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TitreDateDurée
Season 6 Finale and 250+ Episode Celebration with Christine Winebrenner Irick & Guests26 Nov 202500:42:46

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In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, presented by @journeywoman_original, Christine hosts a soulful celebration of Season 6 and 250+ episodes of the Soul of Travel Podcast.

Christine shares:

· Celebrations for the nearly 50,000 downloads and 250+ episodes of the Soul of Travel Podcast

· Upcoming Soul of Travel projects, including quarterly meetups!

· Soul of Travel Podcast Merch & CommuniTees

· The importance of rest and the podcast’s upcoming brief hiatus

· Ways to support the Soul of Travel podcast production going forward, including sponsorship and partnership opportunities

Join Christine for this soulful celebration.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 

Support the podcast on Buy Me a Coffee!

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

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Special Thanks to Our Guests!

Amanda & Asnath Kessy, Founders | Still Waters Safaris

Becki Rupp, Adventure Coach, Founder | Trailblazer Wellness

Carly Oduardo, Content Marketing Consultant | ConVerGente.io

Hilary Matson, MBA, Founder | Yugen Earthside

Mary Ellen Mansfield, Small Business and Nonprofit Accountant | Natural Accountant LLC

Siham Lahmine, Luxury Culinary & Heritage Specialist, Founder | Morocco Travel Organizer

Suzanne Rommelfanger, Tourism & Sustainable & Adventure Travel Leader 

Vincie Ho, Social Change Leader, Founder and Executive Director | RISE Travel Institute

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Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by

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Redefining Leadership and Environmental Responsibility with Kate Williams19 Nov 202501:04:01

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In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, presented by @journeywoman_original, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Kate Williams.

Kate Williams is CEO of 1% for the Planet, a global movement that inspires action and commitment so that our planet and future generations thrive. In more than a decade of leadership at the organization, Kate has scaled 1% for the Planet’s network to span 110 countries and 65 industries, driving more than $800 million in certified giving to vetted environmental solutions. A sought-after public speaker and recognized environmental leader, Kate was honored as a 2025 MO 100 Top Impact CEO, named among the 2025 Top Keynote Speakers by the Real Leaders Impact Awards, and received the 2024 New Era of Leadership Award from Chief. Kate earned her BA from Princeton University and her MS from the MIT Sloan School of Management. A dedicated connector and changemaker, she has served on a variety of nonprofit and advisory boards throughout her career. Outside of work, she’s a mom to two grown children and an avid trail runner, living in Vermont with her husband of 30 years and their dog, Maeve.

Christine and Kate discuss:

· Kate’s journey from outdoor leadership to environmental impact leadership

· Adaptive leadership, vulnerability, and authenticity

· The shift from charity to responsibility in business with community-based impact and localized support

· Work-life balance and resilience in leadership

Join Christine for this soulful conversation with Kate Williams.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? Support the podcast on Buy Me a Coffee.

🌎​​​​​​​​

Learn more at onepercentfortheplanet.org.

Connect with Kate and the 1% for the Planet team on social media! / Instagram / Facebook / Kate’s LinkedIn 

Now through the end of the year, 1% for the Planet is on a mission to unlock $1 million in support for their organization through their annual Challenge Grant. Support here: https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/donate?form=donate.

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Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women. Find solo travel trips for women over 50 on JourneyWoman.

Follow us on Instagram: @journeywoman_original, @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Kate Williams (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by

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Discovering and Leading with Our Values with Casey Hanisko17 Sep 202501:03:41

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In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, presented by @journeywoman_original, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Casey Hanisko.

Casey Hanisko is a distinguished leader in the adventure travel industry, celebrated for her extensive contributions and thought leadership. She has shaped the landscape of adventure tourism and business coaching for tourism leaders in pivotal roles including President of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA). Casey has been featured in prominent media outlets and is recognized as a thought leader while sharing her perspective on adventure travel, business strategy, and leadership through major industry conferences and her ‘Leading Naturally’ LinkedIn newsletter.

Transitioning to coaching and consulting, Casey leverages her extensive industry knowledge to guide businesses and leaders in travel to navigate changes and challenges, enhance strategic planning, and implement innovative solutions. Casey is a certified coach through the International Coaching Federation and the Coach Training Alliance  with training in assessments such as EQ-i 2.0® and Everything DiSC™. She offers a Leading People ProgramTM twice a year for people leaders looking to develop their management and leadership skills; the next cohort begins September 30th!

Christine and Casey discuss:

· Casey’s path through tourism to coaching and consulting

· Supporting leaders in understanding their values and bringing these values into their work

· Elevating purpose-driven leaders and women-owned businesses

· Coaching resources and book recommendations for travel industry leaders

· Personal retreats as a way to create time for self-reflection

· Leading People, Casey’s upcoming 9-week transformative leadership program beginning September 30

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Casey Hanisko.

#executivecoaching #leadership #womenleaders

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website.


Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on Buy Me a Coffee.

🌎​​​​​​​​

Visit caseyhanisko.com to learn more about Casey’s work in executive coaching and mentoring.

Connect with Casey on LinkedIn and subscribe to her newsletter, Leading Naturally.

Reserve your space in Casey’s Fall cohort of the Leading People Program, beginning September 30th.

There is space in my Fall cohort of the Leading People Program starting September 30th - https://www.caseyhanisko.com/services/leading-people-program

Learn more about the Women Travel Leaders Elite membership level and reserve your space in Casey’s leadership cohort here.

Explore RISE Travel Institute’s Flagship Program, based in sustainability and anti-oppression in travel. Learn more about RISE Travel Institute’s Carbon Literacy and Climate Justice Workshop for Tr

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Passion, Purpose and Sustainable Travel with Melissa DaSilva15 Nov 202301:01:12

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In this first episode of Soul of Travel, Season 5: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Melissa DaSilva, President, TTC Tour Brands North America, The Travel Corporation.

Melissa DaSilva is the president of the TTC Tour Brands North America and has an industry career spanning over 30 years. Travel is both a personal passion and a professional pursuit. An avid and lifelong traveler Melissa has been to more than fifty countries and has lived in both the US and the UK. Her contagious enthusiasm comes from a deeply held belief she shares with The Travel Corporation; travel helps broaden perspectives through the connectivity of shared experiences of adventure, exploration, learning and laughter showing how we are all more alike than different.

Christine and Melissa discuss:

  • Inherent Passion and Impactful Purpose, and how these areas of focus create a foundation for travel with a positive impact
  • Challenges some businesses may face quantifying and measuring impact and TTC's Sustainability Strategy
  • Different ways to put sustainable strategy into action
  • Using your seat at the table to create the most impact possible

Thank you to TTC Tour Brands and The Travel Corporation for joining us as our first founding sponsors and helping Soul of Travel Podcast to tell the stories of women creating a positive impact in travel!

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Melissa DaSilva.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts so you don’t miss the latest episodes! We rely on listener support to produce our podcast. Make a difference by making a donation to The Soul of Travel on PayPal.  

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women. Find solo travel trips for women over 50 on JourneyWoman.

Follow us on Instagram: @journeywoman_original, @she.sojourns, @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Melissa DaSilva (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.

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Women’s Wisdom & Mindful Travel: Season 5 Arises!01 Nov 202300:15:34

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In this solo introduction to Season Five of The Soul of Travel Podcast, Christine shares the privilege it’s been to sit across from so many incredible, beautiful people, to learn from them, and to witness how the ways in which they work weave into the tapestry that truly is the soul of travel.

Christine shares:

  • The history and future of the Soul of Travel Podcast
  • Soul of Travel’s reach around the world
  • Soul of Travel joins the JourneyWoman family
  • Our Amplification Allies: Women’s Work, The Travel Coach Network, and Women Travel Leaders
  • How to Support the Show


Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with you, our Soul of Travel listeners. 

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 

LOVE these soulful conversations? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts so you don’t miss the latest episodes! We rely on listener support to produce our podcast. Make a difference by making a donation to The Soul of Travel on PayPal.  

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women. Find solo travel trips for women over 50 on JourneyWoman.

Follow us on Instagram: @journeywoman_original, @she.sojourns, @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.


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The Power of Solo Travel for Women with Tess Millhollon: Season 4 Replay25 Oct 202301:02:48

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In this special replay episode, we revisit one of the most popular episodes of Soul of Travel Season 4: Women Influencing Change.⁣

Christine shares the possibilities of redefining solo travel with Tess Millhollon, Founder and CEO of Her House and author of Sherbet Skies: A Woman’s Solo Journey to Find Adventure, Fun, and God.

Tess explains that her time solo traveling was the most confidence-building, healing time in her life, and that no job experience compared to the transformation she experienced while traveling.

Her House is an app that makes it easy for solo women travelers to connect with background-checked hosts so they have safe places to stay and save money while they travel. Tess believes solo women travelers need a way to easily connect with local women so they can find safe accommodation, support, and friendship while traveling alone.

Christine and Tess discuss:

∙ The magic of solo travel and redefining what it might look like
∙ Helping women heal and grow through travel and connection
∙ Traveling in times of transition
∙ The benefits of hosting travelers and getting to know your own backyard
∙ Increasing women’s opportunities for life-changing travel experiences
∙ The link between solo travel and entrepreneurship

Join Christine for this soulful conversation with Tess Millhollon.

LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

🌎​​​​​​​​

Check out HerHouse!

Join the Her House Facebook Group for solo women travelers.

Hop on the HerHouse newsletter and waitlist.


