Can a mother–daughter road trip turn travel companions into true friends?

In this episode of My Daughter, My Friend, Adrienne and Alanna share their unforgettable journey from Helen, Georgia to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

🌟 Highlights you’ll hear:

→ Cool River Tubing thrills (and wipeouts!) on the Chattahoochee

→ A nostalgic stop at BabyLand General Hospital, home of the original Cabbage Patch Kids

→ Scenic—but nerve-wracking—drives through the Blue Ridge Mountains

Conquering fears on the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, with a little help from a mysterious “angel”

→ Honest talk about how moms and daughters can travel together and still like each other

🎧 Listen for travel tips, funny fails, and heartfelt reflections. Get all the details, photos, and resource links on our website: MyDaughterMyFriend.com

Can moms and daughters really be best friends—while living out of suitcases and driving a 2005 Honda Civic across the country twice?

Mom Adrienne Barker and daughter Alanna Anctil kick off their new podcast with a hilarious, heartwarming recap of their five-month cross-country adventure. They reveal how they planned their route with a 44-day countdown, balanced remote work with road time, and turned TrustedHousesitters stays and hotel/motel nights into a once-in-a-lifetime journey. From favorite stops like Helen, Georgia, to a motel owner who looked suspiciously like an alien, it’s a story of courage, connection, and car-bombing (the bug kind!) that proves laughter is the best travel companion.

Highlights / What you’ll hear:

→. Creative planning: mixing TrustedHousesitters homes with hotels and motels.

→ Working on the road from a Honda Civic — and keeping clients happy.

→ Surprising lessons from minimalist packing (yes, wearing the same outfit counts as strategy!).

→ Calming travel anxiety with Alanna’s quick wisdom.

→ Unforgettable encounters, from “Mr. Alien” to a Cabbage Patch BabyLand stop.

Fun Quotes:

“If someone was videotaping me, they’d say, ‘She wore that outfit every day’—but who cares? We didn’t smell like BO.” — Adrienne

“That motel guy looked like an alien when he opened the door.” — Alanna

“It’s okay to not be friends with your mom. Be friends with yourself.” — Alanna

Call to Action & Guest Invite: Loved this episode?

Like, subscribe, and leave a review so more moms and daughters can join the fun.

We’re also looking for moms and daughters to be guests and answer our big question: Can moms and daughters be friends?

Share your story or apply to join us by emailing adrienne@adriennebarker.com.

Thank you to Jeanette Arsenault for the honor and privilege of using My Daughter My Friend as our theme song.

Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter and motivational speaker Jeanette Arsenault creates uplifting music that inspires change on mental health, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. Explore more at jeanettearsenault.ca.

In this episode of My Daughter, My Friend, Alanna and Adrienne go from road-trip stats to real talk about anxiety, independence, and protecting your peace.

They reminisce about their 120-day, 8,000-mile road trip—including 55 nights of house sitting, 46 nights in hotels, and 17 five-star reviews on TrustedHousesitters. They talk about how travel shaped their relationship, the funny moments, and the not-so-glamorous parts (like eating out for 98 days straight!).

Fast forward two years: Alanna now has her driver’s license, runs errands, finds hidden gem shops (hello, antique Annabelle doll), and is saving money on everyday things—like refilling water jugs instead of buying pricey brands. She also shares what it’s like preparing for her GED, visiting the college, and stepping back into a school environment after a tough high school experience that started during COVID.

The heart of this episode is Alanna’s honest reflection on anxiety, labels, friendships, and energy. She opens up about being diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, how other people’s labels used to get in her head, and why she stopped Googling every symptom. She talks about learning to trust herself, building a peaceful life, and realizing that being your own friend might be the most healing relationship of all.

Adrienne and Alanna also dive into:

• How the people you surround yourself with can drain or protect your energy
• Why some people can feel like “energy vampires”
• What kids and teens can do when the stress is coming from inside their family
• How organization, routines, and background noise help Alanna manage her mind

They wrap up with dreams for the future: college, new friends, night drives, and creating a life that feels peaceful, productive, and free.

• The recap of their 120-day, 8,000-mile mother–daughter road trip
• House sitting, hotel stays, and what constant travel really feels like
• Alanna getting her driver’s license and gaining independence
• Antique shops, Halloween vibes, and the Annabelle replica in a glass case
• How Alanna saves money running errands and being more self-sufficient
• Preparing for the GED and walking into a college after time away from school
• Living with anxiety in a world full of labels and “diagnoses” from other people
• Why Alanna stopped Googling every symptom and started trusting herself
• Being your own best friend when friendships feel complicated
• Setting boundaries with negative people and protecting your energy
• Creating routines, organization systems, and background noise to feel calmerYou can travel for months, rack up miles, and still carry emotional journeys that matter just as much as the physical ones.
• Independence doesn’t just look like driving a car—it can be running errands, making decisions, and saving money your own way.
• Labels like “anxiety” can feel heavier when they come from other people; trusting your own experience is powerful.
• You don’t always need a big circle of friends—sometimes learning to be your own friend is the most important step.
• The people you surround yourself with deeply affect your energy, mood, and mental health.
• It’s okay to want peace more than popularity. Boundaries are not selfish; they’re survival.
• Organization, routines, and little systems (like binders, schedules, and background noise) can be quiet forms of self-care.

