Speaking of Travel® With Marilyn Ball

I’m excited to continue the Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace TV series with Richard (Ricky) Crawford, host of the inspiring Amazon Prime TV series Leave No Trace TV , along with Ben Alcott, the show’s talented director and cameraman from Australia who brings his unique perspectives from behind the lens and shares reflections on how storytelling, patience, and a deep respect for place can open u...

Life doesn’t always follow the script we think it will. Sometimes, a single moment can shift everything and suddenly, you’re standing at a crossroads with a suitcase in one hand and your heart in the other, asking, what if?   That’s exactly the journey our guest, Julie Levin Caro, has embraced. After more than two decades as an art historian and professor, she stepped into a new chapter filled wit...

On this episode of Speaking of Travel , we're joined by Colin McBeath, President of the Nantahala Outdoor Center , to talk about the magic of the outdoors and the power of travel to connect us all.  With more than 30 years leading hospitality and resort operations around the world, Colin shares his heartfelt perspective on how tourism brings communities together, helps us recover and grow, an...

Travel and tourism have always been about more than just places on a map. They are about connection, culture, and community.  On this episode of Speaking of Travel , I sit down with Justin Belleme , Publisher and Partnerships Manager at RomanticAsheville.com , to explore how tourism in Western North Carolina has evolved, adapted, and thrived in the face of change.  Justin’s journey is a story of f...

Vietnam today is full of color, music, and energy and is a culture that welcomes travelers with open arms.  On this episode of Speaking of Travel , I’m joined by Steve Mueller, founder of Vespa Adventures , who turned his love for Vespas and travel into a business that shows visitors the real Vietnam.  Steve shares how he fell for the country, his passion for vintage scooters, and how Vespa Advent...

On this episode of Speaking of Travel , we sit down with Rob Lee, co-founder of Swift Passport & Visa Services , to explore what strong, mindful leadership looks like in today’s fast-paced travel world. Rob has built one of the leading companies in global travel logistics, and what sets him apart is his unique ability to combine business innovation with the grounding presence of a yoga teacher...

Meet Abdylla Geldiyev, founder of Undiscovered Frontiers Travel and a true testament to courage and perseverance. Born and raised in the vast Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan, Abdylla’s story is one of relentless determination to overcome barriers and forge a path to share the magic wonders of his homeland and other lesser-known destinations with the world.  Together we explore Turkmenistan’s dazzli...

Welcome Shari Leid , a connection coach, friendship expert, and creator of Table For 51. A former litigator turned champion of belonging, Shari spent a year traveling to all 50 states, sharing a meal with 50 strangers.  What she discovered is simple yet profound: breaking bread isn’t just about food. It is about lowering walls, opening hearts, and finding common ground, even in a divided world.  F...

Hawai‘i is unlike anywhere else and not just for its breathtaking beauty, but for the living spirit that moves through its people, its land, and its traditions. In Hawai’i, culture isn’t a performance, but rather the pulse of daily life.  On today’s episode, I’m deeply honored to welcome Ka’iʻini Aranaydo. Ka’iʻini oversees Kilohana , a groundbreaking and visionary partnership with the Hawai’i Tou...

On this episode of Speaking of Travel , we’re heading high into Colorado’s San Juan Mountains to uncover the charm and magic of Creede , a tiny town with a mighty story.  Once a booming silver mining camp, Creede has transformed into a cultural haven where creativity and adventure collide. At the center of it all is the Creede Repertory Theatre , a nationally renowned professional company that’s b...

On this episode of Speaking of Travel , we’re joined by the wise and luminous Judith Valente , an award-winning journalist, poet, and author of The Italian Soul: How to Savor the Full Joys of Life . Judith brings us into the soulful rhythms of Italy, a place that taught her to live not faster, but deeper.  Drawing from her own transformation from the high-speed world of journalism to the stillness...

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, we welcome Liza Graves , founder of StyleBlueprint   and a beloved leader in the lifestyle space, for a rich conversation about how travel has quietly and powerfully shaped her life.  From the traditions she’s built with family, to the friendships that have deepened over shared adventures, and even the very fabric of her professional journey, travel h...

In this compelling episode of Speaking of Travel , we welcome back Richard "Ricky" Crawford , host of the Amazon Prime series Leave No Trace TV and a passionate voice for sustainable travel, conservation, and global community.  We dive into the power of mindful exploration and how slowing down, connecting with local cultures, and embracing sustainability can transform not just our journe...

