Soul of Travel: Women's Wisdom and Mindful Travel

Christine Winebrenner Irick, Lotus Sojourns
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 4d ago

    Shaping the Tourism Industry with Women’s Stories with Beth Santos & Nikki Padilla Rivera

    Send us Fan Mail Beth Santos & Nikki Padilla Rivera, Co-Owners of She Shapes History, join Christine for this week’s soulful conversation as guests in our Trailblazer Series, produced in collaboration with Strictly Jane Austen Tours. Beth is a changemaker shaping the future of the travel industry, recognized by Business Insider, Conde Nast Traveller, and Travel Pulse, and was named Godmother of the Azamara Onward cruise ship. She is the author of solo travel guide and manifesto Wander Woman and works to amplify underrepresented voices in travel while challenging each of us to do better in her work as a keynote speaker, an industry consultant, and a startup and small business coach. At home, she is a co-owner of Ula Cafe, an inspired cafe and community hub in the Boston neighborhood of Jamaica Plain, where she lives with her husband and children. Nikki has worked across the tourism industry worldwide, from operations and tour design to marketing and business development. She is co-owner and guide of She Shapes History NYC, celebrating the hidden history of women who built the city. By day, she leads brand and content strategy at WalksDevour while mentoring independent guides and creators through workshops and female-focused communities like Wanderful and wmnsWORK. She believes all tours can be better, and actively works to ensure she's less frequently the only woman at the table for larger industry conversations. In this episode, Beth, Nikki, and Christine discuss: ·  Uncovering the stories of women left out of documented history and challenging perceptions of credible sources ·  The ways in which women were made invisible in the guiding, travel and tourism industries · The impact of women telling the stories of people and places to both travelers and locals who want a broader understanding of their home 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 Soul of Travel Podcast. JOIN the Soul of Travel Podcast Email Community! 🌎​​​​​​​​ 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 She Shapes History NYC to learn more and book your tour of New York’s hidden history of women – stories you never knew you were missing. Use the Code Soul10 for a special listener discount for your next Badass Women of NY Tour! Connect with Beth & Nikki on your favorite social media network! Instagram / LinkedIn 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). Beth Santos & Nikki Padilla Rivera (Guests). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo. Support the show

    1h 14m

  2. Jun 10

    Adventure Travel for Muslim Women in Community with Nadah Feteih

    Send us Fan Mail Nadah Feteih, Founder and CEO of Ma’wa Collective, joins Christine for this week’s soulful conversation as a guest in our Trailblazer Series, produced in collaboration with Strictly Jane Austen Tours. Nadah Feteih is a runner, hiker, and mountaineer who grew up with a deep love for the outdoors. She is a certified Wilderness First Responder and has guided dozens of group hiking trips across the U.S. and internationally. After summiting Kilimanjaro, she founded Ma'wa Collective to make the outdoors more accessible to women in her community. Under her leadership and alongside her fantastic team, Ma'wa has grown into the largest adventure travel community for Muslim women, connecting thousands online and on the trails. Nadah's background as a Software Engineer at Google and Meta enables her to solve problems at scale and build systems that support growth. In her free time, she continues to push her limits through endurance races and high-altitude summits. She's always looking for new ways to combine her faith with her passion for exploring the beauty of Allah SWTs creation. In this episode, Nadah and Christine discuss: · Building cross-cultural understanding through adventure travel · Resume virtues versus eulogy virtues — and how a non-linear path in life can be a source of power · The barriers Muslim women face accessing outdoor spaces, from modest performance gear to representation in the industry · What authentic inclusion in travel looks like 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: https://www.souloftravelpodcast.com/season-7/episode-256-nadah-feteih. Our Trailblazer Series Needs You! We hope that you will share about a woman who inspires you and who is working to amplify the voices of women, champion local communities and working to create positive change in the world. Submit your nomination here: Soulful Trailblazer Campaign! 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 Ma’wa Collective to learn more and support Muslim women in a unique adventure community rooted in faith, exploration, and self-discovery. 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). Nadah Feteih (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo. Support the show

