The Day Everything Changed… and the Life That Followed

Stop Waiting for Someday | Emma Lovell on Travel, Freedom & Living Life Now

Stop Waiting for Someday | Emma Lovell on Travel, Freedom & Living Life Now What if the biggest thing standing between you and the life you dream of isn't money, time, or circumstance? What if it's simply waiting for "someday"? In this inspiring episode of Travel With Us Awhile, I sit down with author, speaker, entrepreneur, traveller and self-confessed freedom seeker Emma Lovell, whose book The Art of Bleisure first introduced me to her refreshing philosophy of blending business, travel, adventure and life into something richer and more meaningful. Emma shares the story of breaking her back while snowboarding and why she refused to let that define her future. We talk about resilience, reinvention, travelling with young children, running a business while exploring the world, and the power of making a new plan when life changes direction. Our conversation also explores: Why Emma believes travel is about freedom and choice How she and her family continue to travel with a young child Moving an entire retreat from Nepal to India when political unrest changed everything Her beautiful new book A Life of Magic, celebrating the extraordinary life of her 103-year-old cousin, World War II veteran and magician Bill Cook The importance of preserving memories through stories, photographs and family history Why "one day" and "someday" can be the most dangerous words we tell ourselves Along the way, we discover just how much we have in common—from a love of travel and storytelling to the belief that life's greatest adventures often begin when we stop waiting for perfect conditions. Emma's message is simple but powerful: Talk your dreams into existence. Then take action. Whether you're dreaming of travelling more, starting something new, or simply living a life with greater purpose and intention, this conversation is packed with wisdom, warmth and encouragement. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and join us for a conversation about freedom, courage, connection and creating a life you love now—not someday. Guest: Emma Lovell Author of The Art of Bleisure and A Life of Magic ---------------------------------------- Travel With Us Awhile is hosted by Bron Hogan, sharing stories, adventures and conversations that inspire you to make the most of your one precious life. One Life. Live It Well.

Adventure isn’t always about pushing harder. Sometimes it’s about knowing when to pause.

Sometimes the bravest adventure decision isn’t to keep going… …it’s choosing to pause, learn and admit: “I’m not ready yet.” This week I chatted with Tash Capel, whose honesty about pulling out of attempting Tasmania’s famous Overland Track deeply impressed me. Instead of charging ahead through pride, she chose preparation. Training. Learning. Building strength. Planning to return another day. What followed was one of the most thoughtful conversations I’ve had about hiking, safety, rescue teams, resilience and respecting both nature and our own limits. Tash reminds us that adventure isn’t only about reaching summits. Sometimes wisdom is the real achievement. If you’ve dreamed of hiking, wondered where to start, or questioned your own readiness for something big… this conversation may resonate. ☕ Grab a cuppa and join us. Check out some of her images on https://bronhogan.com/tash-capel-the-wisdom-of-turning-back-why-knowing-your-limits-might-be-the-greatest-adventure-of-all/ [https://bronhogan.com/tash-capel-the-wisdom-of-turning-back-why-knowing-your-limits-might-be-the-greatest-adventure-of-all/] Be sure to subscribe if you have enjoyed this conversation - there will be more to come soon...

Moving countries for a lifestyle & why bored kids thrive...

There’s something quietly inspiring about choosing a new country not just for opportunity… but for lifestyle. In this episode of Travel With Us A While, I chat with Ross — a UK-born teacher who made the move to Australia in 2020 with his young family. What began as a practical decision (yes, teacher salaries played a part!) has grown into a life filled with sunshine, caravanning adventures, and raising children who understand the joy of being outdoors. Ross now teaches in a special assistance school, working with students who don’t thrive in mainstream settings — a role that requires patience, flexibility, and heart. Both he and his wife, who works in disability support, are clearly passionate about making a difference. But it’s what happens beyond the classroom that really brings this story to life. From their base in Brisbane, the family hitches up their hybrid caravan and heads off to explore — north to Cairns and the reef, and south toward Hunter Valley. There are moments of uncertainty — like towing a caravan up a muddy hill after weeks of rain — but as Ross shares with a laugh, that’s all part of the adventure. What really stayed with me during our conversation was his approach to raising children. In a world where screens are often the easy option, Ross and his wife have chosen a different path. > “It’s okay to be bored… that’s where imagination begins.” Instead of defaulting to tablets, their girls are encouraged to explore, create, and engage with the world around them — whether that’s snorkelling for the first time off Great Keppel Island (and losing a wobbly tooth in the process!) or simply playing freely in nature. It’s a gentle reminder that travel doesn’t need to be extravagant to be meaningful. Sometimes, it’s the smallest moments — a campsite, shared laughter, or a simple day outdoors — that become the stories we carry with us. Ross also shares how becoming a parent has shifted his perspective. While he once believed there was no need to revisit places, he now sees travel through his children’s eyes — and that changes everything. Looking ahead, the family is preparing for their next chapter — gaining Australian citizenship, planning a cruise along the Queensland coast, and perhaps introducing their daughters to the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand. It’s not about ticking destinations off a list… It’s about creating a life filled with moments that matter. And really, isn’t that what travel is all about? Check out the blog I wrote using Ross' images https://bronhogan.com/from-the-uk-to-the-australian-outdoors-raising-adventurous-kids-one-road-trip-at-a-time/ [https://bronhogan.com/from-the-uk-to-the-australian-outdoors-raising-adventurous-kids-one-road-trip-at-a-time/]

Finding Adventure Close to Home, Camping, Photography & Hidden Gems with Kristie Brennan

This week on the Travel With Us A While podcast, I chat with photographer and adventurer Kristie Brennan — a woman who reminds us that adventure doesn’t always mean travelling far away. Sometimes it simply means having the courage to begin. Kristie shares stories of camping alone with her children, exploring hidden corners of Victoria, photographing the night sky, and discovering peace and healing in nature after difficult times in life. We talk about: * Why local people always know the best places * The magic of slowing down and really seeing where you are * Travelling on a budget * Raising adventurous children * Hidden gems around Victoria * The beauty of beaches and bushland at night * And why you should stop waiting for “someday” One of my favourite parts of our conversation was discussing how easy it is, as photographers, to become so busy capturing moments that we forget to actually experience them. A gentle reminder for all of us. Kristie also speaks about a hidden gems travel book she’s currently working on — and I have a feeling it’s going to inspire many people to get out and explore Australia a little more slowly and deeply. Check out the blog I wrote using her amazing images here: https://bronhogan.com/finding-yourself-between-the-stars-the-silence-with-kristie-brennan/ [https://bronhogan.com/finding-yourself-between-the-stars-the-silence-with-kristie-brennan/]

They sold everything & just went. Simply a shared dream, a vehicle, & the open road.

This week’s podcast conversation is one that really stayed with me. I spoke with Rob and Ange — a couple who, about three years ago, did something many of us dream about… they sold everything and hit the road. No perfect timing. No perfect plan. Just a shared belief that life was meant to be lived now, not later. Since then, they’ve travelled all over Australia, worked along the way, met incredible people, and created a life that feels both simple and deeply fulfilling. What I loved most about our conversation was their honesty. They spoke about the fear at the beginning. Discovering the joy of slowing down & the realisation that you don’t need as much as you think to live a rich and meaningful life. Their advice? Don’t wait. You’ll never have the perfect amount of money or the perfect moment. Just go. If you’ve ever found yourself saying “one day”… this episode might just give you the nudge you need. Listen in now & travel with us a while. Bron Link to see photos of their setup - Ange's amazing videos on cooking whilst on the road plus much more can be found here: