30s Ad: $15 - $17
60s Ad: $17 - $19
CPM Category: Society & Culture
Different podcast categories command different CPM (cost per mille) rates based on advertiser demand and audience value.
Socials metrics & links
Socials metrics & links
No data
No data
Podcast LinksLinks to the podcast's website, socials, and more
Can you pinpoint a moment in time when your life changed? Maybe it wasn’t a moment, maybe it was a complicated chain of events that led you to where you are today. Or maybe, it was a generational impact that started before you were even born. Regardless of what it contains, all humans have a story. And those stories are the building blocks of who we are, at our very core. Join host, Jennifer Peterkin - lover and collector of stories, as she interviews humans from all walks of life. Tune in every week to hear stories of love and loss, triumph and defeat, and all that exist in between.
Can you pinpoint a moment in time when your life changed? Maybe it wasn’t a moment, maybe it was a complicated chain of events that led you to where you are today. Or maybe, it was a generational impact that started before you were even born. Regardless of what it contains, all humans have a story. And those stories are the building blocks of who we are, at our very core. Join host, Jennifer Peterkin - lover and collector of stories, as she interviews humans from all walks of life. Tune in every week to hear stories of love and loss, triumph and defeat, and all that exist in between.
Producers, Hosts, and Production Team
Searching
Searching for producer information... This may take a moment.
No producer information available yet. Click "Find producers" to search for the production team.
Emails, Phones, and Addresses
Contact Page Emails
Emails listed specifically on the website's official contact page.
Emails
Phone Numbers
No phone numbers found.
Addresses
No addresses found.
Form
A contact form is available on this page.
You can fill out the form at
this link.
General Website Emails
Emails found on general website pages (e.g., about, info), not the main contact page.
No website emails found.
Externally Sourced Emails
Emails discovered using automated web scraping across the internet.
th***@gmail.com
ki***@kimkeane.com
RSS Emails
Email addresses extracted directly from the website's or podcast's RSS feed(s).
Robert Kesten is the President and CEO of the Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library, one of the largest and oldest LGBTQ+ institutions in the world, founded in 1973. Prior to this role, he traveled globally promoting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and conceptualized the UN Decade of Human Rights Education (1994-2004). His activism began in childhood, inspired by the Civil Rights Movement, and he has worked on diverse causes including LGBTQ+ rights, civil rights, Holocaust remembrance, and international human rights education. He produced a documentary on the Holocaust for March of the Living. Kesten views compassion as prioritizing the greater good and is guided by a philosophy of leaving the world better than he found it.
Robert Kesten is the President and CEO of the Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library, one of the largest and oldest LGBTQ+ institutions in the world, founded in 1973. Prior to this role, he traveled globally promoting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and conceptualized the UN Decade of Human Rights Education (1994-2004). His activism began in childhood, inspired by the Civil Rights Movement, and he has worked on diverse causes including LGBTQ+ rights, civil rights, Holocaust remembrance, and international human rights education. He produced a documentary on the Holocaust for March of the Living. Kesten views compassion as prioritizing the greater good and is guided by a philosophy of leaving the world better than he found it.
Shakina Rush is an overcomer who has survived childhood sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, and sexual assault. She is the founder of She Is U, a nonprofit organization supporting individuals impacted by abuse through various programs. Her story is one of radical forgiveness, faith, and personal responsibility, and she actively works to promote healing and advocacy for survivors.
Shakina Rush is an overcomer who has survived childhood sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, and sexual assault. She is the founder of She Is U, a nonprofit organization supporting individuals impacted by abuse through various programs. Her story is one of radical forgiveness, faith, and personal responsibility, and she actively works to promote healing and advocacy for survivors.
Richard P. (Perkins) Hsung was born in China and immigrated to the U.S. as a kid with his mother. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Chicago and became a professor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Richard spent ten years editing and completing 'Spring Flower,' written by his mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, MD. This three-volume memoir chronicles his mother's extraordinary life and legacy.
