Shows
Travel ConnectionsTuscany Awaits: Stories, Slow Travel, and One Fabulous TourWelcome to another inspiring episode of Travel Connections! If you've been following along, you know how excited I am about our upcoming Travel Connections Tours to Tuscany, launching in spring 2026. Our home base for these unforgettable experiences will be iCastagni, a lovingly restored inn nestled in the storybook hilltop village of Montefollonico. iCastagni is owned by my partners—and dear friends—Tim and Jan Rawlinson, two British expats who have lived around the world before settling into their dream life in Tuscany. They're charming, insightful, and endlessly passionate about sharing the magic of this region.
2025-11-1942 min
Travel ConnectionsVillage Life in Tuscany with Author Angela CorrellLife in Tuscany Today's episode truly is something special—and not just because my guest has become a cherished friend of the show. Angela Correll is back for her third conversation on Travel Connections (yes, she officially holds the record!), and every time we talk, it feels like slipping into an easy, meaningful conversation over a cappuccino in a sunny piazza. Angela and her husband Jess have been traveling to Italy for more than 25 years, and recently, they restored a former horse stable within the medieval walls of Montefollonico, a tiny Tuscan hilltop village. Their lo...
2025-10-1044 min
Travel ConnectionsWalking the Camino: An Adventurer's Journey with Erik HulslanderHave you heard of the Camino de Santiago? This centuries-old pilgrimage across Spain draws thousands of travelers each year, each with their own reasons for taking on the journey. The most well-known route, the Camino Francés, stretches more than 500 miles and offers not only a physical challenge but also moments of reflection, connection, and discovery. In this episode, I sit down with Erik Hulslander to hear about his unforgettable experience walking the Camino. You may remember Erik from a previous episode—he's a marathon runner, avid traveler, and master storyteller who explores the world one step at...
2025-09-0851 min
Travel ConnectionsSavoring Summer Cocktails with the Simple Goodness SistersThe Simple Goodness Sisters Return with Summer Cocktails! — Sip, Savor, and Celebrate with "Drink Your Garden" The delightful Simple Goodness Sisters are back on Travel Connections, and they're bringing a bouquet of flavor, fun, and farm-to-glass inspiration with them! Venise Cunningham and Belinda Kelly join us to share all about their brand-new book, Drink Your Garden: Recipes, Stories and Tips from the Simple Goodness Farm—a gorgeous guide for anyone who loves to mix drinks with intention, beauty, and heart. Plus cocktails and recipes for all seasons, not just for summer. In this lively episode, we c...
2025-08-0840 min
Travel ConnectionsThe Wild Wonders of MoroccoIn this exciting episode, we're taking you deep into the heart of North Africa to explore the enchanting and unforgettable country of Morocco. Have you ever dreamed of off-roading through the Sahara, riding camels through towering dunes, or drinking cocktails on a sun-drenched rooftop in Marrakech? If Morocco has ever been on your travel wish list, or even if it hasn't, this episode might be just the thing to inspire your next adventure. We're calling in The Travelers for this one: Brad Bermingham, Troy Mendenhall, my husband Craig, and me—four longtime friends. We have been exploring th...
2025-06-131h 01
Travel ConnectionsBig Adventures, Big News & A Tuscan Dream Come TrueWelcome back to Travel Connections! In this special update episode, I'm catching you up on what's been a whirlwind first half of the year—and sharing some truly exciting news! From holiday travels in London and Paris to an awe-inspiring adventure through South America and a recent return from Morocco, it's been nonstop exploring (and yes, I'll be sharing all the juicy details soon). I also reflect on some deeply personal moments, including the recent loss of my very special stepfather, and how these experiences only fuel my passion to seize the day and keep finding adventure wh...
2025-05-0910 min
Travel ConnectionsGetting to Know The Hamptons with Vanessa GordonWelcome to another exciting interview with Travel Connections. My special guest today is Vanessa Gordon—a dynamic and knowledgeable force in the world of culinary travel. As the CEO and Publisher of East End Taste, Vanessa curates a digital publication that explores sustainable and international culinary travel, with a strong focus on seasonal coastal destinations. Her passion for food and travel is infectious, making her a go-to expert for anyone looking to enhance their travel experiences. In 2018, Vanessa launched the Hamptons Interactive Brunch, an annual summer event series that has become a must-attend gathering for fo...
2025-04-0439 min
Travel ConnectionsInspiring Stories of Life in the Italian CountrysideWelcome to a fantastic new episode of Travel Connections! In today's episode, we will cover many of the things that I love most! What are they, you ask? Let me give you a small list. Learning about a delightful new book, traveling to Italy, memorable Italian food and wine, discovering and exploring new destinations, and living a life devoted to less stress and more calming views of Italy. How does that sound? In today's episode, I talk with Barbara Boyle. Barbara enjoyed a colorful worldwide career as a creative director at Saatchi & Saatchi, Grey, Lowe, and other...
2025-03-2142 min
Travel ConnectionsMore Adventures in Patagonia with Special Guest Craig StavertToday's episode is near and near my heart. It is part two of the highlights of our tour of Patagonia with our friends from Collette. The tour's name is Patagonia: Edge of the World, and trust me, we actually made it to the edge of the world, and it was exhilarating. In this episode, I will interview and talk with my husband, Craig. He was on tour with me, and it's just a perfect addition to the first conversation I had with Sol Maranon, our Collette tour guide in Part One. If you haven't had a chance t...
2025-03-0740 min
Travel ConnectionsAn Extraordinary Tour of Patagonia with ColletteWelcome to an exciting new episode filled with information about a place I would describe as other-worldly and epic. My husband Craig and I traveled to South America to explore the region of Patagonia. Are you intrigued by glaciers, quiet and unspoiled landscapes, warm and welcoming locals, and delicious food? Have you ever wondered what it was like to speed across the ocean in zodiac boats to see penguins living in their natural habitat?- We did it all and so much more. We were invited to join a Small Group Explorations Tour with Colette...
