What happens when you put two Hollywood stunt doubles on a group trip to Morocco? They push your 4x4 out of the mud during a historic Sahara Desert flood, coordinate everyone like it's a stunt scene, and completely change how you think about fear. Meredith and Dorenda are two of Laura's favorite travel companions and some of the most badass women she knows. They literally get set on fire, thrown off buildings, and punched in the face for a living—yet when it comes to travel, they're among the calmest, most grounded people you'll encounter. Here's what's fascinating: people who do incredibly dangerous things professionally often have a completely different relationship with fear than the rest of us. They've spent entire careers assessing real risk versus perceived risk, and that skill translates beautifully to travel. Hear about ATVs in the Sahara, pregnant bellies on set, sandstorms, flash floods, and why Meredith would rather get set on fire than deal with airline customer service.

What if saving for travel didn't require deprivation? Rachel Covert proved it's possible when she retired at 36 with over half a million dollars saved. But here's the plot twist: she found full retirement boring and pivoted to helping other women build wealth without giving up the things they love.

In this episode, Rachel and I tackle the paradox of high-income earners who still feel like they can't afford to travel. We discuss practical strategies like sinking funds, automated savings systems, and the surprising impact of small convenience spending habits. Rachel also breaks down credit card points strategy and explains why group travel can actually stretch your budget further.

If you're tired of feeling stuck between living your life now and saving for future adventures, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on building wealth while still experiencing the world.

Why does travel crack us open in ways that everyday life simply doesn't? Krista Parks, IFS practitioner and Reiki master, helps answer this question and so many more in our latest conversation.

As Camp Lola Whiskey's beloved "hippie-dippie camp counselor," Krista has guided countless travelers through everything from relationship struggles to pre-trip anxiety. In this episode, we explore the difference between intuition calling you to a destination and fear trying to keep you safe at home. We discuss astrocartography and letting the stars guide your travels, share stories about food poisoning in Morocco, and examine why your body often screams at you long before you finally listen.

If you've ever made a major life decision while traveling or felt more authentically yourself on the road than in your daily routine, this conversation will validate everything you've been feeling about the transformative power of travel.

Ever wondered what it's really like to travel with complete strangers? In this episode of Type 2 Travel, Laura reunites with three women from her recent Morocco group trip to share the unfiltered truth about traveling together for 10 days.

Carrie, Teresa, and Danielle came to Morocco not knowing each other at all. Ten days later, they were inseparable. From monkey encounters in cedar forests to hammam bonding experiences, from navigating 108-degree desert heat to getting pulled over by Moroccan police, these four women experienced it all together.

This conversation is packed with honest stories about what group travel really looks like—the good, the chaotic, and the moments that create lifelong friendships. If you've ever considered joining a group trip but felt nervous about traveling with strangers, this episode will either convince you to book immediately or at least make you laugh until you cry. Probably both.

What happens when you combine trail running with travel storytelling? You get Joe Baur—a writer who's discovered that the best way to understand a destination is often to run through it.

In this episode of Type 2 Travel, Laura sits down with the Cleveland-born, Berlin-based travel writer and host of Without a Path podcast. Joe's work has appeared in BBC Travel and National Geographic, but what sets him apart is how he uses running as a lens for cultural exploration.

From dressing up as ninjas on Japanese trails to pushing through pneumonia during an 8-day stage race in Nepal, Joe shares stories that can only come from moving through destinations on foot. They discuss the Japanese concept of ikigai, why country counting misses the point of travel, and which "off-limits" destinations are actually worth exploring. If you've ever wondered how to combine your passion with authentic travel, this conversation is for you.

Ever stare at a "book now" button and freeze? You're not alone. The same limiting beliefs that keep us from traveling are the ones that keep us stuck in every area of life.

In this episode of Type 2 Travel, Laura sits down with her mindset coach, Bonnie Surie, to explore the psychological barriers that stop us from doing what we actually want to do. Two years ago, what Laura thought would be a quick networking call turned into a two-hour session where Bonnie identified patterns nobody had ever recognized before.

They discuss why we need permission to live our lives, the elaborate stories we create to avoid risk, the difference between dreamers and doers, and what manifestation really means (hint: it's not just vision boards). Whether you're hesitating on booking a trip or making any big life decision, this conversation about discomfort, worthiness, and transformation will meet you exactly where you are.

What happens when a self-described "nice girl from Wisconsin" who dreamed about travel while reading encyclopedias finally starts saying yes to the world? You get Mel Ripp's transformation story.

In this episode of Type 2 Travel, Laura sits down with Mel to discuss how group travel completely changed her life. From her first Morocco trip in fall 2023 to now prioritizing adventures over home renovations, Mel's journey shows what's possible when you step outside your comfort zone.

