In this episode of Busy Gallivanting, I’m opening up about my mental health journey in my 30s—sharing what it was like to get diagnosed with bipolar disorder, start mood stabilizers, and shift my healing practices to prioritize boundaries, rest, and self-worth. On my 32nd birthday, I’m reflecting on what it really means to be busy being—not performing, not hustling, but just existing, gently and fully.

As an Asian-American woman, this diagnosis felt especially heavy—but also freeing. I talk about unlearning cultural stigma, navigating therapy and psychiatry, and creating daily rituals that feel like true care. Whether you’re in your 20s or 30s, if you’ve ever felt like healing is a solo journey, I hope this feels like a call-in, not a call-out.

🎙️ Plus: numerology (the power of 8!), astrology, Mercury retrograde, and what it means to enter a personal transformation era.

✨ Featured in this episode:

• Bipolar diagnosis in adulthood — what it’s like and how it changed things
• Asian-American mental health stigma — learning to speak up and seek help
• Mood stabilizers and therapy — how psychiatry complements talk therapy
• 32nd birthday reflections — on identity, growth, and coming home to yourself
• Setting boundaries in your 30s — clarity, not coldness
• Numerology & astrology — turning 32 in a year of the snake and Mercury retrograde

🎁 Hosting a birthday giveaway today on Instagram! Head to @busygallivantingpodcast for details and a chance to win something special.

🕯️ Check out candles + merch at ⁠busygallivantingpodcast.com⁠—designed to bring the podcast’s energy into your everyday life.

🎧 Related Episodes:

• Simply Divine: Finding Balance between Masculine and Feminine
• Yappy Gal Q&A: Mental Health and Toxic Filipino Traits

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting, I’m sharing a peaceful and memorable day in Normandy, centered around a long-awaited visit to Mont-Saint-Michel. I’d been dreaming of seeing this UNESCO World Heritage Site for years—and it absolutely lived up to the magic.

From wandering the tidal island’s medieval streets to reflecting briefly on Normandy’s World War II history, this day offered a rare chance to slow down and reconnect with myself. I dive into the Abbey’s stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture, the unique local flavors I tasted, and how solo travel creates space for healing and reflection.

🎙️ Plus: thoughts on mental health, travel as therapy, and why a single souvenir can hold so much meaning. #pasalubong anyone?

✨ Featured in this episode:• Mont-Saint-Michel — an iconic tidal island and must-see in northern France• A day in Normandy — history, beauty, and personal moments of calm• WWII memorials — quiet reflections on Normandy’s historic past• Normandy cuisine — crepes, seafood, and local specialties• Solo travel in France — finding clarity and connection on your own terms

🕯️ Check out my candles and merch at busygallivantingpodcast.com/shop—designed to bring the vibe of the podcast into your everyday space.

✨ Use code BUSYGALLIVANTINGPODCAST for 10% off your first order at Local Eclectic—for unique, high-quality jewelry that fits wherever life takes you.

🎧 Related Episodes:

• I’m Not a Paris Girl | First Impressions from a Solo Working Trip

• Magic in the Air | A Scottish Summer in the Highlands

📍 WHERE TO FIND US:📸 Instagram: @busygallivantingpodcast | @lesliemaclang🎵 TikTok: tiktok.com/@busygallivanting📺 YouTube: Busy Gallivanting Podcast📩 Email: [email protected]🌍 Website: busygallivantingpodcast.com

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting, I’m revealing the secrets of Paris—my favorite lesser-known tours and hidden experiences from my recent solo trip. While Paris might not have completely won me over, these off-the-beaten-path adventures made me see the city in a whole new way.

From a Paris ghost tour that dives into the eerie side of the city’s history to a speakeasy crawl through hidden cocktail bars and a tucked-away fragrance museum, I’m sharing the moments that surprised me most—and reminded me why I love traveling solo.

I also reflect on iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Versailles, and how pairing those classic sights with slower, more curious wandering created a richer, more memorable experience.

