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
  • Angie Brandt: Iceland and the Paris Olympics

    Angie Brandt: Iceland and the Paris Olympics
    Oct 1 2024
    “Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” ~ Serena Williams Guest Introduction: Hi, I’m Cindy MacMillan—your go-to Travel Bestie and the founder of Pangea World Travel Agency. Welcome back to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! This podcast is designed for three unique yet wonderfully interconnected groups: busy midlife professionals, empty nesters, and women with an adventurous spirit. Whether you’re navigating the demands of a thriving career while balancing personal commitments, stepping into the newfound freedom that comes with an empty nest, or feeling the call to explore the world in ways that truly speak to your soul—this podcast is your companion. After years of dedication to your career and family, it’s time to rediscover the joy of travel and reignite your passions. Does that resonate with the Season of Life you’re in right now? In each bi-weekly episode, I’ll be joined by inspiring guests who share your love for travel, personal growth, and wellness. Together, we’ll dive into topics that matter most, guiding you toward a life that’s richer, fuller, and more adventurous. Grab your cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive into the incredible possibilities that await you! Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce today’s guest, Angie Brandt. Angie believes that a single moment can profoundly impact our lives—shaping our story and sculpting our legacy. For those open to it, travel is the ultimate connector and a gift that keeps giving. Through this lens, Angie founded Both Worlds Travel to cater to clients who are as curious as they are passionate about experiencing the world in all its beauty and diversity. Both Worlds Travel specializes in crafting highly customized, refined journeys and small ship cruises for discerning travelers, offering unique experiences that blend quiet luxury with thoughtful exploration. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Welcome to the podcast. 3:24 I believe the most profound travel story of my life actually happened before I was even born. On the wall of my grandmother's house was a photo taken in the 1960s when she and her grandmother, my great-grandmother, traveled to Iceland—back to my great-grandmother's homeland where she was born. 7:39 I remember the headlights and being with my aunt, who was just a couple of years older than me and my parents, and a song came on the radio. I think it was Every Breath You Take, which, looking back on it, you know, that song's a little suspect now, but that song was on the radio, and we were driving through the bluffs at night, and it was magic to me. 12:54 I think as women, we often do it all, right? We become everything for everyone, except for ourselves most of the time. We tend to neglect our own needs and put ourselves last. It's not that we don’t want to embark on a journey of self-improvement, but by the time we've invested our energy and effort into everyone and everything else, there’s very little left for ourselves. At the end of the day, we’re exhausted, and then we wake up the next day, trying again, doing our best. 16:24 The boys may not have fully understood what was happening in the moment, the way that the adults did, but I do know that, in 20 years, they're going to be looking back and remembering that they were there, with their moms for that big game. 28:25 To travel responsibly and respectfully means you'll have a richer experience as a traveler. I believe you'll also gain a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty and its delicate nature, even amidst its ruggedness. You can find Angie Brandt at: Website |FaceBook | Instagram Thank you so much for tuning in to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition. I’m Cindy MacMillan, and it’s been a joy to share this journey with you. Just a few weeks before the pandemic, I launched this podcast to dive into the "beginnings, endings, and the messy bits in between" that we, as women, experience. Now, as we shift our focus towards travel, I’m thrilled to continue bringing topics that resonate deeply with our community and add value to your life. If you enjoyed this episode—and I know you did—be sure to subscribe so you never miss a show. And if you could take a moment to leave a review, it would mean the world to me and help us reach even more amazing listeners like you. Ready to stop dreaming and start doing? Head over to PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com, get in touch, and let’s plan your next unforgettable journey. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and take care!
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    35 mins
  • Hannah Clemente: Why Cozumel & Greece Will Make You Fall in Love with Travel

    Hannah Clemente: Why Cozumel & Greece Will Make You Fall in Love with Travel
    Sep 20 2024

    “It takes a lifetime to discover Greece, but it only takes an instant to fall in love with her.” ~ Henry Miller

    Guest Introduction:

    Welcome back to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and the founder of Pangea World Travel Agency.

