FRENCHITIVITY - A Family Travel Podcast

Frenchitivity | Kent & Michelle French

Welcome to the Frenchitivity Podcast!We are a family of three (Michelle, Kent and our then 7 year-old daughter Everly) who stepped away from conventional lives to travel the world for a year!  Here you will find: - How and why we decided to take a leap of faith - Stories from our travels - The facinating people we interviewed - Our discovery of world schooling - The lessons we learned along the way First, what exactly is Frenchitivity?? It is a philosophy and now a way of life that follows three main principles...Possibility, Creativity and Tranquility. It was born from a family of three...Kent, Michelle and Everly (7yrs) French. Kent has enjoyed a TV broadcast career that has spanned over 20 years with the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Angels. Michelle owned an events company for 15 years specializing in Galas and Charity Walks for major Southern California non-profits. Everly, their 7 year old daughter, is beyond her years and wants to be a an artist when she grows up!The Frenchitivity Podcast then puts the spotlight on those who have chased Possibility with Creativity to find Tranquility! On this Podcast you will experience:-Chronicles of our family adventure-Stories of other individuals, couples, and families who have "sold it all" to seek memories that will last a life time! -Journey's of small businesses who have chased their dream with "no plan B".So enjoy stories of inspiration, bravery, hardship, and love that all provide the foundation for a the Frenchitivity Podcast! Come with us!

  1. 6d ago

    Worldschooling: Where to Start?

    What happens to your child’s education when your family decides to travel the world? For Kent and Michelle, that was one of the biggest questions they faced before beginning their 10-month journey with their daughter, Everly. In Episode 30 of the Frenchitivity Podcast, we take a closer look at worldschooling—what it means, how we approached it, and why education became one of the most important parts of our family’s adventure. We begin by sharing a little of our story: why we chose to travel, why we chose to do it when we did, and the signs that told us our family needed more time and connection together. From there, we explore the questions so many parents have about alternative education. What’s the difference between homeschooling, roadschooling, unschooling, and worldschooling? Is there a “right” age to begin? And how do you make it work alongside your family’s responsibilities, work, and bigger vision? Michelle shares how she began researching resources before we left—and how simply asking questions at Everly’s school opened the door to an unexpected support system. But once we were on the road, something became clear: the world itself was becoming one of Everly’s greatest teachers. From castles in Portugal and ancient Greek ruins to the Great Barrier Reef, museums, aquariums, and the people we met along the way, learning began showing up in places we never could have planned. We also talk about the importance of letting your child help shape the journey, finding community through a worldschool hub, and how these experiences influenced not just Everly’s education, but our entire family. This episode isn’t about telling you there’s one right way to educate your child. It’s about sharing what we learned, the questions we asked, and the possibilities that opened up when we began looking at education a little differently. If you’ve ever wondered whether worldschooling could work for your family, this conversation is for you. ✨ FREE Worldschool Get Started Guide Michelle has created a downloadable PDF to help families begin exploring the possibilities of worldschooling. 👉 www.frenchitivity.com/worldschool 🎙️ Watch the full episode on the Frenchitivity YouTube Channel and please subscribe as we continue sharing our journey toward more intentional family living. 🎧 Listen to the Frenchitivity Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 🍎 If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, we’d greatly appreciate a download, rating, and review. And if you’re listening on Spotify, please follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. Frenchitivity Instagram Page Frenchitivity YouTube Channel Frenchitivity Website & Blog Frenchitivity Podcast

