Welcome back to an exhilarating journey with Kate, an intrepid traveler and true outlier. Brace yourself as we dive into captivating narratives that will tantalize your senses and awaken your wanderlust.
I first crossed paths with Kate at the airport enroute to the MEETINGS NZ trade show, and from that moment, our shared passion for exploration forged an instant connection. Our mutual love for Africa was just the beginning.
Kate's fervor for wildlife conservation and sustainable travel shines through in every tale she shares. Get ready to be transported to the lush jungles of Rwanda, where gorilla trekking becomes an immersive experience of a lifetime. Venture with her into the untamed environs of Papua New Guinea , South Africa and beyond.
As the founder and owner of Captured Travel Media, Kate is not just a traveler but a crusader for our planet. Her adventures are not merely escapades; they carry a deeper purpose of preserving our natural wonders. Through her lens as an editor and travel journalist, Kate unveils the soul-stirring essence of diverse cultures and ecosystems.
Join us as we unravel the extraordinary life of Kate Webster, a globe-trotter, ocean enthusiast, and relentless advocate for conservation. By the end of this episode, you might find yourself booking a ticket to Rwanda in a heartbeat, inspired by Kate's infectious zeal for meaningful travel.
Get ready to embark on a voyage of discovery and passion with Kate. This is not just a podcast; it's an invitation to embrace the world with open arms and a conscious heart.
Go Well, Live in Joy, Ciao!
Monique!
Links
Kate Webster
https://capturedtravel.com/author/katewp
Africa Beat (Gorilla trekking, Rwanda) https://africabeat.com.au
The Boffola Podcast proudly acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognize their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout South East Queensland.
Cathy Brown was only thirty-three, married with two young children aged six and eight when she was diagnosed with melanoma. After the tumours were examined, she was informed that she had two months to two years to live and that chemotherapy and radiotherapy were not an option. She was devastated. she wanted to see her children grow up. She wanted to travel and to live her life.
Cathy shares how this diagnosis, this ‘event’ challenged every belief she had ever had about life but ultimately guided her towards a significant transformation of her mind, body, and soul. She shares how she did not see herself as a ‘victim of cancer,’ but that she could use this time to empower herself and start to live the life she had always dreamed.
Thirty-five years later she is healthy and thriving in life. Cathy shares her journey, and I must say, it inspired me. You may not have the dreaded ‘C’ but that makes your own struggles no less challenging or daunting. I am sure Cathy’s story will provide you with inspiration and insights for your own life – as it did mine.
My jaw dropped when Steve told me he walked 3000km (1864miles) wearing ‘Crocs’ (shoe brand). That includes the Camino de Santiago and a number of other pilgrimages. This information sums up Steve in many ways. He calls himself a pilgrim. His wisdom drops were “when you get lost, you get found.” And “Travel highlights the complexity of human nature.”. I must say, I agree with both sentiments.
Steve is unconventional. He calls himself a nihilist. Steve is raw in his honesty as a long term traveller or ‘pilgrim’ as he calls himself. He shares that life on the road is not always easy. He travelled without a smart phone and used physical maps and asked locals for guidance. Thus far he has travelled to 80 countries with over 12,000 km hitchhiking.
I think you will get caught up in his energy and daring. You can also read of his journey in his new book ‘Relishing the Tread’. Available on Amazon & more.
Annie Looby, a former actor and now psychotherapist shares her story of traversing the emotional journey of being a mother of a transgender boy. Her extraordinary experience of deep acceptance and unconditional love is shared as Annie faces the very real challenge of loss and grief into a world of the unknown, with the very real shifting and evolving nature of the human experience.
Annie shares her joy as she honours and respects her child’s choices by staying in relationship and connection with him.
We go onto chat of the broader aspects of embracing difference, celebrating diversity as part of our human evolution. I must say, I learnt so much from Annie and appreciate her truthful authenticity.
If you or someone you know would benefit from support on the issue of Gender
Diversity here are some helpful links:
Australia:
USA:
UK:
CANADA
Dr Olivia Lesslar is a woman who follows her intuition. She’s an action taker as well as a seeker.
It was a pleasure and honour to spend this time with her. Olivia is a functional medicine practitioner with an interest in complex chronic conditions. You will hear her love of delving into, and working with other practitioners, on CFS, CIRS, MCAS, cancer, neuroinflammation, allergies and food sensitivities. I have expertise in optimised, personalised health, "biohacking", and longevity.
I think my favouritepart of this conversation was listening to her discuss psychoneuroendoimmunology or PNI. Olivia shares how the body systems inform and interact with each other. It is powerful and I certainly have used this in my life over the last few years. Olivia shares her tips for good health and what you can do to heal from hronic disease.
When we get a severe health diagnosis, it can be devastating but the utter joy is that we have options and a choice to hope. I hope you enjoy this relaxed but informative chat.
Here’s a beautiful IG quote by Dr Lesslar says “I love the freedom in the option of being a digital nomad and having the choice to work if I want to! As much as I love to travel, I love my work just as much. You can't appreciate light without darkness, you can't appreciate 'left' without a right. I'm not going to go into "highs and lows", because to be honest, even the lows aren't really lows- they're just challenges to shape who I am.”
Thank you to Jack Henry for fabo edits.
Thank you to Aaron Nebauer for his music for this podcast.
Since the age of 17, Therese has been traveling and moving around the world, by choice. Back then Therese shares that she was a shy introvert but with each move, she has discovered so much about herself and the world. Integrating into a new environment has done wonders for her self-esteem.
All these travels has allowed her to create quite the luggage set, so to speak, filled with tips on language learning, packing (a suitcase of a home) and creating a home, wherever that may be.
Therese generously shares many tips and ideas on moving abroad. No longer moving every three years, Therese and her husband have found a home in France. Her garden sounds amazing, and I have invited myself for a visit!
If you like stories of travel, including the challenges, you will love this podcast. Therese has put her massive luggage of skills available to helping others achieve their dreams. So, if you are thinking of moving abroad, or just want to dip your toe into the possibility, go to www.passportlifestyles.fr to find out more.
Her mission? To help you and your wanderlust soul to discover the world and it’s varied cultures, in a way that suits you best!
Not a bad job if you ask me. Thanks Therese, it was so much fun!
Big thanks to Jack Henry for his editing out my copious amounts of laughter.
And Aaron Nebauer for his glorious music.
So, here is a peak into my life. A life that encompasses abduction, neglect, trauma, miracles, joy and release. Not the full story, of course and I have to say it has been quite a ride of pain and amazing good fortune. It is fun podcast, amidst some challenging subject matters.
Being the teller and not the host was a challenge I was up for. I’ve learnt particularly in the last few years the impact of my story on my psyche, my health, my choices and my adventurous life.
OUR STORY & OUR MEMORIES - Our memories are unreliable. What people tell us can be unreliable. What is important is how we respond. Stories retold can keep us locked in pain, we can suppress them, which is what I did, or we can focus on them, which can re-traumatises us.
Depression and darkness can grip us and overwhelm us for years. I found release and though it took some work, it has been worth it.
There are some pretty miraculous things here and as always in my podcast, some belly laughs.
My ‘stand in host’ – Annie Looby – said it was enthralling.
Thank you for listening, I hope you enjoy it also.
Onwards and Upwards
Thank you Jack Henry - Editor & Aaron Nebauer - Musician
Age doesn’t matter and no one knows that better than my guest Leone Galbraith. This woman lives her life to the max!
At 78 she took up deep sea diving, at 80 golf. Her motto for life has been “If you want it, then just do it!” And she has. From being one of the first women to water-ski as a professional at SeaWorld in Queensland, to living on a boat up and down the Qld coast, to being a cancer survivor and so much more.
Leone is a down to earth Aussie. As authentic as the day is long. I met Leone when we were walking our dogs and I am so pleased we connected. Leone is an inspiration to me and I hope she will be to you too.
Age is but a number! Go for it!
Editor Jack Henry. Thanks Jack!
