Marrying Your Passions: The DINK Travel and Adventure Podcast

Milano Cortina 2026 Official Site

Marrying Your Passions is the podcast for DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids), SINKs (Single Income, No Kids), empty nesters, recently retired couples, and anyone ready to make adventure part of their everyday life. We believe you do not have to wait for someday. Whether you are chasing all 50 states for marathons, fun, or otherwise, exploring national parks, or just looking for your next great trip, we are here to help you marry your passions and live fully now! New episodes every other week.

Disney World, SeaWorld, and Why Family-Friendly Destinations are DINK Heaven

Mon, 04 May 2026 11:29:56 GMT

Think Disney World and SeaWorld are just for families with kids? Think again. In this episode, married DINK couple (Dual Income, No Kids) Nathan and Alicia make the case that family-friendly destinations are some of the best places to be when you are child-free, and share exactly how they experience them differently and completely on their own terms.

From spontaneous mid-stay resort switches and late-night fireworks surprises at ‘Ohana restaurant to free resort hopping on a dinner reservation and the foot golf conversation that brought them back to SeaWorld, this episode is packed with personal stories, practical tips, and a genuinely refreshing perspective. Disney World and SeaWorld are two deep dive examples, but the bigger idea is this: there are places just like these wherever you live or wherever you want to travel. This episode will help you experience all of them on your own terms.

IN THIS EPISODE:

Why DINKs thrive at family-friendly destinations: it is not about absence, it is about abundance
Disney World: the Riviera Resort, mid-stay switching, resort hopping routes, Epcot festivals, and the Ohana fireworks moment we never saw coming
SeaWorld: the foot golf origin story, festival tips, and why the annual pass changes everything
Aquatica Orlando: the only water park in Florida with a 'fun river"
Traveling with Peppermint Patty: dog-friendly resorts, Best Friends Pet Care, and day-use kennels
Plus: how everywhere you live or want to travel has a place just like this waiting for you

RESOURCES:

DISNEY WORLD:

SEAWORLD AND AQUATICA:

PETS:

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY AND STAY UP TO DATE

OUR LINKS:

Our Website: marryingyourpassions.com
Our Blog: marryingyourpassions.blogspot.com
Follow us: @marryingyourpassions on Facebook and Instagram
Check out Alicia's Reviews on Google Maps
Check out Nathan's Reviews on TripAdvisor

Marrying Your Passions is hosted by Nathan and Alicia Adams, a married DINK couple (Dual Income, No Kids) who travel, run marathons, scuba dive, and eat their way through life together. Whether you're a DINK couple, empty nester, or anyone ready to adventure NOW, this podcast is for you. New episodes every other week. Subscribe, leave us a review, and keep adventuring!

#DINKTravel #DisneyWorld #DisneyDINK #SeaWorldOrlando #FamilyFriendlyTravel #DINKLife #DisneyVacationClub #DVC #OrlandoTravel #TravelCouple #ChildFreeTravel

Chasing the Olympics: Milano Cortina 2026 with Author and Event Traveler Bryan Michael

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:51:18 GMT

What does it take to actually go to the Olympics? Not watch it from your couch, but pack your bags, book your tickets two years in advance, and show up on a mountain in northern Italy with your family ready to experience one of the greatest spectacles on earth? This episode married DINK (Dual Income, No Kids) couple Nathan and Alicia sit down with their good friend Bryan Richards, who writes under the pen name Bryan Michael, to find out.

Bryan is a Charlotte-based crime thriller author and a guy who has made a habit of traveling specifically for big events, from the Daytona 500 to the ACC Championship to the Mille Miglia in Italy. This past February he took his wife Shannan and their son to the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, and he came back with stories, hard-won logistics advice, and a perspective on the Games that goes way beyond the sports.

We talk about how to navigate the lottery system, why you need to book your accommodations the moment they become available, what it costs, what to pack, and why the zones matter more than you think. We also talk about what it feels like to stand in a crowd of people from a dozen different countries all cheering for the same athlete coming down a mountain, and why that matters right now.

Plus Bryan talks about completing his first book, Blood Debt, breaks news on his upcoming thriller Past Due, the second book in the Miller Family series, talks about what it really looks like to go all in on a creative dream, and shares what he has learned about building an audience from scratch.

If you are thinking about the LA 2028 Olympics or any future Olympics, this episode is your head start.