  2. Aug 30

    Lauren The Hula Empress

    Can something as simple as a hula hoop change your life? For Lauren, the answer is yes—and her story is about so much more than learning how to keep a hoop spinning. On this episode of the Frenchitivity Podcast, Kent and Michelle sit down with Lauren for an inspiring conversation about her journey from depression to rediscovering happiness, purpose, movement, and joy—and the unexpected role a hula hoop played in bringing everything full circle. ⭕️ What began as a personal outlet eventually became something Lauren wanted to share with others. She took her hoops on the road for a cross-country hula hoop tour, laying them out in parks along the way and watching something beautiful happen: once she started moving, other people joined in. That same spirit of connection has grown into Lauren's work today. Drawing from her background in psychology and rehabilitation counseling, along with her experience in yoga and sound therapy, Lauren has created programs designed to help women reconnect with themselves through movement, community, and play. Her latest creation, The Purple Circle, is a community of women discovering their F.L.O.W.—an acronym and philosophy Lauren shares with us during the conversation. Through group and one-on-one sessions, co-work and movement experiences, hula hoop challenges, and skills for everyone from beginners to experienced hoopers, she's helping other women find their own path toward joy. And the impact doesn't stop there. In her professional work with people who are blind and visually impaired, Lauren has found ways to incorporate hula hoops with her clients. She's written a children's book inspired by the story of a little girl whose life is transformed by a hoop—a story with more than a little Lauren in it—and even creates her own custom, travel-friendly hula hoops. Then there's the way Lauren decided to celebrate turning 40. She stepped off a 900-foot cliff in Moab, Utah, for a BASE jump. Yes, there were hula hoops involved. ⭕️ Lauren shares why taking that leap represented so much more than an adrenaline rush and how it connected to the transformation she'd experienced in her own life. This is a conversation about mental health, movement, courage, community, play, purpose, and giving ourselves permission to rediscover joy. Lauren truly is a beacon of light—and her story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the thing that changes our lives can come from the most unexpected place. Sometimes...life really does come full circle. ⭕️ 🎙️ Watch the full conversation on the Frenchitivity YouTube Channel and please subscribe. 🎧 Listen to the Frenchitivity Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 🍎 If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, please download, rate, and review the show. We'd greatly appreciate your support! 🎧 Listening on Spotify? Please follow the Frenchitivity Podcast so you never miss an episode. Frenchitivity Instagram Page Frenchitivity YouTube Channel Frenchitivity Website & Blog Frenchitivity Podcast

  3. Aug 23

    Thailand Part 4: Treehouses, Elephants & Wild Khao Sok

    What does an 8-year-old ask for when she's celebrating her birthday halfway around the world? For Everly, it was pretty simple: sleep in a treehouse and hang out with elephants. 🌳🐘 In Episode 28 of the Frenchitivity Podcast, Kent and Michelle wrap up their four-part journey through Thailand with one final adventure in spectacular Khao Sok National Park. Their home base? A treehouse resort built among ancient trees and towering rock formations—complete with some very curious (and occasionally too curious!) monkeys roaming the property. 🐒 What started with an unexpected accommodation problem ultimately became a blessing in disguise and another reminder that some of the best travel stories begin when things don't go according to plan. From there, the family explores Khao Sok Village, Khao Sok National Park, and ventures onto the breathtaking waters of Cheow Lan Lake by traditional long-tail boat. Limestone cliffs, jungle hikes, caves, floating bungalows and swimming in impossibly beautiful surroundings make this one of the most visually spectacular experiences of their time in Thailand. But at the heart of the episode is Everly's 8th birthday wish. The family visits an elephant sanctuary where Kent, Michelle and Everly learn about rescued elephants before meeting Orathai, a gentle and curious female elephant. Feeding her by hand, giving her a mud scrub, and joining her in the water becomes an experience—and birthday celebration—they'll never forget. Along the way, there are plenty of laughs, travel lessons, unexpected encounters and reflections on what made Thailand such an important chapter of their 10-month journey around the world. And after four episodes exploring Phuket, Khao Lak, Elephant Hills, Ao Nang, Koh Lanta, the Phi Phi Islands and Khao Sok, Kent and Michelle look back at the people, experiences and lessons that made the Land of Smiles so difficult to leave. Then it's time to pack the bags again… 🇦🇺 Next stop: Australia! 🎙️ Watch the full episode on the Frenchitivity YouTube Channel and please subscribe as the journey around the world continues. 🎧 Listen to the Frenchitivity Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ✨ Don't forget to download Michelle's FREE Thailand Family Travel Guide, packed with recommendations, itineraries, and tips from our journey. www.frenchitivity.com/thailand-4 #KhaoSok #ThailandTravel #ThailandWithKids #KhaoSokNationalPark #CheowLanLake #FamilyTravel #ElephantSanctuary #ThailandFamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #ThailandAdventure #Worldschooling #SlowTravel #Frenchitivity #FrenchitivityPodcast #TravelPodcast Frenchitivity Instagram Page Frenchitivity YouTube Channel Frenchitivity Website & Blog Frenchitivity Podcast

