Unruly Podcast | Travel, Activism & Alternative Culture

Calen Otto - Travel Writer & Activist
  • 5.0 (19)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Unruly Travel & Living Podcast sits down with experts who share illuminating ideas, how-to tips, and personal stories on travel, alternative lifestyles, veganism, nature, queerness, and off-grid living. Calen Otto, host of the Unruly Podcast, is a writer, activist, and avid traveler. They've been to over 30 countries, 20 national parks and 5 continents on an extremely small budget, exploring the intersections of social justice and alternative living along the way. With gritty beginnings of crossing the USA with only a bike and $300, they now help newbies and experienced wanderers alike travel as ethically, creatively, and colorfully as possible. Tune in for epic adventures, exceptional storytelling, and practical ways to kickstart your adventures, regardless of income. UNRULYTRAVEL.COM | Subscribe For New Episodes Monthly

  1. 92. Build Confidence, Career Clarity, And Character Through Travel with Ariel Travis

    12/16/2025

    92. Build Confidence, Career Clarity, And Character Through Travel with Ariel Travis

    Nothing has impacted Ariel Travis more than the one thing so many of us fear: International travel. Journey back in time and you won’t find this professional pediatric medical speech-language pathologist in clean scrubs. The true beginning of her career started in a rugged fashion; she joined the Peace Corps just two weeks fresh out of collage before living and working in Mozambique, Brazil, China, and the Dominican Republic for the next seven years. When she finally returned to the US she realized that her unruly adventures gave her the confidence, flexibility, and compassion to thrive in her day-to-day work environment. In this episode Ariel dispels myths about traveling as a young person, inspires nervous listeners to book their first trip, and teaches how to decrease baseline travel anxieties by planning ahead and tuning into our bodies. As someone who has explored over 29 countries, Ariel gives nuanced advice on how much planning allows for safety AND travel magic during our journeys. Join this international speaker, creator of Wander Lounge podcast, and CEO of Nomadic Perspectives, LLC as we hitch-hike 900 miles from Mozambique to Zimbabwe, running into herds of wild elephants and making friends with complete strangers along the way. Learn how to build confidence, courage, character, and your dream career through travel. SHOWNOTES - Wander Lounge website: https://www.wanderloungepodcast.com - 2026 Unruly Finca Ganadito trip: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/finca-ganadito-in-costa-rica-calen-otto-01051353 - How to plan an international trip: https://wanderwoman.online/how-to-plan-international-trip/ - Join the Unruly Patreon: patreon.com/unrulytravel - Unruly Travel & Living Blog: unrulytravel.com
 -Unruly email newsletter: buff.ly/4a1bPwT


 - Support the podcast: SoundCloud - @unrulystories, Venmo - @unruytravel 
- Contact: calenotto@gmail.com
 - Unruly Instagram: www.instagram.com/unruly_traveller

    50 min
  2. 91. Breaking The Gender Binary, Slow Fashion, and Body Euphoria

    11/16/2025

    91. Breaking The Gender Binary, Slow Fashion, and Body Euphoria

    Walk in just about any clothing store and you’ll find a few things to be true: a “fat tax” is imposed, clothing can’t be mended to accommodate changing bodies, and fast fashion drives the bottom dollar. Scroll through Rae Hill’s website and you’ll see the opposite: garments that can be altered, that are made to last, and break binaries.This business model is rare, but it’s the driving force behind Origami Customs. In this episode Rae, the founder, shares about starting their business from a suitcase, lugging their sewing machine from one flight to another. We learn how travel impacted their gender identity and how they break down binaries even in LGBTQ+ spaces. We also discuss: - What “fat tax” is and how Origami Customs does it differently - How the fashion industry based their standard sizes off small bodies (and how that impacts our mental health today) - How scarcity mindset pushes us to support fast fashion and disposability culture - How to do Black Friday differently, even if you’re not ready to boycott - How to have an anti-capitalist business in an ultra capitalistic society Throughout these important topics Calen and Rae weave messages of queer euphoria and joy, reminding folks of the cherished superpowers they possess. As a stressful holiday season descends upon us, let this be your reminder to keep building community and chosen family wherever you are. SHOWNOTES
 - 2026 Unruly Finca Ganadito trip: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/finca-ganadito-in-costa-rica-calen-otto-01051353 - Unruly Group Trips: wanderwoman.online/unruly-group-trips/ - Join the Unruly Patreon: patreon.com/unrulytravel - Origami Customs: https://origamicustoms.com - Unruly Travel & Living Blog: unrulytravel.com
 -Unruly email newsletter: buff.ly/4a1bPwT