Keir Beck is a down to earth Aussie who transitioned from a gardener to a tree arborist then onto the wild and dangerous world as a stunt coordinator & rigger. Keir’s career highlights include Pitch Black, Mad Max- Fury Road, three Matrix films, Casino Royale & his latest collaboration with Ron Howard in the film Thirteen Lives.
Keir’s journey embodies the wisdom of self-belief, waiting for ideas to turn up and not over thinking. This invaluable attitude of "having a go" has supported his career well and to quote Keir, “I’ll go on my intuition, but I’ll always take my brain with me to defend my ideas.”
A very enjoyable chat and a peak behind the movie screen to the intricacies and dangers of stunt rigging. You’ll love it!
N.B. Thank you to Jack Henry for his immaculate editing skills to cut out my ums and ahh’s.
Andre Cruz shares a funny but terrifying white water rafting trip that precipitated a number of changes in his life.
We reminisce about the Caribbean "Blue Note at Sea" Jazz Cruise where we met, along with Cindy and the amazing time we had. It was such an honour and fun to experience and meet such talent. For Andre, it held so much more. The inspiration of meeting so many extraordinary Grammy award winning talent along with his recent life-threatening rafting experience, brought about an existential experience that changed the course of his life.
A truly inspirational and heart-warming story from this humble yet talented man. It made me both joyful and tearful at the same time.
Andre Cruz is the lead singer of the and The Humidors. He has just released an EP. Andre can be found on social media @andrecruzmusic. Please, do yourself a favour and check him out.
Volker has progressed from singing in the shower to be a long-time member of the infamous Dustyesky, the faux Russian choir.
Volker gives us an hilarious peak behind the curtains of the choir which has gained notoriety in Australia and in the “motherland” for their renditions of Red Army and traditional folk songs. As they say, it’s Marx Brothers meets Communism. It’s a ripper of a tale, enjoy.
Gay Hendricks generously shares his personal story in how slipping on the ice at age 24 changed his life forever. At that time, he was 300lbs, in a bad relationship and smoking three packets a day. This was the beginning of his journey in the power of pure consciousness in practical ways such as losing weight and finding the love of his life. Gay has written about living your Genius life as well as taking the leap into the unknown. Practical and inspiring stuff.
Laughter sprinkled our conversation that was rich with wisdom that only Gay can provide. I have read many of his books and it was for me a huge honour to have him on the podcast.
Gay Hendricks has become one of the most popular writers and speakers of our time, and his work has helped hundreds of thousands of people to profoundly change the quality of their lives. He has written many books but one he is best known for Conscious Love and his #1 US best seller ‘The Big Leap’. The follow up to that book ‘The Genius Zone’ is out now.
Claude’s luxurious story is bathed in sweet synchronicity. Her life reflects her belief that it’s better to ask the questions rather than worry about how you will get there.
At an early age Claude left the safety of her Haitian family to learn French in France. What follows is a tapestry of love, romance, singing lessons and the discovery of her powerful inner voice, her intuition.
The nomadic journey is exciting and truly magical. Enjoy.
@claudehallsongtress
Claude Hall Official on YouTube
Podcast Music by @aaronnebauer
Editing by Jack Henry
Neil shares his creative projects both of which are very personal. Honda Boy is an audio drama Neil has written in part related to his motorbike travels in younger days and dealing with family tragedy, in particular Myotonic dystrophy.
And his current writing project is a Medieval Situational Comedy. A modern take on something ancient times with topics such as gender sexuality and more. Neil navigates these issues and telling a story that may not be his personal lived experience. Not to mention how to provide space for humour in this story. And as is often the case, personal relationships come into play.
Writers and readers alike will find Neil’s writing and intimate personal journey very interesting, as did I.
Strap yourself in for some doozy stories. Tom shares tales of his youth and waiting to be adopted in Germany to years living in the wilds of the Canadian Prairies replete with freezing weather and chinook winds. Not to mention prairie vampires, aliens, and the infamous gorilla woman. What is true and what is not is up to you, but the stories are worth a listen.
