This week, I had the absolute pleasure interviewing a friend of a friend, Olivia Ledbetter on all things Alabama, Austin, TX, creativity, travel budgeting and lessons on the deep south.

TLDR highlights to add to your list of Goodreads or vacation spots:

• Experience the essence of the Deep South through a southern read, Strange Folk by Alli Dyer

• Bookmark this Poetry & Creativity retreat produced by Krista Tippett and Pádraig Ó Tuama. Check out others hosted at St. Columba Hotel

• A top recommended Alabama destination: Muscle Shoals

• Related to Olivia’s PSA on Alabama having the best beaches, I just discovered this article about a re-opened “Scenic Coastal Amtrak Route Connecting New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama.”

This conversation certainly sparked a fresh curiosity about southern culture, appreciating family and community and the journey of finding belonging in a transient upbringing and through adulthood. I hope you are equally inspired!