Reader,

Journaling has always been my first form of therapy. From writing detailed accounts of my day, like the Diary of Anne Frank, to manifesting my future using techniques like Steve Harvey’s “powerful 300,” it’s been a constant in my life. Recently, I revisited a notebook from 2023 and realized it was a mix of to-do lists and deep reflection. It reminded me of a lesson I learned:

Don’t just use your journal to trauma dump. Use it to accept where you are now and speak life into your future visions. Sometimes, that means relinquishing control—just like I did on my recent trip, realizing I hadn’t been behind the wheel of a car in 6 months. As per the lyrics of one of my favorite “deep cuts” of rapper Bow Wow called “I Don’t Know About That” “It’s time for new energy!” Note: It’s explicit.

Speaking of milestones, I’m celebrating my two-year anniversary with the NPR Oklahoma affiliate! My latest media correspondent segment is now live, and it’s a deeply personal one. I address the impact of pancreatic cancer, a cause close to my heart as my maternal grandfather passed away from the disease when my mom was just 18.

Listen to the new 10 minute segment on YouTube by searching for the name Episode 61 Pancreatic Cancer. It’s also available wherever you get your podcasts.

Explore the archives: I’ve updated my list of previous segments. Each one is under 15 minutes—perfect for your morning commute or coffee break.

Being from the Fort Lauderdale/Miami area, a lot of people are surprised that I’m not fluent in Spanish. Similarly, despite being hard of hearing, I’m not fluent in sign language. However, I believe two languages are universal: love and dance.

Speaking of universal acclaim, I was thrilled to see the movie “Sinners” receive a record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations. I had no idea so many of the talented creatives who worked on the film were from Oakland, California.

It’s an incredible year for sports, culture, and travel, and I’m here to help you experience it all! Whether you’re dreaming of cheering at the next Super Bowl, exploring the vibrant streets of Miami for F1 or the World Cup, or connecting with the diaspora in Senegal for the Youth Olympics this December, I’ve already touched down in the destinations that matter most.

Here’s what’s on the horizon:

  • World Cup stops June/July 2026: San Francisco (Algeria), NY/NJ (Senegal and France), Dallas (England), Atlanta (South Africa and Morocco), Philly (Ghana and Ivory Coast), Miami (Cabo Verde)
  • Senegal: Youth Olympics December 2026
  • Kenya: Football/Soccer in August 2027

Let’s make your travel dreams a reality—whether you want to plan together or prefer to explore on your own.

Ready to plan your trip? Hit reply or book a consultation with me today to get started.

Prefer to DIY? Use my Viator link to find trips and activities at your own pace!

I’m all about curating unforgettable travel experiences tailored to you. Let’s make this the year you explore the world in style and connection. Whether it’s about the Superbowl, my roots in Fort Lauderdale, or navigating travels while being hard of hearing, I’m sharing it all.

Stay warm, safe travels and keep seeing life differently!

Zaakirah Nayyar Muhammad