Posted in: Season 4

Ep 66 | Gina Paige: African Ancestry Reunion Trips

I talk with Dr. Gina Paige, co-founder of African Ancestry, a DNA company that traces African lineages using genetics. She travels the world helping people of African descent demystify their roots so that they may better understand who they are by knowing where they’re from. Gina shares what sparked her love of travel, what led her to co-found African Ancestry, and how their company is different. She also talks about their curated “family reunion” heritage trips, and how one African country is now offering citizenship based on DNA results. Read More…

Posted in: Season 4
Ep 65 | Antoinette Harrell: Genealogy Research Travel

Ep 65 | Antoinette Harrell: Genealogy Research Travel

I talk with Dr. Antoinette Harrell, renowned community activist, genealogist and historian specializing in African American History in Louisiana. Antoinette shares what led her to genealogy, how travel became intertwined with her family history research, and how she began helping others uncover their roots. She also talks about what peonage is, what she is doing to raise awareness about this little known history, recommendations for researching enslaved ancestors, and tips for planning genealogy research trips. Read More…

Posted in: Season 4
Ep 64 | Kelly McCoy: Cultural Heritage Travel

Ep 64 | Kelly McCoy: Cultural Heritage & Adventure Travel

I talk with Kelly McCoy, a Seattle-based travel product developer and consultant specializing in cultural heritage and adventure tourism. She loves researching and illuminating little-known history. Kelly shares what sparked her love of travel, her experiences traveling to African countries, and what led her to work in tourism. She also talks about her upcoming travel projects highlighting Black history, a recent research trip to Charleston, and tips for planning heritage travel. Read More…

Posted in: Season 4

Ep 63 | Joy Barnett: Solo Black History Road Trips

I talk with Joy Barnett, copywriter and solo road tripper based in Austin, Texas. So far she has driven over 6000 miles, primarily going to U.S. destinations that are important to Black history. Joy shares what sparked her love of travel, why she started road tripping solo, and about some of the places she’s visited. She also shares how travel can offer space for healing, why she focuses on Black history, and her top road trip tips – particularly for women traveling solo. Read More…

Posted in: Season 4
Dmitra Smith

Ep 59 | D’mitra Smith: Taking a Break from the United States

I talk with D’mitra Smith, a talented musician, civil rights activist and most recently former Chair of the Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights. D’mitra shares about early transformative experiences abroad, the intersection of travel and human rights, and traveling while Black. She also shares what led her to decide to move to France, some lesser known truths about that country’s history, and what it’s been like so far to live abroad. Read More…

Posted in: Season 4

Ep 57 | Solo Episode: Traveling My Roots

Although I planned to end the Globetrotter Lounge podcast at the end of last year, some personal events over the last year inspired me to produce one more season. I share what led to that decision, and give a preview of upcoming guests and topics. I also announce my new podcast project, Traveling My Roots, which will document my travels to where my adoptive and biological ancestors are from. Along the way I will explore Black history, the immigrant experience, the complexities of adoption and being biracial – and ultimately my own identity. Read More…

Posted in: Season 3

Ep 56 | Deesha Dyer: From the White House to Empowering Black Girls to Travel

I talk with Deesha Dyer, former White House Social Secretary and co-founder of beGirl.world, which empowers Black teen girls through global education and travel. She is also the Founder and CEO of Hook & Fasten, a social impact agency that builds transformational partnerships between communities and corporations. Deesha shares what sparked her love of travel, how she ended up in the White House, and her experiences traveling with the Obamas. She also talks about beGirl.world, how she’s navigating the pandemic, and her important social impact work. Read More…

Posted in: Season 3

Ep 54 | Kim Haas: Afro-Latino Travels

I talk with Kim Haas, Executive Producer, host and creator of the new PBS travel series Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas. The series celebrates the historical and cultural contributions of Latin America’s African descendants, and premieres September 12 with a two-part special featuring Costa Rica. Kim talks about what sparked her love of travel, her work in Spanish media, and what led her to create the show. She also shares how she overcame funding challenges, how she’s navigating the pandemic, and how travel has changed her. Read More…