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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.

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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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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

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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). Iris Serbanescu, Lila Fox, Amanda Riffee (Guests). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by

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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. 

Support the podcast! Buy Me a Coffee / Subscribe 

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

Christine Sperber, Co-Founder and Chief Experience Officer at MEA, is chief architect of the embodied, experiential aspects of its workshops and programs. She is a former World Cup snowboarder and serial entrepreneur who has launched and grown successful hotels, businesses, and industry-evolving ideas in the sports and hospitality worlds and beyond. The word her workshop participants use most often to describe her is “badass” in recognition of her irrepressible energy and ability to make things happen.

As MEA co-founders, Christine and Chip worked together to turn the idea of a Modern Elder Academy into a reality. She is a devoted team builder whose authenticity, values-based leadership skills, and empathetic engagement create community wherever she focuses her attention. She is a passionate activist and steward of the land and is dedicated to creating transformative experiences that change people’s lives. She makes everything she gets involved in more fun, more meaningful, and more human.

Christine Winebrenner Irick and Christine Sperber discuss:

· Transforming the idea of a “midlife crisis” into a Midlife Chrysalis

· Creating community for important conversations and meaningful connections

· Seeking wisdom and knowledge during life transitions and the need for more support, including during menopause, empty-nesting, retirement and more

· MEA’s upcoming Women’s Health: Reclaim Your Agency, Power, and Freedom retreat

· Joy as Resistance

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Christine Sperber.

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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!

Learn more about MEA, explore the destination workshops, and start reimagining aging at https://www.meawisdom.com/.

Connect with Christine and MEA on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

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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 @souloftr

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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 summer solo show.

Christine shares:

· The value in mindfully taking a pause

· Sharing women’s wisdom and travel abroad with the IWTTF

· The soulful call of Montana for Christine and the beauty of shared spaces with friends

· Soulful book recommendations for summer and fall reading

Join Christine now for this soulful solo show with Christine Winebrenner Irick.

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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. 

Learn more about the upcoming Monthly Soul Circles!

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, or connect with Christine for advertisement or sponsorship information.

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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New listener? Get to know Christine on the Soul of Travel website and take a listen to past episodes and more.

Visit Christine’s book recommendations below!

Rise Sister Rise: A Guide to Unleashing the Wise, Wild Woman Within

Sacred Contracts: Awakening Your Divine Potential by Caroline Myss

Your Inner Physician and You: CranialSacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release by John E. Upledger

The Unseen Body: A Doctor’s Journey through the Hidden Wonders of Human Anatomy by Jonathan Reisman M.D.

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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). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.

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In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, presented by @journeywoman_original, Christine shares The Responsibilities of the Heart: Reflections from WITS, IWTTF, ATTA Elevate and more!

In this solo episode, host Christine Winebrenner Irick invites you into a heartfelt reflection on the powerful lessons, connections, and conversations she experienced over the past few weeks while attending key travel industry events.

“Whatever you do, leave tracks.”

— Ruth Bader Ginsburg, quoted by Finnbar Cornwell of Google UK

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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! Support here: Buy Me a Coffee.

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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). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Christine Winebrenner Irick.

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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 Avery Hale Smith.

Avery Hale Smith is the Chief Experience Officer at Backroads, where she brings a lifelong passion for travel, cultural connection and guest experience. Her global consciousness and love of outdoor adventure was inspired by her family’s extensive travels and time spent in nature throughout her childhood. Her passion for creating meaningful impact began early—at age 12, she founded a nonprofit focused on social advocacy, a commitment that was later recognized by the United Nations. Avery now forges new paths in travel at Backroads as Chief Experience Officer—a role for which she was recognized as one of the “Top 50 Women Chief Experience Officers of 2025” by Women We Admire. Avery Hale Smith looks forward to the future at Backroads, working alongside her father on a mission to open up a world of possibilities and experiences to as many people as possible through the joys of active travel.

Christine and Avery discuss:

• How travel has shaped her as a leader
• The ways in which travel is a reflection of our world 
• Wellness beyond catchphrases and quick fixes
• Women’s Adventures and the 30’s-40’s trips launching this June at Backroads 

Join Christine for this soulful conversation with Avery Hale Smith.

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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! Support here: Buy Me a Coffee.

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Learn more about Backroads and connect with Avery: https://backroads.com

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

Excited to check out the new Backroads travel experiences? Check out Backroads 30s & 40s and Women’s Adventures.

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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). Avery Hale Smith (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.

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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 Eliza Pesuit.

