Ep 192 w/ Melissa Rodway (Fly Travel Radio) - The People You Meet While Travelling: Melissa on Stories, Meaning & Modern Travel
In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I’m joined by fellow traveller, podcaster, and author Melissa Rodway for a deep, honest, and refreshingly real conversation about travel, purpose, and why simply “wandering” isn’t always enough anymore.
Melissa shares how her early travels — including growing up in Australia, moving across Canada, and later long-term adventures — shaped her outlook on life. We talk about why travel doesn’t magically fix everything, how purpose can completely change the way you experience a place, and what happens when the romantic idea of endless travel meets real life, work, and money.
We also dive into:
- Why having a reason to travel matters more as you get older
- The myth that travel automatically transforms you
- How Melissa’s book The People You Meet was born from long bus rides and storytelling
- Group travel vs solo travel — and why both still matter
- Why freedom is such a powerful (and addictive) part of travel
- How travel changes your relationship with yourself, not just the world
This is an episode for travellers who’ve felt restless on the road, questioned the “quit your job and go” narrative, or wondered how to keep travel meaningful long-term. There are plenty of laughs, reflections, and moments that’ll make you rethink how — and why — you travel.
The People You Meet Book - https://www.amazon.ca/People-You-Meet-Interesting-Characters/dp/106904430X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19KA4X9DS5MC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TlZrHy0V02MWPGcybuwtIZ36r168mkudXDX-0BnO-PY.RMq3iGOHHwk_fUKjKAbvOpOHqcoGuXa_ytyCwKSY9wE&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+people+you+meet+melissa+rodway&qid=1751589354&sprefix=%2Caps%2C65&sr=8-1
Melissa Rodway
Website - https://flyrodway.com/
Podcast - https://flyrodway.com/flypodcast/
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⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Why this episode matters & introducing Melissa Rodway
03:40 – Growing up between Canada & Australia
08:55 – Early travel memories & cultural exposure
13:10 – Searching for meaning through movement
15:45 – Why travel doesn’t “fix” you
18:10 – The myth of constant travel epiphanies
21:20 – Why purpose changes everything on the road
25:35 – Group tours vs solo travel
30:10 – Canada vs Europe for hiking (and the bear problem)
34:05 – Culture shock moments around the world
37:45 – Funding travel & taking career breaks responsibly
40:05 – Budget, mid-range & luxury travel realities
43:55 – Why hostels feel different now
47:25 – Hiking, movement & simple travel routines
51:30 – Freedom, identity & who we become when travelling
57:15 – Why some people can’t stop travelling
1:00:30 – Why others don’t want adventure at all
1:03:20 – Places still calling Melissa
1:05:45 – Final reflections on meaning, people & travel
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Produced by Winging It Productions - https://www.wingingitproductions.com
Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/
Winging It Travel Podcast - Website
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Winging It Travel Podcast Credits
Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond
Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com
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