Exploring the Seasons of Life
“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware." - Martin Buber Guest Introduction: Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and founder of . If you’re a midlife professional, an empty nester, or a woman with a heart for adventure, you’re right where you belong. This isn’t just another travel podcast—it’s an invitation to look at how travel shapes our lives, inspiring us to grow, to see the world in new ways, and to rediscover ourselves in the process. Together with incredible guests, we’ll dive...
info_outline “From the Vault” - Niki Svara on Self-ForgivenessExploring the Seasons of Life
Niki Svara on Self-Forgiveness was originally released on June 18, 2022 “To heal, you have to get to the root of the wound and kiss it all the way up” ~ Rupi Kaur Welcome to another episode of Exploring the Seasons of Life, a podcast for women with a big heart on a spiritual journey. My name is Cindy MacMillan. Do you ever feel like you are waiting on a permission slip to live the life you want? If you answered yes, then you are in the right spot. Each week I interview coaches and spiritual explorers, from all walks of life about beginnings, endings and the messy...
info_outline “From the Vault” - Your Clutter is a Teacher with Star HansenExploring the Seasons of Life
“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...
info_outline Susan Houts: Caregiver Tips for Easing Anxiety and Prioritizing Self-Care While TravelingExploring the Seasons of Life
I have a small but important correction to share. In the podcast, you’ll hear Susan mention that there are two types of personal in-home care companies, one that hires I-9 Employees and one that hires W-2 Employees. Instead of I-9, she meant to say 10-99 employees, meaning that home care registries utilize contractors (10-99 employees) and home care agencies utilize W-2 Employees. W-2 employees complete I-9 forms. Thank you for noting this correction, and enjoy the following podcast. Guest Introduction: Hey there, friend! Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m...
info_outline Leah Goerke: Choosing Between Ocean and River Cruising – Tips, Stories, and Travel InsightsExploring the Seasons of Life
“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 . 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...
info_outline Angie Brandt: Iceland and the Paris OlympicsExploring the Seasons of Life
“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 . 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...
info_outline Hannah Clemente: Why Cozumel & Greece Will Make You Fall in Love with TravelExploring the Seasons of Life
“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 . 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...
info_outline Eyad Mubaied: Humility as a Leadership StrengthExploring the Seasons of Life
“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...
info_outline Rachel Velthuisen: Career Transitions, Travel Tips, and Protecting the PlanetExploring the Seasons of Life
“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 . 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...
info_outline Kelly Tolliday: Cultivating a Travelers MindsetExploring the Seasons of Life
“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 , your host and founder of . 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...
info_outline“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:
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!