Show DescriptionWhat happens when a woman leaves everything behind to find herself through travel? In this inspiring episode of Teachers to Travelers, host Jerrod Pickering sits down with author and solo adventurer Whitney Joy to explore how travel can transform a person from the inside out. From selling all her possessions to setting off on a global journey of healing and purpose, Whitney shares how her path led her to write Seven Blank Pages, a book about intentional travel, spiritual awakening, and living boldly.Whether you're dreaming of solo travel, in need of a life reset, or simply curious about how exploring the world can bring deep personal growth—this episode is your passport to inspiration.🔑 TakeawaysWhitney transitioned from a successful career to travel after a life-changing event.Traveling can lead to personal growth and self-discovery.Cultural immersion is essential for understanding different societies.Traveling with intention helps shape the experience and destination choice.Volunteerism can enhance travel experiences and create meaningful connections.Traveling alone can help hone intuition and decision-making skills.Every culture has unique practices that may differ from one's own.Traveling can be a way to reset and recharge emotionally.The journey of travel often leads to unexpected lessons and surprises.Whitney's book 'Seven Blank Pages' explores her transformative travel experiences.📘 Learn more about Whitney Joy and her book Seven Blank PagesIG: https://www.instagram.com/whitneyjoywrites/Website: https://www.whitneyjoy.com/ 𝐈 𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐆𝐔𝐘𝐒 𝐄𝐍𝐉𝐎𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒!▶ If you enjoy this video, please like it and share it. ▶ Don't forget to subscribe to this channel for more updates. ▶ Subscribe now: Teachers to Travelers Channel⚡️ 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐔𝐒:▶Facebook: / teacherstotravelers ▶ instragram: / teacherstotravelers ▶Tiktok : / teachers.to.traverlers ▶Email: jerrod@teacherstotravelers.com 🎬 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎𝐒:▶ • Luxury and Adventure at Sandals Grand... ▶ • Endless Horizons: Paul Neville’s Secr... ▶ • Exploring America's Culinary Landscape... ⚠️ 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐑: We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. do your own research.✖️ 𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐘𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄: This video and my YouTube channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are property of "Teachers to Travelers Channel" You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to my YouTube Channel is provided© Teachers to Travelers Channel ▶ 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐊𝐄𝐘𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒:- #TravelPodcast#TravelTips#BudgetTravel#TravelStories🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more travel insights!

Summary

In this episode of the Teachers are Travelers podcast, host Jerrod Pickering interviews Amy Piper, a travel writer and author of 'Secret Michigan.' They explore the hidden gems of Michigan, discussing unique attractions, surprising discoveries, and unusual experiences that the state has to offer. From alligator sanctuaries to paranormal museums, Amy shares insights from her book and highlights the diverse and often overlooked aspects of Michigan travel.

Takeaways

Amy Piper is a travel writer who focuses on Michigan.

Her book 'Secret Michigan' uncovers hidden gems in the state.

The pandemic inspired her to write about local attractions.

She researched for a year to compile unique places.

Amy discovered an alligator sanctuary in northern Michigan.

The Nature Megaphone amplifies sounds of the forest.

Castle Farms features a dragon statue and beautiful gardens.

James Jesse Strang declared himself king of Beaver Island.

The Anatomy of Death Museum showcases unusual artifacts.

Amy encourages exploring lesser-known attractions in Michigan.

Sound Bites

"There's so much to talk about in Michigan."

"You can hold the alligators and feed them."

"It's a very interesting place."

"You could easily spend a half a day there."

"He declared himself king."

