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Heal Through Travel
Today’s guest is the embodiment of what I call Sacred Action — those tiny, brave, sometimes irrational little yeses that end up rewriting your entire life.
Heidi Brandes is an award-winning journalist, international travel writer, podcast host, belly dancer, medieval re-enactor, and self-described “relentless optimist.” She spent 20 years in hard news — writing about politics, tragedy, and even executions — before making the courageous pivot toward writing about beauty, wonder, and the extraordinary corners of this world.
From immersive belly dance training in Lebanon…
To press trips in Turkey that began with a sketchy email…
To reinventing her career in midlife…
Heidi’s life is a masterclass in what she calls micro-acts of bravery — and what I call Radical Responsibility in motion.
She reminds us that purpose isn’t something you wait for.
It’s something you build — one small yes at a time.
And today, we’re diving into optimism, grief, reinvention, intuition, medieval festivals, travel writing, feminine energy, and what it really means to be fully alive.
Say hello to Heidi.
Grab Your Complimentary copy of Your Inner Billionaire: Book Link
Connect with Heidi:
Official Bio:
Award-Winning Travel Writer & Journalist
Heide Brandes is an Oklahoma based travel writer and journalist with over two
decades of experience bringing destinations and cultures to life through her compelling
storytelling. Her work has graced the pages of prestigious publications including The
Smithsonian, AAA Journeys, AARP, Sierra Magazine, Cowboys & Indians, Garden
& Gun, BBC Travel, National Geographic, AFAR, The Houston Chronicle and
others, establishing her as a respected voice in travel journalism.
Brandes has earned multiple awards from leading journalism organizations, including
honors from the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA), Society
of American Travel Writers (SATW), the Solas Awards, and the Society of
Professional Journalists (SPJ). She is also an award-winning poet and essay writer.
Beyond her writing desk, Brandes embodies the adventurous spirit that infuses her
work. She is a dedicated hiker, an accomplished professional belly dancer, and an
enthusiastic medieval reenactor, all experiences that bring unique perspectives to her
travel narratives and allow her to connect authentically with diverse cultures and
communities around the world.
Currently, she is working on her first book to help women navigate and rediscover
themselves after a loss and she is a public speaker on topics ranging from travel and
travel writing to living life as fully as possible.
Brandes' work reflects her belief that travel writing should do more than merely describe
places but should inspire readers to explore the world with curiosity, respect, and
wonder. Her diverse background and genuine enthusiasm for discovery continue to
inform her writing, making her one of the most engaging voices in contemporary travel
journalism.
View all episodes
By debbiej2Today’s guest is the embodiment of what I call Sacred Action — those tiny, brave, sometimes irrational little yeses that end up rewriting your entire life.
Heidi Brandes is an award-winning journalist, international travel writer, podcast host, belly dancer, medieval re-enactor, and self-described “relentless optimist.” She spent 20 years in hard news — writing about politics, tragedy, and even executions — before making the courageous pivot toward writing about beauty, wonder, and the extraordinary corners of this world.
From immersive belly dance training in Lebanon…
To press trips in Turkey that began with a sketchy email…
To reinventing her career in midlife…
Heidi’s life is a masterclass in what she calls micro-acts of bravery — and what I call Radical Responsibility in motion.
She reminds us that purpose isn’t something you wait for.
It’s something you build — one small yes at a time.
And today, we’re diving into optimism, grief, reinvention, intuition, medieval festivals, travel writing, feminine energy, and what it really means to be fully alive.
Say hello to Heidi.
Grab Your Complimentary copy of Your Inner Billionaire: Book Link
Connect with Heidi:
Official Bio:
Award-Winning Travel Writer & Journalist
Heide Brandes is an Oklahoma based travel writer and journalist with over two
decades of experience bringing destinations and cultures to life through her compelling
storytelling. Her work has graced the pages of prestigious publications including The
Smithsonian, AAA Journeys, AARP, Sierra Magazine, Cowboys & Indians, Garden
& Gun, BBC Travel, National Geographic, AFAR, The Houston Chronicle and
others, establishing her as a respected voice in travel journalism.
Brandes has earned multiple awards from leading journalism organizations, including
honors from the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA), Society
of American Travel Writers (SATW), the Solas Awards, and the Society of
Professional Journalists (SPJ). She is also an award-winning poet and essay writer.
Beyond her writing desk, Brandes embodies the adventurous spirit that infuses her
work. She is a dedicated hiker, an accomplished professional belly dancer, and an
enthusiastic medieval reenactor, all experiences that bring unique perspectives to her
travel narratives and allow her to connect authentically with diverse cultures and
communities around the world.
Currently, she is working on her first book to help women navigate and rediscover
themselves after a loss and she is a public speaker on topics ranging from travel and
travel writing to living life as fully as possible.
Brandes' work reflects her belief that travel writing should do more than merely describe
places but should inspire readers to explore the world with curiosity, respect, and
wonder. Her diverse background and genuine enthusiasm for discovery continue to
inform her writing, making her one of the most engaging voices in contemporary travel
journalism.