Conversations Across America

Alissa Bell takes us on an inspiring adventure as she shares her transformational journey from the corporate grind to the liberating world of global bike touring.Following the motivating stories of women adventurers, Alissa stepped out of her comfort zone, leading to remarkable experiences in East and West Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America. These experiences culminated in a newfound love for bike travel and a desire to share her stories with the world.As the founder of Bike Sleep Bike, her online community project that brings together a diverse collection of personal bike travel stories, Alissa has logged over 20,000 miles cycling across the globe. Through the power of storytelling, she highlights the challenges and rewards of solo travel and overcoming fears. Her insights provide a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of travel and the vibrant spirit of the cycling community.Catch up with Alissa on her website, Exploring Wild, and follow her adventures on Bike Sleep Bike and Facebook.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

Join us on an incredible cycling journey with the Bennek family as they share their experiences of leaving behind their life in Southern Germany to embark on a unique family cycle tour.Discover the challenges and joys of bike travel with two young kids as Lorena and Gregor discuss finding the perfect balance between adventure and family life. Their journey is a testament to the power of trust, flexibility, and connection with nature, providing a fresh perspective on the benefits of slow travel and the simplicity of life on two wheels.Lorena and Gregor's experiences remind us of the beauty of living in the present, embracing spontaneity, and nurturing a sense of community no matter where the road takes us.Note: since the recording of this episode, the Bennek family has added a puppy named Maluna to their mix! They can’t wait to hit the road again, albeit at a slower pace. Life is a journey, and they take it how it evolves!Catch up with Lorena & Gregor on their website, StraBenGiraffen, and follow them on Instagram at @strassengiraffen.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

Today’s episode of Bike Life aired earlier this year and quickly became one of our most downloaded shows of all time. All of our 2023 guests have been simply amazing! We hope you enjoy this encore presentation of Biking 4 Biodiversity.What do you get when you combine a love for adventure and cycle touring with a passion for nature conservation and awareness? Hanna Ollos and Jonas Sommer embarked on an epic cycling journey from Germany to Southeast Asia, with the goal of promoting nature conservation and raising awareness about the biodiversity crisis. Little did they know that their one-and-a-half-year journey would take unexpected twists and turns, pushing them to their limits and teaching them invaluable lessons about flexibility and going with the flow.As Hanna and Jonas navigate through different terrains, climates, and encounters with local communities, they share their firsthand experiences of the challenges and rewards of long-distance cycling. From extreme droughts and scorching temperatures to the hospitality of the South Asian people, they paint a vivid picture of their journey that is both awe-inspiring and humbling. Their insights provide a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, and the urgent need to protect biodiversity.If you've ever dreamed of embarking on your own cycling adventure or simply want to learn more about the importance of nature conservation, this episode is a must-listen. Hanna and Jonas offer practical advice for starting small and gradually building up to bigger trips, encouraging everyone to connect with nature and make a difference in their own communities. Learn more about Hanna and Jonas at Biking4Biodiversity.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @Biking4Biodiversity.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

Today’s episode of Bike Life aired earlier this year and quickly became one of our most downloaded shows of all time. All of our 2023 guests have been simply amazing! We hope you enjoy this encore presentation of Murdock, the Hosting Legend.Richard Martin, aka Murdock, discovered Warmshowers entirely by chance. Eight years and 200 guests later, Murdock has become a hosting legend!One day, on his way to work as a wildland firefighter, he met a cyclist on the road who had just climbed a steep hill and looked exhausted. He stopped to offer her Gatorade, which turned into an offer of a place to stay, and then dinner, where she told him all about Warmshowers. The rest is history.In his eight years of hosting, Murdock has met incredible people from all over the world. He’s seen it all; unicycles, tricycles, families with dogs, you name it. For Murdock, it’s all about the story, and someone new with a unique story always comes along!Follow Richard on Facebook and Instagram at @pinkmoondiving.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected]’s episode of Bike Life was hosted by Jerry Kopack, Warmshowers Board member and finance chair. Theme Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les Konley Happy riding and hosting!

Jane Hertenstein's cycling journey began at a young age when her father strapped wooden blocks onto her tricycle. Since then, she has been deeply curious about exploring the world on her bike. From early solo trips to her epic cross-country adventure, Jane's love for cycling has allowed her to connect with many people along the way. Jane has authored over 90 published articles, stories, and novels, and her work has been recognized by the New York Times. She is known for her unique style of “flash memoir,” which turns small memories into powerful stories. Based in Chicago, Jane has dedicated herself to making a difference in her community as a community activist and working at a homeless shelter. Get inspired by Jane's stories of resilience, exploration, and the joy of traveling by bike.Catch up with Jane on her blog, Memoirous, and on CrazyGuyOnABike. Learn how to create a portfolio of your own life stories in her workshop Your Life is Your Story. Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