Looking for ways to be a part of the community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast

To read a complete transcript, see full show notes, and access resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.lotussojourns.com/podcast-episodes/episode150-tess-millhollon.


Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Tess Millhollon (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.

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A Kinder Way to Travel with Jessica Blotter: Season 3 Replay18 Oct 202301:09:33

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In this special replay episode, we revisit one of the most popular episodes of Soul of Travel Season 3: Shaping Our Future.

Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Jessica Blotter, CEO and Co-Founder of Kind Traveler, the first socially conscious give + get hotel booking and media platform that empowers travelers to impact the communities they visit positively. Kind Traveler recently launched the Every Stay Gives Back Collection, a first-of-its-kind community impact program that features a collection of exceptional destinations, boutique gems, glamping experiences, and luxury resorts from around the world, where every guest stay with participating lodging and destination partners funds local charities that are important to the community.

Christine and Jessica discuss:

  • Jessica’s trip to Belize
  • The importance of making traveling sustainably easier for travelers
  • Why sustainable travel should be the rule, not the exception
  • The shift Jessica is seeing in the market toward more purposeful travel

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Jessica Blotter.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 

LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

🌎​​​​​​​​

Check out Kind Traveler on the web, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

Listen to Soul of Travel Episode 106, Women Making an Impact with Emily Goldfischer.


Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women. Find solo travel trips for women over 50 on JourneyWoman.

Follow us on Instagram: @journeywoman_original, @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Jessica Blotter (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by

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Guiding Better with Nikki Padilla Rivera: Season 2 Replay11 Oct 202300:58:43

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In this special replay episode, we revisit one of Season 2: Voices of Women’s most popular episodes! Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Nikki Padilla Rivera, Co-Founder of The Global Guide Alliance. After a career of guiding of her own in NYC, Nikki created and ran the Guide Program for Intrepid’s Urban Adventures, creating a community amongst 1500+ guides in 160+ cities around the world. She believes that travel should benefit a local place and that guides are in the perfect position to educate travelers on how to protect and appreciate their destinations.

Christine and Nikki discuss:

  • How travel guides continue to be left out of the conversation of moving the travel industry forward
  • How guides are the perfect people to educate travelers on connecting with and caring for destinations and communities
  • Travel guides taking ownership of the travel experience
  • Bringing the female perspective into guides and travel leadership

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Nikki Padilla Rivera.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

🌎​​​​​​​​

Guide Together - ShareTheLove

Check out the Global Guide Alliance and TripKinetics!

Visit Atlas Obscura to find trips designed by experienced travelers, including Nikki.

Connect with Nikki on Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit The Global Guide Alliance on Instagram.

Listen to Christine’s Season 2 interview with Rosette Dekool & Hannah Bamwerinde of Adventures With Locals on the Soul of Travel Podcast.


Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women. Find solo travel trips for women over 50 on JourneyWoman.

Follow us on Instagram: @journeywoman_original, @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Nikki Padilla Rivera (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by

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Intentional Adventure Tourism with Gabi Stowell: Season 1 Replay04 Oct 202300:52:10

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In this special replay episode, we revisit Season 1: Travel Rising’s most popular episode! And in fact, it’s the very first episode of the Soul of Travel Podcast!

Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Gabriella Stowell, current Vice President of Regional Development at the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), the largest global network of adventure travel leaders.

Gabi has always loved nature, from early in her childhood and studying ecology to her current endeavors in travel. Born in Brazil, Gabriella now lives in the U.S. She is known for her ability to motivate and unite teams in accomplishing a common goal, managing different stakeholder expectations, and bringing different people together to accomplish shared goals.

The ATTA is a privately held, for-profit industry trade group that serves to network, educate, professionalize and promote the adventure travel industry.  They find their success by serving its members and advancing responsible, sustainable adventure travel practices.

Christine and Gabi discuss:

  • The importance of soaking in the culture of the places where we travel
  • The power of choosing small, local properties and restaurants
  • The future of travel
  • Re-orienting the travel industry toward women
  • Changing the face of the travel industry with intention and care

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Gabriella Stowell.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

🌎​​​​​​​​

Check out the Adventure Travel Trade Association.

Connect with Gabi on Instagram, Facebook,  or LinkedIn.


Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women. Find solo travel trips for women over 50 on JourneyWoman.

Follow us on Instagram: @journeywoman_original, @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Gabriella Stowell (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by

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Immersive Community-Based Travel with Rebecca Braak20 Sep 202300:57:58

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In the final episode of Soul of Travel Season 4: Women Influencing Change, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Rebecca Braak, founder of Rebecca Adventure Travel and EcuaFina. 

Rebecca Adventure Travel’s mission is to create authentic and adventurous experiences for every world-minded traveler. Rebecca leads a multicultural team to create experiences designed to be as socially, economically, and ecologically responsible as possible, paying close attention to the local community's well-being and working with community-based tour operators, restaurants, and hotels.

In 2019, Rebecca opened a travel concept store, offering artisan handcrafted blankets, ponchos, and home decor exported directly from Ecuadorian indigenous weavers and makers.

Christine and Rebecca discuss:

  • How a love of horseback riding led to a horse ranch into the Andes, a move across the world
  • Creating horseback riding trips in Ecuador
  • The evolution of Rebecca Adventure Travel
  • Meaningful and community-based tourism in Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru
  • The road to following your passion and heart and leaning into the unknown

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Rebecca Braak.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

🌎​​​​​​​​

To learn more about Rebecca Adventure Travel, visit the website! Learn more about EcuaFina, and visit upcoming trip itineraries to Ecuador and the Galapagos and this nine-day trip to the Amazon specifically designed for women.

Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn or find Rebecca Adventure Travel on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest!

Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Rebecca Braak (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by

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Thailand with Christine Winebrenner Irick: PodSwap with The Trip That Changed Me Podcast13 Sep 202300:58:13

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Welcome to a special podswap episode of the Soul of Travel Podcast! Host Esme Benjamin of The Trip That Changed Me podcast interviewed our very own Christine Winebrenner Irick.

Christine is the entrepreneur behind the group travel company, Lotus Sojourns, and the host of The Soul of Travel podcast, which features guests making a positive impact on the tourism industry.

In this episode, Christine shares the story of her first big trip to Asia. Amid a period of rebirth, as her career and marriage were crumbling, Christine took inspiration from Alex Garland's book, The Beach, and set off for Thailand with one good friend and no solid plans. In Christine's own words, what unfolded was a perspective-shifting experience that would "reveal who she would become."

Fast forward to 2023, and Christine was recently named one of the most influential women in travel, an accolade that speaks to her work highlighting how sustainable tourism can support gender equality.

Available now on The Trip That Changed Me Podcast, and in our Soul of Travel feed on your favorite podcast app!

In the episode, Esme and Christine discuss:

  • The powerful draw of travel and the possibilities it creates
  • Stepping into Thailand for the first time… into an MTV Halloween party
  • The transformational power of travel
  • Traveling mindfully and responsibly

Join Christine and Esme now for this soulful conversation.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

🌎​​​​​​​​

Stay up-to-date on The Trip That Changed Me podcast by Full-Time Travel.


Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Esme Benjamin (Host). Christine Winebrenner Irick (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing and production by Full-Time Travel. Content writing by Carly Oduardo.

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Travel’s Deep Healing with Esme Benjamin07 Sep 202300:59:04

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In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Esme Benjamin, an award-winning writer, editor, and broadcaster based in New York City. Her editorial work can be found in ELLE, Condé Nast Traveler, Refinery29, SELF, Well&Good, Trip Advisor, Culture Trip, and more. 

Esme is the current Editor-in-Chief of Full-Time Travel and host of the podcast The Trip That Changed Me, which features transformative travel stories from guests including writer/illustrator Mari Andrew, Top Chef judge Gail Simmons, and more.

In Season Four of the podcast The Trip That Changed Me, Esme interviews many exciting guests in the travel world, including Laurie Woolever (Anthony Bourdain’s former assistant), prolific travel writer Pico Iyer, and Emmy award-winning host Samantha Brown.

In the episode, Christine and Esme discuss:

  • Their most powerful travel experiences
  • Travel’s role as a catalyst for change
  • Navigating mental health and travel
  • Traveling with anxiety
  • Wanderess: The Unearth Women Guide to Traveling Smart, Safe, and Solo

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Esme Benjamin.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

🌎​​​​​​​​

Learn more about Esme on her website!

Explore the world like an insider with Full Time Travel.

Stay up-to-date on The Trip That Changed Me podcast by Full-Time Travel.

Get your copy of Wanderess by Unearth Women on Penguin Random House.

Follow Esme on your favorite social media network!

Connect with Esme on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Esme Benjamin (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.


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Answering the Call to Travel With Juliana Dever23 Aug 202301:02:26

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In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Juliana Dever, a travel writer, photographer, actor, and TV host and the founder of Clever Dever Wherever.

Juliana is a cultural tour curator who has traveled to more than sixty countries and has lived in four (USA, France, Russia, and Greece). Each year, she spends several months abroad, connecting with locals and gathering insider information to help other curious travelers take more meaningful trips.

Combining her love of cultural connection with her natural storytelling abilities, Juliana works with women in Central Europe to develop small-group cultural immersion adventures in their home countries. These travel deep-dives work to support local female and family-owned businesses in Georgia, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Poland.

Juliana has been featured on Fox’s Good Day LA and Smithsonian.com, and was selected by Frommer’s as someone shaping modern travel trends. As an actor, she’s best known for her role as Jenny Ryan on the globally popular show Castle and as Rachel Hawkerson on 9-1-1.