  4. Aug 16

    A Taste for Adventure with Megan Hall

    What happens when two scientists with a love of wine, food, family, and adventure decide they don't want to experience the world from a hotel room? On Episode 27 of the Frenchitivity Podcast, Kent and Michelle sit down with Megan Hall—a wife, mother of two, wine scientist, professor, lifelong traveler, and founder of Terroir Adventure Travel. Megan and her husband Alex met while studying wine at Cornell University, and travel has been woven into their relationship ever since. Just six months after getting married, they packed up and moved to Tasmania for six months. After becoming parents, the adventures didn't stop—they simply evolved. When their oldest child was two, they bought a pop-up camper. Since then, their family has camped through more than 40 national, state, and county parks and national forests. And their love of camping doesn't stop at the U.S. border. One of their favorite adventures took them on a 1,200-mile camping trip through five of France's major wine regions with their two kids. More recently, the family explored Egypt and traveled down the Nile. For Megan and Alex, where they stay is an important part of how they travel. Whether it's a campground or a local guesthouse, they intentionally seek experiences that bring them closer to the people, food, landscape, and culture of a destination. Megan says camping has a unique ability to reset their family and reconnect them with one another. We also dive into Megan and Alex's fascinating careers in wine science—from vineyards and winemaking to microbiology, plant pathology and grapevine disease research. Today, they teach wine studies together, bringing the science, history, agriculture, and culture of wine into the classroom. And yes...we also learn how two food and wine scientists approach a BLT. Let's just say Alex's homemade BELTinvolves home-smoked bacon, eggs from their own chickens, and lettuce and tomatoes from the garden. 🥓🍳🍅 Finally, Megan shares the next chapter of her journey: Terroir Adventure Travel. In the wine world, terroir describes the relationship between land, soil, climate, history, culture, people, and food. Megan is taking that same philosophy and applying it to travel—creating intimate, immersive small-group experiences designed to help travelers truly understand the places they're visiting. She personally experiences every itinerary before offering it, partners with local guides, and limits each group to just eight travelers—creating space for curiosity, conversation, connection, and community. This conversation is about family travel, camping abroad, wine, food, science, entrepreneurship, and choosing to experience a destination rather than simply pass through it. Because sometimes traveling deeper doesn't mean going farther. It means getting closer. 🎙 The Frenchitivity Podcast releases new episodes every Sunday. 📺 Watch the full conversation on the Frenchitivity YouTube Channel and please subscribe. 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 🍎 If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, we'd greatly appreciate a download, rating, and review. And if you're listening on Spotify, please follow the Frenchitivity Podcast so you never miss an episode. Frenchitivity Instagram Page Frenchitivity YouTube Channel Frenchitivity Website & Blog Frenchitivity Podcast

  5. Aug 9

    Collecting Crazy Experiences with Irina - Travel Content Creator

    What if the best way to measure a life wasn't by the things you own... but by the experiences you've collected? This week on the Frenchitivity Podcast, Kent and Michelle sit down with travel creator Irina, a self-proclaimed "Professional Collector of Crazy Experiences," whose adventures have taken her to more than 30 countries in pursuit of unforgettable stories. As a travel content creator and visual storyteller, Irina helps hotels, destinations, and travel brands capture the emotion behind every experience through stunning cinematic photography and video. But behind every beautiful image is an even better story. In this inspiring conversation, Irina shares what it was like to search for anacondas deep in the Amazon rainforest, swim alongside wild orcas, and survive getting lost alone in the jungles of Indonesia. She also opens up about discovering the peaceful world of freediving and how exploring beneath the ocean's surface has become one of the most meaningful experiences of her life. Beyond the adventure, Irina discusses what it takes to build a successful travel content business, becoming a brand ambassador, and creating authentic visual stories that inspire people to explore the world. She also reminds us that adventure doesn't always require crossing oceans—sometimes it's found during a weekend getaway close to home. Whether you're passionate about travel, photography, storytelling, entrepreneurship, or simply stepping outside your comfort zone, this conversation will leave you inspired to embrace curiosity and collect experiences that truly matter. Because in the end, the greatest souvenirs aren't things… They're the stories we bring home. 🎙 The Frenchitivity Podcast releases new episodes every Sunday. Frenchitivity Instagram Page Frenchitivity YouTube Channel Frenchitivity Website & Blog Frenchitivity Podcast

