Avsnitt
-
How do faith, wellness, and travel intersect to create a fulfilling life? Dr. Alaine Ainsley, a Maryland-based primary care physician, joins The Random and Wonderful Podcast to share her journey of faith-driven purpose, patient-centered care, and personal growth through travel. Tune in for insights on staying spiritually, physically, and emotionally well—no matter where life takes you.
Getting to know today's guest:
Dr. Alaine Ainsley is a faith-driven primary care physician in Maryland who specializes in patient-centered healthcare for all ages. Passionate about medicine, wellness, and travel, she believes in holistic healing—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. When she’s not caring for patients, Alaine is growing in her faith, exploring new places, and embracing purpose in every season of life.
-
Ever thought about packing up and moving to a new country? Travel strategist and journalist Rafael Peña joins me on The Random and Wonderful Podcast to share his journey from event planning in New York to living in Thailand, Argentina, Italy, and Portugal. We dive into how travel expands your perspective, the power of representation in media, and why every Black and Brown traveler should spend at least a year abroad. Tune in for practical travel strategies, eye-opening stories, and a fresh take on global exploration!
Rafael Peña's Bio:
Rafael Peña is a travel strategist and journalist whose work has been featured in Black Enterprise, Travel Noire, Miami Herald, DetourXP, and many other publications. Having lived in Thailand, Italy, Portugal, and Argentina, Rafael is passionate about redefining the travel industry for Black and Brown travelers. He believes that everyone should experience living abroad for at least a year to gain a broader global perspective.
Resources Mentioned:
• Travel Noire – https://travelnoire.com/author/Rafael Pena
• Black Enterprise – https://www.blackenterprise.com/author/penar/
• DetourXP – https://detourxp.com/
• Ebony Expats & Black Expat Facebook Groups – Great resources for moving abroad
-
Saknas det avsnitt?
-
Happy Black History Month! Grace Simmons welcomes Shannon Walker, host of Your Hair Made Simple, to discuss the intersection of solo travel, natural hair journeys, and confidence-building. Shannon shares how an international trip as a teen kickstarted her natural hair journey and how solo travel helped her build resilience, embrace change, and step into new experiences with confidence. From navigating Hawaii’s breathtaking landscapes to embracing self-care on the road, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to travel solo and grow along the way.
Episode Highlights:
How an international trip led to Shannon’s natural hair transformation.The connection between hair, identity, and travel for Black women.The importance of self-care and confidence while traveling.Planning and budgeting tips for solo travel.How embracing solo travel can lead to personal breakthroughs.Learn a little more about Shannon Walker:
Shannon Walker is the Founder and Podcast Host of Your Hair Made Simple, a platform dedicated to sharing authentic stories and information to help people embrace their natural hair with clarity, confidence, and courage. She is also the founder of Elise Enablement Services, where she facilitates strategy development and planning workshops for entrepreneurs and leadership teams. With a professional background in Strategy, Enablement, and Operations, and a foundation in Business and Education, Shannon brings a wealth of knowledge to her work. An adventurer and a lover of life, she finds joy in exploring new places and inspiring others to embrace their journey with confidence.
Stay connected:
Website: yourhairmadesimple.comInstagram: @wanderingtomyselfYour Hair Made Simple Podcast: Available on Spotify & Apple PodcastsSocial Media: @yourhairmadesimple (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube)Resources Mentioned:
Shannon’s podcast Your Hair Made SimpleNational Parks in Hawaii (Volcanoes National Park)About the Green Sand Beach: https://www.lovebigisland.com/quick-and-remarkable-facts-about-hawaii/green-sand-beach/Let's stay in touch:
Interested in an upcoming retreat? Join the waitlist!Follow Grace Simmons on Instagram @amethystpalaverhut & @random.wonderful.
-
Grace Simmons sits down with Anika Jackson, a marcom executive, educator, and podcast host, to explore her inspiring journey of resilience, reinvention, and connection. Anika discusses her expertise in public relations, branding, and digital media, as well as her passion for empowering others to share their authentic stories. From leveraging storytelling to build impactful brands to balancing personal wellness and professional growth, this episode is packed with practical insights and empowering advice.
