GARAGE LOGIC "BEST OF GL: The Traveling Lymans Visit the GL Podcast Studio!!"
Garage Logic – December 26, 2025
Host: Joe Soucheray
Guests: Tom and Jessica Lyman ("The Traveling Lymans")
Summary by Episode Summarizer

Episode Overview

In this standout episode, host Joe Soucheray ("The Mayor") is joined live in-studio by Tom and Jessica Lyman – better known among Garage Logic listeners as "The Traveling Lymans." Over the past decade, Tom and Jessica have been sending in their beloved "On This Day in Minnesota History" emails from locations all over the globe, as they've traveled full-time since 2012. Their journey began with retirement and the sale of everything they owned, leading to a life of extraordinary minimalist adventure on all seven continents. In this fascinating, wide-ranging conversation, the couple shares stories from their travels, explains their unique lifestyle, and offers insight into how common sense and a strong partnership shape a life less ordinary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origin of the Lymans' Wanderlust (03:40–05:11)

• The idea for a global adventure was sparked in 2012, just before Tom's retirement from Burlington Northern Railroad (after 42½ years).
  • Tom: "[Jessica] comes in and she says, what are you going to do in nine or ten months? You can't sit in that chair for the rest of your life, right?...I said, maybe we should travel the world." (03:53)
• Jessica spent a week on an Excel spreadsheet working out finances. They realized this radical shift was possible only if they sold all possessions.
  • Jessica: "We have no storage. We have no house or apartment or nobody...No family member's house that we have any belongings." (04:47)

2. Living with No Home Base (04:45–06:41)

• They sold their Chanhassen house, keep nothing in storage, and have minimized their material possessions to three suitcases.
  • "We have no storage. We have no house or apartment...just what's in our suitcases." (04:46, 24:46)
• Their finances work thanks to Tom's railroad pension. They have not tapped into their investments or retirement funds:
  • "So we still have our investments and retirement funds, but we don't touch that. We just live on the railroad pension." (19:46)

3. "On This Day in Minnesota History" and Lymans' Role in the Show (05:29–06:41)

• Tom began sending historical vignettes to Joe Soucheray sporadically, but made it daily during a 10-month lockdown in Mumbai, India.
  • Tom: "When we were stuck in India for those 10 months, I start sending them to you every day...then you start reading them because you used to say, all the way from Mumbai." (05:37–05:52)
• The bit became a cherished segment for GL listeners, offering a sense of continuity and charm—especially given the Lymans' globe-trotting locations.

4. Travel Highlights: All Seven Continents & Unforgettable Experiences (06:53–18:18, 43:00–43:38)

• They have explored all continents, including Antarctica, where they walked among a million penguins.
  • Jessica: "At different points, we were standing on an island with a million penguins. It was unbelievable." (07:09–07:13)
• Favourites include Africa’s wildlife (especially Marlo Park, South Africa), Tasmania, and small-island life in Fiji.
• Adventures in the Middle East involved pirate drills on Red Sea cruises, and several months in obscure South American locales are on their future wishlist.

5. Surviving the Pandemic Locked Down in Mumbai (08:17–12:41)

• In early 2020, COVID-19 abruptly halted their India tour. After multiple attempts to leave, they were stranded in a deserted Marriott hotel near Mumbai’s airport for 10 months.
  • Jessica: "There were 330 rooms in that hotel. And there were six...paying customers." (10:58–11:07)
  • Jessica: "We couldn't have a beer or a glass of wine. We didn't know we were going to be there 10 months either." (11:27–11:30)
• Despite the isolation and lack of basic comforts, the couple never fought and leaned into their routine—writing blogs, staying connected online, and supporting each other.
  • Jessica: "10 months we sat in that room...never had a fight." (13:01, 19:02)

6. Health Challenges Abroad & Unshakeable Partnership (13:47–14:34, 19:46–21:20)

• Jessica underwent emergency triple coronary bypass surgery in rural South Africa, but even this didn’t slow them down.
  • Jessica: "Triple bypass in a small hospital in South Africa...and we never missed a beat." (14:00–14:12)
• Their accent on partnership, patience, non-confrontation, and humor is a recurring theme; they serve as a model for how couples can thrive together in adversity.
  • Jessica: "I don't bitch. I don't complain. I'm not late, and I don't fight." (24:09)
  • Joe (to Jessica): "You know what you are? A miracle." (24:19)

7. Minimalism, Money, and Security (24:43–25:35, 35:35–36:11, 39:04–41:15)

• With everything they own in just three suitcases, they embody minimalist living.
• They stay safe by avoiding major cities, not wearing jewelry ("...they'll take your hand off for a ring"), using RFID wallets, and keeping their heads down in high-risk areas.
• Their budgeting is meticulous—Jessica books life years in advance to reduce anxiety and ensure stability wherever they roam.
  • Jessica: "We booked out the first two years before we even left." (36:11)

8. Worldwide Waftage: Sharing Their Life Online (29:45–31:18)

• The Lymans run a travel blog, Worldwide Waftage, posting daily stories for free.
  • Jessica: "We've done almost 3,500 stories, which is equivalent to a chapter in a book." (30:08)
• The blog, originally for family, is now global in reach, offering detailed travel reports, resources for aspiring nomads, and a diary of their "homeless" wanderings.