Christine and Juliana discuss:

  • Traveling more slowly
  • Connecting with people in a meaningful way while traveling
  • Helping travelers move past the highly marketed versions of travel 
  • Creating equal exchanges during travel
  • Traveling beyond the places on most people’s bucket lists
  • GOATS!

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Juliana Dever.

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Learn more about CleverDever Wherever, and download your Free CleverTraveler Checklist Bundle!

Connect with Juliana on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or YouTube!

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  


Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes. Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Juliana Dever (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by

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Messages of Hope for Global Menstrual Equity with Ceylan Rowe10 Sep 202500:56:41

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In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, presented by @journeywoman_original, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Ceylan Rowe.

Ceylan is the Founder and CEO of the Fihri Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing period poverty by providing sustainable menstrual products to women and girls in underserved communities around the world. Under her leadership, the foundation has reached communities in over 16 countries, supporting those affected by natural disasters, displacement, and lack of access to essential resources. Ceylan’s passion for equity and humanitarian work stems from her personal experiences as a child of Turkish immigrants and from witnessing the impact of the 1999 earthquake in Turkiye. She has served as a Commissioner for the MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women, advocated for menstrual equity legislation in Massachusetts, and even ran for Massachusetts State Representative in 2020. A dedicated mother of two, she continues to inspire through her commitment to ensuring that no one is held back by their period.

Christine and Ceylan discuss:

· The realities of period poverty and how it impacts women and girls globally and in the U.S.

· Reflections on empowerment, dignity, and the hope created when women support one another

· Breaking the systemic barriers that make access to menstrual care a challenge

· The Fihiri Foundation and the Million Period Product Palooza

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Ceylan Rowe.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? Support our work on Buy Me a Coffee. Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

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Connect with Ceylan and Fihiri Foundation on social media: Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn.

Learn more about how you can impact period poverty with Fihiri Foundation.

The Fihri Foundation will launch the Million Period Product Palooza this September, distributing one million period products across the U.S. and internationally to communities in need.

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Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women. Find solo travel trips for women over 50 on JourneyWoman.

Follow us on Instagram: @journeywoman_original, @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Ceylan Rowe (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by

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Community-Based Transformational Travel with Poonam Rawat-Hahne16 Aug 202300:52:05

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In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Poonam Rawat-Hahne, founder of Fernweh Fair Travel - Uplifting Communities, a women-led organization offering powerful, authentic travel experiences and unforgettable mountain adventure sports in the majestic Indian Himalayas.

Poonam is a community-based tourism consultant specializing in adventure, responsible, and regenerative tourism designing, development, and execution. She has a proven track record in product development, strategy planning, eco-accommodation, and transformational travel designing while positively impacting host communities and the environment. Poonam has a strong passion for adventure, people, nature, spirituality, culture, and permaculture. She is on the board of directors committee in various prestigious organizations and is a volunteer firefighter in Germany. She is an ATTA ambassador and an accredited Transformational Travel designer. 

"We are looking to develop business collaborations with companies that share our values. We offer guided tours that integrate nature-based adventures and spiritual retreats with Indigenous cultural activities in the Indian Himalayas for small groups. Our unique programs are curated to educate, connect, and transform travelers - as well as our community. " ~ Poonam Rawat-Hahne

Christine and Poonam discuss:

  • How a ten-day trip impacts the lives of 607 women
  • Transformational travel through community-based tourism
  • Connecting with values-aligned partners to support strategic growth harmonious with community needs
  • Designing adventures based on nature, people, and culture
  • Following your dreams and your soul’s work with grit and determination
  • Finding our way through burnout and back to our vision
Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Poonam Rawat-Hahne.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

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Learn more about Fernweh Fair Travel - Uplifting Communities!

Connect with Poonam on LinkedIn, or follow Fernweh Fair Travel - Uplifting Communities on Instagram or Facebook! Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

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A Journey to Joy with Jennifer Broome09 Aug 202300:59:16

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In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with freelance journalist and meteorologist Jennifer Broome. Jennifer is a freelance multimedia travel and environmental journalist for broadcast, digital, and print outlets, including AAA, The Weather Channel, Local Now, The List TV Show, Matador Network, NewsBreak, and multiple television stations in top 50 markets. 

With 29 years of experience as a television meteorologist and anchor, Jennifer is an on-camera travel and outdoors expert, host, and reporter. She’s also a content creator, blogger, and speaker. Based in Denver, Colorado, she has traveled to 44 countries and 4 continents, all 50 U.S. states and 170 U.S. National Park Service sites, including 37 national parks. She specializes in adventure travel, solo travel, national parks, road trips, sustainable tourism, weather and climate, and luxury travel, and is currently on a quest to visit all 424 National Park Service sites.

Christine and Jennifer discuss:

  • The magic of National Parks and National Park Service sites
  • The most overlooked opportunities in US National Parks
  • The most difficult-to-reach US National Park
  • Ideal times and strategies for visiting US National Parks
  • The spirit of adventure and how that drives our travel

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Jennifer Broome.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes! Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

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Learn more about Jennifer Broome and Broome Endeavors on her website, Swept Away Today. Facebook: JenniferBroomeTV Instagram: @jenniferbroometravel TikTok: @jenniferbroometravel Twitter: @jenniferbroome YouTube: Swept Away With Jennifer Broome LinkedIn: JenniferBroome Pinterest: Swept Away With Jennifer Broome

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women. Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Jennifer Broome (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.

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The Business of Travel with Katie Broadhurst02 Aug 202301:04:34

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In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Katie Broadhurst, Online Business Manager and Travel Systems Specialist and co-founder of Peak Flow OBM, a business management agency specializing in supporting adventure travel and tourism businesses with software & processes.

As a passionate, process-driven Certified Online Business Manager, Katie specializes in helping travel-based businesses get organized, automate, and get found. Combining her software knowledge, productivity expertise, and over 15 years working in the adventure travel & tourism industry with her OBM skills, Katie has developed the drive to help her clients take their businesses to the next level. 

Watching clients transition from confused and unorganized to calm, confident decision-makers brings Katie joy. When she’s not helping entrepreneurs online, you can find her outside enjoying nature - hiking, biking, paddle boarding, and skiing - with her partner Will and our pup Zaya. They usually spend ski seasons in the Kootenay region of British Columbia and summers exploring in their '84 Winnebago.

Christine and Katie discuss:

  • Love of outdoors and adventure guiding
  • Transitioning from adventure guiding to behind the scenes
  • Information management for travel business owners
  • Travel tech and how we can use it to simplify and strategically grow our businesses

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Katie Broadhurst.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

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Learn more about Peak Flow OBM.

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn, Instagram,  or Twitter, or join Peak Flow OBM’s Facebook Group.

Check out Katie’s workshop for travel professionals, “Find Your Freedom with Automation.” 


Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Katie Broadhurst (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by

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Mindfulness and Wellness in Group Travel with Elinor Fish26 Jul 202301:04:03

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In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Elinor Fish, CEO of Run Wild Retreats, which offers women-only running retreats around the globe.

Elinor’s career began at Banff Lake Louise Tourism, where she managed travel media relations for the crown jewel of Canada’s national park system. She learned the art of itinerary design while creating fam trips for the travel industry’s best writers, photographers, and film crews worldwide.

Leaving the Canadian Rockies in 2004, Elinor moved abroad, first to Australia, then the USA, where she bounced between her passions: travel and running. For the next 10 years, she spent time working as the editor of a running magazine and doing tourism marketing for destinations ranging from the Province of Alberta to Catalina Island, California.

She founded Run Wild Retreats Inc in 2010 as a way to marry her passion for running and travel, and over the past dozen years has grown the organization into one of the top travel companies for runners, winning an award from Runner’s World magazine in 2020 for “Best Women-Only Trips.” Today, Run Wild Retreats is an IATA-accredited tour operator offering tours in 10 countries; they employ seven women and are proud to be on the leading edge of the transformational travel movement.  

Christine and Elinor discuss:

  • The experience of starting an adventure travel company for women
  • The changing landscape of adventure travel
  • The transformational power of travel
  • How Run Wild Retreats helps create spaces for travelers to be more mindful and present

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Elinor Fish.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

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Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

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To learn more about Run Wild Retreats, visit the website!

Connect with Elinor on LinkedIn or follow Run Wild Retreats on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram!

Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Elinor Fish (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by

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Sustainable Family Travel with Samantha Runkel19 Jul 202301:03:02

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In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Samantha Runkel, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Heyterra, a sustainable travel platform and digital publication for families.

Heyterra shares sustainable travel tips as well as stories of trailblazing travel families, leading changemakers and purpose-driven organizations to help families use travel as a tool to educate, inspire, and improve the world.

A former recording artist and musician, Samantha has translated her career of touring and making records into the sustainable tourism sector through a decade of documentary travel with her husband (a travel photographer and photojournalist) and their two small children. 

Samantha is also a sustainability advocate across different spaces, from working with plastic initiatives in Europe to producing music with communities living on the front lines of climate change. 

Christine and Samantha discuss:

  • How to use music as a way to connect with and explore the world
  • Traveling sustainably as a family
  • How travel can be a catalyst for challenging conversations
  • How to support children as they move through the discomfort and growth associated with travel

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Samantha Runkel.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

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To learn more about Heyterra, visit the website!

Connect with Samantha on LinkedIn, or follow Heyterra on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter!


Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Samantha Runkel (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.


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Leading in Your Voice Through Vulnerability with Casey Hanisko12 Jul 202301:12:30

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In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Casey Hanisko, a passionate advocate for women’s leadership in adventure travel and tourism. Casey is a leadership and business coach and adventure travel marketing and sustainability consultant.