Tom is a veteran creative from writing for Lachlan Murdoch, to performing and photography. His current creative endeavours include visual storytelling, creating aspirational content for realtors.
Story is his passion, and he shares with enthusiasm and creativity. Lots of laughter and wonder in this podcast. Please enjoy!
Website - https://vogelcreative.ca
George Le Couteur, Lil Tulloch & Harpo are that family!
George and Lil are veterans of circus and vaudeville performing arts. We learn what it is like to live on the road as touring performers as well as their move into producing shows and becoming a talent agency that support other actors.
Marvellous tales of the joys and the recent adjustments since Harpo, their son has come into their lives not to mention his performance exploits. Navigating the pandemic has been empowering albeit challenging teaching them and all performers alike the importance of a humble and flexible attitude.
Their enthusiasm and excellence in their craft has ensured longevity and success as working performers. They share opening the highs and lows as well as their reason for what they do, which is to bring joy to their audiences and inspires them to keep treading the boards.
This is real life, joys, stresses and of course, entertainment galore! Love these guys!
In 2010, at the age of 64, Claude walked, alone, for 100 days on Saint-James’ Way, commonly known in Spain as the Camino, from Vezelay, Northern Central France, to Muxia in Galicia – Spain. After her first long-distance pilgrimage, once back home, she faced the challenge known to many long-term travellers – the feeling of not fitting in. Claude yearned for more trekking. Between 2016 and 2018, in her seventies, she walked various treks, each time with a group - in Australia, in Nepal, and in Spain for the second time, The Camino Frances, with the group “Camino Skies” for a filmed documentary, as well as alone in Spain and Portugal.
In this podcast we talk about walking the Camino and how getting lost, falling over and 18 days totally alone, she met her stubborn strong self. No matter the challenge, nothing was going to stop Claude achieving her dream.
If you are interested in walking a Camino path or you want to be inspired by Claude’s view on living without limits, you will love this podcast. Claude is a wonderful storyteller. She is quick to laugh and is full of empathy for humankind. Enjoy!
To quote Claude: -
“Listen to your heart
Follow your dream
Have no regrets”
Claude’s book - https://www.claudetranchant.com/boots-to-bliss
I love this guest, I am biased as he is my son, nonetheless, Asher Gaudion tells fascinating stories of his experience of life in a cold, icy and often dark country. His experience with a new language, new culture and pretty much a new life is enthralling.
Enjoy our light-hearted chat with hilarious antics as Asher delved into the Swedish Swimrun race, the felt hats worn in the very hot Swedish saunas and his SUP’ing and ice plunging exploits. Asher shares the relationship he has with a local lake and the incredible Midsommar Celebration he experienced last year.
Asher shares the vulnerable as well as the joyful sensations that living in the opposite side of the world can bring. It was a super chilled chat and for anyone setting off to live aboard will find some wisdom here.
Enjoy!
An extraordinary and honest chat from Tania about life in the sex work industry as well as what it means to be grounded as a woman, body identity and self-love.
This peak behind the veil was illuminating and Tania’s journey working in this industry is shared with vulnerability and delicious wisdom.
Tania is an artist and a healer and one of the most extraordinary women I know. I felt honoured to hear her moving story and I believe it will shine a light on an occupation that is often misunderstood.
It is wildly interesting and not in any way shocking, so be bold and press that play button! I do hope you appreciate it as much as I did.
#47
Dion Parker is an award-winning artist whose work has been described as humorous and cheeky. A bit like Dion himself.
Join me for this insight into how a piece of art comes into existence and its relationship to the wilderness and peace of the Gold Coast Bush.
This chat goes deep into Dion’s vulnerable and very real journey of isolation in the bush and depression brought about by aching of the heart. It’s not a sad story but an inspiration as to the wonderous healing and joy nature can bring, even in difficult times.
Dion has a studio at Mint Art House on the Gold Coast, and he gives us some insights as to the benefits of creating in a co-working space alongside other artists.
I thoroughly enjoyed this chat and I hope you do too.
Find Dion’s art at www.dionparker.com.au