The Unruly Travel & Alternative Living Podcast by Calen Otto interviews experts who share illuminating thoughts and stories on nature, budget travel, veganism, queerness, alternative living, and more. Tune in for epic adventures, exceptional storytelling, and practical ways to kickstart your adventures, regardless of income.
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Is foraging legal? Is it bad for the environment? Is foraging innate or learned? These are the top questions being asked on Google around foraging, a regulating activity that our ancestors depended on to sustain life. Here today to answer our questions and go beyond the technicalities of foraging is Alan Muskat, the founder of the largest foraging …
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I hope that this episode finds you as well as possible. Here's a recording of 'Yes, I’m Ok After Hurricane Helene Hit North Carolina. But Not Really.' read by Calen Otto right after Hurricane Helene devestated Asheville, North Carolina and surrounding areas in September 2024. This essay explores the intersections of Helene, wildness, climate change…
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Join Calen, Darya, and Gio (Jorge) for an enlightening conversation on living a vibrant life, walking with death, and even falling in love on a volcano. In this episode we learn how Gio was able to create a eco-minded business that *actually* does serious good for his local community in Guatemala by investing in green tourism, prioritizing local wo…
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#75 Lessons For The Writer, The Rebel, And 30-Something-Year-Old With Ken Ilgunas
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Ken Ilgunas, author of 3 books including “Walden On Wheels,” has been called many things: a wanderer, pro-hitchhiker, journalist, and Alaskan back country ranger. Now, he’s taken on new titles like “husband” and “dad.”This leads us to ask: What happens to the most adventurous of our society when we enter a phase that calls for settling down, growin…
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#74 How To Go Plant-Based On A Budget With Texas Herbivore Destiny DeJesus
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Have you ever thought about adopting a plant-based diet? Or maybe you’re like me, an old timer vegan who still feels lost in the kitchen.*Enter Destiny DeJesus on stage left*Destiny, creator of Eat Yo Destiny, is here to show us how to eat in a way that helps our bodies thrive, the planet heal, and protects animals from harm. A tiny house livin' ve…
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Join us for a special episode where host Calen Otto takes listeners back in time — traversing backyard woodlands and river rapids — to retrace bare-footed memories from each of our guests, woven together by illuminating storytelling. Charlie Sprinkman is featured on this episode among other trans, non-binary, and queer folks. This episode is an ode…
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#72 Cows, Colonization, And Comradery: Exploring The Beyond Human World With pattrice jones
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How are cows, colonization, and comradery all connected? Tune in to today’s episode with pattrice jones, co-founder of a LGBTQ+ led refuge for farmed animals that works at the intersection of social and environmental justice, to find out.At any one moment they care for upwards of 500 residents, forming a multi-species community which has informed t…
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We’ve all heard the hero’s tale, but what about those in the shadows? Have you ever looked at a villain and thought that they looked divine, that their words or actions were delectable, or that they were living deliciously? In today’s episode Kallie Klug explains how we’ve gotten villains all wrong, and what we can learn from them when it comes to …
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Is Morocco safe? What about for solo female travelers? How strict is the dress code for women? While the Unruly Podcast usually supplies the sound waves with tales of inspiration and bravery, today we sit down by the crackling wood stove with Calen and their partner Tim to answer all of these questions, and more. In this episode they discuss how to…
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#69: Building Character Through Nitty-Gritty Travel With Alex Jimenez
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Can you remember a time of travel pre iPhones, AirBnb, Uber, and social media? Society claims we’re better off with these technological advances and apps, but Alex Jimenez would beg to differ. While many of you know Alex as the founder of Travel Fashion Girl today, Alex takes back to her roots and dives into the story of her first big solo internat…
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#68 Forget Black Friday, We Want A Green Future
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In a time of so much material excesses, why do we feel so empty as a society? Why has it become so dang hard to simply take care of ourselves? And must one be wealthy to live sustainably?Welcome back Carly from Consciously Clueless to the podcast as she and Calen dissect these topics together. In the spirit of turning issue into action, they share …
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#67 Fashion, Leather, And Social Justice: What's Cactus Got To Do With It?
