Around the World in 42 Days: Turning a Lifelong Dream Into Reality

How does a lifelong scientist reconcile her love of data with her fascination with ancient myths that defy explanation? And what does it take to turn a retired grandmother into a solo traveler crossing six continents in just 42 days? In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Imogene Drakes, author of Around the World in 42 Days, for a fascinating conversation about curiosity, courage, planning, and the power of seeing the world with your own eyes. Dr. Drakes shares the story behind her extraordinary journey, which began not with a detailed plan, but with a lifelong fascination with ancient stories, mythology, and science. A Sunday sermon quoting Psalm 82 was the final push she needed to start planning. Within weeks, she had mapped out a whirlwind tour of iconic sites across the globe, from Machu Picchu to Easter Island, from Stonehenge to Mohenjo-daro in Pakistan. But this journey was not without its obstacles. Dr. Drakes opens up about the challenges she faced, including a visa with an incorrect passport number, canceled flights, and the disappointment of missing the glass-bottom boat tour in Japan. Yet through quick thinking, persistence, and a little bit of luck, she turned each setback into an opportunity. Gerald and Dr. Drakes explore why age is irrelevant when pursuing meaningful goals, the importance of writing down your dreams, and how building flexibility into your plans, both in time and budget, can save you when things go wrong. They also discuss the deeper lessons from her journey, including the power of humility, the importance of connecting with people across cultures, and her ongoing mission to explore the common threads between science, mythology, and religion. If you've ever dreamed of doing something extraordinary but told yourself it's too late, this episode will inspire you to put your birth certificate away and start planning. What We Discuss [02:02] Meet Imogene Drakes and Around the World in 42 Days [04:16] The inspiration behind her journey [05:51] Planning a 42-day adventure around the world [08:01] Why experiencing places firsthand matters [09:06] Discoveries in Australia and Japan [13:25] Navigating unexpected travel challenges [15:07] What the journey taught her about herself [16:59] Mohenjo-daro and the journey’s defining moment [18:20] Finding common ground across cultures [20:35] Why it’s never too late to pursue a dream [22:51] Journaling, reflection, and finding purpose [25:19] Turning a dream into a practical first step [27:28] Creating a roadmap for others [29:15] Where to find Around the World in 42 Days Notable Quotes [07:19] "I didn't say anything to anyone until it was all planned." – Dr. Imogene Drakes [08:26] "I wouldn't be satisfied if I wrote a book and actually didn't go to the places to see what they look like." – Dr. Imogene Drakes [09:06] "It's really important that you don't take anyone's word for important things you need to do." – Dr. Imogene Drakes [13:25] "It's always good to build in some space in whatever you're doing, especially if you're going very far." – Dr. Imogene Drakes [14:00] "First of all, I had to stop, and I had to breathe. Then I had to think." – Imogene Drakes [15:07] "I can think on my feet." – Dr. Imogene Drakes [15:31] "I really didn't give up. I'm not somebody who gives up easily." – Dr. Imogene Drakes [20:58] "Put your birth certificate very far away. It has nothing to do with your ability." – Dr. Imogene Drakes [21:19] "I find that since I'm retired, I am busier than ever because I'm so happy with what I'm doing." – Dr. Imogene Drakes [25:47] "Write down your dream. And then write down what your first step will be." – Dr. Imogene Drakes Resource and Links Imogene Drakes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ImogeneaDrakes/61591723627710/ Book: Around the World in 42 Days Upcoming book: The Top of the Globe Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.