Episode 235 - Christine Winebrenner Irick, Solo Show
In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, presented by @journeywoman_original, Christine shares The Responsibilities of the Heart: Reflections from WITS, IWTTF, ATTA Elevate and more!
In this special solo episode of the Soul of Travel podcast, host Christine Winebrenner Irick invites listeners into a heartfelt reflection on the powerful lessons, connections, and conversations she experienced over the past few weeks while attending key travel industry events.
From the bustling energy of WITS Content Creator Summit in NYC to the grounded presence of ATTA Elevate in Denver, from the emotional resonance of the Women Thrive Through Travel MasterFind to the powerful truth-telling at IWTTF in London, Christine shares stories of inspiration, inquiry, and intentionality.
She discusses the evolving responsibilities of travel storytellers, the call to live and work from the "responsibility of the heart," and how themes of equity, community, healing, and hope continue to emerge across the global women’s travel space.
This episode is a love letter to connection, a call to align our choices with our values, and a reminder that the stories we tell shape the world we create.
“Whatever you do, leave tracks.”
Celebrations and Acknowledgments!
Christine and Carolyn Ray, CEO of JourneyWoman were both recognized at finalists at the IWTTF Awards last week in London and both received High Commendations in their categories of Women Leader in Travel and Tourism and Women Leader in Hospitality respectively.
Soul of Travel Episode 235 At a Glance
In This Episode, Christine Shares:
Why she attends events with the intention to find meaningful connections—not just business contacts
A powerful panel discussion at WITS titled “Beyond the Reel: Travel, Power, and the Creator’s Role in a World on Fire”
A phrase from Dr. Anu Taranath that she can use as a compass in her work: “The responsibility of my heart”
Emotional insights from the Women Thrive Through Travel MasterFind, including Alyssa Nogaski’s call to say “yes” to yourself
Reflections from ATTA Elevate, where storytelling and mindfulness grounded the experience
Highlights from IWTTF in London, including takeaways from Jude Kelly, Zina Bencheik, and Julia Simpson on gender equity, visibility, and long-term change
How buying a book, attending an event, or choosing a small business is a way to vote for the world you want to see
Her daughter’s question that shook her: “Is this place for the people who live here, or for the travelers?”
An invitation to join her at the upcoming RISE Travel Institute Annual Conference
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Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode
WITS Content Creator Summit – witsummit.com
Use code Soul50 to save $50 on 2025 registration before August 31Dr. Anu Taranath – Author of Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World
Wanderful – Wanderful is a global community of women travelers and content creators
The Travel Coach Network – thetravelcoachnetwork.com & my affiliate link
Zanny Merullo Steffgen – Writer, coach, and Soul of Travel blog contributor
Root Adventures – Wellness-focused travel experiences for women
Tourleb – Social impact travel company based in Lebanon
WOW Foundation / Jude Kelly – thewowfoundation.com
RISE Travel Institute Annual Conference – risetravelinstitute.org
About the Soul Of Travel Podcast
Soul of Travel honors the passion and dedication of people making a positive impact in the tourism industry. In each episode, you’ll hear the stories of women who are industry professionals, seasoned travelers, and community leaders. Our expert guests represent social impact organizations, adventure-based community organizations, travel photography and videography, and entrepreneurs who know that travel is an opportunity for personal awareness and a vehicle for global change.
Join us to become a more educated and intentional traveler as you learn about new destinations, sustainable and regenerative travel, and community-based tourism. Industry professionals and those curious about a career in travel will also find value and purpose in our conversations.
We are thought leaders, action-takers, and heart-centered change-makers who inspire and create community. Join host Christine Winebrenner Irick for these soulful conversations with our global community of travelers exploring the heart, the mind, and the globe.
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Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Christine Winebrenner Irick (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Christine Winebrenner Irick
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WE WON A BESSIE AWARD! The Bessie Awards recognize the achievements of women and gender-diverse people making an impact in the travel industry. To view the complete list of 2022’s winners, visit bessieawards.org.
Soul of Travel Episode 235 Transcript
Key Words: women’s travel, transformational travel, sustainable travel, social entrepreneurship
You can find me on Facebook at Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community, or follow me on Instagram either @lotussojourns or @souloftravelpodcast. Stay up to date by joining the Lotus Sojourns mailing list. I look forward to getting to know you and hopefully hearing your story.