Belinda Coker (SoulTreader.com), a New Zealand-born Australian currently based in the UK, redefined her life through hiking and travel. Her mission is to get women over 50 outdoors and into the wilderness.

Belinda recounts early solo overland travel through Southeast Asia and India, volunteering on a solar power project in Ladakh, later working in Japan, and eventually entering corporate life and raising three children.

During the 2020 pandemic she realized she’d lost her adventurous self, bought hiking boots, joined a Meetup hike with very fit older hikers, and committed to maintaining health and adventure while advocating for trail safety, proper gear, and group hiking.

She describes a recent near-hypothermia incident on the Canary Islands GR131 when unexpected cold rain and cloud cover forced an emergency exit. She also discusses Europe’s hut-to-hut culture versus wild camping, New Zealand’s extensive trails and huts, and her post-corporate house-sitting work via The House Sitting Collective, including a listener discount code HSTRAVEL.

00:00 Moving Along - ep. 36 - Belinda Coker

00:21 Introduction to Belinda Coker

03:08 The Big OE - Overseas Experience - from Tauranga, New Zealand

06:07 India and Volunteering on the Solar Power Project in Ladakh

06:50 From India Home to Australia

08:04 Look in the Mirror

09:37 One Hike Was All It Took

11:25 Hiking: Where to Start

13:24 Buying Your First Pair of Hiking Boots

14:46 Near-Death Experience in the Canary Islands

21:10 Free Resource about Safety for Hikers

22:05 Hut-to-Hut, Inn-to-Inn Hiking

23:43 Hut Culture

25:06 Getting into the Wilderness for Women

27:13  House-Sitting

31:56 Benefits of House-Sitting

34:36 The House Sitting Collective - Special Promo Code for Listeners

Contact Belinda Coker:

Soul Treader – Belinda’s website

https://soultreader.com/

https://soultreader.com/hike-it-right/

(Hike It Right. - Free Resource - 78 Pages of Health, Safety & Hygiene on the Trail)

The House Sitting Collective

https://housesittingcollective.com/

Discount Code for 10% off all House Sitting Courses - HSTRAVEL

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

Artist David Deighton was born in Paris and began traveling Europe and the world at age 14. After years of nomadic exploration, he and his wife decided to settle down in Santa Fe in the Southwest United States.

He installs his unconventional “art experiment,” called Triptych Dialogue, in national parks across the United States and beyond. It is part of his mission to rekindle social connections face-to-face, to seek civility and to resist the digital echo chamber.

In fact, he first tried the experiment of bridging the political divide using social media. Not only was it an uncivil arena, he was “shadow banned” and even received death threats from across the boundaries he was trying to cross.

That’s when he knew the only way to find common ground was through words, and in person, by asking three questions and listening. He admits that even starting the conversations is not easy, even with the tool of a microphone in hand.

Each conversation ends with a question about “one word” that represents and encapsulates the participant’s thoughts in the interview. It is these words that form a kind of lyrical underpinning to the videos and to the project itself.

David posts videos on YouTube of his interactions with strangers at the Triptych Dialogue art installations. At the national parks, David asks his three questions of Americans visiting and tourists from around the world, who are drawn to the beauty of the national parks, particularly the Grand Canyon.

Fans of the New Mexico landscape will appreciate David’s ventures to Pecos National Historical Park, White Sands National Park, Carlsbad Caverns and even the Roswell Courthouse.

David also substitute teaches in the Santa Fe public school system and discusses his successful use of the same technique--three questions followed by the "one word" capper--with his students.

When we spoke, David was on his way to Colombia to take the Triptych Dialogue art experiment to another continent and see what civility he could find there.

To see the yearlong social media experiment David ran, check out Triptych Dialogue on Instagram:

instagram.com/triptych_dialogue

To see the ongoing Triptych Dialogue videos, check out YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@triptych-dialogue

More about Servas: https://servas.org/

Contact David Deighton

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@triptych-dialogue

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

Dr. Jeffrey Barnes, also known as Dr. Disneyland, delves into the enchanting history and life lessons of Walt Disney. Dr. Barnes, an author and professor, shares his unique experiences growing up as a military child, his transformative journey to Disneyland and his eventual deep dive into Walt Disney’s remarkable story of resilience and creativity.