Let's Meet Anika Jackson:
Anika Jackson is a marcom executive and instructor at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, where she also co-hosts the Mediascape podcast. She is the founder of the Your Brand Amplified® business podcast, ranked in the top 1.5% globally by ListenNotes, and a sought-after speaker on branding and digital media strategy. Anika is pursuing her MBA with a specialization in AI/ML at Villanova while contributing her expertise to organizations worldwide.
Episode Highlights:
• How storytelling creates authentic and meaningful connections.
• Anika’s career journey and lessons learned from life transitions.
• The role of travel in personal and professional growth.
• Tips for balancing creativity, leadership, and personal wellness.
Key Topics Discussed:
• Leveraging storytelling as a tool for brand building and personal growth.
• The intersections of public relations, branding, and digital media.
• Strategies for embracing change and thriving during life transitions.
• How travel offers perspective, creativity, and connection.
Takeaways:
• Authentic storytelling builds trust and drives meaningful impact.
• Travel can inspire both personal growth and professional creativity.
• Balance is essential for sustaining creativity and leadership.
• Embracing change creates opportunities for reinvention and growth.
Anika's Contact and Social Media:
Website: yourbrandamplified.com
Social Media:
Facebook & Instagram: @yourbrandamplifiedFacebook, Instagram, TikTok: @amplifywithanikaResources Mentioned:
Your Brand Amplified® Podcast: Available on all major platformsAnimal Love Rescue Center - Costa Rica https://animallove.cr/Your Turn to Share:
What’s one way storytelling has influenced your personal or professional journey? Share your thoughts with us on social media using the hashtag #RandomAndWonderful.
Your Next Steps:
Subscribe to The Random and Wonderful Podcast.Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others discover the show.Follow Grace Simmons on Instagram @amethystpalaverhutLearn more: amethystpalaverhut.com
-
Today, I’m sharing practical strategies for overcoming travel anxiety, including confidence-boosting tips and personal stories to help you manage those travel jitters and fully enjoy your adventures. Whether you’re heading out for your first trip or you’re a seasoned traveler, these insights will help you navigate unfamiliar situations with more ease. I also tell a funny story about how stepping away from frustration during a chaotic airport delay helped me stay calm. Plus, you’ll hear all about my upcoming Cultivating Confidence Wellness Retreat in Bacalar, Mexico, and a special course I created to help you plan your next trip with confidence!
Key Topics Discussed:
Why travel anxiety happens and how it’s your brain’s way of keeping you safe.5 Confidence-building strategiesPersonal story: Grace’s experience with a stressful airport delay in Spain and how a brief interaction and stepping away helped her reset.Upcoming Cultivating Confidence Wellness Retreat in Bacalar, Mexico (May 8-12, 2025).Details on Grace’s new travel planning course to help anxious travelers feel more confident.Key Quotes:
"Travel anxiety isn’t a sign that you shouldn’t be traveling—it’s just your brain’s way of trying to protect you.""Confidence isn’t about not feeling afraid; it’s about taking action despite the fear.""When anxiety feels overwhelming, remember—you can still have an amazing trip even if you experience moments of stress."Takeaways:
Travel anxiety is normal but manageable with the right mindset and tools.Small actions, like mentally rehearsing your travel day or having a solid safety plan, can significantly ease anxiety.Give yourself grace during stressful moments and celebrate small wins along the way.Resources Mentioned:
Cultivating Confidence Wellness Retreat: https://pages.amethystpalaverhut.com/products/journeytowellnessGrace’s Travel Planning Course (with a special discount) – https://www.udemy.com/course/overcome-the-fear-of-traveling/?couponCode=91206B790BBBDA28F973
-
Grace Simmons talks with Michelle Newman, podcast producer, storyteller, and founder of Newman Media, about her love for solo travel, embracing spontaneity, and finding joy in the little things while on the road. Michelle shares hilarious and heartfelt stories, from staying in an Earthship in New Mexico to driving through Ireland under rainbows. With her unique blend of humor and insight, Michelle offers tips on balancing safety, self-care, and adventure during solo travels while giving a behind-the-scenes look at her creative work in podcasting.
