
Episode 4: - Dr Scott Allen , From Refugee Camps to Medicine: A Life Defined by Home
11/27/24 • 43 min
In this episode of 'Wherever I Lay My Hat,' host Dan sits down with Dr. Scott Allen, a physician, author, and professor emeritus at the University of California, Riverside, recognized for his contributions to health and human rights. Dr. Allen shares his compelling journey from surviving a childhood burn injury to working in refugee camps on the Thai-Cambodian border as a teenager. He discusses his work in immigration detention centers and the concept of 'home' through the lens of his experiences and the people he has helped. Dr. Allen's forthcoming memoir, 'Across a Bridge of Fire,' is also highlighted. The conversation explores the universal search for safety, peace, and belonging across different contexts and circumstances.
You can purchase Scott's book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1963296257
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
01:15 Dr. Scott Allen's Early Life and Childhood Trauma
02:52 The Search for Home and Meaning
04:46 Journey to Cambodia at 17
08:20 Experiences in Cambodian Refugee Camps
14:40 Impact of Refugee Work on Career Choices
17:35 Adapting to Life's Unexpected Turns
21:09 Reflections on Home in Various Contexts
23:18 Learning from Inmate Patients
24:31 Understanding the Need for Belonging
25:57 The Concept of Home and Peace
28:35 Immigrant Experiences and Home
31:45 Working in Detention Centers
33:21 Humanizing Immigration
35:50 The Power of Personal Stories
40:39 The Role of Technology in Connection
42:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of 'Wherever I Lay My Hat,' host Dan sits down with Dr. Scott Allen, a physician, author, and professor emeritus at the University of California, Riverside, recognized for his contributions to health and human rights. Dr. Allen shares his compelling journey from surviving a childhood burn injury to working in refugee camps on the Thai-Cambodian border as a teenager. He discusses his work in immigration detention centers and the concept of 'home' through the lens of his experiences and the people he has helped. Dr. Allen's forthcoming memoir, 'Across a Bridge of Fire,' is also highlighted. The conversation explores the universal search for safety, peace, and belonging across different contexts and circumstances.
You can purchase Scott's book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1963296257
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
01:15 Dr. Scott Allen's Early Life and Childhood Trauma
02:52 The Search for Home and Meaning
04:46 Journey to Cambodia at 17
08:20 Experiences in Cambodian Refugee Camps
14:40 Impact of Refugee Work on Career Choices
17:35 Adapting to Life's Unexpected Turns
21:09 Reflections on Home in Various Contexts
23:18 Learning from Inmate Patients
24:31 Understanding the Need for Belonging
25:57 The Concept of Home and Peace
28:35 Immigrant Experiences and Home
31:45 Working in Detention Centers
33:21 Humanizing Immigration
35:50 The Power of Personal Stories
40:39 The Role of Technology in Connection
42:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Previous Episode

Episode 3 - Hello Flower: Martina Gruppo's Journey in Search of Home
In this episode of 'Wherever I Lay My Hat,' we interview newly published English author Martina Gruppo. Martina discusses her life story, which spans her experiences with a covert narcissist, expat adventures in Italy, France, and Nicaragua, as well as her battles with bereavement and cancer, all of which are detailed in her book 'Hello Flower.' Balancing humor and brutal honesty, Martina shares how these experiences shaped her understanding of what 'home' means. She recounts a vivid journey from her upbringing in Bath, England, through various global travels, and overcoming personal adversities. Martina also reveals her plans to move to Wexford, Ireland, in search of a new sense of home and a dedicated writing space.
You can buy Martina's book "Hello Flower" here.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:44 Martina's Early Life and Travels
04:05 Life in Rome and Relationship Challenges
07:33 Heartbreak and New Beginnings
10:19 Adventures in Nicaragua
15:43 Return to England and Reconnecting with the Past
18:38 A French Connection
19:18 A New Beginning in the UK
20:06 The Narcissist's Manipulation
22:47 Struggles and Realizations
26:48 The Break-In Incident
29:09 Finding a New Home
32:14 Reflections and Moving Forward
35:47 Conclusion and Gratitude
Next Episode

Episode 5 - The Nomadic Life: Dan Clouser's RV Adventures
In this episode of 'Wherever I Lay My Hat,' the podcast about the concept of home, host Dan welcomes Dan Clouser, a former nonprofit youth sports leader turned full-time RVer, along with his wife Sandy and their golden retriever, Youkilis. Dan discusses their transition to RV life in 2020, spurred by memorable solo road trips in 2019 and inspired by his mother's adventurous spirit. He touches upon the challenges and joys of a nomadic lifestyle, the strong sense of community within the RV world, and the enduring impact of his previous coaching career on his players' lives. Amid tales of travel and connection, the episode explores broader themes of following one's passion, embracing change at any age, and the true meaning of home.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:17 Dan's Journey to RV Living
00:48 The Freedom of RV Life
01:25 Aha Moments and Inspirations
05:13 Challenges and Changes
09:53 Impact of Youth Coaching
26:38 Community and Connections
30:04 Advice for Aspiring Nomads
32:59 Conclusion and Plugs
Wherever I Lay My Hat - Episode 4: - Dr Scott Allen , From Refugee Camps to Medicine: A Life Defined by Home
Transcript
Welcome to wherever I lay my hat, a podcast about the concept of home. Um, this week's guest is Dr. Scott Allen, who is a physician, author, and professor emeritus at the university of California, Riverside. He is internationally recognized in the field of health and human rights. Most recently for helping bring attention to the conditions of children in us immigration detention, which is work. He received, uh an award along with 2019, the ride
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