The Untraditional Podcast: Guest Melanie Munion

Host: Welcome, everyone, to The Untraditional Podcast! I’m your host, Myriam Banks. Today, we have a truly incredible guest with an amazing story to share. So hold on to your seats because this is going to be an emotional and inspiring journey.

Our guest is a phenomenal woman I connected with through Instagram. She has an incredible message for the world, particularly for mothers and Black mothers. Please welcome Melanie Munion to the show!

Melanie: Thank you, Myriam, for having me. I’m so excited to be here and share my story.

Host: I’m thrilled to have you, Melanie. I think we share a passion for how travel benefits parents and children, especially for Black and Brown families. I’d love to dive into how traveling became such a big part of your motherhood journey and inspired you to start your new podcast.

On Growing Up and the Roots of Travel

Melanie: Absolutely! A little background about me—I was born in Canada, but my parents moved back to their homeland, Trinidad and Tobago, when I was a baby. Growing up there was magical—the warm weather, the vibrant culture, and the close-knit community.

My parents always encouraged my brother and me to explore opportunities outside Trinidad, reminding us we were Canadian citizens. They saw travel and education as pathways to a brighter future.

When I moved back to Canada for university, I began traveling more. My first international trip as an adult was to Cuba, which fueled my passion for discovering the world. Over the years, I explored places like London, Paris, and Southeast Asia, often solo.

Choosing an Untraditional Path to Motherhood

Host: You’ve had such a fascinating journey. How did your path to motherhood unfold?

Melanie: Growing up in a Caribbean setting, the nuclear family was the norm. As I got older, I realized life doesn’t always follow a traditional script. After a health scare where I lost one of my ovaries, I started thinking about preserving my fertility. A coworker suggested becoming a single mother by choice, which was a concept I had never considered before.

At first, the idea felt so foreign, but I joined a Facebook group for single mothers by choice, did my research, and ultimately decided this was the right path for me. My parents’ support was crucial. I remember my mom telling me she had dreamed I adopted a child, which felt like a sign.

After careful thought, I decided to move forward, using a fertility clinic in Canada. It was a big decision, but I knew I was ready to take this step.

Overcoming Life’s Challenges: A Cancer Diagnosis

Host: Your journey didn’t stop there, though. Tell us about what happened after your daughter was born.

Melanie: After my daughter was born, I was on maternity leave and decided to spend 18 months in Trinidad so my parents could be grandparents in the fullest sense.

In early 2020, I noticed a lump in my breast. At first, I brushed it off, but a friend encouraged me to get it checked. Tests confirmed it was cancer—stage 3. I was devastated.

I returned to Canada for treatment, leaving my one-year-old daughter in Trinidad with my parents. It was one of the hardest times of my life—dealing with chemotherapy, the uncertainty of COVID-19, and being separated from my child.

But my faith and the incredible support of my family kept me going. Today, I’m cancer-free and more determined than ever to live life intentionally.

Legacy Through Travel and a New Podcast

Host: That’s such a powerful story. How has this experience shaped your approach to life, motherhood, and travel?

Melanie: It’s taught me that life is precious and every day counts. I want to leave a legacy for my daughter, not just through material things, but through experiences and memories.

Travel has always been my medicine, and now it’s my way of creating a bond with my daughter. Each trip we take builds a memory bank for her—something she can hold onto long after I’m gone.

That’s also what inspired my podcast, Travel Love Legacy. It’s a platform to amplify the voices of Black and Brown families in the travel space and share stories of how travel can build a meaningful legacy.

Advice for Mothers and Closing Thoughts

Host: Melanie, your journey is so inspiring. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received about motherhood?

Melanie: Listen to your instincts. That inner voice knows the right path for you and your child. Tune out the noise and trust yourself—it’s never steered me wrong.

Host: I love that. This conversation has been such a gift. Thank you for sharing your heart, your challenges, and your triumphs with us.

Melanie: Thank you, Myriam. It’s been an honor to be here.

Host: Listeners, be sure to check out Melanie’s podcast, Travel Love Legacy, and follow her on Instagram for more inspiration. Until next time, remember: the untraditional path can be the most beautiful.