2025-02-2147 min
Travel ConnectionsLondon and Paris at the Holidays - 100% Yes!Welcome to another new season of Travel Connections. We are now beginning Season Four, and I'm excited to bring you more travel conversations about intriguing destinations, incredible adventures, and captivating insights with inspiring guests. We will continue to dive beneath the surface of travel, and I can't wait to share it with you! London and Paris at the Holidays? Sign me up. I planned the perfect eight-night (4+4) trip about a year in advance, and luckily for both of us, it turned out superbly! Who better to talk about this fantastic couple's trip than with the...
2025-02-0739 min
Travel ConnectionsWinter Adventures on Camano Island, WashingtonWhen I think of a quintessential Pacific Northwest setting, I envision nature in abundance! Walking on the beach and strolling through deeply wooded forests with lovely hiking trails, scenic roads, and peaceful breezes are the perfect combination for every traveler. On Camano Island, in the state of Washington, located just over 60 miles north of Seattle, in Possession Sound, you will find all of this, with just one more thing - buried treasure. No, I'm not kidding; for the past 16 years, the creative people of Camano Island have celebrated the thrill of the hunt. Northwest Glass Quest is...
2025-01-2827 min
Travel ConnectionsA Lovely Conversation with Elizabeth Poett - The Ranch TableWelcome to a wonderful new episode of Travel Connections. My special guest is a personal travel connection for me. On a sunny summer afternoon, my family and I attended the most spectacular Gathering on a ranch called Rancho San Julian, just north of Santa Barabara. We enjoyed a delicious dinner as we sat at long ranch tables under the shady canopy of 150-year-old vines. It was just dreamy! Elizabeth Poett is a seventh-generation cattle rancher, author of the bestselling cookbook The Ranch Table, and star-host of the cooking and lifestyle show Ranch to Table, one of the fou...
2024-11-0135 min
Travel ConnectionsBest of: A California Road Trip Through the Central CoastIs a California road trip on your bucket list? Have you been? Have you traveled through the Central Coast of California? This episode focuses on a small area of California just north of Santa Barbara. What a place! In this episode, I share what we did, where we ate, and what we sipped. It was a glorious road trip curated by my daughter-in-law, Kylie. However, I had a BIG reason for creating this adventure! I discovered Elizabeth Poett through her television show called Ranch to Table. Once I learned more about her unique Gatherings at their 14,000-acre...
2024-10-0422 min
Travel ConnectionsBest of: Our Road Trip to Banff, Lake Louise & Calgary, CanadaA Road Trip to Banff! Welcome to another of my Best of Series of episodes. This is where I talk about the highlights of a fantastic travel itinerary. In this episode, I describe our tremendously successful road trip from Whitefish, Montana, to Calgary, Canada, which includes the most picturesque destinations of Banff, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake. It was really well planned, not too hard to execute and I did learn some tips along the way that I do think will help you a great deal. You can take what I've done and mold it...
2024-09-2023 min
Travel ConnectionsBest of: Highlights of Our Puglia ItineraryAre you familiar with the Italian phrase "La Dolce Vita"? It means "enjoying life's pleasures, indulging, and cultivating joy." In this episode, I am thrilled to share our adventures in Italy with you. We just returned from a jam-packed adventure that lasted 12 days. The good news is that we traveled through Italy for 12 days! The bad news is that I covered a lot of ground—maybe too much. After one night in Rome, we took a high-speed train to Bari, rented a car, and drove south through Puglia. In Puglia, you are literally in the he...
2024-09-0623 min
Travel ConnectionsBehind The Scenes: The Good Morning America InterviewWelcome to a special episode of Travel Connections. The original subject of this episode was initially scheduled to focus on our fantastic trip to Puglia, Italy. However, something incredible and unexpected happened to me, and I thought it would be fun to share a little behind the scenes! I decided it was a good time to change direction and report this exciting news! Hello - Good Morning America Called! Good Morning America reached out to me and asked if I would do an interview focusing on Empty Nesters. What? Let me think about this! I...
2024-08-2308 min
Travel ConnectionsTravel with Intention with Travel Expert Susie ChauWisdom from a Travel Expert! Today's episode is an important topic near and dear to my travel heart. Are you an intentional traveler? Have you given this idea any thought? I have connected with Susie Chau, a creative go-getter in the travel world. She helps Entrepreneur Moms take month-long summer sabbaticals and consistent vacations to strengthen family bonds through travel. Susie and I met over eight years ago at a conference, but I saw a recent video of hers on Instagram. I loved what she was saying and knew I had to ask her to come on T...
2024-08-0939 min
Travel ConnectionsOur Epic Cruise to Alaska - A Mother/Daughter AdventureHave you been on a cruise to Alaska? Welcome to a very special episode of Travel Connections. Why is it so special? Well, it's because I am interviewing my daughter, Alex Karlen. Alex and I took our very first ocean cruise on the Celebrity Edge. And I thought, who better to tell the story and add her colorful insights than my exceptional and clever daughter? We have not traveled together in quite a while, and I was thrilled she could clear her calendar to come with me! Her fantastic husband, Brent, took care of their...
2024-07-2641 min
Travel ConnectionsThree Summer Travel Tips for a Happy VacationAre you looking for a couple of ingredients for a successful summer trip? Welcome to this minisode or mini-episode. Do you have 8 minutes? In this quick episode, we catch you up and provide a few bite-size bits of travel news! I share some fun information, and you can check out the highlights below: Episode Highlights: I'm catching you up on my fantastic cruise to Alaska with my daughter Alex. I'll give you some highlights and let you know that I am creating a special episode devoted to the cruise, which will be published on...
2024-06-0708 min
Travel ConnectionsEmbracing Life with Grace, Grit and GratitudeEmbracing Life - You never know what is around the corner. Today's guest is a very special someone and my personal Travel Connection. She is the queen of embracing life even when it is really hard. I met her not too long ago, in September 2023, while I was a host with Tuscan Women Cook in Tuscany. You may remember from a prior episode my interview with Coleen Kirnan, the owner of Tuscan Women Cook. JeriLynne Clifford and her husband Scot were part of a group participating in a week-long immersive experience in Tuscany. We learned...
