Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Bradfield
Hi Robin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Roam with Robin is a blog capturing my adventurous side amidst my everyday life. Through my posts, I invite the audience to join me on short escapes and lengthier journeys. Here, I share the joys of my daily experiences, including my culinary creations and exciting travel destinations. Many followers tell me, “I’m living my best life.”
In reality, Roam with Robin serves as a distraction and a means of escaping the challenges in my life. It allows me to shift my focus toward the positive aspects amidst the pain and loss I’ve experienced. The concept of parental alienation, a term unfamiliar to me until my son’s departure, describes the heartbreaking estrangement resulting from gaslighting and manipulation by the other parent. The distressing process started after my divorce from my son’s father in 2007, marked by years of enduring relentless criticism directed towards all aspects of my life – my character, parenting style, choice of home and vehicle, career, and even our cherished family vacations. As the parent-child bond gradually deteriorated in the years leading to the alienation, the unimaginable happened, and our son was completely severed from my life in 2022.
Roam with Robin gave me an escape by diverting my attention from the sorrow and hardships by indulging in my passion for adventure. Finding solace in nature and its healing power, I embraced self-care and personal growth through travel, connecting with diverse individuals, experimenting with new cuisines, and honing my culinary skills. Despite the escalating challenges at home, my ability to wander and explore was restricted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s when I began participating in food challenges through social media to connect with people from different regions and explore my creativity with food. The administrators of the challenges announced unique weekly food categories, ranging from specific foods to cuisines, events, or holidays. I would join the fun by sharing pictures of my creations related to the chosen category, often earning a feature on the cover picture for one of the seven days of the following week. As I continued submitting my challenge entries, I launched Roam with Robin on Facebook and Instagram, incorporating additional content from other entrees and adventures.
In 2021, I embarked on my “The Border Cookbook Project,” challenging myself to make every single recipe in the cookbook. To my surprise, the cookbook had captured the prestigious James Beard Award, a testament to its culinary excellence. Shortly after, one of the cookbook’s authors stumbled upon my Instagram profile. To my delight, she connected with me, excited about my endeavor. Over time, she became a follower, engaging with my posts and showcasing my passion for the cookbook to her audience. We met in person in 2023 in Santa Fe, NM, where my husband and I enjoyed delightful local cuisine with her, culminating in a cherished moment as she autographed my copy of the cookbook. We also decided to join her on an incredible food tour in France a year later.
But back to my reality following my son’s departure, I was left heartbroken and hopeless. On top of that, the demands of my corporate career also took their toll on me, and in 2023, I decided to retire after more than 30 years in the industry. The morning after my final day at work, I set off on the longest solo trip I had ever taken, lasting three weeks, hoping to find clarity and determine my next steps. Traveling through six states, I shared my journey on Roam with Robin, enlightening others and receiving love and support from my followers as I commenced a new chapter of my life. Hiking the mountains of Arizona, the desert trails of Utah, and the beautiful pines of Colorado, I decided to embark on a path of helping other alienated parents, who often struggle with depression and suicidal ideation, and it sometimes weighs heavily on me, especially when the family struggles parallel my own. Yet, through Roam with Robin, I find a captivating diversion, a platform to inspire others through my escapades.
As a natural chain of events, the latest milestone for Roam with Robin was obtaining certification as a travel agent, leading to establishing a travel business, Roam with Robin Travel. As an expert in travel planning and budgeting, I understand the importance of making the most out of every adventure while keeping costs in check. By sharing my knowledge and experience, I aim to assist others in creating memorable journeys without breaking the bank.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Roam with Robin was initially launched in December 2018 following the encouragement of others to start a travel blog. Unfortunately, various setbacks led to its short-lived existence. The Nebraska flooding in 2019 caused significant damage to our basement, consuming my time for travel due to renovations. Just as that project wrapped up, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic further limited travel plans. Consequently, Roam with Robin was eliminated in 2020, with hopes of a comeback in the future.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Roam with Robin ?
The “other side” of my life:
Following a tragic experience of severe parental alienation with her son, Robin Bradfield transitioned from a successful 30+ year sales career to embark on a new journey. Leveraging her extensive experience working with people in various roles, a Master of Arts degree in Leadership with an undergraduate background in social work and journalism, along with certifications as a Reiki master and yoga instructor, and expertise in various holistic practices such as connected wellness, breathwork, oracle card reading, and Feng Shui, Robin’s primary focus is on raising awareness about parental alienation and offering coaching to empower individuals toward self-care, positivity, and self-worth. She supports alienated parents and those navigating the complexities of co-parenting challenges.
What matters most to you?
My family. My wellness. Helping others hurt less and stay alive. Our family is currently fractured, but I must prioritize self-care and keep pushing forward. If I don’t continue to thrive, how can I fulfill my duties as a mother and provide the nurturing my family may need at some point down the road? In addition, I also want this for other parents so that they are alive and well when and if their children reunite with them.
Pricing:
- $100 – Personalized itinerary recommendations, accommodation suggestions, activity planning, and transportation options. 1-time fee covering up to 90 minutes of dedicated planning time.
- $25 – Erased #stopparentalalienation t-shirt or tank (proceeds fund parental alienation awareness campaigns).
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roamwithrobin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064088011526#
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-bradfield-5604786/
