The Travel Hour

Joc sits down with Dr. Marsha, who went from forensic psychology to building a wellness retreat empire that's changing lives for Black women everywhere. She breaks down her journey from Jamaica to navigating corporate America across Connecticut, Florida, Texas, and California, and how COVID-19 became the catalyst that pushed her to bet on herself. Dr. Marsha gets real about the mental health toll of unfulfilling work, why community and sisterhood aren't optional for Black women climbing the corporate ladder, and how manifestation became her secret weapon for personal growth. From winning awards at the Black Travel Summit in Brazil to creating safe spaces through her retreats, she's proof that life is too short to play small. If you've ever felt stuck in a job that's draining your soul, or wondered what it takes to actually trust your intuition and leap, this conversation is for you. Press play.Connect with Dr. Marsha:Website: https://www.drmarshaevans.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarshaevans/Keywords: Dr. Marsha, travel, wellness retreats, Black women, corporate America, manifestation, self-discovery, mental health, cultural experiences, COVID-19, Women's History Month, Black women entrepreneurs, wellness travel, BrazilKey Takeaways:Self-discovery and healing are essential for personal growth.Life is too short to stay in an unfulfilling job.Community and sisterhood are vital for Black women in corporate America.Manifestation can be a powerful tool for transformation.COVID-19 forced many to reevaluate their careers and mental health.Trusting your intuition and taking risks leads to breakthroughs.Gratitude is a daily practice that shifts perspective.Wellness retreats create safe spaces for Black women to heal and connect.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Marsha's Journey02:28 Transitioning from Connecticut to Florida05:05 Cultural Differences and Experiences in Miami08:04 Exploring Life in Texas and California10:42 The Impact of COVID-19 on Dr. Marsha's Career13:21 A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery16:17 Manifestation and New Beginnings18:48 Building a Wellness Retreat Business21:44 Challenges Faced by Black Women in Corporate America24:34 The Importance of Community and Sisterhood26:58 Dr. Marsha's Award at the Black Travel Summit29:51 Experiences in Brazil and Cultural Insights32:27 Future Plans and Upcoming Retreats

This conversation goes deep. Joc sits down with Kam an African diaspora traveler + storyteller. They get into African traditional religions, how Black history shapes who we become, and what it means to grow up in the church while staying curious about the world beyond it. Kam breaks down her journey from questioning different religious beliefs to finding herself fully at Howard University, where being at an HBCU gave her the freedom to just be. They talk about the power of HBCU connections that literally change your life trajectory, and how those relationships led Kam to make a bold move to Ghana right after graduation. From navigating life in Ghana to surviving and thriving through the pandemic abroad, this episode is packed with real talk about growth, exploration, and what happens when you stop playing it safe. If you've ever felt caught between tradition and curiosity, or wondered what life looks like when you actually take that leap internationally, this one's for you. Press play.Follow Kam's adventures:Instagram: @adventurousKamTikTok: @adventurousKamChapters00:00 Introduction to Black History Month08:13 Understanding Watch Night Service13:18 Curiosity about Other Religions22:24 Conversations about Different Religions28:58 Transition to Howard University35:01 Freedom to Be Black42:42 Life in Ghana: A Bold Move After Graduation59:53 Pandemic Experiences and Traveling Again

The Black in CDMX series continues, and this one’s for the families. Joc sits down with Deryle and Desiree from @gotoutgotin, and they get real about what it actually takes when a family decides to pack up and build a new life outside the U.S. This isn’t just about visas and logistics, it’s about navigating cultural differences, language barriers, parenting in a completely new environment, and making sure your kids see themselves represented in their new world. They get into the real challenges: how relationships get tested and strengthened when you’re far from home, what intentional community building actually looks like when you’re starting from scratch, and the unique experience of raising a family in Mexico City. From the residency process and its benefits to their e-book that breaks down everything you need to consider before moving abroad (no matter where you’re going), this episode is packed with valuable game for anyone considering taking their family international. If you’ve been wondering whether you can actually do this with kids in tow, or if you’re already abroad and need to know you’re not alone, press play.Follow Deryle & Desiree: https://www.instagram.com/gotoutgotin/Check out their resources:        ∙       DollarsAndStories.com        ∙       ICanYouCanVegan.com        ∙       Grab their e-book on moving abroad with location-independent insights you can apply anywhereKeywords:Mexico City, family travel, moving abroad with kids, expat families, parenting abroad, CDMX, residency process, international living, cultural immersion, community building, Black families abroad, Mexico relocation, gotoutgotin, moving abroad guide, Black in CDMX

If you've been thinking about Mexico City, this is the episode you need. Joc sits down with Mark, Founder and CEO of VisaMapAI and a key member of the Move CDMX team, and they get into everything: what it's really like being Black in CDMX, the comedy scene Mark is literally building from the ground up, Art Week, the Kanye concert that had the city buzzing, and even watching the Super Bowl halftime show from Mexico. Mark shares how he turned a potluck in his home into Comedy Kickback and eventually booked KevinOnStage, a comedian from the U.S., to perform in CDMX. He breaks down how VisaMapAI helps you find better visa options beyond the H-1B with personalized recommendations in minutes. They talk about navigating life abroad, building real community in one of the hottest expat destinations right now, and why CDMX has become a hub for Black travelers and digital nomads looking to live their best lives. Whether you're stuck in visa limbo, planning your move, or just CDMX curious, this conversation will give you the real talk and the tools you need to make your next move. Stop dreaming and start planning because the community is already there waiting for you.Check out VisaMapAI: https://visamapai.com/Next time you're in Mexico City, tap in with @themovecdmx for events of the week and to connect with community: https://www.instagram.com/themovecdmx/

For Black History Month this year, Joc sits down with Joseph Landon, founder of JoJo's Ventures, and they get straight into it: Black history IS American history, and if you don't know that by now, this conversation will set you straight. They talk about the Great Migration and how it shaped New York City, the reality of gentrification pushing out the very communities that built the culture, and how JoJo's Trip Advisor award-winning tours are reclaiming the narrative. With NYC's 200th anniversary on the horizon, they break down what it means to preserve history, honor legacy, and use tourism as a tool for cultural upliftment. From the streets of Harlem to the stories that don't make it into textbooks, this episode is a masterclass in why knowing where we came from matters.Website: www.travelhour.orgFollow us on IG:Podcast: @Thee Travel HourCo-Host:Joc: @chasing_zigMatt P.: @accordingtompBusiness Inquiries:[email protected]