In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Durchslag, a former anti-human trafficking activist turned spiritual healer, passionate solo hiker, and author of While I Walk: Solo Adventuring In the Vast, Beautiful World. Rachel takes us through her incredible transformation—from the bustling streets of Chicago to the serene mountains of Asheville. We dive into how her journey from activism to healing has shaped her identity, highlighting the pivotal role the Camino de Santiago played in her path to self-discovery.

Rachel and I explore the unexpected truths solo hiking reveals about oneself and the grounding force nature can have in both travel and life. We talk about how embracing solitude opens up space for deeper self-awareness and reflection, while also learning to ask for help—both on the trail and in life.

As we get into the challenges women face when traveling alone, Rachel shares practical tips for staying safe, including how technology can be a helpful tool for solo travelers. She also emphasizes the importance of traveling with intention, which can truly enhance the experience. Throughout the conversation, we celebrate the resilience and strength that travel challenges can bring and the valuable lessons hidden in every adventure, no matter how messy or unexpected.

To wrap things up, we share a few light-hearted stories about the unpredictability of travel and how, in the end, every experience offers something to learn.

Chapters

00:00: From Activism to Adventure: A Journey of Transformation

04:31: The Camino de Santiago: A Spiritual Awakening

07:31: Lessons from the Trail: Growth and Connection

10:44: Hiking as a Teacher: Discovering Inner Strength

13:40: Grounding in Nature: Redefining Home

16:25: The Power of Solitude: Embracing Alone Time

19:16: Navigating Challenges: Resilience on the Trail

22:13: The Role of Ego: Learning to Let Go

25:11: Traveling with Intention: Finding Balance

27:53: Safety and Empowerment: Solo Female Travel

30:35: Reclaiming Joy: Overcoming Fear and Vulnerability

33:34: The Gift of Challenges: Embracing Change

36:28: Technology and Gear: Essential Tools for Adventure

39:20: Body Awareness: Listening to Your Physical Self

42:18: Navigating Risk: Trusting Your Intuition

45:21: The Scandalous Stories of Travel: A Passport's Tale

01:10:47: Unpacking Travel Stories and Experiences

01:10:48: Exploring New Destinations and Cultures