In the latest episode of the podcast, I had the pleasure of inviting Carol Springer, one of the dynamic personalities behind the ‘Where Next Podcast’. Carol shared with us her rich tapestry of experiences, highlighting how life is an unfolding journey, marked by distinct chapters that each bring their own set of dreams, adventures, and quests for what comes next.
Carol’s story begins in the snowy landscapes of Minnesota and takes us through to the sun-kissed peaks of Colorado. Along the way, we get a glimpse of her time in California and Hawaii, which were not merely stops on a map but crucial parts of her life’s narrative. Her travels are interwoven with personal growth, professional endeavors, and the evolving dreams of her family. With her son potentially on the cusp of a baseball career, Carol discusses the mixed emotions of watching her children reach their milestones while simultaneously preparing for the freedoms and adventures that come with being an empty nester. 
This episode isn’t just about recounting past travels; it’s also about contemplating the future. Carol and her co-host Kristen use their podcast as a platform to explore potential expat destinations and bucket list travels, a shared anticipation of adventure that many listeners can relate to. Their stories underscore the importance of nurturing wanderlust even while juggling the responsibilities of raising a family and running a business.
Listeners are treated to anecdotes of Carol’s adventures, such as blackwater rafting in New Zealand and beach dancing in Mexico. These stories are not just recounted for their thrill but are reflective of a deeper desire to seize life’s opportunities, no matter what stage of life one is in. It’s about embracing the spirit of adventure, whether it’s through the daring escapades of youth or the more measured, yet equally exciting, explorations later in life.
Carol also opens up about the practicalities of travel, from the ease of finding jobs and accommodations due to her sociable nature, to the logistics of operating a business remotely. There’s a candid discussion about the challenges of managing time zones, unreliable infrastructure, and the pull of family ties when considering travel plans. She shares her aspirations to experience the local culture, exemplified by the discovery of a significant Buddhist temple near her Colorado home, illustrating that adventure can be as much about local exploration as it is about distant travels.
In a moment of reflection, Carol recounts the serendipitous story of how she met her husband during the tech boom in Silicon Valley, offering a unique insight into their lives as a couple in business together. Their approach to family life includes treasured trips and the practicalities of balancing work and travel. As they stand on the brink of a new chapter as empty nesters, the conversation turns to future travel plans, dream destinations, and the notion that with each ending comes the beginning of another grand adventure.
This podcast episode is not only a source of inspiration but also a gentle reminder that life is an odyssey. It invites listeners to consider where their next chapter might take them, to embrace change, and to chase the dreams that beckon beyond the horizon. Whether it’s the comfort of local getaways or the allure of exotic destinations like Hawaii and Thailand, Carol’s story is a compass guiding us all toward our own travel aspirations.
In closing, we celebrate the idea that every chapter in our book of life prepares us for the next. As Carol so aptly puts it, adventure is doing something out of your comfort zone, and this episode encourages everyone to find their own definition of adventure and pursue it with zeal.