My Solo Chronicles

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What happens when you’re living alone in Japan, thousands of miles from home, and someone knocks on your door or rings your doorbell after 2 AM?

In this episode of My Solo Chronicles, I’m taking you back to my time living solo in Japan—and to one unforgettable night when a stranger showed up at my door in the middle of the night.

Who was this person standing outside? Why were they there at that hour? And figuring out what I needed to do to get myself out of this dangerous situation. 

Living abroad alone can be exciting, empowering, and full of incredible experiences…but it can also put you in situations you never imagined you’d face. This unexpected encounter became one of those moments that had me questioning what was happening, trusting my instincts, and figuring out how to navigate a situation I never saw coming.

Come with me as I revisit “The 2 AM Knock”—a story about being alone, listening to your intuition, and discovering that sometimes the most unforgettable moments of a solo adventure are the ones you never planned for.

Because when you’re thousands of miles from home, sometimes all it takes is one knock at the door to change the entire mood of the night. 🌙🇯🇵✈️

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In this episode of My Solo Chronicles, I’m stepping outside my usual routine and trying something new: a painting and wine experience! 🎨🍷

I was invited to attend this fun little experience by a hospital patient, who I befriended at work. I picked up a paintbrush, sipped some wine (very little), and watched what happens when I let my creativity take over. I’ll share what the experience was like, how I felt doing it solo, and why trying new activities can be such a fun part of the solo journey.

Sometimes, you don’t need someone else to make an experience memorable, you just need to be willing to show up, have some fun, and create your own adventure.

So, grab your favorite drink, get comfortable, and join me for Paint, Sip & Solo! ✨

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In this special anniversary episode, I’m celebrating two years of My Solo Chronicles! 🎉🥂

I take a moment to reflect on what it feels like to reach this incredible two-year milestone, why I started the podcast in the first place, and how this journey has evolved since that very first episode.

I’ll also revisit some of the amazing guests who have joined me along the way and highlight a few of the conversations and moments that have made this journey so memorable. From travel and life experiences to self-discovery, inspiration, and the courage to step outside of our comfort zones, each conversation has added another chapter to the My Solo Chronicles story.

Most importantly, I reflect on what this podcast has come to mean to me, how much I’ve grown throughout these two years, and what I’m looking forward to as I continue this journey.

Two years down… and this chronicle is still being written. ✈️🌎✨

Thank you to everyone who has listened, supported, shared an episode, been a guest, or simply followed along. My Solo Chronicles wouldn’t be what it is without you.

Here’s to two years and counting! 🥂💫

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In August of 2025, I spent a few days staying at Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Hotel, located in the heart of the city, in a tiny capsule no bigger than a cozy pod. I'll share what it was really like checking in, navigating the unique setup, sleeping in such a compact space, and whether capsule hotels live up to the hype.

Was it comfortable? Claustrophobic? Surprisingly relaxing? Join me as I reflect on this uniquely Japanese experience and what it taught me about stepping outside of my comfort zone while traveling solo.

Whether you're planning a trip to Japan, fascinated by capsule hotels, or simply enjoy hearing stories about unconventional travel experiences, this episode is for you.

So, settle in and come along as I share the highs, surprises, and memorable moments from my stay in a capsule hotel in busy Shinjuku.

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After almost a year of living and working overseas in Japan, it was time to make the long journey back to California. In this episode of My Solo Chronicles, I share the story of my solo drive from my hometown in Michigan back to Los Angeles—a trip that gave me plenty of time to reflect on the experiences, challenges, and memories from my year abroad.

What made this journey unique wasn't just the miles on the road, but the realization that I was returning to a life I had paused rather than left behind. From life in Japan to the open highways of America, I talk about the transition back, the thoughts that surfaced during the drive, the hilariousness of that drive, and what it felt like to pick up where I left off in LA.

Join me for another solo adventure as I trek back to Cali and settle back into familiar territory after a year on the other side of the world.

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What happens when life forces you to start over—and you finally decide to choose yourself?

In this final part of this 3-part series, I wrap up my conversation with Coretta, discussing the deeply personal journey from childhood trauma, her divorce, and what led her into a season of solo living, self-discovery, and faith.

Coretta shares how serving in the military shaped her, what it was like navigating loneliness after moving to Boston, and how that quiet season challenged her to confront who she was, what she believed, and what she truly wanted for her life. We explore the role her Christian faith played in helping her rebuild, and how it grounded her through some of the most uncertain moments of her journey. Her journey is a reminder that choosing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s the first step toward becoming who you were always meant to be. 

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What happens when life forces you to start over—and you finally decide to choose yourself?

In this second part of this 3-part series, I continue my conversation with Coretta, discussing the deeply personal journey from childhood trauma, her divorce, and what led her into a season of solo living, self-discovery, and faith.

Coretta shares how serving in the military shaped her, what it was like navigating loneliness after moving to Boston, and how that quiet season challenged her to confront who she was, what she believed, and what she truly wanted for her life. We explore the role her Christian faith played in helping her rebuild, and how it grounded her through some of the most uncertain moments of her journey. Her journey is a reminder that choosing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s the first step toward becoming who you were always meant to be. 

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What happens when life forces you to start over—and you finally decide to choose yourself?

In this episode of My Solo Chronicles, I sit down with Coretta Ponder to talk about the deeply personal journey from childhood trauma, her divorce, and what led her into a season of solo living, self-discovery, and faith.

Coretta shares how serving in the military shaped her, what it was like navigating loneliness after moving to Boston, and how that quiet season challenged her to confront who she was, what she believed, and what she truly wanted for her life. We explore the role her Christian faith played in helping her rebuild, and how it grounded her through some of the most uncertain moments of her journey. Her journey is a reminder that choosing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s the first step toward becoming who you were always meant to be. 

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What keeps you going when the distance feels heavy?
What makes the sacrifice worth it?

In this episode of My Solo Chronicles, Mike shares his story of working cross-country for years in the airline industry — living miles and time zones away from his wife and children.

While his family built their daily life back home, Mike built a career from hotel rooms, early departures, and long stretches of absence. His version of “solo” wasn’t about independence or adventure. It was about purpose.

We explore what it really means to stay committed when proximity isn’t possible. The emotional weight of providing from afar. The discipline of showing up for your family in ways that don’t always get seen. And the clarity that comes when you’re forced to answer one powerful question:

What’s your why?

This is a story about distance — but even more, it’s a story about devotion.

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In this new episode of My Solo Chronicles, we explore the question “What’s your why?” through Barbara’s powerful and deeply personal story.

Barbara reflects on her journey as a Black female entrepreneur in the cosmetic industry, in the late 70s, which includes a pivotal moment when she had to travel to New York just to source products/ingredients suitable for women of color, that weren’t available elsewhere. What started as research quickly became clarity—revealing the gaps in the industry and helping define the purpose behind her work.

She also speaks about resilience, representation, and what it means to build your own lane when the system isn’t built with you in mind. This conversation is a reminder that sometimes your “why” is born out of necessity—and grows into the courage to create what doesn’t yet exist.

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