Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Eternally Evolving (with Miriam Donovan)
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raised around the world: interview with a 7 year old who’s growing up on a boat in French Polynesia | 11 Feb 2026 | 00:42:53 | |
It has been a ridiculously long time since I’ve uploaded a podcast episode but we are FINALLY back with a rebrand and an amazing new guest to start off this season of Eternally Evolving! Meet Adie Brooks— the coolest 7 year old girl in the world who’s growing up in a full time travel family. She talks about bikepacking through Kyrgyzstan, how they moved to French Polynesia, van life, and helping to inspire travelers of all age to take the leap and go for it!! I had the privilege of spending every day with Adie for 2 months while living on the boat with her family and she has changed my perspective about life in so many ways; I hope you enjoy getting to hear her thoughts as much as she loved sharing them. Welcome back and there will be regular episodes coming again soon If you want to keep up with Adie + her amazing family: follow them on Instagram @designedtoexplore LINKS: Tik tok: @_miriamdonovan_ Instagram: _@miriamdonovan_ | |||
| An honest debrief about a scary + bizarre hotel situation in Mexico | 05 Feb 2026 | 00:41:08 | |
I don’t think there’s really even a way for me to summarize this episode it’s such a strange scenario you’re just gonna have to listen. Long story short I got threatened (anti-semitically?) by a delusional wanna be cult leader who owns a hotel in Mexico and it’s quite the saga. This is one of the downsides of travel + content creation for sure butttttt at least it makes for a story I’ll remember for the rest of my life hahaha | |||
| Starting full-time travel + moving to French Polynesia (life updates) | 11 Oct 2025 | 00:26:39 | |
A lot to catch up on since my last episode; life has been a world wind but surprise I moved out of my apartment in DC for good now & I’m currently living on a boat in French Polynesia! It’s been such a crazy road to get here & so much has been in the works over the last few months that I knew I needed to catch you guys up on this podcast. This episode is about transitioning to full time travel for an indefinite amount of time & all of the fears that came with that— plus how I knew I was ready to make that choice in the first place. And explaining what I’m doing here in French Polynesia because it’s complicated. Hopefully this resonates with you and as always let me know if you have any questions! INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ COSTA RICA GROUP TRIP: https://www.worldpackers.com/epic/experiences/finca-ganadito-sustainability/slots/MIRIAM2026?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwNWpnxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpwvXYvWjxK7razhuPYOTW8V3u27EXlQInC_TpL9EkdAF5LsWsmgkYBOtTLU2_aem_H_vWY1236qOm12lFsqHXMA | |||
| Guatemala | 18 Sep 2025 | 01:17:30 | |
There's a reason why I have actually been to Guatemala twice over the last year; it's one of those countries I don't think I'll ever stop coming back to honestly. There is something truly so special about the culture, music, food, and landscapes here, plus some of the most lifechanging bucket list activities. In this epside I talk about the western vs eastern sides of Guatemala and the well-established travel route of all the places you want to see. From the colorful cobblestone streets of Antigua to the bluest water of Lake Atitlan to watching a volcano errupt all night at Acatenango to the Mayan fairy pools of Semuc Champey and more. INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ COSTA RICA GROUP TRIP open now!! Message me to sign up! | |||
| Q&A #2: how to afford traveling, underrated travel destinations, international relations advice & more | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:43:22 | |
Answering a wide variety of questions that people have asked me recently on Tik Tok. In this episode I discuss how I afford to travel full time, how I make money while traveling, underrated or hidden places you should travel to, getting out of the tourist areas while still feeling safe, advice for anyone wanting to study International Relations, Latin America travel routes and so much more. Remember I am always here through comments or dms to answer any questions you guys have and let me know if you would want more q&a episodes in the future! COSTA RICA GROUP TRIP: https://www.worldpackers.com/epic/experiences/finca-ganadito-sustainability/slots/MIRIAM2026 TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE: MIRIAM | |||
| Why I chose to solo travel Kosovo | 22 Jul 2025 | 00:38:52 | |
Kosovov truly surprised me; not only was it beautiful, peaceful, full of the kindest locals and intricately complicated history, but it potentially the safest I have ever felt while solo traveling. And as I state in the first 20 seconds of this episode, there is one big overall reason why I knew I had to come here when many travelers don't: welcome to the country that my dad helped liberate. Visiting Kosovo was one of the most unique and important experiences I have ever had and I will be the first to encourage anyone traveling in the Balkans to not skip it. COSTA RICA GROUP TRIP: https://www.worldpackers.com/epic/experiences/finca-ganadito-sustainability/slots/MIRIAM2026 TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE: MIRIAM | |||
