Moving Along explores travel, relocation and life transitions. Christi Cassidy shares stories of people who packed up and left--either by necessity or choice; advice from experts in organization, budgeting and moving; and tips on making your life transition a positive new adventure.
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Fueling Cultural Curiosity: Travels with Rhythm & Roam
Episode 29
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 • Duration 01:02:42
Paul Island and Benef Verell, two co-hosts of the travel podcast Rhythm & Roam, share their stories about travel, relocation and how they came to start their own podcast with their friend Trecia Cooke.
How did Paul and Benef get the travel bug? Benef recounts her Midwest upbringing and how family trips, mostly within the region, laid the groundwork for her future wanderlust. It wasn't until she joined the military, in an unexpected journey to West Point, that her travel experiences truly expanded, igniting a lifelong passion for exploring new places. Similarly, Paul reflects on his childhood travels that were mostly confined to the New York tri-state area and Florida.
From there we explore the intricate ways in which family, culture and unexpected paths influence travel and career choices. Paul recalls how his older sister's dreams of London inspired further exploration and a career in the military, expanding his own travel horizons. We touch on the cultural roots that influence aspirations, such as Paul’s Jamaican and British connections, and Benef’s Afghan roots. The conversation offers insights into the interplay of family influences, cultural backgrounds, and how these elements shape unexpected life paths.
The conversation turns to the impact of cultural diversity and identity on travel experiences. Benef and Paul share their encounters with stereotypes, “traveling while Black and biracial,” and the cultural expectations they’ve confronted while traveling and living abroad.
Laced with humor and canny insights, their stories highlight the importance of understanding and adapting to cultural differences, the benefits of solo travel and the unique travel styles that lead to memorable journeys.
Sailing the World: Alison Gieschen’s Nautical Odyssey
Episode 28
Friday, September 26, 2025 • Duration 44:33
Sailing the world. It’s the adventure of a lifetime for Alison Gieschen, who has been sailing the high seas with her husband, Dan, since selling their New Jersey farm in 2017. Together they have traveled to 47 countries and four continents aboard their 43-foot sailboat, Equus.
Alison Gieschen shares her journey from growing up in upstate New York and moving to North Carolina, to becoming an avid sailor inspired by early family vacations in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She recounts her serendipitous meeting with her husband, Dan, a three-time national sailing champion and Merchant Marine, and their decision to sail around the world.
Throughout the podcast, Alison details their blue water sailing adventures, including their unexpected but fortuitous stop at the Galapagos Islands and their many challenges at sea. She also touches upon her emotional struggles, such as overcoming PTSD from a severe storm during their early voyages, and the significant role that fate and mentorship played in her sailing journey.
Alison reflects on her sustained love for horses, drawing parallels between her past in competitive horseback riding and her current life aboard Equus. Alison recounts memorable destinations like the Azores—where a chance walk to town leads to a singular encounter with a cheesemonger—and Ireland, where she and Dan ended up housesitting in a Downton Abbey recreation on Bantry Bay during COVID. Throughout her travels, she is continually surprised and thrilled at the kindness of strangers.
Additionally, Alison discusses the environmental and humanitarian issues associated with Chinese fishing fleets, emphasizing the need for awareness and action regarding their harmful practices.
Places mentioned in this episode:
Rhinebeck, NY
Red Hook, NY
Boston
U.S. Virgin Islands
Africa and Beyond with Veteran Journalist Barry Maughan
Episode 27
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 • Duration 46:49
In this episode of Moving Along, host Christi Cassidy interviews Barry Maughan, a former chief of English to Africa for the Voice of America and the author of Beneath the African Sun (Outback, 2025). Barry shares his memoir and travelogue of living in Ethiopia during the early 1970s and his extensive journey with his wife, Suzanne, from Egypt to South Africa in a VW Combi camper bus named Bridget. The discussion also delves into his nearly 25-year career in Washington, D.C., his childhood in Australia, and the serendipitous events that shaped his life and travels. They explore the power of serendipity, the importance of embracing opportunities, and the value of travel (especially for children) in broadening one's perspective. Barry reflects on his significant journalistic experiences, including covering the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie and the devastating famine in Ethiopia, and his heartfelt insights on race, class and the role of family in African cultures. The conversation further touches on the vital role of the Voice of America in Africa and his concerns about its recent dismantling.