Author of The Wisdom of Walt and Life Lessons from Walt, Dr. Barnes muses on the evolution of Disney parks, the impact of storytelling and the current business challenges and strategies of the Disney brand.

He is blunt in his assessment of the Jimmy Kimmel incident with ABC and Disney+ and doesn’t shy away from discussing Disney’s corporate leadership and post-pandemic pricing strategies. “Not consumer-friendly, not family-friendly,” he says.

Dr. Barnes also shares personal anecdotes and powerful insights on creativity, overcoming obstacles and the enduring magic of Disney that continues to inspire generations. Tune in to explore the rich tapestry of Disney's legacy and how its lessons can be applied in everyday life.

Books by Dr. Jeffrey Barnes

The Wisdom of Walt

Life Lessons from Walt

Contact Jeff Barnes and find links to buy his books at his website: https://thewisdomofwalt.com

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Disneyland

04:02 Memorable Family Vacations - The Land of Oz and Disney World

05:21 Loving Disney World and the Comedown on First Visit to Disneyland

07:29 Walt's Story

10:37 Reinterpreting Disney World as an Adult

14:20 Bucket List Disney Parks Around the World

14:57 How Jeff Likes to Travel

16:29 How did the book come to be?

18:59 Diagnosed with life-threatening brain tumor

21:37 Second Brain Tumor

22:11 Is Disney for the Wealthy Only?

24:52 Post-Pandemic Pricing at Disney

25:40 Disney Corporate Leadership

27:38 Disney, Bob Iger and Jimmy Kimmel

31:11 Disney as Reflection of American Society Through the Decades

38:53 Roy Disney and Financial Restraints

41:32 Advice for Visiting Disney the First Time

43:49 How the Magic Is Made

45:27 Leadership Lessons from Walt

47:27 Consulting at Disney

Places Mentioned

Disneyland

Disney World

Storybook Mansion

Riverside, California

Florida Panhandle

Orlando, Florida

Boone, North Carolina

Kansas City

Los Angeles

Griffith Park

Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disney Seas

Disneyland Paris

Euro Disney

Glendale

Fort Huachuca

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base

St. Petersburg, Florida

Marceline, Missouri

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

Sylvina Lanusse, a mixed-media artist and host of Walking for Inspiration, takes us on an engaging journey across continents and through the layers of her rich artistic process. From the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the tranquil shores of Vancouver Island, Sylvina has woven her love for the ocean and nature's elements into every piece of art she creates. Her recent Italian adventure adds yet another color to her palette, as she shares how the Vatican's marble floors sparked her creativity. Sylvina's story is not just about art, but about the emotional landscapes of migration, the bittersweet nature of farewells and the surprising connections formed along the way.

In this episode, we also explore the poignant themes of immigration and belonging. Sylvina opens up about how a generous benefactor changed the trajectory of her life, enabling her to study abroad and refine her artistic voice. We delve into the heartache of losing her parents, of losing her canine companion Polo and the intricate feeling of having multiple homes across the world. Art emerges as a sanctuary for Sylvina, a space where creativity transcends geographical borders and offers solace amid life's upheavals.

Silvina reflects on how the spontaneity of migration has shaped her path, leading her to find stability and opportunity in Canada—it’s a story of resilience, creativity and connection.

CHAPTERS

[00:00:34] Introduction to Silvina Lanusse

[00:02:11] Early Life and Family Background

[00:04:31] Beach Memories and Sensory Experiences

[00:07:51] Walking for Inspiration and Artistic Sensitivity

[00:09:58] Travel Adventures and Cultural Connections

[00:15:45] Benefactor's Support and Artistic Journey

[00:19:41] Finding Community Through Art

[00:22:11] The Art Is My Lifeline

[00:26:26] The Bond with Polo

[00:28:14] Coping with Loss

[00:29:30] Walking for Inspiration

[00:31:10] Shaped by Migration

[00:34:38] Choosing Canada Over the U.S.

