Exploring the Seasons of Life

By: Cynthia MacMillan
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  • Summary

  • A podcast designed for women with an adventurous spirit, busy midlife professionals, and empty nesters eager to rediscover life’s magic through travel. After years of dedication to your career and family, it’s time to embrace the joy of discovery and reignite your passions. In each bi-weekly episode, I’m joined by guests who share your love for travel, personal growth, and wellness. Together, we’ll explore the topics that matter most, guiding you toward a more enriched and adventurous life.
    @2024
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Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
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Episodes
  • Robin Finney: Travel Coach and Curator of Soulo Experiences

    Robin Finney: Travel Coach and Curator of Soulo Experiences
    Nov 12 2024
    “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 Pangea World Travel Agency. 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 into heartfelt stories of adventure, resilience, and transformation, exploring not only hidden travel gems but those unforgettable, life-changing moments. So, grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let’s set off on this journey—together. Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce today’s guest, Robin Finney. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Robin Finney is a travel coach with Soulo Experiences, a certified Sourced™ Leader, Retreat Master, and transformational coach. As the founder of Wandering Aunt, international model, and world traveler, she empowers others to build confidence through solo travel, coaching, retreats, and unique photoshoot experiences. Since 2018, Robin has embraced a bold, nomadic life, inspiring others to trust themselves and explore the world. Welcome Robin. I'm thrilled to have you on the podcast. 2:55 I used to have a "work to travel" mindset. I'd save up money and vacation time, then take long trips—three or four weeks at a time—exploring the world with some of my college friends. Each year, this passion grew, and I felt an increasing drive to explore. By 2017, that inner voice was too strong to ignore. I knew I had to take the leap, go out there, and see where the journey would take me. 4:43 I sold my furniture, gave up my apartment, and condensed my life down to just three crates in my sister’s garage. I still had my car, though—I wasn’t ready to let go of that yet. I thought, "Let me try this lifestyle and see how it feels." So I went to Thailand. Just a couple of weeks into my trip, I messaged my sister and told her, "I think I'm going to sell my car. 6:58 From day one, I set the intention to meet amazing people and have the best experiences. That’s how I approached every day. I fully believe that the energy we put out into the world is what we attract. 12:19 This is why I call myself "The Wandering Aunt." I think about the legacy I'm creating for my littles and for my sister's kids. I want them to see me living this lifestyle so it encourages them to explore and be brave in their own lives. I believe this also applies to people with families or other commitments; by prioritizing themselves, they're teaching their kids, family, and even coworkers that self-care and following one’s passions is a healthy thing to do. 30:06 There’s a place I visited in a town called Coyhaique in the Patagonia region. I flew into the town, then took a five-hour trek to reach it. I found a tour company that took me out to see these incredible rock formations known as the Marble Caves. The rocks are massive and have this surreal, almost Dr. Seuss-like quality, with shapes and colors that seem straight out of a fantasy. You can find Robin Finney at: Website | Instagram Thank you for joining me on Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, and it’s an absolute joy to share this adventure with you. I have something truly special to share today: picture a magical winter wonderland where enchanting Christmas markets come to life! Join us for a delightful getaway that blends nostalgia with festive fun—perfect for friends and empty nesters alike! Our group trip to the Christmas Markets of Montreal and Quebec City is scheduled for December 3 – 9, 2025. Visit my website PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com for more information. If you loved today’s episode, please share it with your friends, spread the word on social media, or leave a rating and review. Your support means the world and helps us connect with even more fellow travelers and dreamers! Until next time, keep exploring, keep growing, and embrace every step of your journey. I can’t wait to connect with you again! Have questions? I’d love to connect—give me a call or drop an email! Upcoming Group Trips: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line on Wonder of the Seas/ 7 night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day July 27, 2025 Christmas Markets of Montreal and Quebec City December 3 – 9, 2025 California Dreamin': Monterey, Yosemite & Napa April 27 – May 4, 2026
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    37 mins
  • “From the Vault” - Niki Svara on Self-Forgiveness

    “From the Vault” - Niki Svara on Self-Forgiveness
    Nov 8 2024
    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 bits in between; and let’s don’t forget about those moments that we never saw coming. 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. In this episode of Exploring the Seasons of Life, we are chatting about self-forgiveness and why it’s so hard to forgive ourselves. And my guest is Niki Svara. With a master's degree in spiritual psychology, and over 15 years of experience working with clients, Niki Svara has the love, the listening, and the tools that enable people to create deep and powerful growth, greater self-expression, and personal healing in their lives. Niki is the founder of Love The Way You Look and the author of Piece Talks: Messages of Love from your Body and Soul. Welcome to the show, Niki. Thank you for being here. I believe it was Brendon Burchard who said, “No matter how small you start, start something that matters.” And this series, “Self-care is more than a buzzword. It’s personal.” is what I am doing - because self-care matters. Throughout our conversation today we will be weaving in self-care tips. 2:23 I love the word explore; it's such a fun word. And it really it just it lifts my spirit. And so, to me, exploring the seasons of life means to get curious about them, to have a curiosity. And I’m going to say let go of resistance of those seasons. And I can tell you from my own personal experience that for a good majority of my early life, I resisted my seasons, I constantly wanted to be somewhere other than where I was, and it really wasn't a joyous and fulfilling experience. 6:25 I believe we're all in need of self-forgiveness. Because whether we realize it or not, there's always something that we're judging ourselves for. Could be something we said or didn't say, could be something we did or didn't do. We're not happy. And we're judging ourselves for where we are in life for whatever particular season, we are in. 7:50 I think, number one, is the idea of becoming willing, becoming willing to forgive ourselves, we have to have that piece because if we're not, it's just not going to work. And there are several different ways to become willing. 10:54 I wanted to add one thing, because self-forgiveness is not something I think that we think about. I know, it's not for me, so I must set reminders. I set little reminders so that I can make it a consistent practice. 14:04 Practice helps us to remember the truth of who we really are; the truth of our being. And it's like I can be put in two awareness’s at one time - I'm aware of my human self and I'm aware of my spiritual self, and it's really just a fulfilling and peaceful experience. 19:32 And this was the aha moment that I came to, in an inner exploration, that love and loving somebody is not the same as being and feeling emotionally close to that person. 23:15 Or we can take a step back, pause, and really begin to choose that gentleness toward ourselves and that self-love and self-compassion. Thank you for joining me on Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, and it’s an absolute joy to share this adventure with you. I have something truly special to share today: picture a magical winter wonderland where enchanting Christmas markets come to life! Join us for a delightful getaway that blends nostalgia with festive fun—perfect for friends and empty nesters alike! Our group trip to the Christmas Markets of Montreal and Quebec City is scheduled for December 3, 2025. Visit my website PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com for more information. If you loved today’s episode, please share it with your friends, spread the word on social media, or leave a rating and review. Your support means the world and helps us connect with even more fellow travelers and dreamers! Travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about who you become along the way. Let’s start this journey together.
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    29 mins
  • “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

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