As former president of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and an executive in the private travel industry, Casey has a history of seeking ways to uplift and spotlight women+ leaders in travel. Her endeavors include leading ATTA’s women's leadership initiative, organizing women’s leadership forums, and mentoring women+ personally and through Camber’s Ann Krick Mentorship program. Casey is a member of the International Women’s Forum and Washington Women’s Foundation and has written and spoken about women+ leadership throughout her career.

Casey helps women+ in the adventure and outdoor industries be great leaders and build great businesses. As an advocate for women’s advancement in the industry, she collaborates with women+ to support their leadership growth with creativity, empathy, and accountability. Tapping into passion and purpose, she focuses on helping women+ bring their whole selves to work and embrace their natural leadership style, giving it value and a voice.

Christine and Casey discuss:

  • Gender equity in tourism
  • Leadership in travel and tourism
  • Experiences with and influences of masculine leadership in adventure travel
  • Entrepreneurship and aligning business with our whole selves

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Casey Hanisko.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

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To learn more about Casey Hanisko’s leadership coaching and sustainability consulting, visit the website!

Connect with Casey on LinkedIn or Facebook!


Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Casey Hanisko (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.


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Impactful Travel Storytelling with Lebawit Lily Girma05 Jul 202301:07:20

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In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Lebawit Lily Girma, an Ethiopian-American freelance travel journalist specializing in sustainable tourism and storytelling from both consumer and business perspectives. Lily contributes to various travel publications, primarily Bloomberg Pursuits, and her writing and photography have been published over the years in BBC, CNN, Skift, National Geographic Traveller UK, Travel & Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, and Sierra, among others. 

Lily ditched her Washington, DC law office in 2008 to follow her passion for storytelling and social impact through sustainable tourism. She hasn’t looked back since and splits her time between Maryland and the Dominican Republic, where she has family on both ends.

Lily recently launched Tourism Lens, a hub for travelers and travel industry members to gather around ideas to center nature and host communities as key beneficiaries of travel. 

Christine and Lily discuss:

  • Transitioning from law to travel writing
  • Early career decisions and writing for travel guidebooks
  • Curating stories mindfully and sustainably
  • The effects of the global pandemic on conversations in travel
  • The work of Tourism Lens in sharing diverse perspectives and solutions from tourism advocates and leaders from all parts of the travel industry

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Lebawit Lily Girma.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

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To learn more about Tourism Lens, visit the website!

Read Lebawit Lebawit Lily Girma’s Bloomberg articles here.

Find Moon Travel Guides here.

Connect with Lebawit Lebawit Lily Girma on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram, or follow Tourism Lens on Instagram!


Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Lebawit Lily Girma (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by

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Intuitive Travel Marketing with Lynan Saperstein28 Jun 202300:56:30

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In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Lynan Saperstein, Owner, CEO, and Chief Marketing Strategist of The Experience Experts. Lynan is a luxury marketing strategist who has been intuitively guiding the launchpads for retreat centers & boutique hotels to consistently get more bookings and revenue for over 12 years.

Lynan and her team offer a comprehensive, full-service approach for all your digital marketing needs, including a high-converting & driving-traffic online presence, big-picture business growth strategies around the dynamic retreat & wellness market, and increased profitable lead generation. The end result is your property and brand transformed from being virtually unknown to a highly-coveted and booked-solid destination or experience. She is currently based in Colorado with her partner & new baby girl, sharing her online marketing wisdom and hosting entrepreneur immersions, Trailblazer’s Retreats.

Christine and Lynan discuss:

  • What it takes to make living a location-independent lifestyle a reality
  • How Lynan brings intuition and expertise together to create unique marketing strategies for her clients
  • How we can bring intentional and mindful travel experiences into our family lives
  • Opportunities for families to travel and have transformational experiences together
  • Lynan’s unexpected experience living in India and Thailand in 2020 and 2021
  • Entrepreneurship as a pathway to growth


Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Lynan Saperstein.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

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To learn more about The Experience Experts, visit the website!

Connect with Lynan on LinkedIn or Facebook, or follow The Experience Experts on Instagram!


Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Lynan Saperstein (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.


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The Potential of Travel Advisors Impacting Sustainability with Rose O’Connor21 Jun 202300:59:50

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In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with award-winning sustainable travel consultant and educator Rose O'Connor. Rose is the founder and CEO of Sustainable Wanderlust, which helps travel businesses assess, develop, market, and promote sustainable practices to travel professionals and recreational travelers. 

Rose has consulted with several top travel brands on various sustainability projects, including serving on the Virtuoso Sustainability Council, where she collaborates with other travel leaders on initiatives to move the industry toward a more responsible and sustainable future. Rose is a trusted source on the subject of sustainable travel for several media outlets, including Condé Nast Traveler, The New York Times, Virtuoso Life, and Barron’s. The Environmental Defense Fund selected her as a 2021 Climate Corps Fellow, received the 2021 Virtuoso Luminaries, Legends, and Leaders Environmental Award, and was recently named one of 2023’s Most Influential Women in Travel by Travel Pulse.

Christine and Rose discuss:

  • The role that travel advisors play in educating travelers
  • Shifting the market demand toward sustainable travel
  • Rose’s 10-week sustainable travel course that was created for travel advisors 
  • Sustainability assessments and business strategy and marketing
  • Defining sustainable and regenerative travel practices
  • The transformational power of travel

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Rose O'Connor.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

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Discover more about Sustainable Wanderlust.  Learn more about Sustainable Wanderlust’s ten-week course on sustainability here.

Connect with Rose on LinkedIn or follow Sustainable Wanderlust on Instagram and LinkedIn

Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here! Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women. Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Rose O’Connor (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by

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Expanding Sustainability Mindsets in Travel and Tourism with Carla Campos14 Jun 202301:11:22

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In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with award-winning travel and tourism executive Carla Campos, who served as the Government of Puerto Rico’s Tourism Minister.

Through her own consulting practice, Carla supports governments and organizations as a destination manager, strategist, and sustainability specialist. Carla’s practical experience in tourism development throughout Latin America and the Caribbean has positioned her as a fiercely determined and purpose-driven industry leader capable of transforming challenging circumstances as catalysts for tourism growth. 

Carla is recognized as a key driving force behind the recent transformation of Puerto Rico into an avant-garde destination that has overcome historical challenges, including Zika virus, Hurricanes Irma and Maria, earthquakes, political unrest, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the implementation of destination management plans, sound public policy, and building strategic public-private alliances, the island has been able to bounce back and report record-breaking travel and tourism performance repeatedly.

Carla is a strong supporter of women’s leadership in travel and tourism and believes that sustainability must serve as a pillar for operational excellence in travel and tourism.

Christine and Carla discuss:

  • Sustainable tourism and shifting perspectives
  • Mindset shifts we can make when responding to crises
  • Navigating transitions in our career and personal life
  • Experiencing early career success
  • Aligning our work with our purpose, values, and identity

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Carla Campos.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

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Connect with Carla on LinkedIn


Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Carla Campos (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.

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Intentional Adventure Travel as Medicine with Liz Galloway03 Sep 202501:04:21

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Intentional Adventure Travel as Medicine with Liz Galloway

In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, presented by @journeywoman_original, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Liz Galloway.

Liz Galloway is a seasoned PR specialist and media professional with a passion for extreme adventure, drawing on experience in brand strategy, media production, luxury travel, wellness, videography, and the adventure industry. She founded Brand Sanity Media and The Well Mind Project to unite travel, media, and mental health advocacy through immersive retreats and wellness programming. Her work spans high‑profile national and international placements, from USA Today to Robb Report, where she blends purpose with placement and produces impactful videos, commercials, and broadcast campaigns. An energetic interim TV host, Liz brings fresh perspectives and has managed multimillion‑dollar marketing and communications budgets, leading data‑driven, AI‑enhanced digital campaigns to grow market share. She organizes TEDxBelltown Women in Seattle and channels adventure, including ocean yacht racing for charity, peak bagging, helicopter flying, and leading adventure‑wellness retreats and more to help people break barriers. Liz’s work focuses on creating authentic, impactful brand narratives that foster deep connections and highlight sustainability, social responsibility, and global exploration. 

Christine and Liz discuss:

· The ways in which travel heals the body, mind, and spirit

· Travel as a catalyst for personal transformation and mental wellbeing

· How side journeys are often the most rewarding
· What happens when we are open and curious in our lives

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Liz Galloway. 

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


Love these soulful conversations and want to expand our reach? Support Soul of Travel on Buy Me a Coffee, subscribe here to Apple Podcasts, and rate and review your favorite episodes.

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Connect with Liz on your favorite social media network! Instagram / LinkedIn 

Learn more about the Well Mind Project here.

Inquire about how you can maximize your brand’s visibility with Liz at Brand Sanity Media.

Register to see the next TEDx Belltown Women in Seattle or learn more about speaking opportunities.

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Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women. Find solo travel trips for women over 50 on JourneyWoman.

Follow us on Instagram: @journeywoman_original,

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Building Resilience and Opportunity with Christina Lawford08 Jun 202300:37:56

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Welcome to the final installment of this special interview series on the Soul of Travel Podcast. We are excited to partner with Women in Travel (CIC) to bring you exclusive conversations with their community members to set the stage for the upcoming International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum to be held on June 22nd at Google headquarters in London. 