    If you’re a woman with an adventurous spirit, a busy midlife professional, or an empty nester looking to rediscover life’s magic through travel, you’re in the right place. Imagine this: You’ve spent years building a successful career, raising a family, and checking off life’s milestones. But now, it’s your time—a time to embrace the joy of discovery, reignite those passions that once filled your heart with excitement, and explore the world in ways that are truly fulfilling.

    In each bi-weekly episode, I’ll be joined by guests who share your passions—from travel enthusiasts to experts in personal growth and wellness. Together, we’ll explore topics that truly matter to you, enhancing your journey toward a more enriched and adventurous life.

    So, grab your coffee, get cozy, and let’s dive into this journey together.

    Here’s a glimpse of our conversation:

    It’s a pleasure to introduce today’s guest, Hannah Clemente.

    Hannah is the owner of Clemente Travels, a travel advisory based in Canton, OH, where she crafts unforgettable adventures for her clients. As an avid adventure seeker, Hannah's love for hiking, kayaking, yoga, and all things outdoors fuels her passion for exploration. Having started her travel journey at just 6 months old and never looking back after her first overseas trip at 19, she brings a lifetime of experience and enthusiasm to helping others discover the world.

    7:01 Greece is my happy place. The people are so genuine and kind, with a carefree spirit that makes you feel at home. The food is incredible, and the country is steeped in history—from the cities to the monasteries in northern Greece. Then there are the beaches: sandy, pebbled, even black sand beaches. I could go on and on, but truly, Greece has it all.

    11:09 I try to put them in the mindset that it’s not bad, it’s not wrong—it’s just different.

    15:45 Over the last decade, I’ve especially learned patience. I grew up with none, but it’s become my biggest lesson.

    20:22 My best friend is going right before us, and we'll be meeting her there for a few days. I added a note on her itinerary: 'Please bring comfortable shoes, wear a backpack, and don’t go there if it’s windy!

    32:58 Travel is full of ups and downs—they’re inevitable with every trip. But with that said, get the travel insurance. If I could shout it from the rooftops, I would! Please, just get the travel insurance. Even if you're in perfect health, you still need it.

    You can find Hannah Clemente at:

    Website |FaceBook | Instagram

    Thanks so much for joining us on 'Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition.' I’m Cindy MacMillan, and you can find me over at PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com.

    If you enjoyed this episode—and I really hope you did—make sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a show. And if you could leave a review, it would mean the world to me. Your support helps us reach more amazing listeners just like you.

    Remember, if you're dreaming of your next cruise or adventure, I'm here to help make it happen. Head on over to my website to get in touch, and let’s start planning your journey.

    Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and take care!
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    38 mins
  • Eyad Mubaied: Humility as a Leadership Strength

    Eyad Mubaied: Humility as a Leadership Strength
    Sep 9 2024

    “Treat employees like they make a difference, and they will.” ~ Jim Goodnight

    Guest Introduction:

    Welcome back to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and the founder of Pangea World Travel Agency.

    If you’re a woman with an adventurous spirit, a busy midlife professional, or an empty nester looking to rediscover life’s magic through travel, you’re in the right place. Imagine this: You’ve spent years building a successful career, raising a family, and checking off life’s milestones. But now, it’s your time—a time to embrace the joy of discovery, to reignite those passions that once filled your heart with excitement, and to explore the world in ways that are truly fulfilling.

    In each episode, I’ll be joined by insightful guests from a variety of fields, including travel, personal growth, and wellness. We will delve into topics that resonate with you and enhance your journey towards a more enriched and adventurous life.

    So, grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and let’s dive into this journey together.

    We are joined today with Eyad Mubaied, Founder and CEO of Cultivate Culture LLC, and author of the Culture Driven Organization: How to Create Your Desired Organizational Culture and Sustain It. Eyad spent over 20 years practicing as a CPA at KPMG and L3Harris then found himself at a crossroads at the end of 2023 and has an unconventional story about changing careers that we can hear from him directly.