Richard P. (Perkins) Hsung was born in China and immigrated to the U.S. as a kid with his mother. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Chicago and became a professor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Richard spent ten years editing and completing 'Spring Flower,' written by his mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, MD. This three-volume memoir chronicles his mother's extraordinary life and legacy.
Dr. Katrina Nguyen is a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist, a two-time best-selling author, and founder of Faithful-2-Fitness, a nonprofit to fight childhood obesity. She was just 14 months old when her family escaped by boat from Communist Vietnam in April 1975 after the Fall of Saigon. She nearly died twice during her journey to freedom and the American Dream. She is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford. She has shared her expertise via EWTN Global Catholic Network, YMCA podcast, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Her Christian faith drives her to serve others. She established charity funds with Raymond James and Northwestern Mutual. Her nonprofit's sponsors include Chick-fil-A and Fleet Feet. Dr. Nguyen lives in Illinois with her husband Dr. Deladisma. She enjoys being a dog mom, gardening and traveling.
Dr. Katrina Nguyen is a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist, a two-time best-selling author, and founder of Faithful-2-Fitness, a nonprofit to fight childhood obesity. She was just 14 months old when her family escaped by boat from Communist Vietnam in April 1975 after the Fall of Saigon. She nearly died twice during her journey to freedom and the American Dream. She is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford. She has shared her expertise via EWTN Global Catholic Network, YMCA podcast, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Her Christian faith drives her to serve others. She established charity funds with Raymond James and Northwestern Mutual. Her nonprofit's sponsors include Chick-fil-A and Fleet Feet. Dr. Nguyen lives in Illinois with her husband Dr. Deladisma. She enjoys being a dog mom, gardening and traveling.
Since 2008, Ralph Velasco has been a full-time travel photographer and international tour organizer, having created and led over 120 highly-rated international tours in well over 30 countries on 7 continents, plus over 100 domestic tours in the U.S. Raised in suburban Chicago, Ralph has been location-independent for over 11 years, traditionally spending 8 to 9 months on the road internationally scouting and leading his tours. He has authored several books on travel photography, including a 3-in-1 book bundle titled The Mindful & Intentional Traveler. Ralph also runs a YouTube channel called The Continental DRIFTER and offers a self-guided online course called Tour Organizer Training: Get Paid to Travel. He has spoken at various travel shows and conferences worldwide and created an iOS app called My Shot Lists for Travel, which he later turned into a book. Connect with Ralph through his website and social media platforms.
Since 2008, Ralph Velasco has been a full-time travel photographer and international tour organizer, having created and led over 120 highly-rated international tours in well over 30 countries on 7 continents, plus over 100 domestic tours in the U.S. Raised in suburban Chicago, Ralph has been location-independent for over 11 years, traditionally spending 8 to 9 months on the road internationally scouting and leading his tours. He has authored several books on travel photography, including a 3-in-1 book bundle titled The Mindful & Intentional Traveler. Ralph also runs a YouTube channel called The Continental DRIFTER and offers a self-guided online course called Tour Organizer Training: Get Paid to Travel. He has spoken at various travel shows and conferences worldwide and created an iOS app called My Shot Lists for Travel, which he later turned into a book. Connect with Ralph through his website and social media platforms.
Topics Discussed
Click on the topic tags to start a search query for that topic
Robert Kesten, Executive Director of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, shares a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation that spans civil rights, global activism, the importance of preserving history, and his lifelong commitment to justice. From organizing a fundraising event as a child in response to Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination to producing a Holocaust documentary and leading initiatives in human rights education, Roberts journey reflects the intersection of compassion, curiosity, and courageous leadership. His reflections on history, identity, and the enduring struggle for human dignity are as timely as ever.
Interview recorded in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Key Takeaways:
Robert Kesten is the Executive Director of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, which preserves and shares LGBTQ history and culture.
His activism began in childhood after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., when he organized a fundraiser to help send kids to camp.
Robert emphasizes the importance of telling full, interconnected historieslikening it to a dense tapestry where every thread matters.
He has worked across diverse causes: LGBTQ+ rights, civil rights, Holocaust remembrance, and international human rights education.
Kesten produced a documentary on the Holocaust for March of the Living, focusing on emotional impact over dialogue.
His view of compassion is putting the greater good above oneself, and his guiding philosophy is to leave the world better than he found it.
Despite decades of global work, he describes his life as "rewarding" rather than "successful"a reflection on the value of impact over recognition.
Robert Kestens Bio:
Kesten is president and CEO of Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The nonprofit organization is one of the largest of its kind in the LGBTQ+ world and one of the oldest, having been started in 1973.
Prior to joining Stonewall, Kesten traveled around the world promoting acceptance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a foundational document in building a better and more stable world. Kesten conceptualized the United Nations Decade of Human Rights Education, which was approved by the General Assembly and ran from 1994-2004.
Robert Kesten, Executive Director of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, shares a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation that spans civil rights, global activism, the importance of preserving history, and his lifelong commitment to justice. From organizing a fundraising event as a child in response to Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination to producing a Holocaust documentary and leading initiatives in human rights education, Roberts journey reflects the intersection of compassion, curiosity, and courageous leadership. His reflections on history, identity, and the enduring struggle for human dignity are as timely as ever.
Interview recorded in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Key Takeaways:
Robert Kesten is the Executive Director of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, which preserves and shares LGBTQ history and culture.
His activism began in childhood after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., when he organized a fundraiser to help send kids to camp.
Robert emphasizes the importance of telling full, interconnected historieslikening it to a dense tapestry where every thread matters.
He has worked across diverse causes: LGBTQ+ rights, civil rights, Holocaust remembrance, and international human rights education.
Kesten produced a documentary on the Holocaust for March of the Living, focusing on emotional impact over dialogue.
His view of compassion is putting the greater good above oneself, and his guiding philosophy is to leave the world better than he found it.
Despite decades of global work, he describes his life as "rewarding" rather than "successful"a reflection on the value of impact over recognition.
Robert Kestens Bio:
Kesten is president and CEO of Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The nonprofit organization is one of the largest of its kind in the LGBTQ+ world and one of the oldest, having been started in 1973.
Prior to joining Stonewall, Kesten traveled around the world promoting acceptance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a foundational document in building a better and more stable world. Kesten conceptualized the United Nations Decade of Human Rights Education, which was approved by the General Assembly and ran from 1994-2004.
From Trauma to Advocacy: Shakina Rush and the Mission Behind She Is U
Guests
Guests of this podcast episode
Shakina Rush
Keywords
Keywords of this podcast episode
childhood sexual abusedomestic violencesexual assaulthealingforgivenessspiritual awakeningmental healthscholarshipstraumaadvocacynonprofitempathy-building
After surviving childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault, Shakina Rush chose healing—and then built a movement. In this powerful in-person conversation, recorded in Philadelphia after her nonprofit’s second annual housing fair, Shakina shares how her lived experiences shaped She Is U, an organization that supports individuals impacted by abuse through housing, mental health, scholarships, and more. Her story is one of radical forgiveness, unshakable faith, and personal responsibility—and her presence is as healing as her work.
Interview recorded in Upper Darby, PA.