This partnership is important because of the aligned missions of Soul of Travel and Women in Travel, founded by past podcast guest and award-winning founder Alessandra Alonso. Women in Travel (CIC) is a UK-based social enterprise dedicated to empowering all women using travel, tourism, and hospitality as a force for good. They offer employability, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and male allyship programs and communities. 

In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Christina Lawford, Founder and CEO of Diamond Air International and Co-Founder and CEO of Evolve Car. In 2022, Christina became part of the book Unstoppable Women, telling the story of Female Entrepreneurs and their respective journeys through business and life. She also serves on the Executive Board for Women in Travel CIC. 

Christine and Christina discuss:

  • Improving the air and rail travel experiences with custom meet and assist services
  • Women in leadership in travel and aviation
  • Creating meaningful and reliable employment in the travel industry for women who have experienced homelessness, domestic abuse, or gender violence
  • Resilience in business through challenging moments

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Christina Lawford.

🌎​​​​​​​​

To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 

LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

🌎​​​​​​​​

To learn more about Diamond Air International, visit the website!

Connect with Christina on LinkedIn, or follow Diamond Air International on Twitter or Facebook

Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Christina Lawford (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by

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Healing and Mental Wellness Through Travel with Shay Sane31 May 202300:59:07

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In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Shay Sane, Founder and Executive Director of Black Girls On The Go, Inc. ®, an innovative wellness brand for ambitious, conscious, dynamic, trailblazing, Strong Black Women (SBW) to Live in Wellness, Exuberance & Happiness™. Their mission is to help women prioritize their mental health through advocacy work, conferences, facilitating seminars, delivering training and workshops, and facilitating Therapeutic Travel Experiences aka (TTraVsperiences®). After being diagnosed with high-functioning major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and epilepsy, Shay became a Mental Health Advocate. She is currently in training to become a Facilitator with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and is also a Brand Ambassador for Invisible Disabilities. Her work of creating an outlet for black women to heal has been featured in Black Enterprise, Rolling Out, Travel Noire, Madame Noire, and Work Your Business Magazine, and she was selected to participate in Facebook’s Leadership Summit. To date, Shay has amassed a tribe of over 30,000 women who desire to heal and build sisterly bonds through travel. 

In the episode, Christine and Shay discuss:

  • How her personal journey has inspired the community and experiences she creates for black women to heal through travel
  • Therapeutic travel experiences
  • The increased need for more mental health support in recent years
  • Getting out of the box when creating your business
  • How women can create communities of support in their affinity spaces
  • Upcoming events by Black Girls On The Go, Inc. ®

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Shay Sane.

🌎​​​​​​​​

To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

🌎​​​​​​​​

To learn more about Black Girls On The Go, visit the website!

Connect with Shay on LinkedIn, or follow Black Girls On The Go on Facebook or Instagram!

Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Shay Shane (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by

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Women Transforming Tourism Leadership with Eljesa Saciri24 May 202300:31:51

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Welcome to the third installment of this special interview series on the Soul of Travel Podcast. We are excited to partner with Women in Travel (CIC) to bring you exclusive conversations with their community members to set the stage for the upcoming International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum, being held on June 22nd at Google headquarters in London. 

This partnership is important because of the aligned missions of Soul of Travel and Women in Travel, which is founded by past podcast guest and award-winning founder Alessandra Alonso. Women in Travel (CIC) is a UK-based social enterprise dedicated to empowering all women using travel, tourism, and hospitality as a force for good. They offer employability, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and male allyship programs and communities. 

In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Eljesa Saciri, General Manager at the Zetter Townhouse Marylebone. 

Eljesa is a pioneer in the hospitality industry who passionately advocates for women in business, equal pay, and gender equity. She has been recognized by a number of media outlets, including Top50Boutique Hotels, Inspiring Women in Hospitality, and The Independent Hotel Show. 

Christine and Eljesa discuss:

  • Women in leadership in hospitality management
  • Breaking down barriers
  • Women taking leadership roles in the workplace
  • Getting comfortable with taking up space and being more visible
  • Acknowledging and celebrating our successes and accomplishments

If you are inspired by this conversation and want to connect with other women influencing change, be sure to join us for the International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum. 

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Eljesa Saciri.

🌎​​​​​​​​

To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

🌎​​​​​​​​

Take a look at Women in Travel (CIC)! https://www.womenintravelcic.com/

Register for the International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum and Awards here!


To learn more about The Zetter Hotels & Co, visit the website.

Connect with Eljesa on LinkedIn, or follow The Zetter Hotels & Co on Instagram.


Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns an

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Building a New Travel Ecosystem in Africa with Eyitemi Popo17 May 202300:58:32

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In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Eyitemi Popo, Founder of Girls Trip Tours, an alternative tourism economy driven by women that will change how people travel in Africa. Eyitemi’s companies have been featured in National Geographic, Forbes, Talks and Google, Business Day, and in a United Nations case study on travel and tourism. She is a dedicated global traveler and cultural curator as well as a Forbes-listed social entrepreneur invested in the products, services, and ecosystems that help women thrive.

Christine and Eyitemi discuss:

  • Influence of our family history on our own work
  • Ecosystems of women-led businesses
  • Curating custom, purpose-filled itineraries
  • Importance of catering to women of African ancestry
  • Sharing perspectives that center African women in social, cultural, and historical contexts

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Eyitemi Popo.

🌎​​​​​​​​

To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

🌎​​​​​​​​

To learn more about Girls Trip Tours, visit the website!

Learn about The Girls MAP Foundation here.

Connect with Eyitemi on LinkedIn, or follow Girls Trip Tours on Instagram or Twitter!


Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Jo Hendrickx (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.


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Uplifting Collective Power in Travel and Tourism with Sofya Muhrer-Muromets10 May 202300:33:16

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Welcome to the second installment of this special interview series on the Soul of Travel Podcast. We are excited to partner with Women in Travel (CIC) to bring you exclusive conversations with their community members to set the stage for the upcoming International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum on June 22nd in London. 

This partnership is important because of the aligned missions of Soul of Travel and Women in Travel, founded by past podcast guest and award-winning founder Alessandra Alonso. Women in Travel (CIC) is a UK-based social enterprise dedicated to empowering all women using travel, tourism, and hospitality as a force for good. They offer employability, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and male allyship programs and communities. 

In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Sofya Muhrer-Muromets, Sustainability Lead at Tour Radar, an online adventure booking platform offering over 50,000 organized adventures by trusted global operators. Sofya holds a BA in political science specializing in climate politics and an MBA  in sustainable management. She has set a personal goal to show, guide and support the journey of change toward a better future. Sofya strongly believes that everything is connected and the current climate challenges can be overcome collaboratively. 

Christine and Sofya discuss:

  • Connections between gender equity and sustainability
  • Climate challenges and a collaborative approach to solutions
  • The transformational power of travel
  • The positive impact of tourism and the force in our collective power

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Sofya Muhrer-Muromets.

🌎​​​​​​​​

To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 

LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!  Be sure to rate and review.

🌎​​​​​​​​

To learn more about Tour Radar, visit the website!

Connect with Sofya on LinkedIn, or follow Tour Radar on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, or Facebook

Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotuss

wmnsWORK
The tourism industry’s first business accelerator for women & non-binary early-stage entrepreneurs.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Practical Sustainability in Travel with Jo Hendrickx03 May 202301:04:28

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In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Jo Hendrickx, Founder and CEO of Travel Without Plastic and Horeca Sustainability Solutions. Jo has worked in plastic reduction in the hospitality industry since 2007 after spending her career in tourism, from tour operations to health and safety auditing. Travel Without Plastic creates personalized toolkits and support packages for the hospitality industry with the goal of reducing and even ending the use of single-use plastics without compromising on the travel guest’s experience. 

Christine and Jo discuss:

  • Ways to reduce our single-use plastic as we travel
  • Jo’s experience collaborating with tour operators and collaborating organizations to eliminate and reduce single-use plastic items in Mallorca and Ibiza
  • Plastic-Free Laos - a project that aims to reduce the top five single-use plastic in hospitality by supporting hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops
  •  Hospitality goals in the context of plastic reduction and the considerations to be faced when it's time to scale

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Jo Hendrickx.

🌎​​​​​​​​

To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website.


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

🌎​​​​​​​​

To learn more about Travel Without Plastic, visit the website!

Learn about Plastic Free Laos and reducing single-use plastic in Mallorca and Ibiza.

Connect with Jo on LinkedIn, or follow Travel Without Plastic on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook


Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Jo Hendrickx (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.


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Driving Gender Equity Through Travel & Tourism with Zina Bencheikh26 Apr 202300:38:23

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Welcome to this special interview series on the Soul of Travel Podcast. We are excited to partner with Women in Travel (CIC) to bring you exclusive conversations with their community members to set the stage for the upcoming International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum to be held on June 22nd at Google headquarters in London. 

This partnership is important because of the aligned missions of Soul of Travel and Women in Travel, founded by past podcast guest and award-winning founder Alessandra Alonso. Women in Travel (CIC) is a UK-based social enterprise dedicated to empowering all women using travel, tourism, and hospitality as a force for good. They offer employability, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and male allyship programs and communities. 

In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Zina Bencheikh, the Managing Director of the EMEA region of Intrepid Travel, the world’s largest travel B-corp regarded as a leading advocate for gender equality. 

Christine and Zina discuss:

  • Driving innovation toward more responsible ways of travel
  • Increasing inclusivity in travel
  • The intersection between travel and social justice
  • The International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum
  • Intentionally creating jobs for women in efforts to eradicate poverty and eliminate the gender opportunity gap

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Zina Bencheikh.

LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

🌎​​​​​​​​

Take a look at Women in Travel (CIC)! https://www.womenintravelcic.com/

Register for the International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum and Awards here!


Learn more about Intrepid! Connect with Zina on LinkedIn. Follow Intrepid on InstagramLinkedIn, and Facebook.


Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast

To read a complete transcript, see full show notes, and access resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.souloftravelpodcast.com/podcast-episodes/episode126-zina-bencheikhwmnsWORK
The tourism industry’s first business accelerator for women & non-binary early-stage entrepreneurs.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Collaborative and Ethical Storytelling with Aubrie Canfield19 Apr 202301:08:13

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“If we are saying that we are here to do storytelling for impact, and storytelling in solidarity, then we would want to tell stories that would be best suited to further the work of our collaborators in country.” - Aubrie Canfield

In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Aubrie Canfield, Founder and Managing Producer of Actuality Abroad, an educational travel organization that leads purpose-driven travel experiences with a focus on ethical collaborative documentary storytelling. Actuality Abroad teaches storytellers to seek the knowledge of local experts, leaders, and changemakers with the purpose of listening and learning from them, then documenting and sharing their work and wisdom. Aubrie also moonlights as an advertising producer, partnering with marketers and creatives on meaningful storytelling campaigns. 

Christine and Aubrie discuss:

  • How to make travel and storytelling more meaningful and impactful
  • Traveling to consume versus traveling to connect
  • Distinguishing concepts of “your job” and “your work”
  • Finding and following what lights you up – while keeping the lights on
  • Types of storytelling projects within Actuality Abroad
  • Storytelling as co-creation and collaboration
  • Responsibly sharing photos, videos, and stories after traveling

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Aubrie Canfield.

LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

🌎​​​​​​​​

To learn more about Actuality Abroad, visit the website at https://www.actualityabroad.org/.

Connect with Aubrie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aubrie-canfield-134b014a/

Follow Actuality Abroad on your favorite social media network!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubriecc/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ActualityAbroad

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ActualityAbroad/


Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast

To read a complete transcript, see full show notes, and access resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.lotussojourns.com/podcast-episodes/episode125-aubrie-canfield

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Aubrie Canfield (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by

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Creating Your Own Path in Travel with Nabila Ismail12 Apr 202300:42:57

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“Learning to be okay in your own company is one really big factor of solo traveling, because once you feel confident with your own company, then you can take on anything else.” - Nabila Ismail

In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Nabila Ismail, founder of the Dose of Travel Club and solo female traveler, entrepreneur, and pharmacist. Nabila is a Pakistani-American who is originally from New York and calls the world her home. She’s been solo traveling for the past ten years with the mission to educate herself about the world and inspire other women of color to follow their dreams. Her personal travel brand is Dose of Travel, which combines all of her interests from healthcare, pharmacy, entrepreneurship, and travel into content and idea sharing online. 

Nabila founded the Dose of Travel Club to create a safe, accessible, and inclusive place for travelers on a mission to see more diversity and representation in the travel space. 

Christine and Nabila discuss:

  • The drive to create a welcoming space for other South Asian women travelers and entrepreneurs
  • How our passions can intertwine
  • The role of a different background (like pharmacy!) in giving us unique connections to destinations
  • How journaling while you travel can help you track your shifts in perspective
  • Sharing travel experiences as a content creator
  • Making travel meaningful and impactful

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Nabila Ismail.

LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

🌎​​​​​​​​

To learn more about Dose of Travel and check out Nabila’s upcoming group trips, visit the website at https://www.doseoftravel.co/!

Connect with Nabila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nabila-ismail-pharmd/

Follow Nabila on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doseoftravel/.

Find Nabila on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doseoftravel

Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast

To read a complete transcript, see full show notes, and access resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.lotussojourns.com/podcast-episodes/episode124.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Nabila Ismail (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.


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Forging Global Friendships Through Travel with Bethany Betzler05 Apr 202301:05:56

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“The more that we can be in the present moment, the more that we can see the intricacies and the nuances of what's happening where we are.” - Bethany Betzler

In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Bethany Betzler, Founder and Experience Designer of Hinoki Travels. After the death of her father in 2016, Bethany had an intuitive urge to visit Bhutan – and her transformational travel experience there changed the trajectory of her life in nearly every way. Since then, she began overseeing international partnerships and travel experiences for My Bhutan and completed the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s sustainable tourism program. 

As a community development consultant, Bethany has visited 32 countries – but prefers to return often to a select few. Bethany believes in the importance of going offline and discovering the wild places around us and within us. Through Hinoki Travels, she designs conscious, custom journeys to help you reconnect to yourself and your environment.

Christine and Bethany discuss:

  • Working in alignment with our values
  • The benefits of small group travel
  • The power of transformational travel
  • Deepening connections and forging friendships through travel
  • Boutique, curated travel experiences with experienced guides
  • Mindful and slow travel and considering how where we go affects our minds and wellbeing

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Bethany Betzler.

LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Subscribe to Apple Podcasts here so you don’t miss the latest episodes! —> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soul-of-travel/id1552279594

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

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To learn more about Hinoki Travels, visit https://www.hinokitravels.com.

Connect with Bethany on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-betzler/ or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hinokitravels/!


Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast

To read a complete transcript, see full show notes, and access resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.lotussojourns.com/podcast-episodes/episode123.


Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Bethany Betzler (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.


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Soul of Travel BEYOND! Women's Wisdom: Defining Success On Your Own Terms27 Aug 202500:31:58

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In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, presented by @journeywoman_original, Christine hosts a soulful conversation originally aired as a Soul of Travel: Beyond subscriber exclusive.

We hear from Iris Serbanescu (wmnsWORK), Lila Fox (Lila Fox Travel Co.), and Amanda Riffee (ACR Professional Coaching).

We take a look at the ways that we define success, where those definitions come from, breaking down preconceived notions of success, and honoring our full self along the way.

As Michele Obama stated, “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”

Our perception of success and whether we think we have reached it or not can be one of the things that hold us back from accomplishing all that we wish to in our lives.

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Iris, Lila, and Amanda.

#SoulOfTravel #MindfulTravel #WomensWisdom #TravelPodcast

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on Buy Me a Coffee.

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

🌎​​​​​​​​

Visit the following to check out how our podcast guests are shaking things up in the travel space!

Iris Serbanescu as Founder and CEO of wmnsWORK Tourism Business Accelerator 

Lila Fox Co. for Private Leisure Travel Arrangements & Privately Led Trips by Lila

ACR Professional Coaching for Women with Amanda Riffee

🌎​​​​​​​​

Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women. Find solo travel trips for women over 50 on JourneyWoman.

Follow us on Instagram: @journeywoman_original, @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Iris Serbanescu, Lila Fox, Amanda Riffee (Guests). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by

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The Freedom to Roam with Bronwen Lodato29 Mar 202301:07:03

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“For me, travel is a necessity; sometimes it's with my family, and sometimes it's with my friends, and sometimes it's by myself or strangers. And it's part of what I need in order to be a good person in the world. ” - Bronwen Lodato

In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Bronwen Lodato, Founder and CEO of Bronwen Jewelry, an artisan jewelry line designed for active and traveling women. Coming from a background in outdoor education, Bronwen experienced the need for jewelry that was beautiful but also durable enough to withstand the grit of wilderness, adventure, and world travel. It turns out she wasn't the only one. Today she runs a bustling business in Bend, Oregon, where all the jewelry is made by hand by a team of local women. 

Bronwen's passion for travel has led her to many corners of the globe, where she connects with craft artisans of all types. She has spent over a decade building friendships and partnerships with individuals and groups of artists to bring products with a high social impact to the market. 

Christine and Bronwen discuss:

  • Their common love language and value of community
  • People coming together to have a shared experience
  • Solo travel, loneliness, and perseverance
  • The transformative power of travel and outdoor experiences
  • The magic of connecting with new people
  • How to dispel the myth that travel and self-care are luxuries
  • Create a new narrative around the restoration and healing of travel

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Bronwen Lodato.

LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

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To learn more about Bronwen Jewelry, visit the website at https://bronwenjewelry.com/.

Connect with Bronwen on LinkedIn!

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Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

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To read a complete transcript, see full show notes, and access resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.lotussojourns.com/podcast-episodes/episode122.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Bronwen Lodato (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.


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Accessing the Transformational Power of Awe with Elyse Mailhot22 Mar 202300:59:32

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“It’s the adventure that makes you travel within as well as outside, by the connection you have with the environment you’re in and where it takes you and how it makes you grow and change.” - Elyse Mailhot

In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with transformational travel proponent Elyse Mailhot. Elyse is the Founder and CEO of EM Adventure Marketing, a boutique consultancy specializing in integrated marketing and communication in transformational adventure travel. Elyse brings over 25 years of industry experience and an impressive global media portfolio, having worked with some of North America’s most innovative tourism organizations and DMOs, including Destination Canada, Tourism Vancouver, Destination BC, and leading adventure tour specialists around the world.

Christine and Elyse discuss:

  • The transformational power of travel
  • Creating micro-travel experiences in our everyday lives
  • The power of saying “No” to create more balance in our lives and businesses
  • The concept of awe and what it means in travel and our lives
  • Creating a positive impact through responsible storytelling

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Elyse Mailhot.

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To learn more about Elyse and EM Marketing, visit the website at http://emadventuremarketing.com/.

Connect with Elyse on LinkedIn!

Follow EM Adventure Marketing on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook


Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

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To read a complete transcript, see full show notes, and access resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.lotussojourns.com/podcast-episodes/episode121.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Elyse Mailhot (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.


