Kooky Conversations

Episode 4 of Season 2 dives into how we make certain decisions and what helps us to see or feel if what decision was best for us. Sam and Arden share a little about the recent decisions they have made, and also talk about how some decisions we make really impact the people around us. Kooky Community makes its first debut 😂 If you could ask just 3 questions about a decision to your friend, partner, parent or stranger, what would you ask? Thanks for being here and happy Friday!Sam’s questions for Arden:1. What is one really great decision you’ve made and one not so great decision?2. How do you know when you’ve made the right decision?3. How do you reevaluate or revisit the decisions you’ve made?Arden’s questions for Sam:1. What is your guide when making tougher decisions? Where does that come from?2. When do you find it hardest to make decisions?3. When making decisions for us or your partner is there anything you think about?

This is a great conversation for anyone at any stage of life! Sam and Arden discuss what they’re currently learning, but this episode is about so much more than that. They gave insight into why we all may not ever take or seek opportunities to learn and grow, as well as what learning new things actually does for all of us. Maybe it’s drumming, how to be a better public speaker, or learning how to watercolor paint, we’re hoping you all find the courage to start learning something new this week!Arden's questions for Sam:1. What is something you are learning now that is exciting you?2. In your own words, why is it important to always be learning something?3. What is something you have always wanted to learn but haven't? What is holding you back? Sam’s questions for Arden:1. What is something new you’re currently learning?2. Why do you think it’s important to continue learning?3. What’s something new you want to learn this year!?

Episode 2 of Season 2 is all about going “home” and specifically balancing those tricky transitions. Arden shares a little about his personal endeavors with pursuing his Real Estate license, and how allowing himself to have 24 hours to “mourn”, be upset with or annoyed by something has cleared up more space in his body and mind. Sam offers gratitude for life’s simple pleasures like slippers, hot showers and a bed. They both agree that it’s an unbelievable gift to feel so welcomed and loved when returning home. We hope you enjoy!

After falling off the planet for over 2 months while they made the transition back to the US, the Kooks are back for Season 2! In this episode, Sam and Arden talk about their final days of the adventure and what it has been like getting back to reality. They share some intentions and ideas for this season, along with their chosen words for 2026. It may not be riding on a scooter through Bangkok, but they hope to bring some magic, relatability and deeper conversation into this new year. Thanks for sticking with us!

Episode 28 is being shared on Thanksgiving, and despite the Kooks still being in Chile and not able to celebrate this year, they thought they’d talk about the holiday season! They both give a little insight into their favorite moments as kids and how traditions have changed over the years. Sam talks about Christmas Eve games they used to play and awkward caroling in the neighborhood while Arden gets a little emotional thinking about the holidays with his grandmothers. Of course there can be difficulties surrounding the holidays like pressure, money and staying present but the Kooks are excited to be *almost* home for the holidays this year!Happy Thanksgiving everyone!Sam’s questions for Arden: ​ How are your holiday traditions now different from when you were a kid?​ What is something about the holidays that bothers you?​ This holiday season, what’s one thing you’re focusing on/prioritizing?Arden's questions for Sam:1. Do you have a favorite holiday tradition? What is it?2. If you could change one thing about your holidays what would it be?3. What do you find to be the most challenging part of the holidays?

Happy birthday to the one and only kook Sam! Sam turned 30 this year, and with it being a big year kook Arden had some questions about what that means for her. Sam reflects on her accomplishments from her 20's. Graduating from nursing school,to traveling and buying property but mostly living out a life she feels connected to deeply. The kooks discuss what she is most looking forward to in her 30's and even what she would want to tell her 40 year old self. Sam describes how important movement and confidence is in her 20's and how she thinks this has been huge to her life and sees them only growing in the next decade.Thank you for being here.HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM!Arden's questions for Sam.1. What is something you are proud of from your 20s2.is their something you want to tell 20 year old self and something you want to tell 40 year old self 3. What are you most excited for in your 30's what are you most nervous about in your 30's.

