Episode 18: The One Where Travel Shapes Who We Become

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How do early travel experiences shape identity, faith, and personal growth later in life?

In this episode of Unfiltered-ish, Natali, Carina, and Nicki reflect on studying abroad, traveling without parents for the first time, and navigating culture shock in their teens and twenties. They explore how international travel shaped their worldview, leadership style, faith, and personal growth in midlife.

From Russia and France to Jerusalem and Africa, they share honest stories about independence, privilege, fear, and perspective shifts that stayed with them for decades.

The conversation also expands into immigration and belonging, including Natali’s mom gaining American citizenship after decades in the United States. They discuss what it means to grow up in an immigrant family, how first-generation experiences influence identity, and how building a life across countries changes the way you see yourself and others.

If you’ve studied abroad, experienced culture shock, grown up in an immigrant household, or wondered how travel shapes identity long term, this episode offers an honest look at midlife reflection, faith, independence, and reinvention.

Unfiltered-ish is a women’s podcast about identity shifts, immigration stories, travel, faith, leadership, and the experiences that quietly shape who we become.