Guest Bio:
Michelle Newman is a podcast producer, storyteller, and founder of Newman Media. A former Los Angeles artist, Michelle spent years creating DIY projects that blended musical performances, comedy, storytelling, and animation. Since pivoting to the podcasting industry in 2019, she has focused on creating high-quality, immersive audio experiences. Michelle’s work includes Deep Healing with Greg Barris, an award-winning experimental comedy podcast, and Tell Me a Ghost Story, a fast-growing show on the Scary.fm network where listeners share eerie and compelling tales. Her passion for audio storytelling and sound design brings creativity and depth to every project she undertakes.
Key Topics Discussed:
• Michelle’s favorite travel stories include a quirky adventure in New Mexico and exploring Ireland’s countryside.
• Why solo travel offers unparalleled freedom and opportunities for self-discovery.
• Tips for balancing spontaneity and safety while traveling alone.
• How self-care practices, like slowing down and “traveling at your own pace,” can enhance any trip.
• Insights into her creative journey in podcasting, from sound design to storytelling.
Key Quotes:
• "Just because you’re in a new place doesn’t mean you have to go non-stop. Take time to rest—everything will still be there when you’re ready."
• "Always be prepared to lie to strangers for safety—I’ve got a big beefy boyfriend back at the hotel."
Takeaways:
• Solo travel can be both liberating and transformative, offering opportunities to connect with yourself and the world in meaningful ways.
• Self-care, like taking breaks or going at your own pace, is essential for enjoying travel.
• Staying flexible and open to unexpected experiences leads to the most memorable adventures.
Resources Mentioned:
• Newman Media: newmanmedia.com
• Tell Me a Ghost Story: tellmeaghoststory.com
-
Summary:
In this inspiring episode, Grace Simmons chats with Michelle Plante, a travel advisor and pioneer in alcohol-free luxury travel for women. Michelle shares her journey to sobriety, her passion for creating meaningful travel experiences, and the transformative power of travel. From Boston to Costa Rica, Michelle’s focus on mindful connections and personal growth shines through as she discusses her luxury alcohol-free retreats and how travel can inspire change and self-discovery.
Guest Bio:
Michelle Plante is a travel advisor and a recent pioneer in organizing luxury alcohol-free trips for women. A dedicated member of the Wellness Tourism Association and the Transformational Travel Council, Michelle blends luxury, adventure, and wellness to create experiences that allow women to connect, thrive, and be their best selves.
Key Topics Discussed:
Michelle’s journey to sobriety and how it led her to curate alcohol-free travel experiences.The importance of setting intentions for meaningful and fulfilling travel.How to find joy and connection while embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle.Michelle’s favorite self-care practices for wellness, both at home and during travel.Highlights of Michelle’s upcoming alcohol-free luxury retreats in Costa Rica and India.Key Quotes:
"It’s not about what you can’t do when you’re sober—it’s about the thousands of incredible things you can do.""Travel isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s a way to grow, connect, and rediscover yourself.""Set your intentions before you travel. Knowing how you want to feel afterward can transform your trip."Takeaways:
Sobriety can unlock a new perspective on travel and life, offering deeper connections and meaningful experiences.Setting clear intentions before a trip enhances its purpose and allows travelers to appreciate it fully.Simple self-care practices, like prioritizing sleep and disconnecting from devices, contribute to overall wellness while traveling.Resources Mentioned:
Michelle Plante’s website: michelleplante.com
Alcohol-Free Luxury Trips in 2025:Costa Rica: TBDIndia: TDBInstagram: @michelleplantetravels
Connect with Michelle:
You can find Michelle on Instagram at @michelleplantetravels or visit her website for more information on her luxury retreats and travel advisory services.
-
Summary:
In this episode of The Random and Wonderful, Grace Simmons chats with Heike Yates, a wellness coach and passionate traveler. Heike shares insights from her journey to "Pursue Your Spark," a movement dedicated to helping women rediscover themselves at every stage of midlife. From managing work-life balance to integrating wellness into everyday life, Heike dives into the importance of self-discovery and staying active. She also shares memorable travel stories, like her “6 for 60” adventure in Hawaii, and offers advice for cultivating a joyful, balanced life.
Guest Bio:Heike Yates is a Midlife Health and Fitness Expert with over 35 years of experience. She empowers midlife women to break free from limiting beliefs and outdated habits, turning challenges into simple, actionable steps that help them truly thrive. Heike’s approach goes beyond fitness and nutrition; she focuses on helping women get unstuck, build strength, develop a resilient mindset, and boost their energy. As the founder of Pursue Your Spark, Heike also hosts a popular podcast that reflects her mission to inspire real transformation. Outside of coaching, she’s an avid triathlete and adventurer, always embracing new challenges in the great outdoors.
Key Topics Discussed:Pursuing Your Spark: How Heike’s journey led her to create a movement focused on igniting and sustaining passion in midlife.Defining Midlife and Rediscovering Purpose: Heike’s insights into the changes women experience between 40 and 80, and the importance of self-care and honest reflection.Work-Life Boundaries and Self-Care: Heike’s transition from constant work to finding balance, prompted by her husband’s gentle “wake-up call.”Incorporating Wellness into Travel: Heike’s approach to active vacations, including hiking, biking, and embracing local culture to stay physically and mentally fit.Adventure and Growth Through Travel: Heike’s “6 for 60” Hawaii trip, where she and her husband worked for a week and then took a week of vacation, fully embracing both adventure and relaxation.
Key Quotes:"I realized that many women dim their light as they get older. Pursuing your spark is about reigniting that light and finding what truly makes you feel alive.""It’s not just about the vacation—it’s about immersing yourself in local culture, discovering the hidden gems, and truly experiencing a place.""After three miles of running, all the world’s problems are solved."
Takeaways:Find and Pursue Your Spark: Rediscovering purpose in midlife involves honest reflection, whether through journaling, physical activity, or deep conversations.Create a Balance Between Work and Life: Setting boundaries is crucial for health and relationships. Heike’s story of balancing work and vacation in Hawaii shows how mindfulness can enhance productivity and personal joy.Integrate Wellness Into Everyday Adventures: Whether at home or traveling, wellness can be a natural part of life. Heike encourages staying active by exploring your surroundings and engaging with local communities.
Resources Mentioned:Pursue Your Spark (Heike Yates' website)REI Trail App (for finding hiking trails across Maryland and beyond)
-
In this episode of The Random and Wonderful, Grace Simmons chats with Edwin Covarrubias, full-time podcaster and creator of Scary.fm, a podcast network dedicated to paranormal storytelling. Edwin recounts his life-changing experience walking the El Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage through Spain that has shaped his outlook on life and work. He shares how the physical challenges of the journey pushed him beyond his limits and helped him achieve mental clarity, patience, and resilience. Throughout the episode, Edwin gives practical advice and insights for future travelers, all while offering heartfelt reflections on his personal growth during the pilgrimage.
Key Topics Discussed:
Edwin’s preparation for the El Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and the physical challenges he faced.How the simple act of walking for days provided mental clarity and self-discovery.The lessons of perseverance, patience, and resilience learned from the journey.The cultural and spiritual significance of the Camino and the connections made with fellow travelers.Practical tips for anyone considering the pilgrimage, emphasizing the importance of mindset over physical readiness.Takeaways:
The Camino de Santiago offers much more than just a physical challenge; it is a mental and emotional growth journey. Travel, especially solo travel, has the power to shift perspectives and offer clarity in unexpected ways.Edwin's experience shows how perseverance through hardship fosters personal development.The pilgrimage is a cultural and spiritual experience that profoundly connects you with others and yourself.Resources Mentioned:
Scary.fm Podcast Network (Edwin’s platform for paranormal storytelling)
The Way (movie)
El Camino de Santiago App
-
Welcome to the Random and Wonderful Podcast! On this special Father's Day episode, I'm chatting with Andrew Cook of Ahead Business Support about his traveling experience with his family. Andrew's secret ingredient is that he is an anxious traveler who has gone worldwide. How does he manage it? Listen in to find out!