The Kooks are so excited to have Tom Hittle, Sam’s not-so-little brother, on the show this week! Tom has had a year of ups and downs and offers a refreshing take on how to shift our attitudes. From wrecking his truck, committing to 75 Hard and giving up addictions, letting go of relationships & now trying to find the middle ground, his year might sound a lot like something you’ve experienced before. He reminds us to find the beauty in the mundane and chop wood, carry water. We hope you enjoy it!

25 episodes of the Kooks?! Thanks so much for being here and keeping up with the adventures, maybe all the way since Vietnam! Grateful for ya!After spending a week in the hustle and bustle of Santiago city and focusing on more “stressful” matters, Sam and Arden thought they’d share about tools that help them during more pressing times. The Kooks dive into the ways they individually manage stress, talk about how simply shaking up the energy can really help their mood, and also take time to express how fortunate they are to live a low-stress life. We hope you enjoy it! Happy Halloween!Sam’s questions for Arden:​Scale of 1-10, how good do you think you are at handling stress?​How have your stress handling tactics changed while traveling this year?​What’s something you do when you’re stressed that you don’t like?Arden's questions for Sam:​Is there something that generally causes you the most amount of stress?​If you could remove one type of stress from your life what would it be? ​What is something you do that helps calm your nerves?

The Kooks are live and A-Live 😂 Thanks for your patience while they navigated what the heck to do after spending their first bit of time away from each other in 10 months. Spoiler- they aren’t fans of it. This episode is dedicated to Europe, entering the final country of this almost year long adventure, and a few random things in between. Enjoy!Sam’s questions for Arden:​ What are you doing differently for our bike trip here in Chile?​ How are you currently staying present with this adventure and not letting yourself drift to the future?​ We recently spent our first day apart in over 10 months- how does that make you feel?Arden's questions for Sam:​ What is one thing from Europe you want to take with you?​ What are you most nervous about when you lead a retreat or yoga class?​ Do you have any big or fun ideas that you want to do in our last 6 weeks?

After a few weeks of a hiatus while they finished up their bicycle adventure and spent some time with family, the Kooks are back! And sheesh is it a good one! Might as well have been a therapy session for Arden. Episode 23 is all about boundaries- what they are, how to set them, when to change them, remove them or add one. Sam and Arden talk about how communication is at the root of setting boundaries and share some personal experiences about how they have or have not put them into place. It’s a good one! Thanks for being here!Arden's questions for Sam:​How do you determine when you need to set a boundary? How do you set these boundaries in your life?​Do you think setting a boundary makes a relationship better? When does it become too much?​Can you change the boundary and how do you go about changing them?Sam’s questions for Arden:​Okay, just word vomit here while we ease in- how would you describe a boundary to someone?​In what ways do you struggle with setting boundaries?​What are 2 specific boundaries you’d like to set?

Not much to say here. The Kooks are tired as they approach the ending of their nearly 2 month long bicycle adventure from Italy to Scotland. They thought it would be fun to keep this one light and, well, random. Enjoy!Sam’s questions for Arden:​ What’s something people wouldn’t know about riding a bicycle for a long time?​ When do you feel best about yourself?​ Putting you on the spot here- what’s a fear you have if you were to become a dad?Arden's questions for Sam:​ What would you spend 1 million dollars on? You can't save any of it. ​ After water, food, and shelter, what do you think the 4th thing is humans need and why? ​ Do you believe in fate or can you make your own path?

Episode 21 of Kooky Conversations comes to you all live from a campsite in Scotland! Having been working together for close to 7 years now, both in “easy” times and more challenging times, Sam and Arden discuss what makes a solid team. It’s a fun conversation about their relationship but also about teamwork in business, friendship and with family. They’re honest about the ways they think they each “show up” but also how there is always room to improve in any kind of relationship. We hope you enjoy it!Sam’s questions to Arden:1. I think we can both agree that we work really well together, but what 3 specific things do you think are big reasons why?2. When do we not work well together and what do you want to do to improve upon this?3. What is the key to excellent teamwork in any kind of relationship?Arden’s questions to Sam:1. What qualities do you have that make you a good teammate/ what qualities do you have that make you a bad teammate?2. Outside of myself, do you have a person that you always work well with? What makes them a good teammate?3. What makes a good teammate in a professional setting vs a more personal/friendship kind of teammate?

