Moving Along

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 LundayUniversity of New Mexico Press, 2023You can order Robert’s latest book directly from his website: https://robertlunday.com/books/Chapters(00:03) Moving Along With Robert LundayRobert 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 ResponsesExploring 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 ActionIndigenous experiences, personal journeys, and collective support in navigating the complexities of missing loved ones.(27:46) Navigating Missing Persons Cases and SupportSocial media's impact on missing persons, personal experiences, verification, global research, and ambiguous loss.(42:19) Cultural Integration and New BeginningsAdapting to new environments, diversity in Houston classrooms, challenges of immigration, and the role of writing in processing experiences.(48:07) Exploring Japanese Culture and LanguageExploring 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 LifeAbandoned 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. CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comArtwork by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.  LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast 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 Memories03:56 Backpacking and Teaching in China07:02 Lonely Planet's Evolution and Challenges11:03 Memorable Travel Experiences20:12 Travel Writing Insights and Advice27:44 Offbeat Destinations and Future PlansContact infoYou 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. CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comArtwork by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.  LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast 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 InfoContact Danny: https://health-hats.com/#contactHealth Hats Website: https://health-hats.com/Danny Health Hats Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/dvanleeuDanny crossing the suspension bridge in Costa Rica with Juve Acuna, the grandfather of disability travel guides, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1zokW8rnNkPlaces mentioned:BostonChicagoDetroitNew YorkSpain Camino de SantiagoSantiago de Compostela CathedralPortugal CaminoCosta RicaCloudland State Park, Georgia   CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comArtwork by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.  LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast 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:KayakHostelworld.comViatorReddit - travel subredditCouchsurfing.comRick Steves travel guides Places mentioned in this episode:Minneapolis, MinnesotaCanterbury, EnglandNewcastle, EnglandAustraliaCosta RicaSan FranciscoIcelandChicago, IllinoisElmhurst, IllinoisIllinois State UniversityNorwayJapanBudapest, HungarySeoul, South Korea Contact information:Website: https://autumncarolynn.comInstagram, Facebook and YouTube: @autumncarolynnphotographyTikTok: @autumncarolynnphotograph (no y)  CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comArtwork by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.  LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast 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.comInstagram: @lostcanyonimportsYouTube: https://youtube.com/@LostCanyonImportsWebsite: https://www.lostcanyonimports.com/Places mentioned in this episode:Chevy Chase, MarylandMcDaniel CollegeUniversity of MarylandWashington, D.C.Austin, TexasEl Paso, TexasMexicoPanama CanalBogata, ColombiaNevado del Tolima, ColombiaBurmaMyanmarBolviaIndiaSibundoy Valley, ColombiaMagdalena River, Colombia CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comArtwork by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.  LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast 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 othersPlaces 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-sponsoredG'sta on SoundCloud:https://soundcloud.com/gsta-gG'sta on Instagram, @gsta_ghttps://www.instagram.com/gsta_gSean G'sta Self on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/sean.gsta.self/G'sta on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/7GstaGEverything 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 ExperiencesSean G'sta's journey from New Orleans to Las Vegas, including travel, relocation, cultural experiences and resilience.(0:14:58) - Music, Careers and CollaborationsMultifaceted 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 JobNature'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 GrowthTiming, personal growth and supportive individuals are crucial in achieving goals.(0:51:08) - Maintaining Health and CreativityOvercoming 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 StudioExcitement for new album, creative process, #IWin, gratitude for support and inspiration, artist-audience mutual appreciation. CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comArtwork by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.  LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast 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 RisksPlaces mentioned in this episode:PalermoBangladeshItalyU.K. MontrealCanadaAbout Urmi HossainUrmi 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_lNjtLWtggUrmi’s book on Amazon: Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth from Interracial StruggleUrmi Hossain on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/urmi-hossain CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comArtwork by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.  LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast 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, ArizonaSanta Fe, New MexicoParis, FranceCalistoga, CaliforniaLake Tahoe, CaliforniaMinden, NevadaLas Vegas, NevadaPhoenixSedona, ArizonaFlagstaff, ArizonaThe Badlands, South DakotaLos Angeles, CaliforniaKitty Hawk, North CarolinaWall StreetSilicon Valley  Upper Saddle River, New JerseyLinksBump 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/6amkuaA8 Minute Meditation Expanded: Quiet Your Mind. Change Your Life. by Victor Davich: https://www.amazon.com/Minute-Meditation-Expanded-Quiet-Change/dp/0399173420Pat’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\_K9RZJAyThe 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\_LexKMEMoving Along podcast website: https://movingalongpodcast.com/  Contact Christi Cassidy, host and creator: christi@movingalongpodcast.com CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comArtwork by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.  LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast 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.   CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comArtwork by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.  LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast 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 JourneyTommy 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 OutTommy 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 ArtTommy 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 FashionTommy 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 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/tommyhaingo/Moving Along music by Eve's BlueContact: Christi Cassidy, christi@movingalongpodcast.com  CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comArtwork by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.  LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast 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 SundahlDeborah 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 InformationThe 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 1951Abstract: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/article-abstract/549701Full text: https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/american-medical-association/clinical-significance-of-the-paraurethral-ducts-and-glands-QICfsXLu76?key=JAMARegnier de Graaf, 1641 – 1673 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regnier_de_GraafAlexander Skene, 1837 – 1900https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_SkeneErnst Gräfenberg, 1881 – 1957 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernst_Gr%C3%A4fenbergOn Our Backshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_Our_BacksThe Human Sexuality Collection, Cornell Universityhttps://rare.library.cornell.edu/human-sexuality-collection/Susie Bright Papers and On Our Backs Recordshttps://rmc.library.cornell.edu/EAD/htmldocs/RMM07788.htmlHuman Sexuality Collection on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/CornellSexCollects/+++Music by Eve’s BlueContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comWebsite: https://movingalongpodcast.com/  CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comArtwork by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.  LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/Tag and like Moving Along episodes  on Facebook and Instagram!