2024-05-2338 min
Travel UnpackedBehind the Tour: Wilderness of Southern Africa with Suzanne StavertJoin Travel Unpacked as we go behind our Wilderness of Southern Africa tour. In this special episode, we sit down with Suzanne Stavert, the adventurous spirit behind the travel blog, Adventures of Empty Nesters, who recently embarked on this life-changing safari with Collette. She shares stories of up-close, heart-thumping encounters with the Big 5, unforgettable cultural experiences, and the sweeping landscapes that make Southern Africa a dream destination. We talk everything from packing essentials to the importance of getting outside of our comfort zones. Strap in, grab your binoculars, and be transported on an African adventure!...
2024-05-2158 min
Travel ConnectionsSave Money on Travel with The Points MomSo you want to save money on travel? Yes! Me Too! Hello, and welcome to another fantastic episode of Travel Connections. My special guest today is Cindy Greenstein, also known as The Points Mom; she will share with you several brilliant opportunities you may not have known existed. After this interview, you will be excited to dive into your current credit card capabilities and create rewards and travel possibilities. I am so inspired. Let me tell you a little about Cindy. During her more than 20 years of marriage, Cindy Greenstein, also known as (The Points Mom) has u...
2024-05-1039 min
Travel ConnectionsA Spectacular Day at the Seattle CenterThis is a fun, informative episode. It came about because two weeks ago, I did a road trip episode called Our Epic Road Trip in Arizona. In it, I talked a lot about what we did specifically and gave you the details of where we stayed and what activities we enjoyed. Sharing this itinerary was so successful and well-received that I thought I'd do one more. Spending time in such a fabulous city like Seattle is always a fun experience. Several years ago, I shared a blog post on my blog, Adventures of Empty Nesters, titled A G...
2024-04-2615 min
Travel ConnectionsOur Epic Road Trip in ArizonaWelcome to today's episode devoted to our epic road trip in Arizona. Don't miss the links at the bottom! If you would like to go straight to the highlights and links to restaurants and activities just scroll on down! This episode was not originally on the editorial calendar. But to be perfectly honest, I planned such a fantastic itinerary for this Spring Training, great food, beautiful landscapes, Grand Canyon Adventure, that I had to share it with you. Imagine us just sitting together over a cup of coffee or a craft cocktail and you saying, "So, how...
2024-04-1229 min
Travel ConnectionsMaking Artisanal Pasta on Whidbey IslandWelcome to another episode of Travel Connections. Once again, we hit a home run with our next guest. Aurora Echo lives on Whidbey Island, WA, and owns a delightfully successful business called Wildly Beloved Foods. It's interesting; Aurora only validates that every time I visit Whidbey Island, WA, I meet someone new who impresses me. I am once again reminded of how exceptional this destination truly is. My husband and I have visited the island many times, rain or shine, during the summer or while the snow is falling. It is located only about an hour north o...
2024-03-2939 min
Travel ConnectionsTravel to Tuscany: Stories From the HeartIn this episode, we travel to Tuscany, but we make a couple of stops first. Angela Correll is one of just a few guests who have appeared on my show more than once. However, back in October 2022, our conversation was not about Italy; it focused on all things Kentucky. She was an essential part of a three-episode series devoted to my passion for this beautiful state and, of course, the Bourbon Trail. Here's an interesting side story: Angela and I first met in Tuscany when she and her husband Jess were saying goodbye to friends...
2024-03-1442 min
Travel ConnectionsAn Exclusive Look Inside An African Luxury Tented CampWelcome to our third and final episode devoted to our tour of Southern Africa. We recorded three episodes that focused entirely on this spectacular experience on this tour by Collette. In Episode One, I talk with my husband, Craig, about the tour's unique details. In Episode 2, I interviewed our tour manager, Samantha Johnson, who ensured we all had everything we needed and the tour ran smoothly. I am sad to see the end of this series. This Southern Africa tour was incredible and magical, and I truly enjoyed sharing these details with you. ...
2024-03-0143 min
Travel ConnectionsTravel to Africa with Samantha Johnson of ColletteWelcome to Episode Two of our African Safari series. In Episode One, I interview and talk with my husband, Craig Stavert. We share many details of what it was really like going on safari with Collette. It is a great way to begin this series of episodes. Now, in Episode Two, you meet Samantha Johnson. She was our Collette tour guide, and she managed our experience perfectly. The tour is called Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari By Land and By Water. This is a small group tour, where we bonded easily with the guests and had a...
2024-02-1645 min
Travel ConnectionsAn African Safari to RememberWelcome to Season Three! I so appreciate you joining me as we head into 2024 with the Travel Connections Podcast. Once again, our episodes will be filled with fascinating people sharing unique stories. You will be enlightened and entertained and gain knowledge you didn't know you needed! This episode is the perfect way to add to your research for your next trip. In today's episode, we begin a three-part series featuring our recent tour of Southern Africa with Collette. I have been traveling as a Brand Ambassador with Collette for the past six years, where I...
2024-02-0241 min
Travel ConnectionsA Conversation with Road Trip Expert - Bill ClevlenAre road trips on your radar? Are you looking for US destinations that are "off the beaten path" and super interesting? You are in the right place. Today's special guest will probably make you laugh as well as enlighten you with his vast knowledge of road trip destinations. Bill Clevlen of Bill on the Road, is the king of road trips; he has written five books about it to prove it! I feel like everyone recently has jumped on the road trip idea as part or all of their travel plans. Craig and I have done much m...
2023-09-1439 min
Travel ConnectionsThe Italian Cooking School of Your DreamsHello, and welcome to our newest episode of Travel Connections. If you have been following me for a while, you will probably know that I discovered Tuscan Women Cook back in 2016. I had a friend in common with today's special guest, Coleen Kirnan. Our friend Brenda connected the two of us, and boy, do I owe her a lot! In 2017, Coleen invited me to go and experience TWC for myself, and I have been enamored with everything related to this beautiful destination ever since. I was so impressed and delighted with the entire experience. I...
