Untethered & Wanderwise: Female Travel Over 45
After decades of putting others first, Nicky and Heide found themselves single after 45 and feeling untethered, they chose to embrace the chance to spread their wings and explore the world on their own terms.
Untethered & Wanderwise is a weekly podcast where Nicky and Heide share their adventures, insights, and mishaps as newly single women rediscovering themselves through travel. With each episode, we pull back the curtain on destinations around the globe, diving deep into the cultures, cuisine and experiences that come from wandering off the beaten path.
Whether you're dreaming of a sabbatical, newly single, empty nesters, or simply craving an injection of wanderlust into your life, join Nicky and Heide for straight-talk, helpful tips, and wild tales from ther adventures embracing life as a globetrotting "wanderwise" woman.
Join our dynamic duo each week as they explore uncharted territories, share travel tales, and inspire women to embrace adventure after 45.
Episodes
51 episodes
Rochester, New York: The Badass Women's History + Amazing Food Combo You Never Saw Coming
When you think "girls trip destination," Rochester, New York probably doesn't make your top 10 list. But after this episode, it absolutely will!Join hosts Nikki and Heidi as they spill all the tea about their unexpected love affair with ...
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Episode 51
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34:42
Historic Traveler: Where Literature Meets Adventure with Jackie Lapin
What if your next vacation could literally transport you through time? Meet Jackie Lapin, a 74-year-old former sports journalist who transformed her passion for historical novels into the ultimate travel hack. After visiting over 500 destinatio...
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39:53
Too Old for Adventure? Hold My Wine and Watch This
In this groundbreaking episode of Untethered and Wanderwise, hosts Heide Brandes and Nicky Omohundro reveal why women over 45 are becoming the driving force behind the adventure tourism revolution, sharing shocking statistics like...
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58:23
Machu Picchu: The Travel Adventure Your 20-Year-Old Self Never Imagined
What happens when you celebrate your 50th birthday by eating guinea pig and conquering one of the world's seven wonders?Join hosts Heide and Nicky on Untethered and Wander Wise as they share their incredible Machu Picchu ...
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34:39
"Adults-Only Paradise: Our Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Los Cabos Experience"
Nicky and Heide give their review of the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica adults-only luxury resort in Los Cabos. From fine dining and top-notch spa experiences to day trips to one of Mexico's "Magical towns," the resort far exceeded any expectations. Pe...
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26:33
Small Groups, Big Adventures: Why 2025 is the Year to Explore Beyond the Beaten Path with Guest Diana Ditto
Ready to trade crowded tourist traps for authentic cultural connections? In this episode, we sit down with Diana Ditto, VP of Product Marketing and Growth Strategies at Collette Tours—North America's longest-running tour operator with 107 years...
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44:03
From Trade Shows to Light Shows: The Ultimate Vegas Work-Play Balance Trip
Join host Nicky Omohundro as she welcomes travel expert Jenn Coleman of Coleman Concierge to the Untethered and Wanderwise podcast. In this episode, Jenn shares how she and Nicky transformed a recent business trip to Las Vegas into an unforgett...
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39:53
America's Crown Jewels: Why Women Over 45 Should Explore National Parks
Join hosts Heide Brandes and Nicky Omohundro as they discuss why America's National Parks offer the perfect adventure for women in midlife. This episode covers trending parks for 2025, practical tips for planning visits during off-seasons, and ...
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27:11
Travel Safety in a Changing World: Navigating Global Politics and Protection in 2025 with Andrew Jernigan
Join hosts Nicky Omohundro and Heide Brandes as they interview Andrew Jernigan, co-founder and CEO of Insured Nomads, about navigating international travel in today's complex political landscape. Andrew shares crucial safety tips for travelers ...
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48:14
Travels With Annita - a Conversation With Travel Radio Host Annita Thomas
Join hosts Heide Brandes and Nicky Omohundro as they delve into the world of authentic solo travel experiences for midlife women. In this captivating episode, meet Anita Thomas - an award-winning travel show host who has ...
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51:36
Winter Wonders in the Land of Enchantment: Discovering New Mexico's Snowy Side With Guest Nicole Barker
Join hosts Heide Brandes and Nicky Omohundro as they explore an unexpected winter wonderland on this episode of Untethered and Wanderwise. Most travelers picture New Mexico as a desert landscape with adobe architecture, but our special guest Ni...
