Recorded at Owen's regular morning coffee spot in Luang Prabang, at 3 PM, because barmen keep their own hours.

Owen is Canadian, stubborn by his own admission, and has called Laos home on and off since 2016. He first arrived as an English teacher with an NGO, working with novice monks in Buddhist temples outside Luang Prabang, before helping build one of the city's first stable for-profit language schools. Then COVID hit, the borders closed, and he found himself in Hackney for five years, working long hours and saving up for fish and chips.

In this episode we talk about growing up feeling like you don't belong, what it means when a place finally matches your pace, and why the go-go-go mentality never quite sticks in Laos. We also get into the Lao village chief system, the honest directness he found here that he never quite got in London, and the difference between freedom in the UK and freedom in Southeast Asia.

And at the end, Owen shares a moment of kindness that wasn't soft or sentimental, just someone telling him the truth at exactly the right time.

If you're in Luang Prabang, go find him at La Cantina.

In this episode of Stories of Ordinary Lives, we find ourselves on a two-day boat journey down the Mekong River. Our guest, Iman, reflects on her transition from finance in Paris to a life with no schedule. We talk about her parents’ fears, the difference between vacationing and traveling, and the realization that being open to new experiences shouldn't just happen when we’re away from home.

Pictures from the slow boat trip: https://justluciastudio.com/two-day-slow-boat-on-the-mekong-river-in-laos/

Welcome to season two of Stories of Ordinary Lives. In this short episode, I’m saying hello from Laos and sharing a quick update from the road. I talk about arriving in Nong Khiaw, the journey that brought me here, and what the past weeks between Chiang Mai and Laos have looked like.

It’s a brief check-in, a few impressions from travel, and a glimpse of what’s coming next. Season two starts here!

Substack: https://justlucia.substack.com/

This episode is different. No guest, just a raw, honest monologue that closes season one. I walk you through the shock of returning to London after months in Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean, the uneasy sight of luxury towers gazing down on sprawling slums, and the cognitive dissonance that made me question how we live.

I share the small, personal ruptures that pushed me toward a sabbatical and a leap into the unknown. It’s a story of burnout, curiosity, and the stubborn belief that changing your place can change your life.

In a couple of days I fly east with a rough plan, a hope to find new faces, and a promise to bring you shorter updates and deeper interviews from the road. Tune in for a gentle, reflective send-off and the start of the next chapter.

Link to my Substack: https://justlucia.substack.com/

What happens when you grow up in a sleepy Himalayan town, step into the whirlwind of Kolkata, and ultimately choose a quieter life in the hills of Sikkim? Prerna's story is one of contrasts—between tradition and modernity, family expectations and personal freedom, conformity and conscious choice.

In this episode, Prerna opens up about her journey from a convent school in Kalimpong to the bustling streets of Kolkata, where she found both heartbreak and confidence that would shape who she is today. Now working in travel and rooted in Sikkim, she reflects on what it means to build a life on her own terms.

We dive into the realities of gender roles in India, the invisible burdens of balancing career with traditional expectations that many women carry, and Prerna's bold choice to remain child-free in a culture where motherhood is often seen as inevitable.

This episode is a reminder that life doesn't have to follow the script handed to us. It's about choosing, redefining, and daring to imagine a different future.

Ever feel like life has more in store for you than the path you're currently on? Pamela's story is a testament to the power of reinvention, proving it's never too late to redefine yourself and chase a life that truly resonates.

In this episode, Pamela opens up about her life in Canada, her decades-long marriage, and the moment she knew she needed a deeper change. This isn’t just about a new job or a different house—it’s about rediscovering her authentic self.

We explore the emotional complexities of dismantling decades of routine and embracing the unknown in her 50s. From selling everything she owned to navigating life across four continents, Pamela shares the joys and challenges of traveling solo, teaching English, and finding connections in unexpected places. Along the way, she confronts cultural differences, witnesses global inequalities, and discovers profound lessons about freedom, resilience, and purpose.

More than a travelogue, Pamela's story is about rediscovering passions, breaking free from expectations, and finding the courage to live beyond the ordinary. If you've ever wondered "what if?" or felt the itch to break free, this episode is for you. It is truly inspirational.

Pamela’s blog: https://theanalognomad.ca/

In this episode, we dive into the incredible journey of Mo, a former Iranian start-up marketer turned digital nomad who’s finding freedom and connection on his own terms. Mo grew up in southern Iran, where his desire to escape the country’s limitations set the stage for his dream to explore Europe. Now, with a base in Estonia, Mo has traded traditional systems for container living in Tallinn and a lifestyle of continual discovery.

Tune in to hear Mo’s honest take on life as a digital nomad, beyond the Instagram filters. He shares the real challenges and rewards of breaking cultural biases through travel, navigating the loneliness that can come with a life on the move, and building genuine friendships across borders. We talk about what it’s like to find a new home in Estonia, where everything is managed online, and why Mo feels free from the pressures he faced in Iran. He even reflects on the surprising cultural connections between Iran and Italy, where he found a shared sense of warmth and community.

This episode will inspire you to think differently about identity, resilience, and the courage it takes to pursue a life without borders—literally and figuratively. Whether you're a traveler, a nomad, or just someone curious about life beyond societal norms, Mo’s story is sure to resonate. Press play and get ready for an eye-opening conversation on freedom, self-discovery, and the power of embracing vulnerability on the journey to true connection.

From the vibrant streets of Brazil to the complex landscapes of Libya, our guest takes us on a profound journey of self-discovery and humanitarian work. This episode explores the power of kindness and love, the importance of human dignity, and the unexpected ways we can make a difference in the world.

We dive into thought-provoking discussions on community, agency, and resilience in the face of adversity. Through personal stories and reflections, our guest illuminates the transformative potential of listening.

Discover insights on bridging cultural divides, the impact of kindness from strangers, and the nuanced understanding of identity. This conversation will leave you pondering your own potential to create positive change, whether across oceans or in your own backyard.

Join us for an inspiring exploration of what it truly means to be a global citizen in today's interconnected world.

In addition, we share innovative tools for fostering deeper connections, including the card game 'We're Not Really Strangers' and Epic Llama events, both designed to spark meaningful conversations.

https://www.werenotreallystrangers.com

https://epicllama.com

In this 2nd episode, I sit down with my good friend Sara from Vienna, Austria, whom I met during her time in London. We dive into her journey of personal growth, exploring how life in these two vibrant cities—Vienna and London—has shaped her perspective. We’ll discuss her passion for art, the cultural differences between these cities, and the importance of kindness in everyday life. Join us as we uncover Sara’s story and gain insight into the unique lens through which she views the world.

In the very first episode of 'Stories of Ordinary Lives,' I introduce myself and dive into the purpose and goals of this podcast. Join me for a brief hello as I set the stage for the inspiring stories and meaningful conversations to come!