In this episode:

How Bryan planned a two-year Olympic trip on a real budget
Navigating the lottery, zones, and ticketing system
What he would do differently on accommodations
The moment that made it all worth it
Going all in on a creative passion and what the grind actually looks like
What is coming next for the Miller Family thriller series

RESOURCES:

GUEST:

Bryan Michael, Author of Blood Debt available on on Amazon and Past Due (coming April 2026) Website: bryanmichaelauthor.com

Socials: @bryanmichaelauthor on Instagram and Facebook

Autographed copies and book club discounts available on his website

OLYMPICS:

LA 2028 Olympics Official Site

ATTRACTIONS:

The Duomo - Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Milan Ferrari Museum

Maranello Lavino Olympic Venues

OUR LINKS:

Our Website: marryingyourpassions.com

Our Blog: marryingyourpassions.blogspot.com

Golden Driller Marathon Registration

Tulsa, Oklahoma: The Golden Driller Marathon, Black Wall Street, and a Boston Marathon Story Two Years in the Making

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:49:01 GMT

On April 17, 2021, Nathan crossed the finish line of the Golden Driller Marathon in Tulsa, Oklahoma and finally believed he could qualify for the Bosto. Two years later, on April 17, 2023, exactly to the day, he crossed the finish line on Boylston Street at the Boston Marathon.

The Golden Driller Marathon is one of Oklahoma's best kept secrets. A flat, fast, Boston qualifying course along the beautiful Riverparks trail system on the Arkansas River, a small and friendly race with a big community feel, and a city that will genuinely surprise you.

Married DINK (Dual Income, No Kids) couple Nathan and Alicia spent less than 48 hours in Tulsa in April 2021 and still managed to explore the powerful history of Black Wall Street, visit the iconic Golden Driller statue, discover great local food and coffee, and fall a little bit in love with a city they never expected to.

If you are running the Golden Driller this year, thinking about it, looking for a Boston qualifier, love a great race story, or just want to discover a genuinely underrated city that will surprise you, this episode is for you!

RESOURCES:

RACE:

Golden Driller Racing

HOTEL:

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tulsa Downtown/Route 66

RESTAURANTS:

Ti Amo Ristorante Italiano

COFFEE:

Black Wall Street Liquid Lounge

ATTRACTIONS:

Greenwood District / Black Wall Street

Vernon A.M.E. Church

The Golden Driller Statue

The Gathering Place

ONEOK Field / Tulsa Drillers

Blue Dome District

TOURISM:

Tulsa Oklahoma Tourism

Visit Tulsa

OUR LINKS:

Our Website: marryingyourpassions.com

Our Blog: marryingyourpassions.blogspot.com

#DINKTravel #Marathon #Tulsa #Oklahoma #GoldenDrillerMarathon #50StatesMarathon #BostonMarathon #ChildfreeTravel #TravelPodcast #BlackWallStreet

Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown & Jamestown: Everything You Need to Know About Virginia's Historic Triangle

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:18:26 GMT

What happens when a marathon introduces you to a region so amazing you keep coming back? That's exactly what happened to us in Virginia's Historic Triangle!

Join us as we explore Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown, Virginia across two unforgettable trips. With 2026 marking both America's 250th anniversary AND Colonial Williamsburg's 100th anniversary, there has never been a better time to visit this incredible region.

Nathan and Alicia, your married DINK couple hosts, share where we stayedshare where we stayed, our favorite local eats and drinks, great shopping finds including a very eventful visit to the Nautical Dog with Peppermint Patty, and our time exploring some of the most historically significant sites in America. Nathan also shares a hidden gem that has stayed with him since the drive home: Virginia State Route 5.

As always, we end with life takeaways on making your passions part of everyday life. Go do the thing you have always dreamed of doing. Sometimes it will be even better than you imagined. And sometimes there won't be a single panda bear in sight. ;)

Marrying Your Passions is hosted by Nathan and Alicia Adams, a married DINK couple (Dual Income, No Kids) who travel, run marathons, scuba dive, and eat their way through life together. Whether you’re a DINK couple, empty nester, or anyone ready to adventure NOW, this podcast is for you. New episodes every other week. Subscribe, leave us a review, and keep adventuring!

Visit us on our website:

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Places mentioned in this episode that we recommend!

Historic Sites:

Colonial Williamsburg

Yorktown Battlefield

Historic Jamestowne

Resorts/Timeshares:

King's Creek by Spinnaker Resorts - Williamsburg, VA

Westgate Historic Williamsburg Resort - Williamsburg, VA

Restaurants/Breweries/Distilleries/Etc.:

Sal's by Victor - Williamsburg, VA

Copper Fox Distillery - Williamsburg, VA

Craft 31 - Williamsburg, VA

Precarious Beer Project - Williamsburg, VA

Column 15 - Williamsburg, VA

Silver Hand Meadery - Williamsburg, VA

Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters - Yorktown, VA

Shopping:

The Christmas Mouse - Williamsburg, VA

Whitley's Peanut Factory - Williamsburg, VA

The Nautical Dog & Schwartz's Cat Cove - Williamsburg, VA

Williamsburg General Store - Williamsburg, VA

Merchant’s Square - Williamsburg, VA

Williamsburg Premium Outlets - Williamsburg, VA

Power the Hype in Newport News: One City Marathon Weekend & Beyond

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:14:30 GMT

🏃‍♂️ We're returning to what started it all, marathons!

