Join Auntie Rae, your hot pants-wearing, truth-telling storyteller, as she dives deep into the soul-soothing embrace of the legendary Queen Mary 2. After years of corporate exhaustion, Auntie Rae finds the ultimate antidote in the calm elegance of Cunard, feeling her spirit expand and breathe for the first time in years.

In this episode, Auntie Rae recounts serene days at sea, unexpected connections forged over fish and chips with globe-trotting veterans Richard and Debra, and a profound realization about finding kindred spirits beyond complexion. But the tranquility is shattered by a ship-wide medical emergency that sends the Queen Mary 2 on a dramatic detour, forcing Auntie Rae to confront human vulnerability and the preciousness of every breath.

Experience the powerful "plot twist" of an emergency evacuation, a poignant encounter with history near the Titanic's resting place, and Auntie Rae's vow to stop waiting to live. This episode is a testament to slowing down, finding presence, and discovering that joy, love, and wisdom are companions, not distant goals. From the quiet rituals of balcony reflections and elegant tea times (and one too many hazelnut tarts!), to forming an unexpected tribe of resilient souls, Auntie Rae discovers that sometimes, the greatest leaps of faith are taken in stillness.

Tune in to witness how a transatlantic crossing becomes a profound journey back to self—grounded, lit up, and truly ready for whatever new horizons await.

From night-before chaos to the majestic Queen Mary 2! Auntie Rae takes on the ultimate travel challenge and proves that freedom is worth every struggle.

Welcome back to "Not Your Average Hot Pants Wearing Auntie Travel & Adventures"! In this exhilarating episode, Auntie Rae throws open the doors to the wild, last-minute chaos of her travel day. After her fierce wardrobe hunt, the real test begins: navigating the final, frenzied hours before her transatlantic flight to the Queen Mary 2.

Join Auntie Rae as she hilariously recounts the pre-dawn madness of her "Grand Adventure," from her sister's 4 AM "Bryant Uber" drop-off and a frantic game of car Tetris with her multiplying luggage. Discover how she strategically booked not just one, but

four back-to-back Carnival cruises through the Mediterranean, embracing the "gift of sudden unemployment" as a catalyst for a "Sea, Sip, and Self-Discovery Tour".

Experience the unfiltered reality of modern air travel: a red-eye flight into LaGuardia, the "Hot Mess Express" through the airport, battling airlines that behave like a "sitcom". But through every obstacle, every missed nap, and every unexpected 'what if,' witness Auntie Rae's unwavering faith and her ultimate triumph as she lays eyes on the magnificent Queen Mary 2. Feel the "pure, uncut, soul-wakin’ magic" as she finally steps aboard, the culmination of decades of wanderlust and a defiant choice to live free.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• The humorous, yet real, chaos of Auntie Rae's night before her grand transatlantic voyage.
• Her strategic (and sometimes audacious) booking of a multi-cruise European adventure, fueled by newfound freedom.
• The unfiltered reality of air travel: from airport dashes with overflowing bags to navigating challenging public transit.
• Auntie Rae's profound philosophy on facing fear and trusting flow, no matter what sideways turns travel throws.
• The triumphant, soul-stirring moment of seeing the Queen Mary 2 for the very first time and realizing dreams are worth chasing.
• A reflective look back at her 17-year-old self, connecting past dreams to her present courage and gratitude.

From Zoom-call hoodies to Cunard glamour! Join Auntie Rae on a frantic, fabulous hunt for the perfect gala dress.

Welcome back to "Not Your Average Hot Pants Wearing Auntie Travel & Adventures"! In this sparkling episode, Auntie Rae dives into a true pre-trip crisis: the wardrobe emergency. With Cunard's "Black Tie Optional" emails serving as divine instructions, she faced a formidable challenge: transforming from years of stretch pants and work-from-home comfort to "Gala-Ready Grace Kelly."

Join Auntie Rae on a frantic hunt through consignment boutiques and department stores, where every dress is either whispering sweet nothings or "hollering disrespect." Experience the humor and frustration of zippers fighting for their lives and bust darts betraying her, as she searches for magic, drama, and most importantly, comfort. Discover the profound moment when she finds "the one"—a black and gold dress that didn't just fit, "it forgave."

This episode isn't just about fashion; it's about reclaiming joy and self-expression that got sidelined by years of corporate expectations. It’s about packing confidence, swagger, and a little bit of "just-in-case magic" to sparkle, shimmy, and maybe even shut down a chandelier or two on the high seas.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Auntie Rae's "wardrobe emergency of the highest order" before her grand cruise.
• The humorous and relatable challenges of transforming from a work-from-home persona to red-carpet ready.
• Her frantic hunt for the perfect gala dress and the dresses that "hollered disrespect."
• The emotional triumph of finding an outfit that "didn't just fit—it forgave."
• Why her meticulous packing, complete with backup platforms for her knees, is an act of "packing joy."
• A powerful message about reclaiming self-expression and dignity after years of feeling overlooked.

Welcome back to "Not Your Average Hot Pants Wearing Auntie Travel & Adventures"! In this hilariously relatable episode, Auntie Rae confesses her biggest travel secret: she's a chronic overpacker. After gallivanting across 40 countries, you'd think she'd have it down to a science—but you'd be "dead wrong!"

Join Auntie Rae as she takes you into the glorious chaos of her packing process, where sundresses and evening shoes form a mountain on her bed, and her bags multiply overnight into "rolling closets." Discover the "panic" that sets in, her attempts at "suitcase yoga," and why her luggage is a "Black Girl Magic apothecary" packed with just-in-case essentials for any travel emergency (or rooftop soirée!).

