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In this episode of The Sober Butterfly Podcast, host Nadine Mulvina sits down with writer and traveler Melissa Rodway, author of The People You Meet: Luxury, Leeches, Love, and Lao Lao with a Host of Interesting Characters in Southeast Asia, for a thoughtful, story-driven conversation about how travel shapes identity, purpose, and connection.

This episode goes far beyond bucket lists and destinations. Nadine and Melissa explore the deeper, often unspoken layers of travel—how movement through the world changes us emotionally and spiritually, the people who leave lasting imprints on our lives, and the difference between simply taking a vacation and truly traveling with intention.

Melissa opens up about the realities of travel burnout, travel ego, and knowing when it’s time to come home. She shares how her relationship with travel has evolved with age, why purpose matters more than pace, and how adventure doesn’t disappear as we grow—it simply changes form. The conversation also touches on routine versus freedom, rest versus movement, and how travel can act as both a mirror and a teacher.

Listeners will also hear about unforgettable people Melissa has met on the road, powerful moments from her global travels, and a memorable trip to Jordan that left a lasting impact. Throughout the episode, travel is framed not as an escape, but as a tool for self-discovery, discernment, and deeper connection.

This episode is perfect for anyone who has ever felt changed by a trip, struggled with the tension between adventure and stability, or wondered what they’re really searching for when they book the ticket.

✨ In This Episode, We Discuss:

• How travel reshapes identity over time
• The people we meet on the road who stay with us long after the trip ends
• Travel ego, comparison, and letting go of “travel hierarchy”
• Recognizing travel burnout and knowing when it’s time to come home
• The difference between vacations and meaningful travel
• How purpose and priorities shift as we age
• Why adventure still matters—even when life changes
• The inspiration behind The People You Meet

📖 Melissa’s Book

You can find Melissa’s book here:
👉 The People You Meet: Luxury, Leeches, Love, and Lao Lao with a Host of Interesting Characters in Southeast Asia
https://www.amazon.com/People-You-Meet-Interesting-Characters-ebook/dp/B0F3V7NPW3

🎧 About The Sober Butterfly Podcast

The Sober Butterfly Podcast explores identity, connection, and what it looks like to rebuild a meaningful life after big change. Through honest solo episodes and thoughtful conversations, Nadine Mulvina invites listeners into nuanced discussions about growth, relationships, purpose, and becoming aligned—without needing to burn everything down.

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Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services refereed to in this episode.