Positive Psychology and Travel | Associate Director, MAPP Program at University of Pennsylvania, Leona Brandwene

Positive Psychology and Travel | Associate Director, MAPP Program at University of Pennsylvania, Leona Brandwene

Author: Sarah Groen June 4, 2025 Duration: 1:10:47

Today, I'm kicking off something a little different on the show — a mini series exploring the intersection of positive psychology and travel. If you've ever come home from a trip feeling more connected, more curious, more yourself — there's actually science behind that. And over the past year, I've been studying it deeply through my master's at Penn — not just as a travel professional, but as a human who believes that travel can be truly transformative.

To launch this series, I'm so honored to welcome one of my mentors and dear friends, Leona Brandwene. Leona is the Associate Director of Education at the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania, where she helps lead the renowned MAPP program. She's also a master teacher, a coach, a mom, and someone who lives and breathes this work in such an authentic and inspiring way.

In this conversation, we explain the basics of positive psychology. And then we explore how travel sparks awe, builds agency, strengthens relationships, and helps us find deeper meaning.

If you've ever felt that your best self shows up on the road, this episode will give you language, insight, and maybe even a few ideas to bring that feeling into everyday life.

Let's dive in.



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Sarah Groen hosts Luxury Travel Insider, a podcast that moves beyond glossy brochures to explore the intricate world of high-end journeys through the people who craft them. Each episode is a conversation with a pivotal figure, from a veteran like Ashford Castle's Robert Bowe, with over three decades dedicated to guest experience, to conservation leaders at remote safari lodges and the proprietors of legendary hotels. These discussions reveal the unseen effort, deep cultural knowledge, and thoughtful philosophy that define true luxury on the road. Rather than just listing destinations, the podcast uncovers the stories behind impeccable service, sustainable practices, and those perfectly curated moments that transform a simple trip into a lasting memory. Tuning in feels like gaining access to a private club where the talk is always about the art of travel itself. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of what it takes to create exceptional experiences, the balance between opulence and authenticity, and the evolving definition of luxury in different corners of the globe. It’s for those who see travel as a deeper pursuit, interested in the craftsmanship behind the curtain as much as the destination on the itinerary.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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