#237 - Christiana Sykopetritis Kyriakides - A Most Memorable Journey Through Food and Travel

In this deliciously inspiring episode, I sit down with my wonderful friend Christiana Sykopetritis Kyriakides, restaurant explorer, cooking addict, culinary influencer, food traveller, and the creative force behind the popular Instagram account @mychicdish.Christiana’s journey into the world of food began at just 17 years old when she moved to London to study. Suddenly, she was exposed to an incredible variety of ingredients, flavours, and culinary influences that were not easily available back home. The sheer abundance and diversity of products opened her eyes, and her palate, to a whole new world. What started as curiosity quickly became passion.In this episode, we talk about:How living in London expanded her culinary horizonsThe moment she realised cooking was more than just a hobbyHow she carefully plans her food-focused travel experiencesFinding simple yet exceptional restaurants around the worldThe art of food photography and storytellingBuilding a loyal following on Instagram through authenticity and joyChristiana is not just about fine dining or trendy spots. She has a gift for discovering the best but also the beautifully simple restaurants, places where flavour, heart, and tradition matter more than pretension. Every trip she takes is thoughtfully researched, ensuring she shares meaningful culinary experiences with her community.Through her lens and her recipes, she brings food to life. Her photography captures not only dishes but atmosphere, culture, and emotion. And through her recipe explanations on @mychicdish, she makes cooking approachable, inspiring her followers to try, taste, and experiment.We also dive into the beauty of Cypriot culinary traditions, the flavours, rituals, and family memories that define the island’s cuisine. We speak about the importance of preserving the Mediterranean diet, celebrated worldwide for its balance, simplicity, and health benefits. In a fast-paced world, keeping these traditions alive is both cultural preservation and an act of wellbeing.Christiana’s love for food and travel is contagious. She shares generously, joyfully, and without ego. Her passion reminds us that cooking is not just about nourishment, it is about connection, creativity, culture, and celebration.About Christiana Sykopetritis KyriakidesChristiana is a culinary influencer, food traveller, restaurant explorer, and food photographer who shares recipes and global food discoveries on Instagram through her account @mychicdish. Her mission is simple: to celebrate flavour, honour tradition, and inspire others to cook, explore, and savour life.Listen nowBecause sometimes the most memorable journeys are the ones that begin in the kitchen, and lead us around the world.

In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode, I sit down with the extraordinary Carla Sridevi Cohen, bestselling author, award-winning business strategist, leadership coach, speaker, and healer whose life journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the transformative power of healing. She is the author of the newly published book "Radiant Revolution - The Rise of Feminin Wisdom & The Future of LeadershipCarla’s story begins in the fast-paced world of Hollywood public relations, where she built a successful career working with high-profile clients and navigating an industry driven by pressure, performance, and constant demand. But the very success she had worked so hard to achieve came at a cost.The relentless stress eventually took a serious toll on her health, leaving her physically and emotionally depleted. For two years she faced significant illness, a turning point that became the catalyst for a profound personal awakening and healing journey.Determined to reclaim her wellbeing and purpose, Carla began exploring a wide range of holistic and transformational modalities. What began as a search for healing evolved into a life mission: helping others clear emotional blocks, reconnect with their inner power, and create success without sacrificing their health or authenticity.Today, Carla Sridevi Cohen is recognised internationally as a pioneer in emotional and energetic intelligence for women leaders. With over 30 years of experience, she has guided entrepreneurs and professionals worldwide to break through limiting patterns, gain clarity, and create extraordinary results in both business and life.Certified in more than 20 transformational modalities, Carla seamlessly blends emotional mastery with practical business strategy. Her clients often experience profound shifts, from enhanced confidence and leadership presence to attracting aligned opportunities and significantly increasing their income and impact.Her own life has been shaped by remarkable experiences, from walking on fire to undertaking sacred journeys such as climbing Mount Kailash, each step reinforcing her belief that women are far more powerful than they have been led to believe.In this episode, we explore:Her journey from Hollywood success to health crisis and transformationThe hidden cost of stress and burnoutEmotional and energetic intelligence in leadershipHow women can clear inner blocks to achieve success with alignmentReinvention, resilience, and rising without apologyCreating prosperity and purpose on your own termsWhy healing and success must go hand in handCarla’s message is both empowering and deeply practical: when women clear what dims their brilliance, they naturally step into greater visibility, confidence, and financial freedom.About Carla Sridevi CohenCarla Sridevi Cohen is a bestselling author, award-winning business strategist, leadership coach, speaker, and healer dedicated to helping women step fully into their power and purpose. Her work integrates emotional mastery, energetic intelligence, and strategic business insight to support women in creating meaningful success and authentic leadership.Listen nowA conversation about burnout, breakthrough, and the journey back to your true power, because sometimes the most memorable journeys are the ones that bring us home to ourselves.