    1h 14m

  3. Jun 3

    Building Pathways for Human Rights in Travel and Tourism with Irstel Jansen

    Send us Fan Mail Irstel Jansen, Founder of the Women in Travel Collective, joins Christine for this week’s soulful conversation as a guest in our Trailblazer Series, produced in collaboration with Strictly Jane Austen Tours. Irstel is a social entrepreneur and a consultant in human rights in the tourism sector in Sri Lanka and collaborates with international and non governmental organizations, the private sector and public sector institutions on human rights policies, including child protection & child trafficking, gender equality and diversity and social cohesion through peace building initiatives.  Irstel is the founder of the Women In Travel Collective, a supportive community that advocates for gender equity in tourism while creating tangible opportunities for women across the industry in Sri Lanka. She has over 20 years of working experience in the field of international development, international human rights and sustainable tourism. She is a public speaker on women empowerment & gender equality in the tourism sector in Sri Lanka and is an associate of Equality in Tourism, a non-profit organisation based in the UK transforming the lives of women by advocating for gender equality across the global tourism industry. In this episode, Irstel and Christine discuss: · The barriers facing women in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, where less than 10% of the formal workforce is comprised of women · Child protection and trafficking in tourism, breaking industry taboos, and working at every level to enact change · Community-based tourism and experiential travel · The future of tourism in Sri Lanka and why women’s leadership, responsible development, and human connection are essential 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: https://www.souloftravelpodcast.com/season-7/episode-255-irstel-jansen. 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 The Women in Travel Collective to learn more about empowering women in the travel and hospitality industries.  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). Irstel Jansen (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo. Support the show

    1h 12m

  4. May 27

    Lessons Beyond Everest and Ethical Land Stewardship in Outdoor Travel with Sophie Llenos

    Send us Fan Mail Sophie Llenos, Land advocate and Board Secretary of the Porter Voice Collective, joins Christine for this week’s soulful conversation as the first guest in our Trailblazer Series, produced in collaboration with Strictly Jane Austen Tours. Sophie is a settler guest on Anishinaabe Aki, originally from Toledo, Ohio, and currently based near Waawiyatanong (Detroit), Michigan. Growing up accompanying her civil engineer father to construction sites and camping in Hocking Hills, she developed an early interest in how humans shape and are shaped by the Land. An avid hiker and wife, Sophie’s personal and professional life are grounded in a love of Land and community. Sophie is a PhD candidate in Earth and Environmental Science at Michigan State University, collaboratively researching ethical engagement in Land-based industries. She holds a B.S. in Geology with a minor in Anthropology and has worked across museums, parks, nonprofits, and higher education. She serves in leadership roles with the Buckeye Trail Association and the Porter Voice Collective and has contributed to international applied research through the American Geophysical Union’s Thriving Earth Exchange. Sophie’s graduate certificates include Adult Learning, Indigenous Studies, Museum Studies, and Nonprofit Leadership, and is committed to fostering ethical, community-centered approaches to Land stewardship and ensuring future generations have access to and care for the natural world, of which we are all a part. In this episode, Sophie and Christine discuss: · Expanding gender equity in the outdoors and creating systemic change in tourism · The concept of rematriation and how a single word reframes indigenous women's power and relational responsibilities · The Porter Voice Collective's mission and the Himalayan Women Trail Leaders initiative in Nepal · Intergenerational thinking as a source of hope for the future of equitable outdoor leadership 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: https://www.souloftravelpodcast.com/season-7/episode-254-sophie-llenos. 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 The Porter Collective to learn more and support workforce equity in mountain tourism. 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). Sophie Llenos (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo. Support the show

    1h 11m

  5. May 20

    Soul of Travel Podcast Season 7 Launch with Christine Winebrenner Irick

    Send us Fan Mail In this solo episode of Soul of Travel, Season 7: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, Christine offers a soulful launch, celebrating 6 years of Soul of Travel Podcast and the kick off of Season 7 with our Trailblazer Series, produced in collaboration with Strictly Jane Austen Tours. I am so excited to bring you this season and I hope that we can continue to be a space for connection, growth, and belonging. And do it in a way that allows for us to show up as our most human selves while navigating a complex and beautiful world, together. ~ Christine Winebrenner Irick 🌎​​​​​​​​ 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: https://www.souloftravelpodcast.com/season-7/episode-253-season-7-launch-christine 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: https://buymeacoffee.com/souloftravelpodcast. Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soul-of-travel/id1552279594. 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. 🌎​​​​​​​​ As part of our Trailblazer series, we hope that you will share about a woman who inspires you and who is working to amplify the voices of women, champion local communities and working to create positive change in the world. Submit your Trailblazer recognition in audio, video, or written form here: Soulful Trailblazer Campaign!  🌎​​​​​​​​ 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: @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. Support the show

    29 min

  6. 11/26/2025

    Season 6 Finale and 250+ Episode Celebration with Christine Winebrenner Irick & Guests

