In this soulful and deeply relatable episode of The Global Girlfriend, we sit down with one of Morgan’s closest friends, and OG travel buddy, Dani Smith to talk about carving out a life that feels meaningful, intentional, and true to who you are.
Dani takes us through her decade-long journey of living across the U.S., exploring new cultures, switching careers, and learning to trust her curiosity. From backpacking through Europe to guiding hikers in Maine, from copywriting to rural healthcare, and finally to becoming a therapist, Dani opens up about the beauty and chaos of being a “career chameleon.”
Together, we dive into:
- What it means to find purpose outside of a traditional 9–5
- How fear and curiosity shape the choices we make
- Why our 20s and 30s are filled with more “chapters” than checklists
- The pressure to define ourselves by our work, and how to let that go
- How to rethink success through values, adventure, and inner alignment
If you’ve ever felt behind, unsure, or overwhelmed trying to “figure out your life,” this conversation is a warm exhale. Dani’s wisdom, grounded optimism, and therapist-level reflections will leave you feeling inspired, reassured, and ready to embrace your next chapter, whatever it looks like.
And if you want to connect with Dani, you can find her at Cactus Tree Counseling.
Follow us on Instagram & TikTok at @theglobalgirlfriend, and visit theglobalgirlfriend.com for more.