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Connecting Women in Solo Travel and Tech with Vanessa Karel15 Mar 202300:57:05

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“Women around the world want a solution to navigate safer or to know that they have trustworthy contact wherever they're going. And to me, that drove me. It still drives me.” - Vanessa Karel

In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Vanessa Karel, CEO and Founder of Greet Her, a travel startup that helps women travel safer. Vanessa is a serial entrepreneur, storyteller, and creative producer and was recently named one of the 100 Rising Latinx Startup Founders to Watch. Vanessa is also currently leading Girls in Tech San Francisco as their managing director. In 2020, she finally realized what had been lacking throughout her solo journeys while traveling alone, being stranded in Morocco in the middle of the pandemic, which led her to found Greet Her. In our conversation, Vanessa shares her draw to entrepreneurship, her travels, and her passion for bringing more girls and women into tech.

Christine and Vanessa discuss:

  • Entrepreneurship and resilience
  • Building a business from idea to execution
  • Navigating safely as a solo woman traveler 
  • Utilizing technology inclusively and globally
  • Creating opportunities for women worldwide
  • Breaking down barriers for women to enter tech
  • Improving accessibility for global travelers
  • Mentorship and community in entrepreneurship

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Vanessa Karel.

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To learn more about Greet Her, visit the website at https://www.greether.com/.

Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn.

Follow Greet Her on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook


Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

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To read a complete transcript, see full show notes, and access resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.lotussojourns.com/podcast-episodes/episode120.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Vanessa Karel (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.


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Facilitating Transformational Travel with Ivana Damnjanović08 Mar 202301:09:29

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“The main point of transformational travel, transformational education, is to help people, to guide them, to facilitate them, to get from where they are to where they want to be. ” ​​​​​​~ Ivana Damnjanović

In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Ivana Damnjanović, who is an educator, scientist, and writer working in the transformational travel space. Ivana is an Associate Professor at Singidunum University in Serbia. She focuses her professional interests on sustainable tourism, specifically in protected areas, as well as community wellbeing, amplifying the regenerative and transformational potential of tourist experiences through storytelling, wellness through recreation and adventure, and nature-based tourism.

Christine and Ivana discuss:

  • The language of transformational travel
  • How we share transformational travel experiences
  • Ways to bring students and industry professionals into the conversation of transformational travel
  • The role of education in creating a positive ripple effect 
  • How both travel and education are most rewarding as co-created experiences 
  • Passport equity and other barriers keeping folks from physical and academic equity

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Ivana Damnjanović.

LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

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To learn more about The Transformational Travel Council, visit the website at https://www.transformational.travel/.

Connect with Ivana on LinkedIn.

Follow Ivana on Instagram or Facebook

Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast

To read a complete transcript, see full show notes, and access resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.lotussojourns.com/podcast-episodes/episode119.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Ivana Damnjanović (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.

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Sharing About Places We Love with Aneeqa Ali01 Mar 202301:03:18

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“I think one of the major things that has always been the turning point was finding other, like-minded women who were there to help, to support and to build that supportive community that helped me reach this point where I am now today.” ​​​​​​~ Aneeqa Ali

In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Aneeqa Ali, Founder and CEO of The Mad Hatters, an experiential travel company for adventure-seekers to journey into some of the less explored areas of Pakistan. She also created Root Network, an organization that strives to create an equitable and inclusive tourism industry in Pakistan. The Root Network sponsors the Women in Tourism Fellowship in Pakistan, supporting recent graduates of travel and hospitality in reaching their goals within the tourism sector.

Aneeqa shares the obstacles women face in Pakistan, both from her perspective as a traveler and a business owner in a male-dominated industry and patriarchal society. 

Christine and Aneeqa discuss:

  • How travelers can inform themselves to break down misconceptions about places
  • Starting a travel business as a woman entrepreneur
  • Building community connections to promote trust
  • Sharing about the places we love
  • Bringing local voices into the travel conversation to limit the adverse effects of tourism
  • Women in the tourism industry of Pakistan
  • Helping travelers prepare for backpack and adventure travel destinations

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Aneeqa Ali.

LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

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To learn more about The Mad Hatters Pakistan, visit the website at https://themadhatters.pk/.

To support and learn more about The Root Network, visit https://www.rootnetwork.org/

Connect with Aneeqa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mad-hatters/

Follow Aneeqa on Instagram or Facebook

Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast

To read a complete transcript, see full show notes, and access resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.lotussojourns.com/podcast-episodes/episode118.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Aneeqa Ali (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly

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Storytelling From Sustainable and Transformational Travel with Shiyva Nath22 Feb 202300:58:41

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“My work has changed everything I think I know about life… it's really allowed me to figure out who I am as a person and what my values are, but also to allow things that I haven't known before to influence what I am going to be going forward.” ​​​​​​~ Shivya Nath

Christine’s guest this week is Shivya Nath, bestselling author and founder of Climate Conscious Travel. Shivya creates stories at the intersection of travel, the environment, and local communities on her blog and in publications like BBC Travel, The Washington Post, and Lonely Planet. She also launched the digital storytelling platform Voices of Rural India. At age 23, Shivya quit her nine-to-five corporate job with a dream of traveling the world and gave up her home, sold most of her belongings, and began living the digital nomad life. Shivya is a storyteller, writer, photographer, digital nomad, Instagrammer, social entrepreneur, solo traveler, vegan, and environmentalist. But in her heart, she's just a girl who believes in the transformational power of travel. 

In this week’s episode, Christine and Shivya discuss:

  • Climate awareness and what it means to travel for past, present, and future
  • The human connection to storytelling
  • Taking a moment to be present and celebrate our efforts as entrepreneurs
  • How to bring values of slow, sustainable, and regenerative travel into your travel experiences
  • Traveling while practicing a vegan lifestyle
  • Creating content consciously
  • Utilizing social media to create impact with your storytelling

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Shivya Nath.

LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

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To learn more about Climate Conscious Travel, visit the website at  https://www.climateconscioustravel.com/. Connect with Shivya on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook! Read Shivya’s blog here.

Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast

To read a complete transcript, see full show notes, and access resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.lotussojourns.com/podcast-episodes/episode117.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Shivya Nath (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.


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The Role of Community in Transformational Travel with Catherine Gallagher15 Feb 202301:05:03

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“Through building the community, connecting those leaders and having a place where they're learning from each other and growing together…it helps to spread the ripples further.” ​​​​​​~ Catherine Gallagher

In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Catherine Gallagher, UK-based travel business coach, social entrepreneur, and mastermind facilitator and co-founder of Women Travel Leaders. After spending the first decade of her career in recruitment and talent development, she followed her dreams and set up her own travel business, which she led for the next decade. She loved arranging ethical experiential travel for high-end clients, but she felt lost in the wilderness of entrepreneurship. She wished there was an industry-specific trusted community that she could call upon for support, and now she's excited to be helping shape just this kind of community with Women Travel Leaders. Catherine passionately believes in the transformational effects that travel can bring and is committed to supporting leaders that share this belief.

Christine and Catherine discuss:

  • The importance of community, especially for women in business
  • How entrepreneurship and business creation are a type of creative expression
  • Experiencing community in travel with Women Travel Leaders
  • How community can reinforce your values
  • How to align travel experiences with personal transformation
  • Creating work in alignment with your values
  • Designing and encouraging transformational experiences through travel
  • Bringing children into the travel experience

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Catherine Gallagher.

LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

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To learn more about Women Travel Leaders or to become a member, visit the website.

Connect with Catherine on LinkedIn, and follow Women Travel Leaders on Instagram or Facebook.

Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast

To read a complete transcript, see full show notes, and access resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.lotussojourns.com/podcast-episodes/episode116.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Catherine Gallagher (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, pr

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Leading the Way in Sustainable and Authentic Destination Travel with Juliana Medina08 Feb 202301:10:39

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“It's not enough to say, okay, yes, as women we can do it. We need sometimes to push each other into the water. Because no matter how much we repeat to ourselves we can do it, we don't believe we can. It's not until someone throws us into the water and then we'll realize we can swim. ” ​​​​​​~ Juliana Medina

In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Juliana Medina. Juliana is the founder and CEO of Impulse Travel, Colombia’s most innovative DMC. Impulse Travel’s purpose is to mesh travel with the creative and social sectors in order to create meaningful trips that are a part of the peace process and social transformation of Colombia.

Christine and Juliana discuss:

  • Learning as much as we can about the rich and complex history of every destination when we travel
  • The role of tour guides and DMCs in sharing destinations’ stories 
  • Columbia’s history and progress toward peace
  • Columbia’s exciting position as a destination poised to embrace sustainability and regenerative travel
  • Growth management for travel industry leaders in sustainability
  • How to embrace difficult conversations about culture and place as a tour guide
  • Expanding our understanding of happiness, wealth, and stability
  • Encouraging other women business owners and entrepreneurs to take the leap

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Juliana Medina.

LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

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Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

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To learn more about Impulse Travel in Colombia, visit the website at https://impulsetravel.co/en/.

Catch Juliana and her team on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/julianamedina14/ and https://www.instagram.com/impulse_travel/.

Connect with Juliana on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-med-riv.

Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast

To read a complete transcript, see full show notes, and access resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.lotussojourns.com/podcast-episodes/episode115.


Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Juliana Medina (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.