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In today’s episode Jimena Suárez sits down with us to discuss the ‘pursuit of beauty’ and how that concept relates to fashion, leather, and social justice. Did you know that with just 3 mature cactus leaves you can create one linear meter of plant-based leather? Incredibly, cacti collect water from the air overnight and can be grown in their native…
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#66 Surviving The Holocaust: The True Story Of Trude Sojka, An Artist Who Found Refuge In Ecuador
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In today’s episode we sit down with the mother and daughter duo who created the Trude Sojka museum in Quito, Ecuador. Trude Sojka was a Holocaust survivor and artist who painted until she was almost 100 years old. The house museum celebrates the life of Tude Sojka while educating and inspiring visitors from all over the world. Gabby says “We are na…
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How do we live as green as possible on a warming planet? And what the heck is up with so-called "sustainable" influencers trying to sell you things on the internet?Join us for a candid conversation with Carly Jean Puch as we navigate the dumpster fire that is often social media, how to express rage and grief online, what we wish we knew before we s…
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#64 Off-Grid Living In Zambia & How To Meet Locals Anywhere With Erica Hackman
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Believe it or not, there was a time when people traveled without smartphones, thousands of online reviews, or even Google Translate. People relied on paper maps, luck, and the help of strangers to travel the world. Join us with the vibrant Erica Virvo Hackman as we take a step back in time to ride on the top of gravel trucks in Saint Vincent, sew d…
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Virginie Chan, the creator of Roam Rhino, was born in France as a daughter of two Cambodian refugees and genocide survivors. Inspired to travel as young adult, she went to Morocco where she experienced racism, leaving her trip to unfold in unexpected ways. Over time she learned how important it is to visit places where she is part of the majority f…
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#62 Plus-Size Travel, Packing Tips, And Seasonal Work With Alexis Dean-Shubin
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Meet Alexis, a 29 year young queer woman who is traveling the world and sharing helpful plus-size travel tips along the way. She started doing seasonal work when she was just 19 years old in Alaska, and from there her relentless stubbornness and curiosity took her around the globe.In this vibrant conversation Alexis speaks to how she's kept that sp…
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#61 Welcome To The Gayborhood: Queer Travel & Living With Courtney The Explorer
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Today we sit down with lover of platform shoes, hot pink outfits from Limited Too, gayborhoods, and all things travel: Courtney Vondran.In this podcast Courtney reveals why she decided to “retire” in college, how she hitchhiked through Guatemala and Mexico solo, and why you should check out the Lesbian Master Doc. We’ll also dive into the best LGBT…
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#60 The Introverts Guide To Healing The Body & Changing The World With Dotise Bausch
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In this episode we sit down with the compassionate, competitive and charming Dotsie Bausch for a capacious conversation on all things body. We weave through topics of being an introvert and animal-lover all at once, disordered eating (and what the root of it really is), athleticism on an Olympian level, and simple movement as ritual. Dotsie shares …
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#59 Forget Being Nice, Be Kind Instead With Alexandra Paul
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In this dynamic episode with Alexandra Paul, we traverse a few different (but interconnected) topics about the body and finding freedom. On the topic of animal rights, Alexandra tells us what "open rescue" is and why it is so important, encourages us to plan actions with others and feel invigorated, and tells us about her many arrests over the year…
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#58 Being Nonbinary, Navigating Climate Grief, And Building Courage With Robbie Lockie
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Today we sit down the with creative, compassionate, and talented Robbie Lockie to discuss the parallels of queerness and veganism, explore why language is so important, and contemplate how gender is more of a galaxy, rather than a spectrum. We take a walk back in time to learn about what Robbie's childhood was like growing up in Zimbabwe with their…
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#57 Healing Trauma, Loving Horses, And Undomesticating Your Life with Ren Hurst
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If you’ve watched films, read books, or even experienced riding horses yourself, you may have felt or heard that the feeling of flying through the air on the back of a magnificent animal is one of “true freedom”.But what does “freedom” really mean when the power dynamic in a relationship allows us to exploit someone through captive dependency?Today…
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#56 How To Rewild The Planet & Ourselves | Decolonial Justice With The Aotearoa Liberation League
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Is veganism just a "white thing"? Is veganism anti-indigenous? Is there still hope to rewild our future? Are vegan lime milkshakes delicious and worth trying? Listen in to today's episode to learn the answer to these important questions and more. Samah and Chris from the Aotearoa Liberation League discuss their justice project with us that focuses …
