Safety Banana

EP50: Philanthropy and travel with Tom Bull

Welcome to Safety Banana Podcast Episode 50! Jacinda is joined by Tom Bull, an adventurous entrepreneur and finance expert with a deep commitment to mental health and personal growth. Their conversation revolves around integrating philanthropy into travel experiences. Tom shares insights from his experiences in the modeling industry and his extensive global travels, highlighting his impactful philanthropic work in Haiti and Puerto Rico. They explore the importance of giving back while traveling, underscoring how even modest contributions can create significant change. Tom reflects on the profound fulfillment of helping others and offers practical advice on incorporating philanthropy into one's journey. Episode Highlights: 01:40 - Tom Bull's Background 07:36 - Understanding Philanthropy 08:43 - Trip to Haiti 13:12 - Stories from the Orphanage: Bringing Joy to Kids 16:09 - Traveling to Puerto Rico Post-Hurricane Maria 20:46 - The Meaningful Impact of Spontaneous Kindness in Travel 21:52 -Bali Life Foundation 26:40 - Advice for Aspiring Philanthropists 32:34 - Scary Flight Experience 39:16 - Traveling Solo vs. Group Travel Find out more about Tom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombull/ https://www.instagram.com/pursuitofhappinesspod/ https://www.instagram.com/bullorganics/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jacindapatty/ Check out my travel stories https://jacindapatty.wordpress.com/

EP49: Ticking Off Your Bucket List

Welcome to Safety Banana Podcast Episode 49! In this episode, Jacinda explores the joy of ticking items off your bucket list. She shares her personal experience visiting Uluru in Australia and reflects on the deep impact this journey had on her. She also offers practical advice on how to create and prioritize your bucket list while addressing common obstacles such as time, money, and fear. Tune in for inspiration and actionable steps to pursue your travel dreams, and discover how the adventure of exploration is as meaningful as the destinations themselves. Episode Highlights: 04:17 - Creating Your Bucket List 05:43 - Prioritizing Bucket List Items 07:01 - Challenges in Achieving Bucket List Goals 08:14 - Overcoming Obstacles Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jacindapatty/ Check out Jacinda’s more travel stories https://jacindapatty.wordpress.com/

EP48: Hiking the Appalachian Trail with Haley Johnson

Welcome to Safety Banana Podcast Episode 48! In this episode, Jacinda welcomes Haley, known as Bottles, who shares her experiences hiking the Appalachian Trail. Haley discusses the trail culture, unique trail names, and the logistics of through-hiking. She highlights the physical and mental preparation required, the challenges faced, and the sense of community among hikers. Haley recounts encounters with wildlife, trail angels, and the importance of gear and nutrition. Reflecting on her 160-day journey, she emphasizes personal growth, resilience, and the transformative power of nature, inspired by her adventurous spirit and future hiking aspirations. Episode Highlights: 03:01 - Trail Culture and Community 04:47 - Overview of the trail system in the US 07:40 - Journey into Hiking 16:49 - Physical and Mental Preparation 18:53 - Backpacking in the US 20:02 - Ultralight Hiking and Gear 21:01 - Dealing with Wet Conditions 23:28 - Food and Nutrition 37:27 - Injuries and Challenges 46:30 - Mental Health and Support 49:32 - Group Dynamics and Trail Family 52:47 - The Appalachian Trail system 54:23 - Encountering Challenges on the Trail 01:04:46 - Cultural Differences Along the Trail 01:10:40 - Encounters and Trail Names 01:17:22 - Bear Safety and Wilderness Practices About our guest: Haley Johnson is a seasoned HR and DEI professional with over 15 years of international experience across Australia, North America, and Europe. Known for her dynamic energy, collaborative spirit, and unwavering can-do attitude, she has built a reputation for driving pragmatic solutions that foster real change. Haley excels as a connector of people, knowledge, and ideas, dedicated to empowering individuals, teams, and organizations to achieve their full potential. Her expertise spans the spectrum of People & Culture, encompassing DEI, talent management, performance and compensation systems, employee engagement, learning and development, and succession planning. A proactive problem solver with a keen eye for detail and strong interpersonal skills, she thrives in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments, consistently delivering high-quality results. Outside of work, Haley is deeply committed to supporting B Corps, social enterprises, and responsible organizations, reflecting her passion for making a positive impact on both people and the planet. Her personal interests include adventure, hiking, backpacking, yoga, live music, and exploring new cultures and experiences. Find out more about Haley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-johnson-b0464738/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jacindapatty/ Check out my travel stories https://jacindapatty.wordpress.com/

EP47: Wine and Travel with Micky

Welcome to Safety Banana Podcast Episode 47! Join Jacinda as she warmly welcomes Melbourne-based wine professional Micky. Micky recounts his journey from the dynamic world of hospitality in Sydney to his current role in the wine industry in Melbourne, sharing colorful experiences from bars and hotels to wine tastings in Queenstown, New Zealand, and dining at Michelin-starred restaurants in the US. Delve into their discussion on the contrasts between hospitality in the US and Australia, and glean expert tips from Michael on experiencing wine and fine dining abroad. This episode promises to inspire and inform, inviting listeners to embrace the world of wine and hospitality with a fresh perspective. Episode Highlights: 03:33 - Transition to Melbourne 04:21 - Diving into Wine 08:59 - Day in the Life of a Wine Sales Manager 11:24 - Travels and Dining Experiences in the US 14:52 - Fine Dining Experience in San Francisco 18:03 - Comparison of Service in the US and Australia 23:20 - Engagement in New York 26:07 - Challenges of Accessing American Wines in Australia 29:27 - Wine Tasting in Queenstown, New Zealand 37:01 - Travel Tips and Packing Advice About our guest: Michael Hagerty is a Melbourne-based wine sales professional currently excelling at Franc About Wine, a prominent importer and distribution company in the industry. With a rich background in hospitality, Michael transitioned seamlessly into the world of wine, bringing with him extensive experience from Sydney's vibrant bars and hotels. His journey has been marked by a passion for exploring wines from around the globe, including memorable visits to Michelin-starred restaurants in the US and indulgent wine tastings in Queenstown, New Zealand. Michael's expertise and dedication continue to drive his success in sharing and promoting the artistry of fine wines within the Australian market and beyond. Find out more about Micky Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelhegarty_somm/ Specialist importers & distributors of fine wine https://francaboutwine.com/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jacindapatty/ Check out my travel stories https://jacindapatty.wordpress.com/

EP46: Don't Give Your Passport To The Police

Welcome to Safety Banana Podcast Episode 46! In this episode, Jacinda dives into a crucial travel lesson: the importance of safeguarding your passport from the police. Join her as she shares firsthand accounts from adventurous journeys through Central and South America, where innovative strategies for protecting passports became indispensable. From navigating vibrant festivals to overcoming unexpected accommodation challenges, this episode offers practical advice and compelling personal stories that highlight the significance of travel security. Tune in for insights that promise safer and more fulfilling adventures. Episode Highlights: 01:30 - Passport in Underpants 05:04 - Police and Passport in Asia 07:51 - Encountering Police in Mexico City 09:21 - Alternatives to Handing Over Passport Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jacindapatty/ Check out Jacinda’s more travel stories https://jacindapatty.wordpress.com/