In this New Year reflection episode, Leslie looks back on a year shaped by growth, grief, and emotional transformation, and shares how those experiences reshaped her approach to creativity, career challenges, and relationships. Rather than rushing toward resolutions, she reflects on the lessons of intentional living, self-trust, and learning to offer herself more grace.

This episode explores what it means to create more and consume less, step away from constant digital stimulation, and return to a more analog lifestyle rooted in mindfulness and quality. Leslie discusses how grief softened her expectations, how rejection became redirection, and why curiosity, creativity, and imperfection played a central role in her personal growth.

Looking ahead to 2026, this conversation focuses on momentum without burnout, mindful consumption, spiritual growth, and living with intention—inviting listeners to reflect on their own goals, habits, and relationship with self-trust in the new year.

🕯️ Check out my candles and merch at busygallivantingpodcast.com/shop — designed to bring the cozy, intentional vibe of Busy Gallivanting into your everyday space.

✨ Use code BUSYGALLIVANTINGPODCAST for 10% off your first order at Local Eclectic — for unique, high-quality jewelry that fits wherever life takes you.

🎧 Related Episodes:

• Nourish & Flourish: 2024 Reflections and 2025 Manifestations

• ⁠Simply Divine: Finding Balance between Feminine and Masculine Energies

📍 WHERE TO FIND LESLIE:

📸 Instagram: ⁠@busygallivantingpodcast⁠ | ⁠@lesliemaclang⁠

🎵 TikTok: ⁠@lesliemaclang⁠

📺 YouTube: Busy Gallivanting Podcast

📩 Email: ⁠busygallivantingpodcast@gmail.com⁠

🌍 Website: ⁠busygallivantingpodcast.com⁠

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting, I’m joined by Kate as we explore Yosemite National Park — one of the most iconic, photographed, and awe-inspiring destinations in the U.S. We share our full experience from wandering among the ancient Giant Sequoias in Mariposa Grove to standing at Tunnel View, taking in the panoramic sweep of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. We talk about the beauty of Yosemite’s dramatic cliffs, lush meadows, and powerful waterfalls, and what it feels like to hike through a place shaped by glaciers and time.

We dive into what it actually takes to plan a Yosemite trip: navigating unpredictable weather, understanding trail conditions, and choosing the right gear when temperatures swing without notice. From the towering drop of Yosemite Falls — the tallest waterfall in the continental U.S. — to quiet moments on forested trails, we share the parts of Yosemite that surprised us, challenged us, and stayed with us long after we left the park.

And, naturally, our adventure includes a joyful detour into California’s fast-food scene — proof that even the most nature-heavy trips can be paired with chaotic, delicious road snacks. If you’re planning a Yosemite itinerary, craving national park inspo, or simply want to immerse yourself in stories from the outdoors, this episode blends travel reflection, practical insight, and a whole lot of love for America’s national parks.

🎙️ Plus: how to prepare for Yosemite’s shifting weather, why Mariposa Grove is worth the hype, and the best way to approach popular viewpoints without the crowds.

✨ Featured in this episode:

• Mariposa Grove and its ancient Giant Sequoias

• Iconic Yosemite viewpoints — including Tunnel View

• What to know before hiking in changing weather conditions

• Yosemite Falls and why it’s a must-see

• Planning tips for national parks and peak-season travel• How to prepare for varying trail difficulty and terrain

• The surprising joy of California’s fast-food options• Nature, nostalgia, and reconnecting with the outdoors

• How to make the most of a Yosemite trip with limited time

🕯️ Check out my candles and merch at busygallivantingpodcast.com/shop — designed to bring the cozy, intentional vibe of Busy Gallivanting into your everyday space.

✨ Use code BUSYGALLIVANTINGPODCAST for 10% off your first order at Local Eclectic — for unique, high-quality jewelry that fits wherever life takes you.

🎧 Related Episodes:

• Maine Character Energy: Portland and Acadia National Park

• To Airbnb or Not to Airbnb?: Unique Stays, Horror Stories, Hotels vs. Airbnb

📍 WHERE TO FIND LESLIE:

📸 Instagram: @busygallivantingpodcast | @lesliemaclang

🎵 TikTok: @lesliemaclang

📺 YouTube: Busy Gallivanting Podcast

📩 Email: busygallivantingpodcast@gmail.com

🌍 Website: busygallivantingpodcast.com

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting, I’m joined by Lauren Wallace, a licensed mental health counselor who shares insights on how culture, identity, and family expectations shape the way we experience our emotions. We explore the unique challenges faced by the Asian diaspora, the roles eldest daughters often take on, and how patterns of perfectionism and people-pleasing can lead to anxiety.

Lauren dives into the power of therapy, the transformative impact of naming emotions, and why practicing self-compassion is both challenging and essential. We talk about setting boundaries, navigating shame, and cultivating connection — both with ourselves and others — as a foundation for healing.

Whether you’ve struggled with anxiety, perfectionism, or cultural pressure, this conversation offers guidance on approaching emotions with curiosity, gentleness, and intentionality.

🎙️ Plus: why “feelings aren’t facts,” how small moments in therapy can shift perspective, and how self-compassion can become a quiet superpower.

✨ Featured in this episode:• Understanding the influence of culture on mental health• Anxiety, perfectionism, and eldest daughter expectations• People-pleasing, boundaries, and healthier relationships• Transformative moments in therapy and emotional clarity• The slow, non-linear journey toward self-compassion• Navigating shame, vulnerability, and connection• Cultural nuances in conflict patterns and relationships• Learning to show up as your most authentic self

🕯️ Check out my candles and merch at ⁠busygallivantingpodcast.com/shop⁠ — designed to bring the cozy, intentional vibe of Busy Gallivanting into your everyday space.

✨ Use code BUSYGALLIVANTINGPODCAST for 10% off your first order at ⁠Local Eclectic⁠ — for unique, high-quality jewelry that fits wherever life takes you.

🎧 Related Episodes:• ⁠Busy Becoming | Rebuilding, Experimenting, and Embracing Imperfection (https://open.spotify.com/episode/…)

📍 WHERE TO FIND LAUREN:📸 Instagram: @laurenwallacelmhc

📆 Book with Lauren here

• Lauren is currently accepting new clients and accepts insurance, private pay, and can work on a sliding scale if needed!

📍 WHERE TO FIND LESLIE:📸 Instagram: ⁠@busygallivantingpodcast⁠ | ⁠@lesliemaclang⁠🎵 TikTok: ⁠@lesliemaclang⁠📺 YouTube: Busy Gallivanting Podcast📩 Email: ⁠busygallivantingpodcast@gmail.com⁠🌍 Website: ⁠busygallivantingpodcast.com⁠