Random and Wonderful Travel Stories

Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.Host Grace Simmons welcomes Otis Gray, a radio producer and creator of the Sleepy podcast, where he reads bedtime stories designed to help listeners fall asleep—especially useful when travel anxiety disrupts rest. Otis shares how Sleepy began by accident when friends told him his voice made them fall asleep, and they discuss how different “white noise” comforts different people, including a controversial woods-sounds episode, and Otis recounts travel mishaps like getting his van “Lil Blue” stuck in desert sand in southern Utah. Otis offers travel tips for novices and solo travel, emphasizing research, learning basic language, eating local food, journaling or sketching to remember experiences, and traveling respectfully to avoid treating places as checkboxes. He also describes self-care practices like running, candles, gratitude and meditation, and suggests that buying the ticket after planning helps overcome fear and regret. Listeners can learn more about Otis Gray and Sleepy on here.

Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.Get ready to dive into a whirlwind of travel tales with Margie Jordan, where every trip is an exhilarating story waiting to unfold! From crashing a wedding in India to spending nights under the stars in the Sahara, Margie’s adventures remind us that the best trips are often the ones we never planned. As the owner of Jordan Executive Travel, she’s not just a wanderlust warrior, but also a passionate guide who inspires others to explore the globe. In this chat, we’ll sprinkle in some travel tips, share a few laughs, and dig deep into how travel shapes our perspectives and our lives. Buckle up, because this episode is all about embracing the unexpected and making memories that last a lifetime!Takeaways:Margie shares how every trip she takes creates a new story, sparking her passion for travel.The best adventures often come from unexpected experiences, like crashing weddings or sleeping in deserts.Traveling helps challenge preconceived notions, allowing for deeper connections with different cultures.Working with a travel professional can enhance your experience, ensuring safety and cultural understanding.Links referenced in this episode:jordanexecutivetravel.com

Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.Get ready to dive into the wild world of travel with Miguel Yga, the ultimate nomadic storyteller! In our chat, Miguel takes us on a whirlwind journey through his eight years on the road, where he's ventured from mystical Mayan ceremonies to heart-pounding shark encounters – yes, you heard that right! With a knack for immersing himself in indigenous cultures, Miguel shares his adventures while reminding us that travel is as much about the stories we collect as it is about the places we visit. He’s not just any traveler; he’s a vibrant storyteller on a mission to capture the raw beauty and depth of human experiences. So, whether you’re plotting your next grand escape or just dreaming from your couch, Miguel's tales are sure to ignite your wanderlust and inspire your next adventure!Takeaways:Miguel's journey from a corporate lawyer to a nomadic storyteller showcases the power of following your passion.Traveling among indigenous cultures has deepened Miguel's understanding of human experiences and connections.A near-death encounter with sharks taught Miguel the importance of staying calm under pressure during risky adventures.Miguel Yga is a wandering writer and adventure traveler who has spent the past eight years living on the road — exploring forgotten corners of the world and the people who call them home. From sitting with Mayan shamans to narrowly escaping a shark encounter, Miguel has a knack for finding himself in the kinds of stories most people only dream about.At the heart of his journey is a deep curiosity about indigenous cultures and the full spectrum of the human experience. He captures these adventures through his writing and, more recently, through his YouTube channel, where he brings his vivid storytelling to life in visual form.But ask Miguel what he really does, and he'll tell you simply: he's a storyteller. One on a mission to collect beautiful, wild, and deeply human moments — and share them with anyone willing to listen.You can follow his adventures at ramblingandroving.com and on Instagram at @ramblingandroving.Links mentioned in the episode:Website: ramblingandroving.comInstagram: instagram.com/ramblingandroving

Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.Lori Tharps is all about shaking up the storytelling scene and spreading the good word about BIPOC voices. In our chat today, we dive into the transformative power of travel and how it can reshape our perspectives on identity and culture. Lori shares her journey from a storytelling-loving kid with a typewriter to becoming an award-winning author and educator living in sunny Spain. We also get into the nitty-gritty of her creative writing community for BIPOC women, and how helping others tell their stories is way more fulfilling than endless diversity training. So, buckle up for some witty banter and insightful tales that’ll inspire you to pack your bags and seek out your own stories!Takeaways:Lori's journey into storytelling began with an antique typewriter at age eight, igniting her passion for writing.The move to Spain allowed Lori to reconnect with her dreams of being a global storyteller, showcasing BIPOC narratives.Understanding race and identity has shaped Lori's work, making her a powerful voice in storytelling and activism.Traveling has transformed Lori's perspective, revealing the importance of cultural immersion beyond American experiences.Researching destinations is vital; Lori emphasizes choosing places that resonate with personal interests and values.Creating a travel journal helps Lori capture memories, ensuring she reflects on her experiences long after her trips.Lori Tharps Bio:Lori L. Tharps is an award-winning author, journalist and educator. A self-described storytelling evangelist, Tharps is a recognized voice in the areas of race, identity politics and African-American culture. She is the author of three critically acclaimed nonfiction books including, Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America (St. Martin’s Press) and Kinky Gazpacho: Life, Love & Spain (Atria). Lori She has also written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Glamour and Essence magazines.In 2021, Lori moved with her family to the south of Spain, where she launched Reed, Write & Create, a podcast and platform that celebrates and supports BIPoC stories and storytellers. The Reed, Write, & Create podcast was named Best Literary Podcast by the Black Podcasting Awards in 2023.Links referenced in this episode:readwriteandcreate.comloriltharps.com

Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.Sabbaticals can be life-altering, and in today’s episode, we dive deep into just how transformative taking a break can be. Our guest Bex, a career transition coach, shares her own journey from the corporate grind to a refreshing eight-month sabbatical that reshaped her life. We chat about the importance of stepping away to reevaluate what truly matters, like freedom, sunshine, and surrounding ourselves with cherished people. Bex dishes out some juicy insights—like how talking to strangers can lead to unexpected adventures and connections. So if you’ve ever felt stuck in the 9-to-5 hamster wheel, tune in for some inspiration on how to break free and discover your own path!Links referenced in this episode:feelgoodgetaways.comlinkedin.com/in/rebeccathomas