My Solo Chronicles
Real Stories of Bold Moves and Braver Moments Welcome to a space where solo adventures take center stage. Whether it’s traveling solo, attending events on my own, or embracing the great outdoors, I share personal stories of stepping outside my comfort zone—with safety always a top priority. Along the way, I’ve met incredible people and experienced unforgettable (and often hilarious) moments that have shaped my journey. But this isn’t just about my story. I’ll also feature fellow solo explorers who’ve dared to venture into the unknown, proving that you don’t always need company to have an amazing time. Each episode is here to inspire you to live boldly, embrace independence, and discover the joy of doing things on your own. Because sometimes, the best adventures begin when you go solo.
Episodes
After almost a year of living and working overseas in Japan, it was time to make the long journey back to California. In this episode of My Solo Chronicles, I share the story of my solo drive from my hometown in Michigan back to Los Angeles—a trip that gave me plenty of time to reflect on the experiences, challenges, and memories from my year abroad.
What made this journey unique wasn't just the miles on the roa...
What happens when life forces you to start over—and you finally decide to choose yourself?
In this final part of this 3-part series, I wrap up my conversation with Coretta, discussing the deeply personal journey from childhood trauma, her divorce, and what led her into a season of solo living, self-discovery, and faith.
Coretta shares how serving in the military shaped her, what it was like navigating loneliness after...
What happens when life forces you to start over—and you finally decide to choose yourself?
In this second part of this 3-part series, I continue my conversation with Coretta, discussing the deeply personal journey from childhood trauma, her divorce, and what led her into a season of solo living, self-discovery, and faith.
Coretta shares how serving in the military shaped her, what it was like navigating loneliness aft...
What happens when life forces you to start over—and you finally decide to choose yourself?
In this episode of My Solo Chronicles, I sit down with Coretta Ponder to talk about the deeply personal journey from childhood trauma, her divorce, and what led her into a season of solo living, self-discovery, and faith.
Coretta shares how serving in the military shaped her, what it was like navigating loneliness after moving t...
What keeps you going when the distance feels heavy?
What makes the sacrifice worth it?
In this episode of My Solo Chronicles, Mike shares his story of working cross-country for years in the airline industry — living miles and time zones away from his wife and children.
While his family built their daily life back home, Mike built a career from hotel rooms, early departures, and long stretches of absence. His versi...
In this new episode of My Solo Chronicles, we explore the question “What’s your why?” through Barbara’s powerful and deeply personal story.
Barbara reflects on her journey as a Black female entrepreneur in the cosmetic industry, in the late 70s, which includes a pivotal moment when she had to travel to New York just to source products/ingredients suitable for women of color, that weren’t available elsewhere. What sta...
In this episode of What's Your Why, DQ shares why she chooses to travel solo and how those experiences have shaped her confidence, self-awareness, and sense of purpose. She talks about the lessons learned on the road, the freedom of moving alone, and why solo travel can be one of the most transformative ways to understand your "why".
In this first episode of this four-part series, What's Your Why, I start with my own story. After losing my mom in 2016, grief became the unexpected catalyst that pushed me towards doing life solo. What began as a way to cope slowly with my mom's passing, quickly began to transform into a way to honor her - by saying yes to experiences she never had the chance to live.
I reflect on how my mother's lega...
I left the U.S. for Japan for eight months—and came back changed. In “The Return Home,” I reflect on returning to the U.S. after living and working in Japan, and the emotional complexity of coming home to a life that no longer feels the same. This episode explores reverse culture shock, shifting identity, and the quiet disorientation of reintegrating after long-term solo living abroad. From unpacking suitcases to un...
This brief episode is a quick check-in to let you know that My Solo Chronicles is taking a short pause. After 30 episodes of amazing solo travel stories and reflections, I’m taking some time to reimagine what’s next — exploring not just solo travel, but all the ways we can embrace doing things alone, from everyday adventures to personal growth. I’ll be back soon with fresh ideas, new energy, and more stories to shar...
In this two-part episode, Corinne shares her leap from college graduation straight into the unknown: moving to Japan to begin her career. With little more than determination and curiosity, she navigated the transition from student life in the U.S. to building a new life abroad.
From the challenges of adapting to a new workplace culture to the everyday surprises of living in Japan, Corinne’s story highlights the coura...
In this two-part episode, Corinne shares her leap from college graduation straight into the unknown: moving to Japan to begin her career. With little more than determination and curiosity, she navigated the transition from student life in the U.S. to building a new life abroad.
From the challenges of adapting to a new workplace culture to the everyday surprises of living in Japan, Corinne’s story highlights the coura...
In this special two-part episode, Megan goes to Tanzania, not just as a solo traveler, but a part of the Peace Corps—bringing her unique perspective as she speaks about the deep cultural ties and her adventurous spirit, as she takes us beyond the tourist trails into the heart of the country, she once called home.
From the everyday rhythms of Tanzanian life, Megan shares both the raw challenges and the transformative ...
In this special two-part episode, Megan goes to Tanzania, not just as a solo traveler, but a part of the Peace Corps—bringing her unique perspective as she speaks about the deep cultural ties and her adventurous spirit, as she takes us beyond the tourist trails into the heart of the country, she once called home.
From the everyday rhythms of Tanzanian life, Megan shares both the raw challenges and the transformative ...
Exploring what happens when you have a desire to learn a different language, and that desire takes you LITERALLY out of the country!
In this poetic and personal 2-part episode series of My Solo Chronicles, I sit down with Prism, who as a student in 2018, spent a transformative year alone in Germany. We trace the inner and outer landscapes of her solo journey—from taking on the challenge of climbing 533-spiral stairs...
Exploring what happens when you have a desire to learn a different language, and that desire takes you LITERALLY out of the country!
In this poetic and personal 2-part episode series of My Solo Chronicles, I sit down with Prism, who as a student in 2018, spent a transformative year alone in Germany. We trace the inner and outer landscapes of her solo journey—from taking on the challenge of climbing 533-spiral stairs...
When a solo trek across the U.S. at just 15 sparks a lifelong curiosity about the world beyond your front door, it can set the course for a life of bold adventures. In this three-part series, I sit down with bestselling author, producer, director, and podcaster Wells Jones to explore the early travels that fueled his passion for discovery—and ultimately led him to places most only dream about.
From serving as a parar...
When a solo trek across the U.S. at just 15 sparks a lifelong curiosity about the world beyond your front door, it can set the course for a life of bold adventures. In this three-part series, I sit down with bestselling author, producer, director, and podcaster Wells Jones to explore the early travels that fueled his passion for discovery—and ultimately led him to places most only dream about.
From serving as a parar...
When a solo trek across the U.S. at just 15 sparks a lifelong curiosity about the world beyond your front door, it can set the course for a life of bold adventures. In this three-part series, I sit down with bestselling author, producer, director, and podcaster Wells Jones to explore the early travels that fueled his passion for discovery—and ultimately led him to places most only dream about.
From serving as a parar...
"A Japanese garden is thought of as a living canvas". ~ Adachi Zenko (1899-1990)
What do you get when you put together 2000 pieces of art that include a collection of modern Japanese paintings, and 165,000 square meters of gardens? The Adachi Museum of Art! I can finally say that this is a museum that I can check off my "to visit" list and a museum that is unmatched. Walking through this beautiful...
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