After focusing on our epic 2024 road trip and Virgin Voyages series, Episode 15 brings us back to marathon travel. Nathan and Alicia shares his experience running the inaugural 2015 One City Marathon in Newport News, Virginia, his state #17 in the quest to run all 50 states.

What You'll Hear:

✨ Power the Hype 2026 - Newport News's year-long celebration kicks off with the marathon!

🎉 Race Weekend Events:

Friday Power the Hype One City Kickoff Crawl (5-9 PM) - Live music, food trucks, line dancing with Break it Down RVA, and remarks from the Mayor
Saturday One City Celebration at Tradition Brewing Company (8 AM-Noon)
Sunday One City Celebration at The Yard District (8 AM-2 PM) with Coastal Fermentory & Ironclad Distillery
ALL OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - runners and non-runners welcome!

🏃 The Race:

Flat, fast, Boston Qualifier course (13-20% BQ rate!)\
Point-to-point spanning all 26.2 miles of Newport News
400-500 finishers for the marathon - perfect size for first-timers
Also features Half Marathon, 5K, and Nautical Mile Fun Run

🎯 Insider Info from the City of Newport News:

We talked with Olivia from the city of Newport News Communications to bring you exclusive details about this year's festivities.

📍 What We Explored:

The Mariners' Museum (35,000+ artifacts, $1 admission!)
Virginia Living Museum (native species zoo/aquarium/planetarium)
Newport News Park trails
Where we stayed and ate

💡 Nathan's Big Takeaway:

"Someone has to be first. Sometimes it should be you!" - Why taking risks on inaugural races (and in life) is worth it.

Race Info:

Race weekend: February 27 - March 1, 2026
Marathon: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Also: Half Marathon, 5K, Nautical Mile Fun Run
One City Marathon official website: https://www.nnva.gov/3150/One-City-Marathon
🌐 OneCityMarathon.com
📱 Download the One City Marathon app for live tracking
Follow: @onecitymarathon on social media

Special thanks to: Olivia and the City of Newport News Communications Department

Connect with us:

Instagram & Facebook: @marryingyourpassions
Website: marryingyourpassions.com
Blog: marryingyourpassions.blogspot.com
P2 Pics: Check out Peppermint Patty's page!
Read Alicia’s reviews on Google Maps
Read Nathan’s reviews on TripAdvisor

Next Episode:

Episode 16 explores Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Historic Jamestowne, perfect add-ons to your race weekend, especially for America's 250th anniversary!

🎧 Whether you're a runner, a DINK/SINK traveler, or someone looking for the perfect Virginia getaway, this episode has something for you!

Travel & Leisure's 50 Best Places to Travel for 2026: We Pick Our Dream Destinations

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:12:10 GMT

Travel & Leisure's Top 50 for 2026: We Pick Our Dream Destinations

Ever wondered where a married DINK couple would go if they could travel ANYWHERE in 2026? Nathan and Alicia are tackling Travel & Leisure's The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2026 list by sharing the 11 destinations we've already visited, then each picking our TOP 3 dream destinations from the remaining 39.

Where We've Been (11 of 50 and some highlights):

Carlsbad, California - Four Seasons luxury post-marathon
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Cheesesteaks, Rocky stairs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Miami & Miami Beach, Florida - Our former home base! Wynwood art, Versailles, Ms. Cheezious
Naples, Florida - Gulf Coast beaches, Alamo Drafthouse
Williamsburg, Virginia - Silver Hand Meadery, Colonial Williamsburg living history museum
Washington, D.C. - Founding Farmers, Smithsonian museums
Asheville, North Carolina - Blue Ridge Mountains, brewery scene
Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas - Where Nathan WON a marathon at the Texas Quad (plus a Chihuahua finished too!), JFK Sixth Floor Museum
Seattle, Washington - Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Seattle Underground tour
Salt Lake City, Utah - (full episode on all things SLC in Episode 5!)
BONUS: Masai Mara, Kenya - Safari, Great Migration, Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Nathan's Top 3 Dream Destinations:

Umbria, Italy - Truffle festivals, 7 UNESCO sites, vegetarian paradise
Magdalena River Cruise, Colombia - Luxury cruise through colonial towns
Mongolia - Gobi Desert, wild horses, nomadic lifestyle

Alicia's Top 3 Dream Destinations:

Peru - Amazon Rainforest access, world's #1 restaurant
Cyprus - Mediterranean beaches, mountains, scuba diving
Madhya Pradesh, India - Bengal tiger safaris, wildlife paradise

YOUR CHALLENGE:

Read the article, pick YOUR top 3, and share with us @MarryingYourPassions on Facebook and Instagram.

