Travel Time Stories with Shannon: Real Journeys, Real Stories, Real Healing

Shannon Lamkin

Life is a journey, and every journey is worth telling. Welcome to Travel Time Stories with Shannon, a space where we believe that when we share our paths—the detours, the breakthroughs, and the healing—we remind each other that we are never truly alone. Travel Time Stories was born from a deeply personal mission: to explore the intersection of travel, resilience, and the human spirit. Hosted by Shannon and her co-host Ann, this podcast goes beyond the standard travelogue. We invite you to sit down with us, grab your favorite beverage, and join a community dedicated to raw, honest, and transformative conversation. You belong here if you’ve ever felt like life is a series of chapters, some more difficult to read than others. This community is for those navigating major life changes, those searching for deeper connection, and those who know that the "perfect" life isn't always what it seems. If you are a traveler at heart, a seeker of truth, or simply someone who loves a story that touches the heart, you have a seat at our table. We welcome anyone ready to step out of their comfort zone and into a space of vulnerability and understanding.

  1. Episode 72

    At 72, He Hiked 2,200 Miles to Heal | Rand Timmerman’s Appalachian Trail Journey

    At 72 years old, Rand Timmerman set out to hike the entire 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail with his younger brother, Ron. But they weren't simply climbing mountains.  Both brothers were Vietnam combat veterans carrying experiences from the war that had followed them for decades. Rand was also walking a path of recovery from alcoholism, while Ron was grieving the loss of his wife.  What began as an extraordinary physical challenge became something much deeper—a journey through grief, addiction recovery, brotherhood, faith, aging, and healing.  In this episode of Travel Time Stories, Shannon and Ann sit down with Rand to talk about what happens when you strip life down to one trail, one backpack, and one step at a time.  We talk about:  🥾 Taking on the Appalachian Trail in his 70s  🇺🇸 The invisible wounds he and his brother carried home from Vietnam  ❤️ Walking beside a brother experiencing profound grief  🌿 Rand's journey through alcoholism and recovery  🙏 The spiritual transformation he experienced on the trail  👬 Brotherhood and the things men don't always say to one another  🏔️ Why it's never too late to take on something that seems impossible  📖 His book, A Spiritual Passage, which chronicles the journey through his journal and hundreds of photographs Rand's story reminds us that sometimes the mountain we're climbing isn't really the mountain at all. Sometimes we're walking through everything we've carried with us. And sometimes, somewhere along the trail, we finally discover what we're ready to leave behind.  🎙️Travel Time Stories Real Journeys. Real Stories. Real Healing.    https://www.traveltimestories.com  If Rand's story speaks to you, share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that there is no age limit on healing, adventure, or beginning another chapter.  Rand Timmerman: https://www.randtimmerman.com   #appalachiantrail #hikingtoheal #hiking #hikingadventures #randtimmerman #alcoholrecovery #realstoriesrealjourneys #traveltimestorieswithshannon #podmatch https://www.traveltimestories.com/

    At 72, He Hiked 2,200 Miles to Heal | Rand Timmerman’s Appalachian Trail Journey
  2. Episode 73

    They Married the Same Man—Then Became Best Friends | Surviving Toxic Relationships with Deana & Lizzie (Part 1)

