Moving Along

Barbara Johnson is an acclaimed author who shares a personal journey back to Ireland that was sparked by the tragedy of her partner’s sudden death. Kathleen’s Irish ancestry led her to discover her own heritage, and many cousins who live still in the northwest of Ireland. Barbara recounts her experiences growing up in a military family, which fostered a love for travel and her emotional journey as she buried Kathleen's ashes in Ireland with her family. The episode dives into themes of loss, travel and the challenges and healing involved in relocations and transitions late in life, touching upon Barbara's thoughts about moving to Ireland and her reflections on writing. Barbara says, "Kathleen used to say her heart was in New York, her body in Maryland, but her soul was in Ireland." 

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: [email protected]

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

Episode Highlights

00:00:03: Introduction to Christi Cassidy and Moving Along podcast, which focuses on travel, relocation and life transitions.

00:00:35: Christi welcomes Anna Bernstein, discussing her past with Mantra Public Relations and moving to Ecuador.

00:02:14: Anna thanks Christi for the introduction and mentions their use of audio for the podcast despite having a video connection.

 00:02:17: Anna talks about her upbringing in Norman, Oklahoma, and the influence her parents' New York roots had on her.

 00:03:19: She describes her early travels to New York and experiences while in college.

 00:04:17: Discussion on how she ended up choosing the University of Kansas over schools in New York.

 00:06:26: Anna shares her career shift from being a stockbroker in Kansas City to pursuing her passion for performing in New York.

 00:07:44: Her journey to New York involved a detour to Italy, fulfilling her dream to be there.

 00:08:22: Transitioning from a stockbroker to becoming a voice coach and founding Voice Success.   00:09:45: The birth of her teaching career in singing and exploration of brain function in voice.

 00:14:04: Her success in accent reduction and subsequent focus on corporate training.

 00:14:56: Discusses her career establishing a business in Seattle and working with major companies like Microsoft.

 00:17:45: Details about her work and life in Seattle before moving to Mexico.   00:19:39: Decision to move to Mexico and experiences that followed.

 00:22:24: Logistics of moving to Mexico discussed, including traveling with the car and a cat.

 00:24:38: Learning Spanish and living in a small Mexican town. Experience in Mexican culture and affordability.

 00:30:34: Her choice of exploring North Carolina when unsure about staying in Mexico.   00:32:59: Selling her house in Seattle facilitating further travels and transitions.

 00:34:07: Addresses a lack of fear in moving and taking big life changes, viewing them as non-threatening endeavors.

 00:41:15: Explores moving to Cuenca, Ecuador, due to financial concerns and safety considerations with the political climate in the USA.

 00:49:41: Living comfortably on Social Security in Ecuador and the liberties afforded by financial stability abroad.

 00:51:47: Recommends Ecuador as a favorable destination for retirees.

 00:54:08: Closing remarks and encouragement to listen to Moving Along for more stories.

Key Takeaways

• Fearlessness in moving and adapting to new cultures can lead to rich and fulfilling experiences.
• Focusing on professional skills that are transferable can aid in maintaining financial security while living abroad.
• Understanding the importance of financial planning, especially regarding Social Security and investments.   Considering alternative living locations for better quality of life and affordability in countries like Ecuador.

Tweetable Quotes

 "It just never occurred to me to be afraid." — Anna Bernstein   

"Just don't be afraid. Just try things." — Anna Bernstein

 "Any excuse for a party, that's Latin America or South America." — Anna Bernstein   "I know where I don't want to be, and right now it’s in the States." — Anna Bernstein   

"You can always buy furniture. You know, who cares?" — Anna Bernstein

Resource for Those Wanting to Move Abroad

Elite Documents Apostille

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: [email protected]

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

Growing up off Exit 109 of the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey, Diane Wyzga remembers family vacations as setting the stage for a lifetime of wanderlust. Growing up as the eldest of seven, Diane’s early adventures in state and national parks sparked a passion for exploration that never faded. Join me as I chat with Diane, founder of Quarter Moon Story Arts, and we navigate her multifaceted journey from Navy nurse to lawyer, and now a storyteller on Whidbey Island and host of the daily podcast "Stories from Women Who Walk."

The episode unfolds with tales of youthful independence and the courage to chart one's path. Childhood memories of collecting S&H Green Stamps for camping gear with Diane’s family are the precursor to a love for hiking and a life marked by exploration. Diane's story of trekking the Camino de Santiago as a transformative milestone resonates as Diane reminisces about her backpacking adventures across Europe. With a trusty travel guide and a heart full of optimism, Diane’s early journeys reveal an enduring spirit of adventure.

--------- HIGHLIGHTS ---------

0:02:33 - Childhood Travel Memories and Green Stamps 

0:06:23 - Life-Changing Outdoor Adventures 

0:11:19 - Life Divided 

0:16:57 - Backpacking Across Europe Without Set Plans 

0:23:02 - From Backpacking Europe to Navy Service 

0:30:35 - Trips to New York City 

0:39:59 - Last Hope Island and Diane's Polish Heritage

0:46:26 - Camino del Santiago: Encouraging Note From a Friend 

0:55:48 - Granny D's Inspiring Journey Across America 

Contact Info & Links

Quarter Moon Story Arts: https://www.quartermoonstoryarts.net

E-mail: [email protected]

Stories From Women Who Walk with daily 60 Seconds podcast:

https://stories-from-women-who-walk.simplecast.com/ 

Diane as “Wyzga on Words” on Substack:  

https://dianewyzga.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search

Diane on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-f-wyzga-QMSA

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: [email protected]

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

Travel enthusiasts and those facing the prospect of relocation, gather around for a rich tapestry of stories and insights with me, Christi Cassidy, and our special guest, Devra Jacobs, author of A Happy Move. Discover how Devra's adventurous spirit, cultivated during her formative years in the Bay Area and later in New Jersey, has led her through an enriching journey of frequent moves within the U.S. and across the globe. Her story offers a refreshing perspective on embracing change, moving with loved ones and pets, and the intricate dance between staying connected to family while exploring new horizons.

Thinking about what to pack and what to leave behind? We unravel the complexities of downsizing, balancing sentimental treasures with practical decisions, and weighing the cost of shipping versus replacing items.  

Now approaching her 30th move (from Flagstaff to Arkansas), Devra shares strategies for researching your new home’s weather, language and culture, and the importance of being prepared for the challenges of moving. These handy tips are not just for those crossing oceans but also for anyone tackling the logistics of a local move.

For those yearning to understand the nuances of adapting to new environments, Devra’s anecdotes from moving to Korea in the late 70s as a young military wife and new mother—complete with unexpected cultural surprises—serve as a guide. From understanding pet regulations to harnessing the power of community, each tale is a stepping stone toward finding your own sense of home. Packed with personal stories interwoven with practical advice, this episode is your gateway to making any move a seamless and rewarding adventure.

A Happy Move: Everything You Need to Know Before and After the Boxes Are Packed by Devra Jacobs and Brit Elders (Beyond Words Publishing, 2024, distributed by Simon & Schuster)

Contact Devra, read her blog and watch practical videos on packing and moving: https://ahappymove.com  

Chapters

(00:03) - Personal Stories of Travel and Relocation

(12:07) - Moving and Downsizing

(17:32) - Moving Tips and Cultural Insights

(25:35) - Moving Stories and Reflections

(30:40) - Moving Strategies and Tips

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: [email protected]

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

Podcast Summary

Ariana Johnson, the newly crowned Ms. Black Ohio USA 2025 (and Ms. Black Ohio USA 2024), joins us on a riveting journey through her life of advocacy and ambition. Raised with an appreciation for diverse cultures, Ariana brings rich insights into how travel and education shaped her values. Our conversation reveals her gratitude for her strong women role models around her, her passion for the arts and her love of childhood icons like Beverly Cleary and the American Girl series, which fueled her imagination and inspired her advocacy work.

Ariana's experience in pageantry, a world she once hesitated to enter, transformed her path and empowered her mission. Through pageants like the American Royal Beauties, she found a supportive community that celebrated her dedication to social equity and mental health advocacy. Her commitment shines as she shares the influence of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority in her journey, where mentorship and positive role models have played a crucial role.

We tackle pertinent issues like hair discrimination, which affects Black women in professional settings, and discuss Ariana's impactful work with the FAMICOS Foundation. With aspirations in the family court system, modeling, and maybe even moving to New York City or Miami to pursue her dreams, Ariana's story is one of determination and purpose. Her pride in representing Ohio and commitment to maternal health in the Black community make this episode a compelling testament to her journey and advocacy. Join us for an inspiring narrative of empowerment and ambition that promises to engage and uplift.

Reach Ariana on Instagram or Ariana on LinkedIn

CHAPTERS

(00:03) Journey of Advocacy and Ambition

Miss Black Ohio USA 2024 discusses her childhood love for diverse cultures, pageantry as a platform for advocacy, and the impact of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

(14:14) Empowering Black Women Through Pageantry

Personal journey in music and pageantry, choir and flute experiences, introduction to pageantry at 19, crowned print model title in American Royal Beauties.

(28:01) Navigating Advocacy and Empowerment

Journey into social work through family mediation, mentorship, and hair discrimination in professional settings.

(38:05) Career Dreams and Aspirations

Hair discrimination in the Black community, community development work, aspirations in family court and modeling industry.

(45:16) Miss Black Ohio's Platform and Pride

Miss Black Ohio shares her dedication to her platform and commitment to maternal health in the Black community, representing Ohio with pride.

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: [email protected]

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

What if the tapestry of your life was woven through constant change and cultural encounters? Join us for an insightful conversation with writer and poet Robert Lunday, who shares his journey of growing up as a military dependent and his impending move from Houston to the serene landscapes of Kyushu, Japan. Robert opens up about how his early experiences of frequent relocations fostered a deep curiosity and understanding of diverse cultures—skills that will surely aid him as he embraces a new beginning in Japan.

Together, we navigate the sensitive subject of global disappearances, focusing on countries like Mexico, Japan, and the United States and the disappearance in 1982 of Robert’s stepfather. Our discussion highlights the courage of grassroots efforts, often led by families, to find missing loved ones when official avenues fall short. From poignant artistic memorials by a Mexican shoemaker to the haunting tales of Indigenous communities, these stories underline the power of collective action and the profound impact of “missingness” on identity and community.

As Robert prepares for his new, expat life in Japan, the conversation shifts to themes of cultural integration and adaptation. We explore the intriguing opportunities presented by Japan's abandoned homes and the unique challenges faced by expatriates in preserving these relics of rural history. Through the story of Robert’s wife, Yukiko, and her equestrian pursuits, Robert reflects on the blend of tradition and innovation that defines life in rural Japan. Whether discussing societal norms or language barriers, Robert's insights promise to enrich your understanding of what it means to truly belong in a new place.

Robert Lunday: https://robertlunday.com/

Disequilibria: Meditations on Missingness by Robert Lunday
University of New Mexico Press, 2023

You can order Robert’s latest book directly from his website: https://robertlunday.com/books/

Chapters

(00:03) Moving Along With Robert Lunday
Robert Lunday's childhood as a military dependent shaped his worldview, finding solace in libraries and adapting to new environments.

(15:19) Studying Global Disappearances and Responses
Exploring disappearances in Mexico, Canada, Japan and the U.S., including law enforcement's role, grassroots efforts and the impact on Indigenous and Black communities.

(22:07) Global Disappearances and Collective Action
Indigenous experiences, personal journeys, and collective support in navigating the complexities of missing loved ones.

(27:46) Navigating Missing Persons Cases and Support
Social media's impact on missing persons, personal experiences, verification, global research, and ambiguous loss.

(42:19) Cultural Integration and New Beginnings
Adapting to new environments, diversity in Houston classrooms, challenges of immigration, and the role of writing in processing experiences.

(48:07) Exploring Japanese Culture and Language
Exploring Japanese culture and language, adapting as a foreigner, and considering societal norms and demographics with Robert's Japanese wife, Yukiko.

(55:43) Japanese Abandoned Homes and Expatriate Life
Abandoned homes in rural Japan are being purchased by non-Japanese for vacation purposes, while cultural practices like horse sashimi and waste disposal are also discussed.

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: [email protected]

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

Alex Howard, editorial director of Lonely Planet, discusses his journey from Central Florida to leading the world's top travel guidebook publisher. Discover Alex's recommendations for hidden gems like Isle Royale National Park in Michigan, Haida Gwaii in British Columbia, and the Puye Cliff Dwellings at Santa Clara Pueblo in New Mexico. Alex shares personal stories, from childhood trips to Disney World, the Redwoods and Hong Kong, to backpacking in China (where he met his wife) and India, to adventuring in an Alaskan glacier bay, dressed in an Arctic dry suit and paddling around icebergs. 

Beginning as a backpacker reliant on Lonely Planet's guidebooks, "the blue spines," Alex transformed into a guidebook creator himself, driving Lonely Planet's vision for over a decade. 

Passionate about authenticity in travel journalism, Alex offers editorial tips for aspiring Lonely Planet writers, talks about Lonely Planet's Offbeat Destinations guides and discusses sustainability in travel. Plus, Alex muses on Lonely Planet's distinction among travel guidebooks for its focus on locals and experiences. Here he also reveals what destination proposals he'd like to see cross his desk.

This episode is perfect for travel writers and avid adventurers alike, seeking to explore the world’s offbeat paths and create their own transformative journeys.

00:38 Alex Howard's Early Travel Memories

03:56 Backpacking and Teaching in China

07:02 Lonely Planet's Evolution and Challenges

11:03 Memorable Travel Experiences

20:12 Travel Writing Insights and Advice

27:44 Offbeat Destinations and Future Plans

Contact info

You can find Alex Howard, editorial director of Lonely Planet, at LinkedIn, Instagram or Twitter/X.

Check out Lonely Planet's website. 

Follow Lonely Planet's Webby Award-winning Instagram.

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: [email protected]

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

Danny van Leeuwen, the host of Health Hats, tells good stories. About his incredible experience on a swaying walkway 20 stories above the jungle canopy in Costa Rica.  About the time he fell on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. About the first time he fell. About trying to climb 11th century castle steps in Spain.  A nurse and healthcare advocate, he shares his experiences of living with multiple sclerosis and being an advocate for health equity. 

Danny also discusses his background, including his career in healthcare and membership in several important health organizations. He remembers what travel meant to him as a child and recounts his various adventures traveling with disabilities, including trips from Chicago and Detroit to New York, to the Camino in Spain, to the Portugal Camino and to Costa Rica. 

Danny provides practical advice on dealing with the challenges of traveling with a disability, emphasizing the importance of support systems and leveraging available resources. He also touches on his work with underrepresented communities and his interest in long COVID research. Danny's philosophy of taking calculated risks and remaining adaptable despite physical limitations resonates throughout the conversation.

Danny van Leeuwen Info

Contact Danny: https://health-hats.com/#contact

Health Hats Website: https://health-hats.com/

Danny Health Hats Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/dvanleeu

Danny crossing the suspension bridge in Costa Rica with Juve Acuna, the grandfather of disability travel guides, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1zokW8rnNk

Places mentioned:

Boston

Chicago

Detroit

New York

Spain Camino de Santiago

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

Portugal Camino

Costa Rica

Cloudland State Park, Georgia

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: [email protected]

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

As a child, Autumn Carolynn gazed skyward, dreaming of the day she'd soar above the clouds. Now, with the passport stamps of 30 countries adorning her well-traveled pages, she sits down with me, Christi Cassidy, to recount her evolution from a flight attendant to a travel design manager and travel photographer. Our conversation sweeps across the globe, from the academic pathways of Canterbury to the high skies and the intricate world of travel planning. Autumn's stories are a mosaic of laughter, mishaps and invaluable insights that remind us of travel's transformative power on our lives.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to confidently navigate the globe alone? Autumn opens the curtain on the challenges and triumphs of solo travel, her journey into the world of flight attendants—where every half-point in training could change your fate—and the artistry behind capturing moments that tell a story. She shares personal anecdotes and practical tips, and together we celebrate the special kind of magic one finds in new destinations and long-lasting memories made with friends, strangers and loved ones alike.

Wrapping up our adventure, we tackle the intricacies of trip planning, from choosing accommodations to embracing the spontaneity of travel. Autumn encourages us to push past travel anxiety, to seize the day and book that flight, immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of cultures awaiting discovery. Her book, Traveling in Wonder, beckons with tales from her voyages and serves as a guide for the anxious traveler seeking to conquer fears. So, tune in, get inspired, and perhaps you'll find yourself planning your own journey into the wonderful world of travel.

-------- HIGHLIGHTS ---------

0:03:10 - Childhood Dream of Becoming Flight Attendant 

0:06:18 - Followed Gut Feeling, Became Flight Attendant 

0:12:05 - Benefits of Solo vs Group Travel 

0:18:53 - Rediscovering Photography During Lockdown 

0:43:55 - Finding Flight Deals Using Kayak 

0:47:27 - Advancements in Travel Technology 

0:51:17 - Flexible Travel Plans and Destinations 

0:53:42 - Overcoming Anxiety Through New Experiences 

Resources recommended by Autumn Carolynn:

Kayak

Hostelworld.com

Viator

Reddit - travel subreddit

Couchsurfing.com

Rick Steves travel guides

Places mentioned in this episode:

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Canterbury, England

Newcastle, England

Australia

Costa Rica

San Francisco

Iceland

Chicago, Illinois

Elmhurst, Illinois

Illinois State University

Norway

Japan

Budapest, Hungary

Seoul, South Korea

Contact information:

Website: https://autumncarolynn.com

Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @autumncarolynnphotography

TikTok: @autumncarolynnphotograph (no y)

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: [email protected]

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

Carlton Klein's first and most dramatic great adventure involved secretly dropping out of college, riding a bicycle to Mexico and taking every form of transportation but planes down to Bogota, Colombia. He writes, “I came away with some wild experiences like working on the Panama Canal, and trying to avoid drug mules in Mexico. That trip also did a lot for me in terms of reviving my zest for life and polishing out my social skills, but didn't sort out the larger issues.” It did, however, plant the seed for an idea that would become a business after another big transition.

Originally from Chevy Chase, Maryland, Carlton worked in Washington, D.C. and, once he headed back to school, earned a master’s degree in international development at the University of Maryland. He spent years spent living and working in developing countries including India, Burma (Myanmar) and Colombia.

He had just completed his field work in India, working with the Wildlife Trust of India, and returned to the U.S. Covid-19 hit not long after, and he wound up running logistics for two Covid field hospitals.

We discuss Carlton’s transition from backpacking wanderlust to entrepreneur with an import business, how he found his way out of his own personal nadir, how he got the idea for Lost Canyon Imports and how he envisions his future.

We talk about his concern over the growing homogeneity of the world, the fine line of exploitation and saving the arts of faraway cultures, and the sense of loss he feels as he witnesses cultures and traditions disappearing. One of the most tangible pieces of a culture, he believes, is the crafts they make. Carlton went back to Colombia, met with traditional artisans, filmed their process and the culture behind the pieces and started a company to sell their works in the U.S., contributing to a steady stream of income for them.

You can reach Carlton Klein here: [email protected]
Instagram: @lostcanyonimports
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@LostCanyonImports
Website: https://www.lostcanyonimports.com/

Places mentioned in this episode:
Chevy Chase, Maryland
McDaniel College
University of Maryland
Washington, D.C.
Austin, Texas
El Paso, Texas
Mexico
Panama Canal
Bogata, Colombia
Nevado del Tolima, Colombia
Burma
Myanmar
Bolvia
India
Sibundoy Valley, Colombia
Magdalena River, Colombia

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: [email protected]

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue.

Post-production help from Auphonic.com.

Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram