Had To Be There

Had To Be There

By Had To Be There ProductionsSociety & CulturePlaces & Travel
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Had To Be There episodes

  • 100 | Conversation with an Imagineer

    🎉 Episode 100, can you believe it?! 🎉 And for this milestone, we’re pulling back the curtain on the magic with a very special guest—a former Walt Disney Imagineer!


    In this episode, we dive into the creativity, innovation, and behind-the-scenes stories that bring Disney’s most beloved attractions to life. From concept to reality, our guest shares what it’s really like to be part of the team that dreams up the magic.


    ✨ Listen in as we discuss:✅ What it takes to be a Walt Disney Imagineer✅ Behind-the-scenes stories from the parks✅ The creative process of bringing attractions to life✅ Insider insights that Disney fans will love!


    Connect with Brian Collins:🌐 Website: https://www.wdwithme.com/📷 Instagram: @beingcre8ve🖇️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bcollinsorlando/


    🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! And if you’ve ever had a Had to Be There moment at a Disney park, share it with me on socials @hadtobethere203!


    ✈️ Ready for an adventure of your own? Contact Kelly to start planning today!

    1 hr 9 min
  • 099 | Amazon Rainforest

    Meet Dominique Mann, a versatile writer, storyteller, and passionate traveler! Join us as Dominique takes us deep into her transformative journey in the Amazon rainforest. Plus, hear how her personal heritage inspires her travel dreams, including a future journey to Italy, and discover the art of creative storytelling in the digital age.


    • Don't forget to leave us a Google review: Review us here!
    • Find us on GoodPods: Listen here!

    Connect with Dominique Mann:

    • Website:⁠ ⁠dominiquejacquelinemann.com
    • ⁠Instagram⁠
    • ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

    Connect with Had To Be There:

    • Website: ⁠hadtobethere.net⁠
    • Instagram: ⁠@hadtobethere203⁠
    • Facebook: ⁠@hadtobethere203⁠
    • Twitter: ⁠@hadtobethere203⁠

    Connect with Vacations by Kelly for your next trip:

    • Website: ⁠trips.hadtobethere.net⁠
    • Instagram: ⁠@vacationsby_kelly⁠
    • Facebook: ⁠@vacationsbykelly⁠
    • Twitter: ⁠@kellyvacations⁠
    • Email: ⁠[email protected]

    42 min
  • 098 | Borneo

    Meet Jo, an intrepid explorer of inner and outer worlds. Educator, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, martial arts student, and writer, Jo's life is a tapestry of incredible experiences. Join us as she takes us deep into the jungle of Borneo for a true Had To Be There moment with a local tribe, sharing a story that will leave you in awe of the power of human connection and adventure.

    Jo's remarkable background includes everything from studying at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service to publishing poetry and creative fiction under the name Jo Patti. A mother, a Sundancer, and a certified combat analyst, Jo's life is a testament to resilience, creativity, and boundless curiosity.

    • Don't forget to leave us a Google review: 
    • Find us on GoodPods: 
    • Connect with Jo Patti Munisteri:

      • Website: ⁠jopattix.com
      • Instagram
      • Facebook
      • LinkedIn⁠
      • Twitter
      • Buy Jo's Books!
      • YouTube 

      • Tips from Jo:

        Here are a few tips for items to include in a travel and home medical kit:

