Citizens of the World: A Stoic Podcast for Curious Travelers - Thanksgiving: The True Story Behind The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience

Thanksgiving: The True Story Behind The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience

11/21/18 • 42 min

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.

This podcast is brought to you by Audible. Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via

audibletrial.com/postcard

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

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.

This podcast is brought to you by Audible. Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via

audibletrial.com/postcard

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

Previous Episode

Glasgow, Scotland: the Best Pubs, Restaurants, and Places to See in This European City of Culture

Glasgow had a reputation for being a down-on-its-luck former industrial hub for decades. But the Glaswegians worked hard to turn their city into a world-class tourist destination with museums, opera, ballet, and more. In 1990, Glasgow was named the European City of Culture and since then travelers from around the world have visited to enjoy its cozy pubs, great restaurants — which include a lot of veg-friendly options, delicious food markets, designer shops, and, of course, cultural offerings.

On this episode, my guest Kathi Kamleitner and I share the best of Glasgow, plus some great off-the-beaten path places for you to discover in Scotland. Kathi is an Austrian expat who moved to Glasgow for grad school. She loved it so much she stayed and now gives private tours of her adopted home. She also blogs about Scotland at Watch Me See. Find photos and links to the places we discuss on postcardacademy.co

Next Episode

Lucca, Pisa, and Other Towns in Tuscany You Must Visit

Enough with Florence and Siena already. You should be walking the medieval walls of Lucca; eating aperitivo in Pisa; sipping Chianti at Castello di Brolio; or lounging by the sea in San Vicenzo.

On this episode, Toni Mazzaglia, founder of the food tour company Taste Florence, and I recap our recent road trip through Tuscany. After interviewing Toni for the Florence episode of this podcast, we became fast friends (which you’ll hear on this podcast because we’re gigging our heads off).

Find travel guides containing names, links, and photos of the places we visited at postcardacademy.co

I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel. Ready to travel? 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.

This podcast is brought to you by Audible. Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via

audibletrial.com/postcard

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