Soul of Travel: Women's Wisdom and Mindful Travel

Hosted by Christine Winebrenner Irick, Lotus Sojourns

Business Entrepreneurship Society Culture EducationInterviews guests

Website RSS feed LinkedIn YouTube

Episodes

268

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Soul of Travel: Women Inspiring Mindful, Purposeful and Impactful Journeys Hosted by Christine Winebrenner Irick, the Soul of Travel podcast explores the transformative power of travel while celebrating women in the industry who are breaking down barriers and inspiring others. Each episode features conversations with passionate travel professionals, thought leaders, and changemakers who share insights on mindful travel practices, meaningful connections, and purposeful journeys. The podcast highlights how travel can support personal growth, cultural understanding, and global sustainability, inspiring listeners to explore the world in a way that enriches both their lives and the communities they visit. Tune in to discover how travel and women in the industry are creating a positive impact.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 6, 20261 hr 23 min

wmnsWORK Takeover Soulful Replay: Tara Busch of Conscious Travel Collective

Send us Fan Mail Soul of Travel Podcast is proud to partner with longtime Podcast Ally wmnsWORK for a month-long storytelling campaign celebrating the women and non-binary entrepreneurs shaping the future of tourism. Throughout November, the wmnsWORK Takeover will feature three Soulful Replays of the most-downloaded episodes featuring wmnsWORK alumni, followed by a special Week of wmnsWORK, November 23–27, offering five new conversations highlighting the stories, experiences, and impact of this entrepreneurial community. In this first Soulful Replay, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with wmnsWORK alum Tara Busch, creator of the Conscious Travel Collective. wmnsWORK is a 6-month virtual, equity free accelerator program designed specifically to support women and non-binary tourism entrepreneurs during the most critical part of their business journey – the early stages. They provide educational resources, mentorship, a space to create meaningful community, and access to expert advice that will accelerate the growth of your business and save you time + money. Their mission is to empower women and non-binary individuals to build and grow thriving tourism businesses with a team of supporters (the wmnsWORK community + contributors!) behind them. wmnsWORK believes this will have the positive ripple effect on equality in leadership and ownership that our industry so desperately needs. Applications are now open for the February 2027 cohort! Learn more at wmnswork.com. Tara Busch was raised in California, the only child to a fearless single mother who gave her lots of rope to explore in her backyard on her own. Tara started Conscious Travel Collective with a mission of doing right by the destination and giving travelers an authentic experience, and when she looked closely, what she was really doing was crafting opportunities for connection. She decided to create trips that take travelers to amazing places around the world and introduce them to the incredible people who embody the spirit of their home while facilitating opportunities for them to share their home and heritage with travelers in a way that honors its traditions and positively impacts the communities, the travelers, and the planet. In this episode, Christine and Tara discuss: · Tara’s earliest travel experiences and hopping on a plane by herself at the age of six · Crossing the Atlantic and becoming a part of what has become her extended family in France · Deep connection and traveling in a way that aligns with travel values · Creating companies aligned with the value of connection Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Tara Busch. 🌎 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! 🌎 Ready to accelerate your tourism business? Learn more about the wmnsWORK tourism business accelerator and apply for the February 2027 cohort here. Visit Conscious Travel Collective to discover private travel experiences for small groups seeking meaningful connection. Connect with Tara on your favorite social media network: Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn . 🌎 Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Tara Busch (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo. Support the show

