Why We Live
Why We Live is a podcast about the human experience, hosted by Shannon Strong and formerly known as Why We Travel. In each episode a guest joins to talk about a topic that matters to them personally, sharing their life, ideas and way of thinking. The conversations dig into why people think the way they do, exploring the psyche behind their perspectives. Nothing is treated as off topic, so the show ranges widely across beliefs, experiences and ways of living.
Episodes
Why We Need Comedy
In this episode, I sit down with Emmi Abel-Rutter at Kaos pizzeria in Denver and we discuss all things comedy: how she got into her comedy career, why comedy is important, what's it like being a female comedian, and she shares a story she wouldn't tell her Nana.You can follow Emmi @potatowithmakeup on Instagram or the @thebackpackingpotato for more laughs! And listen to her podcast: Storie
Why We Need An Intimacy With Grief
In this episode, I sit down with Paula Gasparini-Santos, a Portugal-based author, artist, and trauma therapist whose work explores grief through the lens of impermanence. We dive into how her experience working in prisons and domestic violence centers shaped the foundation, and evolution, of her theory on grief today. A theory I believe could impact the world.Nothing is off limits in this conversa
Why We Look to the Stars for Guidance: Astrology ft. Taylor MacKenzie
In this episode, I sit down with astrologer Taylor MacKenzie, who I first met at a music festival over a year ago. Taylor helps guide people back to remembrance through the teachings of the stars and the wisdom of the body. Together, we explore the deeper “why” behind astrology—why so many of us look to the stars for guidance, where to begin if you’re curious about your own chart, and how astrolog
Why We Share ft. Joe Bjornsen
In this episode, I sit down with my friend Joe Bjornsen — the guy who, along with his friend Noah, handed me the keys to their old shuttle bus and unknowingly changed the course of my life. We dive into the full story of how that wild act of generosity came to be, and the ripple effects it's had since. From there, we open up a much bigger conversation around sharing — from prehistoric communis
Why We Have Faith In God ft. Erika Ray
In this episode, I sit down with my friend Erika Ray, someone who walks through life with a deep and steady faith in God. So much so that she has her own podcast called Let Go Let God, which you can listen to on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Since getting to know Erika, I saw a person rooted in love, devotion, and a genuine relationship with God. As someone who doesn't con
Why We Heal ft. Rachel Godwin
Welcome to the first episode of Why We Live! I’m so excited to kick off this new season and rebrand with a conversation that’s close to my heart — with one of my very best friends in the world, Rachel Godwin.In this episode, we dive deep into what healing really means — not as a destination, but as a lifelong, unfolding process. Rachel shares her powerful personal journey through disordered eating
Season 1 Wrap Up: A Love Letter to Listeners (Solo Episode)
In this episode, Shannon Strong (host), shares a quick travel story from Micronesia, where she's traveling to next, and more about the break between seasons.
This episode is a big thank you and wrap up on Season 1 of Why We Travel!
If you enjoyed this episode please consider giving WWT a rating or review. For more updates on episodes and guests give us a follow on Instagram, Tiktok, or Face
Living Abroad, Reverse Culture Shock & Travel Journalism
In this episode, Ashely Liliana Gavilanes shares about her experiences navigating living abroad in different countries, including during Chile's social uprising in 2019, how to get through reverse culture shock, and her experience studying and becoming a travel journalist/content creator in today's times.
To follow along more of Ashely's travels check out her Instagram: @itsashelylil
Content Creation & Solo Travel W/ One Girl Wandering
In this episode, Lindsay Mukaddam - better known as One Girl Wandering online- shares about her experience getting into solo travel in her adult life, how she got into full time content creation as her career, what she loves about Japan, and more on the group trips that she runs today.
