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Had To Be There
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🎉 Episode 100, can you believe it?! 🎉 And for this milestone, we’re pulling back the curtain on the magic with a very special guest—a former Walt Disney Imagineer!In this episode, we dive into the creativity, innovation, and behind-the-scenes stories that bring Disney’s most beloved attractions to life. From concept to reality, our guest shares what it’s really like to be part of the team that dreams up the magic.✨ Listen in as we discuss:✅ What it takes to be a Walt Disney Imagineer✅ Behind-the-scenes stories from the parks✅ The creative process of bringing attractions to life✅ Insider insights that Disney fans will love!Connect with Brian Collins:🌐 Website: https://www.wdwithme.com/📷 Instagram: @beingcre8ve🖇️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bcollinsorlando/🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! And if you’ve ever had a Had to Be There moment at a Disney park, share it with me on socials @hadtobethere203!✈️ Ready for an adventure of your own? Contact Kelly to start planning today!
Meet Dominique Mann, a versatile writer, storyteller, and passionate traveler! Join us as Dominique takes us deep into her transformative journey in the Amazon rainforest. Plus, hear how her personal heritage inspires her travel dreams, including a future journey to Italy, and discover the art of creative storytelling in the digital age. Don't forget to leave us a Google review: Review us here! Find us on GoodPods: Listen here!Connect with Dominique Mann: Website: dominiquejacquelinemann.com Instagram LinkedInConnect with Had To Be There: Website: hadtobethere.net Instagram: @hadtobethere203 Facebook: @hadtobethere203 Twitter: @hadtobethere203Connect with Vacations by Kelly for your next trip: Website: trips.hadtobethere.net Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly Facebook: @vacationsbykelly Twitter: @kellyvacations Email: kelly.acevedo@academytravel.com
Meet Jo, an intrepid explorer of inner and outer worlds. Educator, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, martial arts student, and writer, Jo's life is a tapestry of incredible experiences. Join us as she takes us deep into the jungle of Borneo for a true Had To Be There moment with a local tribe, sharing a story that will leave you in awe of the power of human connection and adventure.
Jo's remarkable background includes everything from studying at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service to publishing poetry and creative fiction under the name Jo Patti. A mother, a Sundancer, and a certified combat analyst, Jo's life is a testament to resilience, creativity, and boundless curiosity.
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Connect with Jo Patti Munisteri:
Website: jopattix.com
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
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Buy Jo's Books!
YouTube
Tips from Jo:
Here are a few tips for items to include in a travel and home medical kit:
Po Chai pills - effective for stomach upsets, food poisoning, diarrhea and hangovers: this TCM
(Traditional Chinese Medicine) is even sold on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Po+Chai+pills&crid=1VTGVV0WI7ZRW&sprefix=po+chai+pills%2Caps%2C137&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
Tourniquets. (Suggest the Israeli one hand tourniquet): https://www.amazon.com/s?k=israeli+tourniquet&hvadid=174210851985&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1026441&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=4459116844189454690&hvtargid=kwd-35142676220&hydadcr=24657_9648987&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_9s2fsthzkw_e
Small, portable headlamp:
https://www.amazon.com/Energizer-Forest-Headlamp-Dimming-Technology/dp/B083JWX9PK/ref=sr_1_9?crid=3MU0LH8JAAXTZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.68bs5EY6cfo22mhh40UF8YkAQe0RjHRFqBIgnR3JXwH3h0FExmtUQmfs6NvdVUqdgYt9K22LC1Turopx13FXd6PTqyvUUifEbNOYpxAiBBdFeYl3HV05AyqAUUtwAltEnUaM8ALOrvBop7boaCYE06e-RdAJv-zYZzbifTw-7_MmlmcCELmdnBd2VKjHcRfjGTMUJbmu72Q2GTvCOBgtDZ6lIPNvfv1Fn-hykBB4iwUpHkiUuhDDhRnBi2LCEPCvZ2XxBnQr8rzJajbR3lKKlsn4eoN7ra_FuBl58soAyrQ.FJvzFv7bj_KgOgHerW0WUO7-vISfY4wknIZW7DrYaQ4&dib_tag=se&keywords=head%2Blamps%2Bfor%2Bcamping&qid=1729771243&sprefix=head%2Blampts%2Bfor%2Bcamping%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-9&th=1
A great tasting natural-reliable product from PaleoValley (small business) for Collagen/protein powders-tastes good, too: https://paleovalley.com/store/grass-fed-bone-broth-protein
Connect with Had To Be There:
Website: hadtobethere.net
Instagram: @hadtobethere203
Facebook: @hadtobethere203
Twitter: @hadtobethere203
Connect with Vacations by Kelly for your next trip:
Website: trips.hadtobethere.net
Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly
Facebook: @vacationsbykelly
Twitter: @kellyvacations
Email: kelly.acevedo@academytravel.com
Meet Catryn, a corporate-powerhouse-turned-spiritual-Indiana-Jones. Join us as she shares her Had To Be There experience on the Isle of Skye, where a mysterious vision of a Celtic warrior goddess kicked off the adventure of a lifetime.
