Exploring the Seasons of Life

By: Cynthia MacMillan
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  • Summary

  • A podcast designed for women with an adventurous spirit, busy midlife professionals, and empty nesters eager to rediscover life’s magic through travel. After years of dedication to your career and family, it’s time to embrace the joy of discovery and reignite your passions. In each bi-weekly episode, I’m joined by guests who share your love for travel, personal growth, and wellness. Together, we’ll explore the topics that matter most, guiding you toward a more enriched and adventurous life.
    @2024
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Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
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Episodes
  • “From the Vault” - Your Clutter is a Teacher with Star Hansen

    “From the Vault” - Your Clutter is a Teacher with Star Hansen
    Nov 1 2024
    “If we don't attack the heart of the issue - the fear, guilt, and shame in our lives that cause us to buy what we don't really need - we are going to use that clutter to build our own prisons and keep us from connecting with others.” ~ Kathi Lipp Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m so glad you’re here. I’m excited to bring you some of our earliest episodes this November and December—stories that delve into beginnings, endings, and everything in-between. Every Friday, we’ll revisit these "from the vault" episodes and reflect on the moments that truly shape our journeys. So, let’s embrace the twists and turns of life’s transitions together, each one bringing us closer to where we’re meant to be. Your Clutter is a Teacher with Star Hansen was originally released on August 24, 2021 Guest Introduction: I’m Cindy MacMillan and welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life. You’re listening to episode 73. This podcast is for women with a big heart on a spiritual journey. Each week I interview coaches and spiritual explorers about beginnings, endings + the messy bits in-between. Self-love, well-being and mindset are at the heart of our conversations because once you change the inside, the outside will begin to change as well. If this is your first time joining me, I’m especially glad you’re here. I often say this podcast that has followed the breadcrumbs of my own interests and healing journey. Today’s interview is part of a self-care series called Life in Full Bloom: Living From the Inside Out and I am delighted to introduce my guest today, Star Hansen. Star Hansen is a Certified Professional Organizer and Clutter Whisperer who helps people use their clutter to overcome blocks in their lives. Her unique approach has been featured on HGTV, OWN, TLC, Style, A&E, and TEDx. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Hi, Star. Thanks so much for joining me today. 2:00 I'm in the middle of developing a class right now called The Meaning of Stuff that's launching in September. It's so incredible, because my whole career, I've been able to track what the clutter means, like what the symbolism of people's where you have your clutter and what your clutter is, tells me a whole story about your life. 3:33 You know, it's funny because when you think about it, it's disorder, it’s untidy, clutter is it's a crowd, it's a mess. And yet, and yet something can look like a mess to one person and feel like home to someone else. So, it's subjective. 5:11 I was on the phone with a client for two hours today, discerning the symbolism of their storage areas, and how it's not just, it's not cut and dry. It's like an onion, there's, you know, you're not a simple being, we're complex beings as humans, and we have lots of, you know, emotions and, you know, journeys tied in. 16:56 Or maybe you make a sign that says creative party in place. And you know, create a party in progress and you hang it on the wall. And you say you can come in. But this is a laboratory of creativity, and you don't mess with my creative Juju. Like you just claim that you set that intention. That's like yeah, that's not welcome here because we're in the middle of something. 18:29 So the interesting thing about clutter is that it is rarely one sided. So, the client I was talking to today, her clutter was inviting her to step into her purpose to really choose to step into her purpose. At the same time, that clutter was inviting her to punish herself. So, it was doing both. 28:21 So keeping an entire house of stuff doesn't serve us because the more we keep the less we see. And what I've done for the people that I love dearly who've passed away is I'll create a box or two of items from them that mean the most to me. So, journals, clothes, things that smell like them, like I had my grandpa's shirt in a Ziplock bag for years before the smell went away. But what you want to do is create a box or somewhere that you can go and revisit that loved one. 37:23 Thank you so much, Cindy, this was such a treat. And thank you to everyone for listening. It's really wonderful to connect energetically with you all. You can find Star Hansen at: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode and you’d like to help support the podcast, please share it with others, post about it on social media, or head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Leaving a rating and review helps to improve rankings in iTunes, it shows engagement which may attract sponsors and is essential for the podcast to be discovered by new listeners + it would mean the world to me. Here's How to Leave a Review in iTunes From Your Phone 1. Launch the Apple Podcast app on your iPhone or iPad. 2. Tap the Search icon (on the bottom right) and search for “Exploring the Seasons of Life.” 3. Tap the album art. 3. Scroll down to Ratings & Reviews. ...
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    39 mins
  • Susan Houts: Caregiver Tips for Easing Anxiety and Prioritizing Self-Care While Traveling

