Episode 70

full
Published on:

4th Mar 2025

070: Chronic Illness, Neurodivergence & the Joy of Travel: A Candid Conversation with Donna Muccio

Have you ever had to adapt to a new reality that was beyond your control?

In this episode of the Transform with Travel podcast, Donna Muccio, a travel photographer and content creator, shares her extraordinary experiences and the remarkable journey of resilience she has navigated. 

Diagnosed with a rare condition, Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (HEDS), in 2022, and living with chronic pain since childhood, Donna's story is a testament to adaptability, creativity, and strength in the face of challenging life changes.

Donna's journey took a significant turn when her chronic health conditions reached a point where she had to reconsider her career. Wedding photography, which had been not only her passion but a significant part of her identity, became too physically demanding. Donna speaks candidly about the grieving process she underwent while transitioning to adapt her career to her health needs, focusing more on portrait and commercial photography.

Having spent years unaware of her neurodivergence, Donna finally received formal diagnoses for autism and ADHD. This self-discovery was pivotal, bringing clarity to parts of her life she hadn't previously understood. Donna emphasizes the importance of recognizing and adapting to her sensory needs, highlighting how this understanding reshapes her travel experiences to ensure they remain positive and fulfilling.

Donna shares poignant insights into the importance of embracing and learning from those different from ourselves. Her message encourages curiosity and the pursuit of understanding—a sentiment we all need during these transformative times.

Donna's story is more than an account of challenges overcome; it's a narrative of finding beauty and strength in flexibility and adaptability. Her life, a testament to the transformative power of resilience and community, serves as an inspiration to adventurers everywhere.

We talk about:

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 02:05 Two Truths and a Lie: Donna's Travel Adventures
  • 03:04 Donna's Van Life and Egypt Experience
  • 04:55 Donna's Journey into Travel Photography
  • 07:13 Living in Mexico: Debunking Stereotypes
  • 12:26 Balancing Work and Health: Donna's Photography Career
  • 16:54 Navigating Life with HEDS and Neurodivergency
  • 20:45 Adapting to New Realities: Donna's Support System
  • 28:52 Traveling with Chronic Illness: Tips and Insights
  • 39:54 Final Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions

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Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Transform With Travel. Happy travels in 2025! ✈️

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About the Podcast

Transform With Travel
Go On An Adventure
Welcome to the Transform with Travel Podcast, where we share stories of personal transformation and life lessons through our experiences of traveling and exploring the world. We believe travel has the power to transform your life, one trip at a time. So we bring on every day adventurers to tell their stories of inspiration, as well as Industry Experts to enhance and optimize your travels. I’m your host - Kelly Tolliday, Founder of Transform With Travel - and it’s my mission to inspire you to live life to its fullest, travel with an open-mind & Heart, and let the world show you a new perspective.

About your host

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Kelly Tolliday

Kelly is the Founder of Transform With Travel, with over 11 years in the travel industry. She's a Wellness Travel Expert, Retreat Facilitator, Travel Advisor & Podcast Host.

She's also a 500-Hr Registered Yoga Teacher & an Accredited Continued Education Provider for the Yoga Industry.

She's traveled to over 45 countries and lived across 4 continents. Now, it's her mission to inspire and support you in stepping outside of your comfort zone and into the life of your dreams.

She's passionate about immersive and transformational travel. She believe when you travel with intention, by combining wellness, adventure & cultural enrichment, you can truly transform your life, one trip at a time.

She's now based in South Florida, and she's married to her husband Sam with 2 beautiful daughters & 2 crazy dogs.