Bio
Barry Maughan is a lifelong writer and was an international broadcaster and journalist for more than forty years. During that time, he plied his trade on four continents, including stops in Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the United States. His major news coverages included the coup that overthrew Emperor Haile Selassie in September 1974, and the devastating drought and subsequent famine in Ethiopia’s northern province of Wollo. The last 24 years of his career were spent at the Voice of America in Washington, D.C., where he retired as chief of the English to Africa service. Since his retirement, Barry has kept busy writing about his extensive travels and life experiences. Find out more and contact Barry: https://barrymaughan.com
00:36 Introduction to Barry Maughan
01:46 Barry's Early Life and Love for Travel
08:07 The Serendipitous Meeting in Egypt
10:01 Exploring Egypt and Heading South
17:40 Life and Work in Ethiopia
An Irish Farewell - Barbara Johnson
Episode 26
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 • Duration 40:05
Barbara Johnson is an acclaimed author who shares a personal journey back to Ireland that was sparked by the tragedy of her partner’s sudden death. Kathleen’s Irish ancestry led her to discover her own heritage, and many cousins who live still in the northwest of Ireland. Barbara recounts her experiences growing up in a military family, which fostered a love for travel and her emotional journey as she buried Kathleen's ashes in Ireland with her family. The episode dives into themes of loss, travel and the challenges and healing involved in relocations and transitions late in life, touching upon Barbara's thoughts about moving to Ireland and her reflections on writing. Barbara says, "Kathleen used to say her heart was in New York, her body in Maryland, but her soul was in Ireland."
00:00:03: Introduction to Christi Cassidy and Moving Along podcast, which focuses on travel, relocation and life transitions.
00:00:35: Christi welcomes Anna Bernstein, discussing her past with Mantra Public Relations and moving to Ecuador.
00:02:14: Anna thanks Christi for the introduction and mentions their use of audio for the podcast despite having a video connection.
00:02:17: Anna talks about her upbringing in Norman, Oklahoma, and the influence her parents' New York roots had on her.
00:03:19: She describes her early travels to New York and experiences while in college.
00:04:17: Discussion on how she ended up choosing the University of Kansas over schools in New York.
00:06:26: Anna shares her career shift from being a stockbroker in Kansas City to pursuing her passion for performing in New York.
00:07:44: Her journey to New York involved a detour to Italy, fulfilling her dream to be there.
00:08:22: Transitioning from a stockbroker to becoming a voice coach and founding Voice Success. 00:09:45: The birth of her teaching career in singing and exploration of brain function in voice.
00:14:04: Her success in accent reduction and subsequent focus on corporate training.
00:14:56: Discusses her career establishing a business in Seattle and working with major companies like Microsoft.
00:17:45: Details about her work and life in Seattle before moving to Mexico. 00:19:39: Decision to move to Mexico and experiences that followed.
00:22:24: Logistics of moving to Mexico discussed, including traveling with the car and a cat.
00:24:38: Learning Spanish and living in a small Mexican town. Experience in Mexican culture and affordability.
00:30:34: Her choice of exploring North Carolina when unsure about staying in Mexico. 00:32:59: Selling her house in Seattle facilitating further travels and transitions.
Walking Journeys with Storyteller Diane Wyzga
Episode 24
Monday, May 5, 2025 • Duration 57:45
Growing up off Exit 109 of the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey, Diane Wyzga remembers family vacations as setting the stage for a lifetime of wanderlust. Growing up as the eldest of seven, Diane’s early adventures in state and national parks sparked a passion for exploration that never faded. Join me as I chat with Diane, founder of Quarter Moon Story Arts, and we navigate her multifaceted journey from Navy nurse to lawyer, and now a storyteller on Whidbey Island and host of the daily podcast "Stories from Women Who Walk."
The episode unfolds with tales of youthful independence and the courage to chart one's path. Childhood memories of collecting S&H Green Stamps for camping gear with Diane’s family are the precursor to a love for hiking and a life marked by exploration. Diane's story of trekking the Camino de Santiago as a transformative milestone resonates as Diane reminisces about her backpacking adventures across Europe. With a trusty travel guide and a heart full of optimism, Diane’s early journeys reveal an enduring spirit of adventure.
--------- HIGHLIGHTS ---------
0:02:33 - Childhood Travel Memories and Green Stamps
0:06:23 - Life-Changing Outdoor Adventures
0:11:19 - Life Divided
0:16:57 - Backpacking Across Europe Without Set Plans
0:23:02 - From Backpacking Europe to Navy Service
0:30:35 - Trips to New York City
0:39:59 - Last Hope Island and Diane's Polish Heritage
0:46:26 - Camino del Santiago: Encouraging Note From a Friend
0:55:48 - Granny D's Inspiring Journey Across America
Travel enthusiasts and those facing the prospect of relocation, gather around for a rich tapestry of stories and insights with me, Christi Cassidy, and our special guest, Devra Jacobs, author of A Happy Move. Discover how Devra's adventurous spirit, cultivated during her formative years in the Bay Area and later in New Jersey, has led her through an enriching journey of frequent moves within the U.S. and across the globe. Her story offers a refreshing perspective on embracing change, moving with loved ones and pets, and the intricate dance between staying connected to family while exploring new horizons.