[00:37:35] Embracing the Artist's Life

[00:39:09] Reflections on Immigration

[00:42:56] Connecting with Silvina

Contact Silvina: @silvinalanusseart

Website: https://www.silvinalanusseart.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silvinalanusseart/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silvinalanusseart

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@silvinalanusseart

Walking for Inspiration – Silvina's video podcast on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@silvinalanusseart

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

Chip Walter, celebrated science journalist and author, National Geographic documentary filmmaker and former CNN bureau chief, embarked on an awe-inspiring journey with his wife, Cyndy, crafting a once-in-a-lifetime global expedition amid the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 720 days, they achieved the extraordinary feat of traveling around the world sans jets, spanning 125,000 miles across six continents and 41 countries through a medley of transportation modes, including buses, ferries and even camels. Chip shares tales from his adventurous childhood in Pittsburgh, where his curiosity and love for exploration first took root, and how these passions eventually led him to a career in journalism.

Selling their home to embrace a nomadic lifestyle, Chip and Cyndy’s odyssey began in Newfoundland and took them through diverse landscapes, from the American West to Baja, to Santa’s Workshop in Finland and the deserts of Morocco, to Egypt, South America and on to Antarctica. What began as a fluke is now a comprehensive chronicle in 37 journals and a blog, Vagabond Adventure (vagabond-adventure.com), filled with videos, photos, postcards and near-daily posts. These experiences serve not just as travel logs but as reflections on the pressing issues of our time, such as climate change. A firm believer in the power of storytelling, Chip brings to light the urgency for advocacy and action.

Travel, in its purest form, serves as a transformative force, a theme Chip passionately elaborates. Immersing themselves in varied cultures and societies over two years, Chip and Cyndy discovered the profound ability of travel to break down racial barriers, expand one’s worldview and instill humility. Chip articulates with vivid anecdotes how true engagement with the world cultivates not only appreciation but also a deeper understanding of humanity. This episode promises to inspire listeners to step out of their comfort zones and explore the tapestry of unfamiliar cultures, enriching lives while making us more interesting and compassionate individuals.

Chip’s blog:

https://vagabond-adventure.com/

Find out where Chip and Cyndy are now at Polar Steps:

https://www.polarsteps.com/

Chip's books and more:

https://chipwalter.com/

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

Paul Island and Benef Verell, two co-hosts of the travel podcast Rhythm & Roam, share their stories about travel, relocation and how they came to start their own podcast with their friend Trecia Cooke.

How did Paul and Benef get the travel bug? Benef recounts her Midwest upbringing and how family trips, mostly within the region, laid the groundwork for her future wanderlust. It wasn't until she joined the military, in an unexpected journey to West Point, that her travel experiences truly expanded, igniting a lifelong passion for exploring new places. Similarly, Paul reflects on his childhood travels that were mostly confined to the New York tri-state area and Florida.

From there we explore the intricate ways in which family, culture and unexpected paths influence travel and career choices. Paul recalls how his older sister's dreams of London inspired further exploration and a career in the military, expanding his own travel horizons. We touch on the cultural roots that influence aspirations, such as Paul’s Jamaican and British connections, and Benef’s Afghan roots. The conversation offers insights into the interplay of family influences, cultural backgrounds, and how these elements shape unexpected life paths.

The conversation turns to the impact of cultural diversity and identity on travel experiences. Benef and Paul share their encounters with stereotypes, “traveling while Black and biracial,” and the cultural expectations they’ve confronted while traveling and living abroad.

Laced with humor and canny insights, their stories highlight the importance of understanding and adapting to cultural differences, the benefits of solo travel and the unique travel styles that lead to memorable journeys.

LINKS

Rhythm & Roam

https://rhythmandroam.com/

Ireland episode with Paul and Benef

https://rhythmandroam.com/episode/the-ireland-trip-that-made-us-question-everything

Passport Knuckle Ride: Staying Sane While Traveling in a Crazy World (Pocket Travel Guide)

https://rhythmandroam.com/book

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram