What is it about travel that transforms us? Does stepping into a new place make us wiser, more compassionate, more connected to the world? Or is travel sometimes just an escape — a temporary break from the weight of everyday life?

Today, we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes with Douglas Brouwer, author of The Traveler’s Path: Finding Spiritual Growth and Inspiration Through Travel. Douglas has spent a lifetime exploring the world — not for the postcards, but for the meaning beneath the miles.

From childhood road trips across North America to years spent living abroad, Douglas has experienced travel in all its forms: pilgrimages, study tours, mission trips, and even encounters with prisons around the world. His work isn’t about where to go — it’s about how to go. How to travel with intention. How to reflect on the journey. How to turn movement into meaning.

In this replay, we explore:

• How travel becomes a catalyst for personal transformation
• Why meaningful travel deepens our connection to culture and humanity
• The difference between escape and true exploration
• How intentional travel reshapes our understanding of the world
• Why experiencing history firsthand changes us
• How compassion and empathy grow when we step beyond our own borders

If you’ve ever wondered whether travel can truly change you — or if you’re planning your next adventure — this episode offers wisdom, perspective, and a deeper way to see the world.

Find us on Apple, Spotify or your favorite listening platform; visit us on our YouTube channel Find everything "One More Thing" here: https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast

Want to be a guest on One More Thing Before You Go? Send Michael Herst a message on PodMatch, here: PODMATCH Proud member of the Podmatch Network of Top Rated- Podcasts

What happens when the story you’ve been trained to tell can no longer hold the truth you’re living? In this cinematic and deeply human conversation, journalist‑turned‑storyhealer Candace Lynn Talmadge joins Michael to explore grief, myth, reinvention, and the power of narrative to transform emotional trauma.

After decades in the disciplined world of journalism, Candace’s life was shattered by the loss of her wife — a moment that revealed the limits of reporting and opened the door to something deeper. From that fracture came “storyhealing,” a structured narrative method for processing emotional pain, and Stoneslayer, her dark high‑fantasy series blending political intrigue, demonic warfare, spiritual awakening, and psychological depth.

Together, Michael and Candace explore:

• Why myth often explains the human experience better than realism
• How grief reshapes identity and creative voice
• The moment a lifelong journalist realizes imagination can reveal deeper truth
• What “storyhealing” is — and how narrative can transform pain
• How Stoneslayer emerged from loss, awakening, and reinvention
• The tension between fact‑trained discipline and soul‑level storytelling

If you’ve ever stood at the edge of a story you didn’t know how to tell, this conversation offers clarity, depth, and a new way to understand your own narrative.

Find us on Apple, Spotify or your favorite listening platform; visit us on our YouTube channel Find everything "One More Thing" here: https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast

Want to be a guest on One More Thing Before You Go? Send Michael Herst a message on PodMatch, here: PODMATCH Proud member of the Podmatch Network of Top Rated- Podcasts

In this Over the Teacup episode, Michael and Diane sit down to unpack Margo’s Got Money Troubles, the new Apple TV dramedy created by David E. Kelley and starring Elle Fanning, Nick Offerman, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Nicole Kidman.

Together, they explore the show’s messy, heartfelt world — from Margo’s unexpected journey into single motherhood and OnlyFans survival, to the complicated, hilarious, and deeply human relationship with her estranged wrestler‑dad, Jinx.

Michael and Diane dive into the writing, the tone, the cast chemistry, and the emotional themes that make this series stand out:

• Reinvention when life falls apart
• The chaos and beauty of family
• Identity, belonging, and the new economy
• How David E. Kelley blends humor and heartbreak
• Why Elle Fanning’s performance anchors the entire story

If you love character‑driven storytelling, complicated families, and shows that make you laugh and feel in equal measure, this conversation is your seat at the table.

Find us on Apple, Spotify or your favorite listening platform; visit us on our YouTube channel Find everything "One More Thing" here: https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast

Want to be a guest on One More Thing Before You Go? Send Michael Herst a message on PodMatch, here: PODMATCH Proud member of the Podmatch Network of Top Rated- Podcasts

In this cinematic and deeply human conversation, Heather Ann Ferri joins Michael Herst at the Mediterranean table to explore healing, identity, trauma, and the stories we carry — and the ones we choose to rewrite.

Heather shares her powerful journey through childhood trauma, chronic illness, spiritual awakening, and the lifelong work of reclaiming the self. Together, she and Michael dive into the emotional patterns we inherit, the cultural forces that shape us, and the rituals that help us return to wholeness.

This episode blends vulnerability, wisdom, and grounded storytelling — offering listeners a moment of reflection, connection, and the reminder that healing is not a destination, but a relationship with ourselves.

Topics We Explore:

• Healing trauma & emotional patterns

• Identity, heritage & personal evolution

• Chronic illness & spiritual awakening

• Rewriting your story

• Returning to wholeness

• The cultural forces that shape us

• The power of presence, curiosity & story

About the Show: One More Thing Before You Go is a cinematic interview podcast exploring culture, identity, creativity, food, travel, and the stories that shape who we become. Hosted by Michael Herst — retired police sergeant, cinematic storyteller, and creator of The Herst Method™ — each episode unfolds like a shared Mediterranean table: warm, intentional, and unhurried.

Pull up a chair — there’s always room for one more.

Find us on Apple, Spotify or your favorite listening platform; visit us on our YouTube channel Find everything "One More Thing" here: https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast

Want to be a guest on One More Thing Before You Go? Send Michael Herst a message on PodMatch, here: PODMATCH Proud member of the Podmatch Network of Top Rated- Podcasts

What if one journey could rewrite the story you’ve been carrying your entire life?

In this listener‑favorite episode, we revisit the extraordinary journey of Kirsten Rudberg, whose life was shaped by growing up overseas with a mother battling severe depression — a childhood marked by instability, emotional distance, and the quiet work of trying to understand her place in the world. Everything shifted when she felt an undeniable pull to walk the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage that challenged her physically, unraveled her emotionally, and opened her to a message that changed her life on a steep Spanish hill.

Kirsten also shares a mysterious experience she calls compassionate possession — an event that terrified her at the time but later revealed its purpose in a moment of crisis on the Camino, allowing her to help someone else in a profound way. Her story is one of resilience, identity, mystical encounters, and the unexpected ways healing finds us when we finally stop running from our own narrative.

Originally aired September 25, 2024, this episode quickly became one of the most talked‑about conversations of the year. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting it with new ears, Kirsten’s journey offers timeless insight into transformation, connection, and the courage to follow the road that calls you.

Find us on Apple, Spotify or your favorite listening platform; visit us on our YouTube channel Find everything "One More Thing" here: https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast

Want to be a guest on One More Thing Before You Go? Send Michael Herst a message on PodMatch, here: PODMATCH Proud member of the Podmatch Network of Top Rated- Podcasts

What do we learn about ourselves when we step into places that test us? The exploration of our true selves often unfolds in the challenging environments that test our limits.

The nature of self-discovery is intrinsically tied to the journeys we undertake, particularly those that challenge our preconceived notions of comfort and fulfillment.

In this cinematic episode, Michael sits down with Miles Spencer — adventurer, multi exit founder, media innovator, artist, and mentor — to explore the lessons hidden in deserts, open seas, entrepreneurship, and the unpredictable moments that shape who we become.

Takeaways:

• The experiences we encounter in challenging environments often reflect our inner selves, unveiling aspects we may not have previously recognized.
• Through undertaking arduous journeys, such as traversing deserts or navigating open seas, we discover profound truths about our resilience and adaptability.
• In moments of discomfort and unpredictability, we gain invaluable insights that contribute to our personal growth and understanding of our place in the world.
• The act of connecting with diverse cultures and communities during our travels fosters a deeper appreciation for the shared human experience and the beauty of our differences.

Find us on Apple, Spotify or your favorite listening platform; visit us on our YouTube channel Find everything "One More Thing" here: https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast

Want to be a guest on One More Thing Before You Go? Send Michael Herst a message on PodMatch, here: PODMATCH Proud member of the Podmatch Network of Top Rated- Podcasts

This encore episode—originally aired April 30, 2025—remains one of my favorites. Emmy‑nominated producer and director Neil Laird joins me to explore how untold stories become powerful narratives that captivate audiences worldwide. With more than 1,000 hours of documentary programming for Discovery, National Geographic, and the BBC, Neil shares insights from his adventures across 70+ countries, the balance between historical accuracy and entertainment, and the importance of representation in storytelling. A rich, inspiring look at the craft behind stories that stay with us.

• Adventurous filmmaking requires balancing historical accuracy with engaging storytelling techniques. • Neil Laird’s career exemplifies the fusion of historical narrative and contemporary adventure. • Exploring untold stories can lead to powerful, globally resonant journeys. • As an LGBTQIA+ creator, Neil highlights the importance of representation in storytelling. • Crafting non‑fiction stories involves navigating the interplay between education and entertainment. • Transitioning from documentary filmmaking to historical fiction opens new creative possibilities.

Find everything One More Thing Before You Go here: https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast

Award‑winning author Lexy Shaw Delorme has lived a life as genre‑defying as her fiction — rock musician, scientist, attorney, and global traveler. In this conversation, she shares the real stories behind The Limerent Series, the themes that shape her work, and how living across three continents transformed her voice as a writer. If you love creativity, reinvention, and emotionally charged storytelling, this episode is for you.

