What does it mean to truly belong to Rapa Nui? In this second and final part of Jackie’s immersive Easter Island experience, she sits down with local guide Tokerau to uncover the living culture behind the island’s iconic statues. From ancestry and family stories to the protected laws that keep multinational corporations off the island, this episode reveals how Rapa Nui’s people continue to preserve their identity in one of the most remote communities on Earth.

Tokerau shares personal reflections on what it means to be Rapa Nui—how bloodline defines belonging, how Chilean colonization reshaped life here, and how local efforts continue to protect land, language, and autonomy. Along the way, listeners will hear about the island’s volcanic origins, the ancient Rongorongo script, and the deep linguistic connections between Polynesian cultures like Hawai‘i and Aotearoa.

Through humor, humility, and heartfelt pride, Tokerau reminds us that while the Moai statues may be what bring people to the island, it’s the living culture—the songs, the stories, the language, and the people—that keep its spirit alive.

If Part 1 (Episode 195) explored the Moai and the mysteries of the island’s past, Part 2 celebrates the resilience, respect, and pride of the Rapa Nui people today.

Resources:

• EcoChile Travel – Custom trip operator for Chile & Argentina (includes Easter Island itineraries). Mention “Traveling Jackie” or “JUMP” for 5% off your trip.
• Rapa Nui National Park – Official visitor site and conservation info.
• Rano Raraku Quarry – Learn about the birthplace of the moai.
• Ahu Akivi – See the seven moai aligned with the stars.
• Please follow the show, leave a 5-star review if you love it, and share with your travel buddies
• Don’t miss Jackie’s behind-the-scenes communications - hop on our email list at TravelingJackie.com

Massive thanks to Osprey.com and ObozFootwear.com for sponsoring and supporting our show!

Produced by NOVA

What if the stone statues could actually see you? On Rapa Nui, the moai “came alive” only when coral-and-obsidian eyes were set in place—turning carved stone into guardians watching over their people. In this immersive audio tour, Jackie takes you across Easter Island’s windswept platforms, quarries, and coastal vistas to decode the moai: what they meant, how they were moved, and why most face inland. You’ll hear field recordings from the trail, learn why an official guide is essential for 90% of the National Park, and stand (sonically) before Ahu Akivi’s seven moai aligned with the spring equinox and Orion’s Belt. Plus, practical trip tips (plan on 3–4 nights) and a listener perk: 5% off a custom Chile/Argentina itinerary with Eco Chile when you mention JUMP. Don’t miss part two (Ep. 196) for Jackie’s most jaw-dropping find on the island.

Resources:

• Eco Chile Travel – Custom trip operator for Chile & Argentina (includes Easter Island itineraries)
• Mention “Traveling Jackie” or “JUMP” for 5% off your trip
• Rapa Nui National Park
• Ahu Akivi
• Anakena Beach
• Please follow the show, leave a 5-star review if you love it, and share with your travel buddies
• Don’t miss Jackie’s behind-the-scenes communications - hop on our email list at TravelingJackie.com

Massive thanks to Osprey.com and ObozFootwear.com for sponsoring and supporting our show!

Produced by NOVA

What if sticking out your thumb on the side of the road turned into one of the most life-changing experiences of your journey? After completing the Great Divide Trail, Jada set out to hitchhike 500 miles back to Montana—and along the way, she discovered the power of trust, the kindness of strangers, and the unexpected magic that happens when you leave room for it. In this continuation of her story, Jada shares unforgettable encounters with trail angels, surprising meals with strangers, and the lessons that only long-distance hiking can teach. From trail magic to her mantra of “live so hard, it hurts,” Part 2 of our conversation will inspire you to lean into life, embrace the unknown, and seek out your own adventure.

Resources:

• Follow Jada on Instagram: @whereisjadaa
• FarOut Guides
• Read Wild by Cheryl Strayed
• Please follow the show, leave a 5-star review if you love it, and share with your travel buddies
• Don’t miss Jackie’s behind-the-scenes communications - hop on our email list at TravelingJackie.com

Massive thanks to Osprey.com and ObozFootwear.com for sponsoring and supporting our show!

Produced by NOVA

What if the accident that nearly ended you became the spark that set your life on fire? A snowboarding crash left Jada “Flo” bedridden—until she turned recovery into an 800-mile trek across Arizona that launched her into the world of long-distance trails. In this episode, we trace her journey from deserts to the Canadian Rockies and the lessons she’s learned about resilience, simplicity, and giving yourself permission to pivot. Part two (Ep. 194) continues with trail angels, hitchhiking, and the kindness of strangers.

