The WHY Matters

In this episode of The WHY Matters Podcast, Jessica and Will Serro open up about the untold realities of 10 years of full-time travel as a family, and what happens when the road doesn’t magically fix what’s going on inside. In a raw and insightful conversation originally aired on the Zero to Travel podcast with host Jason Moore, they explore how travel can both unravel and rebuild you.

From mental health breakdowns to parenting teen...

In this episode of The WHY Matters Podcast, we unpack the beautifully chaotic life of full-time travelers and what it really means to "sell it all and go." From ditching suburban routines to chasing connection across continents, WorldTowning founders Jessica and Will dive deep into the emotional, financial, and relational side of radically redefining home.

Through honest stories, hard-won lessons, and powerful reframes, we...

In this episode of The WHY Matters Podcast, we tackle the hidden value of university education - beyond the paycheck. From hiking the Appalachian Trail of intellectual growth to cramming into the tiny dorm room of modern skepticism, we explore why higher education is about more than just degrees and job prospects.

Through personal stories and eye-opening stats, we break down how university reshapes worldviews, sparks unexpected...

In this episode of The WHY Matters Podcast, we tackle the growing distrust of education and expertise in today’s world. Through personal stories and hard facts, we break down what anti-intellectualism really means - and why it matters more than ever. From our son’s chaotic Spirit Airlines nightmare to our daughter’s life-changing college experience, we explore how real learning happens when curiosity meets opportunity.

Drawing...

In this  episode of The WHY Matters Podcast, we unpack the unplanned year-long dry spell that reshaped our relationship - from hiking the Appalachian Trail in separate states to sharing a one-room hotel with our teenage son. Through candid stories and hard-won insights, we explore how intimacy evolves (or collapses) under extreme circumstances, and why physical connection is about far more than sex.

Drawing from our decade of f...

In this episode of The WHY Matters podcast, we dive into the language we use with our children by exploring how common phrases, often passed down through generations, can unintentionally shape their self-esteem, emotional intelligence, and sense of identity. Drawing from a decade of parenting and full-time travel, we share personal stories, research-backed insights, and practical alternatives to foster a healthier, more supportive ...

In this episode we dive into our kealth kick—a commitment to thriving, not just surviving, as they age. Drawing from a decade of full-time travel, we share hard-won insights on exercise, diet (goodbye caffeine, alcohol, and sugar!), meditation, and sleep hygiene. We reveal the apps (MyFitnessPal, Apple Health) and mindset shifts powering our progress, plus the real challenges of sustaining this lifestyle on the road. From BMI debat...

In this episode we interview our close friend Doug, an experienced meditation practitioner and teacher. We delve into the profound benefits of meditation, sharing personal stories and insights on how meditation has helped us handle stress, improve interpersonal relationships, and discover our authentic selves. Doug discusses his journey from curiosity to becoming a certified meditation instructor, his experiences with silent retrea...

In this episode of the Why Matters podcast, we) delve into the differences and unique experiences of hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT) compared to the Camino Francés. We cover a wide range of topics, including preparation, gear, cultural experiences, and the physical and emotional challenges of each trail. Jessica shares personal anecdotes and insights from her own hikes, and we discuss the profound impact these long-distance treks...

In this episode, we discuss the financial challenges of living in the United States after a decade of full-time travel. We share various strategies and hacks they employ to manage expenses, focusing on accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. Highlights include using Black Friday deals for long-term hotel stays, leveraging the Too Good To Go app for discounted meals, maximizing credit card points, and taking advantag...

Today, we’re diving into the messy, scary, and sometimes hilarious world of pivots. Spoiler alert: pivots are not easy, but they’re necessary for growth, fulfillment, and chasing those big dreams.

We kick things off with a little update from sunny (well, 16-degree) New Jersey, where we’re currently thawing out from winter and reminiscing about the best pizza we’ve had in ages (shoutout to Mama’s Love Pizza in Roxbury, NJ—seriou...

In this episode, we discuss our passion for documenting life and the reasons behind it.We’ll take you through our journey of capturing memories through various mediums like vlogs, blogs, photos, and, most recently, a book. Jessica shares her experience of writing her upcoming book, which highlights a transformative journey on the Appalachian Trail with our son. We also explore the importance of documenting life, whether for persona...

In this episode of the Why Matters podcast, hosts Jessica and Will welcome their son Largo, also known as Captain Sueiro, to discuss their extensive six-month hike on the Appalachian Trail. They delve into their experiences, from the reasons for undertaking the hike to the unique dynamics of hiking together as mother and son. The episode touches on schooling on the trail, the challenges and joys of daily vlogging while hiking, the ...

We return after a long hiatus, joined by our daughter Avalon Sueiro.

We discuss Avalon's journey in reviving the dormant CMU College Democrats club at Carnegie Mellon University. Avalon, a junior student at the Tepper School of Business, shares her experiences in political activism, organizing events, and overcoming challenges, including leading an effort to paint the campus fence following an election loss. The episo...

Want to know our secret to a 24-year marriage?

In this episode, we share how important it is to have shared adventures while also supporting personal projects. In our relationship, we reject traditional gender roles, allowing ourselves to do anything to help each other. Maintaining a youthful mindset, effective communication, and a deep understanding of each other have been life-changing for us!

Welcome to 'The Why Mat...

What would you do for a memory?

Despite battling tendonitis, I reflect on my memories and the sacrifices I'm willing to make for them. I open up about my struggles with perfectionism, the physical pain of my injury, and my deep desire to prioritize experiences over material possessions. As I prepare to rejoin the hike, I hope to inspire you to consider your own "whys" and the lengths you would go to create meanin...

Are we letting Largo hike the AT Trail alone?

Largo recently asked if we would allow him to finish the trail alone if Jessica couldn't continue. Life is full of uncertainties, and if Jessica is unable to finish, we would permit Largo to continue under specific guidelines. As he grows older, he needs less of our assistance and more opportunities to navigate life independently. Allowing him to experience this journey will he...

One of the best ways to overcome perfectionism is to celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. Each step forward is progress.

We haven't been posting for a while, and it's been hard for us because of Jessica's perfectionism. People's judgments hit us hard and really take a toll, pushing us to strive for perfection. We need to embrace the small steps of this journey. Our practical advi...

Trigger Warning: We will discuss about sexual abuse. This may be triggering for you. We respect your decision to skip this episode. Listen again when we are back to our regular programming. 

“The healing begins, but it doesn't happen immediately.”

One in six men experiences sexual abuse or assault. People do not see the aftermath of the trauma; many hide it, and it causes them to crumble. You have to understand that de...