Visit us on our website: marryingyourpassions.com

Resources mentioned:

Travel & Leisure's 50 Best Places to Travel in 2026

Next Episode: One City Marathon in Newport News, Virginia, diving deeper into Williamsburg, and exploring this part of Virginia!

#DINKTravel #TravelBucketList #Travel2026 #KenyaSafari #AdventureTravel

Virgin Voyages Review Part 3: Excursions Guide - Roatan Diving, Costa Maya & Bimini Beach Club

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:31:53 GMT

Our Virgin Voyages series continues!

Join Nathan and Alicia, a married DINK couple, as we share honest reviews of our favorite shore excursions across the Western Caribbean and Bahamas. We dive into scuba experiences with Roatan Dive Center (Leda's Hole and Shark Bait Date) and Neil Watson's Bimini Scuba Center, plus Virgin's healing spa ritual in Costa Maya and relaxing at Bimini Beach Club.

Discover our Key West walkthrough: Harry S. Truman Little White House tour, Hemingway Distillery rum tastings, and why Celtic Conch Public House surprised us. We also share our Bimini cultural tour highlights including the conch demonstration and incredible Shell House.

Learn the pros and cons of booking shore things through Virgin versus local operators, what to expect at each port, and why mixing up your excursion strategy can save money while supporting local businesses.

As always, we end with life takeaways on trying new experiences and marrying your passions to everyday life.

Places mentioned in this episode that we recommend:

Dive Shops:

Roatan Dive Center - Roatan, Honduras
Neil Watson's Bimini Scuba Center - Bimini, Bahamas

Restaurants/Distilleries:

Celtic Conch Public House - Key West, FL
Hemingway Distillery (Papa's Pilar Rum) - Key West, FL
Key West Legal Run - Key West, FL

Port Information from Virgin:

Other helpful links:

Harry S. Truman Little White House - Key West, FL
The Dolphin House - Bimini, Bahamas
Bimini Beach Club

Perfect for first-time Virgin Voyages sailors or anyone planning Caribbean travel!

Connect:

marrinyourpassions.com,

@MarryingYourPassions on social media,

Blog: https://marryingyourpassions.blogspot.com

Virgin Voyages Review Part 2: Activities, Entertainment & Scarlet Night Party Guide

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Part 2 of our Virgin Voyages deep dive! In Episode 11, we covered all the amazing dining options. Now we're exploring everything else you can do on these adult-only ships.

In this episode, we cover:

Fitness & Wellness:

Free fitness classes (yoga, cycling, themed 80s aerobics!)
The outdoor running track with ocean views
Why Alicia’s Strava thought she ran a 5K in 5 minutes (spoiler: the boat was moving)
Our honest spa experience - the good massage and the uncomfortable sales pitch

Entertainment:

"It's a Ship Show" dinner theater with acrobats performing on a moving boat
Live performers: The Magnets (acapella) and Mandible (beatboxer)
Trivia nights where Nathan embarrassingly lost music trivia as a music teacher
Casino experiences (Nathan's roulette wins and losses)

Scarlet Night: - Virgin's Signature Party:

The origin story show you shouldn't Google beforehand
Free face bedazzling with jewels and glitter
Why everyone dresses up (ball gowns to our 50s flapper look)
How this party brings thousands of strangers together

Halloween Cruise Special Events:

Our Carmen Sandiego & Waldo costumes that stopped strangers for photos
PJ party in glow-in-the-dark skeleton onesies
Halloween soiree with costume contest and live 80s band
Specialty cocktails throughout the ship

Virgin vs. Royal Caribbean Comparison:

The all-inclusive advantage (no surprise cash tip envelopes!)
Dining flexibility differences
Why Royal Caribbean wins for shopping and art galleries
Alicia's love of cruise art auctions and her Wynwood artist discovery

Our Takeaways:

Nathan: Use the cruise to be present - put your phone down and embrace the limited WiFi
Alicia: Try something new! You've already paid for everything, so go do the things

What's Actually Included: We break down exactly what's free (spoiler: almost everything) vs. what costs extra, plus booking tips and what to pack for themed parties.

Next Episode Preview: Join us for Episode 13 where we share our port excursions in Roatan, Honduras, Mexico, Bimini (Bahamas), and Key West - including underwater adventures!

Episode Length: 56 minutes

Hosts: Nathan & Alicia - A Florida-based couple sharing DINKs (Dual Income No Kids) travel experiences, marathon adventures, and tips for making passion projects part of everyday life.

