a more focused travel related topic. Welcome to Why We Travel!
In this episode, Shannon Strong (host), shares a quick travel story from Micronesia, where she's traveling to next, and more about the break between seasons.
This episode is a big thank you and wrap up on Season 1 of Why We Travel!
If you enjoyed this episode please consider giving WWT a rating or review. For more updates on episodes and guests give us a follow on Instagram, Tiktok, or Facebook. Check back in every two weeks for more episodes!
Intro/Outro music by Jason Conforte.
Cover art by Lauren Cordova.
In this episode, Ashely Liliana Gavilanes shares about her experiences navigating living abroad in different countries, including during Chile's social uprising in 2019, how to get through reverse culture shock, and her experience studying and becoming a travel journalist/content creator in today's times.
To follow along more of Ashely's travels check out her Instagram: @itsashelyliliana or her Youtube: @AshelyLiliana.
If you enjoyed this episode please consider giving WWT a rating or review. For more updates on episodes and guests give us a follow on Instagram, Tiktok, or Facebook.
This is the final episode of Season 1 - check back in a couple months for a new season and episodes.
Intro/Outro music by Jason Conforte.
Podcast art by Lauren Cordova.
In this episode, Lindsay Mukaddam - better known as One Girl Wandering online- shares about her experience getting into solo travel in her adult life, how she got into full time content creation as her career, what she loves about Japan, and more on the group trips that she runs today.
If you'd like to follow along more of Lindsay's travels and adventure's, follow her on all social media channels: @onegirlwandering (Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook, etc.), or check out her website:
If you enjoyed this episode please consider giving WWT a rating or review. For more updates on episodes and guests give us a follow on Instagram, Tiktok, or Facebook. Check back in every two weeks for more episodes!
Intro/outro music by Jason Conforte
Cover art by Lauren Cordova
In this episode Karin Borovcova, a traveling tattoo artist shares about her adventures around the world while tattooing stick n poke tattoos in exchange for gifts or money. She shares about different traditions of tattoos, gifts she's received in exchange, and the people that she has met that have led her to unexpected places. In addition Karin shares more about her time on sailboats and surfboards and what she has learned from her experiences.
To follow along Karin's tattoo art and her travels and to potentially get a tattoo from her connect or follow her on Instagram to see where she is around the world next: @pine_tattoo
If you enjoyed this episode please consider giving WWT a rating or review. For more updates on episodes and guests give us a follow on Instagram, Tiktok, or Facebook. Check back in every two weeks for more episodes!
Intro/Outro music by Jason Conforte.
Cover art by Lauren Cordova.
In this episode Hap Cameron shares about his journey working jobs in all 7 continents all before he turned 30. Hap shares an overview of the jobs and places he experienced over the 9 years, the great moments and sometimes scary ones, and what he learned through his experiences that has led him to where he is today - the owner of a New Zealand style ice cream shop based in Denver, CO called Happy Cones.
If you want to connect with Hap, try some ice cream, or learn more, check out his website: https://happyconesco.com/ or look up Happy Cones on Instagram and Facbook. To buy his book, "Hap Working The World", you can shop in person at Happy Cones, reach out to Hap directly to have it shipped through the previous links or it's available on Amazon.
If you enjoyed this episode please consider giving WWT a rating or review. For more updates on episodes and guests give us a follow on Instagram, Tiktok, or Facebook. Check back in every two weeks for more episodes!
Intro/Outro music by Jason Conforte.
In this episode Julie B. Rose shares how she quit her job and sold her house to travel the world living a nomad lifestyle. Julie dives more into minimalism, how she got into blogging, what it's like traveling with her Miniature Aussie pup, Penny, and she openly shares about finances and lessons learned through her time traveling. In addition, she shares stories of singing and dancing, and living life in beautiful Mexico.
To follow along Julie's travels check out her website: juliedevivre.com ,and follow her on Instagram, Facebook, or Youtube.
If you enjoyed this episode please consider giving WWT a rating or review. For more updates on episodes and guests give us a follow on Instagram, Tiktok, or Facebook. Check back in every two weeks for more episodes!
Intro/Outro music by Jason Conforte.
