Soul of Travel: Women's Wisdom and Mindful Travel

By Christine Winebrenner Irick, Lotus SojournsSociety & Culture Business Entrepreneurship Education Self-Improvement Places & Travel

Soul of Travel: Women's Wisdom and Mindful Travel episodes

December 30, 2024 🔒 Welcome to BEYOND!
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In this brief episode, Christine shares what you can look forward to with your new Soul of Travel: BEYOND subscription!
5 min
December 25, 2024 Connecting Peace, Wellness, and Travel with Youmie Jean Francois
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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 Youmie Jean Francois.
Youmie Jean Francois is a transformational speaker, a brand strategist, a money trauma expert, a private pilot, an Author, and the proud Founder/CEO of Flex-N-Fly, The Flex Bags, and The Flex-N-Fly Foundation. Throughout her career, she's dedicated herself to enhancing the well-being of travelers and helping small business owners scale. She speaks four languages fluently and splits her time between New York and Colombia. Flex-N-Fly, her award-winning travel and wellness company, has become a beacon of innovation, providing stretching, yoga, and relaxation classes to airports, aiming to ease the stress that often accompanies modern travel. Youmie's best-selling poetry book, “The Sacrifice: When Transition Looks Like Chaos,” is available now.
Christine and Youmie discuss:
· Why creating Flex-n-Fly was essential to empower travelers experiencing anxiety and other mental health needs
· How to be more grounded and relaxed while you travel
· Growing a business through challenging times
· The launch of the Flex-N-Fly Foundation
· Coaching and money trauma
Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Youmie Jean Francois.
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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? Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.
Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!
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Connect with Youmie and Flex-n-Fly on your favorite social media channel! Facebook / Pinterest / Instagram / YouTube / Podcast & Affirmations. Visit: https://flexnfly.com/ and https://theflexnflyfoundation.org/.
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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). Youmie Jean Francois (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.
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1 hr 3 min
December 18, 2024 Cultural Connections for Responsible Travel with Phoebe Maina
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Soul of Travel Podcast Episode 207 with Phoebe Maina is now available!
In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, presented by @journeywoman_original, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Phoebe Maina.
A seasoned social impact expert with over 15 years of diverse experience, Phoebe Maina, Founder and CEO of Steri Tours and Travel, excels in managing turnaround projects with a high success rate. Her expertise spans the design and management of local and global initiatives focused on women's empowerment, child protection, travel, and community and business development. Having worked extensively with diverse communities across Africa, Phoebe possesses a deep understanding of multicultural and development dynamics, coupled with a passion for driving positive change at grassroots levels. Her vision extends beyond individual accolades—she is dedicated to driving economic growth in Africa through sustainable tourism practices.
Christine and Phoebe discuss:
· Phoebe's journey from development work to founding Steri Tours, focusing on empowering local communities through responsible tourism and creating meaningful cultural experiences for travelers
· Supporting and empowering women in the tourism industry through mentorship, prioritizing female guides, and creating opportunities for women in local communities
· The importance of creating equitable relationships between tourists and local communities
Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Phoebe Maina.
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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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Book your next meaningful adventure in Kenya with Steri Tours. Connect with Phoebe and Steri Tours on 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). Phoebe Maina (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.
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1 hr 6 min
December 11, 2024 Environmentally Conscious Travel with Judy Carvalhal
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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 Judy Carvalhal.
Judy Carvalhal is the Founder and CEO of Enchanted Expeditions, a company that helped to pioneer the modern tourist industry in the Galapagos Islands & Ecuador. She grew up in Guyana & French Guiana, and was educated at Canada’s prestigious Queen’s University before travelling to South America to become one of the first female park naturalists in Galapagos. Judy uses her knowledge of Ecuador & Galapagos to curate one-of-a-kind itineraries, ensuring that Enchanted Expedition’s guests learn about the history, culture & eco-systems that make this part of South America such an incredible place to visit. After raising four children in Galapagos and Ecuador, Judy is more passionate than ever to ensure that this precious part of the world is protected.
Christine and Judy discuss:
· Judy's global journey and her evolving concept of home
· Pioneering women in adventure tourism
· The evolution of Galapagos tourism
· Developing a love of travel with family
· Self-care and the power of an attitude of continuous learning
Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Judy Carvalhal.
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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? 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 Enchanted Expeditions to learn more about Judy and her work and book your Galapagos and Ecuador adventure.
Connect with Judy and Enchanted Expeditions on your favorite social media channel! Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
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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). Judy Carvalhal (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.
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1 hr 10 min
December 04, 2024 Embracing the Travel Entrepreneur Journey with Madi Rifkin
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In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 5: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, presented by @journeywoman_original, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Madi Rifkin.
Madi Rifkin is the founder and CEO of Mount, a platform that connects travelers with hidden gems and local experiences around the world. She started Mount at just 12 years old with a mission to change how people explore and engage with the places they visit. Today, her community of over 170,000 travelers is redefining sustainable and meaningful travel through authentic connections and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Madi is a two-time Rising Star Award winner and a recognized leader in the travel and short-term rental industry.
Christine and Madi discuss:
· What it was like for Madi to jump into the entrepreneurial journey at such a young age
· Persisting through failure, being willing to pivot, and how each relates to success
· Content creation and how partnerships can be a great option for smaller businesses
· Mount’s upcoming Influencer Marketing Summit and the new Mount App
Join Christine for this soulful conversation with Madi Rifkin. Available Wednesday.
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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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Register for the Influencer Marketing Summit (December 6-7, 2024)! (Missed the Summit? Head to RentMount.com to check for updates!)
Travelers, head to RentMount.com to learn more!
Short-term rental host or local business owner? Join the host platform here!
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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). Madi Rifkin (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.
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1 hr 3 min
November 27, 2024 Soulful Gratitude with 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 shares a soulful solo show celebrating gratitude for our Amplification Allies, partners, and you, our incredible listeners! We also acknowledge that American Thanksgiving is also recognized as a Day of Mourning, and that the day many of us in the US have grown up celebrating is a one-sided telling of history that doesn’t recognize the indigenous voice or experience. We recommend reading the article Understanding Thanksgiving from Our Side of the Table, published by FirstNations.org.