  6. Aug 3

    Koh Lanta, Thailand | Finding Community Around the World

    The Thailand adventure continues… In Part 3 of our Thailand Travel Series, Kent, Michelle, and Everly arrive in one of the most meaningful destinations of their 10-month journey around the world: Koh Lanta. What began as another stop on the itinerary quickly became something much bigger. It became home. On their very first evening, Michelle encouraged the family to attend a pool party hosted by the Bliss World School Hub—a decision that would completely change their experience in Thailand. Suddenly, they weren't simply traveling anymore. They had found something they didn't even realize they were searching for: community. Surrounded by like-minded families from around the world, Kent, Michelle, and Everly experienced what it felt like to truly live in Thailand. There were fitness classes for adults, crafts and games for children, moms' nights out, dads' nights out, and friendships that continue to this day. Along the way, they met unforgettable people who became part of their story—from their tuk-tuk driver, Yo Yo, who quickly became their trusted guide around the island, to Jessi and Tak at Silver Gypsie, where the family created custom sterling silver jewelry they'll treasure forever. Michelle also shares her meaningful connection with Magnus, a breathwork instructor from Sweden whose wisdom and guidance became one of the most unexpected gifts of the journey. The adventure continues with unforgettable experiences exploring the breathtaking Phi Phi Islands through both public and private boat tours. Kent and Michelle compare the two experiences, share funny moments from the water, and offer practical tips to help families planning their own Thailand adventure. This episode is about more than beautiful beaches and island hopping. It's about discovering that sometimes the most memorable part of travel isn't the destination—it's the people who become part of your story. ✨ Michelle has also created a FREE downloadable Thailand Family Travel Guide featuring recommendations, itineraries, and everything the family experienced throughout their time in Thailand. Here is the link to our Koh Lanta Travel Guide: www.frenchitivity.com/thailand-3 And the adventure isn't over yet... Part 4 of our Thailand journey is coming next as we wrap up our unforgettable time in the Land of Smiles. 🎙 The Frenchitivity Podcast releases new episodes every Sunday. Frenchitivity Instagram Page Frenchitivity YouTube Channel Frenchitivity Website & Blog Frenchitivity Podcast

  7. Jul 25

    Travel Writer Robin DeGracia talks about her New Book: Raising World Travelers While Staying Sane

    Can you raise a family, balance everyday life, and still explore the world together? This week on the Frenchitivity Podcast, Kent and Michelle sit down with travel writer, family travel advocate, and author Robin DeGracia to discuss her newly released book, Raising World Travelers While Staying Sane. For more than a decade, Robin has inspired families through her blog Around the World with Kids, sharing the honest realities behind traveling as a family. Her latest book, released on July 1 (now available on Amazon.com), pulls back the curtain on what family travel really looks like—from diaper bags and toddler meltdowns to navigating the ever-changing world of traveling with teenagers. In this candid and inspiring conversation, Robin shares why travel became such an important priority for her family, the lessons they've learned over years of exploring the world together, and why the most meaningful memories often come from the imperfect moments. Together, Kent, Michelle, and Robin discuss: ✈️ Why family travel is worth the challenges 🌍 The evolution of traveling with children—from toddlers to teenagers ❤️ How travel strengthens family relationships through shared experiences 📚 Balancing school, work, and everyday responsibilities while making travel a priority 💬 The importance of embracing the unexpected instead of chasing perfection 👫 Why couples trips and "me time" can be just as important as family adventures Whether you're planning your first family vacation, dreaming about international travel, or simply looking for encouragement to create more meaningful experiences together, this episode offers practical wisdom, honest stories, and plenty of laughter. At Frenchitivity, we believe travel is one of life's greatest classrooms—and Robin's story is a beautiful reminder that while the destinations are unforgettable, it's the shared experiences along the way that shape who we become as families. 🎙 The Frenchitivity Podcast releases new episodes every Sunday. 📺 Watch the full episode on the Frenchitivity YouTube Channel. 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 🍎 If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, we'd be incredibly grateful if you downloaded the episode, rated, and reviewed the podcast. Your support helps us reach more families seeking a more intentional and connected life. 🎧 Listening on Spotify? Please follow the podcast so you never miss a new episode. #FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #RobinDeGracia #RaisingWorldTravelers #FamilyTravelTips #TravelPodcast #Frenchitivity #FrenchitivityPodcast #Worldschooling #IntentionalLiving #AdventureFamily #TravelWriter #FamilyAdventure #TravelInspiration #AroundTheWorldWithKids Frenchitivity Instagram Page Frenchitivity YouTube Channel Frenchitivity Website & Blog Frenchitivity Podcast

