Citizens of the World: A Stoic Podcast for Curious Travelers

Happy Thanksgiving, U.S. listeners! This year about 54 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles during Thanksgiving, and most of these people will be driving, estimates AAA. However, it’s a myth that the day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year (that honor actually goes to several weekends throughout the summer). But that’s not the only Thanksgiving myth out there. (Check out these 10 surprising Thanksgiving facts).

Don’t worry, this episode is not about tearing down this revered holiday. Spoiler: Thanksgiving really is a tradition rooted in gratitude and peace. But it’s also a holiday full of surprises that most people don’t know about, which is why I’m happy to share today’s interview with Melanie Kirkpatrick, author of Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience.

We discuss the history of this very American tradition, including why the Pilgrims really came to the New World (it wasn’t to flee religious persecution, if that’s what you’re thinking).

Wherever you’re from, this week I hope you enjoy good food in great company.

I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, and you can find travel guides and inspiration at postcardacademy.co Ready to book your trip? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare.

Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.

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This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance

As a listener of this podcast, you’ve already heard me talk about how the ancient philosophy of Stoicism offers guidance on how we can live the good life in the modern world. How to be less stressed. How to be a better listener. How to be more productive. 

But Stoicism is about more than improving ourselves on an individual level, it’s about improving our communities and being an active member of society. 

“No one is an island,” says today’s guest. That’s actually the title of chapter five of the book he co-authored: Being Better: Stoicism for a World Worth Living In. 

I am speaking to Kai Whiting, an English researcher and lecturer in sustainability and Stoicism currently living in Lisbon, Portugal.

Kai and I spoke for several hours — he’s a new bff whom I definitely plan on visiting in real life. 

I loved our conversation and am splitting it up in a few parts. This week we’re focussed on why Kai decided to focus  his book on Stoicism for the common good, and we get into a fascinating discussion on how contemporary cancel culture is a version of exile from ancient times, and how Stoicism offers an antidote to this.

Enjoy.


Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there?

Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life.

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I'm giving away 60 free coaching sessions to 60 women in 60 days.

Book your session by going to sarahmikutel.com/2021clarity and using promo code 2021CLARITY at checkout.

As a listener of this podcast, you’ve already heard me talk about how the ancient philosophy of Stoicism offers guidance on how we can live the good life in the modern world. How to be less stressed. How to be a better listener. How to be more productive. 

But Stoicism is about more than improving ourselves on an individual level, it’s about improving our communities and being an active member of society. 

“No one is an island,” says today’s guest. That’s actually the title of chapter five of the book he co-authored: Being Better: Stoicism for a World Worth Living In. 

I am speaking to Kai Whiting, an English researcher and lecturer in sustainability and Stoicism currently living in Lisbon, Portugal.

Kai and I spoke for several hours — he’s a new bff whom I definitely plan on visiting in real life. 

I loved our conversation and am splitting it up in a few parts. This week we’re focussed on why Kai decided to focus  his book on Stoicism for the common good, and we get into a fascinating discussion on how contemporary cancel culture is a version of exile from ancient times, and how Stoicism offers an antidote to this.

Enjoy.


Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there?

Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life.

Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession

It’s not super easy for U.S. citizens to get visas to live and work abroad (and the U.S. gov doesn’t make it easy for people to come in either). But millions of Americans have figured out how to create a life overseas, and so can you.

Here’s my cheat sheet of the nine easiest countries to move to from the U.S.

https://www.sarahmikutel.com/countryguide

Last year, The New Yorker ran an article titled #vanlife, the Bohemian Social-Media Movement: What began as an attempt at a simpler life quickly became a life-style brand. And it's true, if you look up #vanlife on Instagram, you’ll find nearly 3 million photos of perfect couples driving through the desert or drinking beer on top of their vehicle.

But there are also tons of people choosing to live in vans or RVs or old bread trucks because they want a simpler life. Fewer things. More experiences. Jema Patterson talked about her van life experience with us on the house-sitting episode a few weeks back. Today, we are taking a deeper dive into van life. We’ll hear more from Jema, and also from new guest Casey Sheppard, from Case of the Nomads.

Casey spent two years living in a van with her dog, India, before embarking on her latest adventure, biking all the way across New Zealand. She just finished her 30-day, 3,000 km bike ride. But she still made time to chat about travel and the ins and outs of van life.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and forward this show to a friend. If you’re feeling especially kind, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This helps people discover the show. 🤗

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