Perfect for: Couples researching Virgin Voyages, anyone considering an adult-only cruise, travelers comparing cruise lines, or DINKs looking for vacation inspiration

Connect with us:

Website: marryingourpassions.com
Blog: marryingourpassions.blogspot.com
Social: @marryingourpassions
Join our Facebook community of nearly 1,700 DINKS travelers!
Check out Alicia's Reviews on Google Maps
Check Out Nathan's Reviews on Tripadvisor

Related Episodes:

Episode 11: Virgin Voyages Dining & Overview
Episode 5: Park City, Utah Travel Guide

Virgin Voyages Review Part 1: Adults-Only Cruise Overview & Dining Experience for DINKs

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:21:29 GMT

BIG NEWS: We're officially Marrying Your Passions: The DINK Travel and Adventure Podcast!

After 10 episodes chronicling our epic cross-country road trips, we're getting crystal clear about who we are and who we serve. We're Nathan and Alicia - a childfree couple proving you don't have to wait for "someday" to live your best life.

Whether you're DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids) like us, empty nesters with newfound freedom, recently retired, or couples taking kid-free trips, we're here to help you make adventure part of your everyday life.

And what better way to kick off our DINK focus than talking about Virgin Voyages - the adults-only cruise line where everyone must be 18 or older?

IN THIS EPISODE (PART 1 OF 3):

We cover everything you need to know about Virgin Voyages:

What makes Virgin Voyages different from traditional cruises
Why adults-only matters (and why we don't hate kids despite working with them!)
Our Sea Terrace cabin experience - including the famous Virgin hammock
The revolutionary dining system - 20+ restaurants, ALL INCLUDED
Complete restaurant reviews: Extra Virgin, Pink Agave, Gunbae, Razzle Dazzle, The Test Kitchen, and more
Alicia's hilarious drinking game story at Gunbae (spoiler: if you WIN, you DRINK)
Why The Test Kitchen's molecular gastronomy is worth trying even if you're nervous
The Galley, pizza place, ice cream parlor, and all the casual dining options
What you pay for vs. what's free (hint: almost everything is free)
Pricing reality and why the mid-tier cost is actually worth it

RESTAURANT HIGHLIGHTS:

Extra Virgin (Italian) - handmade pasta, fills up fast
Pink Agave (Modern Mexican) - GET THE ESQUITES
Gunbae (Korean BBQ) - free soju shots and drinking games
Razzle Dazzle (Vegetarian-forward) - vegan Nashville hot chicken
The Test Kitchen (Molecular Gastronomy) - 6 courses, mind-blowing drink pairings
Pizza Place - brick oven, open until 2am
Lick Me Till Ice Cream - unlimited free ice cream

WHY VIRGIN VOYAGES FOR DINKS:

Complete dining freedom - eat when you want, where you want
No kids (18+ only)
Smaller ships (~2,700 passengers)
All-inclusive dining (20+ restaurants)
No tipping required
Michelin-star chefs
Excellent for dietary restrictions (we're vegetarians)

FUTURE EPISODES:

Part 2: Onboard activities, parties, entertainment, and life lessons

Part 3: Excursions, port stops, and SCUBA diving adventures

WHO WE ARE:

Nathan teaches elementary music to 900 students and has run marathons in 40 states. Alicia works for a nonprofit focused on children. We've explored 47 states, camped 11,775 miles in our teardrop trailer, traveled internationally to places like England and Kenya, and we're SCUBA divers. We love kids - we just chose not to have our own.

RESOURCES:

Virgin Voyages: virginvoyages.com

Our Website: marryingyourpassions.com

Our blog: marryingyourpassions.blogspot.com

Check out Alicia's Reviews on Google Maps

Check Out Nathan's Reviews on Tripadvisor

#DINKTravel #VirginVoyages #AdultsOnlyCruise #ChildfreeTravel #CruiseReview

The Last Leg: Chicago, Nashville & Why We Don't Wait

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:02:04 GMT

Join Nathan and Alicia, a married DINK couple, as they wrap up their epic 11,775-mile summer camping adventure! When Alicia had a Chicago conference on the calendar, instead of just flying in for work, they turned it into the anchor point for a two-month cross-country journey. This episode covers their last week on the road - proving that work and travel can mix perfectly when you get creative.

While Alicia worked, Nathan explored solo: running the Lakefront Trail, catching a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, and hunting down One Chicago filming locations. Evenings at the peaceful campground brought couple time, plus adventures to Lottie's Pub and romantic dinners. In Nashville, they camped at Two Rivers Campground before hitting Tootsies on Lower Broadway and discovering Ole Smoky Moonshine's incredible flagship location.

Learn how they navigated two months on the road while balancing work responsibilities - no kids, just their cat Gremlin and the freedom to explore. Key takeaway: Don't wait for retirement. Take calculated risks and get creative with work-travel balance.

PLACES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA:

Food & Drink:

HopCat, Lincoln

CHICAGO AREA:

Camping:

Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday - Union

Attractions:

Food & Drink:

Lincoln House & Co Coffee and Wine Bar - Huntley
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - Elk Grove
Moore Brewing Company - Huntley
Sew Hop’d Brewery - Huntley
Lottie's Pub - Chicago
Abbondanza Cucina - Marengo
Garrett Popcorn O'Hare Airport and Online
Jeni’s Ice Creams - Wrigleyville
Alamo Drafthouse - Wrigleyville

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE:

Camping

Two Rivers Campground

Food & Drink

CORDELE, GEORGIA:

Camping:

Love's RV Stop

CONNECT WITH US:

Website: marryingyourpassions.com
Blog (with exclusive photos): marryingyourpassions.blogspot.com
Social Media: @MarryingYourPassions (all platforms)
Follow Peppermint Patty's college football picks on Facebook (12-1 record!)
Check out Alicia's Reviews on Google Maps
Check Out Nathan's Reviews on Tripadvisor

UP NEXT:

Join us next time as we set sail with Virgin Voyages! Discover why we've become fans of this adults-only cruise line, our favorite excursions, and why cruising might be the perfect getaway for couples who want adventure without the planning. Episode 11 coming soon!

Denver Insider Tips with Crazy Love Africa

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 12:01:00 GMT

In this follow-up to our previous Denver episode where Nathan and Alicia, your married DINK couple hosts, shared their favorite places from living in the Mile High City, we're excited to bring you an interview with Ben and Jess Wiederholt, owners of two unique African-themed Airbnbs in Denver, Colorado - the Matooke House and the African Loft.

Our stop in Denver was a highlight of our cross country 2024 summer road trip that we've been chronicling throughout recent episodes, and it was made even more special by staying at the Wiederholt's beautiful Matooke House.

Discover how their journey of adopting children from Ethiopia and Uganda led to founding the nonprofit Crazy Love Africa, which empowers women living with HIV through micro-business grants and education programs. Ben and Jess share their "life unscripted" philosophy and how they've woven their passion for Africa, entrepreneurship, and hospitality into both their Airbnb business and nonprofit work.

As Denver locals, they offer additional insider tips on the best places to eat, drink, and explore in the city - from hidden gem breweries and Ethiopian restaurants to mountain town getaways and scenic running trails. Whether you listened to our previous Denver episode, call Denver home, or you're just discovering the city, this conversation adds even more must-visit spots to your list.

We also discuss their upcoming Homecoming Gala fundraiser, international travel tips (including a memorable story about a lime and customs), and advice for anyone wanting to turn their passion into a family mission and business venture.

Featured in this episode:

The connection between Airbnb hospitality and nonprofit mission work
Denver restaurant recommendations such as: Sojourners Coffee, Beau Jo’s Pizza, Cherry Cricket, Konjo Ethiopian, African Bar and Grill
Weekend getaway suggestions including: Red Rocks, Boulder's Chautauqua Park, hot springs, and Estes Park
Craft brewery favorites and the Great American Beer Festival
Practical travel tips for large families and international trips
How to support Crazy Love Africa

Connect with Crazy Love Africa:

crazyloveafrica.com| @crazyloveafrica on Facebook and Instagram

Connect with us:

marrinyourpassions.com | @MarryingYourPassions on social media

Rate, review, and share if this episode inspires your next adventure!

Visit us on our website:

Coming Up Next:

Join us in our next episode as we wrap up our reflection on our epic 2024 summer road trip with stops in Chicago, Nashville, and more!

Wamego, KS (Land of Oz), Denver, CO (our former home), and Quick Colorado Day Trips

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:53:58 GMT

Join Nathan and Alicia, a married DINK couple, as we continue our epic 2024 summer road trip, heading west from Branson to the quirky Wizard of Oz-themed town of Wamego, Kansas, and then on to our former home of Denver, Colorado!

Hear about our first camper mishap and our SUV's "turtle mode" incident in 100+ degree heat—and why staying adaptable is key to any adventure!

Connect with us:

marrinyourpassions.com, @MarryingYourPassions on social media, Blog: https://marryingyourpassions.blogspot.com

Places mentioned in this episode that we recommend!

Wamego, Kansas

Denver, Colorado - Five Years of Favorites

AirBnb House:

Matooke House on West Side of Denver

Must-Eat Spots:

Breweries & Distilleries:

Top Attractions:

Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge (see bison from your car!)
Red Rocks Amphitheater
Denver's incredible park and trail system
Gaylord Rockies Resort sports bar

Day Trips:

Rocky Mountain National Park
Garden of the Gods (park)
Pikes Peak (famous high-altitude donuts and purple mountain majesty)
Mount Blue Sky (highest city park in the United States)
Georgetown Loop Railroad
Breckenridge (ski, shop, dine, and more)

Join us next episode for an interview with Matooke House Airbnb owners sharing their inspiration and passion behind owning AirBnb's and running a nonprofit. Plus they share Denver insider tips!

