The Transformative Power of Travel: Insights and Perspectives-Revisit
As we move closer to the holidays—a season of reflection, journeys, and connection—I’m bringing back a conversation that perfectly embodies the new direction of One More Thing Before You Go.
In this replay, we ask: What is it about travel that transforms us? Is it escape, or is it enlightenment? Douglas Brouwer, seasoned traveler and author of The Traveler’s Path: Finding Spiritual Growth and Inspiration Through Travel, joins me to explore how journeys can shape wisdom, compassion, and legacy.
From childhood road trips to living abroad, pilgrimages to mission work, Douglas has experienced travel in all its forms. His insights remind us that travel isn’t about where we go—it’s about how we go, and how those journeys change us. Together, we discuss the myths of bucket lists, the spiritual restlessness that drives us to explore, and the ways intentional travel can deepen our understanding of humanity.
This episode is more than a conversation about travel—it’s a cinematic arc of origin, practice, transformation, and legacy. It’s exactly the kind of story we’re embracing in this new chapter of the podcast, and it’s the perfect replay as we enter a season where journeys—both physical and spiritual—take center stage.
Takeaways:
Travel can be a catalyst for transformation, fostering wisdom and compassion.
Meaningful journeys forge deeper connections with diverse cultures.
Escape alone may lack impact, but intentional travel enriches perspective.
Experiencing history firsthand offers profound insights into our shared human story.
Compassion and empathy developed through travel enhance global connection.
🎙️ Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite platform. Find everything One More Thing Before You Go here: https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast
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Douglas Brouwer
Author/pastor
Beginning with family road trips as a child, Douglas J. Brouwer has traveled throughout his life and has written, spoken and taught about the transformative power of travel. He has led mission trips, pilgrimages, and study tours to countries around the world and, in recent years, he has discovered the joys and challenges of walking solo along the various Camino paths in Spain and Portugal. Doug has been a Presbyterian pastor for 45 years, serving churches in the U.S. and Europe, including Wheaton, Illinois, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Before his retirement, he served for five years as pastor of an international congregation in Zürich, Switzerland. He also has returned twice to Europe to serve as an interim pastor, once in Lucerne, Switzerland, and most recently in The Hague, The Netherlands. His previous books include Chasing After Wind: A Pastor's Life; Remembering the Faith: What Christians Believe; and How to Become A Multicultural Church. He is a frequent contributor to publications such as ReformedJournal.com and Englewood Review of Books. Doug received his undergraduate degree from Calvin University (formerly Calvin College) and his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary. His wife and frequent travel partner, Susan DeYoung, was an attorney in private practice for most of her career. She retired as executive director of Habitat for Humanity in Broward County, Florida. Their older daughter is a Presbyterian pastor in St. Paul, Minnesota, and their younger daughter is a health economist who li… Read More
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