2023-09-0143 min
Travel ConnectionsEnjoy The Magic of Skagit Valley with Chef Christy FoxAre you familiar with a place called Skagit Valley? When I first visited in 2016, I honestly didn't even know how to pronounce it! I went to see The Tulip Festival, which takes place in the Valley in April. I wasn't even living in the Pacific Northwest on that first visit. I fell in love with this area way back then. Fast forward to today, I have lived in the Pacific Northwest for three years and have become a kind of groupie of this spectacular Northwest destination. I have learned so many new details about this area, and...
2023-08-1941 min
Travel ConnectionsLet's Go Travel to Thailand!Let's travel to Thailand! Travel is back, and it is time to plan your next vacation! You will learn so much from my special guest, and I promise you will be well-informed and inspired for your next (or first) trip to this fantastic destination. This episode is a bright and shiny conversation with Candy Krajangsri from the Tourism Authority of Thailand. She is knowledgeable, inspiring, exciting, and funny, and she even gets a little bit emotional near the end of the episode as she shares a story about a personal travel connection. Candy is a part of t...
2023-08-0435 min
Travel ConnectionsKayaking & Island Life on Whidbey IslandHello, and welcome to another fantastic episode of Travel Connections. In this episode, we talk with Krista Loercher, Co-Owner of Whidbey Island Kayaking in the Pacific Northwest. This interview is part three in a series where we dive deeper into tourism and the benefits of giving back to a destination when we travel. Are you familiar with the term regenerative tourism? My friends at Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands created a new tourism framework to preserve and improve the islands for residents, and it is an invitation to co-create richer experiences for visitors and harness tourism's power...
2023-07-2141 min
Travel ConnectionsOrchard Kitchen: Farm Focused Fine Dining on Whidbey Island, WAWelcome to part two of our three-part series focusing on Whidbey and Camano Islands. In this series, we talk about how important the concept of regenerative travel can be for the destination and the visitors who spend time there. If you have not had a chance to listen to Part One, you will hear my delightful conversation with Mona Campbell; go ahead and take 30 minutes to listen to how the tourism board of Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands is implementing this more thoughtful view of tourism. We are sharing the story of these idyllic islands by talking...
2023-07-0739 min
Travel ConnectionsAn Invitation to Discover Regenerative Travel with Embrace Whidbey & Camano IslandsJust north of Seattle, in the heart of the scenic Salish Sea, sit two of the most charming island destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Camano and Whidbey Islands offer different experiences with each season. A colorful palate of locally owned shops and restaurants provides deep and delicious connections to the community and the land. Off-the-beaten-path trails and beaches share sanctuary, solitude, and a deeper connection with the incredible marine and forest ecosystems that thrive within these communities. A rich history and a healthy dose of local color in all mediums are provided by the region's many artists. ...
2023-06-2337 min
Travel ConnectionsSummer Travel News & Special Guest UpdatesWelcome to a speedy episode of Travel Connections. Summer Travel? Yes, it has begun! The good news is that travel is back, and I am having a blast, but the not-so-good news is that it doesn't leave time for much else. So instead of an entire episode, I offer you an informative summer travel update and upcoming special guest news. Summer Travel Highlights: We have quite the summer planned. Up first - Travel to Tuscany, Italy, with Tuscan Women Cook. As an ambassador, I am now a part of the team and w...
2023-05-2408 min
Travel ConnectionsTravel the World with ColletteWe have another fantastic episode devoted to travel! Join me as I go behind the scenes with Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, Collette's President & Chief Customer Experience Officer. My relationship with Collette goes back five glorious years. I have been fortunate to tour with their team on two epic trips. I traveled to Japan on the Cultural Treasures of Japan tour, and the second fantastic tour was to explore Iceland on the Land of Fire & Ice tour. This delightful conversation is packed with fascinating travel stories, news, ideas, and inspirational travel itineraries. Let me share some background...
2023-05-1257 min
Travel ConnectionsLet's Talk About CruisingSo you want to learn more about cruising? You have come to the right place! My friends and fellow travel writers Ann and Steve Teget have taken over twenty different cruises - all over the world. If you need a question answered, they are just the pair to do it! Ann and Steve began writing about their travels in 2014 when Ann was diagnosed with two chronic illnesses and needed a hobby to lift her spirits. Since then, their blog, PostcardJar.com, has blossomed into a joy-filled site that inspires readers to live and travel well. B...
2023-04-2839 min
Travel ConnectionsTake A Viking Cruise With UsWhat is it really like to take a Viking Cruise? This episode is part of a three-part series I created to talk about cruising. I invited friends and colleagues Lina and David Stock of Divergent Travelers to speak with me about cruising in Part One. In this episode, we will discuss my experiences sailing with Viking Cruises. In Part Three of the series, you are going to meet my friends, Ann and Steve Teget, of Postcard Jar. They are travel writers and global travelers who have taken over 20 cruises. They are experts in the field a...
2023-04-1425 min
Travel ConnectionsAdventure Travel to the Max with The Divergent TravelersMore adventure travel, please! Adventure travel is red hot, and no two people personify this type of travel more than my guests, Lina and David Stock of Divergent Travelers. Holy cow, they are so exciting and have stories that will blow your mind. I am not exaggerating in the slightest. You will also learn how adventure travel and cruising go super well together! We cover a lot of ground during this interview. Our conversation is part one of a three-part series devoted to cruising. Not your grandparents' type of cruising... We begin by hearing about...
2023-03-3148 min
Travel ConnectionsFarm-to-Table Cocktail Stories with Simple Goodness SistersFarm-to-Table-Talk If you are like me, the words "farm-to-table" make me sit up and take notice. I just love to make and eat food that is fresh and locally sourced. Using ingredients grown and created nearby where I live supports my local community and improves our way of life, but I don't necessarily connect these farm-to-table words to cocktails. However, I sure do now! I am always looking for local businesses doing great and innovative things. It was such fun to read about sisters Venise and Belinda through an article in our local newspaper, The...