They dive into the magic of traveling with strangers who become friends, embracing vulnerability in unexpected places (yes, including Moroccan highways), and how the confidence you gain abroad ripples into every part of your life back home. If you've ever wondered whether group travel is worth it or if you're too old to completely reinvent yourself, Mel's story will inspire you to book that trip you've been dreaming about.

What does divorce have to do with travel? Everything, when you're talking about reinvention, healing, and rediscovering who you are.

In this episode of Type 2 Travel, Laura sits down with Julie Danielson, founder of the Get Over Divorce Collective, for a full-circle conversation about transformation. Julie went through her own divorce at 37 with two young kids and now helps women navigate one of life's most difficult transitions.

They explore how travel becomes a catalyst for healing after major life changes, why your comfort zone will actually shrink if you don't intentionally stretch it, and the important difference between running away from your problems and traveling toward yourself. Julie shares honest insights about rediscovering your identity when everything falls apart and why sometimes the scariest decisions lead to the most transformative chapters. This conversation isn't just about divorce—it's about having the courage to rebuild your life on your own terms.

What does it take to leave everything you know and start over in a new country at 38? For Andrés Asevis, it's the culmination of years of dreaming, waiting, and holding onto hope.

In this episode of Type 2 Travel, Laura sits down with one of Cuba's most beloved tour guides—a published author, painter, singer, and someone who has become like family to her travelers. Andrés shares the unfiltered reality of Cuban daily life beyond what tourists see, what it's like to guide people through your home country while dreaming of your own adventure, and how he's finally gotten his Spanish citizenship after years of waiting.

This conversation is about resilience, creativity, and the courage it takes to chase dreams across an ocean. Whether you've been to Cuba or are curious about what life is really like there, Andrés offers insights you won't find in guidebooks.

What does it actually take to make a living as a travel journalist in 2025? Steph Dyson has spent the past decade figuring it out.

In this episode of Type 2 Travel, Laura sits down with the travel writer and journalist behind Worldly Adventurer, a website that gets over a million visitors a year focusing on sustainable Latin American adventures. Having lived in Chile, Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia, Steph has built her career around deep, immersive travel rather than passport stamp collecting.

Fresh from a fam trip to the Brazilian Pantanal together, they discuss the reality of travel journalism today—from AI disruption to the overtourism dilemma. They share stories of jaguar sightings, cowboy culture, and getting demolished by mosquitoes, plus practical insights about balancing authentic storytelling with sustainable tourism. If you've ever wondered what it takes to turn travel into a career, this conversation offers the unfiltered truth.

What does it take to build your own adventure when your life is defined by someone else's career? Kim Kephart has spent years figuring it out.

In this episode of Type 2 Travel, Laura sits down with the solo travel writer, hiker, and military spouse who's become the poster child for writing your own story. After years of moving across Europe and Asia with her husband's military postings, Kim discovered how to carve out independence through solo travel and hiking.

They discuss moving from following someone else's timeline to creating your own path, why adventure doesn't have an expiration date, and how Kim helps women build confidence through travel—especially those who think they've missed their chance. Kim shares her hard-won wisdom about the invisible permission we seek, maintaining your identity through constant moves, and why the grass isn't always greener, even when you're living in Europe.

What happens when you combine Wisconsin hospitality, craft cocktails, adult games, and Mother Nature's wildest mood swings? You get Camp Lola Whiskey—and it's exactly as chaotic and magical as it sounds.

In this episode of Type 2 Travel, Laura sits down with three brave souls who survived the inaugural Camp Lola Whiskey in the Wisconsin Dells. Troy, Rachel, and Megan share stories of epic storms, spontaneous old fashioned tattoos, Chef Hannan's mind-blowing food, and the cow hunting game that nearly divided the camp.

They discuss what it's like when 30 strangers become family in 72 hours, the pickle fountain malfunction that became legend, and how a single tarot card survived a borderline tornado to become the perfect camp memento. If you've ever wondered whether adult summer camp is worth it or what really goes down when you gather adventurous people in the woods with craft cocktails, this episode gives you the unfiltered truth.

Travel insurance sounds boring until you're stuck in a Thai hospital with dengue fever or your entire European itinerary gets derailed by an air traffic control meltdown. Then it becomes the smartest investment you ever made.

In this episode of Type 2 Travel, Laura sits down with Erin Fish, co-founder of Wanderwell Travel Insurance—a certified B Corp that actually treats travelers like humans instead of claim numbers. They discuss the real stuff: when you actually need coverage, the massive difference between travel insurance and your credit card's "coverage," and why some claims involve sleeping under desert stars.

Erin shares stories from the front lines of travel mishaps and explains how Wanderwell is different from companies designed to collect premiums while finding creative ways to avoid paying claims. If you've ever wondered whether travel insurance is worth it or assumed your credit card has you covered, this conversation will change your perspective.

Casey Hanisko, a 25-year veteran of the adventure travel industry, joins Laura to talk about something keeping many travelers up at night: how do you keep exploring when the world feels uncertain? They discuss the difference between smart risk management and letting fear steal your passport, why travel matters more than ever, and how to navigate loved ones' concerns about your plans. Plus, questionable decisions that led to the best stories.

