Stacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story

What happens when you mix rolling vineyards, crashing waves, and a lake so blue it looks Photoshopped? You get Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond's four-day adventure across Oregon. From sipping Pinot in the Willamette Valley to standing awestruck on the rim of Crater Lake, this whirlwind journey proves you don't need months off to pack in once-in-a-lifetime moments. Along the way, Joe and Crystal...

Why settle for one vacation story when you can get a whole passport's worth in a single episode?  Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy are joined by fellow wanderlusters from the Stacking Adventures community to swap tales that stretch from Main Street U.S.A. to the shores of Zakynthos. Think budget-friendly Disney hacks, Parisian magic, Chicago deep-dish memories, and the kind of Greek beach you onl...

What happens when you spend a year crisscrossing the globe (and occasionally your own backyard) with a microphone, an eye for hidden gems, and a love of a good travel story? You get twelve months of unforgettable moments, unexpected lessons, and more "Gear of the Day" picks than we can count. In this milestone episode of  Stacking Adventures , hosts Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy celebrate our...

Paris might be the City of Light, but if you're not careful, it can also be the City of "Why did I pay this much for  that ?" In this episode, Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy welcome travel expert Caroline O'Connell , author of Affordable Paris Hotels , to help you fall in love with Paris without falling into tourist traps—or questionable bedding situations (Crystal's unexpected bedbug encounter...

Ever daydreamed about stepping straight into the world of your favorite movie, book, or TV show? In this episode of  Stacking Adventures , Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy set off on a whirlwind journey through the destinations that captured their hearts—both the ones they've visited and the ones still waiting on their bucket lists. Some were inspired by Hollywood magic, others by literary pages,...

Dreaming of your next big hiking challenge? In this episode, Crystal and Joe welcome Darrow Kirkpatrick — retired financial writer, seasoned adventurer, and author of  Two Sticks, One Path . Darrow takes us along his trek across the Colorado Trail, sharing lessons that will inspire your own outdoor adventures, whether you're planning a weekend hike or a multi-week expedition. From practical packin...

What do you get when you mix Vatican politics, mafia secrets, fine art forgery, and a dash of gelato? Award-winning mystery author  Michael Balter joins us to share the real-life adventures that inspired his novel The Vatican Deal —a fast-paced thriller set against the backdrop of Rome, Florence, Naples, and Capri. But this episode isn't just about fiction. Michael brings stories from his own glob...

What happens when you mix millennia-old ruins, sun-drenched islands, and gourmet Greek cuisine? You get an unforgettable adventure—plus a podcast episode to match. In this wanderlust-packed episode of Stacking Adventures , hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond are joined by a very special guest: Joe's wife, Cheryl Saul-Sehy , a seasoned traveler with a keen eye for luxury, efficiency, and surpri...

Ready to take the scenic route? In this episode of Stacking Adventures , hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond fire up the engine of nostalgia and hit the metaphorical road to celebrate America's quirkiest, kitschiest, and most unforgettable roadside attractions. Whether it's a giant ball of twine, a hidden sea beneath Tennessee, or that magical place you stumbled upon because someone in the car...

Planning your first visit to Chicago?  Don't just snap a selfie at The Bean and call it a day—let  Stacking Adventures  hosts  Crystal Hammond  and  Joe Saul-Sehy  be your insider guides to one of America's most vibrant, layered, and delicious cities. In this jam-packed episode, Crystal and Joe serve up their personal Top 5 experiences every first-time visitor to the Windy City  has  to try—plus a...

Dreaming of the ultimate Disney World vacation—but not the sky-high price tag? This week on Stacking Adventures , we sit down with Kevin Payne from Family Money Adventure to help you create maximum magic without maxing out your wallet. Kevin brings the goods: How to make the most of Genie+ without losing your mind (or your place in line)   The best ways to dodge long waits and still hit all your m...

Ever wonder how to mix castles, kilts, and a couple of sheep with your golf game? In this episode of  Stacking Adventures , Doug takes us along for his journey through Scotland—complete with scenic views, unpredictable weather, questionable driving skills, and plenty of old-world charm. From teeing off next to livestock to dodging crowds at iconic tourist spots, Doug shares how to blend thoughtful...