October 28, 2026Episode 2661 hr 13 min

Soulful Trailblazer Honoree: Elizabeth (Libby) Harrington of VITAL Ventures

Send us Fan Mail Elizabeth (Libby) Harrington, Founder & Chief Explorer of VITAL Ventures, joins Christine as the Soulful Trailblazer honoree for this week’s soulful conversation, produced in collaboration with Strictly Jane Austen Tours . We continue our special Soul of Travel series celebrating three extraordinary women who are being recognized as Soulful Trailblazers—women who are creating positive change through travel while opening doors and creating opportunities for others. We are excited to share that we are partnering with friend and colleague Becki Rupp, Founder of Trailblazer Wellness, to honor these trailblazers. Elizabeth (Libby) Harrington is a Pound Ridge entrepreneur who at 58 started an adventure fitness community and company. After 30+ years in digital media, Libby founded VITAL Ventures for people who refuse to accept conventional wisdom about aging. VITAL combines expert fitness training with wilderness adventures - Costa Rica surf trips, Alaska hiking, a Dolomites trek - proving that our best adventures aren't behind us. "I created what I needed and couldn't find: community, adventure, and permission to prioritize health & fitness at this stage of life," Libby explains. Her clients, range in ages from 30-80, move from "I could never" to "I actually did" through 3-4 months of training followed by 3-4 days of epic adventure. You don't need to travel far to start: VITAL offers guided local hikes in New York, online Strength & Conditioning training for building confidence on the trail and in life, as well as epic global adventures. In this conversation, Libby and Christine discuss: · Career peaks and the experience of being pushed out because of age, gender, and success, and treating that peak as an opportunity to work more closely aligned with your values · How extreme hiking and adventure can build new self-belief · The energy around last chance tourism, and making travel choices in response to the climate crisis · Moving with respect and reverence while witnessing, celebrating, and standing in awe of a changing planet Each of our Soulful Trailblazers series honorees is charting their own path, championing the people and communities around her, and helping us imagine what a more thoughtful and inclusive travel industry can look like. In these conversations, we’ll explore what it means to be a trailblazer, the moments that shaped their journeys, and the ripple effect their work is creating. Most of all, we hope their stories inspire you to recognize the trailblazers in your own circle—and consider how you can help make the path a little wider for those who follow. Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Elizabeth (Libby) Harrington. With special thanks to our season sponsor, Strictly Jane Austen Tours ! LOVE these soulful conversations? 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! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app to help us expand our reach. 🌎 Learn more about VITAL Ventures here. Join the vital movement and subscribe to the newsletter at https://www.vitalventures.live/join-vital . Check out the VITAL Ventures upcoming 2027 season to see what adventure is calling you at https://www.vitalventures.live/vital-adventure . Connect with Libby: Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn 🌎 Follow us on Instagram: @she.sojourns and @souloftravelpodcast . Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator). Elizabeth (Libby) Harrington (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo. Support the show

October 21, 2026Episode 2651 hr 5 min

Soulful Trailblazer Honoree: Cindee Brown-Mills of Breathe Alaska

Send us Fan Mail Cindee Brown-Mills, Founder of Breathe Alaska , joins Christine as the Soulful Trailblazer honoree for this week’s soulful conversation, produced in collaboration with Strictly Jane Austen Tours . We continue our special Soul of Travel series celebrating three extraordinary women who are being recognized as Soulful Trailblazers—women who are creating positive change through travel while opening doors and creating opportunities for others. We are excited to share that we are partnering with friend and colleague Becki Rupp, Founder of Trailblazer Wellness, to honor these trailblazers. Cindee Brown-Mills is the founder of Breathe Alaska, where she creates experiences designed to help people slow down, reconnect with themselves, and experience Alaska in a more meaningful way. A breathwork facilitator, nervous system educator, guide, and longtime Alaskan, Cindee’s work sits at the intersection of personal wellbeing, nature, and intentional travel. After more than 20 years working in corporate, government, and nonprofit finance, Cindee stepped away from a career that no longer felt aligned and began building a life and business centered around connection, presence, and the things that make her feel most alive. Through Breathe Alaska, she works with individuals, groups, and workplaces through breathwork and nervous system education, while also creating intimate Alaska experiences that invite guests to move more slowly and connect with the land, local food, community, Alaskan culture, and themselves. Cindee has called Juneau, Alaska home since 1998 and believes some of the most meaningful travel experiences happen when we stop trying to see everything and give ourselves permission to truly be where we are. Whether she is guiding someone through the forests of Southeast Alaska, sharing a meal around a table, or helping someone reconnect with their breath, her work is rooted in creating space for people to pause, notice, and leave a little more connected than when they arrived. In this conversation, Cindee and Christine discuss: · The importance of slowing down, listening, being present in our lives and in our travel experiences · The simplicity and importance of breath in our lives and how it can transform our experiences and help us to heal and feel more connected to self and others · Cindee’s experience being welcomed into Native Alaskan culture and the value that has added to her life · Sharing experiences with travelers to help them to connect more deeply to land and culture in Alaska Each of our Soulful Trailblazers series honorees is charting their own path, championing the people and communities around her, and helping us imagine what a more thoughtful and inclusive travel industry can look like. In these conversations, we’ll explore what it means to be a trailblazer, the moments that shaped their journeys, and the ripple effect their work is creating. Most of all, we hope their stories inspire you to recognize the trailblazers in your own circle—and consider how you can help make the path a little wider for those who follow. Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Cindee Brown-Mills. With special thanks to our season sponsor, Strictly Jane Austen Tours ! LOVE these soulful conversations? Make a difference by making a donation on Buy Me a Coffee. ❤️ Learn more about Breathe Alaska here , including retreats, private tours, breathwork, and nervous system education designed to help people slow down, reconnect with themselves, and experience both travel and everyday life more intentionally. Connect with Cindee: Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn Find out more about Alaska Forest & Feast, a small group experience Cindee created through Breathe Alaska that blends nature, local food, mindfulness, and connection to place in Southeast Alaska. 🌎 Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app to help us expand our reach. 🌎 Follow us on Instagram: @she.sojourns and @souloftravelpodcast . Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator). Cindee Brown-Mills (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo. Support the show