 - Support the podcast: SoundCloud - @unrulystories, 
Venmo - @unruytravel

 - Contact: calenotto@gmail.com

 - Unruly Instagram: www.instagram.com/unruly_traveller

    54 min
  3. 90. The Ultimate Savasana: What It Means To Die In Community

    10/30/2025

    90. The Ultimate Savasana: What It Means To Die In Community

    There’s one transition we’ll all experience but hardly talk about: Death. Whether out of fear or taboo, so much of our culture and communities shy away from the topic. Still, it lingers in the back of our mind and flutters in our subconscious.  On the topic of dying and deathwork we interview Scott Kirschenbaum, known for his stunning documentaries where he captures some of life's most intense and raw moments. His work with Ethan Sisser was no different; after learning of a young man with brain cancer, Scott agreed to filming his final weeks — and moments — of life. After spending fourteen days at his bedside, Scott’s relationship with death was transformed.  “If you love something, start grieving for it. If you love someone, start grieving for them.” In this episode we discuss: * What it means to die in community * How reciprocity can be created in all aspects of life, including death * What the practice of “cracking your heart open” looks like in real time * “Slow death” and why it matters * Reflections for planning our own final moments SHOWNOTES
 - 2026 Unruly Finca Ganadito trip: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/finca-ganadito-in-costa-rica-calen-otto-01051353 - Unruly Group Trips: https://wanderwoman.online/unruly-group-trips/ - Join the Unruly Patreon: patreon.com/unrulytravel - The Last Ecstatic Days: https://www.thelastecstaticdaysmovie.com/about - Wailing Earth Docuseries: https://www.youtube.com/@TempleofSeaweed

 - Unruly Travel & Living Blog: unrulytravel.com
 -Unruly email newsletter: buff.ly/4a1bPwT

 - Support the podcast: SoundCloud - @unrulystories, 
Venmo - @unruytravel

 - Contact: calenotto@gmail.com

 - Unruly Instagram: www.instagram.com/unruly_traveller

    55 min
  4. 89. From Poached to Protected: Sea Turtle Fact & Folklore In Costa Rica

    09/11/2025

    89. From Poached to Protected: Sea Turtle Fact & Folklore In Costa Rica

    Seated in the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica is Finca Ganadito, an eco-living space committed to regenerative agriculture and increasing biodiversity. But their work doesn’t stop with the birds and soil — it extends to the seas, with impressive efforts to protect sea turtles. Rob "Tortugo" — known locally as the “sea turtle man” — is a key player in these green efforts. With a background in biology, he’ll lead us through sea turtle fact and folklore in an exploration of sea turtle evolution, their complicated dance with the climate crisis, and mysterious “lost years.” With 80% of sea turtles lost in the last 40 years, this important conversation shares the reasons behind their decline and what you can do to protect sea turtles from anywhere in the world. Tune in to hear: - Incredible sea turtle facts - Why sea turtles are reptiles - Are sea turtles endangered? - The inspiration behind Finca Ganadito - Why only 1 out of 1,000 sea turtle eggs survive SHOWNOTES - 2026 Unruly Finca Ganadito trip: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/finca-ganadito-in-costa-rica-calen-otto-01051353 - Full interview on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-episode-2-138526093 - Finca Ganadito: https://www.fincaganadito.com - Join Patreon: patreon.com/unrulytravel
 - Unruly GroupTrip email list: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/757985/151947543497934231/share - Unruly Travel & Living Blog: unrulytravel.com
- -Unruly email newsletter: buff.ly/4a1bPwT
 - Support the podcast: SoundCloud - @unrulystories, 
Venmo - @unruytravel 
- Contact: calenotto@gmail.com
 - Unruly Instagram: www.instagram.com/unruly_traveller

