Puzzles, Purpose, and Armchair Adventures with Katie Huang

I'm chatting with puzzle designer and introverted adventurer Katie Huang, the creative mind behind Veg Out Voyage. Katie’s books aren’t just games, they’re immersive armchair travel experiences that blend curiosity, culture, and calm. We talk about her journey from corporate burnout to creative freedom, how she found her voice through puzzle books, and why Iceland, Barcelona, and Berlin are more than just destinations; they’re invitations to slow down, reflect, and play. If you’ve ever dreamed of designing your own path or just love a good word search, this one’s for you. Guest: Katie Huang Pen Name: Veg Out Voyage Latest Release: Armchair Iceland Connect: vegoutvoyage.com 00:00 – Welcome & Local Updates I share a few personal updates, including emceeing the Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center fundraiser and my dad flying in from Wisconsin. 01:00 – Podcasting with Madonna (Almost) Reflections on the Jay Shetty interview with Madonna and why background noise doesn’t scare me anymore. 02:00 – Carolina Film Festival Recap A shoutout to Oliver and the great films and connections from last weekend’s event. 03:00 – Meet Katie Huang We kick off the episode with games, giveaways, and a warm welcome to Katie. 03:56 – Veg Out Voyage Origins Katie shares how her love of puzzles and travel inspired her pen name and creative direction. 05:00 – From Corporate to Creative We dive into her post-pandemic pivot, leaving behind the corporate grind to design puzzle books full-time. 07:00 – Public Health Roots & Quiet Impact Katie opens up about her background in public health and how she’s found a quieter way to contribute to society. 09:00 – What’s Inside Her Books Fun, accessible puzzles with cultural flair—plus her newest release Armchair Iceland and her first book on Barcelona. 11:00 – Future Projects & Travel Inspirations Berlin, London, Paris, and maybe a beefed-up Barcelona edition—Katie shares what’s next. 13:00 – Travel Talk & Cruise Life From immersive volunteering in India to lobster-filled cruises, we chat about how her travel style has evolved. 14:30 – What She Loves About Her Life Right Now Autonomy, creativity, and the privilege of designing her own days—Katie reflects on what makes this chapter so fulfilling. 15:30 – How to Connect with Katie She’s introverted, but she’s out there! Find her online and support her work through Veg Out Voyage.