Don't forget to leave us a Google review: Review us here!
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Connect with Catryn Becker:
Website: https://optimizewe.com/
Instagram: @relax_with_catryn
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catrynbecker
TikTok: @catrynbecker
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC013Zh3cBwOLVdxtol3BCVA
Connect with Had To Be There:
Website: https://www.hadtobethere.net
Instagram: @hadtobethere203
Facebook: Had to Be There Podcast
Twitter: @hadtobethere203
Connect with Vacations by Kelly for your next trip:
Website: https://trips.hadtobethere.net
Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly
Facebook: Vacations by Kelly
Twitter: @KellyVacations
Meet Jeff, COO of Altitude Water, passionate traveler,
and advocate for sustainable solutions! Join us in this episode as Jeff shares his experiences exploring diverse cultures in countries like Colombia, Costa Rica, and beyond. From the warm reception in Cartagena to the natural beauty of Costa Rica, Jeff reflects on how understanding local cultures enhances the travel experience.
He also dives into his love for fishing and surfing, discusses the importance of effective charity and personal responsibility, and highlights his work with Altitude Water—a company bringing clean drinking water to communities in need. Plus, Jeff reveals his favorite destinations, from
Trinidad to Maui, and emphasizes the joy of supporting local businesses while traveling.
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us here!
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Connect with Jeff Szur:
https://altdwater.com
Instagram
YouTube
LinkedIn
Facebook
Connect with Had To Be There:
Website: https://www.hadtobethere.net
Instagram: @hadtobethere203
Facebook: Had to Be There Podcast
Twitter: @hadtobethere203
Connect with Vacations by Kelly for your next trip:
Website: https://trips.hadtobethere.net
Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly
Facebook: Vacations by Kelly
Twitter: @KellyVacations
Meet Andy, an inspiring adventurer who transformed his life by overcoming addiction and embracing physical challenges and travel. In this episode, Andy shares his journey from the remote Shetland Islands to tackling the Tour de France course and reaching Everest Base Camp. He discusses how asking himself to change became the turning point in his sobriety and led to his passion for adventure travel.
Andy reflects on cycling through the stunning landscapes of Tibet, the importance of visiting before the region changes further, and the connections he’s made with friendly locals. From his favorite souvenir—the emotional moment of reuniting with his family after completing the Tour de France—to his favorite Tibetan dishes, Andy’s stories are a testament to the power of resilience and exploration. He also introduces his program, Sober in Seven, helping others break free from alcohol addiction.
Tune in for Andy’s incredible insights, tips on adventure travel, and a reminder of the transformative power of change.
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Find Kelly: All The Links
Connect with Andy Smith:
Website: https://www.soberinseven.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/thatandysmith
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soberinseven
Twitter: https://twitter.com/soberinseven
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SoberinSeven
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soberinseven
Ready to start your next adventure? Contact Vacations by Kelly to request your free quote!
Meet Don, retired airline pilot, world traveler, and author of Where We Land! In this episode, Don shares his fascinating journey from a small town in Nebraska to the skies, reflecting on his love for aviation and his career highlights. From the joys and challenges of being a pilot to humorous stories—like the time a passenger's dog joined him in the cockpit—Don offers an insider's perspective on the world of flight. He also discusses the impact of 9/11 on airline security, shares his favorite destinations for food, beaches, and architecture, and explains why he treasures memories over souvenirs.
Tune in for tips on navigating air travel, a peek into aviation's lighter side, and a glimpse into the future of flight.
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Connect with Don Osborn:
Check out his book: Where We Land
Instagram: @where_we_land_book
TikTok: @where_we_land_book
Connect with Had To Be There:
Instagram: @hadtobethere203
Facebook: Had to Be There Podcast
Twitter: @hadtobethere203
Connect with Vacations by Kelly:
Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly
Facebook: Vacations by Kelly
Twitter: @KellyVacations
Ready to start your next adventure? Contact Vacations by Kelly to request your free quote!