  8. Jul 19

    Thailand (Part 2): Elephant Hills, Khao Sok & Ao Nang

    🎬 Episode 23 | Thailand Part 2: Elephant Hills, Khao Sok & Ao Nang The adventure continues... In Part 2 of our Thailand Travel Series, Kent, Michelle, and Everly experience what would become one of the most unforgettable chapters of their 10-month journey around the world. Our first stop is the incredible Elephant Hills—Thailand's first luxury tented camp and ethical elephant sanctuary, nestled in the heart of Khao Sok National Park. Over two unforgettable days, we immersed ourselves in the beauty of the Thai jungle while learning about the remarkable conservation efforts that make Elephant Hills so special. We share what it was like to stay in a luxury safari-style tent, meet and feed rescued elephants, and learn their incredible stories from our wonderful guide, Beam, whose passion for these gentle giants made the experience even more meaningful. The adventure continued with a peaceful kayak journey down the Sok River, quietly drifting beneath towering limestone cliffs while spotting monkeys, snakes, and incredible wildlife along the riverbanks. Back at camp, we experienced the rich traditions of Thailand through cultural performances, authentic cuisine, an elephant conservation documentary, and a live Thai cooking demonstration. On our second day, guide Mona led us deep into the rainforest on an unforgettable jungle trek. Along the way we discovered towering bamboo forests, rubber trees, giant spiders, fresh elephant footprints, and enjoyed a traditional lunch prepared over an open fire in a remote jungle hut. From there, our journey took us to the beautiful coastal town of Ao Nang, where we explored stunning beaches, wandered through the vibrant Landmark Night Market, and ventured to the iconic Railay Beach to experience its world-famous limestone cliffs and try rock climbing for the very first time. This episode is filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters, immersive cultural experiences, family adventure, worldschooling moments, and practical travel inspiration for anyone dreaming of exploring Southern Thailand. ✨ Don't forget to download Michelle's FREE Thailand Family Travel Guide, packed with recommendations, itineraries, and tips from our journey. www.frenchitivity.com/thailand-2 🎙 The Frenchitivity Podcast releases new episodes every Sunday. Frenchitivity Instagram Page Frenchitivity YouTube Channel Frenchitivity Website & Blog Frenchitivity Podcast

5
out of 5
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About

Welcome to the Frenchitivity Podcast!We are a family of three (Michelle, Kent and our then 7 year-old daughter Everly) who stepped away from conventional lives to travel the world for a year!  Here you will find: - How and why we decided to take a leap of faith - Stories from our travels - The facinating people we interviewed - Our discovery of world schooling - The lessons we learned along the way First, what exactly is Frenchitivity?? It is a philosophy and now a way of life that follows three main principles...Possibility, Creativity and Tranquility. It was born from a family of three...Kent, Michelle and Everly (7yrs) French. Kent has enjoyed a TV broadcast career that has spanned over 20 years with the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Angels. Michelle owned an events company for 15 years specializing in Galas and Charity Walks for major Southern California non-profits. Everly, their 7 year old daughter, is beyond her years and wants to be a an artist when she grows up!The Frenchitivity Podcast then puts the spotlight on those who have chased Possibility with Creativity to find Tranquility! On this Podcast you will experience:-Chronicles of our family adventure-Stories of other individuals, couples, and families who have "sold it all" to seek memories that will last a life time! -Journey's of small businesses who have chased their dream with "no plan B".So enjoy stories of inspiration, bravery, hardship, and love that all provide the foundation for a the Frenchitivity Podcast! Come with us!