Key Takeaways:
She Is U is a nonprofit founded by Shakina Rush that offers resources for individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual abuse, and assault
Her own lived experiences—beginning with childhood trauma and continuing into young adulthood—fueled the mission behind the organization
Shakina emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, including forgiving herself, as a turning point in her healing journey
Her healing deepened after a spiritual awakening when she first heard God’s voice clearly in her early 20s
The organization’s unique programs include family bonding weekends, a scholarship fund, bereavement support, and even donating vehicles to survivors
Shakina believes that domestic violence is a symptom of deeper, often unaddressed trauma
She is planning new initiatives like Walk in My Shoes, a Converse-sponsored empathy-building experience
Compassion, to her, means offering grace and practical support—filling the gap without judgment
Shakina Rush’s Bio:
My name is Shakina Rush, and I am an Overcomer! I’ve overcome childhood sexual abuse, intimate partner violence that started when I was just a preteen and followed me into my young adult years, and sexual assault as a grown woman. Every time I open my mouth and tell my story, I feel another layer of freedom. I don’t get tired of sharing—it’s part of my healing. A part of me that was once trapped in guilt, fear, and shame gets released every single time.
We Overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and through the Word of our Testimony. That’s not just a scripture to me, it’s my life. I’ve made the choice to forgive. I forgive myself. I forgive those who hurt me. I forgive the ones who let me down, who left me when I needed them most. I release it all, and I walk forward in truth, purpose, and peace.
After surviving childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault, Shakina Rush chose healing—and then built a movement. In this powerful in-person conversation, recorded in Philadelphia after her nonprofit’s second annual housing fair, Shakina shares how her lived experiences shaped She Is U, an organization that supports individuals impacted by abuse through housing, mental health, scholarships, and more. Her story is one of radical forgiveness, unshakable faith, and personal responsibility—and her presence is as healing as her work.
Interview recorded in Upper Darby, PA.
Key Takeaways:
She Is U is a nonprofit founded by Shakina Rush that offers resources for individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual abuse, and assault
Her own lived experiences—beginning with childhood trauma and continuing into young adulthood—fueled the mission behind the organization
Shakina emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, including forgiving herself, as a turning point in her healing journey
Her healing deepened after a spiritual awakening when she first heard God’s voice clearly in her early 20s
The organization’s unique programs include family bonding weekends, a scholarship fund, bereavement support, and even donating vehicles to survivors
Shakina believes that domestic violence is a symptom of deeper, often unaddressed trauma
She is planning new initiatives like Walk in My Shoes, a Converse-sponsored empathy-building experience
Compassion, to her, means offering grace and practical support—filling the gap without judgment
Shakina Rush’s Bio:
My name is Shakina Rush, and I am an Overcomer! I’ve overcome childhood sexual abuse, intimate partner violence that started when I was just a preteen and followed me into my young adult years, and sexual assault as a grown woman. Every time I open my mouth and tell my story, I feel another layer of freedom. I don’t get tired of sharing—it’s part of my healing. A part of me that was once trapped in guilt, fear, and shame gets released every single time.
We Overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and through the Word of our Testimony. That’s not just a scripture to me, it’s my life. I’ve made the choice to forgive. I forgive myself. I forgive those who hurt me. I forgive the ones who let me down, who left me when I needed them most. I release it all, and I walk forward in truth, purpose, and peace.
When Richard Hsung promised his dying mother he’d finish her memoir, he didn’t yet understand the weight of that vow—or the decade-long journey it would set in motion. In this episode, Richard shares his deeply personal path of honoring his mother’s extraordinary life as an adopted child of American missionaries in pre-Communist China, a refugee from revolution, and a resilient physician under Mao. Together, we explore identity, inheritance, immigration, and what it means to find yourself between cultures while keeping a promise that spans generations.
Interview recorded in Madison, WI.