    Send a text In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, Christine hosts a soulful celebration of Season 6 and 250+ episodes of the Soul of Travel Podcast. Christine shares: · Celebrations for the nearly 50,000 downloads and 250+ episodes of the Soul of Travel Podcast · Upcoming Soul of Travel projects, including quarterly meetups! · Soul of Travel Podcast Merch & CommuniTees · The importance of rest and the podcast’s upcoming brief hiatus · Ways to support the Soul of Travel podcast production going forward, including sponsorship and partnership opportunities Join Christine for this soulful celebration. 🌎​​​​​​​​ To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. Support the podcast 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. 🌎​​​​​​​​ Special Thanks to Our Guests! Amanda & Asnath Kessy, Founders | Still Waters Safaris Becki Rupp, Adventure Coach, Founder | Trailblazer Wellness Carly Oduardo, Content Marketing Consultant | ConVerGente.io Hilary Matson, MBA, Founder | Yugen Earthside Mary Ellen Mansfield, Small Business and Nonprofit Accountant | Natural Accountant LLC Siham Lahmine, Luxury Culinary & Heritage Specialist, Founder | Morocco Travel Organizer Suzanne Rommelfanger, Tourism & Sustainable & Adventure Travel Leader  Vincie Ho, Social Change Leader, Founder and Executive Director | RISE Travel Institute 🌎​​​​​​​​ 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 Carly Oduardo. Support the show

    43 min

  7. 11/19/2025

    Redefining Leadership and Environmental Responsibility with Kate Williams

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Kate Williams. Kate Williams is CEO of 1% for the Planet, a global movement that inspires action and commitment so that our planet and future generations thrive. In more than a decade of leadership at the organization, Kate has scaled 1% for the Planet’s network to span 110 countries and 65 industries, driving more than $800 million in certified giving to vetted environmental solutions. A sought-after public speaker and recognized environmental leader, Kate was honored as a 2025 MO 100 Top Impact CEO, named among the 2025 Top Keynote Speakers by the Real Leaders Impact Awards, and received the 2024 New Era of Leadership Award from Chief. Kate earned her BA from Princeton University and her MS from the MIT Sloan School of Management. A dedicated connector and changemaker, she has served on a variety of nonprofit and advisory boards throughout her career. Outside of work, she’s a mom to two grown children and an avid trail runner, living in Vermont with her husband of 30 years and their dog, Maeve. Christine and Kate discuss: · Kate’s journey from outdoor leadership to environmental impact leadership · Adaptive leadership, vulnerability, and authenticity · The shift from charity to responsibility in business with community-based impact and localized support · Work-life balance and resilience in leadership Join Christine for this soulful conversation with Kate Williams. 🌎​​​​​​​​ 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? Support the podcast on Buy Me a Coffee. 🌎​​​​​​​​ Learn more at onepercentfortheplanet.org. Connect with Kate and the 1% for the Planet team on social media! / Instagram / Facebook / Kate’s LinkedIn  Now through the end of the year, 1% for the Planet is on a mission to unlock $1 million in support for their organization through their annual Challenge Grant. Support here: https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/donate?form=donate. 🌎​​​​​​​​ 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). Kate Williams (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo. Support the show

    1h 4m

  8. 11/12/2025

    Heartfelt Exploration in Travel and Leadership with Greta Matos

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Greta Matos. Greta is deeply committed to a life of intentional relationship with Earth, Horse and Soul. With her family and herd, she composes a life in the heart of Patagonia, where she is devoted to soulful relationship with human and non-human kin. Within her organization CuraKuda, she nurtures spaces where the wild essence of the horse, human and earth can encounter their shared language.  In all aspects of her work, from the field to the boardroom, she nurtures the inner transformation of individuals and collectives as they embody a more responsive, creative, and collaborative relationship with Earth, ancestors, one another and future generations. Greta is a writer, a mother, a soul friend and a dedicated spirit. Christine and Greta discuss: · Reconnecting with roots and purpose as the compass for personal and professional growth · Embracing joy, vulnerability, and authenticity as the foundation of mindful leadership · Allowing business to be “fully human” by integrating heart, compassion, and lived experience Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Greta Matos. 🌎​​​​​​​​ Christine is inviting you to join a virtual gathering to celebrate the end of Season 6 of Soul of Travel Podcast and the 250 episode milestone! Reserve your spot here! To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website.  Support the podcast: Buy Me a Coffee. 🌎​​​​​​​​ Visit CuraKuda to explore Greta’s purpose-guided organization cultivating relational, restorative and transformational experiences that nurture connection and cultivate resilience at www.curakuda.com. Learn more about Greta and her work at https://quilaquina.com/. Connect with Greta on your favorite social media network! Greta’s Instagram / CuraKuda Instagram Support Fundación Llancalil in Southern Chile at https://fundacionllancalil.org/. Special thanks to our episode sponsor, Casey Hanisko! Through business coaching and consulting, Casey collaborates with women+ and purpose-driven leaders in adventure, outdoor and non-profit industries helping them become great leaders and to build great businesses. Work with Casey by reaching out through her website at caseyhanisko.com – or email her at hello@caseyhanisko.com. 🌎​​​​​​​​ 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). Greta Matos (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing,  Support the show

    1h 12m
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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.

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