Soulful Trailblazer Honoree: Elizabeth (Libby) Harrington of VITAL Ventures

Send us Fan Mail Elizabeth (Libby) Harrington, Founder & Chief Explorer of VITAL Ventures, joins Christine as the Soulful Trailblazer honoree for this week’s soulful conversation, produced in collaboration with ​Strictly Jane Austen Tours​. We continue our special Soul of Travel series celebrating three extraordinary women who are being recognized as Soulful Trailblazers—women who are creating positive change through travel while opening doors and creating opportunities for others. We are excited to share that we are partnering with friend and colleague Becki Rupp, Founder of Trailblazer Wellness, to honor these trailblazers. Elizabeth (Libby) Harrington is a Pound Ridge entrepreneur who at 58 started an adventure fitness community and company. After 30+ years in digital media, Libby founded VITAL Ventures for people who refuse to accept conventional wisdom about aging. VITAL combines expert fitness training with wilderness adventures - Costa Rica surf trips, Alaska hiking, a Dolomites trek - proving that our best adventures aren't behind us. "I created what I needed and couldn't find: community, adventure, and permission to prioritize health & fitness at this stage of life," Libby explains. Her clients, range in ages from 30-80, move from "I could never" to "I actually did" through 3-4 months of training followed by 3-4 days of epic adventure. You don't need to travel far to start: VITAL offers guided local hikes in New York, online Strength & Conditioning training for building confidence on the trail and in life, as well as epic global adventures. In this conversation, Libby and Christine discuss: · Career peaks and the experience of being pushed out because of age, gender, and success, and treating that peak as an opportunity to work more closely aligned with your values · How extreme hiking and adventure can build new self-belief · The energy around last chance tourism, and making travel choices in response to the climate crisis · Moving with respect and reverence while witnessing, celebrating, and standing in awe of a changing planet Each of our Soulful Trailblazers series honorees is charting their own path, championing the people and communities around her, and helping us imagine what a more thoughtful and inclusive travel industry can look like. In these conversations, we’ll explore what it means to be a trailblazer, the moments that shaped their journeys, and the ripple effect their work is creating. Most of all, we hope their stories inspire you to recognize the trailblazers in your own circle—and consider how you can help make the path a little wider for those who follow. Join Christine now for this soulful conversation with Elizabeth (Libby) Harrington. With special thanks to our season sponsor, Strictly Jane Austen Tours! LOVE these soulful conversations? Make a difference by making a donation on ​Buy Me a Coffee.​​ ❤️​​​​​​​​ Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click ​here​ to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app to help us expand our reach. 🌎​​​​​​​​ Learn more about ​VITAL Ventures here. Join the vital movement and subscribe to the newsletter at https://www.vitalventures.live/join-vital.  Check out the VITAL Ventures upcoming 2027 season to see what adventure is calling you at https://www.vitalventures.live/vital-adventure. Connect with Libby: ​Instagram​ / ​Facebook​ / ​LinkedIn​ 🌎​​​​​​​​ Follow us on Instagram: ​@she.sojourns​ and ​@souloftravelpodcast​.  Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator). Elizabeth (Libby) Harrington (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by ​Carly Oduardo. Support the show