Soul of Travel: Women's Wisdom and Mindful Travel

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In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Cynthia B. Mothelesi.

With over thirteen years in the tourism industry, Cynthia B. Mothelesi has turned her lifelong love for travel into a purpose-driven journey that connects people, places, and cultures through her Botswana-based award-winning responsible tour company, Happy Soul Adventures. Cynthia’s travels in Malaysia, Australia, and the world sparked a dream: to create a safe, inclusive, and joyful space for solo female travelers and anyone seeking meaningful adventures. Cynthia believes that to truly experience Africa, you must go beyond the game drives and take time to immerse yourself in local life—share a meal, listen to stories, and dance under the stars with your hosts. Through her storytelling, Cynthia brings these moments to life and uses tourism as a tool for community empowerment and cultural exchange. Beyond travel, Cynthia also works as a tourism business consultant, leading training workshops in rural Botswana to help communities understand and thrive within the hospitality industry. Her long-term dream has been to establish a foundation (HSA Impact) that supports these initiatives sustainably—because empowering local hosts means building a stronger, more authentic tourism ecosystem for everyone.

Christine and Cynthia discuss:

· Transitioning from a short-term rental model to a full-service tour operator

· People and culture-centered soulful travel that prioritizes connection and safety

· Learning how to appreciate and showcase your own backyard

· Slow, responsible travel with community-building initiatives

· Breaking stereotypes and nurturing belonging and deeper mutual understanding through cultural exchange

Join Christine for this soulful conversation with Cynthia B. Mothelesi.

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Visit Happy Soul Adventures to learn more about responsible tours in Botswana.

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

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Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Cynthia B. Mothelesi (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, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Purvi Shah.

Born a 3rd-generation Kenyan-Indian, Purvi’s passion for travel was fueled from the road trips and visits to national parks around Kenya with her family as a child. Some of her earliest memories are watching elephants at a salt lick in the Aberdares. During her university years, she travelled extensively around Europe, USA, South America and Australia, but there was always a great pull to return home; her soul would always be in Africa. After starting a career in dentistry, Purvi met and launched a travel blog with her husband, Kamal, which would become Kampur Travel Diaries, which leads customized safaris throughout Africa with the tagline: Adventure With a Cause. Purvi now dedicates all her time to the company as a senior tour consultant and the head of sustainability, specializing in the little details that make travelers’ safaris exceptional.

Christine and Purvi discuss:

· Transitioning from a traditional career to full-time tourism work in the field of impact-driven travel

· How to emphasize storytelling and soul connection in travel 

· The power of impact initiatives that support community projects including menstrual equity, animal care, and education

· Mindful entrepreneurship that focuses on trusting the process, following intuition, and aligning business with values

· Intentional community-building through local guides and authentic cultural exchange

Join Christine for this soulful conversation with Purvi Shah.

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Visit Kampur Travel Diaries to connect with Purvi and discover your next safari adventure in Kenya.

Connect with Purvi on LinkedIn and check out Kampur Travel Diaries updates on Instagram and Facebook.

Learn more and support the Mara Elephant Project.

Visit Days for Girls International to learn about and support menstrual equity and education.

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Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Purvi Shah (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, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Amanda and Asnath Kessy.

Amanda Kessy is Managing Director and Co-Founder of Still Waters Safaris. Together with her sister, Asnath Kessy, Co-Founder, they create luxury, immersive, personalized safaris across Tanzania, including wildlife adventures in the Serengeti, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, relaxing on Zanzibar’s beaches, and immersing in authentic local cultures. Still Waters Safaris connects guests with the heart and soul of Tanzania. Amanda is passionate about sustainable travel, making sure every journey is unforgettable for their guests while also giving back to local communities and supporting conservation. For her, travel is more than seeing beautiful places; it’s about meaningful experiences, connection, and leaving a positive impact.

Christine, Amanda, and Asnath discuss:

· What it’s like to grow up with a parent in the travel industry

· The value of international education and careers

· Following joy and building a business rooted in sustainability and community impact

· Reshaping the safari experience through women’s leadership

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Amanda and Asnath Kessy.

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Visit Still Waters Safaris for authentic, luxurious, and personalized experiences that allow you to enjoy the wildlife, beaches, and nature of Tanzania.

Connect with Amanda, Asnath, and Still Waters Safaris: Email / Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn 

Learn more about Still Waters Safaris’ upcoming trip with chef and activist Miyoko Schinner.

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

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In this special episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, we are thrilled to share the inspiring wmnsWORK 2025 Cohort 6 Demo Day presentations.

wmnsWORK is an accelerator focused on women and non-binary early-stage entrepreneurs designed to help you get a leg up on your tourism business and rally a community while you build it. They do this through 3 main pillars: Education, Mentorship, and Community.

Through each company's 5-minute pitch, you'll get a glimpse of their passion and dedication as they unveil their unique ventures to fellow members of the tourism industry, and learn how YOU can support them. We encourage you to connect and collaborate with these fabulous wmn+!

Featuring:

WellGather | Marla Mae Ramos

Morocco with Hope | Amal Bachikh

Blue Lobster Travel | Caroline Quinn

Three Waves Retreats | Tanya Stojovic, Sam Mikhael, and Hailey Martin

Adventure Collective | Lindsay White

Amble Journeys | Tina Finan

Avventura Vida Travel | Maria Herrera

Lovely Little Adventures | Jodi Suckle

Join us for this special soulful presentation from the graduates of WmnsWork Cohort 6.

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Visit https://wmnswork.com/ to learn more about Tourism Business Accelerator!

Casey Hanisko’s Leading People Program is for leaders looking to deepen your leadership skills, strengthen your team, and create a thriving workplace. Learn more at caseyhanisko.com or contact [email protected] to register.

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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: @souloftravelpodcast and  @lotussojourns.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). 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, 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

Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Casey Hanisko.

#executivecoaching #leadership #womenleaders

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

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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 Travel and Tourism Professionals, launching Monday, November 10.

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In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, 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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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. 

Follow us on Instagram: @souloftravelpodcast and  @lotussojourns.

Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Ceylan Rowe (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 Galloway

In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, 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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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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Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women. 

Follow us on Instagram: @souloftravelpodcast and  @lotussojourns.

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

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In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, 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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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!

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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 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 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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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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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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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 @souloftravelpodcast.

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

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