In this thought-provoking and insightful episode, I sit down with Oz Karahan, political activist, journalist, and founder and leader of the Union of Cypriots, a movement dedicated to the reunification of Cyprus and the promotion of a shared Cypriot identity.Oz Karahan has long been a passionate voice for peace, dialogue, and cooperation on the island. Through his activism and journalism, he has worked tirelessly to challenge division and encourage a future built on unity, equality, and mutual respect between all Cypriots.He is also a parliamentary candidate for the Green Party in the upcoming elections in Cyprus this May, bringing his vision for environmental responsibility, social justice, and political reform into the national conversation.In our conversation, we explore:His personal journey into political activism and journalismThe founding and mission of the Union of CypriotsHis vision for a reunited CyprusThe importance of civic engagement and political awarenessEnvironmental and social priorities for the future of the islandThe challenges and hopes surrounding the upcoming electionsWhy dialogue, cooperation, and understanding remain essentialOz speaks candidly about the realities of political life, the complexities of identity in Cyprus, and his commitment to building bridges across communities. His perspective offers listeners a deeper understanding of the island beyond headlines and politics, revealing the human stories and aspirations behind the public discourse.This episode is an invitation to listen, reflect, and consider how active citizenship, open conversation, and courage can shape a better future.About Oz KarahanOz Karahan is a Turkish Cypriot political activist, journalist, and founder and leader of the Union of Cypriots. Known for his advocacy for reunification, social justice, and environmental responsibility, he continues to work toward a more united and sustainable future for Cyprus. He is currently a parliamentary candidate for the Green Party in the upcoming national elections.Listen nowA conversation about identity, responsibility, and the courage to stand for what you believe in, because every meaningful journey also includes the journey toward a better society.

In this deeply meaningful and soul-stirring episode, I am joined by the extraordinary Dr. Edward Tick, psychotherapist, healer, author, and international pilgrimage guide whose life’s work bridges psychology, spirituality, and sacred travel.Dr. Tick has spent decades helping individuals heal emotional and spiritual wounds through therapeutic work, sacred journeys, and immersion in ancient landscapes rich with meaning. His unique approach combines psychotherapy with myth, ritual, and the healing power of place.A pivotal moment in his own journey began in 1984, when he travelled to Greece on his honeymoon. That journey sparked a lifelong connection to the sacred energy of Greece, particularly its ancient temples, mythological sites, and healing traditions. From that moment, Greece became not just a destination, but a spiritual home and foundation for his work.Over the years, Dr. Tick has led transformative healing pilgrimages to Greece and Vietnam, guiding participants through experiences designed to foster deep personal insight, emotional healing, and reconnection with purpose. These journeys are not traditional tours; they are immersive pathways into myth, memory, and meaning.He is the author of several influential books exploring the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and sacred travel, including Passage to Poros and works that examine the profound healing power of immersing oneself in sacred places and ancient wisdom traditions.In this conversation, we explore:How travel can become a path to healing and transformationThe therapeutic power of sacred landscapesWhy Greece continues to be a global centre for spiritual renewalThe role of pilgrimage in modern lifeHealing journeys for veterans and individuals seeking deeper purposeHow myth, ritual, and storytelling help us understand our own life journeysDr. Tick’s insights are thoughtful, profound, and deeply inspiring. This episode invites us to reconsider travel not simply as movement across the world, but as a journey into ourselves.If you have ever felt called to visit places with ancient soul and meaning, or if you believe that travel can heal, transform, and awaken, this conversation will resonate deeply.About Dr. Edward TickPsychotherapist, healer, international pilgrimage guide, and author, Dr. Edward Tick has devoted his life to helping people find healing through sacred travel, storytelling, and spiritual exploration. His work continues to guide individuals from around the world on journeys of renewal in Greece, Vietnam, and beyond.Listen, reflect, and journey with usBecause sometimes the most memorable journeys are not only across the world —but into the soul.

In this insightful and high-level episode of Most Memorable Journeys, Elisabeth speaks with Natalia Kardash, one of Cyprus’ most influential connectors in business, media, and international relations.For over 26 years, Natalia has called Cyprus home, building an extraordinary personal business network of more than 6,000 people, enabling her to bridge international executives with Cypriot opportunities. Her career is a masterclass in publishing, communications, PR, and strategic networking, always focused on turning ideas into successful ventures.Natalia is the Founder of the SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS Leaders’ Club, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of VESTNIK KIPRA Expert Platform and SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS Magazine, a Member of the Corporate Advisory Board at the University of Cyprus, an Honorary Fellow of CIM Cyprus Business School, and the visionary force behind flagship events such as BEST LEGAL Conference, BEST INVEST Congress, and the Health & Beauty Forum.In this conversation, we explore:How Natalia connects global business leaders with CyprusThe power of trusted networks and relationship capitalWorking with expat communities and fostering cross-sector collaborationHer special regional focus on Armenia, Kazakhstan, and UzbekistanWhy genuine connection is the foundation of sustainable business growthRemarkably, Natalia has been personally connected to every President of the Republic of Cyprus, underscoring her deep-rooted influence and credibility.This episode is about leadership, vision, and the rare ability to connect the right people at the right time, creating value far beyond borders.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.#MostMemorableJourneys #NataliaKardash #BusinessNetworking #CyprusBusiness #Leadership #InternationalBusiness #WomenInBusiness #PR #Publishing #ConnectingPeople #ElisabethVilligerToufexis

In this inspiring and adventure-filled episode, Elisabeth sits down with Kay Honig, a man whose life has been shaped by curiosity, courage, and an unshakeable passion for travel.Kay began his professional journey in Holland, working in a flower import–export company. It was during this time that he discovered the beauty and magic of Central America, a discovery that changed his life forever. After falling in love with both the region and a Mexican woman, Kay moved to Mexico and started working as a tour guide, where he and Elisabeth share many laughs and memories about the unpredictable, colourful world of guiding tourists.But Kay didn’t stop there. After moving to Germany and leaving his corporate job, he felt called back to Mexico to create something better something built on trust, quality, and genuine care. That vision became Kay Tours Mexico, a private luxury tour company in Cancun that he built from the ground up. What started as a one-man operation has grown into one of the leading tour companies in the Riviera Maya, powered by exceptional service, smart automation, and a team culture centred on integrity and excellence.In this episode, Kay shares:✨ How a corporate career in Germany pushed him toward entrepreneurship abroad✨ His journey from tour guide to founder of a successful luxury travel brand✨ The gaps he saw in local tourism and how Kay Tours Mexico raised the standard✨ Practical insights on building trust-driven service businesses✨ Red flags travellers should look for when booking tours✨ How to avoid common scams and ensure safe, memorable travel experiences✨ The importance of bilingual, knowledgeable guides and personalized attention✨ Stories from the early days, including shared tour-guiding adventures with ElisabethKay’s story is a powerful reminder that passion, courage, and a commitment to excellence can turn a simple idea into a thriving international business. For travellers, entrepreneurs, and dreamers alike, this conversation is filled with wisdom, humour, and unforgettable journeys.Learn more about Kay here:🌐 Website: http://www.kay.tours🎧 Tune in and let yourself be transported to Mexico’s turquoise waters and wild adventures — only on Most Memorable Journeys.#MostMemorableJourneys #KayHonig #KayToursMexico #TravelStories #Entrepreneurship #RivieraMaya #LuxuryTravel #TourGuideLife #InspiringJourneys #ElisabethVilligerToufexis #AdventureAwaits #TravelWisdom