In this episode, Ailsa Dixon takes us on an adventure involving a dragon and clever heros all through the power of storytelling. As the youngest professional storyteller in Scotland and an avid musician, Ailsa shares traditional Scottish stories throughout the UK.
You can expect to learn more about storytelling origins, the similarities and differences of stories around the world, and hear a few stories and songs throughout the episode. Step into Scottish culture for an hour and get a little wanderlust fix through the tales of Scotland.
To hear more stories from Ailsa, you can follow her on Facebook. Or, you can check out one of her in person events for those in the UK.
Fringe Shows - Sunset Stories - Land Under Wave - Hear Us and Hasten
If you enjoyed this episode please consider giving WWT a rating or review. For more updates on episodes and guests give us a follow on Instagram, Tiktok, or Facebook.
Intro/Outro music by Jason Conforte.
In this episode, Kristin Secor, an accessible travel blogger shares about her adventures around the world using a wheelchair. Kristin shares about her experiences connecting with people through her travels, improvements that can be made to accessibility, where she has been and where she is headed next, and how people can join her on her adventures!
To follow along more of Kristin's travels and to learn more about accessible travel, check out her blog: https://worldonwheelsblog.com, or follow her travels on Facebook and Instagram.
If you enjoyed this episode please consider giving WWT a rating or review. For more updates on episodes and guests give us a follow on Instagram, Tiktok, or Facebook.
In this episode, Chris Plumridge, host of Check In & Check Out Podcast, shares how one of his trips turned into an entirely different adventure down the road involving fantastic costumes and an unexpected sporting event. Chris talks about backyard travel, van travel, and the second best piece of travel advice he's received while traveling (you'll have to check out his podcast to hear the best advice!).
To hear about more from Chris check out his podcast checkinandcheckout.net and follow on Instagram: @checkinandcheckoutpod. And check out his podcast business on Instagram @jet.streamer and his website: jetstreamer.com.au
If you enjoyed this episode please consider giving WWT a rating or review. For more updates on episodes and guests give us a follow on Instagram, Tiktok, or Facebook.
Would you like to share a story from your own travels? Fill out the feature form to be a guest on the show!
Thanks for listening! Check back every other Tuesday for more episodes and stories.
In this episode, Anault Allihien shares about how he uses football/soccer to assess new places he's living in, what it was like growing up in Ghana and what Ghana is like today, why he has studied Francophone studies and is currently getting a law degree, how travel has shaped his views of the world, and why he travels.
To follow more of Anault's adventures and life check out his Instagram @anault.allihien
If you enjoyed this episode please consider giving WWT a rating or review. For more updates on episodes and guests give us a follow on Instagram, Tiktok, or Facebook.
Would you like to share a story from your own travels? Fill out the feature form to be a guest on the show!
Thanks for listening! Check back every other Tuesday for more episodes and stories.
Intro/outro music by Jason Conforte.
In this episode, Sean O'Connell shares a profound story about Pat, a friend he made during his solo travels through Ireland who greatly impacted his life, taught him how to properly drink a Guinness, and has changed his beliefs to this day. Additionally, Sean dives into the impact of solo travel on his own life, exploring ancestry through travel, and the serendipity of the unexpected.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a rating or review. For more updates on episodes and guests give us a follow on Instagram, Tiktok, or Facebook.
Would you like to share a story from your own travels? Fill out the feature form for a possibility to be a guest on the show!
Thanks for listening. Check back every other Tuesday for more episodes and stories.
In this episode, Allison Toth shares more about how travel can affect mental health while traveling. As a crisis intervention specialist and mental mindset coach, Alison shares more about her personal experience with mental health during her travels, ways to help with flight phobia, healing in the desert, dating abroad, and so much more!
To follow along more of Allison's adventures, check out her website xoxoallisoncoaching.com or follow her on Insta @wishyouwell.podcast and @Allisontothx.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a rating or review. For more updates on episodes and guests give us a follow on Instagram, Tiktok, or Facebook.
Would you like to share a story from your own travels? Fill out the feature form for a possibility to be a guest on the show!
Thanks for listening! Check back every other Tuesday for more episodes and stories.
