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

Overview
Episodes

Details

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

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
Living La Vida Local: Sam's San Miguel Adventure
SEP 16, 2025
Living La Vida Local: Sam's San Miguel Adventure

Sam Brose takes us on a captivating journey from the bustling streets of Minneapolis to the colorful charm of San Miguel de Allende, sharing how food and history flavor his life in this vibrant city. You know those food tours that make your mouth water? Yeah, Sam’s got stories that’ll have you drooling and dreaming about your next getaway. He spills the beans on the challenges of uprooting his life and how a tight-knit community back home made leaving a bittersweet adventure. We dive into the cultural quirks of life in San Miguel, where fireworks aren’t just for celebrations, but part of everyday life (just be ready for some late-night surprises!). So grab your snacks and settle in, because this episode is all about embracing the unknown and finding joy in every bite of life!

Takeaways:

  • Sam's journey from Minneapolis to San Miguel de Allende is a testament to embracing change and new adventures, proving that our comfort zones can be expanded beyond familiar borders if we dare to take the leap.
  • Living in San Miguel means immersing yourself in history where every corner store has a story that spans centuries, reminding us to appreciate the beauty of longevity and the lives once lived there.
  • The vibrant culture of San Miguel is a whirlwind of celebrations and fireworks, creating an environment where community ties are strengthened across generations, making every day feel festive and alive.
  • Sam highlights the importance of mastering the local language before moving abroad, as it not only enhances communication but also deepens cultural connections and enriches the overall experience of living in a new country.
  • A significant life lesson for Sam has been redefining values post-move, learning that a simple, walkable lifestyle filled with good food and community is far more fulfilling than material possessions and a fast-paced life.
  • Food is more than sustenance for Sam; it’s a celebration of culture and community, deeply rooted in his upbringing, showcasing how culinary traditions can foster connections and joy among diverse groups.

Sam Brose's Bio:

Sam Brose is a third-generation former Minneapolitan who transformed a background in pastry and nutrition-focused cooking into a life of cross-cultural storytelling. For years, he served as a chef and kitchen manager for nonprofits supporting adults and children with chronic illnesses. Today, he calls San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato home, where he works as a food tour guide with Taste of San Miguel, sharing his love of Mexican cuisine, culture, and history with travelers from around the world.

Selling nearly everything and moving to Mexico with a small savings and a big leap of faith, Sam discovered new confidence in navigating cross-cultural communication, leading tours, and embracing life’s surprises. His journey reflects a passion for food, community, and the transformative power of travel.

Connect with Sam Brose:

IG- @sbrose987

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23 MIN
Burnout to Breakthrough: The Journey of a Solo Traveler
JUL 22, 2025
Burnout to Breakthrough: The Journey of a Solo Traveler

Traveling solo can feel like a wild ride on a rollercoaster, and today's guest, Amanda, is here to share her epic adventure on the Camino. She took a leap from her engineering life into the unknown, embarking on a month-long trek that turned out to be way tougher than she ever imagined. But fear not, because in the midst of blisters and unexpected challenges, she found not just the beauty of the trail but also the kindness of strangers and a deeper connection with herself. We dive into her journey of self-discovery, the importance of taking a breather from the daily grind, and how a little bit of faith can go a long way when you're feeling lost—both on the trail and in life. So, grab your headphones and let’s wander together into the Random and Wonderful world of travel, transformation, and maybe even a few toe tales!

Takeaways:

  • Travel often leads to personal transformation, as shared through Amanda's inspiring journey on the Camino.
  • Finding the courage to step away from burnout can open doors to new adventures and self-discovery.
  • The Camino teaches that nature can be both beautiful and brutal, reminding us of life's unpredictability.
  • Engaging with locals and experiencing their kindness can deeply enhance your travel experience, creating unforgettable memories.

Amanda Malm Bio:

Amanda Malm is a former systems engineer and program manager who spent 21 years at Lockheed Martin before making a bold pivot into wellness coaching. After experiencing deep burnout from nonstop work and travel, Amanda took a year-long sabbatical that completely reshaped her life. She now supports other professionals through burnout recovery and sabbatical planning, helping them heal and reset—whether they can step away from work or must recover while staying in it. Based in Oklahoma, Amanda is a proud pet mom, water aerobics enthusiast, and passionate advocate for intentional rest.

Connect with Amanda:

 LinkedIn and IG: @sabbaticalshaman

Traveler's Mindset Course: https://www.amethystpalaverhut.com/podcast

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33 MIN
World Schooling: Redefining Education Through Global Experiences
JUN 24, 2025
World Schooling: Redefining Education Through Global Experiences

Ready to dive into a world of adventure and education? This episode features the incredible Janelle Schroy, a full-time world-schooling mom who has taken her four daughters to a staggering 47 countries over the past five and a half years! We explore how she turned the traditional idea of education on its head, making the entire globe their classroom. From road trips to immersive experiences, Janelle shares how her family has embraced a lifestyle filled with learning through travel, proving that education can be as exciting as a zipline through the Amazon. Plus, we chat about the unique challenges and joys of traveling as a family, and how they manage to balance schooling with exploring the wonders of the world. Buckle up, because this episode is packed with inspiration, practical tips, and a whole lot of heart!

Takeaways:

  • Traveling with kids can be a wild ride, but it’s totally worth it for the memories and learning experiences.
  • World schooling turns the globe into your classroom, proving that education can happen anywhere—yes, even on a beach!
  • Planning a family trip? Forget the stress! Embrace spontaneity and let adventure lead the way!
  • Connecting with local cultures while traveling enriches education beyond textbooks—your kids will learn lessons they’ll never forget!
  • Creating impactful experiences for your children through travel can spark their passions and shape their futures in ways you can’t imagine!
  • Don’t just travel for fun; travel with purpose! Mix education with adventure and watch your kids thrive!

Need a little with your travel planning? Sign up for the Traveler's Mindset Course .

Links referenced in this episode:


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32 MIN
Embracing Transformation: Julie Ulstrup's Journey on El Camino de Santiago
APR 16, 2025
Embracing Transformation: Julie Ulstrup's Journey on El Camino de Santiago
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33 MIN