THANK YOU to:
The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)
The Transformational Travel Council (TTC)
Iris Serbanescu & wmnsWORK
Vincie Ho & RISE Travel Institute
Jennine Cohen, Catherine Gallagher & Women Travel Leaders
Sahara Rose De Vore & The Travel Coach Network
Carolyn Ray & JourneyWoman
Carly Oduardo & ConVerGente
Mollie Busby & Arctic Hive
And our podcast Amplification Allies: wmnsWORK / Women Travel Leaders / Travel Coach Network
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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? LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation via 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!
🌎
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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17 min
November 20, 2024 Story-Inspired Journeys and Deep Connections through Travel with Jalisa Whitley
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In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 5: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, presented by @journeywoman_original, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Jalisa Whitley.
Jalisa creates the containers and processes that bring people together to connect, collaborate, imagine, and create the places, spaces, and structures that will get us free. The current iteration of that work is as Founder of BOOKED Trips, a travel company that connects curious and community-minded women through book-inspired experiences. She believes that books create bridges across differences and offer a platform for talking about ideas and issues that bind us. Through her work, she uses tourism as a tool for connection and leverages her work to invest in and tell the authentic stories of Black and brown communities around the world. She is passionate about connecting communities to opportunities to elevate their impact, co-create solutions, and implement sustainable change and has done this work through her company Unbound Impact. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and engaging with music, theater, and the arts.
Christine and Jalisa discuss:
· BOOKED Trips and how unique travel experiences bring stories to life while fostering deep connections
· The importance of understanding a place in the context of its cultural, historical, and political significance
· The wmnsWORK program and community, especially in addressing the personal challenges of entrepreneurship
· Creating intentional partnerships with local entrepreneurs and communities
Join Christine for this soulful conversation with Jalisa Whitley.
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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! Contribute here. Subscribe on 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 Jalisa and BOOKED Trips on social media! LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook. Book your BOOKED Trip here! Subscribe for updates!
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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). Jalisa Whitley (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.
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1 hr 5 min
November 13, 2024 Allyship, Inclusivity, and Women in Tourism Leadership with Shayna Zand
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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 Shayna Zand.
As WeTravel's Director of Partnerships & Enterprise Sales, Shayna Zand brings with her 12+ years in the tour operator space and working with various partners in the travel industry. She joined the team in May 2022 to build relationships with existing and new partners. She also is the Vice-Chair on the Board of Directors for Tourism Cares and is based in Toronto, Canada. She loves to travel and has had the pleasure of visiting 85+ countries.
Christine and Shayna discuss:
· Shayna’s transition from a tour leader to director and her roles in the travel industry
· How to increase the representation of women in travel leadership roles
· The role of WeTravel in supporting initiatives like Women in Travel CIC, mentorship programs, and allyship in the workplace
· Continuing commitments to sustainability, client growth, and educational resources
· Vulnerability in leadership
Join Christine for this soulful conversation with Shayna Zand.