If you'd like to follow along more of Lindsay's travels and adventure's, follow her on all social m
Traveling Tattooing
In this episode Karin Borovcova, a traveling tattoo artist shares about her adventures around the world while tattooing stick n poke tattoos in exchange for gifts or money. She shares about different traditions of tattoos, gifts she's received in exchange, and the people that she has met that have led her to unexpected places. In addition Karin shares more about her time on sailboats and surfb
Hap Working The World - 7 Continents Before 30
In this episode Hap Cameron shares about his journey working jobs in all 7 continents all before he turned 30. Hap shares an overview of the jobs and places he experienced over the 9 years, the great moments and sometimes scary ones, and what he learned through his experiences that has led him to where he is today - the owner of a New Zealand style ice cream shop based in Denver, CO called Happy C
Nomad Life, Advice, and Finances as a Solo Female Traveler
In this episode Julie B. Rose shares how she quit her job and sold her house to travel the world living a nomad lifestyle. Julie dives more into minimalism, how she got into blogging, what it's like traveling with her Miniature Aussie pup, Penny, and she openly shares about finances and lessons learned through her time traveling. In addition, she shares stories of singing and dancing, and livi
Traditional Scottish Storytelling
In this episode, Ailsa Dixon takes us on an adventure involving a dragon and clever heros all through the power of storytelling. As the youngest professional storyteller in Scotland and an avid musician, Ailsa shares traditional Scottish stories throughout the UK.
You can expect to learn more about storytelling origins, the similarities and differences of stories around the world, and hear a few
The World On Wheels: Accessible Travel
In this episode, Kristin Secor, an accessible travel blogger shares about her adventures around the world using a wheelchair. Kristin shares about her experiences connecting with people through her travels, improvements that can be made to accessibility, where she has been and where she is headed next, and how people can join her on her adventures!
To follow along more of Kristin's travels an
Darts, Vans, and Backyard Travels
In this episode, Chris Plumridge, host of Check In & Check Out Podcast, shares how one of his trips turned into an entirely different adventure down the road involving fantastic costumes and an unexpected sporting event. Chris talks about backyard travel, van travel, and the second best piece of travel advice he's received while traveling (you'll have to check out his podcast to hear t
Get To Know Ghana
In this episode, Anault Allihien shares about how he uses football/soccer to assess new places he's living in, what it was like growing up in Ghana and what Ghana is like today, why he has studied Francophone studies and is currently getting a law degree, how travel has shaped his views of the world, and why he travels.
To follow more of Anault's adventures and life check out his Instagr
An Ode To Pat
In this episode, Sean O'Connell shares a profound story about Pat, a friend he made during his solo travels through Ireland who greatly impacted his life, taught him how to properly drink a Guinness, and has changed his beliefs to this day. Additionally, Sean dives into the impact of solo travel on his own life, exploring ancestry through travel, and the serendipity of the unexpected.
If you
Mental Wellness While Traveling
In this episode, Allison Toth shares more about how travel can affect mental health while traveling. As a crisis intervention specialist and mental mindset coach, Alison shares more about her personal experience with mental health during her travels, ways to help with flight phobia, healing in the desert, dating abroad, and so much more!
To follow along more of Allison's adventures, check ou
Softball Overseas
In this episode, Kailyn Campbell, shares about her experience as a professional softball player in Europe, how she got into playing pro outside of the U.S., what her seasons look like, where she plays, and of course why she travels! Learn more about the world of sports and travel and what it's like living abroad while living out your passion.
To follow along Kailyn's seasons and adventures check
Plans, Priorities & Purpose
In this episode, Yvonne Chung, shares about what travel can be like when we slow down and release any rigid plans; how she followed her calling and desires and made travel a priority; and ultimately how that has led her to her life's purpose and current work. Yvonne dives more into how she got into travel coming from a background that influenced how she viewed travel as a low possibility in he
The Ultimate Bucket List Crosser Offer
In this episode, Roger Williams - adventurer, podcaster, author, and head crosser offer of his bucket list, shares about what inspired him to start crossing items off of his list, walking (and crossing off) the Camino de Santiago, and how his list has resulted in a life full of adventures around the world. Get inspired to start your own bucket list through Roger's stories and inspiration.
