June Joy: Recognition, Reflection, and the Power of Togetherness

June News 2025 Niver’s Newsletter 186

Awards, Family Adventures & Stories That Matter

June was a month full of meaning—recognition for my work, treasured family time, and a deep sense of gratitude for health, connection, and the chance to keep telling stories that matter. I’m honored to share that I won 1st Place for Lifestyle Feature at the Southern California Journalism Awards for my podcast on Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, and also received 3rd Place for Online Journalist of the Year. These acknowledgments fuel my passion to continue creating with heart and purpose. Thank you to Brian Fishbach and the Jewish Journal for including me this article: “Jewish Journal Wins Nine LA Press Club SoCal Journalism Awards from 18 Total Nominations” The Journal’s travel writer, Lisa Niver received honors for her freelance work. Niver won Best Audio Journalism Lifestyle Feature for the episode “Ireland: Neville’s Stories at Giant’s Causeway” on her podcast “Make Your Own Map.” “An immersive listening experience with whimsical tales,” the judges said. Niver also received third place honors for Best Online Journalist – Independent/Freelance.

One of the greatest gifts this month was our family trip to New York City for Father’s Day and my parents’ 62nd wedding anniversary. We saw three Broadway shows–my favorite was “Death Becomes Her” with “Hell’s Kitchen” as a close second, a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game with a rain delay start and an overtime win, and spent quality time simply being together—sharing dinners, walking through the city, and watched my nephew host a comedy show.

I’m also incredibly grateful to Pasadena Magazine for spotlighting two of my travel features—Antarctica and my Churchill Wild walking safari with polar bears—now both available in print and online. And I had the joy of being featured on the “Do the Thing” podcast Ep 336, where we talked about saying yes to adventure and navigating life with courage and curiosity. Thank you to Angela Tuell for including me in her podcast, Media in Minutes! Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to be part of two incredible events in Los Angeles in July—

July 17: I am speaking at the Women in Travel & Hospitality Conference

July 19: Torrance Library Summer Author Series: See you at 2pm at the North Torrance Library 3604 Artesia Blvd Torrance, CA 90504

Thank you for being part of this journey. From awards to shared meals, it’s all a reminder to celebrate where we are, while dreaming of where we’ll go next. Closer to home, I was swept away by MUSE/IQUE’s outdoor concert at The Huntington, where the evening unfolded with emotional resonance and artistic power. As the sun dipped below the trees and pink lights lit the palms, the music—centered around themes of belief, identity, and belonging—echoed through the gardens under the rising moon. It was a moving reminder of how the arts can invite reflection, deepen empathy, and remind us of our shared humanity.

In a world that often feels divided, it was heartening to be part of a performance that honored complexity with such care. I’m already looking forward to the next MUSE/IQUE gathering in August, where music will again open hearts and offer space to connect.

I will be sharing more photos from the incredible awards ceremony! What an honor to win a Telly and 1st place for my podcast with Neville and 3rd for Online Journalist of the Year. Watch the podcast segment here: Ireland: Neville’s Stories at Giant’s Causeway

Watch the full Telly Award-Winning Ireland TV special, Celtic Charm here

Pasadena Magazine: TWO PRINT STORIES in the May/June 2025 Travel issue

Thank you Malina Saval and Pasadena Magazine for publishing my Quark Expeditions adventure in Antarctica — in print! From stand-up paddleboarding with seals to helicopter landings on the ice, it was a journey of a lifetime. Grateful to share the magic of the White Continent with readers back home. See both my Antarctica story and my walking safari with Churchill Wild Polar Bear Safaris which were in print in the May/June Issue which are now online here:

Epic Antarctica Adventure: Paddleboarding, Helicopter Rides, and a Polar Plunge South of the Circle

Antarctica Ranks First When It Comes to Wilderness, Adventure and Breathtaking Beauty

Luxury Meets Wilderness on This Canadian Arctic Safari With Polar Bears and Beluga Whales

A Magical Arctic Safari Features Singing Beluga Whales and Playful Polar Bears

Thank you to FTU in Dallas for inviting me to speak at their event on “Finding Joy in Travel” Frequent Traveler University

Learn more about my events: click here and my articles here

I have events nearly every month–hope to see you at a live event soon–and you can invite me to speak at your conference, library, bookstore, book club live or on ZOOM!

Want to travel more? I have a Travel Writer 101 class on Udemy. CLICK here for a coupon to take my class for FREE!