        1. Po Chai pills - effective for stomach upsets, food poisoning, diarrhea and hangovers: this TCM
        2. (Traditional Chinese Medicine) is even sold on amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Po+Chai+pills&crid=1VTGVV0WI7ZRW&sprefix=po+chai+pills%2Caps%2C137&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
        3. Tourniquets. (Suggest the Israeli one hand tourniquet):  https://www.amazon.com/s?k=israeli+tourniquet&hvadid=174210851985&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1026441&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=4459116844189454690&hvtargid=kwd-35142676220&hydadcr=24657_9648987&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_9s2fsthzkw_e
        4. Small, portable headlamp:
        5.  https://www.amazon.com/Energizer-Forest-Headlamp-Dimming-Technology/dp/B083JWX9PK/ref=sr_1_9?crid=3MU0LH8JAAXTZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.68bs5EY6cfo22mhh40UF8YkAQe0RjHRFqBIgnR3JXwH3h0FExmtUQmfs6NvdVUqdgYt9K22LC1Turopx13FXd6PTqyvUUifEbNOYpxAiBBdFeYl3HV05AyqAUUtwAltEnUaM8ALOrvBop7boaCYE06e-RdAJv-zYZzbifTw-7_MmlmcCELmdnBd2VKjHcRfjGTMUJbmu72Q2GTvCOBgtDZ6lIPNvfv1Fn-hykBB4iwUpHkiUuhDDhRnBi2LCEPCvZ2XxBnQr8rzJajbR3lKKlsn4eoN7ra_FuBl58soAyrQ.FJvzFv7bj_KgOgHerW0WUO7-vISfY4wknIZW7DrYaQ4&dib_tag=se&keywords=head%2Blamps%2Bfor%2Bcamping&qid=1729771243&sprefix=head%2Blampts%2Bfor%2Bcamping%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-9&th=1
        6. A great tasting natural-reliable product from PaleoValley (small business) for Collagen/protein powders-tastes good, too: https://paleovalley.com/store/grass-fed-bone-broth-protein
        7.  

          Connect with Had To Be There:

          • Website: hadtobethere.net
          • Instagram: @hadtobethere203
          • Facebook: @hadtobethere203
          • Twitter: @hadtobethere203

          • Connect with Vacations by Kelly for your next trip:

            • Website: trips.hadtobethere.net
            • Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly
              • Facebook: @vacationsbykelly
              • Twitter: @kellyvacations

              • 50 min
              • 097 | Isle of Skye

                Meet Catryn, a corporate-powerhouse-turned-spiritual-Indiana-Jones. Join us as she shares her Had To Be There experience on the Isle of Skye, where a mysterious vision of a Celtic warrior goddess kicked off the adventure of a lifetime.

                • Don't forget to leave us a Google review: ⁠Review us here!⁠
                  • Find us on GoodPods: ⁠Listen here!⁠

                  • Connect with Catryn Becker:

                    • Website: ⁠https://optimizewe.com/⁠
                    • Instagram: ⁠@relax_with_catryn⁠
                    • LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/catrynbecker⁠
                    • TikTok: ⁠@catrynbecker⁠
                    • YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC013Zh3cBwOLVdxtol3BCVA⁠

                    • Connect with Had To Be There:

                      • Website: ⁠https://www.hadtobethere.net⁠
                      • Instagram: ⁠@hadtobethere203⁠
                      • Facebook: ⁠Had to Be There Podcast⁠
                      • Twitter: ⁠@hadtobethere203⁠

                      • Connect with Vacations by Kelly for your next trip:

                        • Website: ⁠https://trips.hadtobethere.net⁠
                        • Instagram: ⁠@vacationsby_kelly⁠
                        • Facebook: ⁠Vacations by Kelly⁠
                        • Twitter: ⁠@KellyVacations⁠
                        • 1 hr 5 min
                        • 096 | Colombia & Costa Rica

                          Meet Jeff, COO of Altitude Water, passionate traveler,

                          and advocate for sustainable solutions! Join us in this episode as Jeff shares his experiences exploring diverse cultures in countries like Colombia, Costa Rica, and beyond. From the warm reception in Cartagena to the natural beauty of Costa Rica, Jeff reflects on how understanding local cultures enhances the travel experience.

                          He also dives into his love for fishing and surfing, discusses the importance of effective charity and personal responsibility, and highlights his work with Altitude Water—a company bringing clean drinking water to communities in need. Plus, Jeff reveals his favorite destinations, from

                          Trinidad to Maui, and emphasizes the joy of supporting local businesses while traveling.

