I had a beautiful kiki with my travel and dance bestie Steve Rosa [https://www.instagram.com/srosa24/] exploring the intersections of travel, identity, and community. We shared reflections about queer identity as travelers, especially the importance of cultural context in understanding gender and identity. We reflected on our experiences dancing together in Cuba and Steve’s sabbatical in India studying yoga and how identity shaped those adventures. We highlight the power of dance as a form of self-expression, the role of elders in sharing wisdom, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of migration and political challenges. We explore the value of stillness and connection in enriching our travel experiences and personal growth. 

Stay in touch with Steve on IG: @srosa24.

Produced and edited by Janna A. Zinzi (jaz) of WanderWomxn Travels [https://wanderwomxntravels.com/]. 

Dancing with Stillness Through Travel

Storytelling is how we shift narratives about Black communities throughout the Diaspora. Courtney Bowden of Black Expat Stories [https://blackexpatstories.com/] shares why storytelling and community building has been instrumental to her journey of living abroad in Mexico. We go in about our shared passion for amplifying marginalized voices, the role of community and mutual aid in the Black expat experience, and the impact of political climate on personal decisions to relocate. Courtney shares her insights on the cultural dynamics in Mexico and her hope for a new era of  progress in addressing social issues with nuance and care.

This episode is produced, written and edited by Janna A. Zinzi of WanderWomxn Travels [https://wanderwomxntravels.com/]





Documenting the Diaspora: Courtney Bowden of Black Expat Stories

What do you do when a loved one goes missing abroad? Host Janna Zinzi speaks with guest Emily Williams about the disappearance of Taylor Casey [https://www.findtaylorcasey.com/] - her best friend - a Black trans woman who went missing during a yoga retreat in The Bahamas. Emily shares her experience navigating an international investigation while grieving, the lack of support from authorities, and the impact of identity on the case. We discuss how anti-Blackness and transphobia play a role in whose lives are valued, and how travelers and our loved ones can protect ourselves and each other. Follow @findtaylorcasey [https://instagram.com/findtaylorcasey] to support and stay involved. 

Produced, edited and hosted by Janna A. Zinzi of WanderWomxn Travels [https://wanderwomxntravels.com/]. 





#FindTaylorCasey: When A Loved One Goes Missing Abroad 

The natural splendor of Costa Rica is not only calming for the soul but also has many life lessons to offer us, especially in this time of global uncertainty and chaos. I hope the sounds and visuals [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ERGO0306qEc] bring peace and affirmations to your spirit and heart. 

Filmed and edited by Janna A. Zinzi (jaz) of WanderWomxn Travels [https://wanderwomxntravels.com/].

Audio Postcard: Earth Day Meditation from Costa Rica

Can living abroad be liberatory? Christine Job, of Flourish in the Foreign [https://www.flourishintheforeign.com/], shares her transformative journey from Atlanta to Valencia, Spain, exploring the intersections of migration, Black womanhood, and wellness. She discusses her decision to move abroad, the challenges she faced, and the profound self-discovery that came with living in a foreign country. We go in about the importance of community, the realities of living abroad, and the negotiation of family dynamics for women seeking to change their lives. Christine offers insight especially for Black women considering international living as a pathway to liberation and wellness. We explore the concept of 'soft life' and its deeper implications beyond mere leisure; and dive into the impact of US politics on personal identity abroad, and the necessity of intentional living for Black women.  This conversation is rich!

Connect with host Janna Zinzi through WanderWomxn Travels [https://wanderwomxntravels.com/] and Christine on IG at @flourishintheforeign [https://instagram.com/flourishintheforeign]. 

Living Abroad as Liberation: Christine Job Is Flourishing in the Foreign

Jameelah Nuriddin - @Jameelah Creates [https://www.jameelahcreates.com/energyalchemy], an integrative somatic specialist, shares transformative power of Kundalini Activation, as one of a few hundred people in the world to become a certified Kundalini Activation facilitator. She hares her personal journey of healing and spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and listening to one's intuition. Janna and Jameelah dive into intersection of science and spirituality, the reclamation of ancestral wisdom, and the collective responsibility to dismantle systemic oppression. In this conversation. We discuss the importance of reconnecting with African spirituality, the power of somatic practices in healing trauma, and the distinction between Kundalini activation and awakening. The conversation emphasizes the need for community healing and the detoxification process that accompanies deep emotional work. We share our thoughts on the parallels between Kundalini and plant medicine, emphasizing the need for safe spaces and authentic practitioners in the healing journey. Jameelah shares her upcoming training programs aimed at empowering individuals to lead in this work, particularly in Africa, highlighting the significance of returning healing practices to their roots.

Breathe with Me: Kundalini Activation in Caribbean Costa Rica

In this episode, host Janna Zinzi speaks with Nyasha Franklin, founder of World 2 the Whyze, [https://www.world2thewhyze.com/] an Afro Tourism agency specializing in Cali, Colombia. We discuss Nyasha's journey from Harlem to Colombia, and her experiences bridging Afro tourism and education. The conversation explores music and festivals as travel opportunities for learning, as well as the importance of research and collaboration among Black cultural workers to promote authentic experiences and support local communities. We dive into her insights on the future of Afro tourism and the potential for cultural exchange. Find Nyasha on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/world2thewhyze]! 





Going Back to Cali...Colombia with Nyasha Franklin

This audio postcard shares audio -- music and interviews -- from my visit to Cap-Haitien, Haiti in December 2019. We were there for a dance retreat and visited the Citadelle Laferrière to learn some Haitian Revolution history. At this time in history, we need some liberatory and ancestral inspiration. 

Audio Postcard: Cap-Haitien, Haiti and the Citadelle

Janna Zinzi speaks with Angel V. Shannon, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner and owner of the Seva Health Group [https://sevahealthgroup.com/], about her journey in health and wellness, the importance of integrative health, and the impact of burnout on individuals and communities. They explore the connection between travel and wellness, the significance of understanding healthcare systems abroad, and the necessity of having a strategic approach to life design, especially for those over 40. Angel shares insights on her upcoming food and wine retreat in Greece [https://sevahealthgroup.com/food-wine-tour-with-angel-in-greece/], emphasizing the importance of food as medicine and the joy of cooking.

Travel for Wellness: Overcoming Burnout + Food as Medicine

I have a lot of feels and personal experience living and traveling with severe food allergies, and wanted to highlight the issue because of the tragic story of influencer Dominique Brown. I hope this advice for fellow travelers, friends of folks with allergies, event organizers, and tour operators will bring safer practices and awareness. 



Hot Take: Traveling with Food Allergies

Audible "Eat, Pray, Love" remixed with Old Bay and shea butter. Serving up arts, culture and spirituality conversations through a travel lens. Lifting up and learning from global changemakers especially from throughout the African diaspora. Delivering audio postcards from various corners of the world. 

jannazinzi

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