Roam Alone

Theresa Stephens

5.0 (7)
PLACES & TRAVEL

Solo Travel. Shared Stories.

5D AGO

A Love Letter to Wanderlust: How Honoring a Friendship Started a Life of Solo Travel

Send us a text What happens when a shared dream outlives the person you planned it with? In Episode 7 of Roam Alone, I’m joined by Anne—a traveler who embodies wanderlust in its truest form. After the death of a close friend, Anne made the brave decision to take the trip they had always dreamed of together: the Amalfi Coast. What began as a tribute became the start of a lifelong solo travel journey. From a chance encounter with a stranger in Paris to practical safety strategies that help her navigate the world solo, Anne reminds us that travel can hold both loss and beauty at the same time. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to Anne and her intrepid wanderlust02:10 Taking her first solo trip to the Amalfi Coast as a tribute to a friend12:48 A powerful encounter with a stranger at a Paris restaurant26:21 Anne’s solo travel safety tips, including the famous “don’t mess with me” faceAnnie's Nuggets Rick Steves' tours Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens. Instagram: @theresaannstephens Facebook: /theresastephens Facebook: /RoamAlone

43 min
JAN 21

Still Roaming: Solo Travel, Cancer, and the Courage to Keep Moving

Send us a text What do you do when the body you once trusted changes—but the desire to explore the world doesn’t? In Episode 6 of Roam Alone, I sit down with Tracy, a traveler I first met as a tentmate while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2018. Back then, we bonded over thin air, heavy packs, and a shared love of going it alone. Years later, we planned to reunite for a trek to Everest Base Camp—until a cancer diagnosis changed everything. After intensive radiation and chemotherapy, Tracy was left disabled. But instead of retreating from the world, she reimagined how she could move through it. At the end of 2025, Tracy embarked on a two-week solo journey through Europe, navigating accessibility and uncertainty — but on her own terms. This episode is about resilience, independence, and redefining what adventure looks like when everything changes. Time Stamps · 00:00 — Meeting Tracy on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro · 06:35 — Running a New Orleans half marathon solo after plans fall apart · 09:52 — Joining the Peace Corps and moving alone to a small town in Ukraine · 18:00 — A cancer diagnosis that changes everything · 28:00 — Traveling solo through Europe while newly disabled Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens. Instagram: @theresaannstephens Facebook: /theresastephens Facebook: /RoamAlone

39 min
JAN 11

Grief on the Road: Healing Through Solo Travel

Send us a text In Part Two of my conversation with Mark Fryer, we explore how solo travel can become a powerful tool for healing after loss. Mark shares what it was like traveling alone to Puerto Vallarta shortly after the death of his mother—an emotionally raw journey that included an unexpected and dangerous run-in with a drug cartel. Years later, following a divorce, he embarked on a solo trip through Southeast Asia, where travel shifted from escape to intentional healing. From volunteering at Thailand’s Elephant Nature Park to a two-day boat journey down the Mekong River and discovering the surprisingly cosmopolitan cities of Laos, Mark reflects on how slowing down and traveling alone helped him reconnect with himself. The episode closes with a powerful discussion of a 10-day Buddhist meditation retreat at Indriya in northern Thailand, and the stillness that comes from sitting with grief rather than running from it. This episode of Roam Alone is a conversation about grief, resilience, solo travel, and the courage it takes to keep moving forward. Time Stamps 00:00 Traveling to Puerto Vallarta after the loss of his mother 11:53 Post-divorce solo travel to Thailand & Elephant Nature Park 22:04 Two-day Mekong River boat trip and discovering Laos 34:40 A 10-day Buddhist retreat at Indriya Elephant Nature Park Indriya Retreat Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens. Instagram: @theresaannstephens Facebook: /theresastephens Facebook: /RoamAlone

45 min
JAN 3

Leaving Home to Find Yourself

Send us a text What do you do when you know—deep down—that you don’t belong where you were born? In Episode 4 of Roam Alone, Mark Fryer reflects on growing up in the south end of Louisville, Kentucky, where he often felt like an outcast in his working-class, Catholic upbringing. From an early age, Mark felt pulled toward the west, dreaming of a life beyond what he knew. That pull became reality at 19, when he left home alone on a Greyhound bus bound for Denver. What followed was far more than a simple trip—it became a transformative hitchhiking journey across America, marked by harsh weather, chance encounters, and a mysterious “New Age” preacher who changed the course of the trip. This is a story about trusting your inner compass, embracing uncertainty, and discovering who you are when you leave everything familiar behind. Time Stamps 00:00 Growing up in the south end of Louisville feeling like an outcast 06:03 At age 10, planning a secret solo float down the Ohio River 12:49 A Greyhound bus west at 19 years old 20:19 A snowstorm forces a bold change in direction 28:08 Picked up by a “New Age” preacher for an epic cross-country ride Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens. Instagram: @theresaannstephens Facebook: /theresastephens Facebook: /RoamAlone

