Since the documentary ‘Will & Harper’ first hit our screens in 2024, it’s received accolades for its poignant depiction of friendship and the ways we seek to understand each other’s lived experiences. In this week’s episode, Lale sits down with Harper Steele to talk about driving across the US with her best friend, actor Will Ferrell, for the movie, her enduring love of dive bars, and what it’s like to navigate the complexities of contemporary America as a trans woman. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

One of our favorite episodes from Atlas Obscura. Producer Alexa Lim visits a collection of natural aromas in Berkeley, California. She gets a whiff of some of the world’s lesser known smells, and stumbles down the rabbit hole of the hidden world of scents. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Should I check my luggage or carry-on? Fold or roll? Bring one pair of shoes or...seven? Packing for a trip, when done well, can feel like an art form—yet one that few of us seem to have figured out. This week, Chloe Malle, Editor of Vogue.com and the co-host of Vogue’s podcast The Run-Through with Vogue, joins Lale in the studio to dish her packing wisdom—and answer listeners' burning questions. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

To wrap up 2024, executive producer Stephanie Kariuki joins Lale in the studio to look back at some of their favorite episodes over the past twelve months—from actor Emma Roberts on her love of train travel and Normal Gossip’s Kelsey McKinney on the perils of group travel, to three photojournalists on documenting life during war in Ukraine, Yemen, and Gaza. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

We’re diving into something we’re all doing a lot of around the holiday season: partying. In Ukraine, where our two guests are based, rave culture has become a necessary vehicle for letting off steam, distraction, and finding joy. Lale talks to Kyiv-based journalist Anastacia Galouchka, and novelist Haska Shyyan, who lives in Lviv, about what raving means to them and the power of community and safe spaces during unimaginable turbulence and uncertainty. This episode is a rerun. It recently won a Society of American Travel Writers Foundation Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Award. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Selassie Atadika is a chef, food innovator, and the founder of Midunu, a nomadic private dining experience based out of Accra, Ghana. She’s also happened to have visited 40 African countries. Lale chats with Atadika about the rich bounty of diverse cuisine to be found across Africa, some of her most memorable travel experiences, making artisanal chocolate, and the enduring intersection of food and politics. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

We revisit our conversation with Gabrielle Union about her BET docuseries, in which she celebrates her 50th birthday on a trip across Africa with her husband, Dwyane Wade, their children, and friends. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In this conversation with Ashley C. Ford, a talented writer and educator, she dives into the profound impact of monuments across the U.S. She questions who decides which landmarks matter, revealing how our perceptions of these structures evolve over time. Ashley shares personal stories that showcase the emotional and historical significance of various sites, emphasizing the need to embrace diverse narratives and recognize women’s contributions in commemorative practices. Her insights challenge listeners to engage thoughtfully with America's complex history.

Cat Cohen, a multifaceted comedian and singer known for her show "The Twist…? She's Gorgeous," shares her adventurous tales from the Edinburgh Festival and a transformative trip to Australia. She discusses the healing power of laughter through her personal challenges, including a mini stroke. With humorous insights into the chaos of constant travel, Cohen offers tips on packing for European tours and the creative process behind her debut album. Her excitement for upcoming holiday travels is infectious, reminding everyone of the joy in exploration.

Divia Thani, the Global Editorial Director at Condé Nast Traveler, shares her passion for India, highlighting the bustling charm of Goa and the thrill of tiger safaris. She offers insider tips on avoiding tourist traps and discusses when to visit the Taj Mahal. From authentic dining experiences to unique culinary fusions in the Himalayas, she details her favorite Indian dishes. Divia even touches on the rising sophistication of Indian cuisine in London, making it a must-listen for food lovers and travel enthusiasts alike!