| Croatia pt. 1 (Sail Week with Koda Sail) | 11 Jul 2025 | 00:38:53 | |
Croatia is now officially my most visited country; this was my third time going back to Croatia and it was hands down the best out of all of them. I joined the company Koda Sail for a week-long sailing trip around the Dalmation Coast, visiting some of the most famous & historic spots in Croatia as well as some of the most beautiful hidden beaches and islands. This company is (in my opinion) the most ethical and culturally immersive way to experience a tour like this, and that's largely thanks to the amazing owner, founder, and tour guide Chris. This week was truly a dream come true and I made some of the most amazing, genuinely supportive and like-minded friends. If you're looking to do a sail week in Croatia or any of the other countries they offer, I seriously cannot recommend Koda Sail enough. TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE for $$ off: MIRIAM WORLDPACKERS GROUP TRIP TO. COSTA RICA: Jan. 18-25, 2026 *launching soon* | |||
| There’s a lot going on in the world pt. 4 (life update & addressing US anti-immigration policy) | 14 Jun 2025 | 00:18:48 | |
Life has been chaotic and my voice is pretty much gone but I recorded a pretty raw episode talking about my perspective on the ICE raids and subsequent protests going on in the US this week. I’m currently in Croatia but I just spent 4 months of my life in Central and South America and it breaks my heart to see my own country demonizing and terrorizing immigrants, specifically from LATAM. So I ranted about it in a pretty unfiltered way and discussed a bit more about everything else I’m currently doing while traveling Europe this summer. A longer more thought out episode will be coming soon I promise. INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE TO SAVE $$: MIRIAM | |||
| Medellin, Colombia (and Guatape + Jardin) | 15 May 2025 | 00:50:54 | |
I think I have to give Medellin the title of my favorite city in the entire world (so far!) I spent two weeks here and found it to be one of the most complex, culturally vibrant, and misunderstood places I have ever traveled to, plus it was the perfect city for solo travelers! Between the legendary nightlife, incredible food, endless day trip options and beautiful surrounding natural landscape, I could have easily spent months here. This episode talks about the complex history of Medellin that I learned about directly from local guides and how much the city has changed over the last few decades. Plus I talk about my day trips/ overnight trips to Guatape & Jardin; two Andean towns that feel like a fairy tale. TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE TO SAVE $$: MIRIAM | |||
| Ometepe, Nicaragua | 06 May 2025 | 00:39:21 | |
Ometepe is a small island made up of 2 volcanos in the biggest lake in Central America. It's also hands down the most spiritually powerful place I have ever experienced, and as you will hear me say a hundred times throughout this episode, this island changed my life. I went to Ometepe twice throughout my time in Nicaragua and I know I will go back every single chance I get; both locals and travelers alike know the unique energy that this place holds. If you are ever in Nicaragua, please go visit my lovely friends at The Local's Collective and Casa Mariposa to hear more about why they moved to the island and the incredible work that they do there. INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE TO SAVE $$: MIRIAM LINKS: https://linktr.ee/miriamdonovan | |||
| "That country is too dangerous to travel to" & other thoughts on safety generalizations | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:46:45 | |
Prefacing all of my upcoming Nicaragua and Colombia episodes with this small rant about why we need to stop generalizing about which countries are 'safe' or 'dangerous' to go to. For my entire time traveling through Latin America, one of the first things people had to say to me was always about whether or not I felt safe of I thought certain countries were unsafe, and the reality is that we can't keep talking about safety in such a black and white way. In this episode, I'm going to talk about how I perceive travel safety as a solo female traveler and why I get so frustrated when people let biases and preconceived notions determine their opinions on so many countries, specifically those in Central & South America. INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE TO SAVE $: MIRIAM LINKS: https://linktr.ee/miriameternallyevolvingpod | |||
| A Conversation with Sierra Fernald: Full-Time travel, Remote Work & Aligned Entrepreneurship | 28 Mar 2025 | 00:51:52 | |