Key Takeaways:
Richard’s mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, was adopted by American missionaries after surviving the 1931 Yangtze River Flood
Her extraordinary life took her across China, India, and the U.S. during wartime and political upheaval
She was separated from her adoptive parents for decades after the Communist revolution
Despite being trapped in China, she became a surgeon and survived persecution with the help of unlikely allies
Richard immigrated to the U.S. at 14, leaving behind his father and sister and navigating identity loss and cultural dislocation
He spent nearly 10 years completing his mother’s memoir as a redemptive act of healing and honoring her legacy
Richard reflects on the “third culture” experience—belonging fully to neither country but shaped deeply by both
Compassion, for Richard, starts with listening deeply and without judgment
Richard Hsung’s Bio:
Richard P. (Perkins) Hsung was born in China and immigrated to the U.S. as a kid with his mother. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Chicago and became a professor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (https://richardperkinshsung.com). Richard spent ten years editing and completing "Spring Flower," written by his mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, MD. This three-volume memoir, published by Earnshaw Books (https://earnshawbooks.com), chronicles his mother's life as an adopted child of American medical missionaries, which began shortly after the catastrophic Yangtze River Flood in 1931 that killed millions. Learn more at Yangtze River by the Hudson Bay (https://www.yangtzeriverbythehudsonbay.site/home-page.html).
When Richard Hsung promised his dying mother he’d finish her memoir, he didn’t yet understand the weight of that vow—or the decade-long journey it would set in motion. In this episode, Richard shares his deeply personal path of honoring his mother’s extraordinary life as an adopted child of American missionaries in pre-Communist China, a refugee from revolution, and a resilient physician under Mao. Together, we explore identity, inheritance, immigration, and what it means to find yourself between cultures while keeping a promise that spans generations.
Interview recorded in Madison, WI.
Key Takeaways:
Richard’s mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, was adopted by American missionaries after surviving the 1931 Yangtze River Flood
Her extraordinary life took her across China, India, and the U.S. during wartime and political upheaval
She was separated from her adoptive parents for decades after the Communist revolution
Despite being trapped in China, she became a surgeon and survived persecution with the help of unlikely allies
Richard immigrated to the U.S. at 14, leaving behind his father and sister and navigating identity loss and cultural dislocation
He spent nearly 10 years completing his mother’s memoir as a redemptive act of healing and honoring her legacy
Richard reflects on the “third culture” experience—belonging fully to neither country but shaped deeply by both
Compassion, for Richard, starts with listening deeply and without judgment
Richard Hsung’s Bio:
Richard P. (Perkins) Hsung was born in China and immigrated to the U.S. as a kid with his mother. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Chicago and became a professor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (https://richardperkinshsung.com). Richard spent ten years editing and completing "Spring Flower," written by his mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, MD. This three-volume memoir, published by Earnshaw Books (https://earnshawbooks.com), chronicles his mother's life as an adopted child of American medical missionaries, which began shortly after the catastrophic Yangtze River Flood in 1931 that killed millions. Learn more at Yangtze River by the Hudson Bay (https://www.yangtzeriverbythehudsonbay.site/home-page.html).
Dr. Katrina Nguyen was just 14 months old when her family fled Vietnam by boat during the Fall of Saigon, a journey marked by near-death experiences and unimaginable courage. Now a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist, bestselling author, and founder of the nonprofit Faithful-2-Fitness, she channels that legacy of resilience into helping families fight childhood obesity and build healthier futures. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Nguyen shares her refugee story, her path to medicine, and why compassion, gratitude, and generosity remain at the heart of everything she does.
Interview recorded in Loves Park, Illinois.
Key Takeaways:
Dr. Nguyen’s family escaped Communist Vietnam by boat in 1975, surviving multiple near-death experiences
Her upbringing as one of 10 children shaped her resilience and gratitude
She founded Faithful-2-Fitness to provide free health education and lifestyle tools to underserved families
Cultural context and compassion are essential in addressing childhood obesity
Her Catholic faith deeply informs her work in medicine, service, and philanthropy
Writing Live to Give and other books helped her process grief and inspire generosity
Small acts of compassion can spark long-term transformation—personally and societally
Dr. Katrina Nguyen's Bio:
Dr. Katrina Nguyen is a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist, a two-time best-selling author, and founder of Faithful-2-Fitness, a nonprofit to fight childhood obesity.
She was just 14 months old when her family escaped by boat from Communist Vietnam in April 1975 after the Fall of Saigon. She nearly died twice during her journey to freedom and the American Dream.