I have students in 9 countries so far: Australia, Canada, India, Italy, New Zealand, Philippines, Portugal, Thailand, USA! Join us on the adventure of travel writing!

THANK YOU for watching my award-winning podcast, Make Your Own Map: Are YOU ready to be BRAVE? It has now been seen and heard in 59 countries on 7 continents.

Have you heard my recent podcast episodes?

WATCH my podcast, “MAKE YOUR OWN MAP: ” on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Podcast,  Google Podcasts, Audacy, Audible, Anchor, Pandora & iHeart Radio

WHERE CAN YOU FIND MY TRAVEL VIDEOS?

Here is the link to my video channel on YouTube where I now have over 2.4 Million views on YouTube! (now at: 2,425,600). Thank you for your support! Are you one of my 4,610 subscribers? I hope you will join me and subscribe! For more We Said Go Travel articles, TV segments, videos and social media: CLICK HERE Find me on social media with over 150,000 followers. Please follow me on social @LisaNiver TikTok, X  Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, BlueSky and at LisaNiver.com.

Do you LOVE my book BRAVE-ish? PLEASE WRITE A REVIEW!! Click here to go directly to rate or review BRAVE-ish on Amazon (now at 61 reviews. Help me get to 75) You can find my book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Simon & Schuster, Post Hill Press, Target, Walmart, BookShop, BAM! and wherever you get your audiobooks! People always ask me where is it best to buy my book. I recommend you go into or call your favorite local book store and ask them to order it for you and pick it up IN THE STORE! You never know what other treasures you will find. Any bookstore can order my book because my publisher is Post Hill Press and it is distributed by Simon and Schuster. My book is now in the library on Quark Ultramarine and in the store at Dubray bookstore on Grafton in Dublin, Ireland! Brave-ish is available all over the globe!

You can also find me now on SUBSTACK!

Red carpet moments that matter! On Saturday, June 28, Project Angel Food’s “Lead with Love 6”, presented by City National Bank, aired on KTLA 5 and streamed nationwide—raising over $700,000 (and counting!) to support critically ill neighbors across Los Angeles, including those impacted by wildfires. Since 1989, Project Angel Food has delivered over 1.5 million medically tailored meals, serving as a lifeline for vulnerable communities. This 3x Emmy-winning telethon continues to shine a spotlight on the power of compassion, resilience, and community action. The “Lead With Love” telethon began in 2020 during the pandemic and has since evolved into a star-studded annual celebration of generosity. Over the years, it has featured more than 200 celebrities—including Oprah Winfrey, Elton John, Carol Burnett, Ringo Starr, Sharon Stone, and Magic Johnson—collectively raising millions of dollars. Lead with Love 6 was hosted by KTLA’s Jessica Holmes, with co-hosts Loni Love and Eric McCormack, and highlighted real stories of healing and hope. On the red carpet: Eric McCormack, Jessica Holmes, Loni Love, Ann-Margret, Cameron Mathison, Loren Allred, Lawrence Zarian, Gregory Zarian, Richard Ayoub, Bianca Del Rio, and many more. You can still participate!Whether by donating, prepping meals in the kitchen, or delivering to someone in need, there are many ways to support Project Angel Food’s mission. Get involved or donate at: angelfood.org/lovela WATCH: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/watch-live-project-angel-food-lead-with-love-telethon-on-ktla/ Israel Film Festival 2025 Luncheon honoring Debra Messing and Rabbi Marvin Hier

A meaningful afternoon at the Four Seasons Los Angeles for the 37th Israel Film Festival Sponsor Luncheon — celebrating the power of film to connect, uplift, and inspire. Debra Messing received the 2025 IFF Career Achievement Award, presented by Jonah Platt, creator of the important podcast Being Jewish (1M+ downloads in 8 months) — a timely and resonant voice in today’s world. Rabbi Marvin Hier, two-time Oscar winner and Founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, accepted the 2025 IFF Humanitarian Award, presented by acclaimed producer Brad Krevoy. Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona R. Nazarian presented a special Proclamation to Meir Fenigstein, who has now produced 80 Israel Film Festivals across the U.S. — with #37 in Los Angeles coming November 5-20, 2025. With so many generous sponsors and supporters in the room, one message echoed loud and clear: in a time of rising antisemitism, Israeli cinema is more important than ever — to foster understanding, preserve truth, and celebrate culture. Follow for festival updates and November screenings : IG: @IsraelFilmFestival | X: @IsraelFilmFest www.israelfilmfestival.com