Explore every episode of the podcast Sunshine on a Dime
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Don't Go Chasing Hurricanes | 17 Apr 2025 | 00:18:48 | |
It's Storytime. Today I'm taking you to Mexico when I accidentally chased a hurricane and met my plutonic life partner. All in the same day! This one's getting weird. | |||
| Worst Travel Day EVER | 03 Apr 2025 | 00:22:56 | |
Welcome to storytime. Put me in your ears and get ready to hear about the worst travel day I ever had ... I promise this one's bad. | |||
| Welcome to Season 4! [video] | 17 Sep 2023 | 00:12:57 | |
After another summer of impromptu travel (surprise surprise) through Israel and Italy, Shandra returns to the podcast studio at Boston University to welcome in another season of Sunshine on a Dime. She recaps a bit of her crazy summer and gives a sneak peek into what kinds of things to expect with the new season ahead. | |||
| Slow Travel with @polyglotpetra | 15 May 2023 | 00:31:40 | |
In this episode Shandra is joined with Petra Udomprasert, a travel blogger, language educator, and slow traveler. Together they sit down to redefine slow travel (spoiler: it has nothing to do with time) and look at the reasons for why being more culturally conscious is essential to our planet. | |||
| Lonely Travel with Gi Shieh | 30 Apr 2023 | 00:33:30 | |
Traveling can get lonely sometimes. In this episode Shandra sits down with slow travel and slow fashion content creator Gi Shieh to chat about what loneliness can look like while abroad and why it’s not necessarily something to run from. Here are some of the travel communities Gi mentions in the episode: Digital Nomads, Solo Female Travelers And the blog post she mentions here Check out Gi's Socials Here: Don't forget to check out our socials: | |||
| Teaching English Abroad with Mia Townsend | 16 Apr 2023 | 00:34:20 | |
In this episode Shandra is joined by Mia Townsend, a traveling teacher and lover of cross-cultural connections. She explains how her life shifted after living abroad and how to create a career or even just a summer out of teaching English as a second language. Check out Mia's socials: Don't forget to check out our socials: | |||
| Road Tripping the U.S. with Alex Broggi | 02 Apr 2023 | 00:31:37 | |
In today’s episode, Shandra is joined by content creator and road tripper Alex Broggi. While his social media reels show a picture-perfect view into his life as a road tripper living out of his car, Alex reveals the real story behind the posts. They discuss the highs and lows of road trip life and dig deeper into how to create a great road trip experience with as little or as much as you have.
Check out Alex's socials:
TikTok
Instagram
Don't forget to check out our socials:
Website
Instagram
Blog
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| Twenties Travel Mindset with @bybellaleah | 19 Mar 2023 | 00:31:57 | |
Is it possible to be a full-time student AND travel the world? In this episode Shandra sits down with college student and travel content creator @bybellaleah to discuss whether it really is possible to travel and stay dedicated to studies at the same time. In this episode the two of them discuss how to tangibly achieve this balancing act. To follow Leah's adventures and travel content check out her socials: Don't forget to check out our socials: | |||
| Turning Strangers into Friends | 05 Mar 2023 | 00:19:26 | |
In this episode Shandra recaps a recent solo trip she took to New York. She reveals the surprising mentality she uses while making friends on trips and the natural discomforts that accompany this. Yet, despite these discomforts, she explains why approaching strangers is essential to every trip because you never know who may change your life. Don't forget to check out our socials! | |||
| Travel Burnout | 19 Feb 2023 | 00:16:36 | |
What happens when that initial excitement of travel wears off and the go-go-go lifestyle isn’t as exciting as it was at the beginning of a trip? In this episode Shandra explains what travel burnout is and why every day of your travels simply can’t be the best day ever. She reveals this in her own experiences and how you can tackle travel burnout too. Don't forget to check out our socials! | |||
