Whimsical Wanderings

The Mystery of The Raincoat Visitor

In this true and curious tale from his teenage travels, host Frank Girard recounts a surreal moment under the stars during a cross-country adventure with Western Caravan—a group of pre-med students exploring the American West.
While camping in the wilderness, Frank is visited in the middle of the night by a mysterious woman—naked except for a raincoat—who quietly steps into his tent. At the time, Frank was puzzled. But in hindsight, he realized this odd and unexpected encounter was far more telling than it seemed.
Funny, strange, and completely real, this episode explores the bewildering magic of youth, the open road, and the moments we don’t fully understand until years later.
🔹 Based on Frank’s true story from a teen road trip through Yellowstone🔹 Whimsical and mysterious late-night tent visit🔹 A human-interest tale with humor, curiosity, and hindsight🔹 Perfect for fans of strange-but-true travel stories
If this made you chuckle, share it with your camping buddy, your college roommate, or your weird coworker Carl.
🎧 Follow Whimsical Wanderings for more real stories that are too strange to make up.
 

Bald is Beautiful

What happens when a legendary Hollywood coach tells you to ditch the comb-over and embrace your shine? In this true and hilarious episode, Whimsical Wanderings host Frank Girard shares how a chance encounter with Thom McFadden—“Coach to the Stars”—led him to buzz it all off and step boldly (and baldly) into a new chapter.
From battling rogue hair strands to getting compliments from baristas and strangers on the train, this episode is part motivational makeover, part comedy, and 100% real.
🔹 A true story of hair, humor, and Hollywood wisdom🔹 Featuring celebrity coach Thom McFadden🔹 Perfect for fans of uplifting human-interest stories🔹 Baldness, beauty, and the power of letting go
If this made you laugh or look in the mirror a little differently, share it with someone who could use a boost—your uncle, your stylist, or your weird coworker Carl.
🎧 Follow Whimsical Wanderings for more funny, heartfelt stories that remind us: life’s better when you don’t take your hair too seriously.

Cardboard Octopus and the Portland Aquarium

In this episode of Whimsical Wanderings, host Frank Girard dives into a real-life cardboard sea of absurdity at the new Portland Aquarium—an immersive art exhibit where the only thing wet is your eyes from laughing.
Inspired by artist Mike Bennett’s surreal installation, this visit includes encounters with monocled crabs, blowfish in HR, and possibly a black-market googly-eye dealer disguised as an octopus in sunglasses. No real fish. All real fun.
Whether you’re into quirky travel destinations, offbeat art, or just love a good story about sea cucumbers with attitude, this episode delivers 100% whimsy, 0% seaweed.
🔹 Discover Portland’s cardboard marine world🔹 Perfect for fans of art, imagination, and absurd humor🔹 Bonus: Frank adopts a mustachioed anglerfish named Karl
If this made you smile, share it with someone who could use a laugh today—your grandma, your neighbor, or your weird coworker Carl.
🎧 Follow Whimsical Wanderings for more stories that make reality feel like a cartoon.

Today is National Donut Day

The Glaze of Nations: Global Donut Day

About Whimsical Wonderings Podcast

Well Enough Complain

Frank, the Flood, and the Flying Rock Adventure

Rand the Handyman and the Upstairs Messenger Service

The Midnight Snack Stampede