Welcome back to an exhilarating journey with Kate, an intrepid traveler and true outlier. Brace yourself as we dive into captivating narratives that will tantalize your senses and awaken your wanderlust. I first crossed paths with Kate at the airport enroute to the MEETINGS NZ trade show, and from that moment, our shared passion for exploration forged an instant connection. Our mutual love for Africa was just the beginning. Kate's fervor for wildlife conservation and sustainable travel shines through in every tale she shares. Get ready to be transported to the lush jungles of Rwanda, where gorilla trekking becomes an immersive experience of a lifetime. Venture with her into the untamed environs of Papua New Guinea , South Africa and beyond. As the founder and owner of Captured Travel Media, Kate is not just a traveler but a crusader for our planet. Her adventures are not merely escapades; they carry a deeper purpose of preserving our natural wonders. Through her lens as an editor and travel journalist, Kate unveils the soul-stirring essence of diverse cultures and ecosystems. Join us as we unravel the extraordinary life of Kate Webster, a globe-trotter, ocean enthusiast, and relentless advocate for conservation. By the end of this episode, you might find yourself booking a ticket to Rwanda in a heartbeat, inspired by Kate's infectious zeal for meaningful travel. Get ready to embark on a voyage of discovery and passion with Kate. This is not just a podcast; it's an invitation to embrace the world with open arms and a conscious heart. Go Well, Live in Joy, Ciao! Monique! Links Kate Webster https://capturedtravel.com/author/katewp Africa Beat (Gorilla trekking, Rwanda) https://africabeat.com.au The Boffola Podcast proudly acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognize their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout South East Queensland.

Cathy Brown was only thirty-three, married with two young children aged six and eight when she was diagnosed with melanoma. After the tumours were examined, she was informed that she had two months to two years to live and that chemotherapy and radiotherapy were not an option. She was devastated. she wanted to see her children grow up. She wanted to travel and to live her life. Cathy shares how this diagnosis, this ‘event’ challenged every belief she had ever had about life but ultimately guided her towards a significant transformation of her mind, body, and soul. She shares how she did not see herself as a ‘victim of cancer,’ but that she could use this time to empower herself and start to live the life she had always dreamed. Thirty-five years later she is healthy and thriving in life. Cathy shares her journey, and I must say, it inspired me. You may not have the dreaded ‘C’ but that makes your own struggles no less challenging or daunting. I am sure Cathy’s story will provide you with inspiration and insights for your own life – as it did mine.  

My jaw dropped when Steve told me he walked 3000km (1864miles) wearing ‘Crocs’ (shoe brand).  That includes the Camino de Santiago and a number of other pilgrimages. This information sums up Steve in many ways. He calls himself a pilgrim.  His wisdom drops were “when you get lost, you get found.” And “Travel highlights the complexity of human nature.”. I must say, I agree with both sentiments.  Steve is unconventional. He calls himself a nihilist. Steve is raw in his honesty as a long term traveller or ‘pilgrim’ as he calls himself. He shares that life on the road is not always easy. He travelled without a smart phone and used physical maps and asked locals for guidance.  Thus far he has travelled to 80 countries with over 12,000 km hitchhiking.  I think you will get caught up in his energy and daring.  You can also read of his journey in his new book ‘Relishing the Tread’. Available on Amazon & more.

Annie Looby, a former actor and now psychotherapist shares her story of traversing the emotional journey of being a mother of a transgender boy. Her extraordinary experience of deep acceptance and unconditional love is shared as Annie faces the very real challenge of loss and grief into a world of the unknown, with the very real shifting and evolving nature of the human experience. Annie shares her joy as she honours and respects her child’s choices by staying in relationship and connection with him. We go onto chat of the broader aspects of embracing difference, celebrating diversity as part of our human evolution. I must say, I learnt so much from Annie and appreciate her truthful authenticity. If you or someone you know would benefit from support on the issue of Gender Diversity here are some helpful links: Australia: www.gendercentre.org.au https://transcendaus.org/ USA: www.glaad.org UK: https://www.transunite.co.uk/ CANADA https://cpath.ca/en/resources/links/

Dr Olivia Lesslar is a woman who follows her intuition. She’s an action taker as well as a seeker.  It was a pleasure and honour to spend this time with her. Olivia is a functional medicine practitioner with an interest in complex chronic conditions.  You will hear her love of delving into, and working with other practitioners, on CFS, CIRS, MCAS, cancer, neuroinflammation, allergies and food sensitivities. I have expertise in optimised, personalised health, "biohacking", and longevity. I think my favouritepart of this conversation was listening to her discuss psychoneuroendoimmunology or PNI. Olivia shares how the body systems inform and interact with each other. It is powerful and I certainly have used this in my life over the last few years. Olivia shares her tips for good health and what you can do to heal from hronic disease.  When we get a severe health diagnosis, it can be devastating but the utter joy is that we have options and a choice to hope. I hope you enjoy this relaxed but informative chat.  Here’s a beautiful IG quote by Dr Lesslar says “I love the freedom in the option of being a digital nomad and having the choice to work if I want to!  As much as I love to travel, I love my work just as much. You can't appreciate light without darkness, you can't appreciate 'left' without a right. I'm not going to go into "highs and lows", because to be honest, even the lows aren't really lows- they're just challenges to shape who I am.” Thank you to Jack Henry for fabo edits. Thank you to Aaron Nebauer for his music for this podcast.

