149: Finding Yourself Between the Pages: Travel Journaling with Tien Tran
Release Date: 04/16/2025
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info_outlineJoin Dr. Shine on this week’s episode of What’s Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for a heartfelt, wanderlust-filled conversation with Tien Tran—global citizen, intentional traveler, and one of the featured journalers in our GROW: Journaling Through the Seasons exhibit at House of Shine.
Inspired by The Diary of Anne Frank at age 11, Tien picked up his first journal—a Harry Potter notebook—just weeks before returning to Vietnam for the first time since childhood. That moment sparked a journaling journey that now spans 43 journals, 10 countries, and six continents.
In this episode, Tien shares how journaling became his way of anchoring memories, making sense of new environments, and honoring the different versions of himself that have existed in different places. From scribbling reflections in quiet cafés to embracing the mindset of a lifelong learner, Tien's travel journals are less about tracking miles and more about capturing meaning.
Key Topics Include:
How a childhood movie led to a lifelong journaling habit
Why Tien chooses not to reread his journals—and what that says about presence and perspective
What travel journaling actually looks like (hint: no rules, no pressure—just presence)
Reflections on privilege, identity, and the myths of the digital nomad life
“You’ll never be the you in this place again”—the mantra that shaped Tien’s travel philosophy
Whether you're planning your next big trip or simply looking to live more intentionally right where you are, this conversation will encourage you to reflect, document, and grow.
See Tien’s journals on display at the GROW exhibit at House of Shine!