She is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford. She has shared her expertise via EWTN Global Catholic Network, YMCA podcast, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Her Christian faith drives her to serve others. She established charity funds with Raymond James and Northwestern Mutual. Her nonprofit's sponsors include Chick-fil-A and Fleet Feet.
Dr. Nguyen lives in Illinois with her husband Dr. Deladisma. She enjoys being a dog mom, gardening and traveling.
Dr. Katrina Nguyen was just 14 months old when her family fled Vietnam by boat during the Fall of Saigon, a journey marked by near-death experiences and unimaginable courage. Now a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist, bestselling author, and founder of the nonprofit Faithful-2-Fitness, she channels that legacy of resilience into helping families fight childhood obesity and build healthier futures. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Nguyen shares her refugee story, her path to medicine, and why compassion, gratitude, and generosity remain at the heart of everything she does.
Interview recorded in Loves Park, Illinois.
Key Takeaways:
Dr. Nguyen’s family escaped Communist Vietnam by boat in 1975, surviving multiple near-death experiences
Her upbringing as one of 10 children shaped her resilience and gratitude
She founded Faithful-2-Fitness to provide free health education and lifestyle tools to underserved families
Cultural context and compassion are essential in addressing childhood obesity
Her Catholic faith deeply informs her work in medicine, service, and philanthropy
Writing Live to Give and other books helped her process grief and inspire generosity
Small acts of compassion can spark long-term transformation—personally and societally
Dr. Katrina Nguyen's Bio:
Dr. Katrina Nguyen is a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist, a two-time best-selling author, and founder of Faithful-2-Fitness, a nonprofit to fight childhood obesity.
She was just 14 months old when her family escaped by boat from Communist Vietnam in April 1975 after the Fall of Saigon. She nearly died twice during her journey to freedom and the American Dream.
She is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford. She has shared her expertise via EWTN Global Catholic Network, YMCA podcast, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Her Christian faith drives her to serve others. She established charity funds with Raymond James and Northwestern Mutual. Her nonprofit's sponsors include Chick-fil-A and Fleet Feet.
Dr. Nguyen lives in Illinois with her husband Dr. Deladisma. She enjoys being a dog mom, gardening and traveling.
The Greatest Journey: From Restaurant Owner to Travel Photographer
Guests
Guests of this podcast episode
Ralph Velasco
Keywords
Keywords of this podcast episode
travel photographystorytellingcareer transitionssmall group travelresilienceself-discoverypersonal growth
In this episode of The Human Experience, I sit down with Ralph Velasco, a seasoned travel photographer and founder of small group travel experiences. Raised in suburban Chicago, Ralph takes us through his winding career path—from restaurants and real estate to his true calling behind the camera and on the road. We explore how travel can be a powerful vehicle for connection and self-discovery, and how storytelling brings those experiences to life. Whether you're a budding traveler or someone navigating life's turning points, this conversation offers a compelling look at resilience, reinvention, and the beauty of the journey.
📍Interview recorded in Rockford, Illinois
Key Takeaways:
Personal experiences with domestic violence and the power of storytelling
The significance of listening with intention
Ralph Velasco's journey from suburban Chicago to travel photography
Early influences and formative travel experiences
Career transitions from restaurant ownership to real estate and photography
The impact of the financial crisis on career decisions
The benefits of small group travel experiences
The appeal of travel for single women seeking community and security
The evolving nature of career paths and personal growth
Favorite travel destinations and considerations for group travel logistics
Ralph Velasco’s Bio:
Since 2008 (16+ years) Ralph Velasco has been a full-time travel photographer and international tour organizer, having created and led over 120 highly-rated international tours in well over 30 countries on 7 continents (plus over 100 domestic tours in the U.S.)
When not traveling, Ralph is based in Chicago. However, he's been location-independent for 11+ years and traditionally spends anywhere from 8 - 9 months on the road internationally scouting and leading his tours.