    Here’s a glimpse of our conversation:

    Eyad, welcome to the show.

    3:56 Organizational culture was something I've always loved.

    4:57 If you had asked me six or nine months ago if I would be doing this, I would have said you were absolutely nuts. But one thing led to another, and I found doors closing and others opening, and I just went through them.

    5:25 The technical term that I use or definition that I use in the book is the manifestation of shared beliefs reflected in common behaviors.

    11:36 In any organization, just like countries, there would be multiple cultural traits. The idea of the book is how do you now bridge the two? How do you take a good leader? And then take them through the process of actually instilling or integrating their philosophies into a process and then instilling it into people.

    14:20 You could be a good, genuinely good leader from a people perspective, but maybe not the best leader when it comes to continuous improvement or innovation.

    14:34 The two or three biggest traits for a good culture have to include humility as one of them.

    33:12 And at the end of the day, your organization's heart, its people.

    You can find Eyad Mubaied at:

    Website |E-Mail: info@cultivateculturellc.com

    Thank you for joining us today on Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition. I'm your host, Cindy MacMillan, and you can find me at PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Your support means the world to us. For any travel inquiries or to start planning your next adventure, feel free to reach out to me directly through my website. Until next time, happy travels and take care!
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    37 mins
  • Rachel Velthuisen: Career Transitions, Travel Tips, and Protecting the Planet

    Rachel Velthuisen: Career Transitions, Travel Tips, and Protecting the Planet
    Aug 28 2024
    “I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list.” ~ Susan Sontag 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. If you’re a busy midlife professional, an empty nester, or a woman with a heart for adventure, you’re in exactly the right place. Here, we believe that travel isn’t just a getaway; it’s a chance to grow, discover, and deeply connect with the world. This podcast is more than just a show—it’s an invitation to embark on a journey with us. My mission is to bring you guests who resonate with your dreams, understand your challenges, and ignite your adventurous spirit. Together, we’re building a vibrant community of travelers ready to embrace their next great adventure. Today, we’re talking about how a travel advisor can save you time, stress, and even money, all while promoting responsible tourism. We’ll dive into choosing eco-friendly options, supporting local communities, and reducing our carbon footprint—all while exploring this incredible planet of ours. So, pour yourself a big cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s embark on this journey together. You ready? Let’s do this! It's my pleasure to introduce Rachel Velthuisen, the owner and travel advisor behind Essence of Elegance Travel, based in Raleigh, North Carolina. With an a deep love for travel, Rachel has explored 22 countries across 5 continents, bringing a wealth of experience to every journey she crafts. Her talent for creating one-of-a-kind trips ensures that each itinerary is infused with heart and soul. Rachel is dedicated to helping you explore the world in the most enriching and unforgettable way possible. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Oh my goodness, Rachel—22 countries! That's truly incredible. Thank you so much for being here on the podcast today. 2:23 My first memory of being intrigued by the idea of traveling, stems from my Nana. She came home from Antigua and talked all about the wonderful people that she met, the beautiful beaches and being in Wisconsin at the time. It was a lovely picture to envision, in the cold of the winter, got me thinking about what it was like to travel. 3:23 I have three children, and I get to take them on these exciting adventures around the world with me. Really, I just love planning the details of all these trips. 6:43 Yeah, so in my day job I’m an air quality consultant. I have a PhD in Chemistry and I’ve been doing this job for 20 years, over 20 years now, and as a consultant, I feel that a lot of what I do in my day-to-day work carries over to working with clients on the travel side. I keep track of a lot of moving parts in different projects. 14:55 First, I would see if you have friends and family that are using a travel advisor and get a good referral. I think that's a good place to start, is to know that someone has used someone and recommends them. Referrals are good. First place to start. If you don't know anyone who's using a travel advisor, I would do a search online. 20:40 I'm a member of Virtuoso which is our consortia and I'm a member of the Virtuoso Sustainability Community. So, I hear about a lot of new hotel chains or tour operators around the world that are focusing on that aspect and trying to work more with the local communities and with incorporating sustainable practices into their day-to-day operations. 31:04 I would have to say it would be the ability to be willing to step outside of my comfort zone and try new things. You can find Rachel Velthuisen at: Website |FaceBook | Instagram Thanks so much for joining us on 'Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition.' I’m Cindy MacMillan, and you can find me over at PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com. If you enjoyed this episode—and I really hope you did—make sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a show. And if you could leave a review, it would mean the world to me. Your support helps us reach more amazing listeners just like you. Remember, if you're dreaming of your next cruise or adventure, I'm here to help make it happen. Head on over to my website to get in touch, and let’s start planning your journey. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and take care!
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    33 mins
  • Kelly Tolliday: Cultivating a Travelers Mindset

