Nashville, Dollywood & the Coat That Sparked Unexpected Connection

This is my very first solo episode of How to Belong—a short one, but I hope it resonates. After years of dreaming and planning, my husband and I finally took our magical music road trip through the American South: New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville, and Dollywood. But the moment that stayed with me the most? It wasn’t on the itinerary. It was a coat—a bold, 1970s Joe Browns jacket that reminded me of Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colours. Strangers stopped me to talk about it. It sparked little moments of connection everywhere we went. And somehow, it brought me full circle back to a childhood story I shared in the very first episode of this podcast. In this episode, I reflect on what it means to be bold, be visible, and how sometimes, the things we wear (and the way we show up) open doors to belonging we never expected. Featuring: – A magical music road trip from New Orleans to Dollywood – What my vintage coat taught me about confidence and connection – Why showing up fully as yourself matters – And a little Dolly wisdom, of course