To
Astrocartography W/ Kronos Astrology
In this episode, Kate Kettelkamp, astrologer and PhD candidate in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness, owner of Kronos Astrology, reads Shannon's (host) Astrocartography chart and shares about how the locational astrology method helps to determine where in the world specific energy and general events like falling in love might occur based on the planets orientation in the sky at birth.&
Writing Her Own Story
In this episode, Megan Gilbert, a traveling writer, photographer, and content creator based out of South Africa shares how she listened to her intuition to follow her heart around the world. Megan talks about how she associates fear to her best moments in life, how she took the leap to become a full time traveler and pushed past all the people who doubted her, and how solo travel led her to discov
Taking The Quantum Leap
In this episode, Madi Maple shares how taking a leap to go on a retreat in Costa Rica was a quantum leap in her healing journey, the pros and cons of digital nomading, inspiration to change your mindset to live your best life, and so much more so that you can feel inspired to make your own quantum leap happen. We also dive into the realms of psychedelics and festivals as related to travel. Get ins
Travel to NYC & Discovering Identity
In this episode, Urmi Hossain shares about her time in New York City, the warmth she experienced from people around the world, meeting celebrities abroad, and stepping into her identity following interracial struggle which she has written a book about. As an author, speaker, blogger, youtuber, and world traveler, Urmi brings a perspective of self empowerment to the conversation.
To follow more of
Go Ruffly Around The World
In this episode, Jess Stone shares about her current adventure riding around the world on a motorcycle with her beautiful German Shepherd, Moxi, on the back of her bike! We talk where she's been and where she is headed to next, her fundraiser for Girl Up Campaign, how she rides and trained Moxi, her experience traveling overall, and so much more!
To follow along Jess' incredible ride check out her
The Hitchhikers Guide to the World
In this episode, Krysten Kaladkarin, solo female traveler hitchhiking around the world, shares the story of where her adventure began! Krysten shares why she goes by the name 10, insight into passport privilege, how she makes an impact through her travels, how she assimilates into a culture, and what it's like currently like living in Ukraine at the moment.
To follow along Krysten's travels
Bridges Over Barriers
In this episode, Laura Viale shares what it was like to quarantine and live in Argentina during the pandemic, where to travel in Mexico, why you shouldn't wear hats in Europe, and how learning language can help bridge barriers and connect people to culture. As a Spanish teacher with a background in linguistics, Laura shares a unique perspective on communication and how language continues to evolve
Slow Travel in Vietnam
In this episode, Eric Temple shares how he adapted his time in Vietnam during the COVID pandemic by moving North into the countryside and picking up work with people he met along the way, how he has since been finding more presence and traveling slower through countries like Ecuador, what he's learned throughout his travels, and lastly - how to make travel and life abroad possible for anyone!
Fol
Escape From Albania
In this video episode, James Hawes shares how a wild experience getting out of Albania was an important step in life that eventually led him to where he is today: in Colorado, building a creative business called Squishy Systems. Hear about all the synchronicities and decisions that led up to now, James' outlook on life, and his advice to take action and make decisions to step out of your comfort z
A Recipe for Travel (Pt. 2)
This is the second half of the conversation with the lovely, Diane White! We resume where we left off in pt. 1 - talking about inspiration to write her book, inspiring students to see the world, and the next big trip that she is planning (and you could possibly join her for).
Read more about Diane's life in her new book - The Cake Lady My Life In the Mix: Mixing Life's Ingredients for Success or g
A Recipe for Travel (Pt. 1)
Meet the Cake Lady, Diane White! Hear her share about her background before she started traveling, how she ended up traveling to more than 19 countries, and the memories that have stuck with her the most over the last few years. This is a two parter, with the second episode being posted next week!
Read more about Diane's life in her new book - The Cake Lady My Life In the Mix: Mixing Life's Ingred
A Camel in the Philippines
A camel in the Philippines? Yep, you read that right.. In this episode Andrew Kamel shares his experience traveling (and getting stuck) during the COVID-19 pandemic, what it's like traveling on a weaker passport, where he calls home, and of course - why he travels!
Interested in following more of Andrew's travels? Check out his instagram @andkamel and his blog https://blog.kamelization.com/
If you
Introduction
Welcome! In this episode I talk about my background, what inspired me to start the podcast, and what each episode will look like going forward.New episodes coming soon!Find us on Instagram: @why.wetravel
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