In Pursuit of Being (Wild and Free), A Solo Traveler Podcast

Bel

Ready to explore the world on your own terms? Join Bel, the founder of the Wandering Bel solo traveler community, as she delves into the connection among solo travel, self-discovery, and the empowering practice of dating yourself. "In Pursuit of Being (Wild and Free)" is designed for wanderers, adventurers, digital nomads, and anyone eager to explore the world solo. We explore the honest truths of solo female travel, tips and tricks for various destinations, and mindset shifts, illustrating how traveling solo is a profound act of self-love that embraces wildness and freedom. Let's go on an adventure shall we?

Episodes

  1. Sep 14

    Alone, Together with Meg Landymore

    The hardest part of an ultra might not be your body - it might be the lonely story you tell yourself when the trail gets quiet. Meg Landymore shares how 15 months on the Appalachian Trail, split into long segments with her friend Celia, became a powerful memoir about endurance, motherhood, and learning that being alone is not the same as being lonely. Meg is a physician assistant, mom of two, ultra-runner, and first-time author of Alone Together, and she opens up about the route that took her from cross-country and marathons to FKTs, then into one of the most personal challenges of her life. What started as a daring adventure across 2,194 miles became something far deeper: a test of identity, friendship, and the courage to keep going when your mind wants to quit before your legs do .You'll discover how Meg got pulled into running, why the Appalachian Trail became the perfect proving ground, and how she and Celia adapted their original plan when real life, family, and exhaustion collided with ambition. She shares what it takes to push through the mental spiral of loneliness, why support systems matter more than we realize, and how the trail stripped everything down to the essentials - sleep, nutrition, pacing, and the choice to keep showing up. We break down the moments that changed her perspective on solo travel, the mistakes she laughs about now, and why New Hampshire became her favorite stretch while Pennsylvania tested her patience. Meg also explains how women athletes are redefining what is possible without needing to prove they deserve a seat at the table, and why timing, family, and support often matter more than raw talent when people chase huge goals.This episode is for anyone who has ever felt too fast, too different, too much, or just not sure they belong. If you need proof that curiosity can carry you farther than confidence alone, and that adventure can be as much about coming home to yourself as it is about covering miles, this conversation will stay with you long after the finish line.Alone Together releases on Amazon and as an ebook on October 1. Follow Meg at MegLandymore.writes for more on her writing, races, and adventures. And follow Bel at Wandering_bel and Inpursuitofbeingpodcast as well as Wanderingbel.com

  2. Aug 17

    That one time in Seattle and Budapest

    Fear makes solo travel feel bigger and scarier than it is. These two stories from Seattle and Budapest show what really happens when you trust yourself, stay open, and keep moving. Bel turns two seemingly ordinary trips into a reminder that travel can crack you open in the best way. One Uber ride leaves her feeling judged and more alone than ever. Another becomes the kind of unexpected encouragement that only a stranger who truly gets it can offer. From there, the episode moves through a spontaneous bar crawl in Budapest, a late-night underground club, and the random connections that make solo travel unforgettable. You’ll hear Bel break down: why solo travel can build intuition and confidence faster than almost anything elsehow one supportive conversation can completely change the emotional tone of a tripwhat happens when you stop overthinking and say yes to the random, last-minute experiencewhy the fear around traveling alone is often louder than realityhow strangers can sometimes give you the exact encouragement you didn’t know you needed   Bel also gets honest about the messy side of travel, including bad trips, chaotic logistics, and a few places where things went very wrong. But that’s the point—travel is not perfect, and it was never meant to be. The real question is whether you’ll let fear keep you from the stories, the people, and the perspective that only come from going anyway. Perfect for anyone craving a push to travel solo, trust their gut, or remember that the world is still full of good people. If you need a little courage to book the trip, this one is for you. Follow Bel's adventures on: Website: Wanderingebel.com IG: Wandering_bel Facebook: Wandering Bel Blog

  3. Jul 20

    I Hate True Crime

    Most travel advice is based on fear, which might be limiting your experiences more than real danger. Bel discusses how true crime stories and fear-based attitudes skew our perception of safety and offers ways to regain the confidence to travel freely without paranoia. In this thought-provoking episode, Bel questions the common belief that solo travel is intrinsically dangerous, particularly for women. She shares personal stories from Paris and Budapest, revealing how intuition and simple safety protocols can protect you better than fear-based precautions. You’ll discover why statistical realities show most violent crimes happen between people who already know each other, not strangers lurking in the shadows—and how this knowledge can empower your adventures.We break down: The dangerous misinformation spread by true crime podcasts and how it fuels unnecessary fearPractical, non-extreme safety tips that actually work in real-world travel situationsWhy building trust with yourself is your best safety toolHow societal conditioning keeps women and solo travelers small—and how to break freeThe importance of living in the moment, not under a cloud of fearLiving in paranoia robs you of the riches of travel—the joy of connecting with new people and places. Bel urges you: don’t let fear be your travel companion. Instead, embrace the adventure, trust your instincts, and explore the world on your terms. This episode is essential listening for anyone tired of society’s fear tactics and ready to step into a bigger, freer life.Are you ready to challenge the narrative and travel fearlessly? Tune in now and start rewriting your story. Website: Wanderingbel.com Instagram: Wandering_bel Facebook: Wandering Bel

  4. Jun 22

    Date yourself

    Many of us fear alone time, yet it is such an important part of discovering who we truly are. In this episode, Wandering Bel shares heartfelt stories of solo adventures that helped her face herself and invites you to do the same. If you’re seeking clarity, confidence, and inner peace, consider this your gentle reminder. Bel shares journeys from city escapes to camping in West Virginia and snowy drives through Yellowstone, showing how traveling alone can reveal your true self, strengthen trust, and sharpen intuition—skills that are incredibly valuable today. She highlights simple yet powerful practices like taking nature breaks, talking kindly to oneself, and asking what genuinely matters most. These practices help reclaim your identity and allow you to thrive. We talk about sitting with your emotions, facing doubts head-on, and increasing your self-awareness. Bel recounts moments from being detained to spotting a wolf, each experience prompting a deep reflection. Without understanding ourselves, we can feel lost and overwhelmed, but with self-knowledge, we gain clarity, strength, and freedom—gifts that no one can take away. This episode is especially helpful for those feeling unsure or overwhelmed, whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting your journey inward. Bel's sincere insights encourage us to listen closely to that quiet inner voice. Step outside, connect with nature, and start discovering who you truly are. Your journey to trusting yourself and feeling more alive begins right now. Let's go on an adventure, shall we?

About

Ready to explore the world on your own terms? Join Bel, the founder of the Wandering Bel solo traveler community, as she delves into the connection among solo travel, self-discovery, and the empowering practice of dating yourself. "In Pursuit of Being (Wild and Free)" is designed for wanderers, adventurers, digital nomads, and anyone eager to explore the world solo. We explore the honest truths of solo female travel, tips and tricks for various destinations, and mindset shifts, illustrating how traveling solo is a profound act of self-love that embraces wildness and freedom. Let's go on an adventure shall we?