2023-03-1745 min
Travel ConnectionsLet's Talk About...Walkabout - Small Group Tours for WomenAre you looking for small group tours for women? I sure am! Once you meet and hear from my special guest, Shelly Wildman of Walkabout Tours, you will be ready to pack your bags! Shelly and I had the best time talking about all things travel. The demand is high and discerning travelers are looking for just the right tour + adventure! Just imagine that a dear friend has planned a trip just for you and your closest girlfriends where you visit tiny villages, eat local cuisine, and explore historic sites away from the crowds.
2023-03-0335 min
Travel ConnectionsThe Most Fun Trip to Dublin and EdinburghDo you travel during the holidays? We love to go somewhere where the holiday decor is bright and sparkling. We don't always leave on December 26th, however! Travel during the holiday season can be challenging, but it is also a unique time of year to see a new destination. We tried something new, and we traveled to Dublin, Ireland, and Edinburgh, Scotland, to enjoy the holiday cheer and spend New Year's Eve watching the fireworks display over the historic Edinburgh Castle. It was EPIC! Was it cold? Yes, but no more than where we live i...
2023-02-1730 min
Travel ConnectionsTravel Inspiration For the Best Travel Year EverAre you looking for more travel inspiration? Well, Hi there, everyone. It's been three months, did you miss me? Over here at Travel Connections, we took a three-month hiatus. I wasn't sure I would like it and was kind of afraid you all might forget me. But this is not true, right?? It was great to have a few months to catch up on other projects and travel! In this opening episode of Season 2, I share that we are celebrating Ten Years of adventures with my blog and website AdventuresofEmptyNesters.com, how this pod...
2023-02-0316 min
Travel ConnectionsFrom Your Favorite Travel Podcast: Celebrating the Return of TravelExciting News from your favorite Travel Podcast! I am very excited to share this episode with you! I know I say that before every episode, but seriously, this is cause for celebration. In this episode, I will be interviewed by my creative business coach and podcast mentor, Linsi Brownson. We are turning the interview spotlight on me! Linsi has been instrumental in supporting this challenging goal of creating a brand-new podcast! We are celebrating the first anniversary of Travel Connections, and it feels fantastic! Linsi is a seasoned podcaster, and it would be a fun...
2022-10-2841 min
Travel ConnectionsAngela Correll: Kentucky Writer, Traveler & Hospitality InnovatorLet me introduce you to Angela Correll, a Kentucky writer, world traveler, and hospitality expert. Welcome to Part Four of The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Series, where we delve into the super popular Bourbon Industry, explore beautiful towns in Kentucky, and talk about the fantastic food scene there as well. My history with Angela is by way of Tuscany! I had to travel all the way to a tiny village in Italy called Montefollonico to meet Angela Correll. Our meeting was kind of accidental but so special! On the podcast, I ask every guest about a...
2022-10-1444 min
Travel ConnectionsDelicious Southern Food & The Kentucky Bourbon TrailThree words. Ouita is delightful. For those who may not know Ouita, this newest episode in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Series is an excellent introduction! Anyone you ask about Ouita says the same thing. "She is amazing! Lovely and delightful!" However, just because she is super lovely doesn't mean she isn't uber-talented - Oh, she is VERY TALENTED. I was fortunate enough to talk with Ouita Michel, listen to her insightful thoughts and stories, and discover that we have a lot in common! Not the James Beard part or anything in the paragraph below. Ouita...
2022-09-3045 min
Travel ConnectionsHidden Gems in Kentucky and Other Compelling StoriesWelcome to the second episode devoted to Kentucky and The Kentucky Bourbon Trail. You could say that out of my friendship with my next guest, the idea of this Kentucky Series was created. Heather Sunseri was a part of my audience for my blog Adventures of Empty Nesters, and back in 2019, she learned I was planning to take our first trip to Kentucky to discover The Bourbon Trail. Her knowledge of all things Kentucky was instrumental in our having the best vacation we could imagine. She was so kind and thorough, and we even got...
2022-09-1549 min
Travel ConnectionsA Conversation About Kentucky Bourbon With The Experts at Woodford ReserveOur favorite spirit is Kentucky Bourbon. To be more precise: We enjoy Woodford Reserve the MOST. Our kids sip it, our parents love it, and we tend to serve it to our guests and friends more than any other adult beverage. We have history and take our bourbon drinking very seriously. Back in 2019, before the world shut down, my husband Craig and I, and two of our best friends, went to Kentucky to discover a new destination, follow The Kentucky Bourbon Trail and to learn more about how bourbon is created. Is a...
2022-09-0251 min
Fullerton's Professional Organizing PodcastEpisode 83: What do you do after the kids have grown up and moved out?In this episode I am talking about a blogger named Suzanne Stavert. She is creator of the blog and website Adventures of Empty Nesters. We are going to talk about how to find adventure and thrive in the empty nest.
Adventures of Empty Nesters Blog - https://www.adventuresofemptynesters.com/
Follow Suzanne on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/suzannestavert/?hl=en
https://www.fullertonsprofessionalorganizing.com/
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fullertons-professional-organizing/support
2022-08-1724 min
Travel ConnectionsCome Travel the World with Lifetime TV Host, Scott EddyCome travel the world with us today! Are you looking to find adventure? You, my friend, are in the right place for an exhilarating 34 minutes! My travel philosophy? Say yes and figure out the rest. I always encourage everyone I talk with to find adventure, and no one exemplifies this philosophy better than my next guest. Scott Eddy has a unique background. Although he began his career in investment banking, he changed his business trajectory and lived in Europe and Asia for 17 years. While in Asia, he started the first digital agency in S...
2022-08-0538 min
Travel ConnectionsThe Delicious World of Washington Wines With Andrew JanuikI am a wine lover, and my wine education and favorites have grown since our kids left the nest. When our children were young, there was little time to indulge in learning about wines, so we chose as best we could and primarily drank wines from California. We lived in California until two years ago when we moved to the state of Washington. Being in close proximity to the wineries is certainly a treat, but people from all over the world drink the delicious wines of Washington State. We are fortunate now to live close, taste more...
