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Canada is a land of opportunity that can embrace you with open arms. But sometimes the warmest embrace comes from the country you left behind. This week, our host Janessa Alexis visits new friend Vandana as she takes Janessa through the history of her homeland, the move to Canada, and how she's starting to settle into herself. On the longest exchange of her life, Vandana proves that even when times get tough, you can still come out stronger on the other side. Stick around to the end and you'll also learn more about AIESEC, the global youth-led non-profit that's facilitating Janessa's exchange to Brazil this coming Fall!

Sometimes when life goes sideways, all you need is to pack it up and buy a one-way ticket to adventure. Maybe even get a haircut. This week, our host Janessa Alexis got to catch with her living, breathing, favourite party story to tell: Marta, the Polish breaker. Marta’s life hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows since these ladies last saw each other. But if there’s anything this dancer does best, it’s finding the beauty in life. Take a look into the life of a competitive dancer learn how these two ladies might meet again in the semi-near future, and check out some of Marta’s favourite breakers: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFpyKmctQwi/?hl=fr https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ26KoDAKPE/?hl=fr

May the road rise up to meet you, and the best kinds of people come to greet you. This week, our host Janessa Alexis is on the road, in real time. And she’s joined by an expert in the field: Gabriela, a hostel receptionist! Gabriela is spilling the tea on hostel pet peeves, the best craic, and possibly the best Irish drink. Spoiler: it’s not Guinness!  Go beyond the bunk beds and straight to the front desk. You’re about to learn what hostel life is really about.

A tale as old as time: a girl is a born, a woman is wed, a home is made. Or is it? This week, our host Janessa Alexis welcomes Shruti into her home. Not one to follow rules or conventions, she’s been solo travelling since her early college days in India. There have been some setbacks and pushbacks, but Shruti knows one thing for sure: the best education you can have is travel. Tune in to hear how traveling has helped shape the woman Shruti has become.

Loving your family and where you come from is at the heart of a person. But what happens when you feel suffocated by the things you love most? This week, our host Janessa Alexis meets Fazia for the first time. Her story has taken her across continents, her passion has driven her into accepting new opportunities, and her desire for true self-expression has led her home. This duo takes you through Tuscany, Paris, and even the Prairies.  Get ready for a journey across borders, identity, and belonging.

Small cities but big dreams — traveling the world might be your passion until you're parked and... passport-less? This week, our host Janessa Alexis catches up with Isabela, long-time friend and even longer solo traveler. She's crossed continents, immersed herself in different cultures, and worn her nationality with pride. These ladies talk travel, chasing opportunities, and staying true to who you are — even when others continue questioning where you're really from.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or tuna rice with avocado and Japanese basil. This week, our host Janessa Alexis managed to snag Hana, a globetrotter whose trajectory would make any layperson dizzy. She's sailed to Colombia, partied (a little too) hard in Japan, and maybe even fallen in love with a Mexican? A Swiss? Buckle up, listeners. Today's episode will take you through the most incredible travel highs, and humble you with the inescapable lows. It's a long one — but a good one.

There are ups and there are downs, but nobody knows the true cost of lows better than those who have seen them firsthand. This week, our host Janessa Alexis welcomes Lei, a forgotten friend from a fateful meeting in Korea. While Lei loves cultures and encounters, she takes the time to acknowledge the places that have broken her heart, brought her sadness, and inspired deeper reflection. Join these two ladies as they delve deep into the beauty of cultural connection alongside the complicated realities of tourism and its impact on the locals.

In good times and bad times, sickness or health, an episode must be released. And our host Janessa Alexis is willing to risk it all (mostly her sleep schedule) for her friend Anna. One chance meeting in Portugal has sparked a friendship that’s now spanned continents. But between the sparse texts and quick check-ins, Anna has been reminiscing on warmer weather, better food, and more direct bus routes. Settle in for a soothing session that reflects on the joys of solo travel — and the quiet loneliness that sometimes comes with it.

It’s 2026: new year, new guests, same season. And to kick things off, our host Janessa Alexis connects with fellow Canadian Natasha!  Based in the GTA, Natasha is a one-woman show: she’s completing her degree in genetics, working as a social media manager, running a whimsical Bookstagram - and also traveling on the side? Settle in to listen as Natasha shares her love of fashion, science, and snow! She demonstrates that if you lead your life with passion, there will always be room for serendipity. Follow Natasha's adventures on Instagram: @Natasha_Babcock. Check out where Natasha does her fashion work: @SpaceVintagexo

To finish off 2025, our host Janessa Alexis is joined by her favorite drinking buddy Jessica. Her teaching career has taken her from her hometown in South Africa to two very different corners of the globe: Korea and Kuwait. Reminiscing about their shenanigans in Seoul, and laughing over Jessica's culinary disasters in Kuwait, these ladies are giving you a look into the reality of living abroad in the pursuit of something new and exciting. This heartfelt year-end send-off celebrates the power of friendship, personal growth, and the messy magic of life on the road.

This week, our host Janessa Alexis got to pick the brain of a perfect stranger. Sidonie started solo traveling in 2022 and absolutely fell in love. Three years later, she was ready to return to her favorite country, her coup de coeur. But getting deported tends to derail the best of plans. Catch up with these two strangers as they delve into Sidonie’s love for new cultures and intense adventures. Hear how she fell in love with Latin America. And if you stick around until the end, you might even discover the unexpected friendship that connects her to our host.

On this week's debut episode of Wandering Women, our host Janessa Alexis sits down with her old friend Joanna to tackle the topic of solo female traveling. Joanna's journey has taken her through South America, Asia, and more, and now she's ready to spill the tea on all things travel-related. Together, they give you the inside scoop: tips and tricks for navigating new environments, staying safe on the road, and learning how to take risks. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning that first solo trip, this episode is packed with valuable insights that will leave you feeling ready to take on your next big adventure. Follow Joanna on Instagram to stay up-to-date on her next travel expedition! @Joanna.Explore