    47 min
  5. 88. Understanding And Healing Religious Trauma With Ann Russo (LCSW, MA Theology)

    08/14/2025

    88. Understanding And Healing Religious Trauma With Ann Russo (LCSW, MA Theology)

    Is there an ethical way to do religion? That’s one of the many topics we explore in the newest podcast episode with Ann Russo, LCSW, founder and clinical director of AMR Therapy. As a queer phycologist with a MA in Theology, Ann speaks to what religious trauma is, how it affects the body and brain, and how to navigate and heal from religious trauma. From growing up in a secret queer household in the 80’s and 90’s to entering religion herself, Ann shares personal stories that inform the way she’s able to help others today. Religious trauma can look differently for everyone, and today’s episode is a reminder that you’re not alone. Tune in for venerability, science-backed explanations, and a path forward. “Studies show that queer folks have higher rates of mental illness, suicide, and drug abuse. Some church folks like to say it’s because you’re queer. No — it’s because of the level of rejection.” SHOWNOTES - Connect with Ann: https://www.annrusso.org/ - Join Patreon: patreon.com/unrulytravel
 - Unruly GroupTrip email list: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/757985/151947543497934231/share - Unruly Group Trip WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HP0EAHfUEK64arxqlsCRxC?mode=ac_t - Unruly Travel & Living Blog: unrulytravel.com
- -Unruly email newsletter: buff.ly/4a1bPwT
 - Support the podcast: SoundCloud - @unrulystories, 
Venmo - @unruytravel 
- Contact: calenotto@gmail.com
 - Unruly Instagram: www.instagram.com/unruly_traveller

    57 min
  6. 87. Hitchhiking The Globe: How To Change Your Life With One Big Decision

    07/08/2025

    87. Hitchhiking The Globe: How To Change Your Life With One Big Decision

    Have you ever wanted to transform your life? Sure, we can tweak a habit here and there from our usual comfortable perch. But sometimes we feel a rumble from down deep in our bellies; adventure and change is calling, but we’re too scared to answer. What can happen when we do? Here today to answer that question is Jonny Wright, hitchhiker extraordinaire and fan of irreversible decisions. After traveling the globe, traversing 22 countries through over 17,000 miles of hitchhiking, Jonny knows what it means to make a single big decision that changes everything. After a big breakup, move, and pandemic, Jonny knew that he needed a big change — to shake things up so much that they could never settle back to normal — but didn’t know where to start. Now armed with hard-earned wisdom from the road, he teaches us how to pinpoint the changes that we need to make and the direction we need to go when we can’t seem to figure out where to begin. Additionally, Jonny shares: - Why hitchhiking is a risk he’s willing to take - How to hitchhike as effectively as possible - How to hitchhike Europe - How hitchhiking is a teacher of impulse, intuition, and self regulation - What it takes financially to plan a months long trip - His magnificent Turkish wedding story form the road You’ll leave this episode with a fresh perspective on humanity and feasible steps to for listening to the wise voice inside you, guiding you to a fulfilling life. SHOWNOTES - Join the Unruly Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/unrulytravel
 - Quouch App (queer CouchSurfing): quouch-app.com - Go and Find Out: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oBbiKeq7qhAYTSF9dmYcY - The Art of Unruly Travel on a Budget: https://wanderwoman.online/unrulystore/The-Art-of-Unruly-Travel-on-a-Budget-Paperback-p390907964 - River's 'Agua de Sapo' Costa Rica reflection: https://wanderwoman.online/fathoms-below-lgbtq-travel-scholarship-1/ - Music at 21:55 and 32:48 by Frail Jonny: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Uq2RXmIL2QYw9gCauj3dx SHOWNOTES - Join the Unruly Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/unrulytravel
 - Quouch App (queer CouchSurfing): quouch-app.com - Go and Find Out: open.spotify.com/show/7oBbiKeq7qhAYTSF9dmYcY - The Art of Unruly Travel on a Budget: wanderwoman.online/unrulystore/The…back-p390907964 - River's 'Agua de Sapo' Costa Rica reflection: wanderwoman.online/fathoms-below-l…-scholarship-1/ - Music at 21:55 and 32:48 by Frail Jonny: open.spotify.com/artist/1Uq2RXmIL2QYw9gCauj3dx - Unruly Travel & Living Blog: unrulytravel.com
- -Unruly email newsletter: buff.ly/4a1bPwT
 - Support the podcast: SoundCloud - @unrulystories, 
Venmo - @unruytravel 
- Contact: calenotto@gmail.com
 - Unruly Instagram: www.instagram.com/unruly_traveller