Gliding Light Paddle Co a Branson Insider Interview

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:01:00 GMT

We're so excited to share this special milestone episode with you—our very first guest on Marrying Your Passions! We sat down with Danielle, owner of Gliding Light Paddle Company, for an insider's guide to one of our favorite destinations: Branson, Missouri. Nathan and Alicia, your married DINK couple hosts, sat down with Danielle to get the full scoop.

Danielle shares her inspiring journey from healthcare worker to paddle board business owner and how she's built a thriving community on Table Rock Lake that welcomes both locals and tourists alike.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

How to turn your passion into a business while building authentic community
Insider tips for visiting Branson, including hidden gems like Dogwood Canyon, Clevenger Cove, and Eureka Springs
Why different seasons offer unique experiences in the Branson area
Local favorites like Andy's Frozen Custard, Buzzard Bar, and Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area
The therapeutic power of paddle boarding and outdoor adventures
Danielle's exciting international paddle boarding plans

Whether you're planning your first trip to Branson or you're a seasoned visitor looking for new experiences, this episode is packed with authentic recommendations and heartfelt stories about finding peace on the water. We've already added several of Danielle's suggestions to our list for our next visit!

Connect with Gliding Light Paddle Co:

Facebook & Instagram: @glidinglightpaddleco
Website: glidinglightpaddle.com (relaunching Spring 2026)
Upcoming Fall Foliage Paddles: October 25 & November 1, 2025

Special thanks to our amazing Marrying Your Passions community for helping us reach nearly 1,000 followers on Facebook!

Connect with us:

marrinyourpassions.com | @MarryingYourPassions on social media

Visit us on our website:

Dive deeper by checking out our blog at marryingyourpassions.blogspot.com

Next Episode: We'll continue our 2024 summer road trip, visiting an unexpected favorite place and a location we once called home.

Lincoln, Nebraska and Branson, Missouri

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:02:00 GMT

Married DINK couple Nathan and Alicia continue to discuss their 2024 cross-country adventure as they visit Lincoln, Nebraska and Branson, Missouri - a destination that's become one of their most beloved repeat visits over five years.

Episode Highlights:

Table Rock Lake Adventures

The "Sail Swim Tour" catamaran with giant slides and water trampolines
Sunset paddleboard tours with wine tastings
Scuba diving opportunities and state park activities

Food & Drink Must-Dos

India Clay Oven - their never-miss restaurant for incredible Indian cuisine
Smith Creek Moonshine tastings (free!) and St. James Winery
Hurts Donuts with donuts "the size of your head"
Hidden gems like Bella's Italiana food truck

Entertainment Worth Your Time

Legends in Concert impersonator shows (Elvis is always a hit)
SIX acapella group and Branson Belle dinner boat
Why they drive an hour to Springfield for Alamo Drafthouse movies

Travel Philosophy

Nathan and Alicia discuss balancing the comfort of returning to favorites versus trying new experiences - and how this unplanned COVID-era destination became a treasured annual tradition.

Coming up: Interview with local paddleboard business owner for insider Branson secrets, plus their journey continues back west to Colorado.

Connect:

marrinyourpassions.com | @MarryingYourPassions on social media

Visit us on our website:

Vincenzo’s Italian Ristorante - Lincoln, Nebraska

Places mentioned in this episode that we recommend!

State Parks:

Table Rock State Park

Restaurants/Distilleries/Etc.:

Indian Clay Oven - Branson, Missouri

Hurts Donuts - Branson, Missouri

Carly’s Healthy Cuisine - Branson, Missouri

Bella’s Italiana - Branson, Missouri

Places for Great Drinks -

Smith Creek Moonshine - Branson, Missouri

Missouri Ridge Distillery - Branson, Missouri

St. James Winery - Branson, Missouri

Seven Arrows Taproom - Branson, Missouri

TAPS on Downing Street - Hollister, Missouri

Attractions We Enjoy

Gliding Light Paddle Co. - Hollister, Missouri

State Park Marina - Branson, Missouri

Legends in Concert (Impersonators Show) - Branson, Missouri

The SIX Show - Branson, Missouri

Alamo Drafthouse - Springfield, Missouri

Other helpful links:

Missouri Boating License Info

Park City, Utah, Great Salt Lake State Park, and Laramie, WY

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:35:26 GMT

Our epic 2024 road trip adventure continues!

Join Nathan and Alicia, a married DINK couple, as we explore Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah plus Laramie, Wyoming. We review Edge Steakhouse and Tekila Mexican Grill in Park City, visit the Park City Museum and Utah Olympic Park, and share our hilarious (and fly-filled!) experience at Great Salt Lake State Park.