    Today, Deana and Lizzie host the award-winning podcast Surviving Toxic Relationships with the Matadoras, where they use what they've experienced to educate, support, and empower others. Deana and Lizzie have an extraordinary story. They were married to the same man at different times.  In Part 1 of this powerful two-part conversation, Deana and Lizzie join Shannon and Ann to talk about their extraordinary story and what they've learned about toxic relationships, manipulation, emotional and financial abuse, and the red flags we often don't recognize until we're already deeply invested.  Deana spent 27 years in the relationship before finally walking away. Shortly afterward, Lizzie entered his life, believing she'd found a loving partner who wanted to build a life with her and her four sons. Years later, when Lizzie's marriage began unraveling, something unexpected happened: She connected with Deana. Instead of becoming enemies, the two women started comparing their experiences—and suddenly years of confusion began making sense. But there was another shocking discovery waiting for them: they learned there had been another woman who apparently had no idea about the life he was already living. We discuss: • Why toxic relationships often begin with charm rather than obvious abuse • Love bombing and the slow loss of independence • Why small lies can be important warning signs • The difference between healthy conflict and manipulation • Why patterns matter more than apologies • Financial abuse and how it can continue even after a relationship ends • Why asking “Why didn't she just leave?” is the wrong question • Rebuilding trust in yourself after emotional abuse • How Deana and Lizzie became friends instead of enemies • Why education about unhealthy relationships matters ⚠️ CONTENT NOTE: This episode includes discussions of emotional abuse, financial abuse, domestic violence, suicide, and intimate partner violence. Please listen with care. And don't stop here—Deana and Lizzie's story continues in Part 2. Deana & Lizzie: https://www.youtube.com/@survivingtoxicrelationships12 https://www.survivingtoxicrelationships.org/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678 https://the-matadoras.kit.com/survivingtoxicrelationships https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/surviving-toxic-relationships-podcast-with-the-matadoras/id1723929912 https://www.traveltimestories.com/

    They Married the Same Man—Then Became Best Friends | Surviving Toxic Relationships with Deana & Lizzie (Part 1)
  3. Episode 74

    You Left the Toxic Relationship—Now How Do You Get Yourself Back? with Deana & Lizzie (Part 2)

    Deana and Lizzie, hosts of the award-winning podcast Surviving Toxic Relationships with the Matadoras, return for Part 2 of our powerful conversation about toxic relationships, emotional and financial abuse, healing, and starting over. In Part 1, they shared their extraordinary story of discovering they had been married to the same man at different times—and how that shared experience ultimately turned them from strangers into best friends with a mission to help others. Now we're talking about what happens when you decide: Enough. In this conversation, we explore: • How to know when you've stopped working on a marriage and started surviving one • Why actions matter more than promises • Trauma bonding and why leaving can feel so difficult • Starting over after 30 or 40 years of marriage • Why being single can be a beautiful next chapter • Financial abuse and preparing yourself before leaving • Building a safe support system • How friends and family can support someone in a toxic relationship • Why leaving may take more than one attempt • What “gray rock” means and how boundaries can help after separation • Why healing happens in waves • Rediscovering confidence, freedom, and identity • Learning to trust yourself again • The importance of telling your story ⚠️ CONTENT NOTE: This episode contains discussions of emotional abuse, financial abuse, coercive control, domestic violence, suicide, intimate partner violence, and homicide. Please listen with care. If you or someone you love is navigating an abusive relationship, consider reaching out to a qualified domestic violence organization or professional in your area for individualized safety planning and support. Deana & Lizzie: https://www.youtube.com/@survivingtoxicrelationships12 https://www.survivingtoxicrelationships.org/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678 https://the-matadoras.kit.com/survivingtoxicrelationships https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/surviving-toxic-relationships-podcast-with-the-matadoras/id1723929912 https://www.traveltimestories.com/

    You Left the Toxic Relationship—Now How Do You Get Yourself Back? with Deana & Lizzie (Part 2)
5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Life is a journey, and every journey is worth telling. Welcome to Travel Time Stories with Shannon, a space where we believe that when we share our paths—the detours, the breakthroughs, and the healing—we remind each other that we are never truly alone. Travel Time Stories was born from a deeply personal mission: to explore the intersection of travel, resilience, and the human spirit. Hosted by Shannon and her co-host Ann, this podcast goes beyond the standard travelogue. We invite you to sit down with us, grab your favorite beverage, and join a community dedicated to raw, honest, and transformative conversation. You belong here if you’ve ever felt like life is a series of chapters, some more difficult to read than others. This community is for those navigating major life changes, those searching for deeper connection, and those who know that the "perfect" life isn't always what it seems. If you are a traveler at heart, a seeker of truth, or simply someone who loves a story that touches the heart, you have a seat at our table. We welcome anyone ready to step out of their comfort zone and into a space of vulnerability and understanding.