Ready to time-travel without the flux capacitor? In this nostalgia-packed episode of Stacking Adventures , hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond hit the open road—metaphorically speaking—to explore some of America's most iconic roadside landmarks, unforgettable signage, and quirky attractions that make every road trip an adventure worth taking. Joining them is Americana enthusiast and Instagram-...

Think theme parks are just for kids? Think again. We heard people who are VERY MUCH adults sharing their stories today...as we asked YOU for your theme park tales. On this episode of  Stacking Adventures , hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond head to the gates of Cedar Point, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Holiday World, and beyond to relive the thrills, spills, and surprisingly refined etiquette...

Think cruises are just buffets and bingo? Think again. In this episode, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond hoist the anchor on all your cruising questions with travel agent Donna Pelletier (we call her the cruise director!)—who's seen it all from the Lido Deck to the lifeboats. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or still Googling "Do cruise ships have brakes?", we've got you covered. 🛳️ Donna...

What happens when your brother calls and says, "Want to meet me in Japan?" If you're Adventurer Cosette, you don't think twice. In this episode, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond sit down with Cosette to unpack a spontaneous, unforgettable journey that crisscrossed South Korea and Japan. From wandering Seoul's vibrant night markets and exploring the DMZ, to immersing herself in the peaceful...

Ever dream of ditching your deadlines for a hammock in Belize? Cris did just that—and she's not looking back. In this episode, we follow digital nomad and slow travel pro Cris , who's been globe-hopping since 2018 and swears by one golden rule: travel slower, live deeper. Her favorite spot to soak it all in? Belize . And after this episode, it might be yours too. From Placencia Village's laid-back...

Ever dreamt of riding the world's fastest roller coaster or discovering the next big Disney park  before the crowds? This week on Stacking Adventures , Crystal and Joe Saul-Sehy trade hiking boots for roller coaster harnesses in a theme park episode packed with thrills, insider tips, and laugh-out-loud travel tales. They're joined by legendary theme park journalist Robert Niles from Theme Park Ins...

What do you get when you mix alpine grandeur, French wine, and a few awkward encounters with public transportation? The trek of a lifetime. Joe and Crystal sit down with globe-trotting guest  David to relive his incredible Tour du Mont Blanc—an iconic hike that crosses France, Italy, and Switzerland. From cultural quirks to culinary delights (hello, croissants and polenta!), David shares what it's...

Is it  Caribbean or Caribbe-an ? We kick off this episode of Stacking Adventures with the great pronunciation debate—then head straight into a destination you can explore without needing a passport: Puerto Rico . Hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond welcome travel advisor Donna Pelletier from Vacations by Donna, who shares highlights from her recent pre-cruise mini-adventure in Puerto Rico. Whi...

Trading skills, transporting pigs, and building a life of freedom on the open road. What if instead of budgeting your way around the world, you bartered your way through it? In this episode of Stacking Adventures , hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond sit down with travel writer and full-time nomad Heather Jacks , who has turned bartering into an art form while living in her beloved bus, Bubba....

What happens when you ditch the itinerary, close the spreadsheet, and simply wander? In this episode, we meet Kate and Kimberly , two adventurous travelers who swapped rushed vacations for a months-long slow travel journey across Europe and Latin America. And trust us—it's not just about beautiful views (though there are plenty of those). They share with Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy what it's...

We're BACK in Thailand with YOU, and the stories are (as expected) all over the map, and incredible. From backpacking to ending up in the ER, you've had some southeast Asian adventures. So...what happens when your perfect travel plans meet reality? In this episode, we dive into real-life stories from travelers who found magic in the mayhem—and lessons in the chaos. You'll hear: Jesse Cramer's wild...

What happens when you take a bus to Travel Con, pack a Pilates bar, and chase the best local experiences? Crystal finds out. Crystal Hammond returns from Travel Con with her backpack full of insider tips, unexpected laughs, and some seriously useful travel hacks. From the moment she stepped on a shuttle in Tucson, this adventure was all about curiosity, connection, and clever ways to travel smarte...

  Is stacking just a fun pastime… or is there real science behind the obsession? Today, we go deep— clinically deep —into the phenomenon of stacking with Dr. Nicole Meli from Moreland Hills University, the leading researcher on the psychology and history behind our favorite pastime. Joining the conversation is Crystal Hammond , world record holder in Lego stacking (yes, really), and Joe Saul-Sehy...