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 Dates and 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 dreamDefining the dreamShould I relocate?Creating purpose in retirement yearsWhen retirement dreams are dashedAct on your dream CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comArtwork by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.  LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/Tag and like Moving Along episodes  on Facebook and Instagram!

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.    CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comArtwork by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.  LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/Tag and like Moving Along episodes  on Facebook and Instagram!

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.  CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comArtwork by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.  LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/Tag and like Moving Along episodes  on Facebook and Instagram!

About Marian AmoMarian 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 Kitchenhttps://spicysouthernkitchen.com/rum-cake-recipe/Rum CakeThis 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 minutesCook Time 1 hourServings 18IngredientsRum Syrupbaking spray1 cup finely chopped walnuts2 cups all-purpose flour1 cup sugar1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix1/2 cup salted butter, cut into pieces2 teaspoons baking powder1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 cup milk4 large eggs1/2 cup coconut oil1/2 cup white or golden rum2 teaspoons vanilla extract1/2 cup salted butter1/2 cup white rum1/2 cup packed light brown sugar1/4 cup water1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract1. 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.2. Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, mix together flour, sugar, pudding mix, butter, baking powder, and salt for 2 minutes.3. Add milk, eggs, and coconut oil and mix on LOW for 2 minutes4. Add rum and vanilla and mix on LOW for 1 more minute.5. 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.6. 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.7. Stir in vanilla extract.8. 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 CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comArtwork by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.  LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/Tag and like Moving Along episodes  on Facebook and Instagram!

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/  CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comArtwork by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.  LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/Tag and like Moving Along episodes  on Facebook and Instagram!

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.comPlaces mentioned in this episode:San FranciscoNew York CityManhattanCentral Park WestBrooklynHawaiiMusic by Eves BlueWant more? Contact your host, Christi Cassidy, at christi@movingalongpodcast.com  CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comArtwork by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.  LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/Tag and like Moving Along episodes  on Facebook and Instagram!

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, KansasHays, KansasManhattan, KansasNiagara Falls, New YorkCorning, New YorkSkidmore CollegeCape Cod, MassachusettsSanta Fe, New MexicoPuerto RicoCosta RicaWaikoloa, HawaiiThe Big Island, HawaiiMauna Kea, HawaiiMauna Kea Golf Course, HawaiiHonolulu, Hawaii+++ Music by Eves Blue   CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comArtwork by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.  LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/Tag and like Moving Along episodes  on Facebook and Instagram!

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:PoughkeepsieHudson, New YorkThe Hudson ValleyQuebec, CanadaNorth CarolinaChicagoFord Heights, IllinoisThe Lincoln HighwayUnderground Railroad - see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Heights,_Illinois#HistorySix Flags Great America, Gurnee, IllinoisSan JoseSolana Beach, CaliforniaDel Mar Fairgrounds, CaliforniaWyomingNew Haven, ConnecticutBakersfield, CaliforniaAmarillo, TexasReno, NevadaBrewster, New YorkLas Vegas, Nevada Also mentioned:CRST - https://crst.com/Aviation mechanicsAviation Institute of Maintenance - https://aviationmaintenance.edu/campuses/las-vegas-nv/COVID-19Warrior J TruckingC~Crim TruckingUniversity 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. CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comArtwork by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.  LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/Tag and like Moving Along episodes  on Facebook and Instagram!

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 SizzleSan Diego Union-TribuneThe Columbia PaperHudson, New YorkMira Mesa, San DiegoInternational travelU.S. travelTraveling solo as a widowTraveling with petsDriving cross-country with a dogTraveling with a former show dogBasenji breedBuying a condo long-distanceMoving to San DiegoMusic by Eves Blue, used by permission. Connect:Debby Mayer: https://debbymayer.com/Moving Along: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MovingAlongPodcastChristi Cassidy, host and producer: christi@movingalongpodcast.com   CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: christi@movingalongpodcast.comArtwork by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page.  LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/Tag and like Moving Along episodes  on Facebook and Instagram!