Lila: The Podcast (Alexa Jo Schafer)
Explorez tous les épisodes de Lila: The Podcast
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Feb 2024 | 2: Bathtub Pool Party & Tattoos in a Hostel Kitchen - Meet Minke | 00:21:16 | |
I thought there was no better person to have as my first guest than my all time fav backpacking buddy... Minke Posthumus! Minke is an adventurous free-spirit from the Netherlands in her early 20s Hear the story of how we met, adventures we've had, and hostel life (throwing a pool party in a bathtub and getting tattoos in the kitchen) Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. The blog: https://lilabyalexajo.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilabyalexajo/ More about our time in Santorini: https://lilabyalexajo.com/solo-backpacking-europe-week-2-in-greece/ More about our time in Italy: https://lilabyalexajo.com/solo-backpacking-europe-week-7-in-florence-italy/ | |||
| 12 Sep 2024 | 29: She started backpacking at 18 - Meet Mckenna! | 01:01:52 | |
This week I'm joined by Mckenna! Kenna and I met at a work-exchange in Hawaii and clicked right away. Nothing bonds a pair like snorkeling with sharks in the morning and scrubbing toilets together in the afternoon... From getting scuba certified in Thailand to Yoga-teacher certified in Costa Rica, Kenna is always dreaming about the next adventure. She constantly impresses and inspired me. Everyone, meet Mckenna. Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, review, and share with friends | |||
| 08 May 2024 | 12: Sharing YOUR Lila Moments - with Becca | 00:51:07 | |
This week I'm joined by my friend Becca to celebrate the two year anniversary since I launched the brand Lila by Alexa Jo. Becca and I met when we were randomly assigned as roommates for study abroad in Italy. We became instant friends and has always been such a big supporter. I'm so excited for you all to meet Becca and to hear some of our community's Lila moments. Lila: The Podcast Solo travel, mental health, & the cool people I've met along the way Lila /ˈLĒLÄ/ (LEE-LUH) NOUN A feeling of wholehearted contentedness upon the recognition that every happenstance in one’s life thus far has led to this very moment, in this very place, with these very people.
Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe! | |||
| 12 Jun 2024 | 17: I'm feeling...dare I say...inspired? With Maria Faltas | 01:26:56 | |
Today I'm joined by my friend Maria Faltas on the Big Island of Hawaii! WARNING: This episode may make you want to laugh, cry, hug your dad, apply to law school, move to an island, do a work-exchange, make art, swim in the ocean, etc. Maria and I met when she hosted me for a work-exchange position a few years ago. Maria is a practicing lawyer in Hawaii, and she's one of the most free-spirits you'll meet. She was born in Alaska, though raised a little bit of everywhere. Throughout her childhood her parents often packed up the family and drove south without a destination in mind, Often times all the way to Costa Rica! Which makes it no surprise that as an adult she finds herself a free-spirit constantly in pursuit of adventure and being "inspired" Maria's story is one of perseverance, laughs, and building a beautiful life. So excited to share this amazing person with the world and forever grateful for the opportunity I had to live in Hawaii. Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, review, and share with friends | |||
| 24 Apr 2024 | 10: Living a Great Story with Zach Horvath | 00:31:22 | |
Today I'm joined by Zach Horvath, founder of Live A Great Story. I found this brand a few years ago and the message really resonated with me. It's all about writing a life story that feels good to you; living a full and meaningful life. I wanted to leave a LAGS sticker in each place that I traveled. Cut to three years later I'm sitting in a cafe in Thailand and I meet the founder because he spotted the sticker on my water bottle. I got to sit down with him and ask all about it. Enjoy! Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe! | |||
| 10 Apr 2024 | 8: Empowering Women & Saving Elephants in Thailand | 01:02:45 | |
Empowering Women & Saving Elephants in Thailand: My week with Daughters Rising and Chai Lai Orchid in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I had the joy of spending a week volunteering with Daughters Rising, a non-profit based in Thailand focused on empowering at-risk girls to prevent human trafficking. In this episode I talk all about the mission of Daughters Rising, it's social business partner, Chai Lai Orchid, and introduce a few of my friends there. I touch on interviews conducted with Alexandra (the founder), Malida (staff), P Doh & P Por (local Karen women from the village), Kham Hom (a former scholarship recipient), and Win (DR staff & former scholarship recipient. The full version of their interviews have been linked below. Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe! FULL INTERVIEWS Don't miss last weeks episode with Chai Lai Orchid's photographer James de la Cloche! The Best place to visit elephants in Thailand | |||
