Join Jackie for this solo episode on a balcony overlooking the sea in Albania as she recaps a week-long road trip full of adventures across Southern Albania. Alongside details that will help you plan a future trip to Albania, she shares her experiences and stories, which include delicious food, wild landscapes, the kindness of strangers, and how she and her friend got through a rather scary mishap on a steep mountain pass. Plus, she shares about what she believes is a currency stronger than money in this corner of the planet. Bring a snack or drink and pull up a chair, take notes for your own future adventure to this beautiful country!

- If you liked this episode, let Jackie know! @travelingjackie

- 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

Jackie sits down with the one and only Samantha Brown as she shares her journey from being an aspiring musical theater actress to becoming a star TV host on the Travel Channel and ultimately going on to create her own show, 'Places to Love,' on PBS. She discusses the importance of grit, persistence and resilience in achieving dreams, recounts a wild story about a pivotal audition experience, and emphasizes the impact of kindness and support from others. Samantha also reflects on her purpose in travel and authentic storytelling through her TV show, focusing on celebrating the stories of people and communities and highlighting the significance and power of connecting with individuals rather than just visiting iconic sites.

Takeaways

- Samantha's audition story illustrates the importance of seizing opportunities and going to great lengths to act on them.

- Travel can be a tool for celebrating the stories of people and communities.

- Samantha believes in the power of travelers to make a positive impact through their choices.

- Authenticity is about being true to oneself, both on and off camera.

- Traveling is not just about the destination, but the experiences and stories we gather along the way.

- Travelers are moving away from superficial experiences.

- Samantha's show focuses on uncovering places through their people.

- Travel can be meaningful without going far from home.

- Your own curiosity is enough to determine the path you take and the stories that await you.

- Find and follow Samantha Brown at Samantha-Brown.com and @samanthabrowntravels

- 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

Rachel Rudwall (aka RachelRoams) shares her story of growing up in the Midwest to becoming a successful travel TV producer and host and adventuring across the globe. Today we explore her journey, including the exact steps she took to create the career in media that would enable her to pursue her dream of exploring the world. In this conversation, Jackie and Rachel discuss navigating career choices, learning from mentors, embracing your authentic self, chasing what scares you, and aligning with your unique dreams and purpose. Rachel’s story is an inspiring example of doing the hard work and taking risks to break the glass ceiling, building the travel career of her dreams and living a wildly full life during this beautiful existence.

Takeaways

- Self-selection can limit potential; it's important to take risks.

- Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth.

- Hard work and curiosity are essential for success in any field.

- Investing in yourself is crucial for growth.

- Only you can be the unique version of yourself.

- Every detour teaches valuable lessons.

- Asking questions opens doors to opportunities.

- Aligning with your purpose leads to fulfillment.

- Embrace what scares you as a path to growth.

- Find and follow Rachel at RachelRoams.com and @rachelroams

- 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

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

Produced by NOVA