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…
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…
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…
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…
Ep 61 | Mickela Mallozzi: Dance & DNA Travel
In this episode I talk to returning guest Mickela Mallozzi, Emmy award-winning host and Executive Producer of Bare Feet, a travel series highlighting the diversity of dance which airs on PBS and Amazon Prime Video. Mickela shares what inspired her to devote an entire season of her show to DNA travel, about a few of her favorite episodes from that season, and what it was like to travel to the places her ancestors are from. She also talks about her upcoming new season, and her travel plans for 2022 – including one trip that I plan to join. Read More…
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…