If you're planning a trip and looking for unique things to do in Paris, this episode is for you.

🎙️ Plus: What it’s like to explore Paris after dark, the thrill of finding secret spots, and why leaning into the unfamiliar pays off.

✨ Featured in this episode:Curious about the ghost tour, speakeasy crawl, fragrance museum, and other hidden gems I mentioned? Here are the exact Paris tours and experiences I booked—linked below so you can explore them for yourself.

• ​Haunted Paris Ghost Tour
• ​Paris Speakeasy Tour (ask for Natalia!)
• ​Fragrance Workshop at the Fragrance Museum
• ​Eiffel Tower

🕯️ Check out my candles and merch at ⁠busygallivantingpodcast.com/shop⁠—designed to bring the vibe of the podcast into your everyday space.

✨ Use code BUSYGALLIVANTINGPODCAST for 10% off your first order at⁠ ⁠Local Eclectic⁠—for unique, high-quality jewelry that fits wherever life takes you.

🎧 Related Episodes:⁠

I’m Not a Paris Girl | First Impressions from a Solo Working Trip

📍 WHERE TO FIND US:

📸 Instagram: @busygallivantingpodcast

🎵 TikTok: tiktok.com/@busygallivanting

📺 YouTube: Busy Gallivanting Podcast

📩 Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

🌍 Website: ⁠busygallivantingpodcast.com

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting, I’m sharing my first impressions and honest reflections from a two-week solo trip to Paris, France. I knew I wasn’t really a “Paris girl” before I even arrived, but I wanted to experience the city firsthand. Along the way, I navigated cultural differences—from the importance of greeting shop owners with “bonjour” to figuring out what it’s really like to be a solo female traveler in Paris.

I also talk about the challenges of balancing work while on the road, my culinary adventures, and why I found myself enjoying Normandy and the Champagne region more than the city itself.

This episode is a grounded, thoughtful look at Paris—its charm, its quirks, and why not every trip has to be life-changing to be meaningful. Part 1 of a 4-part series breaking down Paris.

🎙️ Plus: My first impressions of Paris, working while traveling, feeling safe as a solo female traveler, and why I’d give Paris a solid B overall.

🕯️ Check out my candles and merch at ⁠busygallivantingpodcast.com/shop⁠—designed to bring the vibe of the podcast into your everyday space.

✨ Use code BUSYGALLIVANTINGPODCAST for 10% off your first order at⁠ ⁠Local Eclectic⁠⁠—for unique, high-quality jewelry that fits wherever life takes you.

🎧 Related Episodes:Isle of Mist and Fairies: Isle of Skye and ScotlandUnpacking Female Solo Travel

📍 WHERE TO FIND US:📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠@busygallivantingpodcast⁠⁠📺 YouTube: ⁠⁠Busy Gallivanting Podcast⁠📩 Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠🌍 Website: ⁠⁠busygallivantingpodcast.com

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes mentions of suicide and suicidal ideation. Please take care while listening, and skip if needed. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for free, 24/7 support.

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting, I’m answering your questions—everything from my current favorite fragrance to how I manage mental health, what inspired this podcast, and where I’m heading this summer.

It’s a personal, slower-paced check-in—perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered what goes on behind the mic or wants to hear a little more about the day-to-day life of creating Busy Gallivanting.

I’m also sharing what inspired me to start this podcast, what’s kept it going, and a peek into my upcoming summer plans.

Whether you're here for the mindset, the creative process, or just curious about what’s next, this episode is about staying grounded, staying honest, and staying inspired.

🎙️ Plus: How I keep my mental health in check, what it really took to start this podcast, and a preview of what’s coming this summer.

🕯️ Check out my candles and merch at busygallivantingpodcast.com/shop—designed to bring the vibe of the podcast into your everyday space.

✨ Use code BUSYGALLIVANTINGPODCAST for 10% off your first order at ⁠Local Eclectic⁠—for unique, high-quality jewelry that fits wherever life takes you.

