In this episode of Across New Skies, Jessica sits down with her cousin Amerie to revisit her very first experience abroad. At just 14 years old, Amerie left for a study program in Seville, Spain—an adventure that came with challenges no one could have predicted.

Her story weaves together the excitement of independence, the struggles of being far from home, and the resilience it takes to adapt when nothing goes as planned. Now in her 20s, Amerie looks back with fresh perspective on a journey that shaped who she is today.

It’s a conversation about courage, change, and what it means to keep moving forward when the path looks nothing like what you expected.

Follow Amerie on Instagram @amerie_alyce

Got thoughts or want to share your own story? Reach out!
[email protected]
Instagram & Bluesky: @acrossnewskiespod

Episodes drop on Thursdays.

In this episode of Across New Skies, things get a little personal—host Jessica steps into the guest chair to share the story of her first international trip abroad: Iceland, December 2017.

Interviewed by returning guest Juan Ysaguirre, Jessica opens up about what led her to this impulsive winter adventure, the unexpected (but somehow fitting) travel companion she brought along, and how the experience cracked open a sense of freedom she didn’t realize she needed.

From soaking in the Blue Lagoon to navigating Iceland’s rugged landscape in a camper van, this trip had it all—waterfalls, frozen craters, deep personal reflection... and maybe even a few ghosts of relationships past.

This episode explores what happens when travel becomes both a literal and emotional journey, and how sometimes you just have to say yes to the moment—even if it’s kind of a wild idea.

Got thoughts or want to share your own story? Reach out!
[email protected]
Instagram & Bluesky: @acrossnewskiespod

Episodes drop on Thursdays.

In this episode of Across New Skies, Marissa takes us to Japan for her first international adventure… a trip that started with nerves, parental worry, and a few tech hiccups… but turned into a journey of confidence, exploration, and repeat visits.

She shares what it was like navigating Tokyo, adjusting to culture shock, and finding joy in unexpected places. From international driving permits to pocket Wi-Fi, Marissa’s story is both practical and inspiring.

Marissa now returns to Japan often, this time guiding others through their first trips abroad. Her confidence has grown, and her travel list keeps expanding—next up, she hopes to visit London and China!

You can follow more of Marissa’s travel and lifestyle content here:
 📸 Instagram: @hiosik
📺 YouTube: @hiosik

Got thoughts or want to share your own story? Reach out!
[email protected]
Instagram & Bluesky: @acrossnewskiespod

Episodes drop on Thursdays.

In this special episode of Across New Skies, we take a quick detour from our usual guest stories and head to the Layover Lounge—a place to pause, reflect, and dive into some of the technical and logistical parts of international travel.

Host Jessica covers topics that came up in the first four episodes, including the passport process, travel documents, carry-on vs. checked baggage, customs, and more. Whether you're planning your first trip abroad or just want a refresher, this episode breaks it all down in a friendly, no-stress way.

As always, Jess is learning right alongside you.... everyone to do your own research to feel more confident before takeoff.

Have travel questions or episode ideas? Let us know!
[email protected]
Instagram & Bluesky: @acrossnewskiespod

Episodes drop on Thursdays. Safe travels, and we’ll catch you in the skies.

General Passport Information:
 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
Travel State

Apply for a Passport (First-Time Applicants):
 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/apply-in-person.html

Renew Your Passport:
 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html

Renew Your Passport Online:
 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html

Passport Fees:
 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html
Travel State

Processing Times:
 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html

Passport Application Forms:
 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/forms.html

Got thoughts or want to share your own story? Reach out!
[email protected]
Instagram & Bluesky: @acrossnewskiespod

Episodes drop on Thursdays.

In this episode of Across New Skies, Sharon shares her joyful, unpredictable, and sometimes nerve-wracking first trip overseas to Israel. From airport surprises to unexpected challenges on the ground, her story is filled with warmth, humor, and that unstoppable love for new experiences.

She talks about what it felt like to face her fear of heights on a mountain lift, and the moments that reminded her why she loves saying yes to the journey, even when it doesn’t go according to plan.

Sharon invited Jessica into her home for this conversation, arriving with pages of thoughtful notes and a huge heart. It’s the kind of episode that leaves you smiling.

Got thoughts or want to share your own story? Reach out!
[email protected]
Instagram & Bluesky: @acrossnewskiespod

Episodes drop on Thursdays.

In this episode of Across New Skies, Monte shares the story of his first trip overseas to visit a friend in New Zealand. What starts as a simple journey quickly unfolds into something deeper—facing the fear of flying over the ocean, being welcomed into someone else’s home, and finding unexpected reminders of his own family and upbringing.

Outside of travel, Monte is known for his work in the film world. He’s served as the director of the International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival, which runs alongside the Phoenix Film Festival. He recently co-produced The Dead Thing, a horror feature that is now streaming on Shudder.

This episode is full of warmth, insight, and moments that might feel familiar to anyone who’s ever searched for pieces of home far from where they started.

Got thoughts or want to share your own story? Reach out!
[email protected]
Instagram & Bluesky: @acrossnewskiespod

Episodes drop on Thursdays.

In this episode of Across New Skies, Juan shares the story of his first trip overseas. He and his wife traveled to London and Dublin. Their fun adventure turned into an experience that taught Juan a lot about himself.

He reflects on what it meant to be seen simply as “American” abroad, and how that contrasted with his deep identity as a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. From being a wide-eyed tourist to having an emotional moment at Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, Juan’s story is full of thoughtful insights, quiet humor, and cultural reflection.

Juan is also the front man for Secret Tween, the band behind our theme music.
 🎶 Check them out on Spotify.

Got thoughts or want to share your own story? Reach out!
[email protected]
Instagram & Bluesky: @acrossnewskiespod

New episodes drop every Thursday.

Got thoughts or want to share your own story? Reach out!
[email protected]
Instagram & Bluesky: @acrossnewskiespod

Episodes drop on Thursdays.

Welcome to the very first episode of Across New Skies. A podcast where Native stories take flight.

In this debut episode, Jessica sits down with Rae, who shares the story of her first trip overseas to India. From booking flights and battling airports... to experiencing joy in a different culture. Rae opens up about what it meant to carry her Native identity across the world. It’s honest, funny, reflective and the perfect way to kick off the journey.

Got thoughts or want to share your own story? Reach out!
[email protected]
Instagram & Bluesky: @acrossnewskiespod

Episodes drop on Thursdays.

Welcome to Across New Skies, a podcast where Native voices share their most unforgettable stories of traveling overseas for the first time—leaving behind the lands they’ve always known.... for something unknown. 

Each episode brings you personal, heartfelt accounts from Native travelers, offering a mix of humor, vulnerability, and a hint of culture.

From discovering new places to dealing with homesickness, the journey is just as much about the emotions, memories, and lessons learned along the way as it is about the destination.

Join me, Jessica, a proud member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, as I listen, react, and honor the unique journeys shared by my guests. If you love stories that are raw, human, and uniquely Native, you’re in the right place.

New episodes dropping Thursdays starting May 1, 2025.

@AcrossNewSkiesPod (Instagram, Bluesky)

Got thoughts or want to share your own story? Reach out!
[email protected]
Instagram & Bluesky: @acrossnewskiespod

Episodes drop on Thursdays.