Since the age of 17, Therese has been traveling and moving around the world, by choice. Back then Therese shares that she was a shy introvert but with each move, she has discovered so much about herself and the world. Integrating into a new environment has done wonders for her self-esteem. All these travels has allowed her to create quite the luggage set, so to speak, filled with tips on language learning, packing (a suitcase of a home) and creating a home, wherever that may be. Therese generously shares many tips and ideas on moving abroad. No longer moving every three years, Therese and her husband have found a home in France. Her garden sounds amazing, and I have invited myself for a visit! If you like stories of travel, including the challenges, you will love this podcast. Therese has put her massive luggage of skills available to helping others achieve their dreams.  So, if you are thinking of moving abroad, or just want to dip your toe into the possibility, go to www.passportlifestyles.fr to find out more. Her mission? To help you and your wanderlust soul to discover the world and it’s varied cultures, in a way that suits you best!  Not a bad job if you ask me. Thanks Therese, it was so much fun! Big thanks to Jack Henry for his editing out my copious amounts of laughter. And Aaron Nebauer for his glorious music.

So, here is a peak into my life. A life that encompasses abduction, neglect, trauma, miracles, joy and release.  Not the full story, of course and I have to say it has been quite a ride of pain and amazing good fortune. It is fun podcast, amidst some challenging subject matters.Being the teller and not the host was a challenge I was up for. I’ve learnt particularly in the last few years the impact of my story on my psyche, my health, my choices and my adventurous life. OUR STORY & OUR MEMORIES - Our memories are unreliable. What people tell us can be unreliable. What is important is how we respond. Stories retold can keep us locked in pain, we can suppress them, which is what I did, or we can focus on them, which can re-traumatises us. Depression and darkness can grip us and overwhelm us for years. I found release and though it took some work, it has been worth it. There are some pretty miraculous things here and as always in my podcast, some belly laughs. My ‘stand in host’ – Annie Looby – said it was enthralling. Thank you for listening, I hope you enjoy it also.Onwards and Upwards Thank you Jack Henry - Editor & Aaron Nebauer - Musician

Age doesn’t matter and no one knows that better than my guest Leone Galbraith. This woman lives her life to the max! At 78 she took up deep sea diving, at 80 golf. Her motto for life has been “If you want it, then just do it!” And she has. From being one of the first women to water-ski as a professional at  SeaWorld in Queensland, to living on a boat up and down the Qld coast, to being a cancer survivor and so much more. Leone is a down to earth Aussie. As authentic as the day is long. I met Leone when we were walking our dogs and I am so pleased we connected. Leone is an inspiration to me and I hope she will be to you too. Age is but a number! Go for it! Editor Jack Henry.  Thanks Jack!

Keir Beck is a down to earth Aussie who transitioned from a gardener to a tree arborist then onto the wild and dangerous world as a stunt coordinator & rigger. Keir’s career highlights include Pitch Black, Mad Max- Fury Road, three Matrix films, Casino Royale & his latest collaboration with Ron Howard in the film Thirteen Lives. Keir’s journey embodies the wisdom of self-belief, waiting for ideas to turn up and not over thinking. This invaluable attitude of "having a go" has supported his career well and to quote Keir, “I’ll go on my intuition, but I’ll always take my brain with me to defend my ideas.” A very enjoyable chat and a peak behind the movie screen to the intricacies and dangers of stunt rigging. You’ll love it! N.B. Thank you to Jack Henry for his immaculate editing skills to cut out my ums and ahh’s.

Andre Cruz shares a funny but terrifying white water rafting trip that precipitated a number of changes in his life. We reminisce about the Caribbean "Blue Note at Sea" Jazz Cruise where we met, along with Cindy and the amazing time we had. It was such an honour and fun to experience and meet such talent. For Andre, it held so much more. The inspiration of meeting so many extraordinary Grammy award winning talent along with his recent life-threatening rafting experience, brought about an existential experience that changed the course of his life. A truly inspirational and heart-warming story from this humble yet talented man. It made me both joyful and tearful at the same time. Andre Cruz is the lead singer of the and The Humidors. He has just released an EP. Andre can be found on social media @andrecruzmusic. Please, do yourself a favour and check him out.