43 min
12/26/2025

The Empowerment of Roaming Alone: How Rosemary Brings That Feeling Home

Send us a text Solo travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about meeting a stronger version of yourself. In this episode, Rosemary Sims opens up about how traveling alone transformed her confidence and sense of independence during a pivotal career change. What began as a single trip turned into a deep trust in her own abilities—one that continues to shape her life long after the suitcase is unpacked. We talk about the magic of Spain, the boldness of a flying dress shoot in Greece, and the powerful moment when you realize you can handle anything—anywhere. Rosemary also shares what it’s like to return home after solo travel with a renewed sense of self-sufficiency and clarity. This conversation is about more than travel. It’s about becoming more self-sufficient, trusting your instincts, and realizing you’re capable of far more than you think. Time Stamps · 00:00 Meet Rosemary Sims · 02:52 The first solo trip that changed everything · 07:37 Spain and a sense of déjà vu · 14:23 Greece: The iconic flying dress experience · 16:43 Identity shifts while traveling abroad · 20:27 Applying solo-travel confidence to real life Links: Greece's Flying Dress Photo Shoot Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens. Instagram: @theresaannstephens Facebook: /theresastephens Facebook: /RoamAlone

25 min
12/18/2025

Roam From the Start: How Solo Travel Shaped a Life and a Family

Send us a text In this episode of Roam Alone, we sit down with Kristen Thoburn, whose journey into solo travel began earlier than most—on mission trips with her parents at just five years old. By age twelve, Kristen was already traveling solo, laying the foundation for a lifetime of independence, resilience, and curiosity. Kristen shares stories from destinations like Grenada and Venice, reflects on being the victim of a robbery abroad—and why it didn’t stop her from continuing to roam—and explains how solo travel has actually strengthened her marriage to her husband, Nate. Together, they embrace independent travel while raising a son who’s catching the travel bug himself. This conversation explores how travel evolves through life stages—from childhood to marriage to dreaming about a future empty-nester / slo-mad lifestyle—and why roaming alone can be one of the most powerful tools for personal growth. Episode Breakdown 03:15 – Traveling on mission trips at age 505:54 – First solo mission trip at age 1214:17 – Lessons from Grenada17:58 – Venice, for better or worse28:58 – Tips for when travel goes wrong33:30 – Solo travel within marriage37:49 – Passing the travel mindset to the next generation42:36 – Travel dreams as empty nesters & the slo-mad lifeMentions in Episode 2: YWAM UofN Kona2006 UK Bomb Plot FoiledIsabella Thoburn CollegeRoam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens. Instagram: @theresaannstephens Facebook: /theresastephens Facebook: /RoamAlone

46 min
12/10/2025

Becoming a Solo Traveler

Send us a text In the very first episode of Roam Alone, host Theresa Stephens shares the personal stories that ignited her passion for exploring the world on her own. From a spontaneous birthday weekend in Chicago to an unforgettable solo night at a Jon Batiste concert, Theresa reflects on the quiet confidence and unexpected connections that come from taking that first step alone. She also opens up about one of her most transformative adventures—traveling to Africa solo to join a group trekking Mount Kilimanjaro. Through these moments, Theresa reveals how independence, curiosity, and courage shaped her journey and ultimately inspired the creation of this podcast. Whether you're dreaming of your first solo trip or already a seasoned wanderer, this episode dives into the beauty, growth, and self-discovery that solo travel makes possible. 00:00 — Welcome + what this episode is about 06:13 — My weekend solo trip to Chicago 14:52 —Kilimanjaro on a whim 27:58 — Jon Batiste meetup in Cincy 36:01 – What’s next Please like and Subscribe to the show! If you have a solo travel story, leave a recorded video or voicemail at theresaannstephens@gmail.com and you could be featured on the next Roam Alone! Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens. Instagram: @theresaannstephens Facebook: /theresastephens Facebook: /RoamAlone

41 min

7 Episodes

5

out of 5

7 Ratings

Great Stories, Excellent Voice

Jan 1

Elvish12322

I very much enjoyed Theresa’s thoughtful and entertaining travel stories, delivered in a crisp, delightful voice!

Solo Travel. Shared Stories.

Creator

Theresa Stephens
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

7
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Roam Alone
Show Website

Roam Alone