Best Caroline Stack Podcasts (2025)

1
Haunted Alexandria: A Ghost Tour That's Actually Worth Your Time (And Money) 49:45

Play Pause

3d ago49:45

49:45

Ever wondered if ghost tours are actually fun, or just touristy gimmicks that sound better on Instagram than in real life? Crystal Hammond just got back from a ghost tour through Alexandria, Virginia with U.S. Ghost Adventures, and she's got answers. Spoiler: this one's worth the price of admission—especially if you like your history served with a …

1
How They Road-Tripped for 26 Days Without Going Broke 1:16:26

11d ago1:16:26

1:16:26

What if the trip you've been dreaming about doesn't have to wait until retirement—or cost a fortune? Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy sit down with road-trippers Miranda and Jason, who just wrapped a 26-day adventure from Idaho to Oregon. Hot springs. Star-filled skies. A night in a giant flowerpot Airbnb (yes, really). And the best part? They did…

1
Money Geeks Share GREAT Travel Tips (LIVE From FinCon!) 56:00

18d ago56:00

56:00

Imagine if you went to a place where people knew how to save money AND also to have fun? How about if those same people LOVED dishing out advice? Crystal and Joe attended FinCon, a financial media creator's conference in Portland, Oregon, and Crystal shoved her microphone in the faces of some of the TOP money people at the event. Luckily, they all …

1
Jon's Epic Family Adventure: Germany, England, France, Iceland, and Turkey in 26 Days 59:05

25d ago59:05

59:05

Ever dream of packing five countries and a lifetime of memories into less than a month? Buckle up, Adventurer — this episode of Stacking Adventures takes you along for a whirlwind 26-day journey across Europe and beyond. Hosts Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy sit down with globetrotter Jon to unpack the highs, lows, and priceless lessons from his …

1
We Tour Oregon (wine country, the coast, and Crater Lake National Park) 49:33

1M ago49:33

49:33

What happens when you mix rolling vineyards, crashing waves, and a lake so blue it looks Photoshopped? You get Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond's four-day adventure across Oregon. From sipping Pinot in the Willamette Valley to standing awestruck on the rim of Crater Lake, this whirlwind journey proves you don't need months off to pack in once-in-a…

1
YOUR Adventure Tales from Greece, Paris, Disney, Chicago, and more! 55:53

2M ago55:53

55:53

Why settle for one vacation story when you can get a whole passport's worth in a single episode? Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy are joined by fellow wanderlusters from the Stacking Adventures community to swap tales that stretch from Main Street U.S.A. to the shores of Zakynthos. Think budget-friendly Disney hacks, Parisian magic, Chicago deep-d…

1
One Year of Stacking Adventures: The Highlights, the Laughs, and the Gear We Can't Travel Without 45:10

2M ago45:10

45:10

What happens when you spend a year crisscrossing the globe (and occasionally your own backyard) with a microphone, an eye for hidden gems, and a love of a good travel story? You get twelve months of unforgettable moments, unexpected lessons, and more "Gear of the Day" picks than we can count. In this milestone episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts …

1
Affordable Lodging in Paris? It Can Be Done! (with travel author Caroline O'Connell) 52:59

2M ago52:59

52:59

Paris might be the City of Light, but if you're not careful, it can also be the City of "Why did I pay this much for that?" In this episode, Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy welcome travel expert Caroline O'Connell, author of Affordable Paris Hotels, to help you fall in love with Paris without falling into tourist traps—or questionable bedding sit…

1
Adventures Grounded in Pop Culture (a Top 5 episode!) 54:17

2M ago54:17

54:17

Ever daydreamed about stepping straight into the world of your favorite movie, book, or TV show? In this episode of Stacking Adventures, Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy set off on a whirlwind journey through the destinations that captured their hearts—both the ones they've visited and the ones still waiting on their bucket lists. Some were inspir…