For my second podcast guest ever, please welcome my friend & fellow content creator Sierra Fernand!! We have been traveling together for the last month after meeting in Nicaragua and I’m so excited for her to share her story of discovering travel, creating content online, starting her own business, and transitioning to working remotely around the world. This episode was so much fun to record and if you are looking for guidance to transition to this sort of lifestyle yourself, go follow her on Instagram and enroll in her amazing guided mentorship. Her Instagram is @sierra.fernald <3 TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ Instagram: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE TO SAVE $: MIRIAM LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/miriamdonovan?fbclid=PAY2xjawJT9fpleHRuA2FlbQExAAGmXFPlDv22MTZcGbCVKVo_s7FqPtpw_2qtnzsZwkxvZiEkPRqmzfOYGjD6_aem_ExRMi5XW6e380MfCIo69wg | |||
| Pros & Cons of Volunteer Work Exchanges while Traveling | 10 Mar 2025 | 00:41:17 | |
After a month and a half back at my favorite work exchange in Nicaragua, Bigfoot Hostel, I wanted to talk about all of the good things that come with working at a hostel, but also some of the challenges. Work exchanges have become my new favorite way to travel honestly and I think this one was my ideal exchange, it would be SO hard to beat! But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t challenging at times as well, I learned so much from my time there and I hope this episode helps you understand a bit more about what to expect if you have been wanting to start traveling and volunteering. Like always, Worldpackers is the best way to get started so use my code MIRIAM to sign up for a discount if this episode resonates with you! INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ MOROCCO GROUP TRIP: https://plotpackers.com/tours/group-excursions/the-treasures-of-morocco-with-_miriamdonovan_-22nd-june-1st-july-2025/ WORLDPACKERS CODE TO SAVE $: MIRIAM LINKS: https://linktr.ee/miriameternallyevolvingpod | |||
| There’s a lot going on in the world pt. 3 (The state of US politics & life update from Nicaragua) | 22 Feb 2025 | 00:24:23 | |
Finally back with another podcast episode after over a month! The first part of this was recorded when I was initially processing the aftermath of Trump being inaugurated again and his blitzkrieg of attacks that followed. Specifically, I dive into his anti-immigration policies and actions against specifically the Latino community and how I am thinking about it as someone who’s currently living in Central America. The second part of the episode was recorded a few weeks later starting to break down what is progression developed after a month of Trump being in office and how the attacks haven’t stopped. Combined with a life update from my chaotic time in Nicaragua!! INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ MOROCCO GROUP TRIP: https://plotpackers.com/tours/group-excursions/the-treasures-of-morocco-with-_miriamdonovan_-22nd-june-1st-july-2025/ WORLDPACKERS CODE TO SAVE $: MIRIAM LINKS: https://linktr.ee/miriamdonovan | |||
| Q&A #1: answering any and all travel questions! | 12 Jan 2025 | 00:36:06 | |
My first time ever doing a Q&A episode and I can't wait to make this a regular series!! I asked you guys to ask me questions on Tik Tok and picked a few to answer on here so that I could respond in a more detailed and personal way. In this episode, I'm talking about how to prepare for long-haul flights, my favorite country I've ever been to, advice for first-time solo travelers, cheap less touristy places to travel to from London, my favorite desserts around the world, monetizing social media and making money while traveling, and more. COME TO MOROCCO WITH ME: MOROCCO GROUP TRIP JUNE 22- JULY 1, LAUNCHING JAN. 22 (sign up through linktree link!) INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE TO SAVE $: MIRIAM LINKS: https://linktr.ee/miriameternallyevolvingpod | |||
| 2024 reflections + 2025 goals | 03 Jan 2025 | 00:40:00 | |
Basically a journal entry in podcast form, reflecting on everything that has happened this year. 2024 was the best and also one of the hardest years of my life, I have learned so many lessons and grown so much, honestly this year has changed my life. My intentions and manifestations going into 2025 are clearer than they ever have been, and I hope you resonate with the massive life shift I can feel coming in this new year. INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE TO SAVE $: MIRIAM LINKS: https://linktr.ee/miriameternallyevolvingpod | |||
| Vietnam pt. 2: Sapa & Hoi An | 20 Dec 2024 | 00:51:41 | |
Two magical fairy tale towns in two entirely different parts of Vietnam! For the second part of my Vietnam series I’m talking about two of the most idyllic picturesque places I’ve ever been to; they’re both so different but so special. Sapa is a cozy mountain town with even bigger mountains than Ha Giang, the cutest fairy houses, unique culture from the local ethnic minority groups, the most magical art village on a mountain, and so much more. And one 26 hour sleeper bus later, we made it to Hoi An, the town of lanterns where you can release wishing candle boats onto a river and get handmade tailored clothes from the best seamstresses in the world. TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE: MIRIAMKD linktree: https://linktr.ee/miriameternallyevolvingpod SIGN UP FOR MY GROUP TRIP UPDATES: https://creators.plotpackers.com/miriamdonovan | |||
