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.



Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com

 

Connect with me on Social:

Instagram

LinkedIn

 


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

Luxury Travel Insider
Podcast Episodes
A Birthday Episode Special | Luxury Travel Insider [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:05
Welcome to Luxury Travel Insider's birthday episode for this year! We published our first episode this month four years ago. So today I wanted to celebrate how far we've come, the who's who list of industry experts we've…
In The Now | Egypt: Expert Panel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:14
The date of recording for today's show is September 12, 2024. That's important because our show today is topical and a little time sensitive. I started this In The Now format of episode to highlight certain countries and…
Greenland | Expedition Leader, Colby Brokvist [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:42
Today we're headed a bit off the beaten path, to the world's largest island of Greenland. Though often called the land of ice and snow, in the summer you can find wildflowers, berries, beautiful fjords, and a robust loca…
Costa Rica |  A Father & Daughter Perspective on Family Travel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:31
We have a fun episode for you today, centered around Costa Rica and family travel. As one of our most popular destinations, we're always working to find new and interesting ways to explore this beautiful country and to h…
Brazil | Expert Panel: The Art and Soul of Enjoying Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:18
Today we're visiting a country passionate about music, food, and enjoying life. While those passions are shared across the country, otherwise it is extremely diverse. The landscapes range from tropical beaches, to rainfo…
Florence | Expert Panel: A Deep Dive Into the Florentine Soul [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:26
Today we're diving deep into one of the most iconic cities in Italy. As a favorite of art lovers, history buffs, and appreciators of beauty the world over, Florence almost needs no introduction. But behind the fact that…
The American West | Kevin Jackson: National Parks and Epic Adventures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:46
Today we're headed deep into the American West to discover magical deserts, epic adventures, impossibly big skies, and wildlife you just can't see anywhere else in the world. This is a land of contrasts - from the hottes…
Paris | Expert Panel: Hidden Gems, Storytelling, and Nostalgia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:26
Today we're indulging in fine cuisine, going behind the scenes of couture fashion houses like Chanel and Dior, and delving into some of the world's most important traditions in art. Paris, the City of Light, has always b…