1
Exploring the Colorado Trail with Darrow Kirkpatrick 53:48

3M ago53:48

53:48

Dreaming of your next big hiking challenge? In this episode, Crystal and Joe welcome Darrow Kirkpatrick — retired financial writer, seasoned adventurer, and author of Two Sticks, One Path. Darrow takes us along his trek across the Colorado Trail, sharing lessons that will inspire your own outdoor adventures, whether you're planning a weekend hike o…

1
Exploring Italy Through Adventure and Mystery 53:18

3M ago53:18

53:18

What do you get when you mix Vatican politics, mafia secrets, fine art forgery, and a dash of gelato? Award-winning mystery author Michael Balter joins us to share the real-life adventures that inspired his novel The Vatican Deal—a fast-paced thriller set against the backdrop of Rome, Florence, Naples, and Capri. But this episode isn't just about f…

1
Greek Getaway: Athens, Santorini & Crete (with a VERY special guest!) 1:06:13

3M ago1:06:13

1:06:13

What happens when you mix millennia-old ruins, sun-drenched islands, and gourmet Greek cuisine? You get an unforgettable adventure—plus a podcast episode to match. In this wanderlust-packed episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond are joined by a very special guest: Joe's wife, Cheryl Saul-Sehy, a seasoned traveler wi…

1
YOUR Favorite Roadside and Roadtrip Attractions 54:45

3M ago54:45

54:45

Ready to take the scenic route? In this episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond fire up the engine of nostalgia and hit the metaphorical road to celebrate America's quirkiest, kitschiest, and most unforgettable roadside attractions. Whether it's a giant ball of twine, a hidden sea beneath Tennessee, or that magical p…

1
The Ultimate Chicago Experience: What to See and Do 1:02:08

4M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

Planning your first visit to Chicago? Don't just snap a selfie at The Bean and call it a day—let Stacking Adventures hosts Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy be your insider guides to one of America's most vibrant, layered, and delicious cities. In this jam-packed episode, Crystal and Joe serve up their personal Top 5 experiences every first-time vi…

1
Kevin Adventures To Walt Disney World 1:12:07

4M ago1:12:07

1:12:07

Dreaming of the ultimate Disney World vacation—but not the sky-high price tag? This week on Stacking Adventures, we sit down with Kevin Payne from Family Money Adventure to help you create maximum magic without maxing out your wallet. Kevin brings the goods: How to make the most of Genie+ without losing your mind (or your place in line) The best wa…

1
Exploring Scotland: Golf, Sheep, and Scottish Shenanigans (Doug's Scotland Adventure Replay) 1:04:31

4M ago1:04:31

1:04:31

Ever wonder how to mix castles, kilts, and a couple of sheep with your golf game? In this episode of Stacking Adventures, Doug takes us along for his journey through Scotland—complete with scenic views, unpredictable weather, questionable driving skills, and plenty of old-world charm. From teeing off next to livestock to dodging crowds at iconic to…

1
Discovering America's Vintage Roadside Attractions 56:20

4M ago56:20

56:20

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. Jo…

1
YOUR Theme Park Adventure Tales 56:24

5M ago56:24

56:24

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 thri…

1
Navigating Your First Cruise Experience 51:59

5M ago51:59

51:59

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 shi…

1
Cosette's Epic Journey: From Korean Night Markets to Snow Monkeys in Japan 1:19:47

5M ago1:19:47

1:19:47

What happens when your brother calls and says, "Want to meet me in Japan?" If you're Adventurer Cosette, you don't think twice. In this episode, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond sit down with Cosette to unpack a spontaneous, unforgettable journey that crisscrossed South Korea and Japan. From wandering Seoul's vibrant night markets and explor…

1
Cris' Adventure in Belize 1:01:07

5M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

Ever dream of ditching your deadlines for a hammock in Belize? Cris did just that—and she's not looking back. In this episode, we follow digital nomad and slow travel pro Cris, who's been globe-hopping since 2018 and swears by one golden rule: travel slower, live deeper. Her favorite spot to soak it all in? Belize. And after this episode, it might …