| Vietnam pt. 1: Hanoi + Ha Giang Loop | 06 Dec 2024 | 00:59:50 | |
Earlier this year I spent a month in Vietnam and it was one of the most important and incredible countries I have ever been to! As I talk about in this episode, I kind of only exist because of Vietnam since my parents actually met there. In this first part of what will be a 2 part series on Vietnam, I am detailing everything I did in Hanoi for almost 2 weeks; the incredible food, the best coffee in the world, cultural beauty treatments, interesting museums, and the most insane parties/nightlife. As well as the unique experiences I got to have because my dad used to live there. I'm also talking about the Ha Giang Loop, one of the most famous and coveted backpacker experiences in the world, and for a good reason! Truly one of the most beautiful and adventurous experiences I have ever had while traveling. INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE: MIRIAM LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/miriameternallyevolvingpod?utm_source=linktree_admin_share (whatsapp travel group, media kit, and more!) | |||
| A week on one of the most remote islands in Cambodia: Kactus Koh Ta Kiev | 22 Nov 2024 | 00:34:57 | |
Finally telling the details about one of the most adventurous and remote travel experiences I have ever had! I spent a week on Koh Ta Kiev staying at a treehouse and jungle hut camp. The island itself is only accessible by small fishing boat, with not a single restaurant, shop, road, no AC, almost no electricity, not even bicycles; only footpaths through the jungle and 2-3 small camps around the island. This place was definitely challenging in so many ways but I learned so much about myself and everything I am capable of. I met some incredible people, explored undiscovered beaches, got to swim with bioluminescence, watched the most incredible sunsets, and so much more. TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE: MIRIAM LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/miriameternallyevolvingpod | |||
| There's a lot going on in the world pt. 2 | 15 Nov 2024 | 00:38:10 | |
It's been a rough week in America. For the second episode of this series, here is my rant/thoughts/analysis of the outcome of the American elections that took place last week. I am currently back home in Washington DC, so to be in the Capitol of the US witnessing this historic election has been both terrifying and informative. Like I always say, travel and politics are inherently connected, so I'm discussing the large-scale global implications that this election will have and what you should keep in mind going forward as you travel throughout the world. | |||
| My ultimate hostel guide | 02 Nov 2024 | 00:38:23 | |
I have been staying in hostels since my first ever trip and I am a firm believer that they are a core experience as a traveler. There are so many different types of hostels and they always vary from country to country, but in this episode I am giving you all of my advice on how to pick the right hostels for you and how to have the best experiences possible! After 2 years I have a defined list of what makes a good hostel in my mind and have stayed in so many that I truly loved. I'm also gonna go through a list of some of the best and some of the worst hostels I have ever stayed in all around the world. ALSO link to my whatsapp travel community where I will be giving away 2 FREE Worldpackers memberships (and more!): https://chat.whatsapp.com/LSzJnsnkon4Df6TgTBbi2n TIK TOK: @_miriamdonovan_ INSTAGRAM: @_miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS DISCOUNT CODE: MIRIAM MEDIA KIT: https://miriamdonovan.my.canva.site/ | |||
| Turkey pt.2: Cappadocia | 19 Oct 2024 | 00:33:12 | |
This episode finally follows up with my Turkey pt. 1 episode about Istanbul from a few months ago. I will never have the words to describe this place. Cappadocia is truly one of a kind; the hot air balloons at sunrise every morning, the flavors of the food, the otherwordly landscape and history carved into said landscape-- everything about it makes Cappadocia one of my favorite places I have ever been. The land is pure magic there, especially in the off season around November when it felt like we nearly had it all to ourselves. And yes, obviously we rode in a hot air balloon at sunrise! INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ MEDIA KIT: https://miriamdonovan.my.canva.site/ WORLDPACKERS CODE: MIRIAMKD | |||
| How travel has affected my physical & mental heatlh | 10 Oct 2024 | 00:31:40 | |
