I met today’s guest, Katey, while backpacking through Vietnam. We crossed paths on the infamous Ha Giang Loop and ended up travelling together for a while — sharing countless special moments and thought-provoking conversations. It didn’t take long for me to know I had to bring her onto the podcast to share some of those wonderful insights, reminisce on our adventures, and document the experience.

In this episode, we explore the real side of solo travel — from the expectations and reasons we set off in the first place, to surrendering to spontaneity, embracing solitude, and navigating the not-so-glamorous realities of budget backpacking.

We dive into the emotional load of long-term travel, the lessons in resilience and adaptability, and how adventures abroad can completely reshape your values and priorities. We also talk about the often-overlooked “post-travel come down” — that bittersweet return home where the world feels unchanged, but you know you’re not the same.

Overall, it’s a wholesome, giggly conversation where we reflect on our highlights, those magical unplanned moments, how we’ve grown and evolved, and the relief we feel at having taken that leap to book a one-way ticket. Our hope is that it inspires you to take yours too.

Today I’m joined by Meg Lewis – a passionate advocate and activist in the health space, making a profound impact in respiratory care and palliative health.

Meg shares her deeply challenging and complex journey with Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, a rare form of Pulmonary Fibrosis that can cause irreversible lung damage. The condition is life-altering, with no cure, limited management options, and a severe lack of research, awareness, and available resources. It’s a reality that many struggle to even imagine, yet Meg offers an unfiltered, human perspective — shining a light on the physical, emotional, and social challenges that come with living with such an under-recognised illness.

She also speaks openly about the ripple effects of her diagnosis, including medically induced disordered eating. From the intense fear of food and choking brought on by her condition, to the emotional toll of weight gain from steroid treatment, Meg vulnerably explores the complex intersection between physical health, body image, and mental well-being.

And yet, at the heart of her story is a powerful message about what it means to truly live — even in the face of uncertainty. Meg reminds us of the importance of filling life with the things you love, embracing the “everyday magic” of small joys, and finding moments of laughter and connection despite hardship.

https://www.instagram.com/thelungnrestless/

https://thelungnrestless.substack.com

TikTok: The Lung N Restless

Today I’m joined by Kirsty, a Functional Medicine Health Coach passionate about helping women shift from a constant state of survival - feeling depleted and exhausted - to a place where they are energised, mentally clear, emotionally balanced, and thriving

In this episode, we dive into practical, holistic lifestyle strategies to optimise female health. We explore how to fuel your body with balanced nutrition, improve sleep quality and recovery, regulate cortisol and manage stress. We discuss how to shift your mindset around movement, and creating consistent, nourishing habits that promote long-term wellbeing.

Whether you're running on empty or simply looking to proactively elevate your vitality, this conversation is full of accessible tools and gentle reminders for you.

Find Kirsty:

https://www.natural-rays.com/

@natural_rays_hormone_harmony

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstysmithnaturalrays/

Membership: https://www.natural-rays.com/hhc