1
Theme Park Thrills and Spills with Robert Niles from Theme Park Insider 1:00:44

6M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

Ever dreamt of riding the world's fastest roller coaster or discovering the next big Disney park before the crowds? This week on Stacking Adventures, Crystal and Joe Saul-Sehy trade hiking boots for roller coaster harnesses in a theme park episode packed with thrills, insider tips, and laugh-out-loud travel tales. They're joined by legendary theme …

1
David's Adventures Around Mont Blanc: Hiking, Gear, and Trail Tales 52:45

6M ago52:45

52:45

What do you get when you mix alpine grandeur, French wine, and a few awkward encounters with public transportation? The trek of a lifetime. Joe and Crystal sit down with globe-trotting guest David to relive his incredible Tour du Mont Blanc—an iconic hike that crosses France, Italy, and Switzerland. From cultural quirks to culinary delights (hello,…

1
Donna's Pre-Cruise Puerto Rico Pit Stop Adventure 47:26

6M ago47:26

47:26

Is it Caribbean or Caribbe-an? We kick off this episode of Stacking Adventures with the great pronunciation debate—then head straight into a destination you can explore without needing a passport: Puerto Rico. Hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond welcome travel advisor Donna Pelletier from Vacations by Donna, who shares highlights from her recen…

1
Heather's Adventure Bartering Her Way Across the USA 30:51

6M ago30:51

30:51

Trading skills, transporting pigs, and building a life of freedom on the open road. What if instead of budgeting your way around the world, you bartered your way through it? In this episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond sit down with travel writer and full-time nomad Heather Jacks, who has turned bartering into an …

1
Kate and Kimberly's Slow Travel Adventure: Europe, Central & South America 1:08:22

6M ago1:08:22

1:08:22

What happens when you ditch the itinerary, close the spreadsheet, and simply wander? In this episode, we meet Kate and Kimberly, two adventurous travelers who swapped rushed vacations for a months-long slow travel journey across Europe and Latin America. And trust us—it's not just about beautiful views (though there are plenty of those). They share…

1
YOUR Thailand Adventures 40:38

7M ago40:38

40:38

We're BACK in Thailand with YOU, and the stories are (as expected) all over the map, and incredible. From backpacking to ending up in the ER, you've had some southeast Asian adventures. So...what happens when your perfect travel plans meet reality? In this episode, we dive into real-life stories from travelers who found magic in the mayhem—and less…

1
Adventure Hacks and Travel Tales from TravelCon 2025 46:06

7M ago46:06

46:06

What happens when you take a bus to Travel Con, pack a Pilates bar, and chase the best local experiences? Crystal finds out. Crystal Hammond returns from Travel Con with her backpack full of insider tips, unexpected laughs, and some seriously useful travel hacks. From the moment she stepped on a shuttle in Tucson, this adventure was all about curio…

1
The Science Behind Stacking Adventures 23:58

7M ago23:58

23:58

Is stacking just a fun pastime… or is there real science behind the obsession? Today, we go deep—clinically deep—into the phenomenon of stacking with Dr. Nicole Meli from Moreland Hills University, the leading researcher on the psychology and history behind our favorite pastime. Joining the conversation is Crystal Hammond, world record holder in Le…

1
Tom Walks the Camino de Santiago 45:35

8M ago45:35

45:35

Do you dream of embarking on a legendary pilgrimage filled with breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable encounters, and just enough unexpected twists to keep things interesting? This episode, we lace up our boots and dive into the adventure of a lifetime: hiking the Camino de Santiago with special guest Tom Schwab (founder: Interview Valet). Tom tre…

1
005 David Comfort: Democracy is something you do 1:06:01

8M ago1:06:01

1:06:01

Monday, March 17, 2025 Release David Comfort sits down with Caroline Stack to discuss the group he started after the November election – Democracy Action Network (DAN). David discusses how his upbringing and previous work to overturn Prop 8 informs his worldview, how the only way to get rid of Trump is through grassroots action, and how DAN is orga…