As stated early on in this episode, I am giving my personal opinion and lived experiences. Obviously, I'm not a doctor, so take what I say with a grain of salt. But throughout my last 2 years of traveling, I have noticed significant ways in which travel has impacted my health. Since I was 15 years old, I have been dealing with some very impactful chronic health conditions, both mental and physical. These chronic conditions have all shifted + transformed throughout my time traveling the world; some went away completely, and others I still struggle with but are getting progressively better. But overall, I truly believe that traveling has helped me heal important aspects of my health and can help you heal in a variety of ways too. INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE: MIRIAMKD PORTFOLIO: https://miriamdonovan.my.canva.site/ | |||
| Leon, Nicaragua (& Bigfoot Hostel/Volcano boarding) | 03 Oct 2024 | 00:31:17 | |
After a small hiatus I'm back with a more detailed episode about what my life has been like for the past few weeks of volunteering at a hostel in Leon, Nicaragua. I found the most stability, routine, and community that I have had in a very long time while running the social media at Bigfoot Hostel (I'm literally already planning to go back.) Let's call this the Nicaragua pt. 1 episode because I will explore so much more of the country later in the future, but I truly had so many life-changing and perspective-altering experiences while in this incredibly special place. This was also my first ever work exchange experience and I can't wait to do more of them in the future to integrate more slow travel into my life. TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS DISCOUNT CODE: MIRIAMKD PORTFOLIO: https://miriamdonovan.my.canva.site/ | |||
| In a strange turn of events I’m in Guatemala | 19 Sep 2024 | 00:13:26 | |
Super quick life update episode about what’s been going on for the past few weeks and some reflections about what I’ve personally been thinking about in terms of travel. I bought a one way ticket to meet my best friend in Guatemala and have lived a million lives in just the week and half since I’ve been here. Can’t wait to talk more about this incredible country INSTAGRAM: @_miriamdonovan_ (https://www.instagram.com/_miriamdonovan_?igsh=ODdjYXkzcDh1cGMz&utm_source=qr) TIK TOK: @_miriamdonovan_ (https://www.tiktok.com/@_miriamdonovan_?_t=8p40XEY2vFL&_r=1) WORLDPACKERS CODE: MIRIAMKD PORTFOLIO: https://miriamdonovan.my.canva.site | |||
| Thailand (Bangkok + Koh Phagnan) | 30 Aug 2024 | 00:38:10 | |
In this episode of Eternally Evolving, I'm recapping the two places I went to during my first trip to Thailand! I know Thailand is one of those countries I will always go back to, so instead of trying to see as much as possible, I spent longer chunks of time in two places that are both so special to me. I spent a week in Bangkok by myself, my first experience with an Asian city, and it quickly became one of my favorite cities in the entire world. And while I planned to visit a few different islands in Thailand, I ended up staying for 2 weeks on Koh Phangan because I absolutely fell in love with the island. INSTAGRAM: @ _miriamdonovan_ https://www.instagram.com/_miriamdonovan_/ TIK TOK: @_miriamdonovan_ https://www.tiktok.com/@_miriamdonovan_?_t=8p40XEY2vFL&_r=1 WORLDPACKERS CODE TO SAVE $$: MIRIAMKD | |||
| Traveling the world for an entire year: an interview with Em my travel partner | 23 Aug 2024 | 00:45:53 | |
Introducing first ever guest on the podcast!!!! Introducing my best friend and travel partner who I've mentioned so many times on this podcast before. She has just completed an entire year of traveling the world and had so many incredible, unique experiences. Not only does she discuss her perspective and the way she views the world because of her education/background, but also how her perspective has expanded through all of the lessons she learned this year. Em discusses hallmark experiences like a month-long survival course in the desert in Utah, staying at a women's collective in Rwanda, hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro, and completing a silent meditation retreat in Thailand. This was probably the most fun I've ever had recording an episode and I hope you guys have just as much fun listening to it while getting to know my best friend! | |||
| The first of many New Orleans episodes | 17 Aug 2024 | 00:29:43 | |
You can't understand me without understanding my deep connection to New Orleans, Louisiana. This is the first podcast episode I have ever recorded about a place in the United States and it's super fitting because I grew up going to New Orleans all the time because one side of my family is from there. New Orleans has always been my second home and going back feels like such a celebration of my Cajun heritage and culture that I grew up with, especially because so much of my family still lives there. I'm sure I will make many New Orleans episodes down the line but in this one I'm giving you a brief overview of what makes New Orleans so unique, the best places to eat, stay, and all of the incredible cajun foods you need to try if you go. tik tok: @_miriamdonovan_ instagram: @_miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE: MIRIAMKD Go check out 'While She's Away' Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/4uET75IYKHieFF6AtIsP71?si=7567bf62013f4271 | |||
| There's a lot going on in the world (recap of international news over the last week) | 10 Aug 2024 | 00:39:24 | |