Resources:

• Follow Jada on Instagram: @whereisjadaa
• FarOut Guides
• Read Wild by Cheryl Strayed
• Please follow the show, leave a 5-star review if you love it, and share with your travel buddies
• Don’t miss Jackie’s behind-the-scenes communications - hop on our email list at TravelingJackie.com

Massive thanks to Osprey.com and ObozFootwear.com for sponsoring and supporting our show!

Produced by NOVA

What if the biggest party on two wheels was happening in the middle of Iowa every summer—and you were invited? Cyclist Eric Whalen joins Jackie to share the magic of RAGBRAI, the week-long ride across the state that’s equal parts endurance, community, and carnival. From pies and slip-n-slides to costumes and late-night music, Eric reveals how this ride became a father-son tradition and why it’s one of the most joyful cycling adventures in the country.

Resources:

• Learn more about RAGBRAI: Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa
• Check out Pork Belly Ventures for charter services and added comfort on the ride
• Join the conversation on the RAGBRAI Subreddit
• Follow Eric on Instagram: @whaylen
• Please follow the show, leave a 5-star review if you love it, and share with your travel buddies
• Don’t miss Jackie’s behind-the-scenes communications - hop on our email list at TravelingJackie.com
• Be part of the conversation! Watch the video version by subscribing to our YouTube channel today
• Massive thanks to Osprey.com and ObozFootwear.com for sponsoring and supporting our show!

Produced by NOVA

She was a corporate high-flyer who traded boardrooms for backcountry trails. After joining Jackie on the O Circuit in Patagonia—celebrating a sobriety milestone and conquering suspension bridges—Ginger Cooper came home and sold her house, quit her job, and built a life on her own terms. From solo camper van trips above the Arctic Circle to kayaking with beluga whales, her story is a joyful reminder of what’s possible when you say yes to what calls you.

Caution: may inspire spontaneous ticket purchases.

Resources:

• Follow Ginger on Instagram at @gspiceadventures
• Please follow the show, leave a 5-star review if you love it, and share with your travel buddies
• Don’t miss Jackie’s behind-the-scenes communications - hop on our email list at TravelingJackie.com
• Massive thanks to Osprey.com and ObozFootwear.com for sponsoring and supporting our show!

Produced by NOVA

She grew up watching her dad walk across the country—literally—from capital to capital. Decades later, Sherry Ott is finishing what he started… by bike. In this episode, Jackie sits down with the travel veteran (and six-time guest!) to talk about her latest quest: a cross-country cycling journey that’s equal parts tribute, personal challenge, and epic adventure.

What began in the 80s with paper maps and pushpins has become “Capital to Capital,” Sherry’s self-filmed docuseries chronicling her ride through rural America. Along the way, she’s faced down busy highways, wild dogs, flat tires, and self-doubt—but also discovered unexpected connection, confidence, and joy in the process.

It’s a story about legacy, learning as you go, and saying yes to something big before you’re ready.

Resources:

• Find and follow Sherry on Instagram at @Ottsworld
• Read about Sherry's quest: ottsworld.com/blogs/capitol-to-capitol-quest-walking-and-cycling-to-the-united-states-capitols
• Watch Sherry's docuseries: https://youtu.be/tzbofptX92I
• Please follow the show, leave a 5-star review if you love it, and share with your travel buddies
• Don’t miss Jackie’s behind-the-scenes communications - hop on our email list at TravelingJackie.com
• Massive thanks to Osprey.com and ObozFootwear.com for sponsoring and supporting our show!

Produced by NOVA

He was a small-town guy from Montana, she was living the big city life in New York. They met on a trip to Morocco and got engaged four years later in Antarctica, and they had an adventure date on every continent in between. Listen in as Jackie gets the whole story from guests Andy Austin and Chelsea Anderson, two globe-trotting professionals who fell in love as they journeyed to the ends of the earth, together.

Pairs well with pajamas and champagne.

- The sweetest thing you will watch today: Andy & Chelsea's sweet 7 for 7 love story on TikTok

- Find and follow Andy at @AndyAustinPhoto and Chelsea at @Chesea_ea

- Please follow the show, leave a 5-star review if you love it, and share with your travel buddies

- Don’t miss Jackie’s behind-the-scenes communications - hop on our email list at TravelingJackie.com

Massive thanks to Osprey.com and ObozFootwear.com for sponsoring and supporting our show!

Produced by NOVA