1
Crystal's Tale of Adventure in Thailand! 54:44

8M ago54:44

54:44

Ever dreamed of jetting off to Thailand for a mix of adventure, culture, and surprisingly affordable luxury? Crystal takes center stage in this episode, sharing her 2019 journey across three stunning islands, giving us an inside look at Thailand's vibrant food scene, picturesque beaches, and budget-friendly splurges. Flights with Qatar Airlines – W…

1
YOUR National Park Adventures! 35:04

8M ago35:04

35:04

Strap on your hiking boots (or just grab a comfy chair) as Crystal, Joe, and a crew of adventure enthusiasts take you on a journey through the wild wonders of Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Muir Woods. Expect epic tales, unexpected detours, and a few moments of sheer survival mode—because what's a national park trip without a little chaos? In this …

1
OO4 Call for economic boycott 2:44

8M ago2:44

2:44

Caroline pivots from her usual interview format to encourage American citizens to join the economic boycott or blackout on February 28, 2025. SHOW NOTES If the show notes links don't work below, you can also find the links at https://carolinestack.substack.com The folks calling for the boycott: The People's Union USA If you like this content pivot,…

1
Save Ridiculous Money on Travel 1:02:10

8M ago1:02:10

1:02:10

Today we talk to not one but TWO guests who BOTH know how to save TONS of money on travel. First, Chris Hutchens from All The Hacks podcast LOVES to find ways to travel the world for nothing (or next to nothing). Second, George Igoe has a top series on the Million Stories YouTube page about seeing different cities for $100 or less. He shares some o…

1
Joe's Visit To Olympic National Park 57:17

9M ago57:17

57:17

Remember when Libby Gifford raved about Olympic National Park being her all-time favorite? Well, we took that as a challenge and just wrapped up an epic two-day adventure through its jaw-dropping landscapes. Spoiler alert: Libby was absolutely right. From the snow-capped peaks of Hurricane Ridge to the rugged coastline of Rialto and Ruby Beach, we …

1
Our Top 5 Most Romantic Destinations (SA024) 59:08

9M ago59:08

59:08

Today Joe and Crystal embark on a journey to the world's most romantic destinations. From the sun-kissed beaches of Indonesia to the charming gondolas of Venice, they reveal their top five picks for couples seeking unforgettable getaways. Along the way, they explore breathtaking hotels, intimate dining spots, and hidden gems in Greece, France, Ital…

1
An 8-Year-Old's Pigeon-Powered Italian Adventure (SA023) 52:01

9M ago52:01

52:01

Can a pigeon lead to an Italian adventure? Turns out, yes! 🐦 Join Crystal and Joe as they chat with Adventure Annette about a spontaneous, bird-inspired journey through Rome, Venice, and Pompeii—all thanks to her son's unexpected obsession with pigeons. What's Inside This Episode? 🏛 Rome: The Eternal City – Walking is the best way to explore (and d…

1
Exploring National Parks with Libby Gifford (SA022) 1:10:19

9M ago1:10:19

1:10:19

Ever wonder which U.S. national parks are truly breathtaking—and which ones might not live up to the hype? Today, Joe and Crystal sit down with Libby Gifford, a seasoned park explorer and co-organizer of TravelCon, to swap stories about awe-inspiring landscapes, unexpected surprises, and the parks that didn't quite make their bucket list. Along the…

1
Our First Adventurer's Clubhouse Meeting! (SA021) 25:24

9M ago25:24

25:24

Big changes coming to the show (well, not really...more tweaks than anything)...and we're super excited to share them with you. Join our community online and let's have fun learning and laughing our way around the world.

