What if a routine stop at a gas station felt like traveling back in time?

In this exciting kick-off episode of No Borders, No Filter Podcast, host Debra Josephson shares a surprising encounter at a Shell station that evoked memories of 1950s America- where customer service was personal, attentive, and genuinely welcoming.

Growing up in Long Island, New York, Debra always felt a pull beyond her roots. While her childhood home provided structure, she found a deeper sense of belonging outside whether in her neighborhood or the warmth of her high school sweetheart’s Italian family. This early contrast shaped her understanding of home as something more than just a physical space- it’s about connection, authenticity, and shared experiences.

Through years of travel and cultural immersion—from New York to calling countries like Costa Rica, Italy, and the Philippines home—Debra challenges the conventional notion of home. Is home defined by a physical place, an emotional connection, or the people we surround ourselves with? How does the journey of travel shape our identity and redefine our sense of belonging?

Key Takeaways:

• 00:28 – Meet Your Host: Debra, the Experient Explorer
• 01:33 – Redefining Home: From America to the World
• 02:15 – What Does Home Mean?
• 02:47 – Growing Up in New York: A Personal Journey
• 09:56 – Adolescence and the Search for Belonging
• 11:28 – First Love and the Feeling of Home
• 14:54 - Cultural Perspectives on Home
• 16:40 - The Search for Connection
• 18:01 – Travel Adventures: Costa Rica and Beyond
• 26:43 – The Allure of Italy: A Potential Home
• 36:36 – Life in the Philippines: A New Chapter
• 32:54 - The Value of Arts and Culture
• 39:56 – Conclusion and Future Plans
  
  

Join Debra in the next episode as she reflects on her experiences living in China during the pandemic and how they further shaped her understanding of home. From lockdowns to unexpected moments of connection, she shares how a rapidly changing world forced her to rethink what stability and belonging truly mean.

Follow Debra on Social Media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebraExperientExplorer/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/experientexplorer/
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@experientexplorer/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExperientExplorer

Visit Debra’s multimedia website at www.dmeryl.net

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