Thinking about what to pack and what to leave behind? We unravel the complexities of downsizing, balancing sentimental treasures with practical decisions, and weighing the cost of shipping versus replacing items.
Now approaching her 30th move (from Flagstaff to Arkansas), Devra shares strategies for researching your new home’s weather, language and culture, and the importance of being prepared for the challenges of moving. These handy tips are not just for those crossing oceans but also for anyone tackling the logistics of a local move.
For those yearning to understand the nuances of adapting to new environments, Devra’s anecdotes from moving to Korea in the late 70s as a young military wife and new mother—complete with unexpected cultural surprises—serve as a guide. From understanding pet regulations to harnessing the power of community, each tale is a stepping stone toward finding your own sense of home. Packed with personal stories interwoven with practical advice, this episode is your gateway to making any move a seamless and rewarding adventure.
A Happy Move: Everything You Need to Know Before and After the Boxes Are Packed by Devra Jacobs and Brit Elders (Beyond Words Publishing, 2024, distributed by Simon & Schuster)
Contact Devra, read her blog and watch practical videos on packing and moving: https://ahappymove.com
Chapters
(00:03) - Personal Stories of Travel and Relocation
Empowering Advocacy: The Inspiring Journey of Ariana Johnson, Ms. Black Ohio USA
Episode 22
Sunday, January 5, 2025 • Duration 46:58
Podcast Summary
Ariana Johnson, the newly crowned Ms. Black Ohio USA 2025 (and Ms. Black Ohio USA 2024), joins us on a riveting journey through her life of advocacy and ambition. Raised with an appreciation for diverse cultures, Ariana brings rich insights into how travel and education shaped her values. Our conversation reveals her gratitude for her strong women role models around her, her passion for the arts and her love of childhood icons like Beverly Cleary and the American Girl series, which fueled her imagination and inspired her advocacy work.
Ariana's experience in pageantry, a world she once hesitated to enter, transformed her path and empowered her mission. Through pageants like the American Royal Beauties, she found a supportive community that celebrated her dedication to social equity and mental health advocacy. Her commitment shines as she shares the influence of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority in her journey, where mentorship and positive role models have played a crucial role.
We tackle pertinent issues like hair discrimination, which affects Black women in professional settings, and discuss Ariana's impactful work with the FAMICOS Foundation. With aspirations in the family court system, modeling, and maybe even moving to New York City or Miami to pursue her dreams, Ariana's story is one of determination and purpose. Her pride in representing Ohio and commitment to maternal health in the Black community make this episode a compelling testament to her journey and advocacy. Join us for an inspiring narrative of empowerment and ambition that promises to engage and uplift.
Miss Black Ohio USA 2024 discusses her childhood love for diverse cultures, pageantry as a platform for advocacy, and the impact of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
(14:14)
Robert Lunday on Moving from Houston to the Japanese Countryside, Global Disappearances, the Borderlands and Belonging, Japanese Culture
Episode 21
Sunday, October 27, 2024 • Duration 01:04:03
What if the tapestry of your life was woven through constant change and cultural encounters? Join us for an insightful conversation with writer and poet Robert Lunday, who shares his journey of growing up as a military dependent and his impending move from Houston to the serene landscapes of Kyushu, Japan. Robert opens up about how his early experiences of frequent relocations fostered a deep curiosity and understanding of diverse cultures—skills that will surely aid him as he embraces a new beginning in Japan.
Together, we navigate the sensitive subject of global disappearances, focusing on countries like Mexico, Japan, and the United States and the disappearance in 1982 of Robert’s stepfather. Our discussion highlights the courage of grassroots efforts, often led by families, to find missing loved ones when official avenues fall short. From poignant artistic memorials by a Mexican shoemaker to the haunting tales of Indigenous communities, these stories underline the power of collective action and the profound impact of “missingness” on identity and community.
As Robert prepares for his new, expat life in Japan, the conversation shifts to themes of cultural integration and adaptation. We explore the intriguing opportunities presented by Japan's abandoned homes and the unique challenges faced by expatriates in preserving these relics of rural history. Through the story of Robert’s wife, Yukiko, and her equestrian pursuits, Robert reflects on the blend of tradition and innovation that defines life in rural Japan. Whether discussing societal norms or language barriers, Robert's insights promise to enrich your understanding of what it means to truly belong in a new place.
