Sometimes the toughest moments in life can lead to the best ones. In this episode, I'll tell you a little story of how my divorce in South Korea led to my move to France, and in turn, meeting my soulmate and having the perfect last-minute wedding in Michigan. From a suit packed in a carry-on, to the supermarket flowers I used to make a bouquet, to having my sisters as officiants, our little ceremony in Michigan was the dream wedding we never dreamt of.

In this episode, I'd like to introduce the ways online education has expanded my world. I work as a full-time educator online, but I have also found new hobbies that have developed into passions thanks to the endless high-quality, truly educational courses now available from fascinating and talented instructors around the world. (Episode photo is an amigurumi monkey I made for my nephew for his birthday. Amigurumi crochet is a new skill I picked up through online lessons!) 

Who doesn't love a little festive atmosphere this time of year? Let's explore a French Christmas market that traces its history back 450 years. Melty cheese, hot wine, and a bizarre taxidermy creature...this market has it all. 

On the second half of this episode, we dive into the cultural experiences we had as an Earthwatch team. We explored 1000-year-old temples, got swept away in the crowds of a festival of the gods, discovered a Tibetan village, and so much more. 

It's time for another travel episode! This week, let's adventure to Kullu in the Himachal Pradesh region of India for some citizen science with the incredible organization called Earthwatch.  Part 2 will be out this week Thursday (Dec. 16).

Join me for a drink and a chat with my dad. We'll learn all about the legend that is Tom Konen and answer hard-hitting questions such as "How many kicks does it take to knock down a New Orleans' hotel door?" and "If Uncle Gap hadn't had holes in his socks, would he have married?". For episode photos and videos, check out The Fascinations Podcast on Instagram and Facebook:https://www.instagram.com/the.fascinations.podcast/https://www.facebook.com/TheFascinationsPodcastMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/cradled-in-the-hands-of-loveLicense code: RDLJP307Z8XGURWN

For today's casual mini episode, let's pull up to the table and chow down on a story of the holiday mash-up I like to call Franksgiving. 

What makes sourdough so special? How do you get it to rise? What is a baker's percentage? Today let's snack on some tasty sourdough tidbits. 

Can chickens eat spicy food? Why is the rooster a symbol of France? Today let's dive beak-first into what it's like having backyard chickens, and let's answer the age-old question: do the chickens have large talons?

In this very first episode of The Fascinations Podcast, I introduce my fascination with moving abroad, and how it motivated me to make an international move (twice).