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27:11
Beyond Bucket Lists: Meaningful Travel For Women Over 45 with Pauline Frommer
This introspective journey with travel expert Pauline Frommer, President of Frommer Media, and Editorial Director of Frommer's Guidebooks, explores the transformative power of meaningful travel for women in their prime. Through personal stories...
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33:55
Winter Adventures in BC's Cariboo: A Woman's Guide to Ice Fishing, Dog Sledding, and Whisky Tasting
Think winter travel in British Columbia is just for the young and adventurous? Think again! Join host Heide Brandes as she discovers why British Columbia's Cariboo region is becoming the ultimate winter destination for women travelers over 45. ...
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19:17
Embracing Adventure After Major Life Changes
In this heartfelt episode of Untethered and Wanderwise, hosts Nicky Omohundro and Heidi Brandes share their personal journeys of embracing adventure after major life changes. After both experiencing the end of 28-year relationships, they discus...
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33:06
5 Epic Weekend Road Trips: Discover America's Most Beautiful Hidden Routes
Join hosts Heide and Nikki as they explore five incredible weekend road trips perfect for women over 45. From the magical Buffalo National River in Arkansas with its stunning bluffs and waterfalls, to the spiritual vortexes of Sedona, Arizona, ...
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41:24
NYC Like a Pro: Secret Spots, Money-Saving Tips & Food Adventures
Uncover a fresh perspective on New York City in this savvy traveler's guide to the Big Apple! Join hosts Heide and Nicky as they reveal how to navigate NYC like a seasoned pro, from mastering the modernized subway system with simple phone taps ...
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31:27
Mediterranean Cruising: Exploring Three Continents with Celestyal Cruises
Join hosts Heide and Nicky as they dive into the unique experience of cruising three continents aboard Celestyal Cruises. on the Celestyal Journey, Nicky shares insider tips and highlights from this extraordinary Mediterranean adventure a...
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20:44
Wild & Wonderful Calgary, Alberta, Canada - Wolf Dogs, Great Food and Urban Fun
Calgary surprises as more than just a gateway to the Rockies in this adventure-packed episode. We start at the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, where rescued wolfdogs roam vast enclosures, offering an intimate glimpse into these magnificent crea...
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22:33
No Wrong Turns: Why Group Bus Tours Are Perfect for Solo Female Adventurers
Say goodbye to GPS mishaps and hello to effortless exploration! In this illuminating episode, we dive into why organized bus tours are becoming the go-to choice for adventurous women traveling solo after 45. From an African safari to the cloud ...
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50:08
"Wanderlust 2025: Smart Travel Goals That Actually Stick"
Join seasoned travelers Heide and Nicky as they break down actionable travel resolutions for 2025. From mastering minimalist packing techniques to building genuine connections through solo female travel, this podcast delivers practical st...
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20:20
Smart Snacking at 34,000 Feet
Heide and Nicky tackle smart snacking strategies for those long plane flights to help you keep healthy, hydrated and not bloated or gassy. Topics include best snacks to pack, what's allowed through TSA and why you should really pass on th...
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10:25
Beyond the Box: Travel-Themed Experiences for Her That Make the Most Meaningful Gifts This Year
Ready to move beyond the typical gift cards and trinkets? In this episode of Untethered & Wanderwise, we're diving deep into the world of travel-inspired experiences that will make her heart soar. Whether she's a seasoned globe-trotter or d...
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Episode 30
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12:27
You've Been Flying Economy Long Haul Flights ALL WRONG! Here's What the Pros Know...
Tired of arriving at your destination feeling like a human pretzel? In this game-changing episode, veteran travel experts reveal their closely-guarded secrets for surviving long-haul flights in economy. From unconventional hacks to insider tips...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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14:37
Sky's the Limit: The Ultimate Guide to Gifting Airline Tickets
Want to give someone the gift of travel but not sure where to start? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about gifting airline travel, from booking actual tickets to transferring miles and picking the perfect airline gift...
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Episode 28
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14:14
How to Pack for a Cold Weather Destination in Just a Carry On
Ever stared at your bulky winter coat and thought "there's no way I'm going to be able to pack light for this getaway"? In this episode of Untethered and Wanderwise, we're cracking the code of cold weather packing. From layers that will save yo...
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16:57