Links to the Book and Other Resources

Secret Michigan Book: https://amzn.to/439FqEe100

Things to Do in Lansing Before You Die: https://amzn.to/3Fi283Y

Amy Piper's Blog: https://followthepiper.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Amy Piper and Secret Michigan

03:08 Exploring Hidden Gems in Michigan

05:46 Unique Experiences and Surprising Discoveries

09:08 Unusual Attractions: Alligators and More

11:56 Base Camp Adventures in Indian River

14:58 Paranormal Museums and the Anatomy of Death

17:51 Castle Farms and Royalty in Michigan

20:50 Promoting Secret Michigan and Other Works

𝐈 𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐆𝐔𝐘𝐒 𝐄𝐍𝐉𝐎𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒!▶ If you enjoy this video, please like it and share it. ▶ Don't forget to subscribe to this channel for more updates. ▶ Subscribe now: Teachers to Travelers Channel⚡️ 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐔𝐒:▶Facebook: / teacherstotravelers ▶ instragram: / teacherstotravelers ▶Tiktok : / teachers.to.traverlers ▶Email: jerrod@teacherstotravelers.com 🎬 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎𝐒:▶ • Luxury and Adventure at Sandals Grand... ▶ • Endless Horizons: Paul Neville’s Secr... ▶ • Exploring America's Culinary Landscape... ⚠️ 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐑: We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. do your own research.✖️ 𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐘𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄: This video and my YouTube channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are property of "Teachers to Travelers Channel" You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to my YouTube Channel is provided© Teachers to Travelers Channel ▶ 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐊𝐄𝐘𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒:- #TravelPodcast#TravelTips#BudgetTravel#TravelStories🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more travel insights!

Description

In this unforgettable episode of the Teachers to Travelers podcast, host Jerrod Pickering interviews John Miskimmin, a British veteran and ultra runner who traveled to Greece to complete the legendary Spartathlon—a 153-mile race from Athens to Sparta.But this story isn’t just about endurance—it’s about purpose, history, and the power of travel to transform us. At the finish line, John fulfills a centuries-old tradition: kissing the bronze feet of King Leonidas. Along the way, he experiences Greece not as a tourist, but as someone moving through its land, culture, and soul.

📍 What you’ll learn in this episode:

How the Spartathlon connects runners with ancient Greek history

What it’s like to travel through Greece one step at a time

The emotional and cultural weight of completing the 153-mile journey

Why meaningful travel often starts with a personal mission

Lessons from a veteran and athlete on why we seek out difficult paths

Whether you’re into ultra running, history-rich travel, or purpose-driven adventures, this episode offers a powerful look at how one man found meaning—step by step—across one of the world’s most historic landscapes.

Takeaways

The Spartathlon is a 153-mile ultra-marathon in Greece.

Participants must qualify to enter the race.

John felt a deep connection to the history of Phidippides.

The people of Greece were welcoming and supportive.

Running through Greece offers stunning cultural experiences.

Aid stations provided local food and drinks during the race.

John finished the race in 30 hours and 38 minutes.

Kissing the feet of King Leonidas was a significant moment.

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be daunting.

Supporting veterans' organizations is crucial.

Links

The Honor Foundation- https://www.honor.org/

AllTru- https://alltru.com

Spartathlon Website: https://www.spartathlon.gr/en/home

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey

02:47 The Spartathlon: A Historical Perspective

07:18 Cultural Immersion in Greece

12:39 Connecting with History

15:01 The Race Experience

20:58 Finishing the Race and Its Significance

26:23 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

𝐈 𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐆𝐔𝐘𝐒 𝐄𝐍𝐉𝐎𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒!▶ If you enjoy this video, please like it and share it. ▶ Don't forget to subscribe to this channel for more updates. ▶ Subscribe now: Teachers to Travelers Channel⚡️ 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐔𝐒:▶Facebook: / teacherstotravelers ▶ instragram: / teacherstotravelers ▶Tiktok : / teachers.to.traverlers ▶Email: jerrod@teacherstotravelers.com 🎬 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎𝐒:▶ • Luxury and Adventure at Sandals Grand... ▶ • Endless Horizons: Paul Neville’s Secr... ▶ • Exploring America's Culinary Landscape... ⚠️ 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐑: We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. do your own research.✖️ 𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐘𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄: This video and my YouTube channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are property of "Teachers to Travelers Channel" You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to my YouTube Channel is provided© Teachers to Travelers Channel ▶ 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐊𝐄𝐘𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒:- #TravelPodcast#TravelTips#BudgetTravel#TravelStories🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more travel insights!