We recently had the chance to connect with Mindy Flanagan and have shared our conversation below.
Mindy, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I believe many people silently struggle with self-doubt and perfectionism. There’s often a deep concern with how we’re perceived by others—the need to maintain a “social mask”—which can chip away at genuine self-confidence. These internal battles are rarely voiced, yet they affect everything from how we show up in relationships to how we pursue our goals.
Looking back, I wish I had learned earlier that the most important relationship we have is the one with ourselves. Being loving, empathetic, and supportive to yourself is not a luxury—it’s essential. That voice in your head? It needs be your biggest cheerleader, not your harshest critic.
Over time, I’ve come to understand that perfection is often about external validation—trying to meet others’ expectations. But true success/true fulfillment – That’s an inside job. It’s about showing up for yourself, doing your best, and being proud of who you are—independent of outside opinions.
In the end, it’s you versus you. We’re all our own unique brand, and embracing that is where true confidence begins. That’s one of the beautiful things about growing older—gaining the wisdom to let go of limiting beliefs and start living more authentically.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a SoCal native, lifelong wanderer, and co-founder of TourFreely, a GPS-guided audio tour company I launched with my husband, Jerry. After years in corporate training, career coaching and higher ed, I felt the itch to create something more personal—something that blended storytelling, smart tech, and the magic of discovery.
So we did just that. TourFreely was born from our shared love of history, hidden gems, and the belief that every street has a story worth hearing. What started as a passion project in San Diego has grown into a full-blown adventure across Southern California—from coastal drives to city strolls, wine country escapes to Hollywood deep dives.
At TourFreely, we’re all about freedom, curiosity, and connection. We want locals to fall in love with their own cities all over again—and visitors to feel like insiders from the moment they hit play. Our tours are immersive, flexible, affordable and designed to let you explore at your own pace, with no crowds, no schedules, and no stress.
So whether you’re lacing up your sneakers or firing up your engine, your time of discovery awaits. We partner with the global platform, VoiceMap.me and can download your tour now at TourFreely.com and let the stories unfold on your smart phone.
🚗 OUR DRIVING TOURS
*San Diego Driving Tour: Must-See Scenic Sights with a San Diego Local – Cruise through coastal beauty and iconic neighborhoods with insider stories that turn San Diego into your personal playground.
*Temecula Uncorked: A Driving Tour of Its Vineyards and Wineries – Explore this celebrated wine country. Powered by data science – discover top-rated vineyards, scenic backroads, and hidden gems. Curated using TourFreely’s smart scoring system.
*The Sideways Experience Driving Tour: Vineyards, Views, and Vintage Vibes – COMING IN NOVEMBER. – Relive the cult classic Sideways while discovering the charm, wine, and cinematic soul of Santa Barbara’s wine country.
🚶 SAN DIEGO WALKING TOURS
*La Jolla Walking Tour: Must-See Sights with a La Jolla Local – Stroll through California’s coastal gem where sea lions, seaside charm, and hidden stories await around every corner.
*The Village by the Sea: A Carlsbad Walking Tour – Uncover Carlsbad’s rich history and vibrant village life on a walk filled with ocean views, boutique finds, and local lore.
*Discover UCSD: A Self-Guided Tour for Students, Parents, and Staff – Explore UC San Diego’s quirky campus culture, bold architecture, and creative spirit in a tour that’s anything but academic.
🎬 LOS ANGELES & SANTA BARBARA WALKING TOURS
*The Heart of Hollywood Style: A Beverly Hills Walking Tour – Step into the glam and grit of Beverly Hills, where fashion, fame, and hidden history collide on every block.
*Sunset Strip Walking Tour: The Ultimate Guide to Must-See Sights – Rock out with tales of music legends, scandals, and neon-lit nights on LA’s most iconic boulevard.
*Santa Barbara Scenic Walking Tour: The Ultimate Guide to Iconic Landmarks – Wander through centuries of coastal charm and cultural richness in the American Riviera’s most storied streets.
What are our customers saying?