In this unforgettable episode, I’m joined by the extraordinary Jane Adams , a  passionate advocate, art historian, and formerly the Director of Partnership Relations for Advancing Women Artists. Today she is co-founder and CEO of Artemisia Gold .  Jane brings with her a deeply moving and richly layered story, one that begins with the spark of a mission ignited by author and philanthropist Jane For...

Today’s guest is someone whose life feels like a gentle invitation to pause, listen, and truly see. Meet Miyuki Seguchi , a bilingual travel expert, guide, and host of the Japan Experts  podcast .  Born among the rice paddies and mountain breezes of central Japan, Miyuki’s path has led her across continents and cultures, all while staying deeply rooted in her homeland’s rhythms and rituals. From w...

In this vibrant and heart-centered episode, we sit down with Vanessa K. Harper, founder of Travel Cuba With Us  and Support the Cuban People , to explore the powerful intersection of ethical tourism, yoga, and humanitarian support in Cuba today. Vanessa leads with purpose, offering deeply immersive cultural experiences that directly benefit Cuban communities. Through her travel company, she curate...

What if planning your next adventure felt more like a conversation with a trusted friend than a checklist? In this episode of Speaking of Travel , I’m joined by Anna Jaffe and Harriet Brown of Mobi. AI , a powerful new platform reimagining travel planning through the lens of empathy, technology, and storytelling.  This is more than a travel episode. It’s a love letter to curiosity, to wandering wi...

In this soul-stirring episode of Speaking of Travel , we welcome the radiant and deeply authentic Pilar Guzmán , Editorial Director of Oprah Daily , whose voice has long guided readers toward lives of intention, connection, and beauty.  With grace, warmth, and unflinching honesty, Pilar opens up about her creative vision for Oprah Daily , a space that has become a sanctuary for mindful living, sou...

In this unforgettable episode of Speaking of Travel , meet Alexandra Kinias , a fearless trailblazer rewriting the rules on what it means to live boldly, age defiantly, and lead with purpose. From forging her path as a mechanical engineer in a male-dominated world to becoming a celebrated screenwriter and outspoken women’s rights advocate, Alex’s life is a breathtaking testament to courage, reinve...

Today’s episode is a breathtaking story of courage, healing, and the radical choice to seek joy after unimaginable loss. I’m so honored to share the journey of Abigail Carter , a writer, artist, and one of the most soulfully brave humans I’ve ever met. After losing her husband in the 9/11 attacks, Abby spent years learning how to live with grief. But when the buzz and blur of life became too much,...

Welcome back to a brand-new episode of Speaking of Travel ! We’re making a BIG deal out of this one for good reason. Drumroll, please... The first season of Traveling the Spectrum , the powerful series we highlighted right here on Speaking of Travel , is streaming on Peacock and has just been nominated for an Emmy Award! That’s right! This groundbreaking series is receiving the recognition it dese...

In this deeply nourishing episode, we welcome Angela Lightsey, the vibrant soul behind Tybee Wellness Retreats, where transformation and tranquility beautifully intertwine.  Angela has created more than just a getaway. She’s built a sanctuary where women come to heal, grow, and reconnect with their truest selves amid the natural beauty of Tybee Island and beyond.  Together, we dive into what reall...

There’s something in the water in Brevard, NC and we’re not just talking about the waterfalls (though there are plenty of those!). Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this sweet town sparkles with big charm, quirky wildlife (hello, white squirrels!), and the kind of hospitality that stays with you long after you leave.  On this uplifting episode of Speaking of Travel , local legend C...

On this episode of Speaking of Trave l, award-winning filmmaker Brady Skye joins us to share the powerful story behind his new documentary, Beyond The Ruins , a film that doesn’t just challenge the way we travel, but invites us to reconsider whose stories we center and how we show up in the world.  This is not a film about the past. It’s about the present. About connection. About listening.  Throu...

Get ready to meet Karlie Loland-Ringer , a powerhouse casting director whose life is anything but ordinary. With a spirit for adventure and a career that spans coast-to-coast, Karlie lives where work and wanderlust collide. One moment she is behind the scenes making casting magic happen and the next, she’s soaking up quiet sunsets on a faraway beach. In this conversation, Karlie dives into how the...