In this uplifting and adventure-packed episode, Elisabeth sits down with Joy Owens, a woman whose life has been shaped by faith, curiosity, and a deep love for exploring the world.Joy shares her extraordinary childhood as a missionary kid, moving from the U.S. to Zambia at age 13, where she grew up surrounded by community, culture, and the wide-open beauty of Africa. Her passion for people and education took her across continents, working as a teacher in Germany, Portugal, and Honduras, before an unexpected twist of fate and a love story brought her to Taiwan, where she met her husband.From there, Joy’s path led to Alaska, where teaching proved far more challenging than expected. Feeling burnt out and ready for a new purpose, she and her husband prayed for guidance… and found it in the form of a bold leap: buying Butler Travel and stepping fully into a new season of growth, service, and discovery.In this inspiring conversation, Joy shares:✨ Growing up in Zambia as a missionary kid✨ Teaching around the world and how each country shaped her✨ Meeting her husband in Taiwan and starting their shared journey✨ The unexpected challenges of teaching in Alaska✨ How prayer and faith led them to purchase Butler Travel✨ Her adventures across 60+ countries✨ A family cycling trip through Austria and Hungary✨ The hilarious story of planning a road trip through all of Central & South America… but only making it to Panama!Joy’s story is a reminder that life unfolds beautifully when we follow our curiosity, trust our calling, and stay open to new beginnings.🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.#MostMemorableJourneys #JoyOwens #FaithJourney #MissionaryKid #TravelStories #ButlerTravel #AdventureLife #GlobalTeacher #NewBeginnings #ElisabethVilligerToufexis

In this powerful and profoundly human episode, Elisabeth welcomes Rand Timmerman, Marine Corps veteran, attorney, author, and living testament to resilience. Rand shares his extraordinary life journey, beginning with his decision to enlist in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, following a family tradition of service. He speaks openly about his years as a Mustang Lieutenant, his work in military legal roles, and the difficult transition home.Rand courageously reflects on overcoming PTSD and alcoholism, and how sobriety transformed the course of his life, allowing him to build a successful decades-long career as a self-employed attorney.One of the most inspiring chapters of Rand’s story is his unforgettable adventure hiking more than 1,800 miles of the Appalachian Trail at age 72, side-by-side with his brother. Rand paints a vivid picture of the funny, humbling, and deeply meaningful moments along the trail, a journey that became both physical challenge and spiritual renewal.In this episode, Elisabeth and Rand explore:✨ Why he chose to enlist & the legacy of service in his family✨ Life as a combat Marine in Vietnam and the emotional aftermath✨ Healing from trauma through recovery, purpose, and discipline✨ The life lessons found on the Appalachian Trail✨ Sibling bonds, trail humor & encounters with fellow adventurers✨ The inspiration behind his book A Spiritual PassageRand’s courage, honesty, and spirit remind us that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, face your shadows, and set out on a new journey — even one stretching across mountains.📘 Rand’s book, A Spiritual Passage, is available on Amazon.🔗 Learn more about his work at randtimmerman.com.🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.#MostMemorableJourneys #RandTimmerman #VietnamVeteran #AppalachianTrail #Inspiration #Resilience #HealingJourney #AspirationalStories #ElisabethVilligerToufexis