Learn more about Andrew here:
Andrew Cook currently owns and operates an HR consulting and coaching business. He helps small business owners with fewer than 50 employees untangle their HR knots and simplify their practices to save time and money. He's been working in human resources for over 18 years, and started running his consulting business full time in January of 2023. He is currently working on launching a coaching business that will help inexperienced international travelers overcome their travel anxiety so they can confidently plan, book, and enjoy the life-changing trip of their dreams.
https://aheadsupport.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cook-80344a253/
For more information on The Amethyst Palaver Hut LLC and travel coaching, sign up here for the latest updates and news: https://pages.amethystpalaverhut.com/profile
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4kjlZLp1Vc0l1QOC7S9jdl?si=9deddfa99d744a8d
-
Welcome to the Random and Wonderful podcast! Today is a special episode for the introverts. We are talking about finding and using your creative outlet to release tension healthily. You'll get a bonus travel tip so stay tuned.
Quick Highlights:
Defining a creative outletBenefits of a creative outletSprinkling your creative outlet in your travelsKeep up with what's happening by subscribing to our newsletter, Confidently Yours.
For more information on The Amethyst Palaver Hut LLC and travel coaching, sign up here for the latest updates and news: https://pages.amethystpalaverhut.com/profile
-
What mark do you intend to leave in this world? Join me as I catch up with the author of Getting Lost in the Sauce, Aya Hojadova, in today's episode. We discuss the impact of travel, finding the motivation to overcome difficult times, and how we use the opportunity to leave our mark moving forward.
Aya's Bio: Aya Hojadova is a versatile professional with a diverse marketing, entertainment, and entrepreneurship background. Originally from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and raised in San Francisco, she holds a marketing degree from San Francisco State University. Aygul now excels in the commercial real estate industry. Her journey has been a captivating exploration of creative pursuits, including acting, modeling, screenwriting, coaching, consulting, and even publishing her first book. Aya published her book, Getting Lost in the Sauce on May 4th of 2023, to inspire and share her story of overcoming the downfalls of her old life and recreating a new life worth living. Her story is a testament to the possibilities of embracing one's creative passions.
www.CommercialRealtySouth.comhttps://shorturl.at/bdgw9
To learn more about the Amethyst Palaver Hut & the Empowered Solo retreat, click here
Bonus: Inspiration for Your Next Trip
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/heyquickquestion/message -
How do you show love to yourself?
Welcome to the Random & Wonderful! In today's episode, we will discuss some myths and truths about self-love. And I promise, I'll leave you with some helpful tips. As a bonus, I'm including my Self-Care Checklist to get you started on your journey.
Empowered Solo, the perfect wellness and travel coaching blend, is now accepting applicants.
For more information on The Amethyst Palaver Hut LLC and travel coaching, sign up here for the latest updates and news: https://pages.amethystpalaverhut.com/profile
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/heyquickquestion/message -
Wednesday is the International Day of Happiness and during Women's Month, I'm excited to continue this series with another adventurous woman. In today's Random & Wonderful Podcast episode, my guest is Jessica Grace Coleman, the Travel Transformation Coach. I had the pleasure of being a guest on The Travel Transformation Podcast in 2023. Jess shares her traveling adventures in Spain and Thailand with tips to combat anxiety and passionately emphasizes that life has too much to offer to allow fear to hold you back.