It can be really overwhelming to try to understand everything that's going on in the world when you have no idea where to start. However, there's a lot going on in the world right now politically, and if you travel the world, I truly believe that you are obligated to keep up with international politics. So this episode, I am using my background/education to help break down 3 (kind of 4) of the most relevant and pressing political issues of the past week. Again, I do have a degree in international relations that helps shape my perspective while I travel the world, so I hope my analysis helps you better understand these complicated issues. Starting with the recent horrifying developments on the genocide in Gaza, then the misinformation surrounding the fraudulent elections in Venezuela, then the student riots that ousted the Prime Minister in Bangladesh, and finishing with some brief thoughts about the new official democratic ticket for the upcoming terrifying US elections. WORLDPACKERS CODE: MIRIAMKD | |||
| Cultural experiences in Siem Reap, Cambodia/ Angkor Wat | 02 Aug 2024 | 00:50:24 | |
In the second part of my series about incredible cultural experiences I had in Cambodia, I'm detailing 3 main experiences in Siem Reap that I will remember forever: Songkran (Khmer New Years) water festival, getting a traditional Sak Yant tattoo from a monk, and experiencing the power of Angkor Wat, the largest religious complex in the world. I accidentally spent two weeks in Siem Reap (which most backpackers would definitely not do lol). Still, I really appreciated how deeply I could dive into Cambodian culture and history through solo traveling and developing a little routine there. The three main experiences I discuss changed my perspective on both myself and the world in so many ways, and I'll say it again, Cambodia is so severely underrated. **Worldpackers code MIRIAMKD for $$ off your annual membership | |||
| Women’s only homestay in Cambodia (the Banteay Srey Project) | 19 Jul 2024 | 00:32:03 | |
The first part in a series about the life changing cultural experiences I had while traveling in Cambodia. The Banteay Srey project is an incredible grassroots social enterprise for women in Kampot, Cambodia to become empowered in their cultural traditions and heritage while learning job skills so they can independently support themselves and their families. I was so fortunate to get to stay the actual women's only homestay and learn from the women there; I learned so much about life in Cambodia and women's rights, as well as traditional beauty, spa, and medicinal techniques.
BANTEAY SREY PROJECT: https://banteaysreyproject.org/
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| Health & Safety tips for traveling in SE Asia | 06 Jul 2024 | 00:37:49 | |
My biggest fear while spending the past 3 months in Asia was honestly getting food sick or dengue or any other kind of illness while being in a remote place. You guys know that I am definitely a person who usually gets sick while traveling (peep the episode where I was hospitalized in Berlin lol) BUT I made it through all 3 months without getting sick! Here are all of my biggest tips and precautions that worked for me, plus a few other overall safety tips to help you if you're planning to travel through SE Asia. | |||
| Ubud, Bali: waterfalls + temple purification ceremonies | 28 Jun 2024 | 01:00:14 | |
Ubud defies so many of the negative stereotypes about Bali's party culture, influencer culture, and toxic tourism. Ubud is pure peace, it's the true cultural hub of Bali, where you can feel the power and beauty of Balinese religion all around you. Not to mention the most beautiful nature, amazing waterfalls, the sacred monkey forest, the most incredible authentic Indonesian food, and so much more. I loved everything about my time in Ubud, and in this episode, I'm sharing my reflections on the most impactful experiences I had while I was there. Waterfall hopping, the Tirta Empul water purification ceremony, a Balinese massage and flower bath, interacting with monkeys, exploring elevated Indonesian indigenous cuisine, connecting with spiritual leaders, and so so much more. | |||
| An Ethical Guide to Traveling Bali, Indonesia | 13 Jun 2024 | 00:43:56 | |
Especially in recent years, Bali has simultaneously become one of the most popular places to travel, yet also one of the most controversial. The risk of such an incredible place being destroyed by over-tourism, development, environmental ruin, waste mismanagement, cultural erasure, ignorant tourists, and more, is something that every single person visiting Bali needs to educate themselves about. In this podcast episode, I discuss the three biggest ethical conversations that need to be had when traveling to Bali and throughout Indonesia in general, to be a conscious traveler and to help remedy the problem. I also begin with an update about the genocide being committed in Gaza, and how that also relates to the type of information you need to understand before traveling to Indonesia. In reference to my discussion about workstays my worldpackers code is MIRIAMKD for $$ off of your membership :) | |||
