Sandy and Ellie

The Traveling Nanas: The Wild Adventures of Sandy & Ellie

Ep: 27
September 18, 2025
Duration: 65 min
Lifelong adventurers, Sandy and Ellie became best friends at age 60 through mission work in Zambia. In their 80s, they set out to travel the world in 80 days, earning viral fame for their joy, resilience, and zest for life. Their upcoming book, Here We Go, chronicles their travels and the transformative power of friendship and faith.

“We don’t go on vacation. We go on adventures. And every adventure just revs us up for the next one.”

In this extraordinary episode, host Stacey chats with the inspiring best friends Sandy and Ellie—aka “The Traveling Nanas”—about their unforgettable journey around the world in 80 days at age 81. What started as a whimsical idea became a viral sensation, leading to TV appearances, a book deal with Penguin Random House, and a platform to share their deep wisdom on friendship, loss, and fearless living. From run-ins with the KGB on the Trans-Siberian Railway to narrowly escaping Syria during the onset of war, Sandy and Ellie offer a masterclass in embracing adventure at any age. Their stories will make you laugh, cry, and reimagine what’s possible, whether you’re 31 or 81.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How to travel the world safely and affordably on a tight budget
  • Why second-class train seats and local inns make for the best travel stories
  • The magic of spontaneous friendship and universal connection
  • How to face grief and loss with courage and curiosity
  • The behind-the-scenes story of their book “Here We Go” and unexpected fame
  • Why age should never be a barrier to exploring the world

Sandy and Ellie – The Traveling Nanas
Lifelong adventurers, Sandy and Ellie became best friends at age 60 through mission work in Zambia. In their 80s, they set out to travel the world in 80 days, earning viral fame for their joy, resilience, and zest for life. Their upcoming book, Here We Go, chronicles their travels and the transformative power of friendship and faith.

Connect with the Nanas:

Instagram 

TikTok

Facebook

Book: Here We Go (Penguin Random House)

Book: Here we Go on Kindle 

If this episode inspired you to embrace your own evolution, take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to Life. Reimagined with Stacey Ray. Share it with a friend who’s ready to step into their power—and don’t forget to follow us for more conversations that ignite reinvention and authenticity. 🌟