Wander Lounge

Family, Adventure, and Building a Life Worth Exploring with Lisa Stanworth

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 to the beaches of Hawaii, and all the way to Japan, Thailand, and Italy. A Brigham Young University graduate with a degree in child development, Lisa brings a thoughtful, family-centered lens to everything she does, including how she moves through the world.
In this episode, Lisa shares what nearly two decades of marriage and motherhood have taught her about saying yes to new experiences, how she navigates travel with a big family, and why stepping outside your comfort zone is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your children. She also dishes on some of her most unforgettable bucket list moments, including swimming with whale sharks.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or someone still dreaming of your first big trip, Lisa's warmth, humor, and passion will leave you ready to book the flight.
Connect with Us:
Ariel Travis 
@wander_lounge
wanderloungepodcast.com
Lisa Stanworth:
@chooseyourhappyplace
Choose Your Happy Place Podcast 

Wander Lounge Greece Group Trip: FAQ's with Colleen Vincent

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 payment plans. If you’ve been curious about joining a women’s group trip to Greece, this episode gives you all the details you need to decide if it’s the right fit.
 
Sign-Up for the Greece group trip at www.wanderloungepodcast.com
Connect With Us:
Ariel Travis: @wander_lounge
Colleen Vincent: @colleenvincent7

Iantha Richardson: Reinvention & Creative Power

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 audiences as Tessa Lorraine in American Soul. Her breakout performance as Faith Mitchell on ABC’s hit series Will Trent highlights her ability to bring depth, strength, and humanity to a character navigating loyalty, identity, and integrity within a male-dominated profession.
Beyond acting, Iantha is also a writer, director, and producer, driven by a desire to “control the narrative” and elevate meaningful stories from underrepresented perspectives. In this conversation, we explore her creative evolution, the courage it takes to pivot careers, and how intention plays a central role in both her art and life.
Whether she’s stepping into complex roles on screen or building stories behind the camera, Iantha brings thoughtfulness, ambition, and vision to everything she creates.
✨ In this episode, we discuss:
Transitioning from dance to acting
Navigating the entertainment industry with purpose
Representation and storytelling from underrepresented voices
What it means to control your own narrative
Creating art with intention and integrity
This episode is a reminder that your path doesn’t have to be linear, and that owning your story is a powerful act.
Connect With Us: 
Iantha Richardson: @ianthasherii
Ariel Travis: @wander_lounge 
 

Nikki Vargas: Call You When I Land

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 America.
Nikki is also the author of Wanderess, an evergreen women’s travel guide praised by Forbes and Refinery29 for its thoughtful approach to exploration and self-discovery. Beyond the page, she serves as Senior Digital Editor at Fodor’s Travel and is the founder of Unearth Women, a groundbreaking magazine dedicated to amplifying women’s stories from around the globe.In this episode, we dive into Nikki’s journey as a writer, editor, and entrepreneur, the power of travel as a tool for self-expression, and what it means to take up space as a woman, both creatively and professionally. Nikki brings a global perspective, deep intention, and an unwavering commitment to storytelling that uplifts and connects.
This conversation is an invitation to reflect on where travel has taken you, and where it might lead you next.
 
Connect with Nikki: 
Follow her journey at @niknakvargas , or on her website. Get a your copy of Call You When I Land and Wanderess. 
 
Connect with Ariel: 
Follow her on @wander_lounge. Sign up for the newsletter to learn travel tips and to get details about our upcoming group trip to Greece here. 
 

Lydia Copeland: Learning How to Travel with Confidence

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 step.
Lydia is also the author of “An Introduction to Traveling: The First Step of Many Around the World,” a comprehensive travel skills handbook featuring 183 practical tips to help you plan, budget, pack, and navigate your way with confidence. Whether you’re preparing for your very first trip or seeking to refine your travel style, Lydia’s insights are a masterclass in turning wanderlust into action.
 
