Across New Skies

In this episode of Across New Skies , Jessica sits down with her cousin Amerie to revisit her very first experience abroad. At just 14 years old, Amerie left for a study program in Seville, Spain—an adventure that came with challenges no one could have predicted. Her story weaves together the excitement of independence, the struggles of being far from home, and the resilience it takes to adapt whe...

In this episode of Across New Skies, things get a little personal—host Jessica steps into the guest chair to share the story of her first international trip abroad: Iceland, December 2017. Interviewed by returning guest Juan Ysaguirre, Jessica opens up about what led her to this impulsive winter adventure, the unexpected (but somehow fitting) travel companion she brought along, and how the experie...

In this episode of Across New Skies, Marissa takes us to Japan for her first international adventure… a trip that started with nerves, parental worry, and a few tech hiccups… but turned into a journey of confidence, exploration, and repeat visits. She shares what it was like navigating Tokyo, adjusting to culture shock, and finding joy in unexpected places. From international driving permits to po...

In this special episode of Across New Skies, we take a quick detour from our usual guest stories and head to the Layover Lounge—a place to pause, reflect, and dive into some of the technical and logistical parts of international travel. Host Jessica covers topics that came up in the first four episodes, including the passport process, travel documents, carry-on vs. checked baggage, customs, and mo...

In this episode of Across New Skies, Sharon shares her joyful, unpredictable, and sometimes nerve-wracking first trip overseas to Israel. From airport surprises to unexpected challenges on the ground, her story is filled with warmth, humor, and that unstoppable love for new experiences. She talks about what it felt like to face her fear of heights on a mountain lift, and the moments that reminded...

In this episode of Across New Skies, Monte shares the story of his first trip overseas to visit a friend in New Zealand. What starts as a simple journey quickly unfolds into something deeper—facing the fear of flying over the ocean, being welcomed into someone else’s home, and finding unexpected reminders of his own family and upbringing. Outside of travel, Monte is known for his work in the film...

In this episode of Across New Skies, Juan shares the story of his first trip overseas. He and his wife traveled to London and Dublin. Their fun adventure turned into an experience that taught Juan a lot about himself. He reflects on what it meant to be seen simply as “American” abroad, and how that contrasted with his deep identity as a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. From being a wide-eyed tour...

Welcome to the very first episode of Across New Skies. A podcast where Native stories take flight. In this debut episode, Jessica sits down with Rae, who shares the story of her first trip overseas to India. From booking flights and battling airports... to experiencing joy in a different culture. Rae opens up about what it meant to carry her Native identity across the world. It’s honest, funny, re...

Welcome to Across New Skies, a podcast where Native voices share their most unforgettable stories of traveling overseas for the first time—leaving behind the lands they’ve always known.... for something unknown.  Each episode brings you personal, heartfelt accounts from Native travelers, offering a mix of humor, vulnerability, and a hint of culture. From discovering new places to dealing with home...