Heide Brandes is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 20 years of published work. As an investigative reporter for numerous newspapers and for Reuters News Service, Heide now freelances  for such publications as The Smithsonian, National Geographic, BBC Travel, Garden & Gun, Fodors, Azure Roads, Sierra Magazine, ROVA, World Footprints, Cowboys & Indians and more. 
She also has bylines in such publications as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Hemispheres and others.
Her work can be seen at www.heidebrandes.com.
Besides freelancing fulltime, Heide is an avid traveler, medieval warrior, hiker, professional bellydancer and bellydance instructor and kind of a quirky chick who lives in Oklahoma City.

After finding joy in my divorce following 28 years of marriage and with just a year left before becoming an empty nester, I've embraced new adventures, delved into the joys of solo travel, and explored the globe.

In 2013, I launched LittleFamilyAdventure.com to share my passion for the outdoors and family travels. I humorously claim that my spirit animal is a caffeinated squirrel, always eager to embark on what's new. I love all things coffee, and crave spicy cuisine, and my wanderlust has only intensified over the years, leading me to numerous countries to immerse myself in diverse cultures and experiences.

On the podcast, I journey through this transformative phase of my life, offering advice, sharing stories, and providing inspiration for others navigating similar shifts. With a newfound freedom to discover and evolve, I look forward to connecting with fellow explorers and empowering individuals to find joy and fulfillment on their own distinctive paths.