🎯 SHOW NOTES

In this episode, Melissa and David unpack the third life lesson from gerontologist Dr. Karl Pillemer’s research — “Travel More” — and what older adults most regret when looking back on their lives. But first: Walgreens will not stop calling Melissa, both Radkes have had their debit cards stolen (again), and Fashion Nova makes an unexpected cameo.

From card fraud to cross-country memories, from East Texas bubbles to big-world perspective shifts, Melissa and David dive into why experiences matter more than things… and why you should probably jiggle the gas-pump credit-card reader.

This one is warm, funny, thoughtful, and a little chaotic — classic Radkes.

✨ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

* Walgreens is harassing Melissa like an ex who wants closure

* Both Radke debit cards get stolen — again

* Fashion Nova + Jiffy Lube + prison commissary = fraud cocktail

* Why older adults say “travel more” is their biggest life regret

* Melissa: “I don’t have a deep desire to see other cultures… is that bad?”

* Why travel doesn’t have to be international to expand your world

* The Alaska road-trip memory that shaped David

* Conversations about money, privilege, perspective, and core memories

* Melissa reveals the one thing strangers don’t know about her (and maybe don’t want to)

⏱ TIMESTAMPS & TOPICS

00:00 – Walgreens won’t stop calling01:24 – Debit card theft… again02:56 – Fashion Nova, Jiffy Lube & prison commissary charges04:00 – Why servers shouldn’t steal our credit cards05:48 – PayPal & Venmo: the real identity-theft risk07:20 – Christmas gifts & stolen cards09:12 – The car-buying plot twist that changed everything11:37 – The “5 Life Lessons” series continues12:56 – Life Lesson #3: Travel More14:09 – Why older adults regret not traveling17:04 – Melissa confesses her shocking lack of wanderlust18:28 – Travel expands empathy — even inside the U.S.19:43 – Getting out of your bubble21:39 – David’s Alaska road-trip upbringing23:55 – Exploring America vs. the world27:11 – Cruise-excursion flashbacks29:12 – Affordable travel: the Radkes’ road-trip years31:31 – Travel as connection, community & core memories32:10 – Stretch Marks promo33:00 – Lightning-round questions for each other35:49 – Melissa’s secret (and horrifying) superpower37:03 – David’s secret skills & history40:20 – Dream travel destinations42:36 – Closing encouragement for listeners

🔗 Links Mentioned

Mel Robbins Podcast (Dr. Karl Pillemer – 30 Lessons for Living) → https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-344/📝 Subscribe to Stretch Marks on Substack → bit.ly/MelissaRadkeSubstack📖 Melissa’s Book – Chicken-Fried Women → bit.ly/ChickenFriedWomen

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