Laura's former sister-in-law Kari Chance joins her to relive their most ridiculous travel disasters—from Turkish bath confusion to airport bathroom chaos. They're talking about the mishaps that had them crying from laughter and why the best travel stories come from things going hilariously wrong. If you've ever turned a simple trip into a comedy of errors, this episode is for you.

What does it look like to prioritize solo travel as a parent? Leadership and embodiment coach Andrea Andree joins me to talk about leaving her two kids at home for a week in Cuba—and why the decision to go made her a better mom. We dive into the cultural myth that adventure stops once you become a parent, how to navigate loved ones projecting their fears onto your plans, and why modeling boldness matters more than shrinking yourself to avoid judgment. Whether you're a parent craving more or simply someone who's tired of asking permission to live boldly, this conversation will remind you that your joy isn't selfish—it's essential.

Best friend Tamara Robertson shares 20 years of international dating disasters - from Italian castle chaos to airport security mishaps with mom's ashes. Learn safety tips for dating abroad, why locals make the best tour guides, and the brutal self-reflection question that finally led to real love: "Would you date you?"

Laura sits down with retreat photographer and dear friend Allie Jorde for a conversation about travel photography, storytelling, and the art of being present while capturing the moment.

Allie and Laura first connected when Allie photographed Laura's Arizona retreat years ago. Since then, she's joined Laura in Greece, danced with her in Oaxaca, and become her favorite person to laugh across continents with. Whether floating in the Aegean or eating ceviche on a patio doing absolutely nothing, every trip together creates magic.

They dive into Allie's journey from shooting Arizona weddings to photographing retreats worldwide, her most surprising travel destination, and the real secret to telling stories through photos instead of just capturing pretty pictures. Allie shares practical advice on camera gear—what to pack and what to leave behind—and why your iPhone is more powerful than you think when starting out.

If photography feels overwhelming or you're unsure where to begin, Allie's approach is refreshingly simple: you don't need fancy equipment. You just need to notice things and be intentional. And maybe be willing to look a little ridiculous in the middle of the road for the perfect shot. This episode offers honest, approachable guidance for capturing travel memories that feel authentic and story-driven.

What does it look like to live unapologetically single and childfree? In this episode, Laura sits down with Angela Gentile—speaker, educator, and founder of the Single Childfree Community—to talk about choosing freedom over expectation.

Laura and Angela connected through the podcast algorithm, and they immediately knew they had to meet. Now Angela is joining Laura's Cuba trip this winter, and they're co-hosting a Morocco adventure for other single, childfree women who refuse to apologize for their choices.

They dive into Angela's journey to embracing childfree life, the viral TikTok that accidentally built a global community, and the realities of solo travel—including the emotional labor of navigating life on one income. They also swap stories: Laura's unexpected love for Brazil, Angela's hippo chase in Africa, and why being single and childfree doesn't mean less-than. It means limitless.

This conversation is for anyone living outside traditional norms, questioning the life script they were handed, or simply curious about what happens when choosing yourself first. Angela brings fire, honesty, and zero apologies to this transformative discussion about redefining what it means to live fully.

Rethinking Travel: A Conversation on Responsibility, Consumerism, and What We Owe the Places We Visit

What does it mean to travel responsibly in 2025? It's a question that keeps me up at night—and one I knew I needed to tackle on this podcast with someone who thinks as deeply about it as I do.

Enter Yulia Denisyuk: award-winning travel journalist, photographer, filmmaker, and founder of Going Places, an independent journalism platform. We met in Okinawa during a press trip, and I was immediately struck by her authenticity and the depth of her work. When I saw her speak at the Women in Travel Summit in New York, she brought the room to tears with her raw honesty about the state of our industry and our world.

In this episode, Yulia and I have the kind of conversation you don't often hear in travel media. We talk about the uncomfortable truths: how tourism can harm the very places we claim to love, why "glamping in the desert" might be destroying local ecosystems, and what happens when Instagram-worthy moments replace genuine human connection.

We discuss tourism leakage—the phenomenon where money spent by travelers leaves local communities instead of supporting them—and why choosing where you stay, eat, and spend matters more than you think. Yulia shares her perspective as an immigrant who has lived between Kazakhstan, Estonia, and the United States, and how those experiences shaped her approach to storytelling and travel.

This conversation also gets political. We talk about media bias, the genocide in Gaza, the erosion of American values, and why staying silent is no longer an option. Yulia explains why she's building an independent media platform and why legacy travel publications aren't telling the full story.

If you've ever felt conflicted about your impact as a traveler, wondered whether your trip is helping or hurting, or questioned what "sustainable tourism" really means—this episode is for you.

It's not easy listening. But it's necessary. And I'm grateful Yulia was willing to go there with me.