✨ In this episode, we explore:
How Lydia learned to travel without a “blueprint”
The key mindset shifts that make travel feel possible for anyone
Practical, beginner-friendly tips from her book
Why representation and accessibility matter in the travel space
How you can start taking your first steps around the world
Tune in and get inspired to plan your next adventure—no matter where you’re starting from.
Connect with Lydia:
Follow her journey  @lydslifeskills,  and grab a copy of her book, An Introduction to Traveling: The First Step of Many Around the World https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CK45BH92?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_478SAY775GYNN7XFF19E&bestFormat=true
Connect with Wander Lounge:
Follow @wander_lounge, and sign up for our newsletter at https://www.wanderloungepodcast.com/  for more travel stories, solo travel tips, and community for women who love to explore.

Kayla Kelly: Fight for Your Dreams

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 it’s like to train as a woman in a male-dominated sport, how solo travel shaped her worldview, and what it means to bet on yourself even when the odds feel stacked. With five fights under her belt and a spot in the Amazing Muay Thai Festival in Italy on the horizon, Kayla’s story reminds us of the power of discipline, intuition, and carving your own lane.
In this episode, we discuss:
How travel and sport intertwine to shape identity
Kayla’s transition from study abroad to full-time athlete
The emotional and mental strength behind stepping into the ring
How to stay grounded while living boldly abroad
Advice for anyone chasing an unconventional dream
Connect with us: 
Kayla Kelly: @kaykelly13
Ariel Travis: @wander_lounge and wanderloungepodcast.com 
Loved the episode?
Leave us a 5-star review and help us reach more listeners who crave connection, adventure, and community through travel. Your support makes all the difference in growing the Wander Lounge family.
 

Liv Schreiber: Making Friendship Fun Again w/ Community, Connection & Camp Social

 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.
From lakeside journaling and water sports to wine nights under the stars, Camp Social is a retreat designed for women and nonbinary folks craving meaningful friendships and playful reconnection. Liv shares how she grew a simple idea into a movement, why adult friendships deserve celebration, and how loneliness can be replaced with laughter, presence, and sisterhood.
In this episode, we explore:
The inspiration behind Hot and Social
How Camp Social creates space for real connection
The power of joy, intention, and nostalgia in adult friendships
Why it’s okay to seek new community (at any age)
 Whether you're craving deeper connection or dreaming of starting your own community—this episode will inspire you to make friendship a fun priority.
 
Connect with us: 
Liv Schreiber: @livschreiber and hotandsocial.com
Ariel Travis: @wander_lounge and wanderloungepodcast.com
 
Loved the episode?Leave us a 5-star review and help us reach more listeners who crave connection, adventure, and community through travel. Your support makes all the difference in growing the Wander Lounge family.

Tell Her She Can’t: Building 6-Figure Brands w/ Kelly Lewis

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 creativity.
We dive into the story behind her best-selling book Tell Her She Can’t, how she scaled multiple 6-figure businesses from pure passion, and why her newest venture — Portland’s Wine Spa — just landed a spot on Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list. Whether you're dreaming of your next solo trip or building something big from scratch, this episode will leave you fired up to say YES to your own wild ideas.
Connect With Us:
Ariel Travis: @wander_lounge and www.wanderloungepodcast.com
Kelly Lewis: @gokellylewis and @winespa_pdx

Elevate Your Travel Game. Tales from a Pro Travel Agent with Miriam Nodzo

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 offers valuable insights for solo female travelers, including essential safety tips and strategies for personal growth.
Beyond travel planning, Miriam highlights the role of travel agents, the power of building strong client relationships, and practical advice for those looking to transition into this fulfilling career. Whether you’re an aspiring travel professional or a wanderlust-driven explorer, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable tips to enhance your travel experience.
CONNECT WITH US:
ARIEL TRAVIS: @wander_lounge, https://www.wanderloungepodcast.com/
MIRIAM Nodzo: @elevate_travel_group , https://www.elevatetravelgroup.com/

The Balancing Act of Freelancing With Brooke McPheeters

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, and meaningful connections shines through in every aspect of her life. Brooke emphasizes the importance of being present, balancing work and relaxation, and getting to know yourself through travel. Brooke's journey is a testament to the transformative power of travel, the importance of being present, and the beauty of pursuing a multifaceted life filled with creativity and connection.
CONNECT WITH US:
ARIEL TRAVIS: @wander_lounge, https://www.wanderloungepodcast.com/
BROOKE MCPHEETERS: @brookemcfab