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Join us for a new episode with Mo Seyam, and learn how he took bold steps to transform his life into his ideal vision, instead of letting society transform him to their idea of what he should be.Two practices have chiseled and changed Mo into the incredible activist and organizer that he is today: Veganism and Kung Fu. After diving deeply into both…
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#54 Queer Parenting, Generational Healing, And Nomadic Living With Dez
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Today we welcome Dez to the show, an 8 year nomad, queer vegan, healer, story teller, single parent, activist, and so much more. In this episode we weave together important issues such as racism, raising a nonbinary child, taking your healing into your own hands, and creating a life that you thrive in to create a beautiful basket that holds space f…
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Our episode today is a special one. It is a ceremony, a safe space, and a mantra. Today's show is a meditation that was created specifically for queer folks that aims to soothe the nervous system, calm the mind, and open the heart.This episode features statements and mantras submitted by listeners. We hope that you get exactly what you need to out …
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In this episode we have the pleasure of having a fun, real, and honest conversation with Nat and Lil, the couple behind the van building company Moving Oasis.While they live in a "traditional" home part-time and in their van part-time, their commitment to strong and clear communication is a full-time thing. In this show Nat and Lil talk about what …
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#51 Exploring Religion, Witches, Forests & Finances With Kristin Holden
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Our guest today, Kristin Holden, was sick of the 9-5 life when a friend suggested to her that she move into a van. Although she scoffed at the idea for herself initially, she couldn't get that little beckoning voice out of her head. Over a period of time she transitioned her in-person job to online, sold her home and most of her belongings, and mov…
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#50 Dancing With Death, Living A Vibrant Life, And Falling In Love On A Volcano
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Join Calen, Darya, and Gio (Jorge) for an enlightening conversation on vibrant life, walking with death, and even falling in love on a volcano. Calen met today's guests while climbing the volcano Acatenago to watch Fuego explode and had no idea that they were so involved in the tour company, Wicho & Charlie's, who Calen and Tim were doing the hike …
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Welcome to our first podcast episode of 2022! This year we're encouraging you to do things a little bit differently. What if you started saving up your money for experiences, instead of things?This podcast is recorded in rural Texas at SARA Sanctuary. Calen was one of the first people to stay in their new barn AirBnb... and what an experience it wa…
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#48 Natural Building Lessons With Atulya Bingham: We Are Nature. We Are Creativity. We Are Power.
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Have you ever built a house straight from the earth with your own hands, or had an ecstatic experience after being stung by a scorpion? Our guest today has. Immerse yourself in this life-giving conversation about earth magic, earth whispering, natural building, and oh so much more with Atulya Bingham.“Who we are is nature. Who we are is creativity.…
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#47 "Leave Room For Magic, Medicine, And Music" With Høly River
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If one thing stays with you after listening to todays episode, let it be this: Leave space for travel magic. Or even better, leave space for magic. Period.Venture down the road of all things spontaneous travel, medicine in the form of music, and bold direct action with Laney and Jameson from the band Høly River. Learn how they found themselves stan…
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Join us today as we inch our way to 50 episodes with Melisa Beveridge! Melisa is a vet tech/animal lover/artist who took her career dreams that she had as a little girl and made them come true after an intense car accident with a semi truck. Her dreams quite literally flashed before her eyes, and she knew what she had to do. She now travels the wor…
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From heartbreak and cancer to healing and hope, Leslie Naylor's life was changed because of one cow. Join us this week, in a cow pasture, as we sit down with the founder of 4 Them Sanctuary in Tennessee. She tells us about her small starts of hiding injured animals in her closet as a young girl in hope to help them recover to now being a grown, ins…
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We've all had those awkward moments where we're not quite sure what to talk about or how to start a conversation. Do you feel me!? Well, have no fear. Here to alleviate some of the social pressures when it comes to the art of conversation is Nicolette Orlemans, the creator of Travel Banter.Join Calen and Nicolette as they talk about what this uniqu…
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#43 "But What About Protein?" | A Guide To Veganism For Beginners
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This is (not) another vegan debate. Let me explain! This week we host Ahlix Gunn, a (dare I say?) pre-vegan who has some thoughtful questions about about vegan ethics, a plant-based diet, animal rights activism, and so much more. As we dove deep into the world of veganism, host Calen Otto took a non-judgmental approach to a conversation that can of…
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We DARE you to tell our guest, the incredible Kelly Lewis, that she can't do something. Because guess what? She will!Kelly is the founder of Women's Travel Fest, CEO of Damesly, author of 'Tell Her She Can't', show host to the complimentary podcast, and OH so much more. Follow us down the road of empowerment, honesty, and raw truth as Kelly tells u…
