Women make up just 7% of truckers in the United States—a number that shows no sign of increasing, even while the industry suffers from a huge shortage of workers. We hear from trucker Desiree Wood, whose job has taken her to 48 states, about the freedom of life on the road, the dangers that herself and women colleagues face, and the joys that come with the occassional return trip home. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Kelsey McKinney has received more than her fair share of salacious tips during her tenure as the host of Normal Gossip. One theme that crops up time and time again? Group travel. This week, Lale chats with the podcaster and author of the upcoming book, You Didn’t Hear This From Me, to find out about her own memorable travel escapades, the places she loves for eavesdropping and connecting with strangers, and why she’ll never, ever, go on another bachelorette. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In this engaging conversation, Emma Roberts, known for her roles in American Horror Story and Scream Queens, shares her passion for travel and literature. She discusses her book club, Belletrist, and reveals her favorite travel destinations, particularly the vibrant New Orleans. Emma expresses her love for train travel and the emotional connections books evoke while exploring new places. They dive into the thrill of finding vintage books and reminisce about significant literary experiences, highlighting how travel enriches reading.

Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez, President of NextGen America, is on a mission to engage young voters across 114 college campuses. She shares powerful stories from her journey and highlights how critical issues like reproductive rights shape student activism. Ramirez also discusses leveraging music and innovative strategies, such as social media, to connect with the youth. Her own heritage plays a significant role in her work, showcasing how cultural traditions, like quinceañeras, influence political mobilization and the importance of representation.

Reem Assil, a Palestinian American chef and owner of the acclaimed bakery Reem’s in Oakland, shares her journey of building community through the rich flavors of Arab cuisine. She explores the cultural significance of bread as a connector and reflects on her transformative trips to Lebanon. Winning a James Beard award is surreal for her, but she emphasizes the importance of cooking as a form of healing and activism. Reem’s story intertwines culinary heritage with her family's resilience, showcasing food's power to foster connection and cultural identity.

Earlier this year, New Yorker writer Rebecca Mead reported on the scandals taking place within the British Museum—and its own history of cultural theft that continues to define how we approach it as a museum today. Lale joins Rebecca on the ground in London to learn more about the institution she grew up visiting—and more broadly, how to tackle some of the world’s biggest museums in a way that’s both fulfilling and, well, fun.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Charissa Enget, a student who moved to Thailand for an affordable engineering course, shares her transformative journey. She learned Thai in just six months, showcasing the power of immersing oneself in a new culture. Charissa recounts delightful culinary adventures and humorous encounters with local wildlife while adapting to campus life. She reflects on the bonds she formed with Thai friends and the emotional hurdles she overcame, revealing how Thailand became more than just a temporary stop, but a permanent home.

Leslie McKellar, a professional photographer who turned to full-time travel after confronting personal challenges, shares her inspiring journey. She discusses how a health scare led her to embrace solo adventures and plan for long-term travel. Leslie highlights budgeting strategies and the transformative power of letting go of material possessions. She reflects on the emotional triumphs of navigating unpredictable circumstances in Europe, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and spontaneity for female travelers.

Preet Chandhi, an endurance athlete known for her record-breaking solo skiing expeditions across Antarctica, shares her incredible journey. She discusses the rigorous training and emotional preparation required to brave one of the world's harshest environments. Preet reflects on the mental challenges of isolation and her survival strategies during severe weather. She also highlights her transition from team sports to embracing solo adventures, emphasizing how her military background strengthened her resilience and connection to nature.

Christie Bowers, an adventurous backpacker, shares her thrilling six-month journey across South America. She discusses the intricacies of planning and budgeting for such an expansive trip while emphasizing the importance of human connections. Christie recounts vibrant experiences, from diving in the Galapagos to celebrating Carnival in Brazil. She highlights how solo travel can lead to personal growth, transformative insights, and the joy of embracing spontaneous adventures amid the challenges.