2022-07-2138 min
Travel ConnectionsA Visit to Camano Island, Washington: An Artists' Studio TourA Visit to Camano Island I started this podcast with the dream of talking about and focusing on the connections we make when we travel. Nothing exemplifies this idea more than my trip to Camano Island, Washington. I was invited to explore the island and attend the 23rd Annual Studio Tour by the Whidbey & Camano Island Tourism Board. My hosts had no great expectations other than for me to have a good time and discover the island of Camano and the artists that live there. This unique event is held two weekends in a...
2022-06-2446 min
Travel ConnectionsTravel Connections Podcast News & A Virtual Maui VacationA No Vacation, Maui Vacation This episode is a fun one. It's not too long and will provide you with some very unique travel ideas you can use right from your own living room. I share a couple of podcast episode reminders. Have you had a chance to listen to my interview with Linda Miller Nicholson? Her episode is called Colorful Pasta-Making & Italian Travel with Salty Seattle. She shares how she built her unique pasta classes, wrote a cookbook, and changed the world with rainbow-colored pasta. The interview will enlighten and delight you! Also, I...
2022-06-1318 min
Travel ConnectionsColorful Pasta-Making & Italian Travel with Salty Seattle's Linda Miller NicholsonPasta-making from the BEST From the moment I stepped into her pasta studio, Linda Miller Nicholson, also known as Salty Seattle, exuded warmth and enthusiasm that was palpable. Her expansive studio is located about 30 miles east of Seattle, and it is super cool! Cleverly designed with a fireplace, chic seating, and rainbow-colored pasta tools. Woodblock counters cover the surfaces of each workstation. On one side of the studio, she has an antique refrigerator that must be 8-10 feet long with glass windows, old-fashioned metal handles, and beautiful wood doors. She has retrofitted the appliance to today's refrigeration...
2022-05-2752 min
A Certain AgeTravel Pro Suzanne Stavert on Adventures in Empty-NestingFaced with an emptying nest, stay-at-home mom Suzanne Stavert went from daily crying jags to a life of adventure as a travel writer, culinary explorer, travel podcast host, and the creator of the multimedia platform Adventures of Empty Nesters. We cover the sadness (and opportunity) of empty-nesting, why midlife is the right time to launch a small business and post-pandemic travel. If you are itching to pack a suitcase, want off-the-beaten-path ideas for your next trip, or are craving inspiration for turning a passion into a second-act career, this show is for you. SHOW NOTES + TRANSCRIPT:...
2022-05-1636 min
Travel ConnectionsMidwest Destinations That Will Make You Smile with Sara BroersWell, we have another fantastic episode for you! Today, I will introduce you to my friend, author, and fellow travel writer, Sara Broers. I promise you will learn about places you have never heard of and you will love it! But first, let me tell you a little about Sara. She went from Iowa Mommy Blogger to CEO and is a leading advocate and expert in Midwest Destinations. Sara Broers is a travel enthusiast that resides in North Iowa. She is passionate about the Midwest and helping communities grow through one destination visit at a time. Sara...
2022-05-1338 min
Travel ConnectionsEquestrian Travel, Active Travel & Praise for PodcastingLet's talk about equestrian travel and a lot more! Not only do we plan to ride over and talk about equestrian travel, but today is a first for Travel Connections! We have a repeat guest! Laura Fernandez first came on the show during the podcast's launch back in Episode #5. We have asked her back on the show again because there is so much more to talk about! But first, let me give you a little background on Laura. Laura Fernandez is a trailblazer in the audio space, which led her to her current position as SXM Media's Travel +...
2022-04-2928 min
Travel ConnectionsThe Best of Active Travel & Behind the Scenes of this Podcast!What is active travel? & How is a podcast created? Today's episode is a two-for-one! I am introducing you to the man behind the mixing board of this podcast, Erik Hulslander. With his expertise, every episode sounds professional and fantastic! We will take you behind the scenes of Travel Connections and how Erik, my audio engineer, is an active global traveler and marathon runner. He loves to see the world on foot, 26.2 miles at a time. How brilliant is that? Here's a little background. Erik Hulslander is a multi-disciplined audio engineer who provided sound for award-winning...
2022-04-1549 min
Travel ConnectionsTravel Ideas & Spring Adventures in the PNWToday's episode is a fun and personal kind of catch-up episode. Did you know that our debut episode for Travel Connections was published on October 1, 2021? We have created 17 episodes thus far! I am so thrilled that I joined this new platform. Have you listened yet? I love talking with other people in the travel space. The podcast gives me a unique opportunity to go even further inside of a tour or a destination and into the hearts of travel experts to hear their personal stories. In addition, we get to hear about their travel connections. This new...
2022-04-0119 min
Travel ConnectionsInternational Culinary Tours - The Very Best of Food, Wine & TravelTours by International Culinary Tours are perfect for savvy travelers looking for experiential travel enjoyed outdoors with small groups. Does the idea of a culinary tour sound enticing? Since 1990, International Culinary Tours has been one of the premier boutique tour operators specializing in culinary, wine, and cooking tours to Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Morocco. They have also expanded their tours to include ones with an added focus on wellness, including yoga, pilates, and hiking. There are new tours for 2022/2023 that will take you to Croatia, Greece, Japan & Chile. The world is your oyster! My conversation with...
2022-03-1845 min
Travel ConnectionsHolly & David Price: Art & Life on Whidbey Island, WA - Part Three of A SeriesArt & Life on Whidbey Island In Part Three of my special three-part series of Whidbey Island, WA, I have a wonderful conversation with Holly and David Price. The couple moved from Seattle to Whidbey 28 years ago, and they built their dream home on five acres on the South end of the island. David has developed his career as a painter, showing in galleries in California, Oregon, Arizona, and Seattle. His encaustic paintings are now sold exclusively at his own gallery in the town of Langley as a part of the brick and mortar shop they o...
