Busy Gallivanting

In this New Year reflection episode, Leslie looks back on a year shaped by growth, grief, and emotional transformation, and shares how those experiences reshaped her approach to creativity, career challenges, and relationships. Rather than rushing toward resolutions, she reflects on the lessons of intentional living, self-trust, and learning to offer herself more grace. This episode explores what...

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting, I’m joined by Kate as we explore Yosemite National Park — one of the most iconic, photographed, and awe-inspiring destinations in the U.S. We share our full experience from wandering among the ancient Giant Sequoias in Mariposa Grove to standing at Tunnel View , taking in the panoramic sweep of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. We talk about the beau...

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting , I’m joined by Lauren Wallace , a licensed mental health counselor who shares insights on how culture, identity, and family expectations shape the way we experience our emotions. We explore the unique challenges faced by the Asian diaspora, the roles eldest daughters often take on, and how patterns of perfectionism and people-pleasing can lead to anxiety. Laur...

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting , I’m joined by Fiorella Yriberry — the creator behind @growingslowandwild — to talk about what a slow and wild nomadic lifestyle really looks like. After five years of full-time RV living, she’s learned how van life can offer freedom, comfort, and a deep connection to nature, all while navigating remote work, community, and the emotional ups and downs of life...

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting , I’m sharing stories from my solo trip to Charleston, South Carolina — a city that completely surprised me. What started as a spontaneous getaway turned into an unexpected connection to the South: from wandering through pastel-lined streets and exploring centuries-old architecture to savoring the café and boutique culture that gives Charleston its quiet charm....

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting , I’m kicking off Season Three with life updates, reflection, and a sense of renewal. From navigating a full home renovation to taking a solo trip through the South, this season explores what it means to rebuild from the inside out. I’m diving deeper into mental health, spirituality, and personal growth — while still celebrating the travel experiences that cont...

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting , I’m opening up about my mental health journey in my 30s—sharing what it was like to get diagnosed with bipolar disorder, start mood stabilizers, and shift my healing practices to prioritize boundaries, rest, and self-worth. On my 32nd birthday, I’m reflecting on what it really means to be busy being —not performing, not hustling, but just existing, gently and...

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting, I’m sharing a peaceful and memorable day in Normandy, centered around a long-awaited visit to Mont-Saint-Michel. I’d been dreaming of seeing this UNESCO World Heritage Site for years—and it absolutely lived up to the magic. From wandering the tidal island’s medieval streets to reflecting briefly on Normandy’s World War II history, this day offered a rare chanc...

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting , I’m revealing the secrets of Paris —my favorite lesser-known tours and hidden experiences from my recent solo trip. While Paris might not have completely won me over, these off-the-beaten-path adventures made me see the city in a whole new way. From a Paris ghost tour that dives into the eerie side of the city’s history to a speakeasy crawl through hidden coc...

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting , I’m sharing my first impressions and honest reflections from a two-week solo trip to Paris, France. I knew I wasn’t really a “Paris girl” before I even arrived, but I wanted to experience the city firsthand. Along the way, I navigated cultural differences—from the importance of greeting shop owners with “bonjour” to figuring out what it’s really like to be a...

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes mentions of suicide and suicidal ideation. Please take care while listening, and skip if needed. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for free, 24/7 support. In this episode of Busy Gallivanting , I’m answering your questions—everything from my current favorite fragrance to how I manage mental h...

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting , we’re diving into some of the biggest travel pain points—those unexpected medical mishaps that turn your trip sideways. Join me and my travel partner-in-crime, Kate (@katherinehere on Instagram), as I revisit the time I managed to sprain both ankles on a solo trip to Costa Rica (yes, both!), and Kate shares the intense story of how she stepped in to save a ma...

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting , join me and my travel partner-in-crime, Kate (@katherinehere on Instagram), as we uncover the best of Belize’s coast and ancient history. From snorkeling in the vibrant Hol Chan Marine Reserve to basking in the beauty of Secret Beach, we take you on a journey through one of the Caribbean’s most enchanting destinations. We’ll explore the underwater wonders of...