Intro/Outro music by Jason Conforte
In this episode, Kailyn Campbell, shares about her experience as a professional softball player in Europe, how she got into playing pro outside of the U.S., what her seasons look like, where she plays, and of course why she travels! Learn more about the world of sports and travel and what it's like living abroad while living out your passion.
To follow along Kailyn's seasons and adventures check out her Instagram @campbell_kid21, or follow her art @kailyns_stringart_shop
If you are interested in playing Softball overseas you can check out softballjobsoverseas.com or @softballjobsoverseas on Insta for more info.
If you enjoyed this episode give us a follow on Instagram, Tiktok, or Facebook. Any ratings and reviews are deeply appreciated!
Would you like to share a story from your own travels? Fill out the feature form for a possibility to be a guest on the show!
Thanks for listening. Check back every other Tuesday for more episodes and stories! Happy Travels.
Intro/Outro music by Jason Conforte
In this episode, Yvonne Chung, shares about what travel can be like when we slow down and release any rigid plans; how she followed her calling and desires and made travel a priority; and ultimately how that has led her to her life's purpose and current work. Yvonne dives more into how she got into travel coming from a background that influenced how she viewed travel as a low possibility in her life. Additionally, she shares advice and wisdom on how to make travel happen in your own life and so much more!
To follow more of Yvonne's travels and all things human design and positive psychology, check out her Instagram @yvonnechung.co. Hit the link in her Insta bio for her current offerings.
If you enjoyed this episode, give us a follow on Instagram, Tiktok, or Facebook. Any ratings and reviews are deeply appreciated.
Would you like to share a story from your own travels? Fill out the feature from for a possibility to be a guest on the show!
Thanks for listening! Check back every other Tuesday for more episodes and stories.
Intro/Outro music by Jason Conforte.
In this episode, Roger Williams - adventurer, podcaster, author, and head crosser offer of his bucket list, shares about what inspired him to start crossing items off of his list, walking (and crossing off) the Camino de Santiago, and how his list has resulted in a life full of adventures around the world. Get inspired to start your own bucket list through Roger's stories and inspiration.
To follow along more of Roger's travels and adventures, along with other people checking items off of their bucket list, check out his awesome podcast called The Crossing It Off Podcast and follow him on Instagram @crosser.offer. You can also read his book called Live Out Your List: Finding Joy Through A Bucket List Lifestyle. Additionally, links to his mentorship offerings can also be found at his website https://crossingitoffpodcast.com.
For more updates follow WWT follow us on Instagram: @why.wetravel, Facebook, and Tiktok. And, if you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving a rating or review - it's deeply appreciated!
Check back every other Tuesday for new episodes. Happy travels!
Intro/Outro Music by Jason Conforte
In this episode, Kate Kettlekamp, astrologer and PhD candidate in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness, owner of Kronos Astrology, reads Shannon's (host) Astrocartography chart and shares about how the locational astrology method helps to determine where in the world specific energy and general events like falling in love might occur based on the planets orientation in the sky at birth.
Kate also shares about her own experience traveling to the lines based on her Astrocartography chart and dives deeper into Astrology and the cosmos as related to travel.
To get your own Astrology, Astrocartography, or Tarot reading, or to connect with Kate check out her website - https://kronosastrology.com/ or follow her on Instagram @kronosastrology
If you would like to look at and follow along Shannon's chart reading during the episode or want to see a visual of an Astrocartography chart. Check out the @why.wetravel Instagram account.
For more updates follow WWT on Facebook and Tiktok.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving a rating or review - it's deeply appreciated!
Check back every other Tuesday for new episodes. Happy travels!