This episode also gives you a raw look into Auntie Rae's work-from-home life—the "dream turned domestic dilemma"—and how it fueled her inner fashionista. Witness her transformation from "pajama philosopher by day" to "glam goddess by night," reclaiming her dignity and style after years of casual comfort. Finally, brace yourself for the thrilling, nerve-wracking night before her grand adventure, a whirlwind of last-minute mayhem and a 4 AM airport drop-off with her sister.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Auntie Rae's unapologetic confession as a chronic overpacker and her "zombie apocalypse" packing philosophy.
• The hilarious struggle of wrangling an entire wardrobe into bursting suitcases.
• Why her overpacking is actually "preparation, passion, and just-in-case magic."
• A candid look at the realities of working from home and the "business mullet" fashion trend.
• The exhilarating transformation from homebound comfort to glam goddess, reclaiming her style and spirit.
• The chaotic, yet heartwarming, night before her transatlantic flight, filled with nervous energy and sisterly love.

Why does Auntie Rae call the open seas "home"? Discover how cruising became her ultimate form of freedom and self-reset.

Welcome back to "Not Your Average Hot Pants Wearing Auntie Travel & Adventures"! In this episode, Auntie Rae takes you deep into her lifelong love affair with cruising. Beyond the common misconceptions, she reveals why the structured yet liberating rhythm of the open seas feels like pure freedom, peace with room service, and the perfect balm for a soul tired of insomnia.

Join Auntie Rae as she shares her unique travel philosophy: from meticulously planning every detail with her "planner itch" to trusting her gut about which ports truly "whisper to her spirit." She’ll whisk you away to the whitewashed flirtations of Santorini and the cobblestone secrets of Tallinn, showing you how each destination, even if just a "sampler plate," expands her bravery and joy.

Discover how her upbringing, rooted in "Mama's order," shaped her appreciation for the consistency of life at sea. Hear the pivotal moment when the Cunard Queen Mary 2's invitation felt like an ancestral whisper, confirming her path to radical self-reintroduction after being "cut loose" from her old life. This episode is a testament to how stepping onto a ship can truly be a "resurrection" – the soft launch of a new, soulful chapter.

In this episode, you'll hear about:
- Auntie Rae's unapologetic reasons for loving cruises, defying common perceptions.
- How the predictability of ship life offers deep peace and consistency.
- Vivid sensory details from her favorite ports like Santorini and Tallinn.
- The profound spiritual connection that guided her to sail the Queen Mary 2.
- Her journey of self-rediscovery on the open seas: reintroducing her curiosity, courage, and calling.
- The genesis of her idea to build a storytelling and content creation brand.
- Why cruising became her therapy, her reset button, and her personal "resurrection."

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Welcome back to "Not Your Average Hot Pants Wearing Auntie Travel & Adventures"! In this pivotal first episode, Auntie Rae takes you deep into the heart of her own "breaking point." After years of loyalty to a corporate "Center of Exhaustion," she recounts the Tuesday morning when a 30-minute meeting invite shattered the illusion of stability and revealed a harsh truth: her role was eliminated.

Join Auntie Rae as she bravely confronts the raw anger and profound clarity that emerged from being 'cut loose' with less ceremony than a canceled meeting. Discover why this wasn't a pity party, but the powerful moment she realized her spirit was too rich for 'discount treatment' and vowed never again to shrink for someone else's comfort.

This episode isn't just about a job loss; it's about a defiant act of self-reclamation. Auntie Rae shares her unique philosophy on nature vs. nurture, owning her mosaic self, and how a lifetime of wanderlust—from a dusty childhood town to a life-changing trip to Germany and the discovery of cruising—culminated in this breakthrough moment. This is where the story truly shifts from just existing to fiercely living.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• The raw truth of hitting a corporate breaking point and being 'gaslit' by leadership.
• Auntie Rae's unique perspective on being "Black, brilliant, and boundary-setting" in corporate America.
• The pivotal shift from a "slow bleed" to a powerful reclaiming of her purpose, passion, and peace.
• Her 'fictional memoir' approach to storytelling: "real enough to sting, creative enough to sing."
• The surprising origins of her lifelong wanderlust, from "Butte Cold" to the discovery of cruises as "freedom on water."
• The promise of a one-way ticket and the adventures that await a woman choosing to 'bounce' into her true destiny.

Welcome to "Not Your Average Hot Pants Wearing Auntie Travel & Adventures"! In this raw and honest Season 1 Prologue, Auntie Rae invites you into the moment her world shifted. She's not just talking about tired feet; she's revealing the spiritual and emotional depletion that crept into her bones after years of loyalty to a corporate job that gave her "breadcrumbs" in return.

Join Auntie Rae as she shares the untold story of hitting her breaking point: the quiet struggle of feeling "worn down, pulled thin, and just plain invisible" , navigating a "Center of Exhaustion" that constantly moved the goalpost. Hear her defiant vow to stop shrinking , stop sacrificing her joy , and the powerful moment she realized: "This ain’t failure. This is freedom with a side of clarity. I ain’t running—I’m reclaiming".

This isn't just a story about travel; it's about a woman unraveling and reclaiming herself one undone thread at a time , rediscovering the restless spirit she was born with. From packing up her dignity and favorite mug to finding freedom on the open seas, this Prologue is the powerful setup for an extraordinary journey.

What you'll discover in this episode:

• The unexpected truth about soul-deep exhaustion.
• A raw look at corporate burnout and the signs Auntie Rae almost ignored.
• The pivotal moment of clarity that sparked her escape.
• A glimpse into Auntie Rae's early life and the origins of her wanderlust.
• The philosophy behind her unique "fictional memoir" storytelling style.