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Exploring Your Purpose with Lena Papadopoulos01 Feb 202301:02:06

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“When you travel, and when you enter a different world and way of being and engaging with people and the world at large, that’s when you really start to question everything that up until then, for you, has been normal.” ​​​​​​~ Lena Papadopoulos

In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Lena Papadopoulos, Life Purpose and Leadership Coach and founder of Lena Papadopoulos LLC, where she coaches heart-centered, mission-driven visionaries and changemakers to uncover their personal power and honor their unique gifts so they can live their truth, embody their purpose, and make a positive impact in the world.

With 15 years of experience designing and facilitating intercultural learning, community-building, and leadership development programs, Lena has worked with individuals, schools, non-profits, and social enterprises in 10+ countries. She has won awards for her commitment to personalized experiences and successful efforts in humanizing communities, and she’s been featured by Go Overseas, World Footprints, Huffington Post, Elite Daily, and more. Lena has an M.A. in Cultural Anthropology and a graduate certificate in International Development Studies from the University of Colorado. She also has a B.A. in Sociology and Psychology from Clemson University in South Carolina.

Christine and Lena discuss: 

  • Definitions of culture and how they apply to both travel and life
  • Growing up between cultures
  • Cultural conditioning and internalized culture and norms
  • How astrology can help us see ourselves and help us find our purpose
  • Accessing and noticing shifts in your “right-now” purpose
  • Behind-the-curtain look at some of the things Christine loves and how they align with her birth chart and soul purpose

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Lena Papadopoulos.

LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

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Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

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To learn more about Lena’s work helping visionaries embody their power and purpose, visit https://www.lenapapadopoulos.com and https://www.instagram.com/lena_papadopoulos/.

Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast

To read a complete transcript, see full show notes, and access resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.lotussojourns.com/podcast-episodes/episode114.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Lena Papadopoulos (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by

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The Business of Impactful Travel with Sanne Meijboom25 Jan 202300:51:47

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“The travel industry sees that something needs to change, but how do you do that on a large scale? How can you make these shifts? How can we really co-create instead of having a transactional relationship?” ​​​​​​~ Sanne Meijboom

In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with passionate travel entrepreneur Sanne Meijboom, who believes that organizations must find the right balance between profit and positive social and environmental impact.

In combination with her hunger for travel and curiosity to learn from people from different cultures, in Sanne founded I Like Local, an impact travel marketplace where you can directly book authentic travel experiences with local people and community organizations. Recently, she joined forces with ResiRest, a company that connects travelers with social food experiences through travel partners around the world. Both organizations connect travelers with local communities through authentic, immersive travel experiences while building a more inclusive and fair tourism industry. Sanne was recognized in 2020 by Travel Massive as one of the top 100 inspiring woman travel founders.

In this episode, Christine and Sanne discuss redefining success for ourselves and our travel businesses to secure the well-being of people and our planet.

Christine and Sanne discuss:

  •  Different models of success in entrepreneurship and business
  • The process of creating abundance
  • Creating a shift from profit-driven to values-driven business practices
  • The inner work that catalyzes outer change
  • How the responsible business of travel creates a positive impact

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Sanne Meijboom.

LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  

Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

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Connect with Sanne on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sannemeijboom

To learn more about I Like Local and explore impactful travel experiences, visit https://www.i-likelocal.com/en/.

To learn more or partner with Resi Rest, visit https://resirest.com/.

Looking for ways to be a part of the community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast

To read a complete transcript, see full show notes, and access resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.lotussojourns.com/podcast-episodes/episode113.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Sanne Meijboom (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by

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Ethical and Mindful Group Travel with Laura Ericson20 Aug 202501:13:44

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In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, presented by @journeywoman_original, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Laura Ericson.

Laura Ericson traded her 14-year career in higher education in 2021 to start a group travel company after a divorce that became her unexpected catalyst for rediscovery. She's not just a traveler – she's a cultural bridge-builder who ventures beyond tourist hotspots to shine light on misunderstood destinations like Cuba, Kenya, and Colombia.

Since taking the leap into entrepreneurship, Laura has guided over 250 solo travelers through transformative journeys across nine countries. Her childfree lifestyle allows her to fully dedicate herself to creating authentic adventures that many only dream about. As a writer, content creator, and impact-focused travel curator, she designs experiences that don't just cross borders – they break down barriers. Her mission is to help others discover the world's most fascinating places through a lens of authenticity and intention, while creating positive ripples in every community she touches.

Christine and Laura discuss:

· Group travel and what makes it so special

· How travel designers approach creating mindful travel experiences

· The magic in being uncomfortable and what that brings to our growth journey

· Breaking down stereotypes and building connections in travel

Join Christine for this soulful conversation with Laura Ericson.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 


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Connect with Laura on your favorite social media network! Instagram / Podcast Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn

Learn more about Camp Lola Whiskey, the summer camp for adults, here!

Subscribe to the Type 2 Travel Podcast at https://www.lauraericson.com/podcast.

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Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women. Find solo travel trips for women over 50 on JourneyWoman.

Follow us on Instagram: @journeywoman_original, @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Laura Ericson (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.

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How Entrepreneurship Enables Adventure with Jess Stone18 Jan 202300:58:17

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“It really made all the difference to have that practice and that achievement, that feeling of actually getting there and doing a thing that you set out to do, it was really spectacular for me. ” ​​​​​​~ Jess Stone

In this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with activist, entrepreneur, and world traveler Jess Stone. Jess is the founder of Ruffly premier outdoor dog gear, and she’s eight months into a global adventure by motorcycle with her dog, Moxie, and husband, Greg, to raise $100,000 for the global nonprofit Girl Up. 

Christine and Jess discuss:

  • Creating work for women artisans in Guatemala through Ruffly
  • Go Ruffly Around the World supporting Girl Up
  • Tips for planning and preparing for long-term travel - on motorcycles or otherwise!
  • Making your own schedule with life as a digital nomad
  • Dog ownership as a frequent traveler
  • The power of travel and reflection in writing your own life’s narrative

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Jess Stone.


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  


Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

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To learn more about Ruffly ethical dog gear, to follow Jess’s Go Ruffly journey on motorcycle with her dog Moxie, or to purchase your own motorcycle dog carrier, visit the website at https://www.goruffly.com/.

Watch new episodes every Sunday! Go Ruffly Around the World is on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@GoRUFFLY.

Follow Jess’s journey on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/goruffly/.

To learn more about the nonprofit Girl Up or to make a direct donation, visit https://girlup.org/.

Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast

To read a complete transcript, see full show notes, and access resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.lotussojourns.com/podcast-episodes/episode112.


Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Jess Stone (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.


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The Reach of Adventure Travel with Eva Mossberg11 Jan 202300:58:31

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“Travel is a mindset. It doesn't get greater the further you go; it's almost the opposite. It gets greater the more inside you go.” - Eva Mossberg

In this episode, Christine and guest Eva Mossberg explore the business and the global potential of adventure travel. Eva Mossberg is a leader, innovator, and adventuresome expert in the field of sustainable tourism. 

Rooted in the connection between tourism and conservation, they discuss ways to become a more responsible and mindful traveler or tourism professional. 

The definition of adventure travel doesn’t need to be rigid or exclusionary. Instead, think of adventure as a mindset. You’re placing yourself in a new situation with an open mind, ready and willing to learn new truths about yourself and the world.

Listen for the welcoming community both Eva and Christine found in this segment of the industry as you look for your place in the adventure tourism space.

Christine and Eva discuss:

  • Responsible tourism from a natural resources perspective
  • Defining “Adventure Travel” and the broad types of experiences that may fit into the category
  • The business of adventure travel and the potential of adventure tourism professionals collaborating on the same goal
  • How to be a more responsible and ethical traveler
  • The potential positive impact of responsible travel on destinations

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Eva Mossberg.


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To learn more about the Adventure Travel Trade Association and begin your free membership, visit the website at https://www.adventuretravel.biz/.

Explore the programs and courses at RISE Travel Institute by visiting https://www.risetravelinstitute.org/.

Looking for ways to be a part of the community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast

To read a complete transcript, see full show notes, and access resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.lotussojourns.com/podcast-episodes/episode111.


Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Eva Mossberg (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.

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The Power of Solo Travel for Women with Tess Millhollon04 Jan 202301:01:07

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“When women travel alone, they find strength and courage in themselves that they’ve never had before.” - Tess Millhollon

In this episode, Christine shares the possibilities of redefining solo travel with Tess Millhollon, Founder and CEO of Her House and author of Sherbet Skies: A Woman’s Solo Journey to Find Adventure, Fun, and God. 

Tess explains that her time solo traveling was the most confidence-building, healing time in her life, and no job experience compared to the transformation she experienced while traveling.

Her House is an app that makes it easy for solo women travelers to connect with background-checked hosts, so they have safe places to stay and save money while they travel. Tess believes solo women travelers need a way to easily connect with local women so they can find safe accommodation, support, and friendship while traveling alone.

Christine and Tess discuss:

  • The magic of solo travel and redefining what it might look like
  • Helping women heal and grow through travel and connection
  • Traveling in times of transition
  • The benefits of hosting travelers and getting to know your own backyard
  • Increasing women’s opportunities for life-changing travel experiences
  • The link between solo travel and entrepreneurship

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Tess Millhollon.


LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation on PayPal.  


Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.

🌎​​​​​​​​

To learn more about Her House, visit the website at https://www.herhouse.co/.

Join the Her House Facebook Group for solo women travelers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/herhouseapp

Looking for ways to be a part of the community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.

Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast

To read a complete transcript, see full show notes, and access resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.lotussojourns.com/podcast-episodes/episode110.


Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Tess Millhollon (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.



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