Melissa Pritchard embodies the spirit of exploration. Her passion for cycling has shaped her life and taught her many important lessons. From learning to be content with less to finding happiness in the simple pleasures, her experiences on the road have given her a new perspective.Melissa's passion for cycling extends beyond her own adventures as she has visited schools in 30 different countries, inspiring students and teachers alike with her "Teacher on Two Wheels" project. She shares her various bike tours, including her incredible trip from Barcelona to Oregon, which she fondly calls "The Loong Way Home". What started as a bet with Melissa’s brothers has turned into an incredible journey that has transformed her as a person. Her story will inspire you to embrace new challenges and make a positive impact on the world.Catch up with Melissa on her blog, The Loong Way Home. Follow her on Facebook and on Instagram at @theloongwayhome. Hear how Melissa inspired Murdock to become a Warmshowers’ hosting legend on Bike Life episode #72 Murdock, the Hosting Legend. Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

Kenneth Wilson, the highway cellist, shares his extraordinary “work of art” journey touring with his cello on his bike.With his book, "Highway Cello," as the backdrop, Kenneth takes listeners on a captivating tale of musical exploration and self-discovery. He recounts the challenges and triumphs of riding with his cello, including the ingenious solution he found for carrying it on his bike.Kenneth shares the joy of connecting with people and playing in unexpected locations, from punts in Cambridge to people's front rooms and back gardens. With his unique blend of music and poetry, Kenneth brings a touch of magic to every performance, leaving a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to hear his beautiful melodies.5 Fun Facts about Kenneth’s Journey:He strapped a cello to the back of the bike.He cycled from Hadrian's Wall to Rome (the edge of the Roman Empire to the heart of the Empire).He performed every day on the way, including at the highest motorable point over the Alps.He biked into Rome and performed for the Mayor's Diplomatic Ambassador on the roof of the Musei Capitolini.He upset the Mafia on the way! Learn more about Kenneth on his website, Kenneth Wilson Highway Cello, and listen to his performances here. Follow him on Instagram at @kennethwilsoncello and on YouTube. You can get Kenneth’s book, The Highway Cello, here.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les Konley Happy riding and hosting!

Ride along as Brandon Bell takes us on a journey of self-discovery and environmental consciousness. After experiencing the impact of the 2008 recession and witnessing the growing complexity of the environmental crisis, Brandon embarked on a quest for answers. Leaving behind his career in the property industry, he pursued marine biology and sustainable development, ultimately leading to a deepening understanding of the global challenges we face. Brandon shares his passion for adventure and love for cycling and also reflects on how aging and physical limitations reshape our choices and the importance of embracing new opportunities. His story highlights the struggles of balancing environmental awareness with the demands of capitalism and the importance of finding ways to make a difference. Brandon's inspiring journey demonstrates the power of personal growth, resilience, and the transformative nature of exploring the world on two wheels.Learn more about Brandon and find environmental school resources at Space2Evolve.com, and follow him on his blog. Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

After being diagnosed with cancer in 2019, Reija underwent extensive treatment and emerged stronger than ever. Inspired to make a difference, Reija and her partner embarked on a 10-week cycle tour, racing against time to raise money for the cancer charity Cycling for Cancer.As Reija shares her story, we learn about the challenges she faced during her journey, from navigating COVID restrictions to adapting their route due to Brexit. Despite the obstacles, Reija's determination and positive attitude shine through, highlighting the power of cycling in overcoming adversity.Join us as Reija takes us through the highs and lows of her tour, including unforgettable encounters with friendly strangers, unexpected detours, and the profound impact of connecting with hosts through Warmshowers. Follow Reija on Instagram at @cycling_for_cancer and learn more about how you can support Cycling for Cancer on their website.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

Today, we welcome back former Warmshowers board member, cycle tourer, and legendary host Ken Francis to discuss the important topic of mental health and its connection to both cycling and hosting.Ken brings his deep knowledge and personal experiences to the table, sharing insights about the transformative power of travel and the impact it can have on one's self-esteem and overall well-being. Through personal stories about his cycling trips in the 1980s and 1990s, he highlights the challenges he faced and the friendships he formed along the way. From navigating self-doubt and mental health issues to finding solace in the Warmshowers community, Ken's journey is an inspiring tale of perseverance and growth. Join Tahverlee and Ken as they discuss the importance of feeling safe, setting boundaries, and building connections within the cycling community. From overcoming adversity to finding strength in vulnerable moments, Ken reminds us of the transformative power of travel and the importance of prioritizing our mental health along the way.This episode is best viewed on our YouTube channel @warmshowers_org.You can follow Ken on YouTube at Ken Francis World and The Intimacy Gram. Find him on Instagram @Adventureman_lb and @The_Intimacy_Gram. Get his books on Amazon here: Great Rides Across America: The Open Road Adventures of Mr. Tour and The Intimacy Gram: Diagram a Map to Find Yourself. Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!