Episode 20!? Wild! This week’s episode is all about your moral compass and guiding lights. The people, places, and things that keep you on track and “doing what’s right when no one is watching”. It’s a fun episode where the Kooks look at what “integrity” means to each of them, who some people are that just make you say “they’re good people” and what living a life of alignment and truth looks like. We hope you enjoy! Thanks for being here!Sam’s Questions for Arden:​ What does the word “integrity” mean to you?​ Is it ever okay to lie, why or why not?​ What does living a life of truth mean to you?Arden's Questions for Sam:​ How did you find your moral compass?​ Do you think your morals change over time? Can you cultivate morals in other? ​ What is your guiding moral?

We all (okay, maybe most of us) have big goals and dreams, but how do we go about achieving them? This week, on episode 19, the Kooks talk about some of their big dreams and goals and how they achieve them... and sometimes don't. They tell a little about what dreams might just stay dreams and which ones they decide to take on wholeheartedly. The Kooks each share what some of their tactics are for goal-setting, how it has changed over the years and how to handle letting a dream go. The Kooks also have a special, bonus question from Kook Arden's sister! Thanks, Wrenn! We hope it's a great week full of dream chasing and sitting with the small wins!Arden's questions for Sam:1. What is the most out there dream you have for your future? 2. Do you think goal-setting has negatives? Why or why not?3. What happens when you don't meet your goal expectation? Sam’s questions to Arden:1. Do you have any dreams you don’t think you’ll ever achieve?2. How often do your dreams change? What are some that have stayed the same?3. How has your goal-setting changed?*Bonus question from Wrenn 💛

Fear is an instinct we all have to keep us alive, but how much of the fear we face today is truly dangerous to our lives or more mental blocks? From public speaking to darkness to drowning, we all have things that scare us (maybe a little, maybe a lot) but how do we overcome these fears? Today, most of our fears are just self doubt and worries but they aren't actually dangerous. On this episode, the Kooks talk about their fears, real and made up and they explore how they face their fears and use rationale to decide when something is actually dangerous. Thanks for listening! We hope you enjoy this week's episode!Sam’s questions to Arden:1. When was the last time you were genuinely scared or fearful?2. How do you think fear and self-doubt correlate to one another?3. What are some healthy fears you have, and some unhealthy or irrational fears you have?Arden's questions for Sam:1. What is the biggest fear you are working on over coming?2. What does fear and overcoming fear teach you? 3. How much of life do you think is actual fear and how much of it is us deciding something is dangerous?

The Kooks get to experience the amazing kindness of strangers on a daily basis, but one way has always stood out to them- Warmshowers! This platform is a community of people and cyclists who serve as hosts and open their homes to strangers while they are bike touring. The hosts offer, well, a warm shower, but also a safe place to sleep, maybe a hot meal, and great conversation. There's no monetary exchange, just a "pay it forward" expectation and sometimes because these people just absolutely love sharing- and you can tell! It's an amazing, popular community that the Kooks have been so grateful to be a part of. This episode, they dive into their favorite parts and share how we can maybe all learn from such a unique community. Here's to more giving and being kind to one another! Have a great week!Sam’s questions to Arden:​ Why do you think Warmshowers is such an amazing community & so successful?​ When do you feel the most awkward?​ What is your favorite thing a host has done for you/ us?Arden's questions for Sam:1. What is your favorite part of warm showers?2. What does this world wide community challenge you to do better/ or want to become?3. How can you implement what you have learned from warm showers into your daily life?

Two Wheelin’ Kooks are back baby!!! After 5 years, Sam and Arden are back on one of their favorite modes of transportation- the bicycles! This episode was recorded after Day 2 of their adventure which is to travel from Manciano, Italy all the way up to the Scottish Highlands! Hear their fears and excitement surrounding this go around on the bikes, how the last 2 days have really gone and the occasional tractor going by at their campsite 😂 They hope to remind anyone listening that sometimes the hardest part of a task, job or adventure is just getting going- we’re all a lot stronger and more capable than we give ourselves credit for! Have a great week!Arden’s questions to Sam:1. What do you hope to accomplish on this bike trip?2. How have the last 2 days gone?3. What are you most looking forward to?Sam’s questions to Arden:1. What are you most fearful of this go around on the bikes?2. It’s only been 2 days, but what has this brought up for you?3. What’s your stance on failing? (Not getting up to Scotland for us)

In Episode 15, Sam and Arden have some special guests, her mom and sister, Maria and Sonia! The 4 of them sit down to talk about the differences between this Italy trip versus 3 years ago when things didn’t go so well. It’s a silly, rosé-sippin’, kids interrupting kind of episode, but that’s on par for the Hittle family. As with any family trips, there are many personalities and “wants” to cater to- this episode offers quite a bit of reflection and ways to consider how we want to show up to these kinds of events. We hope you enjoy!Questions asked:1. Mom to Sam- What have you done differently to be more relaxed on this go around?2. Sam to everyone- What has everyone been intentional about in preparation for this family trip?3. Sonia to Arden- Did you have to mentally brace for this?4. Arden to everyone- How do you think the 3 of you have gotten closer since the last time we were all in Italy and what do you think has caused this change/growth?

One of the Kooks’ favorite topics! Episode 14 turned out to be a powerful conversation all about comfort zones and while it provides great insight, it also offers clear tips on how to explore, or simply become more aware, of our fears, boundaries and complaining habits. Arden shares about his “jump right in” mentality and Sam explains how using logic, reasoning and breathing helps her to calm down in certain situations. Whether you’re trying to become more adventurous and face your fears, or you’re simply looking to expand your consciousness and awareness, everyone can benefit from this conversation!Arden’s questions to Sam:1. What moment do you think pushed you out of your comfort zone the most? How did you overcome it? 2. What have you learned from the moments you are outside of your comfort zone?3. Where do you find it hardest to go out of your comfort zone? Why do you think it's difficult?Sam’s questions to Arden:1. What are a few examples of how you’ve gotten out of your comfort zone and what did that feel like?2. We talk about comfort zones a lot and why they are good for us to explore, but how do you think expanding yours has made you a better person?3. What advice would you give someone to help encourage them to spend time outside of their comfort zone?Thank you for being here! Have a beautiful week!

Oooo this was a fun one! Sam and Arden have a friendly “debate” (even though they argue a lot of the same points). It’s always good to offer multiple ways to look at things, especially when it comes to culture. After spending quite a bit of time in parts of the world where the culture is ancient and rich, Sam and Arden explore what makes the culture in the US different and their experiences with both a very traditional, southern American upbringing and one from an Italian-immigrant family. Please share any thoughts and comments- all are welcomed and appreciated!Sam’s questions to Arden:1. How would you define culture to someone and why does it matter?2. What has this traveling experience made you consider regarding your own culture?3. What do you feel are some of the most important parts of culture?Arden's questions to Sam:1. What culture has interested you the most? What aspects?2. How many people do you think it takes to create a culture? 3. If you could change one thing about your/ our culture what would it be?

Episode 12 is here and the kooks talk about healthy habits while traveling - ironically while Arden is working through a little congestion 😂 They share about the things they are currently doing to try and stay healthy and why staying active, hydrated and nourished while traveling is important, but also super difficult at times. This episode is coming at you from Greece! A bit jetlagged, tired and Arden working through this little illness, episode 12 is a bit "softer". We hope it's a healthy and happy week! Kook Sam's questions for Arden:1. How is your [health] routine traveling different than when you’re back home?2. What’s one thing related to health you wish you had or had access to?3. Do you feel healthier now or before we left on this trip?Kook Arden's questions for Sam:1. Do you think it's possible to not get sick while traveling for a year?2. Are there any healthy habits you want to implement for the 2nd half of this journey? 3. Any advice to help avoid getting sick and staying healthy?

This week’s episode was recorded on Arden’s 30th birthday and some great conversation was had as he reflected on all that the 20s offered him and how he’s feeling about entering a new decade! No questions for Sam this week, although she throws in her input here and there, of course. What a gift it is to grow older! Happy birthday, Arden!Kook Arden is the star of the show today. Here are the 3 questions Sam asked him:​How does turning 30 today actually feel?​What are some of your proudest moments from your 20s?​What defines “success” for you as you look into your 30s?

