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Unruly Podcast | Exploring Travel, Activism & Alternative Culture

Unruly Podcast | Exploring Travel, Activism & Alternative Culture

By: Calen Otto - Travel Writer & Podcast Host
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About this listen

 The Unruly Travel & Living Podcast sits down with experts who share illuminating ideas, how-to tips, and personal stories on travel, alternative lifestyles, veganism, nature, queerness, and off-grid living. Calen Otto, host of the Unruly Podcast, is a writer, activist, and avid traveler. They've been to over 30 countries, 20 national parks and 5 continents on an extremely small budget, exploring the intersections of social justice and alternative living along the way. With gritty beginnings of crossing the USA with only a bike and $300, they now help newbies and experienced wanderers alike travel as ethically, creatively, and colorfully as possible. Tune in for epic adventures, exceptional storytelling, and practical ways to kickstart your adventures, regardless of income. UNRULYTRAVEL.COM | Subscribe For New Episodes MonthlyAll rights reserved Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 90. The Ultimate Savanna: Dying & Deathwork with Scott Kirschenbaum

    90. The Ultimate Savanna: Dying & Deathwork with Scott Kirschenbaum
    Oct 30 2025
    There’s one transition we’ll all experience but hardly talk about: Death. Whether out of fear or taboo, so much of our culture and communities shy away from the topic. Still, it lingers in the back of our mind and flutters in our subconscious. On the topic of dying and deathwork we interview Scott Kirschenbaum, known for his stunning documentaries where he captures some of life's most intense and raw moments. His work with Ethan Sisser was no different; after learning of a young man with brain cancer, Scott agreed to filming his final weeks — and moments — of life. After spending fourteen days at his bedside, Scott’s relationship with death was transformed. “If you love something, start grieving for it. If you love someone, start grieving for them.” In this episode we discuss: * What it means to die in community * How reciprocity can be created in all aspects of life, including death * What the practice of “cracking your heart open” looks like in real time * “Slow death” and why it matters * Reflections for planning our own final moments SHOWNOTES
 - 2026 Unruly Finca Ganadito trip: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/finca-ganadito-in-costa-rica-calen-otto-01051353 - Unruly Group Trips: https://wanderwoman.online/unruly-group-trips/ - Join the Unruly Patreon: patreon.com/unrulytravel - The Last Ecstatic Days: https://www.thelastecstaticdaysmovie.com/about - Wailing Earth Docuseries: https://www.youtube.com/@TempleofSeaweed

 - Unruly Travel & Living Blog: unrulytravel.com
 -Unruly email newsletter: buff.ly/4a1bPwT

 - Support the podcast: SoundCloud - @unrulystories, 
Venmo - @unruytravel

 - Contact: calenotto@gmail.com

 - Unruly Instagram: www.instagram.com/unruly_traveller
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • 89. From Poached to Protected: Exploring Sea Turtle Fact & Folklore In Costa Rica

    89. From Poached to Protected: Exploring Sea Turtle Fact & Folklore In Costa Rica
    Sep 11 2025
    Seated in the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica is Finca Ganadito, an eco-living space committed to regenerative agriculture and increasing biodiversity. But their work doesn’t stop with the birds and soil — it extends to the seas, with impressive efforts to protect sea turtles. Rob "Tortugo" — known locally as the “sea turtle man” — is a key player in these green efforts. With a background in biology, he’ll lead us through sea turtle fact and folklore in an exploration of sea turtle evolution, their complicated dance with the climate crisis, and mysterious “lost years.” With 80% of sea turtles lost in the last 40 years, this important conversation shares the reasons behind their decline and what you can do to protect sea turtles from anywhere in the world. Tune in to hear: - Incredible sea turtle facts - Why sea turtles are reptiles - Are sea turtles endangered? - The inspiration behind Finca Ganadito - Why only 1 out of 1,000 sea turtle eggs survive SHOWNOTES - 2026 Unruly Finca Ganadito trip: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/finca-ganadito-in-costa-rica-calen-otto-01051353 - Full interview on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-episode-2-138526093 - Finca Ganadito: https://www.fincaganadito.com - Join Patreon: patreon.com/unrulytravel
 - Unruly GroupTrip email list: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/757985/151947543497934231/share - Unruly Travel & Living Blog: unrulytravel.com
- -Unruly email newsletter: buff.ly/4a1bPwT
 - Support the podcast: SoundCloud - @unrulystories, 
Venmo - @unruytravel 
- Contact: calenotto@gmail.com
 - Unruly Instagram: www.instagram.com/unruly_traveller
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • #88 Understanding And Healing Religious Trauma With Ann Russo (LCSW, MA Theology)

    #88 Understanding And Healing Religious Trauma With Ann Russo (LCSW, MA Theology)
    Aug 14 2025
    Is there an ethical way to do religion? That’s one of the many topics we explore in the newest podcast episode with Ann Russo, LCSW, founder and clinical director of AMR Therapy. As a queer phycologist with a MA in Theology, Ann speaks to what religious trauma is, how it affects the body and brain, and how to navigate and heal from religious trauma. From growing up in a secret queer household in the 80’s and 90’s to entering religion herself, Ann shares personal stories that inform the way she’s able to help others today. Religious trauma can look differently for everyone, and today’s episode is a reminder that you’re not alone. Tune in for venerability, science-backed explanations, and a path forward. “Studies show that queer folks have higher rates of mental illness, suicide, and drug abuse. Some church folks like to say it’s because you’re queer. No — it’s because of the level of rejection.” SHOWNOTES - Connect with Ann: https://www.annrusso.org/ - Join Patreon: patreon.com/unrulytravel
 - Unruly GroupTrip email list: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/757985/151947543497934231/share - Unruly Group Trip WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HP0EAHfUEK64arxqlsCRxC?mode=ac_t - Unruly Travel & Living Blog: unrulytravel.com
- -Unruly email newsletter: buff.ly/4a1bPwT
 - Support the podcast: SoundCloud - @unrulystories, 
Venmo - @unruytravel 
- Contact: calenotto@gmail.com
 - Unruly Instagram: www.instagram.com/unruly_traveller
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
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