Unmapped Conversations: Healing, Independence, and Adventure with Debbie Russell and Kate Colbert

In this special Unmapped Contributor Connects episode, Lizbeth talks with authors Debbie Russell and Kate Colbert about what inspired their solo travel stories in Unmapped: Solo Women Travelers. Though neither has met in person, the conversation reveals deep connections formed through shared vulnerability, resilience, and the transformative power of being alone in the world. Debbie Russell shares how her chapter emerged from a major life shift in her late fifties. After leaving her long-term job and embracing self-employment, she bought a camper and taught herself every aspect of RV life.  Her experiences illuminate how travel can keep the  brain active and how camping as a single woman challenges assumptions about safety and capability. Kate Colbert reflects on her early fear of travel, having grown up in a small Midwestern community with little exposure to the wider world. A journalism career required her to travel solo constantly, which quickly transformed her worldview. She describes how discovering independence during business trips reshaped her sense of identity and helped her break away from limiting beliefs. Kate also talks about navigating travel and selfhood after surviving severe illness during the pandemic, explaining how she maintains a solo traveler’s heart even when journeying with her husband. Connect with Kate at https://www.silvertreecommunications.com/ Connect with Debbie at https://debbie-russell.com/ This conversation also touches on domestic violence, the book’s dedication, and why half of all royalties from Unmapped support the YWCA of Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley. The episode closes with gratitude for the contributors’ honesty, courage, and willingness to carve out space for themselves despite competing demands. Their stories remind listeners that travel, even small local adventures, can be an entry point into healing, empowerment, and rediscovering one’s own voice. Three Key Takeaways You will learn:  • How solo travel can shift long-held beliefs about safety, confidence, and independence  • Why resilience grows when women choose their own adventures, large or small  • How freedom, healing, and community often arise from taking the first uncomfortable step Lizbeth’s links Want to comment on the show? Connect at Lizbeth"s author/podcast Facebook page Wanting great guests for your podcast, or to be a great guest on someone else"s show? Join PodMatch here! Unmapped: Solo Women Travelers – Bold Journeys of Healing, Resilience, and Self-Discovery. Half of author royalties support the YWCA’s work with survivors of domestic abuse and their families, and to combat racism. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FTSNM997 Paperback Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FS9DX6HF Draft2Digital ebook https://books2read.com/u/312rlw Lizbeth"s memoir Pieces of Me: Rescuing My Kidnapped Daughters can be ordered where books are sold, and is now a TV movie, #Stolen By Their Father on Lifetime. Lizbeth"s second book, Grounded in Grit: Turn Your Challenges Into Superpowers is available to order wherever books are sold! Tilka Faces the Odds, One Man at a Time, new release novel https://books2read.com/u/4j760X Sign up to stay in the know on L...