                          • Don't forget to leave us a Google review: Review
                          • us here!
                          • Find us on GoodPods: Listen here!
                          •  

                            Connect with Jeff Szur:

                            • https://altdwater.com
                            • Instagram
                            • YouTube
                            • LinkedIn
                            • Facebook
                            •  

                              Connect with Had To Be There:

                              • Website: https://www.hadtobethere.net
                              • Instagram: @hadtobethere203
                              • Facebook: Had to Be There Podcast
                              • Twitter: @hadtobethere203
                              •  

                                Connect with Vacations by Kelly for your next trip:

                                • Website: https://trips.hadtobethere.net
                                • Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly
                                • Facebook: Vacations by Kelly
                                • Twitter: @KellyVacations
                                • 1 hr 23 min
                                • 095 | Everest Base Camp

                                  Meet Andy, an inspiring adventurer who transformed his life by overcoming addiction and embracing physical challenges and travel. In this episode, Andy shares his journey from the remote Shetland Islands to tackling the Tour de France course and reaching Everest Base Camp. He discusses how asking himself to change became the turning point in his sobriety and led to his passion for adventure travel.


                                  Andy reflects on cycling through the stunning landscapes of Tibet, the importance of visiting before the region changes further, and the connections he’s made with friendly locals. From his favorite souvenir—the emotional moment of reuniting with his family after completing the Tour de France—to his favorite Tibetan dishes, Andy’s stories are a testament to the power of resilience and exploration. He also introduces his program, Sober in Seven, helping others break free from alcohol addiction.


                                  Tune in for Andy’s incredible insights, tips on adventure travel, and a reminder of the transformative power of change.


                                  • Don’t forget to leave us a Google review: Leave a Review
                                  • Find us on GoodPods: Listen Here
                                  • Find Kelly: All The Links

                                  • Connect with Andy Smith:

                                    • Website:  https://www.soberinseven.com
                                    • LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/thatandysmith
                                    • Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/soberinseven
                                    • Twitter:  https://twitter.com/soberinseven
                                    • You Tube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/SoberinSeven
                                    • Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/soberinseven
                                    • Ready to start your next adventure? Contact Vacations by Kelly to request your free quote!

                                      1 hr 16 min
                                    • 094 | Chadron, Nebraska

                                      Meet Don, retired airline pilot, world traveler, and author of Where We Land! In this episode, Don shares his fascinating journey from a small town in Nebraska to the skies, reflecting on his love for aviation and his career highlights. From the joys and challenges of being a pilot to humorous stories—like the time a passenger's dog joined him in the cockpit—Don offers an insider's perspective on the world of flight. He also discusses the impact of 9/11 on airline security, shares his favorite destinations for food, beaches, and architecture, and explains why he treasures memories over souvenirs.

                                      Tune in for tips on navigating air travel, a peek into aviation's lighter side, and a glimpse into the future of flight.


                                      Don't forget to leave us a Google review: Review us here!

                                      Find us on GoodPods: Listen here!


                                      Connect with Don Osborn:

                                      • Check out his book: Where We Land
                                      • Instagram: @where_we_land_book
                                      • TikTok: @where_we_land_book

                                      • Connect with Had To Be There:

                                        • Instagram: @hadtobethere203
                                        • Facebook: Had to Be There Podcast
                                        • Twitter: @hadtobethere203

                                        • Connect with Vacations by Kelly:

                                          • Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly
                                          • Facebook: Vacations by Kelly
                                          • Twitter: @KellyVacations

                                          • Ready to start your next adventure? Contact Vacations by Kelly to request your free quote!

                                            1 hr 2 min
                                          • 093 | Dubai

                                            Meet Cheryl Fischer, host of the OMG Teach Me podcast, mindset coach, and seasoned traveler! Join us in this episode as Cheryl takes us to Dubai, sharing her thrilling experiences during a rare desert rainstorm and the exciting adventures she had, from exploring the iconic Burj Khalifa to embarking on a desert tour. Cheryl also offers insights into the evolving culture of the UAE, what it's like traveling as a woman there, and why Dubai should be on your travel bucket list.