| Let’s talk about superiority complex travelers | 31 May 2024 | 00:32:35 | |
You know those people (specifically men) that will talk down to you about anything and everything you want to do while traveling that they deem to not be unique enough? This is a rant about conversations I’ve had with other travelers that maintain such superiority complex about how “niche” and “different” the way that they travel is and they will definitely give you a look about how basic the way you travel is. Enjoy and let me know what you think
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| Life update! Cambodia + Vietnam | 13 May 2024 | 00:45:15 | |
Huge life update from the last month, giving you guys a brief overview of everything I’ve been up to in Asia. I feel like I’ve lived a million lives and am constantly learning new things about myself and the world and it’s the best feeling ever. I’m so insanely happy and so grateful to be here. I spent 3 weeks in Cambodia, about 2 and a half of them solo traveling which was such a life changing experience for me. Then I came to Vietnam by myself, which is one of the countries I’ve dreamed of going to for my entire life because it means so much to my family. So many insane adventures, so much growth, can’t wait for even more! If the audio is weird it’s because I recorded in two different places bc recording while backpacking is difficult so sorry xo
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| Reflections in Cambodia (about the genocide committed by the Khmer Rouge) | 20 Apr 2024 | 00:34:30 | |
In this extremely personal and difficult episode, I am sitting in a temple in Cambodia surrounded by monks, prayers and the sounds of nature. There might be a little background noise and my thoughts might be a little sporadic but this is a raw reflection about one of the hardest and most important travel experiences I’ve ever had. In Phnom Penh in Cambodia, I visited the S21 prison Tuol Sleng and the killing fields from the time of the Cambodian genocide committed by the Khmer Rouge in the late 1970s. I hope to educate you at least a little bit about this genocide and how it relates to what is currently going on in Palestine. As I always say it’s your duty as someone who travels to put in the work to understand the history and the culture of a country that you are visiting. Cambodia is INCREDIBLE, it’s so beautiful and authentic and vibrant. But you cannot understand anything about Cambodia without understanding this part of their history.
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| My thoughts on Koh Phangan Thailand & the full moon party | 06 Apr 2024 | 00:31:26 | |
Koh Phangan is absolutely magical, I’m in love with this island. You can hear how happy I am throughout this entire episode. Like many we came here originally for the full moon party but the energy of this island was just too incredible for us to leave. Spoiler alert we did not even end up going to phi phi we just stayed in Koh Phangan before heading to our next country (which is a surprise hehe.) if you’ve always wanted to go to the full moon party in Thailand there’s definitely a right way to do it and a wrong way to do it. Allow me to guide you on how to do it right so you have the best time ever!!
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| Day 1 in Thailand! | 26 Mar 2024 | 00:21:46 | |
A completely unedited rant of my reflections about my 36 hour flight escapade to get to Thailand from DC and my thoughts on my first day in Asia. Kind of insane that I am just on a new continent alone but also kind of amazing stay tuned for so much more!
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| Preparing for SE Asia + pre-travel reflections | 13 Mar 2024 | 00:32:55 | |
Recorded this little journal entry-type episode the night before I leave to travel southeast Asia with a one way ticket and no idea where exactly I'll be going or when exactly I will be coming back. I'm so excited for this new chapter of my life and will be keeping you guys updated and uploading podcast eps as much as I can while I'm traveling. go follow my tik tok @_miriamkd for constant updates and also my instagram @_miriamdonovan_ for all the pics <3 | |||
| Turkey pt. 1: Istanbul | 10 Mar 2024 | 00:56:31 | |
SO many people in my life were telling me I shouldn't go to Turkey or specifically Istanbul because it's 'not safe' but once again, they were wrong. Not only did I feel safe in Turkey but it was one of my absolute favorite countries I've ever been to, and I was genuinely just so happy for the entire time I was there. Istanbul is full of lifechanging experiences and just the richest history as well as the BEST food and the sweetest people. I'm forever grateful that I went exactly when I did and for everything that I learned about myself and the world overall while I was there. | |||
| A discussion about Palestine | 02 Mar 2024 | 00:52:23 | |
Free Palestine. Go follow voices on the ground and keep talking about the genocide, keep pressuring the US and Israeli governments. Accounts to follow: @wizard_bisan1 @byplestia @jewishvoiceforpeace @wearethepeace @eye.on.palestine | |||