Meet Cheryl Fischer, host of the OMG Teach Me podcast, mindset coach, and seasoned traveler! Join us in this episode as Cheryl takes us to Dubai, sharing her thrilling experiences during a rare desert rainstorm and the exciting adventures she had, from exploring the iconic Burj Khalifa to embarking on a desert tour. Cheryl also offers insights into the evolving culture of the UAE, what it's like traveling as a woman there, and why Dubai should be on your travel bucket list.
Don't forget to leave us a Google review: Review us here!
Find us on GoodPods: Listen here!
Connect with Cheryl Fischer:
Website: omgteachme.com
Instagram: @omgteachme
YouTube: OMG Teach Me
LinkedIn: OMG Teach Me Podcast
TikTok: @omgteachme
Connect with Had To Be There:
Instagram: @hadtobethere203
Facebook: Had to Be There Podcast
Twitter: @hadtobethere203
Connect with Vacations by Kelly:
Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly
Facebook: Vacations by Kelly
Twitter: @KellyVacations
Ready to start your next adventure? Contact Vacations by Kelly to request your free quote!
Meet Risa August, a seasoned traveler, adventurer, and author! In this inspiring episode, Risa shares her journey from Canada to Mexico on a bike, overcoming challenges, and embracing new experiences along the way. Plus, hear all about her book, The Road Unpaved: Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike, and how she's inspiring others with her mindset and determination.Don't forget to leave us a Google review: Review us here!Find us on GoodPods: Listen here!Connect with Risa August:https://www.risaaugust.comhttps://www.instagram.com/risaunleashed/https://www.facebook.com/risaunleashedhttps://www.facebook.com/featherandsagecoaching/https://www.facebook.com/risa.august.unleashed/ (personal)https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094334990837www.linkedin.com/in/risa-august-9b130524ahttps://linktr.ee/risaaugusthttps://substack.com/@risaunleashedConnect with Had To Be There:Instagram: @hadtobethere203Facebook: Had to Be There PodcastTwitter: @hadtobethere203Connect with Vacations by Kelly:Instagram: @vacationsby_kellyFacebook: Vacations by KellyTwitter: @KellyVacationsReady to start your next adventure? Contact Vacations by Kelly to request your free quote!
Meet Stephen, a Master Teacher of Tai Qi Chuan, Navy veteran, and lifelong adventurer! Join us in this captivating episode as Stephen shares his experiences in the beautiful islands of Fiji and unveils his latest book, Who They Are and What They're Up To—a fascinating dive into four generations of alien encounters.
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Connect with Stephen & Leslie Shaw:Website: whotheyarebook.comInstagram: @leslie.shaw.author
Connect with Had To Be There:Instagram: @hadtobethere203Facebook: Had To Be ThereTwitter: @hadtobethere203
Connect with Vacations by Kelly:Instagram: @vacationsby_kellyFacebook: Vacations by KellyTwitter: @KellyVacations
Interested in exploring the beauty of Fiji? Contact Vacations By Kelly to request your free quote!
Meet Indra, a lifetime spiritual seeker, healer, and teacher! Join us in this transformative episode as Indra shares his experience ringing in a new millennium at the very place where Buddha attained enlightenment.
Looking for the VIDEO VERSION of this episode? Keep an eye out on our YouTube channel!
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Connect with Indra Rinzler:
Website: indrarinzler.com
Facebook: Indra Rinzler
Connect with Had To Be There:
Instagram: @hadtobethere203
Facebook: Had To Be There
Twitter: @hadtobethere203
Connect with Vacations by Kelly:
Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly
Facebook: Vacations by Kelly
Twitter: @KellyVacations
Interested in visiting Bodh Gaya for yourself? Contact Vacations By Kelly to request your free quote!
Meet Csongor, traveler, bioenergy healer, and motorcycle aficionado! Join us as Csongor discusses how travel has impacted his life and shares his "Had To Be There" moment in Romania!
Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon to YouTube, probably someday.
Leave us a GOOGLE review: https://g.page/r/Cd_aO9Np6DPJEB0/review
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https://goodpods.app.link/hEHaS9GPSCb
Connect with Csongor Daniel:
Website: https://www.csongordaniel.com/
Intro to course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1KLMye0cUI
Free lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C1qLOQTaeI
Use my link for 20% off Csongor's Online Course!!
Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@csongordanielbioenergy
Connect with Had To Be There:
Instagram: @hadtobethere203
Facebook: Had To Be There
Twitter: @hadtobethere203
Connect with Vacations by Kelly:
Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly
Facebook: Vacations by Kelly
Twitter: @KellyVacations
Interested in visiting Romania for yourself? Contact Vacations By Kelly to request your free quote!
Meet Tara!
Join this travel expert extraordinaire as she whisks us away to the vibrant island nation of Cuba! In this episode, Tara spills the tea on Cuba's stunning scenery, welcoming locals, unhurried pace, and unique experiences. We'll even get a taste of a hilarious "Had to Be There Moment" where cultural differences lead to an unforgettable adventure!
This episode is your jam if:
You're dreaming of an affordable, safe, and culturally rich vacation.
You're on a budget but crave a taste of authentic Cuba.
You value friendly locals and a relaxed atmosphere.
Bonus! Tara also shares:
Top tips for planning an affordable trip to Cuba.
Her all-time favorite travel destinations ("Passport Picks") and why they hold a special place in her heart.
The ultimate insider tip for immersing yourself in a new culture.
Listen now and get ready to book your Cuban escape!
Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon (eventually... maybe?) to YouTube.
Leave us a GOOGLE review: https://g.page/r/Cd_aO9Np6DPJEB0/review
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https://goodpods.app.link/hEHaS9GPSCb
Connect with Tara Goebel:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mommagabes
Connect with Had To Be There:
Instagram: @hadtobethere203
Facebook: Had To Be There
Twitter: @hadtobethere203
Connect with Vacations by Kelly:
Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly
Facebook: Vacations by Kelly
Twitter: @KellyVacations
Interested in booking a Cuban adventure for yourself? Contact Vacations By Kelly to request your free quote!
Meet Ralph, professional travel photographer and international tour organizer. Join us as Ralph takes us to the Republic of Georgia where he had quite the "Had To Be There" moment trying to cross into Armenia!
Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon (eventually... maybe?) to YouTube.
Leave us a GOOGLE review: https://g.page/r/Cd_aO9Np6DPJEB0/review
Find us on GoodPods:
https://goodpods.app.link/hEHaS9GPSCb
Things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia by Vacations by Kelly
Connect with Ralph Velasco and the Continental Drifter:
Website: https://continentaldrifter.co
YouTube: https://youtube.com/continentaldrifter
Facebook: https://fb.com/thecontinentaldrifter
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ralphvelasco
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ralphvelasco
Connect with Had To Be There:
Instagram: @hadtobethere203
Facebook: Had To Be There
Twitter: @hadtobethere203
Connect with Vacations by Kelly:
Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly
Facebook: Vacations by Kelly
Twitter: @KellyVacations
Interested in visiting the Republic of Georgia for yourself? Contact Vacations By Kelly to request your free quote!
Meet Michelle, travel blogger, educator, and foodie. Join us as Michelle takes us to Zihuatanejo, Mexico where she had a spontaneous tour of the former home to a mobster!
Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon (eventually...) to YouTube.
Leave us a GOOGLE review: https://g.page/r/Cd_aO9Np6DPJEB0/review
Find us on GoodPods:
https://goodpods.app.link/hEHaS9GPSCb
Things to do in Zihuatanejo, by Vacations by Kelly
Connect with Michelle:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/trvlintention
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trvlwithintention/
Website: https://travelwithintention.com/
Newsletter: https://travelwithintention.com/travel-goals-newsletter/
Connect with Had To Be There:
Instagram: @hadtobethere203
Facebook: Had To Be There
Twitter: @hadtobethere203
Connect with Vacations by Kelly:
Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly
Facebook: Vacations by Kelly
Twitter: @KellyVacations
Interested in visiting Zihuatanejo or another region of Mexico? Contact Vacations By Kelly to request your free quote!
Meet Kim, a lawyer living a nomadic lifestyle. Join us as Kim takes us on a trip to Guatemala where she awoke to a fascinating surprise.
Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon (eventually...) to YouTube.
Leave us a GOOGLE review: https://g.page/r/Cd_aO9Np6DPJEB0/review
Find us on GoodPods:
https://goodpods.app.link/hEHaS9GPSCb
Check out the inaugural episodes of the Poltergeists and Pixie Dust Podcast
Vacation by Kelly's Guatemalan things to do!