                                            Don't forget to leave us a Google review: Review us here!

                                            Find us on GoodPods: Listen here!


                                            Connect with Cheryl Fischer:

                                            • Website: omgteachme.com
                                            • Instagram: @omgteachme
                                            • YouTube: OMG Teach Me
                                            • LinkedIn: OMG Teach Me Podcast
                                            • TikTok: @omgteachme

                                            • Connect with Had To Be There:

                                              • Instagram: @hadtobethere203
                                              • Facebook: Had to Be There Podcast
                                              • Twitter: @hadtobethere203

                                              • Connect with Vacations by Kelly:

                                                • Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly
                                                • Facebook: Vacations by Kelly
                                                • Twitter: @KellyVacations

                                                • Ready to start your next adventure? Contact Vacations by Kelly to request your free quote!

                                                  40 min
                                                • 092 | Canada 🚲 Mexico

                                                  Meet Risa August, a seasoned traveler, adventurer, and author! In this inspiring episode, Risa shares her journey from Canada to Mexico on a bike, overcoming challenges, and embracing new experiences along the way. Plus, hear all about her book, The Road Unpaved: Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike, and how she's inspiring others with her mindset and determination.


                                                  Don't forget to leave us a Google review: Review us here!

                                                  Find us on GoodPods: Listen here!


                                                  Connect with Risa August:

                                                  • ​https://www.risaaugust.com
                                                  • ​https://www.instagram.com/risaunleashed/
                                                  • ​https://www.facebook.com/risaunleashed
                                                  • ​https://www.facebook.com/featherandsagecoaching/
                                                  • ​https://www.facebook.com/risa.august.unleashed/ (personal)
                                                  • ​https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094334990837
                                                  • ​www.linkedin.com/in/risa-august-9b130524a
                                                  • ​https://linktr.ee/risaaugust
                                                  • ​https://substack.com/@risaunleashed


                                                  Connect with Had To Be There:

                                                  • ​Instagram: @hadtobethere203
                                                  • ​Facebook: Had to Be There Podcast
                                                  • ​Twitter: @hadtobethere203


                                                  Connect with Vacations by Kelly:

                                                  • ​Instagram: @vacationsby_kelly
                                                  • ​Facebook: Vacations by Kelly
                                                  • ​Twitter: @KellyVacations


                                                  Ready to start your next adventure? Contact Vacations by Kelly to request your free quote!

                                                  36 min
                                                • 091 | Fiji

                                                  Meet Stephen, a Master Teacher of Tai Qi Chuan, Navy veteran, and lifelong adventurer! Join us in this captivating episode as Stephen shares his experiences in the beautiful islands of Fiji and unveils his latest book, Who They Are and What They're Up To—a fascinating dive into four generations of alien encounters.


                                                  Don't forget to leave us a GOOGLE review: Review Link
                                                  Find us on GoodPods: GoodPods Link.


                                                  Connect with Stephen & Leslie Shaw:
                                                  Website: whotheyarebook.com
                                                  Instagram: @leslie.shaw.author


                                                  Connect with Had To Be There:
                                                  Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@hadtobethere203
                                                  Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Had To Be There
                                                  Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@hadtobethere203⁠⁠⁠


                                                  Connect with Vacations by Kelly:
                                                  Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vacationsby_kelly
                                                  Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Vacations by Kelly
                                                  Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@KellyVacations


                                                  Interested in exploring the beauty of Fiji? Contact Vacations By Kelly to request your free quote!

                                                  1 hr 15 min

                                                About Had To Be There

                                                From the publisher's feed

                                                Explore new places and ignite your inner wanderlust. Travel to new and exciting destinations around the world through the vacation memories of our guests!