Random and Wonderful: Conversations about Travel Anxiety, Wellness, and Mindset Shifts
Random and Wonderful: Conversations about Travel Anxiety, Wellness, and Mindset Shifts

Random and Wonderful: Conversations about Travel Anxiety, Wellness, and Mindset Shifts

Grace Simmons

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Episodes

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Travel isn’t just about new places—it’s about personal growth, mindset shifts, and embracing the unknown. Hosted by Grace Simmons, a confidence coach and travel enthusiast, this podcast is your go-to guide for overcoming travel anxiety, building confidence, and discovering the wellness practices that make travel transformative. Each episode blends inspiring travel stories, expert insights, and practical strategies to help you step out of your comfort zone and travel with confidence. Whether you’re a first-time traveler feeling hesitant or an experienced explorer seeking deeper self-discovery through adventure, you’ll find encouragement, motivation, and real-world advice here. Expect engaging interviews with travelers, mindset and wellness experts, and personal stories about navigating fear, finding freedom, and embracing joy on the road. Grace’s down-to-earth approach makes travel feel accessible, empowering you to explore the world without self-doubt holding you back. New episodes every other Tuesday! Hit subscribe to join the journey, and don’t forget to share your own random and wonderful travel moments on IG @random.wonderful.

Recent Episodes

From Corporate Lawyer to Adventurous Storyteller: Miguel Yga's Journey
MAR 25, 2026
From Corporate Lawyer to Adventurous Storyteller: Miguel Yga's Journey
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
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41 MIN
Bookstores and Black Stories: Lori Tharp's Journey as a Storytelling Evangelist
MAR 18, 2026
Bookstores and Black Stories: Lori Tharp's Journey as a Storytelling Evangelist
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
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32 MIN
Exploring Life After Heartbreak with Emmi Fortin
OCT 1, 2025
Exploring Life After Heartbreak with Emmi Fortin
Emmi Fortin joins me today to dive into the fascinating world of self-discovery through travel and the unique role of a breakup coach. We kick things off chatting about her journey to becoming a life guide, where she reveals that it’s not just about teaching people how to break up, but empowering them to find clarity and confidence during life’s transitions. Emmi shares her own transformative experiences in Spain, where she learned to embrace independence and push her boundaries - like, who knew navigating a foreign subway could be a metaphor for life, am I right? We also dish out some tips on how to travel with intention and make the most out of your adventures. Plus, don’t forget to check the show notes for a free giveaway that Emmi’s offering, because who doesn’t love a good cheat sheet for relationships? Tune in for some wisdom and a sprinkle of humor that’ll inspire your next wanderlust!Learn about more about Emmi Fortin:Emmi Fortin is a 2x International Best Selling and Award Winning author. She is the creator of her pioneering Story Book Life Intensive, a fusion of memoir-style writing and innovative coaching to help visionaries, business execs and CEOs, conscious thought leaders, and people from all walks of life break through their limitations and create the Story Book Life of their own design. Emmi is on a mission to help 20,000 individuals tap into their personal story and use it to create the relationships, team, community, life, and/or business of their dreams.As a Self-Leadership Coach, Emmi also helps women and men rebuild themselves after a breakup, divorce, or damaging relationship so they can feel confident, stress-free, and enjoy life as they move forward. Her clients express feeling a renewed sense of self, direction, and independence during and after their work with her in her Wake Up from Your Breakup coaching program.To be considered for a coaching opportunity, simply email [email protected] to schedule your free Discovery Call.Check out Emmi's work at www.emmifortin.com
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31 MIN