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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.
🌎
Learn more about WeTravel.
Connect with Shayna on LinkedIn 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). Shayna Zand (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.
Support the show
1 hr 3 min
November 06, 2024 Slow Travel, Deep Impact, and Mindful Tourism with Mia Taylor
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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 Mia Taylor, Senior Travel Writer and Associate Editor at TravelPulse.
Mia Taylor is a California resident, a lifelong avid traveler, and an award-winning journalist who has worked as a staff writer for some of the country’s and the world’s top publications including BBC, Parents, Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Fortune, and other major publications. Her work has also appeared in Travel + Leisure, U.S. News and World Report, SF Gate, Westways Magazine, The Boston Globe, and TravelPulse. Mia has an M.A. in Journalism and Media Studies and was a member of a team of reporters who received the 2011 Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism. She is also the recipient of nine travel writing awards from the North American Travel Journalists Association. The awards recognized Mia’s coverage of sustainable travel and wildlife conservation, including a gold award for her reporting on cruelty to elephants in the travel industry. Mia regularly appears on podcasts, radio shows and television to discuss trending travel topics. She has been a guest multiple times on RM World Travel, and has also appeared on The Weather Channel, among other broadcasts.
Christine and Mia discuss:
· Mia’s areas of focus: sustainability, wildlife conservation, and family travel
· Mia’s decision to fly less, why that’s important to her, and what she considers when she chooses to take that flight
· Her journey to understanding animal cruelty in tourism and how we can support change
· The Most Influential Women in Travel List by Travel Pulse
· Juggling personal and professional demands while maintaining personal well-being
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Learn more about Mia and her work.
Connect with Mia on your favorite social media network! Instagram / LinkedIn
Explore Travel Pulse.
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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 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.
🌎
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 Winebrenn
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1 hr 8 min
October 30, 2024 Soul of Travel 200th Episode Celebration with 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 shares a soulful celebration with past guests.
This episode features clips from the most-listened-to episodes in every season of Soul of Travel, plus accolades from guests and Soul of Travel supporters!

Featuring:

Season 1 - Gabi Stowell, ATTA (Episode #1)
Season 2 - Beth Santos (Episode #53)
Season 3 - Nora Livingstone (Episode #86)
Season 4 - Shay Sane (Episode #131)
Season 5 - Dawn Booker (Episode #153)

With Celebratory Commentary From:
Becki Rupp, Trailblazer Wellness
Megan Ryder-Burbidge, Sororal Travel
Carla Campos, Tourism for Purpose
Iris Serbanescu, wmnsWORK
Tara Busch, Conscious Travel Collective
Vanessa Karel, Greet Her
Fernanda Villacis, Neotropic Expeditions

Jo Swann, Adventures in Borneo

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 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.
🌎
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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52 min