Adrienne and Alanna sit down for another meaningful “My Daughter, My Friend” talk — starting with lighthearted moments about grocery shopping and pumpkin finds, and quickly flowing into a deep reflection on motherhood, growing up, driving confidence, and emotional healing.

🌻 Highlights include:

• The Pumpkin Cocoa Moment: A funny yet thoughtful start — Alanna shares how she questions what makes something “worth it” as she shops for fall treats, learning the difference between price and personal value.
• DIY Lessons and DoorDash Jokes: Adrienne calls Alanna her “private DoorDash,” celebrating her daughter’s resourcefulness and independence — with laughs and motherly pride.
• Driving Confidence & Life360 Love: Adrienne opens up about her initial fears of Alanna driving, and the two share a funny yet honest look at independence, technology (Life360 shoutout!), and trust.
• Road Trip Memories: Together, they reminisce about their stay in Connecticut and Massachusetts — from friendly dogs named Moo and Mina to walking downtown, sushi dates, and meeting new friends.
• School Reflections — Insecurity & Growth: Alanna bravely shares excerpts from her upcoming book, talking about her journey through insecurity, comparison, and how mental health shaped her school experience. She opens up about being bullied by peers and adults, learning resilience, and reclaiming her power through self-expression and writing.
• Adrienne’s Perspective as a Mom: She reflects on how difficult it can be to parent a teen through anxiety and identity changes — and how, during that stage, their bond was more “My Daughter” than “My Friend.”
• Finding Voice After COVID: They reflect on how the pandemic shaped Alanna’s schooling years — isolation, missed milestones, and rebuilding social confidence afterward.
• Healing Through Conversation: Together, they unpack how people often make decisions for those with anxiety, instead of inviting them into the choice. Alanna makes a powerful point: “Don’t decide for me — ask me. I might surprise you.”
• The Rave & Realization: A raw discussion about assumptions and social anxiety — where Alanna explains why missing out on an event hurt more than the event itself, and Adrienne realizes how often she made decisions for her daughter out of protection.
• The Lesson: Give others — especially those with anxiety or quiet strength — the chance to say yes. As Adrienne says, “Don’t make the decision for someone else. Let them choose.”
• Ending with Hope: Alanna reflects on how she’s learned to embrace new experiences, value her independence, and use her voice to empower others who’ve felt overlooked. The episode closes with love, laughter, and a reminder that growth never stops — not for mothers, not for daughters.

In this deeply personal and refreshingly funny episode of My Daughter, My Friend, Adrienne and Alanna are back with a mix of cozy fall adventures and raw real talk.

From pumpkin-shaped cocoa bombs to clams by the water, they recount stories from their mother-daughter road trip through Connecticut, Salem, and Southbridge. But it’s more than nostalgia—Alanna opens up about her time at PACE, feeling invisible despite being a top student, and the painful experience of having decisions made for her by both adults and friends.

The duo also dives into how their relationship evolved through teenage years filled with anxiety, skipped school, and hard lessons—and how they've come out the other side stronger, funnier, and truly as friends.

Whether you're a parent, a teen, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with honest insight, heartwarming memories, and some serious mic-drop moments from 19-year-old Alanna.

🔑 Key Topics:

• 🎃 Are pumpkin cocoa bombs really worth $6?
• 🛣️ Road trip stories from Connecticut to Salem
• 🐾 Moo & Mina the garlic-loving pups
• 😬 Driving anxiety and building confidence
• 🧠 School struggles, anxiety, and adult bullying
• 🙅‍♀️ The harm of assumptions: “Don’t decide for me”
• 🎓 PACE School, GRACE goals, and being overlooked
• 💔 When adults fail teens—and how to heal anyway
• 📖 Alanna’s first book on insecurity and comparison
• 💡 Advice for helping teens with anxiety: ask, don’t assume

✨ Powerful Quotes:

“Just because someone struggles with anxiety doesn’t mean they don’t want the invite. Let them decide.” – Alanna

“Imagine doing all the work to reach the top… and not being given the opportunity to speak, lead, or even be seen.” – Adrienne

📌 Takeaways:

• Don’t assume what someone will or won’t enjoy based on their personality—always offer the experience.
• Kids with anxiety want to grow. They just need safe chances to try.
• Recognition matters—especially when teens work hard for it.
• Some friendships between moms and daughters come after the hardest years.
• Podcasting can be healing—and so is laughter.