| 03 Apr 2024 | 7: Living a worthwhile life - A Chat with a British Elephant Photographer in Thailand | 01:12:37 | |
This week I'm joined by James De La Cloche, a British photographer best known for portraits and videos of people with rescue elephants. Based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, he works alongside Daughters Rising and Chai Lai Orchid. We talk about his life story, how he ended up here, and his philosophies on life. We're talking spirituality, meditation, and living a worthwhile life. James leads with love & light and I'm excited to share this with the Lila listeners. Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe! | |||
| 05 Jun 2024 | 16: Photography, OnlyFans, influencing, and princess parties - creative entrepreneurship with Caylin Ziemelis | 00:41:33 | |
Today I'm joined by my friend Caylin on the Big Island of Hawaii! Caylin has found herself a young entrepreneur at the age of 22, exploring her creativity and passions down a few different avenues. From launching her own family photography business on the island as a teen, to blowing up on TikTok and dabbling in influencing, to exploring the life of pageants, to dressing up as a princess for birthday parties, to giving us the 411 on what it's really like to have an OnlyFans page, this girl is constantly trying new things and fueling her creativity. I love Caylin and you will too! Watch the video version on Caylin's youtube channel! Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, review, and share with friends! Lila: The Podcast Solo travel, mental health, & the cool people I've met along the way Lila /ˈLĒLÄ/ (LEE-LUH) NOUN A feeling of wholehearted contentedness upon the recognition that every happenstance in one’s life thus far has led to this very moment, in this very place, with these very people.
Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. | |||
| 27 Mar 2024 | 6: I have a cyst on my what?! Endometriosis & Women's Health | 01:06:13 | |
March held Endometriosis Awareness Month, International Women's Day, and Women's History month. But it's not just important for women to be recognizing these things. Think this episode is just for the girlies? WRONG. Men, I think you should hear this... Today we are talking allll about prioritizing women's health and the importance in doing so. Clara shares her experience with the rupture of an ovarian cyst, followed by an Endometriosis diagnosis. Thank you Clara for sharing your story and being vulnerable with us. I know your story will find who it needs to. Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Resources: DISCLAIMER: All content in this podcast is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical, psychological or health advice of any kind and we do not warrant that the information presented herein is free of any errors or omissions. We are not providing medical, health care, nutrition therapy or coaching services to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any kind of physical ailment, mental or medical condition. Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in the medical and health area for your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any medical or health related decisions. For your health-related questions, please seek the advice of a licensed physician or any other qualified health care provider immediately. | |||
| 01 May 2024 | 11: "I was given 3-6 months to live so I became a dream chaser" with Kelly Shaw | 00:30:47 | |
Today I'm joined by my friend Kelly on the Big Island of Hawaii! Kelly is an inspiration to many and joins us today to tell her life story (short version). She inspires me everyday and is one of the people I met way before even starting the podcast that I KNEW I wanted to someday interview. After falling into addiction in her teens and recovery by 19, Kelly now sponsors others going through addiction and owns a sober house for men in honor of her late father. When diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer and given 3-6 months to live at age 25, Kelly decided to become a dream chaser. Kelly talks about overcoming addiction as a teen, beating terminal ovarian cancer at age 25, fostering high school kids, beating the odds, and becoming a dream chaser. Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe! | |||
| 11 Dec 2024 | Season 1 Finale! | 00:07:28 | |
Closing out season 1 on todays episode! Thank you so much for being here, I'll see you in season 2 with more incredible guests, inspiring stories, and real life $h*t. Wishing you many Lila moments until then <3 With love, Alexa Jo | |||
| 17 Apr 2024 | 9: What did I get myself into? Travel stories with Lola | 00:59:53 | |
