Stories on a Train, Episode 5, Lynette

I travel on trains about once a month. Sometimes for commuting purposes, sometimes for fun. this podcast brings conversation to life for me. It is worth the effort because I challenge my insecurities and learn about people at the same time. Have a listen and enjoy the podcast! Elly is using her time on the train to enjoy her commute back and forth from school - it started out a bad situation, but ended up pretty good! Train travel is a unique experience that gives us the opportunity to meet new people, exchange stories, and ponder life's mysteries. Everyone has a story to tell. This podcast explores the conversations that occur sometimes while travelling by train. The conversations are unrehearsed, and spring from the idea that we can learn a lot from each other if we just say hello and start talking. Best, Karen

This episode was recorded in Austin, Texas in January. The morning was fresh and sunny, only seven commuters were on the train today. I met Gabriel and this is what he had to share.

Today I introduce Sharice to you. She was waiting on the same train so I struck up a conversation. I hope you enjoy this quick episode because the train was about to enter the station! See you around! Three questions: Why are you riding the train today? Do you enjoy traveling by train?Do you have any stories to tell?Maybe I'll see you at the station!Best,Karen

Traveling by train is a unique experience that gives us the opportunity to meet new people, exchange stories, and ponder life's mysteries. Everyone has a story to tell. This podcast explores the conversations that occur sometimes while travelling by train.Episode 8 - Shubrata shares her lovely childhood story with us.

This week I was able to watch a master painter at work - on TV. My husband and I spent some time watching some Bob Ross reruns, imagining that we would become painters someday.  As I was watching the calm man show us all how to create happy little trees and places for little colorful flowers to live, three very important lessons spoke to me.

Laverne shares her story of traveling with her husband and grandson on the Texas Eagle.

Even though everyone has a story to tell, sometimes, they don't want to share it in person. Such is the story of one gentleman's train trip, I called  him Omar because he didn't want me to use his real name. He kept to himself most of the time on the extended train trip, and he overheard me ask another person to speak on the podcast. I was happy to explain the whole podcast idea, but it is a bit difficult to ask strangers to tell their stories. Yet, it is worth the effort because I challenge my insecurities and learn about people at the same time. He agreed to tell me his story, then let me narrate it for the podcast. I am so thankful for his willingness to share his story. Thank you again, Omar.

Not only adults enjoy riding the train, children do as well. Kelsher rides the train from Los Angeles to Austin for the first time. The roomette was cool, the food was good, and he even made a new friend.Thank you, Kelsher, for sharing your story.

We all have a story to tell, and traveling on a train is a great way to learn about others and practice that art of listening. These stories are unique, true, and sometimes impromptu. All of the stories will share some of the common experiences we have as we travel together. The recordings were created with an Acer Chromebook, a Blue Snowball Ice microphone for voiceovers,  and WeVideo for editing. Thank you to Anchor for allowing a novice like me to try her hand at Podcasting. See you all at the station,Karen 

Flashback: This episode was recorded on March 9, 2020, before the COVID-19 events changed the way I record podcasts. Actually, it changed life for many of us. If you are attentive, riding the train is a great way to enjoy unexpected dialogue and learn about people. I hope you enjoy my quick conversation with Lynette on board the Amtrak Texas Eagle.