October 14, 2026Episode 2641 hr 6 min

Soulful Trailblazer Honoree: Grace Philipp of Discover Queer Travel

Send us Fan Mail Grace Philipp is the founder and CEO of Discover Queer Travel, which designs bespoke travel experiences around the unique needs of queer women, trans, non-binary and non-cis travelers. Grace's path to Discover Queer Travel winds through a travel agency in Seville, public health and economic development work across Colombia, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, India, and her hometown of NYC, and a decade building social responsibility initiatives across NYC government and corporate America. Wherever she travels, she looks for the same thing: queer spaces where community thrives. Discover Queer Travel aims to turn tourism dollars into economic power for LGBTQ+ organizers and businesses that make destinations welcoming. Learn more about the Soulful Trailblazer series in partnership with Becki Rupp of Trailblazer Wellness! In this conversation, Grace and Christine discuss: · The gap in the travel industry for serving queer travelers · The need for education and advocacy, with the need for resources for inclusive spaces where queer travelers feel seen, safe, and welcome · Going beyond surface level gestures of inclusivity toward deeper conversations and setting aside fears of 'getting it wrong' along the way in order to push progress forward Each of our Soulful Trailblazers series honorees is charting their own path, championing the people and communities around her, and helping us imagine what a more thoughtful and inclusive travel industry can look like. In these conversations, we’ll explore what it means to be a trailblazer, the moments that shaped their journeys, and the ripple effect their work is creating. Most of all, we hope their stories inspire you to recognize the trailblazers in your own circle—and consider how you can help make the path a little wider for those who follow. Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Grace Philipp. LOVE these soulful conversations? 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! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app to help us expand our reach. 🌎 Learn more about Discover Queer Travel here. Connect with Grace: Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn Special thanks to Strictly Jane Austen Tours for your partnership in the production of Season 7 of Soul of Travel Podcast! 🌎 Follow us on Instagram: @she.sojourns and @souloftravelpodcast . Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator). Grace Philipp (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo. Support the show

October 7, 2026Episode 26351 min

Recognizing Soulful Trailblazers with Becki Rupp and Christine Winebrenner Irick

Send us Fan Mail This week, we introduce special Soul of Travel series celebrating three extraordinary women who are being recognized as Soulful Trailblazers—women who are creating positive change through travel while opening doors and creating opportunities for others. We are excited to share that we are partnering with friend and colleague Becki Rupp, Founder of Trailblazer Wellness, to honor these trailblazers. Becki is a certified Personal Trainer and Adventure Travel Coach whose vision is to empower more people to pursue their travel dreams by helping them gain the strength, stamina and confidence to make the most of their adventures and life. She supports her clients through a transformation, from being uncertain about their upcoming adventure to being physically prepared and confident. Over the past 6 years, she has worked with more than 100 clients who have completed multi-day hikes and cycling trips in 27 countries. Becki has summited Kilimanjaro, hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and completed the Portuguese Camino from Porto to Santiago, among many other multi-day hikes and cycling trips. Each of our series guests is charting their own path, championing the people and communities around her, and helping us imagine what a more thoughtful and inclusive travel industry can look like. In these conversations, we’ll explore what it means to be a trailblazer, the moments that shaped their journeys, and the ripple effect their work is creating. Most of all, we hope their stories inspire you to recognize the trailblazers in your own circle—and consider how you can help make the path a little wider for those who follow. We’re thrilled to share these Soulful Trailblazer nominees so YOU can be inspired and WE can create a ripple effect across the travel community! Angela Rice | Boutique Travel Advisors Ashley Blake | Traverse Journeys Baylee Waterman Shapiro | Boutique Travel Advisors Cindee Brown-Mills | Breathe Alaska Elizabeth Harrington | Vital Ventures Grace Philipp | Discover Queer Hayley Cooper | Wild Dreams Hospitality Janet Semenova | Boutique Travel Advisors Karolina Guilcapi | Sated Ventures In this conversation, Becky and Christine discuss: · How their paths have crossed and the ways they have worked together · The spark for this recognition and why we think it is important right now ·How the Soulful Trailblazers recognition expands the work and impact of the Soul of Travel Podcast Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Becki Rupp. Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or listen from souloftravelpodcast.com. LOVE these soulful conversations? 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! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app to help us expand our reach. 🌎 Follow us on Instagram: @she.sojourns and @souloftravelpodcast . Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator). Becki Rupp (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo. Support the show