| How Dangerous Really Is Travel? | 05 Feb 2023 | 00:42:35 | |
In this episode, Shandra is joined with Michael Huxley, founder of the travel website Bemused Backpacker. As someone with over 20 years of experience traveling, Mike has a lot to share about the different dangers of travel and how to best prepare for a trip. They tackle topics of media portrayals, the validity of travel advisories and work to answer the question: how dangerous really is travel? Check out Mike's Socials: Don't forget to check out our socials! | |||
| What is Travel? | 22 Jan 2023 | 00:15:50 | |
After coming back from a trip that changed the way she views travel, Shandra tries to define what travel is and why people do it. Spoiler…she can’t. But she does explain why it is important for everyone to figure that out for themselves and why these definitions are constantly changing. Don't forget to check out our socials! | |||
| Travel the World for Free as a College Student | 20 Mar 2025 | 00:15:30 | |
I'm finally ready to reveal my secret... In my four years of college, I've gone on eight university funded trips. That's tens of thousands of dollars! I've visited different parts of the U.S., the Middle East, and Latin America, all on my university's dime. Today, I'm spilling all the details and showing you how you can hack this too. Listen in to learn the strategies and tips that can help you travel for free while in college! Disclaimer: This episode was recorded before a lot of the university crackdowns. If you have more questions about the current landscape of traveling as a college student, check out the instagram: @sunshine.dime and reach out! | |||
| Sickness and Injury Abroad | 11 Dec 2022 | 00:23:53 | |
In this episode, a coincidentally sniffly Shandra unpacks the inevitable: getting sick or injured while abroad. With much experience, and many stories, she explains how best to avoid it, mentally prepare, and tackle it when sickness or injury comes while abroad. | |||
| Couchsurfing | 04 Dec 2022 | 00:51:37 | |
In this episode Shandra is joined by Alex, a friend she met while traveling who has a lot to say about Couchsurfing. Alex explains the benefits of the lifestyle, tips for success, safety precautions, and many stories to tell from his experience hosting as well as meeting strangers through the site. This is another episode not to be missed! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @sunshinedimepodcast! | |||
| Travel Regret | 20 Nov 2022 | 00:23:14 | |
In this episode Shandra introduces the idea of travel regret. She explains how it is possible to come home from a trip feeling fulfilled and free of potential regrets. She also teaches how to change thought patterns with some simple tricks. And finally, she reveals how it is possible to bend time and get ahead of regrets before they even happen. | |||
| Mental Health Abroad | 13 Nov 2022 | 00:35:56 | |
On today’s episode Shandra interviews Jackie Paris, a licensed psychotherapist and world traveler. Jackie shares her extensive wisdom and breaks down the practice of maintaining a positive mental health while abroad, along with stories of her own adventures. | |||
| Budgeting: Before, During, and After | 06 Nov 2022 | 00:17:37 | |
In this episode, Shandra breaks down a few tips and tricks about how to spend and save your money. She covers it all- before your trip, during your travels, and after you get home (where you hopefully have some money left!) | |||
| Becoming Fluent in a Language Abroad | 30 Oct 2022 | 00:44:35 | |
On today’s episode, Shandra is joined by Anna, who gained fluency in Spanish through her study abroad experience in college. She now speaks it every day in her travels through Latin America. The two of them break down the process of learning any language, how essential it is to do it abroad, and crazy travel experiences along the way. | |||
| Life as a Travel Nomad | 15 Oct 2022 | 00:45:12 | |
On today’s episode Shandra interviews Lisa Green, a full-time travel nomad. Lisa is one of the many remote workers redefining the narrative of the ‘workplace’ and is doing it while living her dream life abroad. She answers every question from “How does this lifestyle work?” to “How can I make this happen for me?” This episode is not to be missed!