In this conversation, Lexy (writing as L.S. Delorme) takes us inside The Limerent Series, her internationally recognized collection of emotionally charged novels. We explore the themes that shape her work — appearance vs. reality in the age of social media, the line between necessary and unnecessary violence, and the way fiction often mirrors the world we’re navigating today.

Lexy also shares how living across three continents and traveling the globe has shaped her voice as a writer. From Paris to Hong Kong to London, her expat experiences have given her a rare lens on identity, culture, and the stories we carry with us.

With a background spanning law, music, and science writing — and with awards from Publishers Weekly (BookLife), the International Book Awards, the Firebird Awards, and more — Lexy brings intellectual depth, lyrical prose, and fearless honesty to every page.

This is a conversation about creativity, reinvention, and the courage to tell the stories that won’t leave you alone.

Takeaways:

• Lexy Shaw Delorme emphasizes that stories are not defined by singular moments but rather by a life lived in intricate chapters.
• Her diverse experiences as a rock musician, attorney, and global traveler have profoundly shaped her storytelling approach and narrative voice.
• Delorme's work explores themes of reinvention and the complexities of personal identity, reflecting her journey across three continents.
• The Limerent Series embodies a rich tapestry of characters whose interconnected lives challenge societal norms and perceptions of age and identity.
• Through her writing, Delorme seeks to provoke thought and empathy, encouraging readers to consider their own beliefs and the experiences of others.
• Delorme's philosophy on writing highlights the importance of authenticity, aiming to create characters that resonate with the complexities of real human experiences.

Find us on Apple, Spotify or your favorite listening platform; visit us on our YouTube channel Find everything "One More Thing" here: https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast

Want to be a guest on One More Thing Before You Go? Send Michael Herst a message on PodMatch, here: PODMATCH Proud member of the Podmatch Network of Top Rated- Podcasts

What is it about travel that truly transforms us? Does stepping into a new place make us wiser and more connected, or is travel sometimes just an escape from the everyday?

In this powerful encore conversation, I sit down with Douglas Brouwer, seasoned traveler and author of The Traveler’s Path: Finding Spiritual Growth and Inspiration Through Travel. Douglas has spent a lifetime exploring the world — not just for the sights, but for the deeper lessons found along the way.

From childhood road trips across North America to living abroad, leading pilgrimages, study tours, mission trips, and even visiting prisons around the world, Douglas has experienced travel in all its forms. His work invites us to rethink not where we go, but how we go — and how to turn every journey into a “worthy adventure.”

We explore spiritual restlessness, the myths of bucket lists, and the ways travel shapes who we become. Whether you’re planning your next trip or reflecting on the journeys that changed you, this episode offers insight, meaning, and a fresh way to see the world. (Encore: The Transformative Power of Travel with Douglas Brouwer from July 2025)

Key Takeaways:

• Travel can be a catalyst for wisdom, compassion, and personal transformation

• Meaningful travel deepens our connection to people and cultures

• Not all travel is transformative — sometimes it’s simply escape

• Intentional travel invites reflection, perspective, and growth

• Experiencing history firsthand reshapes our understanding of humanity

• Travel‑born empathy strengthens how we show up in the world

Listen on Apple podcast, Spotify, your favorite platform, catches on YouTube Find everything "One More Thing" here: https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast

Bestselling author Aaron Ryan has written 41 books and reinvented himself more times than most creatives attempt in a lifetime. In this conversation, we explore how he found his voice, rebuilt after toxic environments, and continues to thrive in a world reshaped by AI. This episode is a powerful look at resilience, storytelling, and the courage to evolve as a creator.

Creativity isn’t a straight line — it’s a lifelong act of reinvention. In this episode, Michael sits down with bestselling and award‑winning author Aaron Ryan, a storyteller whose career embodies resilience, transformation, and the courage to evolve.

With 41 published books, multiple screen adaptations, and a creative journey that spans writing, voice acting, music, and more, Aaron brings a rare depth to the conversation. Together, they explore:

• How to find (and protect) your authentic creative voice
• The intersection of storytelling and lived experience
• Reinventing yourself after leaving toxic spaces
• Navigating the shifting landscape of AI and the voiceover industry
• The realities of self‑publishing and creative marketing
• Why adversity often becomes the fuel for our best work

This is a powerful, honest conversation about what it means to be a creator today — the reinvention, the risk, the resilience, and the unshakable drive to keep telling stories that matter.

If you’re a writer, artist, or anyone standing at the edge of your next chapter, this episode will meet you right where you are.

Find us on Apple, Spotify or your favorite listening platform; visit us on our YouTube channel Find everything "One More Thing" here: https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast

Want to be a guest on One More Thing Before You Go? Send Michael Herst a message on PodMatch, here: PODMATCH Proud member of the Podmatch Network of Top Rated- Podcasts