Today we are covering a woman whose life was so full of drama we are still talking about her 500 years later... Mary Queen of Scots.

We’re not only covering the twists, betrayals, and wild scandals of Scottish history, but we’re also reliving our own adventures in Scotland — from cozy hot chocolate in Edinburgh to getting terrorized by Scottish teens and even visiting the very castle where part of Mary’s story went down, Holyrood Castle.

You’ll learn:

• Why Mary’s life was basically a soap opera-meets-Game of Thrones.
• How her choices in love (spoiler: bad ones) shaped the fate of nations.
• Why her name still sparks fascination centuries later.
• Fun and spooky Harry Potter connections in Edinburgh, including the haunted graveyard that inspired Tom Riddle.

Our top Scotland travel recommendations: Uplands Roast hot chocolate in The Meadows, Mellis Cheese Shop in Edinburgh, strolling colorful Victoria Street, and experiencing the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

📚 Book recs if you want to dive deeper into this story:

A Tip for the Hangman by Allison Epstein

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Today we are interviewing my friend Kelly’s first chaotic A.F. trip to India and how she accidentally met the royal family of Jaipur.

We talk:

• Growing up in a literally 10-road village in England village and what life in London is like
• The reverse culture shock of coming home after long-term travel — when people don’t even know the countries you’ve been to
• Landing in New Delhi straight from Thailandand immediately questioning all life choices
• Seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise
• The darker side of India travel — confronting poverty up close, cultural confusion, and witnessing things you can’t unsee
• Accidentally having dinner with the actual Prince of Jaipur while she was actively battling food poisoning
• The reality of traveling while injured, hospital visits abroad, and surviving Delhi belly with dignity (or not)

Follow Sawai Padmanabh Singh, The Prince of Jaipur on Insta:https://www.instagram.com/pachojaipur/?hl=en

Song & Bollywood Movie: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo

India, India travel, travel stories, solo female travel India, crazy travel story, Taj Mahal travel, Delhi belly survival, meeting Indian royalty

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culturecultshow@gmail.com

To Help Aseel Escape Gaza:
Follow her and support her on Instagram! : @aseel_dentart
Donate to her Go Fund Me ( ANY amount helps)

To Help Sally Escape Gaza:
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As a long term digital nomad and "slomad" over the past two years I wanted to let you in on the secrets of the 15 things I always pack for a long term trip.

I’m breaking down my must-have, slightly bougie—but absolutely game-changing—items I never leave the country without as a full-time digital nomad. These are the unexpected travel essentials that go beyond Pinterest lists and make long-term backpacking feel like home 🌍

Whether you’re a fellow slowmad, full-time traveler, or planning your first extended trip—this one’s for you.

🧳 What You’ll Learn:

• What to pack to actually enjoy long-term travel (and not lose your mind)
• Genius comfort upgrades you’ve never thought of
• Backpacking tips that don’t suck
• How to make any AirBnb, hostel, or homestay feel like your own cozy home

🧠 My 12 Must-Have Travel Essentials:

1. Ice Mask – $2 lifesaver when there’s no A/C
2. JBL Travel Speaker – for solo dance parties & beach hangs
3. Travel Smoothie Maker – stay healthy anywhere
4. Lululemon Travel Yoga Mat – washable, durable & worth every penny
5. Packing Cubes – because chaos is not the vibe
6. Chacos or Tevas – sandals that do it all
7. Black Tennis Skirt w/ Pockets – stylish + pickpocket-proof
8. Travel String Lights – instant cozy vibes in any space
9. Charcoal Pills – stomach-saver for food adventures (or hangovers)
10. Compact Coffee Maker – Vietnamese filter or AeroPress FTW
11. Travel Robe – lightweight & better than a towel wrap
12. Travel Towel – thin, absorbent, and not made of weird microfiber

💬 Listener Favorites (Sent via Instagram DMs):

• Eno Hammock – for naps anywhere 🌴
• Fold-up Tote Bag – because extra storage always wins
• Silk Pillowcase – hostel hack + hair care
• Anti-diarrhea Pills – let’s be real
• Crystals – for peace & vibes
• Leatherman Knife – survival mode (if TSA allows)
• Mini Magnetic Chess Set – for cozy, cerebral nights

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

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Sign up HERE to the newsletter. You will get episodes a week early!

Connect:
Instagram: @culturecultshow
Email: culturecultshow@gmail.com

Send in your best travel story to share on the podcast via voice message or email:
culturecultshow@gmail.com

To Help Aseel Escape Gaza:
Follow her and support her on Instagram! : @aseel_dentart
Donate to her Go Fund Me ( ANY amount helps)

To Help Sally Escape Gaza:
Follow her and support her on Instagram!: @sallyhjeer
Donate to her Go Fund Me ( ANY amount helps)