2022-03-0437 min
Travel ConnectionsA Fantastic Conversation with Whidbey Island Restaurateur Jenn JurriaansIn Part Two of my special three-part series of Whidbey Island, WA, I have a fantastic conversation with restaurateur and business owner Jenn Jurriaans. She takes us through her early connections growing up visiting Whidbey Island as a child to their exciting beginnings creating their restaurant Prima Bistro. Prima Bistro is a Northwest Bistro inspired by French Classics located in Langley on Whidbey Island. They offer an impressive wine list, a menu that changes with the seasons, and a full cocktail bar. Jenn and her Executive Chef husband Sieb Jurriaans also own Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar an...
2022-02-1839 min
Travel ConnectionsA Spectacular Weekend on Whidbey Island, WA - I Am Smitten!This is a personal introduction created just for you and it's all about our spectacular weekend getaway on Whidbey Island, in Washington. On each episode of Travel Connections, I ask each guest: "Travel Connections is about the deeper connections we make when we travel. I would love to hear about special trips and connections or personal travel stories that have made an impact." So this introduction to Whidbey is my travel story for you! During the summer of 2020, my husband and I moved from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest. We now live about 30 minutes east of D...
2022-02-0416 min
Travel ConnectionsResponsible Travel Talk with Environmentalist & Podcaster Marilyn BallWow, I had such a great conversation with Marilyn Ball of Speaking of Travel. Through her love of responsible travel and adventures, she uses her podcast Speaking of Travel as a portal for great storytelling from others who have unique travel stories. As a nature lover and environmentalist, Marilyn helps raise awareness of the natural environments of local communities by creating a support network and a community for travel lovers around the globe so we all can all do our part to become more aware global citizens. Marilyn Ball is a maverick in the field of podcasting and created...
2022-01-2141 min
Travel ConnectionsThe Importance of Good Health For Travel and At HomeThe Importance of Good Health for Travel and At Home January 2022 is the perfect beginning to create better health! We all need good health for travel and just for living each day. My special guest Eddie Stone, CEO of Touchstone Essentials, is a health industry expert, someone I trust, and a good friend for many years! I am confident that the more information we gather about our health, the better, and if we're all hoping to travel sometime soon, we should feel as healthy and vibrant as possible. The truth is that we...
2022-01-0749 min
Travel ConnectionsA Conversation with Chef Michael Lombardi: Restaurant Life, Northern Italian Cuisine & TravelAs an Italian food lover, today's episode was extra delightful for me as I interviewed executive chef Michael Lombardi of SRV Boston. We met while traveling to Italy on tour with Oldways in Northern Italy. Although he earned his degree in business, his travels to Europe to study Italian cuisine helped pave the way for an illustrious restaurant career in Paris, Italy, New York, and Boston. Food is family, and Michael's Italian heritage also helped fuel his passion for cooking for others and, coupled with practical restaurant experience, was the perfect recipe for success.
2021-12-2438 min
Travel ConnectionsWalking the Camino de Santiago - An Exhilarating & Inspiring AdventureHave you ever thought about walking the Camino De Santiago in Spain? Are you familiar with this intriguing challenge? Every year thousands of adventurers from around the world, walk part or all of this ancient pilgrimage 500+ miles across Spain. Travelers are drawn to this journey for their own reasons, and author Meg S. Maloney shares her incredible and insightful adventure in her book Slow Your Roll, Ruminations and Reflections on My Walk Across Spain. I absolutely devoured this book in just a few days! In this captivating episode, we discuss her book, the reasons for t...
2021-12-1037 min
Travel ConnectionsStyle Must-Haves For the Season + Family, Travel & Joyful ConversationSuzy Mighell is a Dallas-based influencer and the personality and content creator behind the popular blog and lifestyle brand Empty Nest Blessed. EmptyNestBlessed.com is where Suzy shares everything from fashion and beauty to travel, wellness, parenting, and more! Known for her joyful spirit, she shares her life with her followers while creating content to encourage and inspire them. Suzy has collaborated with brands including Nordstrom, Proctor & Gamble, Walmart, Johnson & Johnson, General Mills, Draper James, Chico's, and Easy Spirit. In addition to creating content for Empty Nest Blessed, Suzy has appeared in InStyle magazine and writ...
2021-11-2637 min
Travel ConnectionsMy Favorite Food & Travel Books & Why I Love ThemHey travelers, Welcome to Episode, lucky number 7. This is a super exciting episode for me! I absolutely love to read, and travel has provided me with the perfect excuse for keeping my nose in a book. I read books made of paper as well as read electronically on my iPad. I am not the one who is downloading and binging on the latest Netflix series. No, I am deliriously happy to sit and read for hours on the plane, guilt-free. The holidays are coming, and everyone is in gift-giving mode, so I thought I would share titles...
2021-11-1218 min
Travel ConnectionsTravel to Italy Today - A Conversation with Milan Private ToursI have just returned from a glorious 16 day trip to Italy. It was so important to me to share my adventures with you and tell you the truth of what it's like to travel now in 2021. In this episode, you will find current and practical information for a trip to Europe. Protocols and rules may change, but this will give you some great info regarding Passenger Locator Forms and my experience with COVID tests. Travel to Italy? You bet! The beautiful city of Milan was the focus of the second half of my...
2021-10-2945 min
Speaking of Travel® With Marilyn BallWhat To Know About Traveling To Italy Today With Suzanne Stavert Suzanne Stavert of AdventuresofEmptyNesters.com is a travel writer, brand ambassador and culinary explorer and she recently returned from a trip to Italy. Find out how she planned her international travel and what you can do to make your travel dreams come true. Her work with Collette Travel, China Southern Airlines, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Viking Cruises, Hotels.com, Expedia, Oldways, and most recently with Tuscan Women Cook has taken her on culinary journeys through Italy, Japan, Iceland and many other countries in Europe. But it's been a while since traveling and going to...