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| Hostel Hopping 101 | 01 Oct 2022 | 00:22:34 | |
In this episode, Shandra shares all of the secrets of hostel-hopping that she wished someone had told her before her first hostel experience. If you want to skip the trial-and-error of hostel-hopping, tune in to figure out how to navigate the world of hostels like a pro. | |||
| Travel Safety and Sensitivity | 24 Sep 2022 | 00:29:27 | |
In this episode, Shandra interviews Shari, a friend she met abroad, about safety practices and cultural sensitivity while traveling. Together, they tackle subjects from scamming, strangers, theft and more while exchanging many stories to relate. | |||
| Why I Started Traveling | 17 Sep 2022 | 00:19:49 | |
In our first episode back from a summer long hiatus, Shandra reveals where she recently traveled to, and what that trip meant for her. She also discusses the lead-up to becoming a young solo traveler, and why she chooses to prioritize travel as a full-time student. Stay tuned for lots more exciting content to come! | |||
| Coming Home with Amber Kavie | 31 Dec 2023 | 00:31:21 | |
What's it like to come home after a long and transformative time away? Shandra sits down with traveler Amber Kavie to discuss the hard and confusing parts of returning and how the definition of 'home' can be constantly changing. Make sure to check out Amber's socials: Instagram: @amberkavie TikTok: @travelingwithamber And don't forget to check out our website/blog at sunshineonadime.com | |||
| Travel After a Semester Abroad | 13 May 2022 | 00:27:15 | |
In this episode, Shandra is joined by Hannah Baron, a fellow BU student. Hannah spent a month backpacking after studying abroad in Europe, and her whole perspective on travel and the Western-working mentality changed forever. Listen in to learn about how to travel during and after a semester abroad, and how one trip can change your whole outlook on college, career and beyond. | |||
| The One Thing You MUST Do Before Traveling With Friends | 23 Apr 2022 | 00:16:08 | |
In this episode, Shandra reveals the most important thing that a traveler has to do before planning a trip with friends. She also explores some of the travel dynamics between partner and group travel. | |||
| Solo Travel: The Biggest Misconceptions | 13 Apr 2022 | 00:14:46 | |
In this episode, Shandra explains some misunderstandings about solo travel and reveals some of the hidden perks that come along with traveling alone. She walks through her realizations during her first solo trip and relates this to a new mindset entering into future adventures. So listen in this week for a firsthand account of someone who never expected to love traveling the world on her own! | |||
| Sunshine on a Dime Podcast Trailer | 02 Apr 2022 | 00:01:05 | |
For every reason that you say you can’t travel… Sunshine on a Dime will explain how and why you actually can. Embark with Shandra Back, a full-time college student and any-time traveler as she shares stories, interviews other travelers, and provides tips and resources to break down any barriers holding you back from buying that ticket. It doesn’t matter the budget, agenda, or whether or not you have a companion, listen in and get excited about all the adventure that awaits. | |||
| Pack Your Bags! | 28 Mar 2022 | 00:35:11 | |
For episode 3, Shandra and her travel companion Deva break down the travel essentials (and non-essentials) that they learned from their first trip together. This episode is truly packed with stories, insights and many lessons learned, so listen in and get your bags ready! | |||
| Traveling for FREE with Work Exchanges | 22 Mar 2022 | 00:39:06 | |
In this episode, Shandra is joined by full-time traveler Marine, who she met at her first work exchange. Together, they break down the ins and outs of work exchanges, along with some crazy Costa Rica stories and tips for living abroad. | |||
| Why You Actually CAN Travel | 14 Mar 2022 | 00:12:38 | |
In SOAD's first ever episode, Shandra breaks down the three most common reasons why people say they can’t travel, and explains how and why it actually is possible for anyone. | |||
| Long Distance Relationships with @danandchiara | 17 Dec 2023 | 00:30:53 | |
What's it like to date a traveler? In this episode Shandra sits down with content creators Dan and Chiara to break down misconceptions of being in a "fairytale" travel relationship. They discuss long distance struggles, advice and the hard decision of pursuing travel dreams at the risk of jeopardizing the relationship. Make sure to check out their socials! Insta: @danandchiara TikTok: @journeywithchiara And our website/blog: sunshineonadime.com | |||
| Planning Six Months in South America! | 03 Dec 2023 | 00:18:09 | |
In this episode, Shandra brings listeners along with her as she plans her next solo trip to South America in January. In many senses, taking this time off is the opposite of what she should be doing right now and she sits down to explain why she made the decision anyways despite the fears and apprehensions. | |||
| A Date in Every Country with Loni James | 12 Nov 2023 | 00:32:10 | |
Loni James uses dating apps to go on a date in every country. This episode Shandra sits down with her to recap these experiences and gain inspiration for her own future dates abroad. Check out Loni's socials here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesloni/ Blog: https://lonijames.com/https://lonijames.com/ | |||
| School Burnout | 29 Oct 2023 | 00:26:08 | |
Burnout can be a catalyst for a big life change. For Hannah, it was travel.
Today Shandra is rejoined with BU senior Hannah Baron. Last year Hannah took a gap year for herself and her mental health. With that came a lot of traveling and realizations.
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| Camping in Italy [video] | 15 Oct 2023 | 00:18:35 | |
In this episode Shandra recaps her experience buying a tent and spending a month camping in Italy. She dips into it all... the good, the bad and the stinky...
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| Couchsurfing Through Israel [video] | 01 Oct 2023 | 00:27:17 | |
In this episode, Shandra recaps her experience couch surfing through Israel for a month straight. This means spending ZERO dollars on accommodation! It does come with costs though... | |||