– “An entertaining sightseeing adventure—cool to be a ‘tourist’ in my hometown. Definitely recommend it!” – Jon
-“Get out and do it! Carlsbad will become more meaningful and enjoyable!” – Ann
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of the first times I truly felt powerful wasn’t when I got a title or an award—it was when I stood up and spoke out loud, heart pounding, voice steady, because public speaking used to terrify me. And ironically, I’d always dreamed of becoming a teacher or corporate trainer—roles that *require* a microphone and a room full of eyes. That fear ran so deep, I even left a master’s program, because it demanded too much of it.
But here’s the twist: I didn’t let fear win. I chipped away at it—one awkward presentation, one shaky workshop, one brave moment at a time. I leaned into discomfort, and slowly, confidence showed up. Then came the turning point: I stepped up to the podium, took the mic, and spoke with clarity and conviction. That wasn’t just public speaking. That was transformation.
Dolly Parton said it best: *“My desire to do something is greater than my fear of it.”* That became my mantra. I learned that real power doesn’t come from being fearless—it comes from doing the thing anyway. From choosing growth over comfort. And from realizing that the scariest things often lead to the most exhilarating breakthroughs.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Responsibility—with a capital R and a side of grit.
Just before I was born, my dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Back then, treatment options were basically “good luck.” As a kid, when my parents divorced, I got promoted to part-time adult at a very young age. My brothers and I became the unofficial management team of my dad’s care – for 50 years. (Yes, 5-0!)
But here’s the twist: my dad had the kind of attitude that motivational speakers dream about. He taught us that even when life hands you a mess, you can still choose joy, humor…. and some really good tunes! His spirit was so contagious, I nominated him for National MS Father of the Year—and he won. President Reagan gave him the award in the Oval Office. (Yes, that Reagan. Wild.)
Suffering taught me that happiness isn’t circumstantial—it’s intentional. That you can be dealt a tough hand and still play it like a pro. Success might teach you how to celebrate, but suffering teaches you how to lead with empathy, how to love fiercely, and how to take ownership of your life, even when the script flips.
And most of all, it taught me that responsibility isn’t a burden—it’s a superpower. Especially when paired with a lot of heart
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
I live by a few quiet-but-mighty truths that shape everything I do, even if I don’t always say them out loud.
First: As Oprah says, “Take responsibility for the energy you bring into the room.” That one’s tattooed on my soul – figuratively, for now! Whether I’m walking into a meeting, a crisis, or a coffee shop, I believe our energy is contagious—and we get to choose what we spread. Optimism, calm, curiosity? Yes please. Chaos and ego? Hard pass.
Second: Show up and be of service. Not in a performative way, but in a “how can I make this moment better for someone else?” kind of way. I’ve found that when you lead with service, you end up building trust, momentum, and a lot of unexpected magic.
And finally, the one that keeps me grounded: “Don’t ever attach yourself to a person, place, company, organization, or project. Attach yourself to a mission, calling, or purpose.” (Thank you, St. Mother Teresa.) That truth has saved me from burnout, heartbreak, and chasing shiny things that don’t matter. When I stay focused on the mission—whether it’s empowering others, solving a problem, or creating something meaningful—I’m more resilient, adaptable, and way more fulfilled.
These truths are like the operating system running quietly in the background. I don’t always talk about them, but they’re the reason I show up the way I do.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
Right now—in what I like to call my rewirement years. I don’t believe in retiring. I believe in rebooting, repurposing, and relaunching… preferably with a killer strong cup of coffee in hand.
It wasn’t until my sixties, my husband and I became a dynamic duo of reinvention and launched our TourFreely biz – our creative venture turned purpose-driven business. It’s living proof that peace often shows up when you’re doing what truly lights you up.
As James Taylor croons, “I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain,” and let’s just say—he’s not wrong. Life’s thrown its curveballs, but now I’m in a season where I get to follow my bliss, and that brings a deep, steady kind of peace.
And the cherry on top? Creating with my grandkids. Whether we’re painting rocks for our backyard “gallery,” or spinning stories that make absolutely no sense or whether they are joining me at my Zumba class – its being in flow —it’s joy and it’s pure magic. Knowing I’m part of the story they’ll carry forward is beautiful. That bond? It’s real. It’s sacred. And it reminds me that peace isn’t found in silence—it’s found in connection, creativity, and love… even when these things get messy!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tourfreely.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tourfreely
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tour-freely
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/FreelyTour
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TourFreely/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tourfreely6554