Intro/Outro Music by Jason Conforte
In this episode, Megan Gilbert, a traveling writer, photographer, and content creator based out of South Africa shares how she listened to her intuition to follow her heart around the world. Megan talks about how she associates fear to her best moments in life, how she took the leap to become a full time traveler and pushed past all the people who doubted her, and how solo travel led her to discovering her most authentic self, becoming a writer, and thus in the end falling in love. To follow along more of Megan's writing and travels follow her on Instagram: @meganthetravelingwriter or Tiktok and check out her website: https://www.meganthetravelingwriter.com/ to read more of her writing or learn more about how to overland or pursue a career in writing.If you enjoyed this episode, give us a follow @why.wetravel on Instagram or Tiktok, and leave us a review or rating.Would you like to share a story from your own travels? Fill out the feature form to be a guest.Thanks for listening! Check back every other Tuesday for more episodes and travel stories! Intro/Outro music by Jason Conforte
In this episode, Madi Maple shares how taking a leap to go on a retreat in Costa Rica was a quantum leap in her healing journey, the pros and cons of digital nomading, inspiration to change your mindset to live your best life, and so much more so that you can feel inspired to make your own quantum leap happen. We also dive into the realms of psychedelics and festivals as related to travel. Get inspired and shift the way you think about things so that you can call more travel into your life with Madi's teachings as a confidence and business coach, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker.
To connect with Madi follow her on Instagram: @madimaple or check out her website and offerings like the Confidence Collective to learn more from her. You can listen to her podcast Breaking Butterfly, or you can apply to go on her Soul Sister Retreat.
If you enjoyed this episode, give us a follow @why.wetravel on Instagram or on Tiktok, and leave us a review or rating.
Would you like to share a story from your own travels? Fill out the feature form to be a guest.
Thanks for listening! Check back every other Tuesday for more episodes and stories.
In this episode, Urmi Hossain shares about her time in New York City, the warmth she experienced from people around the world, meeting celebrities abroad, and stepping into her identity following interracial struggle which she has written a book about. As an author, speaker, blogger, youtuber, and world traveler, Urmi brings a perspective of self empowerment to the conversation.
To follow more of Urmi's travels you can connect to her over social media; on Instagram @urmamio and LinkedIn. You can watch her videos on Youtube here, and check out her blog called My Ways. Lastly, you can purchase her book, Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth From Interracial Struggle to read about how Urmi discovered her identity and overcame the challenges between living between multiple cultures and expectations.
If you enjoyed this episode, give us a follow @why.wetravel on Instagram or leave us a rating and review.
Would you like to share a story from your own travels? Fill out the feature form to be on the podcast.
Thanks for listening! Check back every other Tuesday for more episodes.
Intro/outro music by Jason Conforte.
In this episode, Jess Stone shares about her current adventure riding around the world on a motorcycle with her beautiful German Shepherd, Moxi, on the back of her bike! We talk where she's been and where she is headed to next, her fundraiser for Girl Up Campaign, how she rides and trained Moxi, her experience traveling overall, and so much more!
To follow along Jess' incredible ride check out her youtube channel for weekly videos uploaded every Sunday, her Instagram @goruffly, her Tiktok page, and her facebook. In addition, visit www.goruffly.com to donate to her fundraiser goal, learn more, or shop her dog gear.
Follow @whywetravel on Instagram for updates and episode info.
Would you like to share a story from your own travels? Fill out the feature form to be on the podcast.
Thanks for listening! Check back every other Tuesday for more episodes.
Intro/outro music by Jason Conforte.
In this episode, Krysten Kaladkarin, solo female traveler hitchhiking around the world, shares the story of where her adventure began! Krysten shares why she goes by the name 10, insight into passport privilege, how she makes an impact through her travels, how she assimilates into a culture, and what it's like currently like living in Ukraine at the moment.To follow along Krysten's travels you can follow her on Instagram @krystenkaladkarin and youtube! You can also support Krysten by buying her a coffee, joining her Patreon, or donating to support her mission to change the world!Follow @why.wetravel on Instagram for future updates and episodes.Would you like to share a story from your own travels? Fill out the feature form to be on the podcast.Thanks for listening! Check back every other Tuesday for new episodes.Intro/outro music by Jason Conforte.
In this episode, Laura Viale shares what it was like to quarantine and live in Argentina during the pandemic, where to travel in Mexico, why you shouldn't wear hats in Europe, and how learning language can help bridge barriers and connect people to culture. As a Spanish teacher with a background in linguistics, Laura shares a unique perspective on communication and how language continues to evolve with our changing culture.