Some riveting conversation on this week's episode all about packing the Kook way for longer travels. For some (maybe most), the least fun and perhaps most frustrating part of traveling. Fortunately for Sam and Arden, they are not too concerned with being the most attractive people out on the streets🤪 Still, how do you decide what comes along and what doesn't? Did I pack too much? Do I actually need 18 pairs of underwear or 6 dresses? (Spoiler- the answer is no, you don't).Sam and Arden discuss their thought process for packing, how they organize their minimal belongings, and what other things they wish they could have brought- no matter how silly it may seem. Happy packing!Sam’s Questions to Arden:​ How did you decide what important, logistical things to take with you & what are they?​ How do you keep your minimal belongings organized? Or not organized 🥴​ What item you packed would you replace with something else?Arden's questions to Sam:1. What have you learned about packing from both the bike trip and this trip?2. What are your 3 must haves for traveling in general? 3. What is one thing you wish you could bring with you but is completely unnecessary?

Wow! The Kooks dove in deep on this one. Kook Sam has been journaling almost daily for years, while Kook Arden only started a few years ago and continues to do so only on occasion. They discuss how journaling looks for each of them, why they do it, and how it contributes to their lives. Arden shares valuable insight on his opinion of why women typically journal more than men and how journaling looks different for everyone. Sam gives some advice on how to get ya started. This episode is driven by the passion of Sam and really gets to the core of what journaling is and how it could be transformative for some. Arden brings a more relaxed approach but still sees the value of putting thought to paper when big emotions might get in the way of making clear decisions. Kook Sam's questions for Arden:1. Why do you think typically more women journal than men?2. How exactly does journaling help you? Or why do you do it?3. Why do you feel like you’re not someone who needs to journal daily?Kook Arden's questions for Sam:1. When did you start journaling and how many journals do you think you have completed?2. Describe how journaling has improved your days and your life?3. What is one piece of advice for anyone who is thinking about starting journaling?

This week, The Kooks wanted to talk about the incredible time they've had in Asia, especially since after Indonesia they will be heading to Europe. They explain what they have loved about the region, what they will miss (spoiler alert- it's a lot of food) and what they are grateful to have experienced but also okay with leaving behind.Add Asia (specifically Southeast Asia!) to your travel plans! Thanks for being here! We hope it's a beautiful week of more love, curiosity and connection!Kook Arden's questions for Sam:1. Which country left the biggest impact on you/ which country would you recommend for a new traveler?2. Which Asian country do you wish we could have gone to and why?3. Which country are you definitely going back to?Bonus (always Kook Arden with the bonus questions, smh)What religion have you learned the most about? Kook Sam's questions for Arden:1. What’s one dish from Asia you’re going to forever be thinking about and one you’re glad to be leaving?2. What has been your favorite mode of transportation while in Asia?3. What’s a cultural “norm” in Asia that you really enjoy and want to implement into your own life?

With the Kooks' 5 year anniversary of their original, wild trip bicycling across the country, they reflect and reminisce on the adventure across the United States that quite literally changed their life. Sam and Arden look back on some of the best memories and worst times (but what made for funny stories). They share how three and a half months on the bike forced them to take action and also allowed them to get to where they are today. Finally, they talk about how they would do it differently if they could to it all over again...and maybe will, hehe. Kook Arden's questions for Sam: 1. What is your favorite memory of that trip? 2. How is the trip we're on now similar to the bike trip? 3. If you could do it all over again what would you do differently? Kook Sam's questions for Arden: 1. What are you most proud of when you think about the accomplishment of bicycling across the US? 2. In what ways did the bike trip change your life?/how does it still live on today? 3. What do you miss the most about those 3.5 months on the road?

The Kooks find themselves with a lot of extra time to reflect and dive into creative thinking. They explore what creativity means to them and what drives it. They explain the ways they get into a creative mindset and why it has seemed to grow while traveling. Also talking about how it can be hard to be creative in your day to day but finding time and friends to push you to be more creative. Lastly how being out and nature and movement can spark creativity and flow state. ALSO... send us any questions you have for next week's episode on Instagram @twotravelinkooks. Kook Arden's questions for Sam. 1. Would you consider yourself a creative person and What does creativity mean for you? 2. Does travel give you a different perspective on creativity and what has changed? 3. What is the best idea that our time has allowed you to come up with? kook Sam's questions for Arden. 1. What is something you’re doing while we’re traveling that gets your creative juices flowing? 2. You’re really creative in general but do you feel like you’re more or less creative while we’re traveling and why? 3. Right now, what’s a creative idea you’re stuck on?

On this episode, The Kooks talk about the not-so-fun parts of long term travel. After months on the move, there are definitely a few things they miss from home or dislike while on the road. From falling behind in careers to actually crying thinking about the things and people they left behind, they share the parts that aren’t so glamorous. Sam and Arden talk about their recognition of their privilege to spend a year traveling but also attempt to share that even what might look like “always fun” or “easy” might not be the case. Kook Sam’s Questions to Arden: 1. What’s something you feel like you’re “missing out” on back in Wilmington? 2. What’s your least favorite part about long term travel? 3. What is something we/you flopped on with this trip and wish we had done a better job? Kook Arden's questions to Sam: 1. What is something you have had to give up while traveling that you miss? 2. What has been the hardest part of the trip? 3. What moment was the worst for me but funny for you? Have a great week!

Travel days can be difficult. Long hours on uncomfortable airplane, bus, train and motorbike seats can lead to some really dreading the day of travel. The Kooks dive into their experience and tips for the long travel days, including their must haves to make the hours pass on their favorite (& least favorite) ways to travel. Sam shares how to save money and find the sweet sweet deals like breakfast included hotels, getting a travel credit card, packing light, & ditching unnecessary items. Arden shares about his love for being in motion. Kook Sam's questions: 1. Do you have any irrational fears while traveling? 2. What’s something you really like to do/have/get when traveling? Kind of like a non-negotiable. 3. What is your favorite part about being on the go? Kook Arden's questions: 1. Most and least favorite way to travel? 2. Favorite way to pass time on transition days? 3. Best travel hack? ** Mystery bonus question**

After having an amazing weekend traveling to the Japanese alps with the Kooks’ sister-in-law, Mizuho, and her family, Sarden felt inspired to look at what makes traveling with family, well, interesting🤪 Arden shares about a trip that solidified his love for the outdoors and Sam explains why she thinks self-awareness sits at the root of making family trips run smoothly. Sam’s questions to Arden:​ What is a memory you have of your favorite family trip/vacation?​ If you could plan and execute the ideal family vacation/trip what would it look like and who would be there?​ What are the hardest parts about traveling with your family? Arden’s questions to Sam:​ What is the best trip you have gone on with your family? ​ What is one way to make traveling with family better as an adult? ​ What is the difference between traveling with family as a kids vs adult?

ON TONIGHT'S EPISODE OF KOOKY CONVERSATIONS! Two kooks dive into hard hitting questions about intentions, things they're learning, and the meaning of life..... Oookay, but seriously- we actually explain what our intentions are for this so called podcast. We ask less silly questions this time and (try to) focus on some deeper ideas. Sam figures out her hidden talents and Arden realizes he needs to take better care of himself. Questions from today's episode. Arden's questions to Sam. 1) What is one item you wish you had right now? 2) What is something you have learned in the last 4 months? 3) Biggest goal for the rest of the trip? Sam's questions to Arden. 1) What did you do today to take care of yourself? 2) What do you want to implement into your life that you've learned from the people you've seen/met in Vietnam? 3) What do you think the hardest part of long term traveling with your partner is but specifically me? Thank you for coming back for episode two! -Sarden

Well I guess we are uploading this.... wasn't sure if we were going to do this or not but here we are in typical Kook fashion. Sam had an idea to record our conversations and do weekly check ins. It's short, raw and unedited and will probably stay that way so you can really see how our conversations go. The first episode is just us asking each other some serious and not so serious questions. Sam's questions to Arden.1) In five words how are you feeling right now?2) What are you currently feeling inspired about?3) How are your poops?Arden's questions to Sam.1) What is a memory that is seared into your brain?2) What has surprised you the most on this trip?3) What song gets stuck In your head the most?We hope you enjoy!Sarden