Discover amazing vegetarian spots: Vertical Diner in Salt Lake City and Sweet Melissa's Cafe in Laramie, plus our favorite mead destination, The Great Untamed. We also recap camping at RJourney Laramie RV Resort and celebrating July 4th like the locals.

As always, we end with life takeaways on making your passions part of everyday life.

Visit us on our website:

Great Salt Lake State Park

Places mentioned in this episode that we recommend!

State Parks:

Campgrounds:

Laramie RV Resort by RJourney

Restaurants/Distilleries/Etc.:

Edge Steakhouse - Park City, UT

Tekila Mexican Grill and Catina - Park City, UT

Vertical Diner - Salt Lake City, UT

Sweet Melissa Cafe - Laramie, WY

The Great Untamed - Laramie, WY

Other helpful links:

Park City Museum

Utah Olympic Park

Stay tuned as our 2024 Summer Camping Trip adventure continues...

As always, we'd love to hear how you're marrying your passions to your everyday life! Share your stories with us on social media or send us a message.

Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:34:00 GMT

Our epic 2024 Summer Camping Trip continues!

In this episode, married DINK couple Nathan and Alicia share the story of how their decision to skip running a marathon led to an incredible extended adventure near the Grand Tetons and an unexpected visit to Yellowstone National Park.

What You'll Hear In This Episode

The Marathon Decision: How we chose to extend our trip by skipping a planned marathon
Grand Tetons Extension: Why we decided to stay longer in this breathtaking area
Yellowstone Visit: Our visit to one of America's most iconic national parks
Hiking Adventures: Details about the trails we explored and what we discovered
Food & Dining: Where and what we ate during our extended camping adventure
Old Faithful Experience: Our visit to the famous geyser and what made it special
Marrying Passions Tips: Practical advice on how to integrate your passions into everyday life

Key Themes

Adventure Flexibility: How being open to change can lead to amazing experiences
New Opportunities: The rewards of saying "yes" to different experiences
Life Integration: Strategies for weaving your passions into daily routines

Listen for practical tips throughout the episode on how you can:

Build flexibility into your own travel and adventure plans
Make decisions that align with your passions
Create space in your schedule for new opportunities
Balance planned activities with room for serendipity

Visit us on our website:

Grand Teton National Park

Places mentioned in this episode that we recommend!

National Parks:

Yellowstone National Park

Campgrounds:

Fireside Buffalo Valley RV Park - Buffalo Valley - Moran, WY

Restaurants/Distilleries/Etc.:

Annie’s Thai Kitchen - Jackson, WY

Doran’s Pizza and Pasta Co - Jackson, WY

Other helpful links:

Old Faithful Visitor Information from the National Park Service

Watch Old Faithful Erupt Live on the Webcam

Stay tuned as our 2024 Summer Camping Trip adventure continues...

As always, we'd love to hear how you're marrying your passions to your everyday life! Share your stories with us on social media or send us a message.

Cuyahoga Valley, Badlands, and Wind Cave!!

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 11:40:23 GMT

The adventure continues as married DINK couple Nathan and Alicia leave Maine behind and head west on their epic cross-country camping journey! This episode, we explore three incredible destinations: Ohio's hidden gem Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the dramatic landscapes of Badlands National Park, and the wonders of Wind Cave National Park. Between parks, we reconnect with family, discover an amazing BBQ whiskey in Wisconsin Dells, and have an unexpected encounter with everyone's favorite cartoon bear. Join us for our signature park reviews, foodie finds, camping recommendations, and practical tips for weaving your passions into daily life. Whether you're planning your own national park adventure or just dreaming of the open road, this episode will fuel your wanderlust and inspire you to chase what you love!

Visit us on our website:

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Places mentioned in this episode that we recommend!

National Parks:

Badlands National Park

Wind Cave National Park

Campgrounds:

Lake Lauderdale -Cambridge, NY

Countryside Campground - Mogador, OH

Jellystonepark Wisconsin Dells - Wisconsin Dells, WI

Badlands Hotel and Campground - Interior, SD

Restaurants/Distilleries:

Hartville Kitchen - Hartville, OH

Farmer Boy Restaurant - Akron, OH

Other helpful links:

National Parks Annual Passes

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Congaree, Acadia, and Two Marathons

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 15:57:57 GMT

We're back after a year-long hiatus! Join married DINK couple Nathan and Alicia as we kick off our epic 2024 cross-country road trip adventure. In this episode, we take you through the highlights of our first two weeks on the road, including stunning visits to Congaree and Acadia National Parks. We also share our experiences running two Mainly Marathon events in New Hampshire and Maine, complete with honest reviews and race insights. Plus, we dish out practical tips and hard-earned wisdom from our initial weeks of life on the road. Whether you're planning your own national park adventure, considering a marathon tour, or dreaming of a cross-country road trip, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice.

Visit us on our website: https://marryingyourpassions.com