1
Sip, Savor, and Adventure: Wine Tours, Tips, and Tales (SA020) 55:24

10M ago55:24

55:24

Here's the revised version without timestamps: Ready to swirl, sniff, and sip your way through some unforgettable wine-tasting adventures? Today's episode of Stacking Adventures is a toast to wine tours, featuring hilarious and heartfelt stories, practical tips, and a few spills (hopefully just metaphorical). Crystal shares her dream of leading win…

1
YOUR Ireland Adventures! (SA019) 56:20

10M ago56:20

56:20

Ready to dive into the charm of the Emerald Isle? In this episode, we're taking you on a journey through Ireland's rugged countryside, lively cities, and ancient landmarks. Whether you're chasing rainbows or trying to master driving on the other side of the road, we've got stories, laughs, and plenty of tips to inspire your next great adventure. Sh…

1
Your 2025 Travel Budget Planner (SA018) 1:04:33

10M ago1:04:33

1:04:33

Planning a dream vacation shouldn't feel like a nightmare for your wallet. In this episode, Crystal and Joe unpack practical strategies to make your 2025 travels more affordable, enjoyable, and stress-free. Crystal is inspired as Joe shares his plan to extend FinCon with an unforgettable visit to Crater Lake National Park and Willamette Valley wine…

1
Everyday Adventures: Starting Next Year On the Right Foot! (SA017) 28:58

10M ago28:58

28:58

What better way to kick off the new year than by planning your next great adventure? On this episode, we're sharing another podcast which will make your adventures brighter, the Everyday Bucket List Podcast. Karen Cordway and her husband (and co-host) Rich share their best tips for setting ambitious but achievable travel goals and bucket list ideas…

1
You Share Your Most Spooktacular Ghost Tour Adventures (SA016) 37:15

11M ago37:15

37:15

Ever wonder where to find the most haunted hotspots in the country? Buckle up, because in this episode, Joe and Crystal share the spine-tingling ghost tours recommended by our Adventurers! From Savannah's famous hearse ghost tours to the mysterious halls of the Winchester Mystery House and Salem's historical haunts, we've got your next spooky adven…

1
Are You Missing Out on Free Vacations? (The Points Mom Shares Tactics and Tricks) SA015 59:10

11M ago59:10

59:10

Are you making the most of your travel points? Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just dipping your toes into the world of rewards, this episode of Stacking Adventures is a must-listen. We're joined by Cindy Greenstein, aka The Points Mom, who shares her insider secrets for getting top value from your travel rewards. From transferring points for…

1
Uncorked Adventures: The Secrets of Wine Tours (with Chile Wine Trails' Kylie Sherriff) SA014 45:27

11M ago45:27

45:27

Why does wine taste different when you're sipping it abroad? And how do you design a wine tour that's both unforgettable and Instagram-worthy? Today, we pop the cork on all things wine tourism with Kylie Sherriff, an Australian expat who traded her banking career for the lush vineyards of Chile. Kylie takes us behind the scenes of wine tourism, rev…

1
From Luxury Tours to Local Markets: YOUR Peru Adventures (SA013) 52:12

11M ago52:12

52:12

This week on Stacking Adventures, Joe and Crystal take us on a journey through Peru with two unique travel stories and a treasure trove of tips for travelers of all styles. First, Carrie and Eric share their unforgettable slow-travel experience, staying in an Airbnb, shopping at vibrant local markets, and immersing their kids in Peruvian culture. T…

1
Adventurer Ann Explores Ireland's Unbeaten Path (SA012) 50:08

12M ago50:08

50:08

Adventurer Ann joins us today to share her travels through Ireland. Her road trip avoided the major tourist spots so that they could see the "real" parts of the country. What did they experience? How about soaring cliffs, the Lousitania museum, AirBnBs, wonderful foods, and Irish scones! Ann shares all of her best travel tips, including how she cre…

1
003 Kamala Lopez: Equal rights for women are overdue 1:12:43

12M ago1:12:43

1:12:43

Kamala Lopez sits down with Caroline Stack to talk politics. Kamala discusses how she first became aware women don’t have equal protection under the law in the United States, how she set out to do something about it, and how despite incredible wins, the effort has been stopped at every turn. And yet there is a window opportunity to push the ERA acr…