Connect with Kim:
Instagram: @passportcandy
TikTok: @passportcandy
Connect with Had To Be There:
Instagram: @hadtobethere203
Facebook: Had To Be There
Twitter: @hadtobethere203
Connect with Vacations by Kelly:
Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly
Facebook: Vacations by Kelly
Twitter: @KellyVacations
Interested in visiting Guatemala or any of the amazing places we chatted about this week? Contact Vacations By Kelly to request your free quote!
Meet R.C., author, retiree, and traveler. Join us as R.C. shares a story of an unlikely person showing up in a most unlikely place!
Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon to YouTube.
Leave us a GOOGLE review: https://g.page/r/Cd_aO9Np6DPJEB0/review
Find us on GoodPods:
https://goodpods.app.link/hEHaS9GPSCb
Check out the trailer for the upcoming Poltergeists and Pixie Dust Podcast
Things to Do in Salem this Spooky Season: Vacations by Kelly's Viator page
Connect with R.C. Hand:
Website: https://cowboyproductions52.com/
Facebook: R.C. Hand
Instagram: @r.c.hand
Connect with Had To Be There:
Instagram: @hadtobethere203
Facebook: Had To Be There
Twitter: @hadtobethere203
Connect with Vacations by Kelly:
Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly
Facebook: Vacations by Kelly
Twitter: @KellyVacations
Interested in India or any of the amazing places we chatted about this week? Contact Vacations By Kelly to request your free quote!
Meet Alastair, author, traveler, and our new surrogate British-Canadian grandfather! Join us as Alastair shares just some of the incredible stories he's collected throughout his life. Part 2 coming soon!
Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon to YouTube.
Leave us a GOOGLE review: https://g.page/r/Cd_aO9Np6DPJEB0/review
Find us on GoodPods:
https://goodpods.app.link/hEHaS9GPSCb
Check out the trailer for the upcoming Poltergeists and Pixie Dust Podcast
Things to Do in Salem this Spooky Season: Vacations by Kelly's Viator page
Connect with Alastair Henry:
Website: https://alastairhenry.com/
Connect with Had To Be There:
Instagram: @hadtobethere203
Facebook: Had To Be There
Twitter: @hadtobethere203
Connect with Vacations by Kelly:
Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly
Facebook: Vacations by Kelly
Twitter: @KellyVacations
Interested in visiting Guyana, Bali, or any of the amazing places we chatted about this week? Contact Vacations By Kelly to request your free quote!
Meet Dara, a globetrotting travel writer with a taste for adventure! Join us as Dara transports us to the enchanting world of Chiang Mai, Thailand, where she spent a month living inside a mushroom, and shares a story that will redefine your perspective on life's true treasures.
Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon to YouTube.
Leave us a GOOGLE review: https://g.page/r/Cd_aO9Np6DPJEB0/review
Find us on GoodPods:
https://goodpods.app.link/hEHaS9GPSCb
Check out the trailer for the upcoming Poltergeists and Pixie Dust Podcast
Connect with Dara Brewton:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/likesarabutwithad/
Connect with Had To Be There:
Instagram: @hadtobethere203
Facebook: Had To Be There
Twitter: @hadtobethere203
Connect with Vacations by Kelly:
Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly
Facebook: Vacations by Kelly
Twitter: @KellyVacations
Interested in spending a month in Chiang Mai yourself? Contact Vacations By Kelly to request your free quote!
Meet Meghann and Zach, the husband and wife duo not taking a moment of life for granted as they take hikes, road trips and explore the world together. Join us as they share the Had To Be There experience hiking Havasupai at the Grand Canyon.
Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon to YouTube.
Leave us a GOOGLE review: https://g.page/r/Cd_aO9Np6DPJEB0/review
Find us on GoodPods:
https://goodpods.app.link/hEHaS9GPSCb
Connect with Meghann and Zach Grah:
Website: thegrahlife.com
Instagram: @thegrahlife
Facebook: @thegrahlife
Pinterest: pinterest.com/thegrahlife
YouTube: youtube.com/thegrahlife
Connect with Had To Be There:
Instagram: @hadtobethere203
Facebook: Had To Be There
Twitter: @hadtobethere203
Connect with Vacations by Kelly:
Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly
Facebook: Vacations by Kelly
Twitter: @KellyVacations
Interested in seeing the Grand Canyon for yourself? Contact Vacations By Kelly to request your free quote!