If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review or rating and follow Why We Travel on Instagram @why.wetravel for more updates and episode info.
Would you like to share a story from your own travels? Fill out the feature form.
Thank you so much for listening. Check back every other Tuesday for new episodes.
Questions? Email why.wetravelpodcast@gmail.com
Intro/outro music by Jason Conforte.
In this episode, Eric Temple shares how he adapted his time in Vietnam during the COVID pandemic by moving North into the countryside and picking up work with people he met along the way, how he has since been finding more presence and traveling slower through countries like Ecuador, what he's learned throughout his travels, and lastly - how to make travel and life abroad possible for anyone! Follow along Eric's travels on his Instagram @Eric.Temple and check out www.tcfusa.org to learn more about the incredible organization Eric works for and consider making a donation to help with flood relief in affected areas of Pakistan. If you enjoyed this episode, I would greatly appreciate if you left a review or rating, and follow us on Instagram @why.wetravel for more updates and episode info. Would you like to share a story from your own travels? Fill out the feature form. Thank you so much for listening. Check back every other Tuesday for new episodes! Intro/outro music by Jason Conforte.
In this video episode, James Hawes shares how a wild experience getting out of Albania was an important step in life that eventually led him to where he is today: in Colorado, building a creative business called Squishy Systems. Hear about all the synchronicities and decisions that led up to now, James' outlook on life, and his advice to take action and make decisions to step out of your comfort zone and experience all that life has to offer.
Interested in learning more about James and Squishy or how to get involved? Check out https://squishy.systems/ or @squishy_systems on Instagram.
To view the full walk through of the studio, as mentioned in the episode click here!
If you enjoyed this episode, I would appreciate it if you left a review or rating, and follow us on Instagram @why.wetravel for more updates.
Would you like to share a story from your own travels? Fill out the feature form.
Thank you so much for listening. Check back every other Tuesday for new episodes!
Intro/outro music by Jason Conforte.
This is the second half of the conversation with the lovely, Diane White! We resume where we left off in pt. 1 - talking about inspiration to write her book, inspiring students to see the world, and the next big trip that she is planning (and you could possibly join her for).
Read more about Diane's life in her new book - The Cake Lady My Life In the Mix: Mixing Life's Ingredients for Success or get in touch with her through her website https://mylifeinthemix.com/.
Or, swing by the Kake Korner in Laurel, Maryland!
If you enjoyed this episode, I would greatly appreciate it if you left a review or rating, and follow us on Instagram @why.wetravel for more updates.
Would you like to share a story from your own travels? Fill out the feature form!
Thank you SO much for tuning in. Check back every other Tuesday for new episodes.
Meet the Cake Lady, Diane White! Hear her share about her background before she started traveling, how she ended up traveling to more than 19 countries, and the memories that have stuck with her the most over the last few years. This is a two parter, with the second episode being posted next week!
Read more about Diane's life in her new book - The Cake Lady My Life In the Mix: Mixing Life's Ingredients for Success
Or, swing by the Kake Korner in Laurel, Maryland!
If you enjoyed this episode, I would greatly appreciate it if you left a review or rating, and follow us on Instagram @why.wetravel for more updates.
Would you like to share a story from your own travels? Fill out the feature form!
Thank you SO much for tuning in. Check back every other Tuesday for new episodes.
A camel in the Philippines? Yep, you read that right.. In this episode Andrew Kamel shares his experience traveling (and getting stuck) during the COVID-19 pandemic, what it's like traveling on a weaker passport, where he calls home, and of course - why he travels!
Interested in following more of Andrew's travels? Check out his instagram @andkamel and his blog https://blog.kamelization.com/
If you enjoyed this episode, I would greatly appreciate it if you left a review or rating, and follow us on Instagram @why.wetravel for more updates.
Would you like to share a story from your own travels? Fill out the feature form!
Thank you SO much for tuning in. Check back every other Tuesday for new episodes.
Intro/Outro music by Jason Conforte.
Welcome! In this episode I talk about my background, what inspired me to start the podcast, and what each episode will look like going forward.
New episodes coming soon!
Find us on Instagram: @why.wetravel