2021-10-2247 min
Travel ConnectionsAudio Can Change Your Life! A Conversation with Laura Fernandez, SXM MediaCan audio change your life? I think it can, how about you? Wow, did I have an exciting and fun-filled discussion with Laura. Let me introduce you! Laura Fernandez is a trailblazer in the audio space, which led her to her current position as SXM Media's Travel + Tourism VP-Head of Industry. Her work has focused on developing media solutions that connect travel brands with their target consumers in innovative ways using the power of SXM Media, which includes SiriusXM, Soundcloud, Pandora, Stitcher, and more. Laura has expertly weaved together SXM Media's assets with...
2021-10-1539 min
Travel ConnectionsRediscover Healthy Eating Through Travel & OldwaysSara Baer-Sinnott is President of Oldways and it is a nonprofit food and nutrition organization helping people live healthier, happier lives, through cultural food, traditions and lifestyles. She has been an instrumental figure at Oldways since its early days, joining the staff in 1992. Oldways was created to preserve and promote traditional foods and traditional ways of eating. The founder Dun Gifford, through travel had found that a lot of the "old ways" were being lost. So he founded Oldways to preserve and promote them. The mission is to help people live healthier, happier lives, through cultural food...
2021-10-0236 min
Travel ConnectionsA Culinary Adventure with Tuscan Women CookColeen Kirnan is the host and owner of Tuscan Women Cook. Suzanne enjoyed the tour four years ago and had an incredible time there learning to cook the most delicious Italian dishes. Imagine having a best friend in Tuscany, who knows all the best places to cook, to dine, and to shop. She is on a first-name basis with the best gelato makers and has exclusive access to the most spectacular vineyards where they'll create personal wine tastings just for you. This friend also is a master travel planner who takes every detail off your plate and...
2021-10-0134 min
Travel ConnectionsThe Transformative Powers of TravelIn this solo episode about the transformative powers of travel, Suzanne shares how her first trip abroad as a UCLA college coed fueled her passion for travel, why she created Travel Connections, and what you can expect to hear in the coming episodes. How did she manage to see The Rolling Stones with tens of thousands of Austrians in a football stadium outside of Vienna? This life-changing moment was part of this European tour she took at just 19 years old. Her interviews with fascinating & adventurous people will bring you inside the world of travel and...
2021-10-0113 min
Speaking of Travel® With Marilyn BallEmpty Nesters Can Open New Doors To An Adventurous LifeSuzanne Stavert has a unique perspective to inspire empty nesters (and others) to find adventure wherever they go. Her blog, Adventures of Empty Nesters, is a movement and a valued resource. These stories are a way to open doors to new ideas and experiences and inspire you to find your version of an exciting and adventurous life.Her newest adventure is a podcast called Travel Connections. Suzanne will be talking with industry professionals and others and highlight special stories to make valuable and long-lasting travel connections.Discover how Suzanne answered the gnawing question of...
2021-10-0148 min
Travel ConnectionsWelcome to Travel ConnectionsI invite you to come with me to discover and celebrate the people and experiences that make travel so special. Through our stories and connections, our world expands as we grow closer.
2021-08-1901 min
Aging Is Optional Radio013 - Adventures with Suzanne StavertAging Is Optional Radio Episode 13 features Luxury Travel/Food Blogger and creator of Adventures Of Empty Nesters, my great friend Suzanne Stavert. Learn about Suzanne's background and the story of how she was able to share her passion, build an audience and ultimately travel the world representing destinations, brands and travel companies. It really is an amazing story. Suzanne's website is https://www.adventuresofemptynesters.com/ and she can also be found on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook @suzannestavert. Thanks again for joining me on Aging Is Optional Radio. I hope you found some...
2019-08-0300 min
Me Time Midlife PodcastFind Adventure - Guest Expert Suzanne StavertSuzanne Stavert is redefining what it means to be an “empty nester.” Five years ago, after her children had graduated into their adult lives, Suzanne began exploring rather than settling into a quiet mid-life. She created her travel and lifestyle blog AdventuresofEmptyNesters.com to share stories, inspiration, eclectic food and to showcase hidden gems around the world. With curiosity and a desire to connect with other adventurous spirits, she has said “Yes!” to ideas that many people think are impossible – and it has brought her to places beyond her own imagination. Today she collaborates with cutting edge travel and tourism br...
2019-03-2836 min
The How Social Are You PodcastHSAY 019 - Sara Broers | Travel Blogger | Social Media LeaderHSAY 019 - Sara Broers | Travel Blogger | Social Media Leader Quote: “I want people to be smarter and safer online, and from a business perspective which most people tend to forget about” Background: Instructor Sara Broers is a Social Media Strategist and travel enthusiast who travels the nation speaking to groups on how to use social media. Sara has a passion for helping business owners make connections they need to grow their businesses through Social Media. Her Presentation has drawn national acclaim as she introduces new auctioneers to social media and shows them how they can use it to market their busine...
2017-04-2933 min
The How Social Are You PodcastHSAY 019 - Sara Broers | Travel Blogger | Social Media LeaderHSAY 019 - Sara Broers | Travel Blogger | Social Media Leader Quote: “I want people to be smarter and safer online, and from a business perspective which most people tend to forget about” Background: Instructor Sara Broers is a Social Media Strategist and travel enthusiast who travels the nation speaking to groups on how to use social media. Sara has a passion for helping business owners make connections they need to grow their businesses through Social Media. Her Presentation has drawn national acclaim as she introduces new auctioneers to social media and sh...
2017-04-2933 minThe How Social Are You PodcastHSAY 003 - Suzanne Stavert - Midlife Blogger | Foodie | World TravelerHSAY 003 - Suzanne Stavert - Midlife Blogger | Foodie | World Traveler - Suzanne talks about how her blog, Adventures Of Empty Nesters, launched two and a half years ago sprung from a desire to express what she was feeling now that her children had grown up and started out on their own path. She discusses the life changing effect the blog has had on Suzanne and her family not to mention her readers. Suzanne shares how through the process of learning how to build her website, her blog and her Social Media, the midlife bloggers and travel bloggers s...
2016-08-1432 min