Street Rat Radio

This episode of Street Rat Radio is inspired by my recent article on navigating transportation while solo traveling—a topic that often gets overlooked but is so closely tied to how we experience the world. Spencer and I start off on the couch in Charleston, casually daydreaming about what it’d be like to host a real-deal radio show, but the conversation quickly shifts to the messier, more honest side of travel. We get into the chaos, the detours, and how getting from point A to B rarely goes as planned.Spencer shares his story of trying to escape Bolivia—a surreal, high-stakes experience that captures just how unpredictable travel can be. We talk about the vulnerability of being far from home, the quiet victories of figuring it out alone, and the kind of confidence that only comes from navigating the unknown.Whether you’re catching buses in a new city or sprinting through terminals to make a flight, this episode is about more than just getting around—it’s about agency, adaptability, and learning how to trust yourself when there’s no one else to lean on.The Local Tourist by Anna Roman is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Start writing today. Use the button below to create a Substack of your own This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annaroman.substack.com

On this episode of Street Rat Radio, I sit down with my first guest and oldest friend, Natalie, for a fun and wide-ranging conversation. We kick things off by talking about running the Asheville Half Marathon—the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. Natalie shares a memorable story from her time as an educator, and we dive into the excitement (and stress) of wedding planning. We wrap up with some laughs and a question for you to answer in the comments—can’t wait to hear your thoughts! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annaroman.substack.com

In this episode of Street Rat Radio, I sit down with Spencer to dive into the idea of "reset trips” the transformative, sometimes impulsive travel experiences that help break routines and bring clarity. I reflect on my past adventures, from backpacking across Spain to escaping to Mexico and Australia when life felt overwhelming. Travel has always been my way of pressing the reset button, but this upcoming trip to Peru feels different, less about escape and more about transition.Meanwhile, Spencer shares his own approach to resets, from meditation habits to morning routines that keep him grounded. We reflect on our move from Denver to Charleston, navigating major life shifts, and embracing the chaos of change.Thanks for listening XOXO AnnaThe Local Tourist by Anna Roman is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annaroman.substack.com

Welcome to Street Rat Radio! In this first episode, Spencer and I awkwardly stumble into podcasting, setting the stage (literally, with tangled legs and weird mic positions) for what’s to come.We talk about the music that shaped us, songs that rewired our brains, the ones we obsessed over until it was embarrassing, and why Spencer suddenly learned how to actually hear music after college. We also get into routines, resets, and the fine line between self-improvement and complete chaos.It’s part deep dive, part nonsense, and entirely us. Tune in for a casual, unfiltered conversation—because, honestly, we’re just figuring this out as we go. For the playlist Click Here This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annaroman.substack.com