July 29, 2026Episode 2621 hr 2 min

Sisterhood and Meaningful Tourism in Sri Lanka with Thushni de Silva

Send us Fan Mail Thushni de Silva, Director at Magical Isle Holidays, joins Christine for this week’s soulful conversation as a guest in our Trailblazer Series, produced in collaboration with Strictly Jane Austen Tours . Thushni de Silva is a Sri Lankan travel professional with a deep appreciation for culture, heritage, and meaningful connections. With a passion for crafting authentic travel experiences, she is dedicated to showcasing the beauty, diversity, and stories that make Sri Lanka so special. Known for her thoughtful approach and genuine enthusiasm for people and places, Thushni believes that travel is not simply about visiting destinations, but about creating lasting memories and fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us. Through her work, she continues to inspire travellers to experience Sri Lanka with curiosity, respect, and wonder. In this episode, Thushni and Christine discuss: · The power that travel has as a force for good and balancing positive and negative impact · The importance of visibility and creating pathways for women in tourism in Sri Lanka, including the Female Guide Training Program offered by Women in Travel Collective · Building a community in which women support women and creating generational pathways Join us now for this soulful conversation. 🌎 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? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes! 🌎 Learn more about Magical Isle Holidays at https://magicalisleholidays.com/. Learn more about Women in Travel Collective at https://www.womenintravelcollective.org/ . Special thanks to Strictly Jane Austen Tours for your partnership in the production of our Trailblazer Series! 🌎 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: @she.sojourns and @souloftravelpodcast . Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Thushni de Silva (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo. Support the show

July 22, 2026Episode 2611 hr 2 min

Allyship and Centering Women’s Voices in Travel with Alessandra LoTufo Alonso

Send us Fan Mail Alessandra Alonso, Founder of Women in Travel CIC and the IWTTF (International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum), joins Christine for this week’s soulful conversation as a guest in our Trailblazer Series, produced in collaboration with Strictly Jane Austen Tours . Alessandra is the pluri-nominated, award-winning founder and MD of Women in Travel CIC and a professional with 20 years of experience in travel and tourism. Alessandra started her career as a trainee in Tourism at the European Commission and later gained senior roles in companies including The World Travel & Tourism Council and KPMG. Alessandra is a keynote speaker and regular contributor to travel publications. She was awarded the JourneyWoman Award in 2021 for her lifetime dedication to gender empowerment. Alessandra has been named one of 9 women transforming travel by the Matador Network; one of 50 ‘most important women in travel’ by Wonderlust Travel and recently completed the Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from the University of South Florida. In this episode, Alessandra and Christine discuss: · How the Women in Travel, CIC Tour Guide Academy centers women's voices and narratives as a pathway to economic empowerment · Expanding the ripple effect beyond our own lives and shifting how we perceive who is the expert and whose stories are worth being told as a part of history · The importance of allyship in creating big, lasting changes in the industry Join us Wednesday for this soulful conversation. 🌎 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? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes! 🌎 Learn more about Alessandra and Women in Travel at https://www.womenintravelcic.com Learn more about Alessandra and Women in Travel at https://www.womenintravelcic.com Follow Alessandra Alonso on your favorite social platform: Instagram @women in travel _cic Facebook Women In Travel CIC Twitter @WTMwomen LinkedIn Women In Travel CIC Group Special thanks to Strictly Jane Austen Tours for your partnership in the production of our Trailblazer Series! 🌎 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: @she.sojourns and @souloftravelpodcast . Support the show

July 15, 2026Episode 2601 hr 35 min

Special Episode: Cohort 7 wmnsWORK Demo Day

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of Soul of Travel, we are thrilled to share the inspiring wmnsWORK 2025 Cohort 7 Demo Day presentations. wmnsWORK helps women and non-binary folks build thriving tourism businesses through education, mentorship and community. The goal of wmnsWORK is to flatten the learning curve when it comes to industry knowledge and entrepreneurship, helping you reach your goals faster and with more fun through 12 weeks of expert-led workshops, mentorship, and community. Demo Day is your chance to learn more about what these inspiring wmnsWORK Cohort 7 grads have been up to. They've worked so hard to refine their pitches and business offerings, and are excited to share them with the tourism industry at large. 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. From tour operators to travel designers, it's a diverse lineup that captures the essence of the evolving tourism landscape. We encourage you to connect and collaborate with these fabulous wmn+! Featuring: Pooja Akula | Ibtida Homes Giuditta Pileri | numenvia Lisa Bisceglia | Surf For Life Dr. LaDonna Sanders Nkosi | Ubuntu Global Collective, LLC Diana Oglivie | Urban Sass Travels - http://urbansass.io/ Grace Philipp | Discover Queer Sara Champagne | Avia Collective Iman Childs | Booked by Iman LaKeshia Banks | Revive and Roam Travel Maya Strasser | Delicious Discoveries Join us for this special soulful presentation from the graduates of WmnsWork Cohort 7. 🌎 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? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes! 🌎 Visit https://wmnswork.com/ to learn more about the Tourism Business Accelerator program and support their efforts to support women and non-binary early-stage entrepreneurs. 🌎 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: @she.sojourns and @souloftravelpodcast . Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo. Support the show