Behind the Scenes at Lonely Planet: A Chat with Alex Howard
Episode 20
Friday, June 28, 2024 • Duration 39:51
Alex Howard, editorial director of Lonely Planet, discusses his journey from Central Florida to leading the world's top travel guidebook publisher. Discover Alex's recommendations for hidden gems like Isle Royale National Park in Michigan, Haida Gwaii in British Columbia, and the Puye Cliff Dwellings at Santa Clara Pueblo in New Mexico. Alex shares personal stories, from childhood trips to Disney World, the Redwoods and Hong Kong, to backpacking in China (where he met his wife) and India, to adventuring in an Alaskan glacier bay, dressed in an Arctic dry suit and paddling around icebergs.
Beginning as a backpacker reliant on Lonely Planet's guidebooks, "the blue spines," Alex transformed into a guidebook creator himself, driving Lonely Planet's vision for over a decade.
Passionate about authenticity in travel journalism, Alex offers editorial tips for aspiring Lonely Planet writers, talks about Lonely Planet's Offbeat Destinations guides and discusses sustainability in travel. Plus, Alex muses on Lonely Planet's distinction among travel guidebooks for its focus on locals and experiences. Here he also reveals what destination proposals he'd like to see cross his desk.
This episode is perfect for travel writers and avid adventurers alike, seeking to explore the world’s offbeat paths and create their own transformative journeys.
00:38 Alex Howard's Early Travel Memories
03:56 Backpacking and Teaching in China
07:02 Lonely Planet's Evolution and Challenges
11:03 Memorable Travel Experiences
20:12 Travel Writing Insights and Advice
27:44 Offbeat Destinations and Future Plans
Contact info
You can find Alex Howard, editorial director of Lonely Planet, at LinkedIn, Instagram or .
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00:34:07: Addresses a lack of fear in moving and taking big life changes, viewing them as non-threatening endeavors.
00:41:15: Explores moving to Cuenca, Ecuador, due to financial concerns and safety considerations with the political climate in the USA.
00:49:41: Living comfortably on Social Security in Ecuador and the liberties afforded by financial stability abroad.
00:51:47: Recommends Ecuador as a favorable destination for retirees.
00:54:08: Closing remarks and encouragement to listen to Moving Along for more stories.
Key Takeaways
Fearlessness in moving and adapting to new cultures can lead to rich and fulfilling experiences.
Focusing on professional skills that are transferable can aid in maintaining financial security while living abroad.
Understanding the importance of financial planning, especially regarding Social Security and investments. Considering alternative living locations for better quality of life and affordability in countries like Ecuador.
Tweetable Quotes
"It just never occurred to me to be afraid." — Anna Bernstein
"Just don't be afraid. Just try things." — Anna Bernstein
"Any excuse for a party, that's Latin America or South America." — Anna Bernstein "I know where I don't want to be, and right now it’s in the States." — Anna Bernstein
"You can always buy furniture. You know, who cares?" — Anna Bernstein
Personal journey in music and pageantry, choir and flute experiences, introduction to pageantry at 19, crowned print model title in American Royal Beauties.
(28:01) Navigating Advocacy and Empowerment
Journey into social work through family mediation, mentorship, and hair discrimination in professional settings.
(38:05) Career Dreams and Aspirations
Hair discrimination in the Black community, community development work, aspirations in family court and modeling industry.
(45:16) Miss Black Ohio's Platform and Pride
Miss Black Ohio shares her dedication to her platform and commitment to maternal health in the Black community, representing Ohio with pride.
(00:03) Moving Along With Robert Lunday Robert Lunday's childhood as a military dependent shaped his worldview, finding solace in libraries and adapting to new environments.
(15:19) Studying Global Disappearances and Responses Exploring disappearances in Mexico, Canada, Japan and the U.S., including law enforcement's role, grassroots efforts and the impact on Indigenous and Black communities.
(22:07) Global Disappearances and Collective Action Indigenous experiences, personal journeys, and collective support in navigating the complexities of missing loved ones.
(27:46) Navigating Missing Persons Cases and Support Social media's impact on missing persons, personal experiences, verification, global research, and ambiguous loss.
(42:19) Cultural Integration and New Beginnings Adapting to new environments, diversity in Houston classrooms, challenges of immigration, and the role of writing in processing experiences.
(48:07) Exploring Japanese Culture and Language Exploring Japanese culture and language, adapting as a foreigner, and considering societal norms and demographics with Robert's Japanese wife, Yukiko.
(55:43) Japanese Abandoned Homes and Expatriate Life Abandoned homes in rural Japan are being purchased by non-Japanese for vacation purposes, while cultural practices like horse sashimi and waste disposal are also discussed.