In this deeply moving and thought-provoking episode, Elisabeth speaks with Despo Pavlou, author of the powerful debut novel "My Kind of Normal."Born in South Africa to Greek Cypriot parents who immigrated there in the 1960s, Despo grew up between two worlds, steeped in tradition yet surrounded by the vibrant diversity of South African life. Her cross-cultural upbringing and her lifelong journey between Cyprus and South Africa gave her a unique perspective on identity, belonging, and the courage to be yourself.For more than 30 years, Despo ran her own businesses, but it was during a challenging period in her life that she turned to writing, a creative outlet that became both healing and liberating. My Kind of Normal tells the story of Irene, a woman born into a conservative Greek-Cypriot family, who struggles to reconcile her true identity with societal expectations. It’s a story of love, denial, courage, and ultimately, self-acceptance.In this candid conversation, Elisabeth and Despo discuss:✨ The immigrant experience and what it means to grow up between cultures✨ How writing became a form of therapy and self-discovery✨ The challenges of breaking free from traditional roles and expectations✨ The taboo of homosexuality in conservative communities and why Cyprus still needs a major upgrade in terms of acceptance, empathy, and education✨ How personal courage can inspire others to live their truth without shameDespo’s story is one of resilience and authenticity, a reminder that “normal” is different for everyone, and that love, in all its forms, deserves understanding and respect.As Despo beautifully puts it:“We need to stop hiding behind fear and tradition. We are all human and love should never be a taboo.”This episode is a heartfelt exploration of courage, compassion, and what it truly means to live authentically.🎧 Tune in to this unforgettable conversation available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.#MostMemorableJourneys #DespoPavlou #MyKindOfNormal #Authenticity #Courage #LGBTQStories #Cyprus #SouthAfrica #GreekCypriotDiaspora #BreakingTaboos #ElisabethVilligerToufexis #LoveIsLove #Inclusion #Storytelling #Inspiration

In this fascinating episode, Elisabeth speaks with Jo Katsaras, a world-renowned Costume Designer whose visionary work has graced some of Hollywood’s beloved films and series.Born in Cyprus, Jo moved to South Africa at the age of five — a cultural fusion that would later define her unique artistic style. Growing up in vibrant 1970s Johannesburg, Jo’s creative journey began early. She spent her childhood summers in Cyprus, cutting fabric scraps from her aunt’s sewing projects to make dresses for her dolls. By the time she was a teenager, she was already cutting patterns around her friends, driven by an instinctive flair for design.After studying at the National School of Arts in Johannesburg, Jo briefly considered architecture but decided instead to explore the world, a decision that ultimately shaped her creative destiny. At her father’s insistence, she pursued a qualification in fashion, completing a three-year diploma in just one year thanks to her extraordinary talent.Jo’s career began in the fashion industry as a Senior Designer, but her passion for storytelling through clothing soon drew her to the world of film. Her debut as a Costume Designer came with the South African box office hit There’s a Zulu on My Stoep (Yankee Zulu internationally), and from there, her rise was nothing short of meteoric.She went on to design for acclaimed international productions including:🎬 Mary & Martha (with Hilary Swank)🎬 Half of a Yellow Sun (with Chiwetel Ejiofor & Thandie Newton)🎬 Country of My Skull (with Samuel L. Jackson & Juliette Binoche)🎬 Racing Stripes🎬 Mr. Bones🎬 Tarzan and the Lost City🎬 The Young Black Stallion for Disney IMAXBut it was her collaboration with Oscar®-winning director Anthony Minghella on the HBO/BBC pilot of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency that brought her Emmy® recognition and international acclaim. Jo’s costumes for the show — vivid, expressive, and rich in cultural symbolism — earned her an Emmy® nomination for Outstanding Costumes at the 61st Emmy Awards and an invitation to exhibit her work at the FIDM Museum in Los Angeles.Since then, Jo has continued to bring her creative genius to global productions, including HBO’s The Leftovers and AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead.Her accolades include a Costume Designers Guild of America nomination, and in 2010 she was named Madame Figaro “Woman of the Year” in her native Cyprus.Jo’s story is one of passion, persistence, and imagination — a tale of how creativity, courage, and cross-cultural experience can shape a remarkable life.As Jo says,“To work on films is to enter a world of fantasy. I love the idea that one can distil an entire character into their costume — and the results are preserved forever on celluloid.”Tune in to hear how this Cypriot-born creative powerhouse turned fabric, colour, and vision into cinematic magic.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.#MostMemorableJourneys #JoKatsaras #CostumeDesign #Hollywood #FilmIndustry #Cyprus #SouthAfrica #Creativity #Inspiration #EmmyNominee #WomenInFilm #DesignYourLife #StorytellingThroughStyle #ElisabethVilligerToufexis