Eliza Pesuit is the Founding CEO of Global Glimpse, a national nonprofit transforming travel into a force for education, impact, and global connection. Under her leadership, the organization has served over 10,000 high school students from diverse backgrounds, provided $20M in scholarships, and built a proven model that cultivates empathy, agency, and global perspective. Named a Top Woman in Travel & Hospitality (2024) and one of Causeartist’s 30 Nonprofit Leaders Who Will Impact the World, Eliza is redefining what it means to prepare the next generation of globally minded, purpose-driven leaders. She is now expanding Global Glimpse’s reach through Global Glimpse Journeys—a new line of custom travel programs for teams, leaders, and professional networks focused on connection, reflection, leadership, and impact.

Christine and Eliza discuss:

· The intersection of travel, education, and impact

· Global Glimpse’s important role for teens and young adults 

· Shifting access to the formative lessons of travel to create a more just and equitable society

· Growth, momentum and trusting the process

· Creating a vision for the ways that travel and education can help us to envision a different future for the tourism industry

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Eliza Pesuit. 

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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.

Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!

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Learn more and connect with Eliza: www.globalglimpse.org

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

Learn more about Global Glimpse Journeys!

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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). Eliza Pesuit (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by

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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 Vaishali Patel.

Vaishali is an author, speaker, coach, and creator of the award-nominated Immersive India Tour, which was voted the UK’s number one city walking tour by The Times and The Sunday Times. Her book Solo Explorers empowers women to embrace solo travel for self-discovery and transformation. In her TEDx talk Your Body’s Intelligence, she explores how creativity can support self-awareness and healing. Through her coaching, tours, and talks, Vaishali helps individuals reconnect with themselves, express their stories, and lead authentically to create meaningful impact.

Christine and Vaishali discuss:

· The connection between travel and our inner journey

· How travel instills confidence and personal and professional transformation 

· The Women in Travel, CIC Tour Guide Academy

· Vaishali’s unexpected journey toward creating a walking tour focusing on Indian culture that became a top selling experience in London

· Bridging Cultures and Creating Harmony in our own backyards

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Vaishali Patel.

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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.

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Learn more and connect with Vaishali: https://www.solo-explorers.com 

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

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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). Vaishali Patel (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly

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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 mashup showcasing wisdom from the Women in Travel CIC community about the International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum (IWTTF).

Women in Travel CIC is a UK-based, award-winning social enterprise dedicated to fostering inclusion in the travel and tourism industry, by connecting underserved, diverse female and non-binary talent to employers and enterprising opportunities.

Christine shares clips from:

· Christina Lawford of Diamond Air International

· Zina Bencheikh, Managing Director EMEA Intrepid Travel

· Sofya Muhrer Muromets, Sustainability Manager at Evaneos

· Eljesa Saciri, General Manager at the Zetter Townhouse Marylebone

· Chantal Potgieter, Themba Travel

Join Christine for this soulful mashup.

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If you would love to join us this year in London for IWTTF, visit iwttf.com to get your ticket for the forum and the IWTTF Awards!

Visit the Soul of Travel Podcast website and search for these past award honorees and nominees to hear more. Jayni Gudka - Unseen Tours, Dee Gibson - Kalukanda House, Zina Bencheikh - Intrepid Travel, Jessica Brooks - Eternal Landscapes, Shayna Zand - WeTravel, Jools Sampson - Reclaim Yourself Retreats. 

We would also like to share special recognition to our Community Partners and Podcast Allies: VanessaKarel - GreetHer, Iris Serbanexcu - wmnsWork, Vincie Ho - RISE Travel Institute, Beth Santos - Wanderful and friend the show, Tami Fairweather.

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.

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Visit iwttf.com to register and join us in June! 

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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). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.

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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 Jessica Blotter.

Jessica Blotter is the visionary CEO and Co-Founder of Kind Traveler, an internationally awarded responsible travel platform revolutionizing how we travel through its signature model, Every Stay Gives Back. As the first platform to connect travelers, hotels, and charities around measurable local impact, Kind Traveler empowers guests to create positive change in their communities by supporting environmental and social initiatives tied to each hotel stay.

Christine and Jessica discuss:

· Kind Traveler’s pivot over the last few years and the Every Stay Gives Back program

· The importance of measurable and transparent impact and sharing that with accommodations and travelers

· How to invest in local communities and the impact this creates on local economies and livelihoods

Join Christine for this soulful conversation with Jessica Blotter. 

Tess Millhollon and the HerHouse team are excited to help make travel easier, safer, and cheaper for women across the world. Support the Kickstarter here!

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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? Contribute to the podcast: Buy Me a Coffee.

🌎​​Learn more and connect with Jessica: https://www.kindtraveler.com/

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

Learn more about how Every Stay Gives Back at KindTraveler.com. Discover Kind Traveler's live positive impact dashboards and impact to date.

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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). Jessica Blotter (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.

Support the show