In this inspiring episode of Nostalgic Travel Talks , I sit down with Dr. Veronica Flake, a Philadelphia native and global health advocate who studied medicine in one of the most unexpected places— Cuba . We explore how six transformative years at the Latin American School of Medicine in Havana shaped her into the compassionate, community-minded physician she is today. From overcoming language barriers to learning medicine with minimal resources, Dr. Flake shares how Cuba’s human-centered approa...
Aug 18, 2025•43 min•Ep. 13
💬 Episode Description: In this special mother-daughter edition of Nostalgic Travel Talks , Cheryl and Brittany transport you to the lush gardens and sun-kissed streets of Cuernavaca, Mexico —La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera. From Aztec origins and Hernán Cortés’ imposing palace to French emperors and vibrant local traditions, Cuernavaca offers a colorful tapestry of history and culture. We reminisce about sipping Mexican hot chocolate, wandering botanical gardens, peacocks at lunch, and even th...
Jul 18, 2025•15 min•Ep. 12
What’s it like to study medicine in Cuba? In this episode of Nostalgic Travel Talks , host Cheryl Johnson sits down with Dr. Gigi Simmons, a U.S. physician who studied medicine at the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) in Cuba. They explore the cultural, educational, and emotional journey that shaped her medical career. From free education and universal healthcare to bunk bed dorms and Cuban pizzas, Dr. Simmons gives us a real, raw, and inspiring look into global learning. Tune in to disco...
Jun 18, 2025•48 min•Ep. 11
Are you “cruise curious”? In this episode of Nostalgic Travel Talks , travel advisor Cheryl Johnson spills the tea (and maybe a little champagne) on what makes Virgin Voyages so different from your typical cruise. From the iconic red hammock that became her nightly sanctuary to the perks of the Splash of Romance package, Cheryl gives you the insider scoop you need before you book. She’s breaking down the top features, pro tips, and why this adults-only cruise line is perfect for solo travelers, ...
Jun 05, 2025•6 min•Ep. 10
In this energizing episode of Nostalgic Travel Talks , we’re talking all things travel and fitness with special guest Dennice Shupe , veteran fitness coach at Orange Theory Fitness . Whether you're a frequent flyer, a beach bum, or a sightseeing fanatic, Dennice shares real-world tips on how to stay active while traveling —without sacrificing fun (or dessert 🍰). We dive into: Dennice’s journey from fitness fan to Orange Theory coach The power of consistency and accountability in your workouts H...
May 18, 2025•23 min•Ep. 6
Overcrowded destinations stealing your travel joy? In this episode of Nostalgic Travel Talks , host Cheryl Johnson unveils five “second city” swaps that offer all the charm of Europe’s most popular tourist hubs—without the chaos. From skipping the crowds in Barcelona to discovering quieter alternatives to Venice, Amsterdam, and more, this episode is your guide to thoughtful, immersive, and crowd-free adventures. Whether you’re a slow traveler, a culture buff, or just tired of long lines, tune in...
May 14, 2025•5 min•Ep. 9
Ready to see the world through a kid’s eyes? 👀🌎 In this heartwarming episode of Nostalgic Travel Talks, I sit down with a very special guest — my 8-year-old grandson, Jayden — to chat about all things travel from a kid's perspective! 🧳 We talk about: What makes a trip exciting (spoiler alert: beaches and stuffed animals are key 🏖️🧸) His favorite travel memories from Jacksonville and St. Augustine, Florida 🌴 The ultimate kid-approved travel essentials Why Buc-ee’s might just be the best sto...
May 03, 2025•13 min•Ep. 7
Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please? 🎙️ Ready for an adventure? Whether you're revisiting cherished moments or planning brand-new escapades, Nostalgic Travel Talks is here to spark your wanderlust! In today’s episode, we’re diving headfirst into the top travel trends 2025 is serving up — from slow travel and second city travel destinations to the latest cruising trends and why purposeful travel is taking center stage. I’m also sharing must-know travel tips for 2025 that will ...
Apr 24, 2025•12 min•Ep. 8
Episode 5 | Featuring Dr. Cristina, Spanish Linguist at SLU Madrid Have you ever wondered why Spanish sounds so different depending on where you go? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the fascinating world of Spanish linguistics with Dr. Cristina Matute, a professor at Saint Louis University’s Madrid campus. From Castilian consonants to Latin American rhythms, we break down the "why" behind the words. Cristina shares: The historical roots of Spanish phonetics and pronunciation How regiona...
Apr 18, 2025•51 min•Ep. 5
Episode Title: Tasting Spain: Chef Rafa’s Passion for Authentic Flavors 📅 Episode Release Date: March 18 🎧 Hosted by: Cheryl Johnson, Brittany Johnson | Nostalgic Travel Talks Podcast Episode Overview In this delicious episode, I sit down with Chef Rafa , a passionate Spanish chef, to explore the vibrant world of Spanish cuisine . From paella and tapas to lesser-known regional specialties , Rafa shares his culinary journey, insider tips, and must-try dishes for travelers heading to Spain. Whet...
Mar 18, 2025•44 min•Ep. 4
In this episode, I’m joined by a special guest and former travel partner-in-crime, Alejandra Ovalle-Krolick, as we reminisce about our unforgettable experiences leading study abroad programs. From navigating the logistics of group travel to watching students discover the magic of new cultures, we’ll share the joys, challenges, and unexpected moments that make study abroad such a life-changing experience—for both students and educators alike. Whether you're curious about the behind-the-scenes of ...
Feb 18, 2025•51 min•Ep. 3
Episode two: Life Changing Journeys: Reflections on Study Abroad Episode Description: In this episode of the Nostalgic Travel Talks Podcast , we sit down with a very special guest—my son, Alexander Johnson—to discuss his unforgettable study abroad experience in Rome, Italy. From navigating a new culture to forming lifelong friendships, he shares the highs, the challenges, and the life-changing lessons he learned during his semester abroad. Whether you’re a student planning your own adventure, a ...
Jan 21, 2025•47 min•Ep. 2
Episode Title: Cultural Immersion: Adventures, Challenges, and Laughs with My Travel Partner Episode Description: What makes travel truly transformative? It's all about cultural immersion—and the right travel partner! In this episode of Nostalgic Travel Talks , I’m joined by my longtime travel companion and daughter, Brittany Johnson, as we reminisce about our most unforgettable adventures. From navigating tricky situations to savoring local delicacies, we’ve shared countless moments of cultural...
Dec 29, 2024•25 min•Ep. 1
