From Tourist to Traveler: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything, with Charles Odom from Painted Circle

In this episode I sit down with Charles Odom, solo founder of Painted Circle, a purpose-driven travel platform that’s reimagining how we book — and experience — travel.

Charles shares why being intentional with our travel choices matters now more than ever, how the traditional tourism model is broken, and what it means to travel in a way that benefits both you and the communities you visit. You’ll also hear the story behind Painted Circle, the surprising economics of travel commissions, and why travel can be one of the most powerful tools we have in a divided world.

This is the first episode in a new mini-series spotlighting members of Creative Space — a global community for solopreneurs, coaches and creatives.

💡 What We Talk About:

1. 
   
2. The meaning of intentional travel
   
3. The hidden costs of online booking platforms
   
4. Why Painted Circle doesn’t take commissions from tour operators
   
5. How to create travel memories that truly last
   
6. The ups and downs of solopreneurship — and the power of community
   

🔗 Links & Resources:

1. 
   
2. 🌍 Painted Circle – Travel with Purpose
   
3. 💸 Use code STORIES for a discount on the Travel Pass
   
4. 🧠 Creative Space Community
   
5. 🎙️ Learn more about the podcast: storiesforthefuture.com
   
6. 📝 Subscribe to Veslemøy’s newsletter: vklavenes.substack.com
   

🗣️ Let’s Connect:

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or drop me a message. I’d love to hear your thoughts — and your own stories of intentional travel.

Want to be a guest on Stories for the future: Beyond the Bubble? Send Veslemoy Klavenes-Berge a message on PodMatch.

Get full access to Stories for the Future by Veslemøy Klavenes-Berge at vklavenes.substack.com/subscribe