Learn more about Jessica and all of her fantastic work below:Jessica Grace Coleman – also known as The Travel Transformation Coach – is a writer, intentional travel advocate, host of The Travel Transformation Podcast, and founder of The Travel Transformation Company. She is the author of the books, Write Your Life: The Ultimate Life Hack For Achieving Your Dreams, and Intentional Travel Transformation: Boost Your Confidence, Conquer Your Fears & Finally Become The Person You’ve Always Wanted To Be. Through sharing her experiences as an introverted digital nomad and solo female traveller, she’s here to show people that it’s never too late to step outside their comfort zone and boost their confidence through travel – and that they don’t have to do anything as monumental as hiking the Pacific Crest Trail or climbing Mount Everest to achieve transformative results. Jessica completely flipped the script on her life using intentional travel, and now it’s her mission to help others do the same – through her books, her podcast, and her online Travel Transformation Academy. You can find out more about Jessica Grace Coleman at www.traveltransformationcoach.com, on Instagram @traveltransformationcoach or on TikTok @traveltransformation.The coliving organization Jess mentioned is Sun and Co.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/heyquickquestion/message -
A traveler's mindset is open to challenges and constantly finds ways to expand beyond their known world. Whether you do this naturally or could use a mindset coach to help, there are always options to explore, despite your life barriers. Today's guest embodies that spirit of wanderlust and personal growth: Stephany Ann!
Get to know our guest, Stephany Ann:Stephany, a seasoned traveler with a passport stamped in nearly 50 countries, is a globetrotting enthusiast. Her journey in life has seen her explore exotic locales and lead young adults on meaningful humanitarian adventures. As a fearless solo female traveler, she's navigated the world with courage and curiosity. Beyond the geographical discoveries, Stephany's travels have been a profound source of personal growth and healing. She's harnessed the power of travel as a means to find herself, making her adventures not just about places, but about profound self-discovery. Stephany's travel tales aren't just picture-perfect postcards; they're filled with candid and comical moments that have left her blushing and laughing. Join her on a journey of self-discovery, cultural exploration, and unforgettable escapades in her podcast as she shares the transformative magic of travel.
Contact: [email protected] Packing List: https://pages.amethystpalaverhut.com/travelessentials
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/heyquickquestion/message -
Today's episode features Brittany Winkfield, a fellow traveler I met at Podcast Movement. We talked about growth opportunities, understanding the importance of home, connecting to the past, and Back2Basics. You can learn more about Brittany Winkfield's work and journey below.
Brittany is currently serving as associate publisher at the Denver Urban Spectrum and founder/executive director of Back2Basics, a youth development nonprofit. She is a Colorado native, a proud HBCU grad, and a mother of three daughters. Her love travel for travel and new experiences sparked from a career in the aviation industry. Her goal now is to make memories all over the world!
IG: @mellow086
Personal Website: https://www.back-2-basics.org/
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/heyquickquestion/message
-
We are back with the third Random and Wonderful Podcast series! This next round is a blend of narrative and guest interviews focusing on the direct impact of travel, from a welcomed escape to a necessary shift for a new chapter in life. I'm excited and I hope you are too!
The invitation is open for the ladies to join The Empowered Solo wellness retreat. You can apply as a solo traveler or bring a friend!
For more information on confidence coaching with me, sign up for a Confidence Clarity session: https://www.amethystpalaverhut.com/
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/heyquickquestion/message -
Today's episode of the Random and Wonderful podcast features Tara Jabbari! Tara connects experts and entrepreneurs with digital solutions to grow their businesses with a focus on podcasting and social media strategies.
Find out more at Tara Jabbari at [email protected].
Registration is now open for Empowered Solo! Apply before JANUARY 20th: https://www.amethystpalaverhut.com/
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/heyquickquestion/message -
In today's episode of the Random & Wonderful, we discuss barriers that may keep you from traveling solo, or at all. Each concern is met with an actionable step to push past that fear. Travel truly is a self-development opportunity and you are worth the investment.
Sign up for a free Confidence Clarity session: https://www.amethystpalaverhut.com/home
Find out more about Empowered Solo! and apply before JANUARY 20th: https://www.amethystpalaverhut.com/
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/heyquickquestion/message -
It's financial wellness time! Today's episode features Eboni Andrews, the impactful and educational business owner who helps small businesses obtain funding for purchasing business vehicles without using personal credit so that they can escape a poverty mindset and use OPM (other people's money) to fund their dreams/goals for business. Listen in for amazing tips!
If you'd like to learn more, check out Eboni's latest offering, Show Me the Structure, today!
Ready to begin your bold journey, sign up for a Confidence Clarity session with me and let's get you going!
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/heyquickquestion/message - Visa fler