    Kelly Tolliday: Cultivating a Travelers Mindset
    Aug 14 2024
    “I feel very grateful I get to write my own ending.” ~ Simone Biles Guest Introduction: Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I'm Cindy MacMillan, your host and founder of Pangea World Travel Agency. If you're a busy midlife professional, an empty nester, or a woman who simply loves to explore, you're in the right place. We believe travel isn't just a vacation; it's your chance to grow, discover, and truly connect with the world around you. Join us as we take you to incredible destinations, share practical travel tips, and tell stories from fellow wanderers just like you. Whether you're dreaming of far-off lands or eager to find beauty close to home, this podcast is your guide to making those dreams a reality. Tune in to discover how you can create unforgettable experiences and make the most of your travel adventures, no matter where you are in life. I'm so excited to chat with Kelly Tolliday, a Wellness Travel Expert, Retreat Facilitator, Travel Advisor & Podcast Host of Transform with Travel. She's also a 500-Hr Registered Yoga Teacher & an Accredited Continued Education Provider for the Yoga Industry. She's the Co-Founder of RNR, a boutique retreat & travel company, guiding you on intentional travel experiences in the world's most breathtaking destinations. Through their organized group tours & retreats, custom travel advising services, as well as retreat management & facilitation for coaches, businesses & communities, RNR is your one-stop shop for all your travel needs. She's married to her husband Sam and is a mom to 2 beautiful girls & 2 crazy dogs. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Thank you for being here today, Kelly. 4:38: I've been running group tours and retreats for seven years and I know we'll probably chat about this later down the track but one of the biggest takeaways that I see in people traveling, not only do they get to see the Eiffel Tower, but they get to walk away with a renewed sense of themselves or a renewed commitment or a sense of their purpose, or they get to feel strong within themselves. 6:21: I've actually never been asked that so that's it's a really really good question. What you learn through the practice of yoga is that everyone is having their own perceptions of reality and that is a hundred percent what I've learned through this podcast is everyone is experiencing travel in different ways and not everyone actually perceives travel as this enlightening, opening, freeing experience. It can be fraught with stress. 14:06: On our retreat in Greece, in 2023, the overall theme that we all took away with - was how can we slow down more in our day-to-day life? We noticed how agitated all of us retreat facilitator, me included, we noticed how agitated we were with how slow the pace of life was on this small island south of Athens. And we noticed with that agitation, like, wait a minute, this could be a point of healing or transformation for us. 16:16 One of the biggest joys for me is seeing people learn from a 20-year-old learning from a sixty-year-old and a sixty-year-old learning from a 20-year-old. I'm like, that is community, that is humanity, coming together. 21:08: When you're traveling, you can't go on autopilot. You're using every sense, taking in new information every single second. It's a beautiful place to be—the present moment. You can find Kelly Tolliday at: Website | Podcast | Instagram Hey there, friend! Thanks so much for joining us on 'Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition.' I’m Cindy MacMillan, and you can find me over at PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com. If you enjoyed this episode—and I really hope you did—make sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a show. And if you could leave a review, it would mean the world to me. Your support helps us reach more amazing listeners just like you. Remember, if you're dreaming of your next cruise or adventure, I'm here to help make it happen. Head on over to my website to get in touch, and let’s start planning your journey. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and take care!
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    45 mins