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This episode is a unique one. While recording this week's episode, Calen was interrupted. This friendly interruption quickly turned into an impromptu jam session where Calen sings, accompanied by the banjo and shakers, and turns the famous "I'm Sensitive" Jewel song into a song about the new Unruly Travel Guide that is soon to be published.In addit…
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#39 (Part 4) When The Travel Bug Bites: Unruly Travel Tales by Calen Otto
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We’ve finally arrived to part 4 of Calen’s story of getting bit by the travel bug and traveling across the USA for the first time (on a $300 gift card)!In this episode, Calen spills the beans about what happened when they got to California and found themself alone and crying in the driveway of strangers. You learn how Calen became incredibly close …
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#38 (Part 3) When The Travel Bug Bites: My Unruly Travel Tale by Calen Otto
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Welcome to part three of this weird, quirky, and raw series! Today, Calen and Tim continue their drive back home across the USA after spending *9 weeks* (The podcast says 9 months, but it is 9 weeks!) traveling in the van. They venture into normal territory for Calen, that may be not-so-normal for the average person or traveller. They talk about ho…
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#37 (Part 2) When The Travel Bug Bites: My Unruly Travel Tale by Calen Otto
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Welcome to part 2 of the "When The Travel Bug Bites" series! This is the continuation of the grand kick off to Calen's most personal, intense, raw, challenging, and exciting travels of all time. This story is told while driving home from a 2 month van trip across the United States.Wondering how someone can travel across the US after starting with a…
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Welcome to part 1 of the "When The Travel Bug Bites" series! This is the grand kick off to Calen's most personal, intense, raw, challenging, and exciting travels of all time. This story is told while driving home from a 2 month van trip across the United States.Do you think it is possible to travel across the United States with literally no money? …
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#35 Why Vegan Animal Sanctuaries Are Important With Kim Beller
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*PLEASE LEAVE US A REVIEW IN iTUNES/YOUR PODCAST APP!*Sit down with this week as we are able to do an in-person (finally!), socially-distanced podcast episode with Kim Beller. This artist, activist, parent, and painter has so much wisdom to share with us as she tells us how her illuminating podcast, Sanctuary Tour, was dreamed up and brought to lif…
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#34 How to ACTUALLY #SaveTheFish (It's More Than Ditching Plastic Straws)
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*PLEASE LEAVE US A REVIEW IN iTUNES/YOUR PODCAST APP!*Dive in with us this week to learn how you can ACTUALLY be a part of protecting the fish and the ocean! We sit down with Mary Finelli, founder of Fish Feel, to learn how to avoid cruelty and death to ocean life through our entertainment activities and food choices while traveling and at home. Le…
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*PLEASE LEAVE US A REVIEW IN iTUNES/YOUR PODCAST APP!*Dash Meizler is back on the podcast and is as inspiring as ever! He tells us about the Podrska's Foundation newest project, Project Grow. The foundation is in the process of getting this sustainable and attainable goal of empowering the local community in Kampala up and running. They are current…
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*PLEASE LEAVE US A REVIEW IN iTUNES/YOUR PODCAST APP!*There are a handful of ways that we can support Glen that are not limited to in-person volunteering. It costs him about $200 each day to feed the cats, so donations are greatly appreciated and highly valuable. Money can be sent to Glen at https://paypal.me/glencats or can be transferred into Pet…
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*PLEASE LEAVE US A REVIEW IN iTUNES/YOUR PODCAST APP!*Meet the man who takes a hard stance on some of the most important issues in the world while having “no favorites.” Dash, in his 20's, has created and shaped an organization in Uganda that is dedicated to improving the lives of and pushing for the liberation of humans and nonhumans in his commun…
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#30 Pleasure In A Pandemic: Queer Sex Tips & Lessons
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*PLEASE LEAVE US A REVIEW IN iTUNES/YOUR PODCAST APP!*This week we're coming to you with an URGENT episode, reminding and/or teaching you new ways to pleasure yourself OR your partner while spending more time isolated during the pandemic.Learn why these statements were said on the WWFF podcast: “Alright, yo, let’s change it up!”“Treating yourself w…
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#29 Scooping Elephant Poop In Thailand: A Week At Elephant Nature Park
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*PLEASE LEAVE US A REVIEW IN iTUNES/YOUR PODCAST APP!*Last summer I spent a month budget traveling & backpacking Thailand with one of my closest friends, Anne, whom I met during my year living in South America. Having no idea the amount of adventure, friendship, education, and pure beauty that we would find in Thailand, we set off with hardly any p…
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#28 The Truth About Budget Backpacking & Post-Travel Blues With Dianni Hall
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*PLEASE LEAVE US A REVIEW IN iTUNES/YOUR PODCAST APP!*This episode comes to you raw, from a solo budget backpacker, just days after landing back in the US. You may remember Dianni Hall, a previous guest talking about "feeling fear and doing it anyway" when it comes to life and travels.Dianni's plans to travel South America changed drastically, taki…
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