This week I'm joined by my friend Lola to talk about the times in our travels that made us think... dear god how did I end up here. From trekking volcanoes to Bavarian snowstorms to kissing a pimp, there are many, many times we've thought...what did I get myself into? Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Guide to visiting Khao Sok National Park Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe! | |||
| 02 Oct 2024 | 32: Surf’s Up is a cinematic masterpiece, prove us wrong. (you can’t) | 01:02:17 | |
This week I’ve got my lil brother on the pod to do what he does best- analyze film! As a fun crossover, we’ve taken one of the staples of our childhood and combined it with my brothers interest in movies and everything that goes into making one good, or as we say, a ~cinematic masterpiece ahead of its time~ We talk about our relationship, growing up, and how a movie about surfing penguins really taught us all we needed to know about life. Enjoy, and welcome Dominic to the pod! Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, review, and share with friends | |||
| 10 Jul 2024 | 21: Creating a new life for yourself - with Sara | 00:53:06 | |
This week I'm joined by my friend Sara Isaac on the Big Island of Hawaii! Sara is a free spirit who moved to the island after heartbreak a few years ago. She shares stories of odd work exchanges she agreed to, bad living situations, and what it was like to immigrate from Iraq to Michigan as a kid. Sara adopts the "work to live, don't live to work" mentality and spends a lot of her time pouring into her hobbies of upcycling clothes, making jewelry, and exploring the nature of Hawaii. She is so sweet and fun and has truly mastered the resilience of creating a new life for yourself. Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, review, and share with friends | |||
| 22 May 2024 | 14: On losing a parent - with Fiona | 00:42:06 | |
Today I'm joined by my friend Fiona to talk about grief and parent loss. Fiona's dad passed away from Lewy body dementia when she was 19 years old. She candidly shares her story, how she copes, how others supported her in that time, and straight up just getting through it. Thank you for sharing today Fiona, I know this will reach someone who needs it. Lila: The Podcast Solo travel, mental health, & the cool people I've met along the way Lila /ˈLĒLÄ/ (LEE-LUH) NOUN A feeling of wholehearted contentedness upon the recognition that every happenstance in one’s life thus far has led to this very moment, in this very place, with these very people.
Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. | |||
| 06 Mar 2024 | 3: Fun ways to see your friends in adulthood | 01:04:37 | |
This week we are joined by my bestie Clara to talk about fun and creative ways to see your friends in adulthood beyond just going to a bar, grabbing a coffee, or sitting for a meal. It's easy to get stuck in the same old routines or skip out on social activities to prioritize being a "productive adult." We all know what it's like to want to make plans but don't know what to do. Here's an hour of options...and tangents. We go on a few side quests but eventually spit out all our ideas. Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. The blog: https://lilabyalexajo.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilabyalexajo/ | |||
| 25 Jul 2024 | 23: That one time Lola was on the news in Albania? A Balkan Adventure | 01:10:25 | |
This week I'm joined by my friend Lola to talk about her most recent backpacking trip to Europe! For the past 7 weeks she has been bouncing around Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, England, and Portugal. With plenty of stories - odd and awesome, Lola spills all her thoughts. Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, review, and share with friends | |||
| 25 Sep 2024 | 31: From hip surgery at 24 to running a half marathon at 25 - Jane's story | 00:55:39 | |
This week I'm joined by my friend Jane Moore! We became friends at our first joba s teenagers, a boat company that brought us equal laughs and trauma. We bonded over the antics of working in the service industry and chatted shifts away on the slow days behind the bar. She joins me on the pod to talk about the last few years of her life affected by chronic pain, a major surgery at a young age, and the toll physical health can take on mental health and body image. Now, Jane is gearing up to run her first half marathon (this weekend!!) So listen here and then cheer her on! Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, review, and share with friends | |||
| 17 Jul 2024 | 22: So, you're solo-travel curious... | 00:33:11 | |
This week I'm kickin' it solo to talk about, you guessed it, solo travel. This one is for the solo-travel curious who want to know more about this world of backpacking and adventuring on your own, how I got into it, and address some of the main reservations/concerns people have. Check out the blog for more advice and solo-travel stories! Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, review, and share with friends | |||
