Episode 181: Living Fearlessly with Two Traveling Nanas with Dr. Sandy Hazelip & Elenor Hamby
“Get up out of your easy chair, step out of your comfort zone, make a list, and live.”
This week, we are honored to welcome back Dr. Sandy Hazelip and Eleanor Hamby—the Two Traveling Nanas—on Inspire Campfire. At ages 80 and 81, these lifelong friends captured the world’s imagination when they circled the globe in 80 days, proving once and for all that adventure has no age limit.
Sandy and Ellie first met more than 25 years ago after both becoming empty nesters and then widows. Best friends from the start, their bond was strengthened through shared service work in Zambia and a deep commitment to living fully. What began as a playful late-night idea—“Wouldn’t it be fun to go around the world in 80 days at age 80?”—turned into a viral sensation that inspired people of all ages and cultures.
Their new book, Here We Go: Lessons for Living Fearlessly from Two Traveling Nanas, expands on the message that made them famous. From Antarctica’s icy shores to the starry Syrian desert to the majesty of the Grand Canyon, their adventures have brought wisdom, joy, and a fearless approach to aging. Packed with encouragement to “make some plans and live,” the book is both a memoir and a guide to embracing life’s next chapter with courage and connection.
In this episode, Sandy and Ellie share stories from nights in remote villages, a hotel fire in Australia, and even a stint in a Russian jailhouse. Along the way, they reveal what friendship, resilience, faith, and saying “yes” can teach us about living a truly adventurous life—no matter your age.
Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Sandy and Ellie about friendship, fearless living, and the reminder that the real adventure isn’t just in where you go, but how you choose to live.
Scott, Dr. Sandy, and Elenor also discuss:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction
02:33 Recap of Previous Adventures
02:51 The Origin of Their Friendship
06:58 The Birth of a New Adventure
08:42 The Journey to Becoming Authors
12:20 Lessons from the Book
15:05 Unexpected Encounters and Wisdom
24:09 Ellie's Fire Alarm Story
26:28 A Wish for Peace
27:53 The Elephant and the Phone
30:08 Living Fearlessly
34:53 Media Attention and Reflections
38:11 A Lifetime of Service
45:26 Secrets to Longevity
49:37 Book Release and Final Thoughts
You can learn more about Dr. Sandy Hazelip and Elenor Hamby by following them on Instagram and checking out their website AroundTheWorldAt80.com and ordering their book here.
See below for photos Dr. Sandy, and Elenor shared from their journies...
Watch the Full Behind The Scenes Episode
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