    Susan Houts: Caregiver Tips for Easing Anxiety and Prioritizing Self-Care While Traveling
    Oct 29 2024
    "The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places." - Ernest Hemingway Guest Introduction: Hey there, friend! Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and founder of Pangea World Travel Agency. Whether you’re a busy midlife professional, an empty nester, or a woman with a heart for adventure, you’re in the right place! This podcast isn't just about travel—it’s about how travel connects with the broader themes of life: growth, discovery, and reinvention. Join me and inspiring guests as we share personal stories of adventure and meaningful transformation. We’ll explore everything from hidden travel gems to life-changing experiences. So grab your coffee, get cozy, and let’s embark on this adventure together! Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce today’s guest, Susan Houts. Susan Houts is a world traveler, former educator, and current Community Liaison for Assisting Hands Home Care here in Brevard, Florida. After serving as an Associate Professor of Public Speaking and Interpersonal Communication at Eastern Florida State College for 12 years, she transitioned into Senior Care after seeing the need for community education in this area. She grew up in Rockledge, Florida, and currently lives in Palm Bay with her husband of 16 years, Aaron. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: 2:15 I’ve spoken to many people who are afraid to leave because they’re the primary caregiver for someone. But this can be a great opportunity to benefit both the person receiving care and the caregiver, allowing them to continue living their lives without worry. 6:01 In our community, there's a phrase that resonates with travelers: 'Take your oxygen first.' On a plane, they always instruct you to put your own oxygen mask on before helping a child or anyone else. The reason is simple: if you pass out, you won't be able to help anyone. 6:46 It's important to prepare in advance by reaching out to the community and using resources like Assisting Hands and the healthcare community to set up care ahead of time. If you leave it as an afterthought, you might find yourself on your trip, unable to fully enjoy it because you're constantly worried about what's happening at home. 8:35 If you have a company, ask others for recommendations. When we have a loved one in need of care—whether it's a senior or someone with health issues—it often feels like we're the only ones going through it. It feels very personal and can affect every part of our lives. But remember, you're not alone in this. 13:36 The really interesting thing about care, especially that I've learned in the senior care world, is that everybody's needs are completely different. Completely different, right? 34:33 I’d like to share one more tip I got from a friend who is a senior care advisor. I love her advice: when you're looking for support, whether before your trip or even during, focus on getting help with the task you dislike the most. You can find Susan Houts at: Website | Susan Houts, Certified Dementia Practitioner Thank you for tuning in to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, and I’m truly grateful to have you on this adventure with me. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with your friends, post about it on social media, or leave a rating and review. Thanks to your support, we can inspire even more travel enthusiasts like yourself! I’d love to connect with you! Follow me on Instagram @pangeaworldtravelagency for more travel inspiration and updates. Until then, keep exploring and embracing the journey. I can’t wait to see you next time!
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    48 mins
  • Leah Goerke: Choosing Between Ocean and River Cruising – Tips, Stories, and Travel Insights

    Leah Goerke: Choosing Between Ocean and River Cruising – Tips, Stories, and Travel Insights
    Oct 15 2024
    “Believe in your heart that you’re meant to live a life full of passion, purpose, magic and miracles.” ~ Roy T. Bennett Guest Introduction: Hey there, friend! Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and founder of Pangea World Travel Agency. Whether you’re a busy midlife professional, an empty nester, or a woman with a heart for adventure, you’re in the right place! This podcast isn't just about travel—it’s about how travel connects with the broader themes of life: growth, discovery, and reinvention. Join me and inspiring guests as we share personal stories of adventure and meaningful transformation. We’ll explore everything from hidden travel gems to life-changing experiences. So grab your coffee, get cozy, and let’s embark on this adventure together! Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce today’s guest, Leah Goerke. Leah owns Escape The Nest Travel, specializing in empty-nester group travel. Globetrotting is her passion. She has explored 40 countries with family and friends. Leah has a doctorate in education and applies her research and teaching skills to create and prepare her clients for life-changing vacation experiences. She is a Certified Travel Associate and a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Welcome to the podcast, Leah. 2:33 Every summer, my mom and dad would pack us up in the station wagon and we would head out to either Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach. 4:31 It's the only place that you can see certain species like marine iguanas, the giant tortoises, and the blue-footed booby, my favorite. 7:30 I'm an empty nester too, and I've learned to take full advantage of traveling during off-peak seasons. The pricing is better, the crowds are smaller, and you get to enjoy more personalized attention, especially on the islands or in these destinations. If the Galápagos is on your bucket list, you're on the right track with all your research. I encourage everyone to do the same! 17:32 Well, it all goes down to what type of activities they're interested in, who they're traveling with, you know, because you're picking a vacation, not just for yourself, but who you're traveling with. Also, what time of year? What destinations are you interested in and what kind of vibe do you want? 18:49 River cruises are what we call port-intensive. It's all about the ports, and in some cases, you may even visit two different ports in the same day. 24:55 On our ocean cruise with my family, we went ziplining in Roatan, off the coast of Honduras. We zipped through the rainforest and ended up on a private beach. My kids still rave about it to this day—it was an unforgettable experience. A friend recommended it to me, as we were relatively new to cruising, and they had just been on the same trip. It was extremely memorable, and there are so many similar touchpoints with the Galápagos. You can find Leah Goerke at: Website | Facebook | Thank you for tuning in to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, and I’m truly grateful to have you on this adventure with me. As a travel advisor and transformational coach, I believe in the power of both travel and personal growth to shape our lives. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with your friends, post about it on social media, or leave a rating and review. Thanks to your support, we can inspire even more travel enthusiasts and fellow adventurers like yourself! I’d love to connect with you! Follow me on Instagram @pangeaworldtravelagency for travel inspiration, personal insights, and updates on upcoming journeys. Until then, keep exploring, growing, and embracing the journey. I can’t wait to see you next time!
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    30 mins

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