Had To Be There

🎉 Episode 100, can you believe it?! 🎉 And for this milestone, we’re pulling back the curtain on the magic with a very special guest—a former Walt Disney Imagineer ! In this episode, we dive into the creativity, innovation, and behind-the-scenes stories that bring Disney’s most beloved attractions to life. From concept to reality, our guest shares what it’s really like to be part of the team that...

Meet Dominique Mann, a versatile writer, storyteller, and passionate traveler! Join us as Dominique takes us deep into her transformative journey in the Amazon rainforest. Plus, hear how her personal heritage inspires her travel dreams, including a future journey to Italy, and discover the art of creative storytelling in the digital age. Don't forget to leave us a Google review: Review us here...

Meet Jo , an intrepid explorer of inner and outer worlds. Educator, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, martial arts student, and writer, Jo's life is a tapestry of incredible experiences. Join us as she takes us deep into the jungle of Borneo for a true Had To Be There moment with a local tribe, sharing a story that will leave you in awe of the power of human connection and adventure....

Meet Catryn , a corporate-powerhouse-turned-spiritual-Indiana-Jones. Join us as she shares her Had To Be There experience on the Isle of Skye , where a mysterious vision of a Celtic warrior goddess kicked off the adventure of a lifetime. Don't forget to leave us a Google review:  ⁠Review us here!⁠ Find us on GoodPods:  ⁠Listen here!⁠ Connect with Catryn Becker : Website: ⁠https://optimizewe.co...

Meet Jeff , COO of Altitude Water, passionate traveler, and advocate for sustainable solutions! Join us in this episode as Jeff shares his experiences exploring diverse cultures in countries like Colombia, Costa Rica, and beyond. From the warm reception in Cartagena to the natural beauty of Costa Rica, Jeff reflects on how understanding local cultures enhances the travel experience. He also dives...

Meet Andy , an inspiring adventurer who transformed his life by overcoming addiction and embracing physical challenges and travel. In this episode, Andy shares his journey from the remote Shetland Islands to tackling the Tour de France course and reaching Everest Base Camp . He discusses how asking himself to change became the turning point in his sobriety and led to his passion for adventure trav...

Meet Don , retired airline pilot, world traveler, and author of Where We Land ! In this episode, Don shares his fascinating journey from a small town in Nebraska to the skies, reflecting on his love for aviation and his career highlights. From the joys and challenges of being a pilot to humorous stories—like the time a passenger's dog joined him in the cockpit—Don offers an insider's perspective o...

Meet Cheryl Fischer , host of the OMG Teach Me podcast, mindset coach, and seasoned traveler! Join us in this episode as Cheryl takes us to Dubai, sharing her thrilling experiences during a rare desert rainstorm and the exciting adventures she had, from exploring the iconic Burj Khalifa to embarking on a desert tour. Cheryl also offers insights into the evolving culture of the UAE, what it's like...

Meet Risa August , a seasoned traveler, adventurer, and author! In this inspiring episode, Risa shares her journey from Canada to Mexico on a bike, overcoming challenges, and embracing new experiences along the way. Plus, hear all about her book, The Road Unpaved: Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike , and how she's inspiring others with her mindset and determination. Don't forget to lea...

Meet Stephen , a Master Teacher of Tai Qi Chuan, Navy veteran, and lifelong adventurer! Join us in this captivating episode as Stephen shares his experiences in the beautiful islands of Fiji and unveils his latest book, Who They Are and What They're Up To —a fascinating dive into four generations of alien encounters. Don't forget to leave us a GOOGLE review: Review Link Find us on GoodPods...

Meet Indra , a lifetime spiritual seeker, healer, and teacher! Join us in this transformative episode as Indra shares his experience ringing in a new millennium at the very place where Buddha attained enlightenment. Looking for the VIDEO VERSION of this episode? Keep an eye out on our YouTube channel! Don't forget to leave us a GOOGLE review: Review Link Find us on GoodPods: GoodPods Link . Co...

Meet Csongor , traveler, bioenergy healer, and motorcycle aficionado! Join us as Csongor discusses how travel has impacted his life and shares his "Had To Be There" moment in Romania! Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon to YouTube, probably someday. Leave us a GOOGLE review: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://g.page/r/Cd_aO9Np6DPJEB0/review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find us on GoodPods: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://goodpods...

Meet Tara! Join this travel expert extraordinaire as she whisks us away to the vibrant island nation of Cuba! In this episode, Tara spills the tea on Cuba's stunning scenery, welcoming locals, unhurried pace, and unique experiences. We'll even get a taste of a hilarious "Had to Be There Moment" where cultural differences lead to an unforgettable adventure! This episode is your ja...

