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

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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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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.

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Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Amanda Kessy, Asnath Kessy (Guests). Original musi

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In this special episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, presented by @journeywoman_original, 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 hello@caseyhanisko.com 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. Find solo travel trips for women over 50 on JourneyWoman. Follow us on Instagram: @journeywoman_original, @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.

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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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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 Tr

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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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