| Morocco (Marrakech + Essaouira) | 23 Feb 2024 | 01:03:55 | |
Morocco was the number one place I wanted to go for YEARS. it was the first country I ever intuitively wanted to travel to, I was 17 years old and had barely even travelled but it became my absolute goal to travel to Morocco someday. And last summer it finally became a reality. My time in Morocco confirmed what I already knew to be true, and I'm so excited to share my thoughts with you about one of my favorite countries I've ever been to. Make sure to go look at my tik tok and instagram to see the pics and videos I'm posting to go along with the episode so you can visualize what I mean :) | |||
| Wellness + Travel: Duality and Coexistence | 16 Feb 2024 | 00:35:54 | |
this one is for all the wellness girlies who are also adventure/budget backpacker girlies. I examine all the ways in which you can be both but also the ways in which wellness practices have to shift depending on the phase of your life that you're in. Through brain dumping in this episode, I examine my current wellness practices when I'm living in my apartment vs. when I'm out in the world traveling and how they both serve me in different ways. | |||
| Mallorca, Spain | 10 Feb 2024 | 00:48:11 | |
Reliving the 6 days I spent on the beautiful island of Mallorca, Spain this past summer; the most quintessential European summer vibe and experience imaginable. Mallorca honestly outdid herself, everywhere I went on the island completely lives up to the pictures I had saved on my Pinterest for years. During a cold, grey February, I hope this episode invokes the warmth of Mediterranean beaches, beautiful Spanish architecture, and some of the bluest water I've ever seen. I'm particularly excited to share one of the top 3 beaches I think I've ever been to in my entire life: Cala D'Or | |||
| Portugal (the Algarve + Lisbon) | 02 Feb 2024 | 00:54:11 | |
Following up on last week's solo travel episode, this week I'm telling you about the biggest solo travel adventure I've had so far, spending a week in Portugal by myself. Starting off exploring Lisbon and getting my bearings after traveling with my friend for the previous month, then going to Lagos in the Algarve region. My favorite hostel I've ever stayed at plus some of the most incredible beaches and views I've ever seen plus sunrise kayaking the Benagil caves plus everything I learned about myself along the way. Overall a pretty personal episode I'm excited to hear what you think | |||
| solo travel | 25 Jan 2024 | 00:42:39 | |
giving you my honest opinion about solo traveling in your 20s and everything you need to take into consideration if you have never solo traveled before! I personally love solo traveling and believe that every single person should experiece it at least once, it's such an incredible way of connecting with yourself. I'm giving you my safety tips for women who want to solo travel, tips on meeting people, and favorite experiences to have while being by yourself in a foreign country. Plus telling you guys about my first ever group trip that I'm launching! (go take my trova trip survey in my linktree) | |||
| Roadtripping through Scotland | 17 Jan 2024 | 00:52:20 | |
First episode of 2024 babes! This episode takes you through two full weeks of roadtripping from London to Edinburgh, then through the Scottish highlands, to Isle of Skye and Isle of Mull. Scotland was unreal with the most incredible history, nature, castles, folklore, and so much more. This type of travel was really different for me because I did this with my family, so I'm also talking about the learning experiences and personal growth that came with the transition from traveling by myself or with friends vs. traveling with my family. So enjoy the pictures I paint of incredible fairy landscapes of northern Scotland and go check the tik tok/Instagram for the visuals of what I'm talking about. | |||
| 2023 Reflections + 2024 travel plans | 30 Dec 2023 | 00:38:14 | |
reflecting on traveling to 14 countries just this year! this is my digital journal entry brain dump literally just turning on my microphone and talking to myself (and my podcast listeners) about how this whole year has gone for me, and everything I'm manifesting for next year. It's almost 2024, this last year has been an incredible year of growth and adventures that will only continue into the new year as I try to figure out my next steps and my travel plans for the upcoming year! Hopefully this resonates with you and hopefully it inspires you in your travel goals for the new year as well. | |||
| Copenhagen (specifically at Christmas time) | 23 Dec 2023 | 00:32:23 | |
Copenhagen at Christmas time feels like being inside of a little snow globe, it's absolutely magical. In this episode, I'm talking about both times I've been to Copenhagen because technically I ended up going to Copenhagen twice within this past year. This is all my advice about the best Christmas markets, bakeries, some favorite home decor stores, and ideas about Danish culture and winter lifestyle that I learned a lot from. The perfect Christmas city for the first Christmas episode of the podcast! | |||