Explore Scotland’s island distilleries and discover what makes whisky culture on Skye and Mull so unforgettable In this Roundtrip episode, I revisit Scotland’s iconic whisky regions, diving into the rich, peaty world of Scotch whisky tasting on the Isle of Skye and Isle of Mull . Join me as I reflect on my first solo tasting at Talisker Distillery , known for its maritime character and smoky singl...

What happens when the spring break destination we’ve seen on TV doesn’t match the reality? In this episode, I’m coming clean about my own Cabo San Lucas spring break—one that turned out to be far more soulful and surprising than the party-centric version we’ve come to expect from shows like Laguna Beach . From camel rides along the coast to unforgettable local meals, and reconnecting with familiar...

Why are we drawn to real-life movie and book locations? In this episode, we unpack the magnetic pull of film sets, book settings, and the landscapes our favorite characters once walked—even if only in fiction. From misty moors to neon-lit city corners, there's something deeply human about wanting to step into the world we've imagined. I also share my experience taking a storytelling-based color as...

From staying in iconic music video locations in Wynwood, Miami to glamping across from Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano and enjoying a rooftop pool in San Juan, Puerto Rico , we’re sharing all our Airbnb stories this week on Busy Gallivanting ! We’re chatting about the most unforgettable Airbnbs we’ve stayed in, the ones that fell short, and how we decide when to choose an Airbnb over a hotel. Whet...

In this month's episode of the Yappy Gal Q&A, join me in real time as I share my beauty favorites, skincare routine, and haircare tips. Whether you're a skincare enthusiast or looking for new beauty products, this episode has something for everyone. In this episode, we’ll cover: My top drugstore beauty brands and skincare products A simple skincare routine for breakout-prone skin My pe...

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting , we explore how female solo travel can unlock personal growth and healing, including reconnecting with your inner child. We share practical tips for staying safe and confident while traveling alone, but also dive into the transformative power of stepping out of your comfort zone. Solo travel is not just about exploring new places, but also about discovering ne...

Spring cleaning season is upon us and not just our physical spaces but our mental and spiritual ones, as well! In today's episode, we're diving into my recent experiences with soundbath reiki and Akashic/Kundalini Reiki. I've talked about my experiences with the Akashic Records in Episodes 7, 11 , and 31 so if you want to learn more about past life regression, check out those episodes...

Everyone knows about Ibiza but Ibiza is the smallest of the Balearic Islands . Today, we share our adventures of the two lesser known islands: Mallorca and Menorca. Mallorca is popular with Brits and Germans but still widely unknown to Americans and Menorca is a true, untouched hidden gem. We spend a week on these islands and discuss the natural beauty, things to do, and of course, the usual shena...

A foodie's perspective as we travel through Madrid! This is part one of our Spain story where we focus on the Spanish capital and our day trips to nearby Toledo and Segovia. We spent about 4 days altogether in Madrid and found that was enough time to see the "major sights" while also stumbling upon some unexpected enjoyment. Churros, tapas, and wine were of course some highlights for...

Travel to Norway with me and let's escape to the Land of the Trolls and the inspiration for Disney's Frozen . Bergen, Geiranger, and Ålesund, we're talking about these three Norwegian cities. I detail my visits to these iconic locales, the UNESCO world heritage sites of Bryggen, Geirangerfjord, and the Art Nouveau Center of Ålesund. Hikes, kayaking, and beautiful viewpoints— I list them all in thi...

We're talking relationships, friendships, long-distance, sex, red flags, green flags, and marriage. Two best friends in their 30's evaluating everything they've learned in the last decade when it comes to love, self-worth, and how to level up in your love life. We discuss our past relationships, realizing we were being love bombed, how to have a healthy break-up, and attracting, not ch...

In today's episode, I dive into my blitz of a trip to London. I went for 2.5 days to kick off my 2-week birthday trip throughout Northern Europe. I landed on my 30th birthday in London and didn't quite stop until I was flying back home from Iceland. My best friend @chrisjunebug joins me on today's episode as a certified Anglophile who has never been to England! She asks me what was different from...