Wander Lounge

What does it look like to build a life rooted in family, adventure, and an unshakeable belief that the world is meant to be explored? This week's guest, Lisa Stanworth, is living proof that the two don't have to be in conflict. Lisa is a Salt Lake City-based mom of five, host of the Choose Your Happy Place podcast, and a lifelong adventurer whose travels have taken her from the mountains of Utah t...

In this episode, host Ariel of Wander Lounge  speaks with Colleen Vincent of  Elevate Travel Group, to walk you through the full itinerary for our upcoming Greece group trip. Together, we break down what to expect in Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos, how the trip is designed to balance culture, connection, and ease. We answer the most frequently asked questions; from accommodations, activities, and...

Today’s guest is Iantha Richardson, a talented American actress whose journey from Washington, D.C. to our screens is rooted in artistry, resilience, and intention. Trained as a dancer with a BFA from Fordham University: The Ailey School, Iantha began her creative path through movement before transitioning into acting. She landed her first major role on This Is Us and went on to captivate audience...

Today’s guest is Nikki Vargas, an undeniable force in the worlds of travel, storytelling, and women’s empowerment. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Nikki is a two-time published author and the voice behind the bestselling memoir Call You When I Land, a deeply personal exploration of identity, belonging, and becoming. Her work has been widely recognized by Glamour, Real Simple, and Good Morning Am...

Today on Wander Lounge, we’re joined by Lydia Copeland. By day, Lydia is a data analyst, but by passion, she’s a travel blogger and educator on a mission to make travel more accessible, inclusive, and less intimidating for everyone. Her journey from small-town roots to exploring the world is a reminder that travel isn’t reserved for the privileged—it’s something we can all learn to do, step by ste...

Today’s guest is Kayla Kelly, a fighter, dream-chaser, and true global citizen. From studying abroad in Spain and Italy to now living and training full-time in Mexico as a Muay Thai fighter, Kayla has designed a life fueled by exploration, resilience, and bold self-belief. In this episode, Kayla opens up about how falling in love with Muay Thai during the pandemic transformed her path. She shares...

 What if making new friends didn’t feel awkward—but joyful? This week on Wander Lounge, Ariel sits down with Liv Schreiber, a creative entrepreneur redefining what it means to build authentic connection in adulthood. As the visionary behind Hot and Social and Camp Social, Liv is turning social spaces into soulful ones, crafting intentional experiences where community thrives and fun comes first. F...

In this episode of Wander Lounge, we're joined by Kelly Lewis — serial entrepreneur, global traveler, and the visionary behind Go! Girl Guides, Damesly, and the Women’s Travel Fest. With over a decade spent disrupting the travel industry and empowering women to see the world on their own terms, Kelly brings a powerhouse perspective on what it really takes to build a life of freedom, impact, and cr...

In this episode of Wander Lounge podcast, host Ariel sits down with Miriam Nodzo, the founder of Elevate Travel Group. With over 15 years of experience in the travel industry, Miriam, a certified travel associate and counselor, shares her inspiring journey from the corporate world to leisure travel. She delves into the significance of crafting personalized and meaningful travel experiences and off...

In this episode of Wander Lounge podcast, host Ariel sits down with Brooke McPheeters, a multi-talented dancer, artist, and freelancer based in Las Vegas. Brooke's background is as diverse as it is impressive. She has worked with iconic teams like the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs and the NBA's Knicks City Dancers, performed on stages across 33 countries, and traveled to 55. Her love for dance, travel,...

In this episode of The Wander Lounge podcast, we sit down with actress, author, and world traveler Dolores Reynals, whose incredible journey began with a dramatic birth story in Mendoza, Argentina. Initially thought to be in critical condition, Dolores's life was saved by a nurse who heard her cry—an event that set the tone for her resilient and determined spirit. From leading her first school pro...

In this episode of the Wander Lounge podcast, host Ariel engages in a captivating conversation with Amanda Almasri, who shares her decade-long journey as an expat. Amanda recounts her experiences living in Shanghai, Chiang Mai, London, and now San Francisco, highlighting the challenges and joys of expat life. The discussion covers the transient nature of living abroad, the stress of visa renewals,...

