Back at GW: A Full-Circle Conversation About Storytelling, Travel, and Taking Risks
Returning to The George Washington University is always meaningful, but being invited back to participate in the 2026 Presidential Dialogue made this visit especially memorable.
As part of GW’s Alumni and Families Weekend, I joined Paul Wahlbeck, dean of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, on stage at the Jack Morton Auditorium for a conversation about storytelling, travel, television, and my new book, Revolutionary Road Trip: Hidden Stories from America’s Founding Journey.
Coming Home to GW
My history with GW began before I was a student. I was born at The George Washington University Hospital, and years later, I returned to Foggy Bottom to study electronic media at the School of Media and Public Affairs.
GW gave me the opportunity to experiment, explore different interests, and gain hands-on experience. Those years helped shape the career I would eventually build in television, travel, and storytelling.
Charting an Untraditional Career Path
During my conversation with Dean Wahlbeck, we talked about the unconventional path that took me from GW to creating Equitrekking, launching Travels with Darley, and eventually writing Revolutionary Road Trip.
When I graduated, there was no clear roadmap for turning a love of horseback riding, travel, and storytelling into a television career. I had to create my own path, beginning with an idea for a travel series that would explore the world on horseback.
That idea became Equitrekking, which led to adventures around the world and eventually to Travels with Darley. Throughout my career, I have continued to discover that some of the best stories are found by looking beyond the obvious, talking with local people, and remaining curious about places we may think we already know.
My advice to today’s students was simple: “It’s all about charting the path that may not be the traditional path.”
You do not necessarily have to follow an established formula or be the best-known person in a field. A distinct perspective, genuine curiosity, and the willingness to take a chance can become the foundation for a meaningful career.
George Washington, Cherry Bounce, and Revolutionary Surprises
The university’s namesake naturally played a prominent role in our conversation.
We discussed some of the unexpected stories I uncovered while researching Revolutionary Road Trip, including George Washington crashing a wedding, the surprising places where locks of his hair can be found today, and Martha Washington’s recipe for Cherry Bounce, a cordial traditionally made with cherries and brandy.
These are the types of stories that make history feel personal. They remind us that the people we read about in textbooks had relationships, routines, favorite foods, and unexpected moments in their lives.
I spent five years traveling to historic sites while researching the book, meeting historians, preservationists, community leaders, and local experts along the way. Their knowledge helped me uncover stories that broaden our understanding of America’s founding and connect the past to places we can still visit today.
Sharing Lessons With Today’s Students
One of the most rewarding parts of returning to GW is being able to share what I have learned with current students.
The media landscape has changed dramatically since I graduated in 2001, but the value of a strong story has not. Whether I am producing a television episode, recording a podcast, creating a digital video, or writing a book, storytelling remains at the center of my work.
I encouraged students to stay curious, pursue the subjects that genuinely interest them, and remain open to opportunities that may not fit a traditional career plan. Sometimes the combination of several interests, rather than one obvious specialty, becomes what makes your work unique.
As I shared during the discussion, “Storytelling is so important.” It can introduce audiences to overlooked communities, support local businesses, preserve history, and inspire people to experience a destination for themselves.
Proud to Be a GW Alumna
Dean Wahlbeck closed our conversation by telling me, “We’re very proud to call you an alumna.”
Hearing those words on stage at GW was incredibly special. This university encouraged me to explore, take risks, and turn my interests into real-world experience. Returning years later as a PBS host, producer, and author was a meaningful full-circle moment.
Thank you to President Ellen M. Granberg, Dean Paul Wahlbeck, the GW alumni team, and everyone who attended the Presidential Dialogue. It was wonderful to reconnect with the GW community, reflect on how my journey began, and encourage a new generation of storytellers to chart paths of their own.
