Like most of us, 15-year-old Jessica Lawrence had a dream. She knew what she wanted to do, and she was going to do it.
Except, like most of us, she put it off…and put it off…and put it off.
Until, 22 years later, she finally stopped putting it off…and just DID IT.
She cycled across the entire country, 4200+ miles, alone. Not as a college student. Not as a retiree. And not as a foreigner.
But as a 37-year-old single woman who has a job, has a career, and has a life.
And now, she’s on a mission to motivate others to take a hold of their dreams and find a way to do them, no matter how long they’ve put them off and no matter how many excuses they’ve made.
But the great part of this interview is that not only is Jessica incredibly motivating, but also hilarious.
From being asked if she’s carrying a gun with her (4 times!) to being proposed to by a 79-year-old man, Jessica recounts some of the best stories from her amazing journey and also gives insanely useful tips for anyone wishing to do the same.
Inspirational + Humurous + Actionable = a podcast you won’t want to miss!
How about someone who did all that AND got his degree?
Like a unicorn, Thomas Frank of CollegeInfoGeek is a rare specimen.
He’s built an incredible website that, despite the name, helps people of ALL ages figure out how to become more productive, get a job they actually want, and pay off debt.
And in his spare time, he’s also taken multiple trips to Japan, which has to lead to a few funny stories.
One of the main reasons I wanted to have Thomas on the podcast was because, unlike many past guests, he hasn’t galivanted all over the globe…yet!
But, at the young age of 22, he has found a way to give himself freedom.
Freedom from a job and freedom from debt, so that now he’ll be able to do something he’s always wanted to do, and that’s to travel more.
And FREEDOM is what many people, especially those who yearn to travel, are after.
So if you’re one of those people looking to achieve some more freedom in your life, soak in these wise-beyond-his-years words from Thomas Frank.
Thomas is doing something many of us wish we had done; taking control of his life at a young age, and helping others do the same. Show him some love by click “Tweet This” below:
@TomFrankly is wise beyond his years! Thanks for awesome tips on productivity, freedom, and Japan on the EPoP Podcast with @PackofPeanuts
Would you open your home to someone you’ve only met on the internet who was traveling through your area and looking for a place to stay?
Martina Steinmann would, and so would 7 million other people (including myself) who are part of the global phenomenon that is Couchsurfing.
Wait…couch WHAT?
CouchSurfing, which is the term used for opening up your couch for travelers who are passing through and giving them a place to stay…for free.
After reading that sentence, you’ve already whether CouchSurfing is either the craziest idea you’ve ever heard or the most awesome.
Think it’s the most ludicrous?
Good. Apprehension and nervousness are natural. Let us convince you otherwise by discussing why CouchSurfing is much safer than you think (I’ve surfed and hosted, and I’m still alive) and why over 7 million people have joined.
Think it’s the most awesome?
Martina will tell you how to get started, what to include in your profile, and how to make the most of the amazing opportunities Couchsurfing provides travelers and hosts.
Martina will also tell you the 3 most interesting Couchsurfing stories she’s ever heard (and there are a lot) and why being lost in 3 languages is the best travel experience she’s ever had.
No matter what side you fall on, you’ve got to have a listen to this incredible interview.
Martina and the whole team at Couchsurfing is doing an amazing job making the world better for travelers. Show them some love by clicking “tweet this” below:
@martlsteinmann Thanks for sharing the awesome story of @couchsurfing on the EPoP Podcast with @PackofPeanuts. #Timetosurf
Well, back in 2009, while on a backpacking trip through Eastern Europe, Fred Perrotta had the same thoughts.
But instead of shoving them out of his mind, thankfully for us, he did something about them.
Because now the age-old travel problem that plagues many of us when we travel, the daunted “what should I pack in?” question has an obvious answer.
Introducing the Tortuga Backpack, one of the world’s best carry-on luggage options.
As someone who only ever travels with a carry-on, I am a huge fan of Fred’s and the things he is doing at Tortuga.
Today, we sat down to reveal all our best tips for traveling in just a carry-on, even for trips that stretch weeks or months.
And ladies, if you think this doesn’t apply to you, think again!
My wife, a fashion blogger, and expert has been traveling in just a carry-on for the last year!
Fred also pulls back the curtain on his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the mistakes he made, the successes he’s had, and giving invaluable advice for anyone wishing to create a physical product.
After listening to this podcast, you’ll never travel the same way again.
And you may just be inspired to finally turn that idea of yours into a reality.
In February 2013 John Ellis and Laura Preston embarked on a road trip around the US in a 1996 Ford F350 and a 1986 Airstream that may or may not be safe enough to drive the 4,000+ miles.
Think that’s a little crazy?
That’s just the beginning!
Instead of choosing where they are going next, they are letting you, total strangers, decide!
On their site, anyone can submit a place that John and Laura should stop.
From the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson, Wyoming to the Kool-Aid Festival in Hastings, Nebraska to the Ringing Rocks Boulder Field in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, nothing is off-limits.
Does your town have the world’s best bbq?
Or a crazy old museum that no one knows about?
Pin it on the map and write why they should visit.
Then others vote on where they want the Democratic Travelers to head.
Once a place gets enough votes, The Democratic Travelers go there…and write about their experiences, allowing people from all over the world to live vicariously through their travels.
In this week’s awesome interview, they explain how this crazy idea came about, tell their most memorable stories from 9 months on the road, and discuss why anyone can, and should, travel.
I had an amazing time interviewing them, and I know you’ll have just as much fun listening!