Meet Ralph , professional travel photographer and international tour organizer. Join us as Ralph takes us to the Republic of Georgia where he had quite the "Had To Be There" moment trying to cross into Armenia! Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon (eventually... maybe?) to YouTube. Leave us a GOOGLE review: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://g.page/r/Cd_aO9Np6DPJEB0/review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Fin...

🌍 Welcome to a new chapter of wanderlust on the "Had to Be There Podcast"! Join your guide, Kelly Acevedo, as she embarks on the third year of exploring the world, one story at a time. In this Season 3 trailer, Kelly reflects on the incredible journey so far, and those who have been along for the ride. But hold on, because this year is different – it's an adventure upgraded! Get rea...

Meet Michelle , travel blogger, educator, and foodie. Join us as Michelle takes us to Zihuatanejo, Mexico where she had a spontaneous tour of the former home to a mobster! Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon (eventually...) to YouTube. Leave us a GOOGLE review: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://g.page/r/Cd_aO9Np6DPJEB0/review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find us on GoodPods: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://goodpods.app.link/hEHaS9GP...

Meet Kim , a lawyer living a nomadic lifestyle. Join us as Kim takes us on a trip to Guatemala where she awoke to a fascinating surprise. Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon (eventually...) to YouTube. Leave us a GOOGLE review: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://g.page/r/Cd_aO9Np6DPJEB0/review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find us on GoodPods: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://goodpods.app.link/hEHaS9GPSCb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out the inaugural epis...

Meet R.C. , author, retiree, and traveler. Join us as R.C. shares a story of an unlikely person showing up in a most unlikely place! Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon to YouTube. Leave us a GOOGLE review: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://g.page/r/Cd_aO9Np6DPJEB0/review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find us on GoodPods: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://goodpods.app.link/hEHaS9GPSCb⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out the trailer for the upcoming ⁠⁠⁠Poltergeist...

Meet Alastair , author, traveler, and our new surrogate British-Canadian grandfather! Join us as Alastair shares just some of the incredible stories he's collected throughout his life. Part 2 coming soon! Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon to YouTube. Leave us a GOOGLE review: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://g.page/r/Cd_aO9Np6DPJEB0/review⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find us on GoodPods: ⁠⁠⁠https://goodpods.app.l...

Meet Bob , a real estate agent who has cheated death and found real meaning in his life! Join us as Bob lets us tag along to the town of Stalybridge to visit friends he made on a cruise. Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon to YouTube. Leave us a GOOGLE review: ⁠⁠⁠https://g.page/r/Cd_aO9Np6DPJEB0/review⁠⁠⁠ Find us on GoodPods: ⁠⁠https://goodpods.app.link/hEHaS9GPSCb⁠⁠ Check o...

Meet Dara, a globetrotting travel writer with a taste for adventure! Join us as Dara transports us to the enchanting world of Chiang Mai, Thailand, where she spent a month living inside a mushroom, and shares a story that will redefine your perspective on life's true treasures. Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon to YouTube. Leave us a GOOGLE review: ⁠⁠https://g.page/r/C...

Meet Meghann and Zach, the husband and wife duo not taking a moment of life for granted as they take hikes, road trips and explore the world together. Join us as they share the Had To Be There experience hiking Havasupai at the Grand Canyon. Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon to YouTube. Leave us a GOOGLE review: ⁠⁠https://g.page/r/Cd_aO9Np6DPJEB0/review⁠⁠ Find us on GoodPo...

Meet Gary, a former engineer and lawyer turned author. Join us as he shares his spontaneous Had To Be There experience climbing Annapurna - and all the adventures he had along the way. Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon to YouTube. Leave us a GOOGLE review: ⁠https://g.page/r/Cd_aO9Np6DPJEB0/review⁠ Find us on GoodPods: https://goodpods.app.link/hEHaS9GPSCb   Connect with Ga...

Meet Yaneck, the owner of WASIO Photography and a passionate adventure motorcyclist. Join us as he recounts the exhilarating Had To Be There experience of his (would-be) cross-state motorcycle expedition from San Diego to Utah. Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon to YouTube. Leave us a GOOGLE review: https://g.page/r/Cd_aO9Np6DPJEB0/review   Connect with Yaneck Wasiek:  Webs...

Meet Leia, who has been a writer, an editor, a nonprofit president, a library page, and an educator over the past twenty years. Join us as this military spouse and mother of 4 (by birth and adoption) shares the Had To Be There experience she had climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Looking for the VIDEO VERSION on this episode? Coming soon to YouTube.   Connect with Leia Johnson:  Facebook: htt...