🎧 Related Episodes:
Angry but Healing | Unpacking Wounded Feminine and Eldest Daughter Trauma
Simply Divine: Finding Balance between your Divine Feminine and Masculine Energies

📍 WHERE TO FIND US:

📸 Instagram: ⁠@busygallivantingpodcast⁠

📺 YouTube: ⁠Busy Gallivanting Podcast⁠📩

Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

🌍 Website: ⁠busygallivantingpodcast.com

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting, we’re diving into some of the biggest travel pain points—those unexpected medical mishaps that turn your trip sideways. Join me and my travel partner-in-crime, Kate (@katherinehere on Instagram), as I revisit the time I managed to sprain both ankles on a solo trip to Costa Rica (yes, both!), and Kate shares the intense story of how she stepped in to save a man’s life on a mountain in Switzerland.

From clumsy falls to heroic saves, we unpack the chaos, adrenaline, and sometimes painful realities of travel mishaps that don’t always make the highlight reel.

Whether you’ve faced your own travel pain points or just want to hear wild, true stories of what can go wrong—and how to survive it—this episode is for you.

🎙️ Plus: What it’s really like to get injured solo abroad, how to stay calm when emergencies happen, and why sometimes the hardest part of travel is just staying on your feet.

✨ Use code BUSYGALLIVANTINGPODCAST for 10% off your first order at Local Eclectic for unique, high-quality jewelry perfect for any adventure.

🎧 Related Episodes:
⁠Pretty Girls Walk Like This: Costa Rica⁠

📍 WHERE TO FIND US:
📸 Instagram: @busygallivantingpodcast
📺 YouTube: Busy Gallivanting Podcast
📩 Email: [email protected]
🌍 Website: busygallivantingpodcast.com

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting, join me and my travel partner-in-crime, Kate (@katherinehere on Instagram), as we uncover the best of Belize’s coast and ancient history. From snorkeling in the vibrant Hol Chan Marine Reserve to basking in the beauty of Secret Beach, we take you on a journey through one of the Caribbean’s most enchanting destinations.

We’ll explore the underwater wonders of Hol Chan, where you’ll swim with sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish, and relax on the laid-back shores of Secret Beach. But that’s not all—on one special day, we venture inland to explore the ancient Maya ruins of Altun Ha, a fascinating historical site where you can connect with Belize’s rich cultural heritage.

With tips on snorkeling, Belize’s best beaches, and experiencing both natural and historical wonders, this episode is perfect for anyone dreaming of a Belize vacation or planning their next tropical escape.

Whether you're an ocean lover, history enthusiast, or beach aficionado, this episode will leave you dreaming of your next island getaway.

🎙️ Plus: Practical tips for snorkeling in Belize, why Secret Beach is a must-visit, how Altun Ha offers a unique look at Belize’s ancient past, our favorite restaurants in San Pedro, and how to embrace the Belizean island life.

✨ Use code BUSYGALLIVANTINGPODCAST for 10% off your first order at Local Eclectic for unique, high-quality jewelry perfect for beachside adventures.

🎧 Related Episodes:
It Girl Energy: Cuba
Pretty Girls Walk Like This: Costa Rica

📍 WHERE TO FIND US:📸 Instagram: @busygallivantingpodcast📺 YouTube: Busy Gallivanting Podcast📩 Email: [email protected]🌍 Website: busygallivantingpodcast.com

Explore Scotland’s island distilleries and discover what makes whisky culture on Skye and Mull so unforgettable

In this Roundtrip episode, I revisit Scotland’s iconic whisky regions, diving into the rich, peaty world of Scotch whisky tasting on the Isle of Skye and Isle of Mull.

Join me as I reflect on my first solo tasting at Talisker Distillery, known for its maritime character and smoky single malts, and a nearly private experience at Tobermory Distillery, home of the bold and peated Ledaig 10 Year.