9. Language Barriers and Cultural Encounters (33:12–35:35)

• Their approach to language: learn "thank you" first. They rely on gestures, guides, and openness ("we got so much done just by saying thank you").
• A humorous anecdote: A Portuguese butcher communicated "chicken breasts" by grabbing her own, helping the couple navigate grocery shopping without language.

10. American Identity, Perceptions, and Family Reactions (44:27–46:32, 48:48–50:17)

• They’re committed not to being “the ugly American” abroad—never leaving a negative footprint— and always checking twice a year if the other wants to continue.
  • Jessica: "We wouldn't leave a footprint behind that people would say, oh, Americans have been here...We made a commitment that if either one of us ever got tired of doing this, we'd agree to quit." (45:38)
• Their children, especially those with grandkids, often miss them, but respect their independence and joy.
• Upon retirement, they established residency in Nevada for tax benefits and manage everything via digital mail.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• "We have no storage. We have no house or apartment or nobody. No family member's house that we have any belongings." —Jessica (04:47)
• "At different points, we were standing on an island with a million penguins. It was unbelievable." —Jessica (07:13)
• "10 months we sat in that room...never had a fight." —Jessica (13:01, 19:02)
• "In that hotel room at 3 o'clock every afternoon...we would start streaming...We'd stream shows, so we sat there from three in the afternoon till we went to bed every night watching shows." —Jessica (46:34)
• "You know what you are? A miracle." —Joe, to Jessica (24:19)
• "She told me not to tell you this. People ask us, how do you survive? ... You were alone in a hotel room for 10 months, and we never had a fight." —Tom (19:04)
• "We did this for love." —Jessica, on turning down reality TV/book deals (38:32)
• "We are so free." —Jessica, on minimalism (40:35)

Key Timestamps

• 03:40 – The Lymans' origin story; decision to travel the world
• 05:29 – Becoming a regular part of the Garage Logic show
• 06:53 – Reaching all seven continents (Antarctica highlight)
• 08:17–12:41 – Locked down in Mumbai during COVID
• 13:47 – Jessica's health crisis in South Africa
• 14:34 – More about wild African experiences (Marlo Park, Kruger)
• 19:46 – Living off the railroad pension; financial logistics
• 24:46 – Complete minimalism; only three suitcases
• 29:47 – About their blog WorldwideWaftage.com
• 32:01 – Current pandemic travel impacts
• 33:12 – Handling language barriers, cultural anecdotes
• 45:23 – Being "the non-ugly American," checking in on lifestyle satisfaction
• 48:48 – Pushback from family, setting up a U.S. home base alternative
• 51:12 – The most beautiful beaches ("Indian Ocean in Kenya," Bali)

The Lymans' Top Advice for Aspiring Travelers

• Focus on minimalism: Eliminate unnecessary possessions for more freedom.
• Meticulous planning: Budget and schedule long-term in advance, especially with no fixed base.
• Be adaptable: Accept discomforts (bugs, unfamiliar beds, food, climate) and focus on adventure.
• Prioritize partnership: Strong, patient relationships are the backbone of constant travel.
• Leave a good impression: Strive never to be "the ugly American"; be kind, generous, respectful.
• Maintain health: Stick to simple eating habits, avoid junk, and adapt where needed.
• Play it safe: Use RFID protection, avoid cities where possible, don’t flaunt jewelry.

Closing Thoughts & Host Reflections

The episode is an uplifting testament to partnership, resourcefulness, and open-hearted adventure beyond Minnesota’s borders. The Lymans' stories enchant both the GL crew and audience—so much so that the hosts repeatedly express astonishment and admiration.

“This is easily the most fascinating thing I’ve ever been a part of.” —Kenny (55:10)

“Their story is a model for how to live richly with less, adapt constantly, and, above all, enjoy the journey – together.” —Paraphrased host sentiment

For those seeking inspiration to pare down, break routine, or simply reimagine retirement, this is a must-listen.

Visitors’ Resource

• Lymans’ blog: Worldwide Waftage (3,500+ daily stories, minimalist travel guidance, search bar for topics & practical info)

Recommended Segments

• 06:53–09:03: The Antarctic penguins adventure
• 08:17–12:41: Trapped in Mumbai during COVID
• 14:00–14:12: Handling a medical crisis abroad
• 24:09–24:21: Jessica on her secret to a happy marriage

For more, visit the [GL Facebook and Twitter pages] for links to the episode and "Worldwide Waftage."