Ralph has authored several books on travel photography, and he just combined his most recent books into a 3-in-1 book bundle titled The Mindful & Intentional Traveler
He has a YouTube channel called The Continental DRIFTER® (https://youtube.com/continentaldrifter) and a related website (https://ContinentalDRIFTER.co) where everything about his business can be found, including tours, blog posts, his YouTube channel, podcasts, merchandise and more.
Ralph is often asked how people can learn to do what he does and so he created a self-guided online course called Tour Organizer Training: Get Paid to Travel. In this course made up of 7 Modules and 26 Lessons, he goes step-by-step through what’s involved in creating a tour business.
Ralph has spoken all over the world and in the U.S. at the Travel & Adventure Shows and the New York Times Travel Show, as well as at travel blogger conferences (in Spain, Sweden, Israel, and Ireland) and the IOETI digital marketing conference in Cairo, Egypt (see more at https://continentaldrifter.co/speaking/)
Finally, he created an iOS app called My Shot Lists for Travel more than 14 years ago, but it's no longer on the app store and instead he turned the information into a book called 52 Categories of a Shot List: Create Images that Tell a Story, also available on Amazon (https://tinyurl.com/52categories).
In this episode of The Human Experience, I sit down with Ralph Velasco, a seasoned travel photographer and founder of small group travel experiences. Raised in suburban Chicago, Ralph takes us through his winding career path—from restaurants and real estate to his true calling behind the camera and on the road. We explore how travel can be a powerful vehicle for connection and self-discovery, and how storytelling brings those experiences to life. Whether you're a budding traveler or someone navigating life's turning points, this conversation offers a compelling look at resilience, reinvention, and the beauty of the journey.
📍Interview recorded in Rockford, Illinois
Key Takeaways:
Personal experiences with domestic violence and the power of storytelling
The significance of listening with intention
Ralph Velasco's journey from suburban Chicago to travel photography
Early influences and formative travel experiences
Career transitions from restaurant ownership to real estate and photography
The impact of the financial crisis on career decisions
The benefits of small group travel experiences
The appeal of travel for single women seeking community and security
The evolving nature of career paths and personal growth
Favorite travel destinations and considerations for group travel logistics
Ralph Velasco’s Bio:
Since 2008 (16+ years) Ralph Velasco has been a full-time travel photographer and international tour organizer, having created and led over 120 highly-rated international tours in well over 30 countries on 7 continents (plus over 100 domestic tours in the U.S.)
When not traveling, Ralph is based in Chicago. However, he's been location-independent for 11+ years and traditionally spends anywhere from 8 - 9 months on the road internationally scouting and leading his tours.
Ralph has authored several books on travel photography, and he just combined his most recent books into a 3-in-1 book bundle titled The Mindful & Intentional Traveler
He has a YouTube channel called The Continental DRIFTER® (https://youtube.com/continentaldrifter) and a related website (https://ContinentalDRIFTER.co) where everything about his business can be found, including tours, blog posts, his YouTube channel, podcasts, merchandise and more.
Ralph is often asked how people can learn to do what he does and so he created a self-guided online course called Tour Organizer Training: Get Paid to Travel. In this course made up of 7 Modules and 26 Lessons, he goes step-by-step through what’s involved in creating a tour business.
Ralph has spoken all over the world and in the U.S. at the Travel & Adventure Shows and the New York Times Travel Show, as well as at travel blogger conferences (in Spain, Sweden, Israel, and Ireland) and the IOETI digital marketing conference in Cairo, Egypt (see more at https://continentaldrifter.co/speaking/)
Finally, he created an iOS app called My Shot Lists for Travel more than 14 years ago, but it's no longer on the app store and instead he turned the information into a book called 52 Categories of a Shot List: Create Images that Tell a Story, also available on Amazon (https://tinyurl.com/52categories).