July 8, 2026Episode 2591 hr 10 min

Gender Equity in Responsible Wildlife and Conservation Guiding with Sheridan Samano

Send us Fan Mail Sheridan Samano, founder of Reefs to Rockies & Her Wild Life Expeditions , joins Christine for this week’s soulful conversation as a guest in our Trailblazer Series, produced in collaboration with Strictly Jane Austen Tours . Sheridan Samano is a wildlife enthusiast, guide, and co-founder of Reefs to Rockies. Her passion for animals began as a child, flipping through National Geographic magazines, and has only grown since then. Sheridan holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries science and a master’s in biology. Her guiding journey began when she launched a study abroad program focused on sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica. In the field, Sheridan’s ability to spot a break in the pattern and quickly adapt leads to plenty of “wows” from the guests in her groups. When she’s not traveling, you’ll find her along a trail in Colorado with her family, searching for something feathered or furred, or enjoying a local craft beer after a day in the field. Her favorite animal? The cheetah. In this episode, Sheridan and Christine discuss: · The connection between tourism and conservation and how our understanding of that connection evolves · How following a passion for creating more opportunities for women, nature, and birding guides has the potential to shift systems that perpetuate gender disparities · How tourism leaders can show up, set examples, be mentors, and open doors for more women to participate in tourism and conservation Join us Wednesday for this soulful conversation. 🌎 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? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes! 🌎 Visit https://reefstorockies.com/ to learn more about experiencing wild places in a way that feels meaningful, seamless, and deeply connected to the natural world. Visit https:// herwildlifeexpeditions.com/ to explore immersive, expert-led adventures – designed by women. Connect with Sheridan Samano: Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook / Instagram / Facebook Special thanks to Strictly Jane Austen Tours for your partnership in the production of our Trailblazer Series! 🌎 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: @she.sojourns and @souloftravelpodcast . Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Sheridan Samano (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo. Support the show

June 24, 2026Episode 2581 hr 10 min

Trailblazing in Purposeful Travel with Theresa McDermott

Send us Fan Mail Theresa McDermott, founder and CEO of ECT Travel, joins Christine for this week’s soulful conversation as a guest in our Trailblazer Series, produced in collaboration with Strictly Jane Austen Tours. Theresa is the founder and CEO of ECT Travel, a company based in Bath with worldwide operations, and the founder of Strictly Jane Austen Tours. She is a seasoned travel professional with over 40 years’ experience, starting with facilitating seamless group travel for over 25,000 customers traveling from the UK and Germany into destinations across Europe and culminating with today’s specialist, bespoke packages for customers from all parts of the globe. Active in her local community as well as regionally and nationally, Theresa is a former President of Bath Chamber of Commerce, Director of Future Bath Plus, Business West and UK Inbound. Theresa is currently a director of the regional tourism organisation, VisitWest, and Chair of the Bath Advisory Group. She also curates an annual series of “Phenomenal Women” lectures at YTL’s Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel and is responsible for marketing the iconic and award-winning Thermae Bath Spa. Strictly Jane Austen Tours was created in 2015 to provide in-depth immersive experiences for fans of Jane Austen, including Cosplay, film locations, and bespoke multi-day tours customized for guests. We are so grateful for Theresa and Strictly Jane Austen Tours for their collaboration in producing our Trailblazer Series! In this episode, Theresa and Christine discuss: · The impact that the Soul of Travel Podcast space has on creating a platform for women’s conversations in travel and tourism · What makes travel meaningful for ourselves and others · The privilege it is to design experiences that have an impact on the lives of others · Jane Austen’s trailblazing story Join us now for this soulful conversation. 🌎 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? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes! 🌎 Visit https://www.ecttravel.com to learn more and turn your travel dreams into reality. Special thanks to Strictly Jane Austen Tours for your partnership in the production of our Trailblazer Series! 🌎 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: @she.sojourns and @souloftravelpodcast . Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Theresa McDermott (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo. Support the show