Chapter 2
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In this reflective and heartfelt episode of Travel With Meaning, host Mike Scheibel shares a deeply personal chapter in his life marked by the recent passing of his beloved Cocker Spaniel, Barbara Babs, affectionately known as the 'Queen Bee.' The episode serves as a poignant transition into 'Chapter 2' of the podcast, dedicated to honoring her memory while embracing a renewed sense of purpose. Mike opens up about his grief, the unexpected loss during a trip abroad, and how he chose to stay on his journey as a form of healing—believing Barbara would have wanted him to continue. He also reflects on turning 50, a milestone shaped by a childhood near-death experience, and uses it as a catalyst to intentionally create more meaningful travel experiences. The episode previews upcoming content centered on transformative journeys: swimming with whale sharks in Mexico, reconnecting with his Finnish heritage in Finland, and exploring Austria’s soulful 'Le Hibbensgefühl' through the Mountain Yoga Festival. Mike also teases interviews with travel innovator Bruce Poon Tip and chef Eduardo Baldi, reinforcing the podcast’s mission to share stories that inspire connection, presence, and purpose through travel.
Grief and healing can coexist with purpose—Mike chose to continue his journey after losing his dog, honoring her spirit.
Intentional travel creates deeper meaning; Mike prioritized long-held dreams like swimming with whale sharks to align with his values.
Travel is not just about destinations but about tracing identity, heritage, and belonging—seen in Mike’s journey to Finland.
Meaningful travel stories are a powerful, underused form of connection and shared human experience.
The podcast is evolving with more personal, reflective, and globally diverse storytelling to inspire conscious travelers.
Welcome & Introduction to Chapter 2
Mike Scheibel welcomes listeners to the Travel With Meaning podcast and introduces this episode as a personal update and preview of upcoming content, marking the beginning of 'Chapter 2' following the loss of his dog, Barbara Babs.
Honoring Barbara Babs: A Life of Unconditional Love
“I realized that I was exactly where I needed to be. And I think Babs would have actually been pissed if I would have come home and not in a space to start my healing where I was, which again, was exactly where I needed to be.”
Turning 50: Reflections on Survival and Gratitude
Mike reflects on turning 50, a milestone made more profound by his birth as a premature infant with only a 50% chance of survival. He expresses deep gratitude for the life he’s lived and the experiences he’s had, framing this moment as a catalyst for intentional travel.
Swimming with a Whale Shark: A 15-Year Dream Realized
“The moment I jumped in the water and I'm swimming alongside of it, and mind you, they cruise the surface. So they're not going too deep. They're cruising the surface. You're snorkeling and you're basically riding their wake next to them. And I made eye contact with them and I was just in awe.”
Upcoming Episodes: Finland, Austria & More
“I'm proud of being a direct descendant of what that diaspora created. And my great-grandfather immigrating to the United States in the early 1900s.”
“I'm proud of being a direct descendant of what that diaspora created. And my great-grandfather immigrating to the United States in the early 1900s.”
“I'm proud. I'm proud of it. But I'm proud of being a direct descendant of what that diaspora created.”
“I realized that I was exactly where I needed to be. And I think Babs would have actually been pissed if I would have come home and not in a space to start my healing where I was, which again, was exactly where I needed to be.”
Host
Guests
Mike Scheibel
person
Barbara Babs
other
Whale Shark
other
Finland
place
Austria
place
La Paz
place
Mountain Yoga Festival
other
Sauna
other
Sea of Cortez
place
Fun Baja
organization
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