You'll learn how peat, salt air, and tradition shape the flavor of Scotch whisky, why adding a splash of water opens up a dram, and what makes visiting a Scottish distillery a must for any traveler.

Whether you're a whisky lover, a curious traveler, or planning your own trip to the Scottish Highlands and islands, this episode offers a personal look at what makes whisky culture in Scotland so unique.

This one’s for anyone who’s ever wanted to explore Scottish whisky, not through a guidebook, but through the lens of a traveler—complete with shopping finds, scenic stops, and the kind of storytelling best enjoyed with a dram in hand.

🎙️ Plus: tips for visitors, bottle recommendations, and how these island moments became some of my most unforgettable travel experiences.

✨ Use code BUSYGALLIVANTINGPODCAST for 10% off your first order at ⁠Local Eclectic⁠ for unique, high-quality jewelry made for golden hour selfies and beachside dinners.

🎧 Related Episodes:

Isle of Mist & Fairies: Isle of Skye Pt 1

Winged Isle: Isle of Skye Pt 2

Magic in the Air: A Scottish Summer in Mull

📍 WHERE TO FIND US:

📸 Instagram: ⁠@busygallivantingpodcast⁠

📺 YouTube: ⁠Busy Gallivanting Podcast

⁠📩 Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

🌍 Website: ⁠busygallivantingpodcast.com

What happens when the spring break destination we’ve seen on TV doesn’t match the reality? In this episode, I’m coming clean about my own Cabo San Lucas spring break—one that turned out to be far more soulful and surprising than the party-centric version we’ve come to expect from shows like Laguna Beach.

From camel rides along the coast to unforgettable local meals, and reconnecting with familiar faces year after year, Cabo was so much more than just a spring break hotspot. I also dive into the Cabo vs. Cancun debate, comparing these two iconic destinations—and exploring how media plays a huge role in shaping our travel choices and expectations.

If you’ve ever been influenced by a TV show, movie, or social media post to visit a place, this episode is for you. Let’s unpack how media-influenced travel can sometimes surprise us—in the best way.

✨ Use code BUSYGALLIVANTINGPODCAST for 10% off your first order at Local Eclectic for unique, high-quality jewelry made for golden hour selfies and beachside dinners.

🎧 Related Episodes:

📖 ⁠From Page to Place: Why we Travel to Story Locations
🌊 Plane, Bus, Club, Another Club, No Sleep (Cancun)

📍 WHERE TO FIND US:
📸 Instagram: @busygallivantingpodcast
📺 YouTube: Busy Gallivanting Podcast
📩 Email: [email protected]
🌍 Website: busygallivantingpodcast.com

Why are we drawn to real-life movie and book locations? In this episode, we unpack the magnetic pull of film sets, book settings, and the landscapes our favorite characters once walked—even if only in fiction. From misty moors to neon-lit city corners, there's something deeply human about wanting to step into the world we've imagined.

I also share my experience taking a storytelling-based color assessment (yes, that’s a thing) and how it revealed deeper layers of the stories I gravitate toward—and the places I’m pulled to visit because of them. It's a reflection on how narrative shapes our travels, our memory, and maybe even our identity.

From Velaris and the Night Court in ACOTAR (think Zermatt, Switzerland’s snowy peaks and charming villages) to the battlefields of Fourth Wing, and the castles and rugged landscapes of Scotland that remind us of Terrasen from Throne of Glass. These places, once confined to the pages of our favorite books, can come alive when we travel to them.

If you’ve ever traveled to places that feel like they came straight out of a movie set or BookTok or dream of walking through scenes that once felt fictional, this episode is for you.

Read Your Color Quiz

🎧 Related Episodes:

• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Magic in the Air: A Scottish Summer in the Highlands
• 🇳🇴 Getting Hygge with It: Norway's Fjords and Views

📍 WHERE TO FIND US:

• 📸 Instagram: @busygallivantingpodcast

• 📺 YouTube: Busy Gallivanting Podcast

• 📩 Email: [email protected]

• 🌍 Website: busygallivantingpodcast.com