In this episode of the Wander Lounge podcast, host Ariel converses with Ella Parlor, a marketing expert, author, podcaster, and real estate investor. Ella recounts her successful career in the alcohol industry and the health challenges that led her to reevaluate her life. She discusses her best-selling book, "High Tolerance," and the transformative role of travel in her healing process. Emphasizin...

In this episode of the Wander Lounge, host Ariel chats with Marlisa Giacone, an international speech therapist. Marlisa shares her journey as a traveler and expat, discussing her work in speech pathology in China and Hong Kong, and her upcoming move to Germany. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the joys and challenges of travel, the importance of community, and the freedom to define your...

In this episode of the Wander Lounge podcast, Ariel sits with Sahara Rose De Vore, the founder and CEO of the Travel Coach Network. Sahara shares her inspiring journey from a broke college student dealing with anxiety and depression to becoming a successful entrepreneur by creating the first ICF Accredited Program for Travel Coaches. She discusses her extensive travel experiences to over 84 countr...

In this episode of Wander Lounge, host Ariel interviews Sojourner White, a seasoned traveler, digital nomad, remote social worker and award winning travel journalist. Sojourner shares her passion for train travel, emphasizing the journey over the destination, and her dedication to countering hustle culture. Sojourner discusses the practicalities and pleasures of train travel, the impact of travel...

In this episode, host Ariel Travis swaps roles and is interviewed by her cousin Dr. Katrina Overby, an activist scholar with a rich background in media and cultural studies. They discuss the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone through travel and Ariel shares invaluable insights and practical tips for women who aspire to embark on solo travel adventures, emphasizing safety, budgeting,...

This episode features Calen Otto host of the Unruly Travel podcast, author, and a traveller known for embarking on a unique cross-country biking adventure with minimal resources. Starting with a fascination inspired by another adventurer, Calen decided to bike across the USA with only $300, trading work for their needs along the way. Now having visited 34 states, 20 national parks, and over 30 cou...

Uncover the complexities of conducting therapy across diverse cultural landscapes. This episode showcases Sandy Dorsey, a speech-language pathologist, global advocate, and the founder of Smiles for Speech. Sandy discusses her journey creating Smiles for Speech, an initiative aimed at providing speech and occupational therapy to children in underserved communities across Africa and the Caribbean. T...

This episode features Anjali Mehta an artist, athlete, TED Talk speaker, and a human rights lawyer turned co-founder of the nonprofit 'What is the Power of We?'. Anjali shares her life's quest for making the world a better place, which has taken her from practicing law internationally and working on asylum cases, to embarking on mountaineering expeditions across continents to combat gender-based v...

This episode provides insights into Dr. Shweta Hegde's remarkable journey from India to a prestigious children's hospital in the US, interweaving her experiences in travel and medicine. Through her adventures, passion for minimalistic living, and solo explorations in Kyrgyzstan, Shweta reflects on the empowerment gained from cultural diversity, nature, and life-changing travel. This conversation h...

In this episode, Vanessa Karel, the founder and CEO of travel startup Greether, discusses how she created her company to promote safe and authentic travel experiences for women around the world. While stranded in Morocco during the pandemic, she noticed a gap in the market and started Greether, a service that connects female travelers with verified local women for a more secure and personalized tr...

In this episode Steph Stock, shares her journey from feeling reluctant about her Fulbright assignment in Goiânia, Brazil, which turned out to be a pivotal year in her life, to becoming a trauma-informed yoga instructor, fitness model, and content creator in LA. Steph also discusses the inception of her podcast 'Mixed With What,' addressing multiracial complexities in America, and shares insights o...

In this episode of Wander Lounge, the podcast that celebrates women in travel, the guest is speech language pathologist Jessica Wolf. A trilingual Atlanta native, Jess has lived in various countries including Brazil and Argentina. She talks about her diverse living experiences, including group living in Buenos Aires. Jess also emphasizes the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and embr...

This episode features Hanna Fidler, a dance and yoga teacher, who is also pursuing a master's degree in marriage and family therapy. From her experiences beginning with her first overseas trip to Mexico at 17, she shares how travel has shaped her on a deep personal level, especially the connections forged with different cultures and people. Hanna shares her belief on how travel is not just about v...