    50 min
  7. 86. Budding, Blossoming, And Becoming: Celebrating Country Queer Pride

    06/12/2025

    86. Budding, Blossoming, And Becoming: Celebrating Country Queer Pride

    To celebrate queer joy, blossoming, and vibrant life I invite you to join us for a special Unruly Podcast episode. It weaves together the illuminating stories of 6 different people, now in their mid 20’s and 30’s, who grew up in rural spaces as queer youth.  There they found refuge in nature, belonging in the outdoors, and community in the unlikeliest of places. You'll find yourself laughing and crying right along with us as we dive into bubbling river rapids, contemplate forbidden crushes in the heat of summer church camp, and explore all the spaces in-between in an episode that defies time and gender norms. This conversation is a glimpse into the tender coming-of-age moments for queer youth and the hilarity, struggle, and metamorphosis that brings us to adulthood. SHOWNOTES - Join the Unruly Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/unrulytravel
 - Quouch App (queer CouchSurfing): quouch-app.com 
- Queer group trip updates: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/757985/151947543497934231/share - ‘Rewild Me’ by Rivers Wilder Green - Unruly Travel & Living Blog: unrulytravel.com
- -Unruly email newsletter: buff.ly/4a1bPwT
 - Support the podcast: SoundCloud - @unrulystories, 
Venmo - @unruytravel
- Contact: calenotto@gmail.com
 - Unruly Instagram: www.instagram.com/unruly_traveller

    1h 2m
  8. 85. How To *Actually* Protect Trans People

    05/15/2025

    85. How To *Actually* Protect Trans People

    Here today to tell us how we can *actually* protect trans people is Charlie Alexander, one half of the life-saving duo at TNET. In this episode you'll learn how to protect trans people right now, after the election, and how to support trans rights in general. At the end of the episode we answer FAQ's from parents of trans youth like, 'Does my trans kid need to go to therapy?' and correct misconceptions about puberty blockers. Get step-by-step instructions on: - How to be a safe person for trans kids to come out to (what to say & do) - What to do if you mess up someone's "coming out" moment - What not to say to trans people - What to do if you misgender someone - How to protect trans kids in schools as a teacher or parent SHOWNOTES - Join the Unruly Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/unrulytravel - Quouch App (queer CouchSurfing): https://quouch-app.com - Win a trip to BERLIN with Quouch: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIwBL_eNApD/?img_index=1 - TNET: https://www.tnet.store - Trans Love Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi6Gnlkx6qo - Episode language guide: https://wanderwoman.online/2025/05/how-to-protect-trans-people/ - Unruly Travel & Living Blog: unrulytravel.com - -Unruly email newsletter: buff.ly/4a1bPwT - Support the podcast: SoundCloud - @unrulystories, 
Venmo - @unruytravel - Contact: calenotto@gmail.com - Unruly Instagram: www.instagram.com/unruly_traveller

    45 min
See All (86)

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

The Unruly Travel & Living Podcast sits down with experts who share illuminating ideas, how-to tips, and personal stories on travel, alternative lifestyles, veganism, nature, queerness, and off-grid living. Calen Otto, host of the Unruly Podcast, is a writer, activist, and avid traveler. They've been to over 30 countries, 20 national parks and 5 continents on an extremely small budget, exploring the intersections of social justice and alternative living along the way. With gritty beginnings of crossing the USA with only a bike and $300, they now help newbies and experienced wanderers alike travel as ethically, creatively, and colorfully as possible. Tune in for epic adventures, exceptional storytelling, and practical ways to kickstart your adventures, regardless of income. UNRULYTRAVEL.COM | Subscribe For New Episodes Monthly

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