Stacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story Podcast By Joe Saul-Sehy & Crystal Hammond cover art

Stacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story

Stacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story

By: Joe Saul-Sehy & Crystal Hammond
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About this listen

Ready to dive into your next adventure? Begin your next travel adventure with us so you're inspired and prepared to do more, see more, and enjoy your trip. Hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond walk you through not only their stories, but also those of fellow adventurers. They talk to experts in travel, accommodations, booking flights, and more.2024 StackingAdventures.com Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Discovering America's Vintage Roadside Attractions
    Jun 25 2025

    Ready to time-travel without the flux capacitor? In this nostalgia-packed episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond hit the open road—metaphorically speaking—to explore some of America’s most iconic roadside landmarks, unforgettable signage, and quirky attractions that make every road trip an adventure worth taking.

    Joining them is Americana enthusiast and Instagram-fueled author Rolando Pujol, who’s turned his childhood fascination with vintage neon and roadside kitsch into a full-fledged love letter to U.S. travel history. From giant peaches to lobsters as big as your car, from architectural oddities to places that scream "you can’t get this experience on Zoom," this episode is a celebration of the beautifully weird, wildly nostalgic, and unmistakably American.

    What You'll Explore Along the Way
    • Road Signs that Raised Us: From Chicago’s White Sox signage to the Breezewood rest stop, Joe and Crystal reminisce about the places burned into our memory through pure roadside repetition.

    • Rolando’s Retro Obsession: Discover how childhood drives through Sleepy Hollow turned into an Instagram account, which turned into a book deal. If you've ever pulled over to snap a photo of a fiberglass dinosaur, you'll feel seen.

    • Where Quirky Meets Culinary: McDonald’s golden arches take a starring role—not just for fries but for its ever-evolving architecture. Plus, hear about Wild Blueberry Land in Maine, an oversized burrito haven in Arizona, and the cult-worthy Boll Weevil eatery.

    • Signs of the Times: Learn why neon signs, repurposed buildings, and goofy roadside sculptures tell us more about a town than any chamber of commerce brochure ever could.

    • The Enchanted Highway and Route 66: What happens when you mix art, open roads, and a passion for preservation? You get destinations that belong on every Adventurer's bucket list.

    Why This Episode Hits the Road (and Your Feels)

    Beyond the entertainment value (and serious Instagram inspo), this episode celebrates how road trips connect us to history, creativity, and identity—one vintage sign or giant lobster at a time. You’ll laugh, you’ll map your next trip, and you might even dig out that old road atlas.

    Got your own favorite roadside gem? Share it with the Adventurer community! Your quirky dive bar, haunting ghost town, or 20-foot gnome might just make someone else’s travel dreams come true.

    Here's how to tell your story: StackingAdventures.com/MyStory. You'll have five whole minutes to share YOUR roadside attraction adventure!

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    56 mins
  • YOUR Theme Park Adventure Tales
    Jun 17 2025

    Think theme parks are just for kids? Think again. We heard people who are VERY MUCH adults sharing their stories today...as we asked YOU for your theme park tales. On this episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond head to the gates of Cedar Point, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Holiday World, and beyond to relive the thrills, spills, and surprisingly refined etiquette of amusement park life. From world-class coasters to pro tips on navigating crowds (and even riding solo!), this one’s your summer soundtrack for theme park success.

    Adventurers Randy and Nikki call in with nostalgic favorites—including Indiana’s under-the-radar Holiday World, home of the holy grail: free parking, drinks, sunscreen, and splashy water coasters. You’ll hear why this park might just beat the big boys on value and fun.

    Joe and Crystal also debate which parks cater more to grown-up thrill seekers, unpack listener horror stories and etiquette fails, and reveal a travel MVP: a humble sweat towel that moonlights as a scarf, napkin, and workout essential.

    Plus, are solo trips to Disneyland underrated? Spoiler: Yes. You’ll hear why going it alone can be a magic trick for skipping lines, recharging your social battery, and doing the park your way.

    In this episode:
    • The adult-friendly charm of Cedar Point vs. Busch Gardens

    • Hidden gems like Holiday World (hello, free sunscreen!)

    • Theme park etiquette that keeps the magic alive

    • The thrill—and peace—of a solo Disneyland day

    • Memories of the Gatekeeper, Magnum, and the dearly departed Witch’s Wheel

    • Versatile travel gear you didn’t know you needed

    • A call for your best stories from Belize and cruise adventures

    Whether you’re a coaster connoisseur or just plotting your next getaway, this episode is packed with travel tales, practical tips, and all the community spirit Adventurers love.

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    56 mins
  • Navigating Your First Cruise Experience
    Jun 10 2025

    Think cruises are just buffets and bingo? Think again. In this episode, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond hoist the anchor on all your cruising questions with travel agent Donna Pelletier (we call her the cruise director!)—who's seen it all from the Lido Deck to the lifeboats. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or still Googling “Do cruise ships have brakes?”, we’ve got you covered.

    🛳️ Donna walks us through choosing the right cruise line and ship size (spoiler: not all floating cities are created equal).
    🎟️ Learn the tricks to booking like a pro, from early bird perks to when upgrades are actually worth it.
    🍹 We talk gratuities, drink packages, and what “all-inclusive” really means once you’re onboard.
    🧳 Never lose your luggage again—thanks to packing strategies and must-have travel tech like AirTags.
    🚢 Plus, tips on motion sickness, trip insurance, and excursions that don’t feel like cattle drives.

    From insider tips to hilarious missteps (ours, mostly), this episode is your passport to smarter, smoother cruising.

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    52 mins
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