| 31 Jul 2024 | 24: Never one buttcheek without the other - maintaining long friendship | 01:20:01 | |
This week I'm joined by my BFF Sarah! We have been best friends since we were 9 years old. Hanging tight through all the ebbs and flows, Sarah and I talk about maintain friendship over the years and managing long-distance friendship. We touch on being in toxic relationships, having tough conversations with friends, competition dance, silly teenage antics, what being a good friend looks like, and how life took us different directions. From being inseparable ("butt buddies as one of our old friends called us) to being separated (college) Everyone, meet my bff Sarah. Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, review, and share with friends | |||
| 15 Aug 2024 | 26: Save the turtles, yo! Volunteering at a sea turtle conservation in Bali | 00:39:55 | |
This week I'm joined by my friends Agus & Ketut at Green Lion Sea turtle conservation in Nusa Penida, Indonesia. I spent two weeks at the project when I was backpacking through Southeast Asia and last year and had the opportunity to sit down with two of the coordinators to talk about what they do there and why. Save the turtles, yo! My blog post: Volunteering at a Sea Turtle conservation in Bali Green Lion Sea Turtle Conservation Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, review, and share with friends | |||
| 22 Aug 2024 | 27: We used to dream of fashion school in New York...she did it! | 01:16:08 | |
In this episode I'm joined by my childhood friend Addie! Addie and I met when we were 10 years old when we became neighbors. We used to play fashion video games, watch Mary-Kate & Ashley movies like "New York Minute" and daydream about the lives we wanted to live. Fast forward 15 years. Addie comes on the podcast to talk about how she made her dream of going to fashion school in New York a reality, and what led her to ultimately make the decision to come back to the midwest. We've seen each other through so many phases of life and truly watched one another grow. I'm infinitely proud of her and to say she is my friend. Everyone meet my super cool friend, Adeline. Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, review, and share with friends | |||
| 02 Feb 2024 | 1: Welcome to Lila the Pod! | 00:04:18 | |
Hi! I’m Alexa Jo, but you may hear me called Alexa, Lex, Jojo, or Joj on the show. I founded Lila by Alexa Jo, home to a blog, community, events, and now a podcast. Lila is defined as: "a wholehearted contentedness upon the recognition that every happenstance in one’s life thus far has led this this very moment, in this very place, with these very people." I wrote a whole piece about why I chose “Lila” that you can find on my blog. Each week I’m joined by a different guest to talk about all kinds of topics. This started as I was interviewing cool people I met while traveling, but then I thought about how my people back home had a lot of important things to say too. Now, It's much more. From solo travel, to mental health, to social causes, to the meaning of life…we’re tackling it all. I dream of building a community, writing a couple novels, lifting-up others, and talking about real-life sh*t. Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. The blog: https://lilabyalexajo.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilabyalexajo/ The meaning behind the name: https://lilabyalexajo.com/the-meaning-behind-the-name/ | |||
| 13 Mar 2024 | 4: Clean beaches, get tacos - Clean Rewards with Aaron Draime | 00:33:15 | |
This week I'm joined by my friend Aaron on the Big Island of Hawaii. Aaron founded Clean Rewards, a nonprofit that rewards you for cleaning up beaches with vouchers to local businesses. He organizes beach clean ups on the Big Island at some of the most micro-plastic stricken spots. His work creates lasting impacts and gets more people in on the ocean-saving action. Keep our Aina clean. Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. | |||
| 29 May 2024 | 15: To quarter life crisis or to not....turning 25 | 01:07:08 | |
Happy May 29th...It's Alexa's 25th birthday! To celebrate, Alexa and Clara, talk about how their lives look very different at the same age. Alexa, in the depths of a quarter-life crisis, and Clara, far out of hers, discuss how 25 looks different, not only from the early 20s, but from other 25 year olds. Feeling lost and feeling secure, ups and downs, spiraling and coping, these two best friends speak candidly about what it's like to have a fully developed brain Lila: The Podcast Solo travel, mental health, & the cool people I've met along the way Lila /ˈLĒLÄ/ (LEE-LUH) NOUN A feeling of wholehearted contentedness upon the recognition that every happenstance in one’s life thus far has led to this very moment, in this very place, with these very people.
Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. | |||
| 09 Oct 2024 | 33: Getting your masters abroad?! Sara Did! | 01:01:24 | |
This week I'm joined by my friend Sara McCabe! After studying abroad twice in her undergraduate degree, she decided to pursue her Masters Degree in York. We talk finding your passion, learning more about the world, immigrating to another country, and knowing when it’s time to come home. Now, she works as an advisor in the study abroad department at a university and sits down the the Lila Podcast to share her story. Everyone, meet Sara McCabe Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, review, and share with friends | |||
| 18 Sep 2024 | 30: Eating disorders & body dysmorphia... we've been there. | 01:21:18 | |
This week on the pod I'm joined once again by my dear friend Clara. This time we're talking about something we both have been through and bonded over in the early years of our friendship: Eating disorders and body dysmorphia. It's all-encompassing. It takes over your life. And, unfortunately, we aren't the only ones who have struggled with this. We didn't feel like it was talked about much and could have used something like this when we were in the throws of it. If you or someone you know may be struggling with an eating disorder, please take a listen and check out the resources below. We hope this reaches who it needs to. RESOURCES National Eating Disorders Association Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, review, and share with friends | |||
| 26 Jun 2024 | 19: Bánh mì, Bánh you, Bánh us - Adventures in Vietnam | 01:20:55 | |
Adventures in Vietnam from North to South with my best travel buddy, Minke! You know her, you love her....here's our antics | |||
| 20 Mar 2024 | 5: Exploring Within & silent disco with Bri Torres | 00:58:40 | |
This week I'm joined by my sweet friend Bri who is making a difference on the Big Island of Hawaii. She grew up in California and Nicaragua, but now calls Hawaii home. Bri founded Exploring Within, a healing and wellness silent disco. She guides dancing and connection experiences in nature, creating safe spaces for people to explore within. Bri has a gentle soul, big heart, and passion for what she does. Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. | |||
| 07 Aug 2024 | 25: All the movies about summer camp are accurate. | 01:18:27 | |
This week we're talking all things summer camp! Me, a person who never went to summer camp, but volunteered as a camp counselor for week and Clara who grew up going to camp and worked as a camp counselor for years talk all about the summer camp experience. Mine more treacherous, hers more magical.... make it to the end and we share a few of YOUR summer camp stories Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, review, and share with friends | |||
| 15 May 2024 | 13: Mental health & the awareness of it all | 00:45:52 | |
Alexa shares her journey with mental health, being diagnosed with mental illness, and the importance of bringing awareness to the cause. Lila: The Podcast Solo travel, mental health, & the cool people I've met along the way Lila /ˈLĒLÄ/ (LEE-LUH) NOUN A feeling of wholehearted contentedness upon the recognition that every happenstance in one’s life thus far has led to this very moment, in this very place, with these very people.
Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. From the Blog: Celebrating May! Mental Health awareness month & my first tattoo The Ocean Heals: The psychological benefits of spending time in the ocean | |||
| 19 Jun 2024 | 18: Swing the bat & be proud of what you do - with Shaheer Faltas | 01:01:04 | |
This week I'm joined by my Hānai (chosen family in Hawaiian) uncle Shaheer Faltas! This name might sound familiar to you if you listened to last weeks episode with his wife, Maria Faltas. Shaheer took a chance by hiring me for a work-exchange in Hawaii helping manage their vacation rentals back in 2022 in exchange for a room in their home. He has so much wisdom and I'm constantly learning and growing from his guidance. He was one of the people I knew I wanted on the podcast back when it was just an idea. In fact, I launched Lila in Maria & Shaheer's kitchen! Shaheer talks about growing up with immigrant parents, losing his dad at 19, returning to Egypt to connect with his family's culture, and making strides in the teaching space. After an extremely successful career as a teacher and administrator in Waldorf schools, Shaheer has shifted his attention to personal training and life coaching. Back in 2004, Shaheer was offered a job to run a school on the Big Island of Hawaii. In the last 20 years, they have gone back and forth between Hawaii and California while building a successful business called Kona Mountain Refuge. They've created a big, beautiful life on the island, welcomed many into their home, and for that it has become a home to me. I'm overjoyed to share these amazing people with others and to bring the spirit of traveling to people at home. Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, review, and share with friends | |||
| 24 Oct 2024 | 34: Let's talk about the Balkans babyyy | 00:58:21 | |
On this episode I'll take you through the past few weeks I spent in Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, & Albania. I'll take you through my recs & anti-recs. You can find my full guide at lilabyalexajo.com Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, review, and share with friends | |||
| 04 Sep 2024 | 28: The end of one era and the start of another | 00:32:17 | |
| 03 Jul 2024 | 20: All the things my dad meant to say... | 01:16:38 | |
A few years ago my dad wrote a book for his kids; a guide to life. "What I Meant To Say" is full of life's greatest lessons and all the things my dad wanted to teach us. Today he hop son the pod to tell you all about it Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, review, and share with friends | |||