📝 Mentioned:

• Life360 App (Gold version)
• Trusted Housesitters
• Salem graveyard walks (yes, really)
• Katastic Learning & Churchill’s Village Eatery
• Sam the Clams seafood stop
• PACE School for girls & the GRACE behavior board
• Adrienne’s book Unscripted Brilliance (out now!)
• Alanna’s upcoming book on insecurity & growth

📬 Be Our Guest:

Have a mother-daughter story to share? Want to be a guest on the show? 👉 Email: adrienne@adriennebarker.com

❤️ Closing Reminder:

“It's okay to not be friends with your mom. Just be friends with yourself.”

A scenic road trip becomes a heartfelt journey of reflection as Alanna and Adrienne travel from Gatlinburg to Virginia, sharing laughs, lessons, and life stories along the way.

In this episode, Alanna and Adrienne take listeners on a moving journey through the winding roads of the Smoky Mountains to Virginia. Along the way, they reflect on family, growth, and the importance of connection. This mother-daughter duo opens up about personal challenges, unforgettable memories, and how their relationship has evolved through shared experiences. Whether you’re navigating your own road trip or life’s twists and turns, this episode is full of warmth, humor, and insight.

Five Key Takeaways

1. Family bonds grow stronger through shared adventures. Road trips are more than miles traveled—they’re opportunities to create lasting memories.
2. Communication is the heart of every relationship. Honest conversations can turn tense moments into meaningful breakthroughs.
3. Embrace life’s detours. The unexpected stops and challenges often become the most memorable parts of the journey.
4. Personal growth happens outside your comfort zone. Stepping into new places, both physically and emotionally, opens doors for transformation.
5. Mother-daughter connections are powerful. Alanna and Adrienne remind us of the beauty in supporting, laughing with, and learning from one another.

Notable Quotes

“Sometimes the best directions are the ones we don’t plan for.” – Adrienne

“I’ve realized that growth comes from the uncomfortable conversations.” – Alanna

“The road teaches us as much about each other as it does about where we’re going.” – Adrienne

Visit our website at: https://mydaughtermyfriend.com/

Thank you to Jeanette Arsenault for the honor and privilege of using My Daughter My Friend as our theme song.

Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter and motivational speaker Jeanette Arsenault creates uplifting music that inspires change on mental health, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. Explore more at jeanettearsenault.ca.

In this heartfelt episode, Alanna and Adrienne open up about the emotional journey of learning to drive — and all the anxiety, excitement, and growing pains that come with it. From the first moments of holding a permit to the nerve-wracking experience of preparing for the license test, this mother-daughter duo reflects on the deeper meaning behind gaining independence.

Through laughter, vulnerability, and raw honesty, they share how fear can be transformed into confidence and how trust plays a powerful role in the process — not only between driver and passenger but between parent and child. This episode is more than just about driving; it’s about learning to believe in yourself, even when the road feels uncertain.

Five Key Takeaways

1. Anxiety is part of growth. Feeling fear is natural when facing something new — what matters is pushing through.
2. Trust is a two-way street. Learning to drive tests both the learner’s confidence and the teacher’s patience.
3. Small victories matter. Every milestone, like parallel parking or driving on the highway, is worth celebrating.
4. Conversations heal fear. Open, honest communication between parent and child turns stress into understanding.
5. Driving symbolizes independence. It’s not just about getting from point A to B — it’s about stepping into a new chapter of life.

Notable Quotes

“Sometimes the scariest roads lead to the strongest drivers.” – Adrienne

“Getting my permit felt like holding freedom in my hands… and fear in my chest.” – Alanna

“Driving isn’t just about the car — it’s about courage.” – Adrienne

Thank you to Jeanette Arsenault for the honor and privilege of using My Daughter My Friend as our theme song.

Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter and motivational speaker Jeanette Arsenault creates uplifting music that inspires change on mental health, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. Explore more at jeanettearsenault.ca.

Thank you to Jeanette Arsenault for the honor and privilege of using My Daughter My Friend as our theme song.

Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter and motivational speaker Jeanette Arsenault creates uplifting music that inspires change on mental health, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. Explore more at jeanettearsenault.ca.

In 2023 we set out on a 180-day cross-country mother-daughter road trip, documenting every mile, meal, and conversation at mydaughtermyfriend.com.

Now our mother-daughter podcast brings those family travel stories to life—sharing road trip adventures, travel tips, and real-life conversations about love, friendship, and family relationships. Each episode asks the big question: Moms, can you truly be friends with your daughters? Daughters, can you be friends with your moms?

👉 Subscribe and listen for inspiring family bonding, personal growth, and mother-daughter relationship insights from our unforgettable journey.