When Travel Becomes a Pilgrimage: Lessons from the White Lions of South Africa

What happens when you travel — not for sightseeing, but for the soul?

In this heartfelt episode of Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday" Show, Live & Die Happy Coach Shelley Whizin shares her extraordinary pilgrimage to South Africa, where she spent time on the sacred land of the White Lion Global Protection Trust alongside lionhearted leadership author Linda Tucker and spiritual activist Andrew Harvey.

Shelley traveled in real physical pain — dealing with a bulging disc and sciatica — yet refused to stay home. What unfolded was a profound journey of healing, stillness, grief, and transformation. From a shattering 40-minute ceremony invoking Mother Earth and the white lions, to sitting in silence with wild lions on the African savanna, to confronting the brutal reality of canned hunting farms, this conversation goes deep into what it means to truly be present.

Big Blend Radio host Lisa Smith — who has lived in both South Africa and Kenya — joins Shelley for a richly layered conversation about the cycle of life, the web of nature, trophy hunting, and the healing power of stepping outside your comfort zone.

LINKS & RESOURCES
- Shelley's Article: https://shelleywhizin.substack.com/p/the-lionesses-the-mothers-and-me 
- Shelley's Substack: https://shelleywhizin.substack.com 
- Shelley's Website: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/ 
- Shelley's Podcast: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/podcast 
- More from Big Blend Radio: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/