Speaking of Travel® With Marilyn Ball

In this impactful episode of Speaking of Travel , we shine a light on the incredible resilience of Asheville, North Carolina , a city that turned heartbreak into hope and recovery into a rallying cry.  From the moment disaster struck, this tight-knit mountain town showed the world what community truly means. Neighbors helped neighbors. Local businesses found creative ways to reopen their doors. Ar...

What if your next adventure wasn’t just about the destination, but the feeling it leaves behind? In this heartwarming episode of Speaking of Travel , we’re heading to a place where waterfalls whisper, trails lead to awe, and kindness is part of the culture... Brevard, North Carolina. Nestled in Transylvania County in the heart of the Land of Waterfalls , Brevard is more than just a scenic stop. It...

Imagine a place where two oceans meet, rainforests hum with life, and vibrant city streets blend seamlessly with untouched natural beauty. That place? Panama! Whether you're craving adventure, eyeing a tropical escape, or dreaming of a fresh start, Panama has it all with its stunning beaches, a booming economy, modern conveniences, and a welcoming, diverse culture. On this episode of Speaking...

For Todd Lester, travel isn’t just about checking destinations off a list. It’s really about embracing the unknown, connecting with people, and finding magic in unexpected moments.  His latest adventure took him to Spain, where he joined Pueblo Inglés , a one-of-a-kind program that brings together native English speakers and Spanish students for a week of immersive conversation, culture, and conne...

Guess who’s back? Richard "Ricky" Crawford , the inspiring host of Amazon Prime’s Leave No Trace TV ! If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling with purpose, making a positive impact, and immersing yourself in cultures while preserving them, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Ricky is a powerhouse advocate for sustainable travel, conservation, and the power of community. He’s all about...

On this episode of Speaking of Travel , we’re exploring the world of music, history, and innovation with the one and only Lara Downes, a pianist, storyteller, and cultural force redefining classical music in bold and unexpected ways. Lara doesn’t just play music. She tells stories through it. She revives the voices of overlooked composers, blending classical traditions with jazz, folk, and contemp...

Some dream of adventure. Others strap their lives to a bicycle and chase it across continents. Meet Jacob Lemanski , the unstoppable explorer behind How To Move The Stars , a video podcast chronicling his extraordinary 38,000-mile solo ride across six continents.  His journey was more than just a test of endurance. It was a deep dive into the unknown, where every pedal stroke became a lesson in re...

Where would we be without music? Without the arts? Imagine a world without the rush of a live performance, the thrill of harmony, or the power of a single note to move you. Music fuels our imagination, sparks emotions, and connects us across generations and cultures. Chamber music, in particular, is storytelling at its most intimate—a soul-stirring conversation between instruments that transcends...

For many families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, travel has long felt out of reach. But that’s changing. Traveling the Spectrum is a groundbreaking new series proving that inclusive, autism-friendly travel isn’t just possible—it’s transformative. Destinations like Myrtle Beach, SC , are leading the way with sensory-friendly programs, specially trained businesses, and inclusive experiences...

Close your eyes and picture yourself gliding through sun-drenched vineyards, stopping for a sip of rich local wine, and indulging in a long, leisurely meal crafted with love. Now imagine doing it all on two wheels, feeling the warm breeze as you cycle through Italy’s most breathtaking landscapes. Welcome to the Tourissimo experience—a blend of adventure, culture, and the art of slow living. Joinin...

Get ready for an eye-opening journey into the future of travel! The Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace series is back with Richard Crawford , host of the hit show Leave No Trace TV , and director and filmmaker Ben Alcott, joining us from Australia as they wrap up Season Two! This episode is all about transforming the way we explore the world—with curiosity, adaptability, and sustainability leadin...

Ever wonder how the tiniest creatures on Earth shape your biggest adventures? Meet microbes—your invisible travel companions, working behind the scenes to transform the air you breathe, the food you savor, and even how your body adapts to new places.  These microscopic marvels boost immunity, connect us to ecosystems, and fuel cultural traditions like fermented foods and biodiversity hotspots. Joi...

Let's take a deep dive into the magic of music, culture, and connection as we travel back to 1995 and the origin story of LEAF Global Arts , a transformative organization with a mission as bold as it is beautiful. From preserving cultural traditions to fostering global understanding through music, arts education, and immersive experiences, LEAF Global Arts has been creating unforgettable mome...

Lew Bleiweis, President and CEO of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority, is a visionary leader steering one of the region's most transformative airports. Under his leadership, the airport has achieved record-breaking passenger growth, overcome challenges like natural disasters, and expanded its role as a vital economic engine for the community. Lew shares the highs and lows of 202...

Did you know the Great Smoky Mountains are within a day's drive of half the U.S. population? While these misty peaks and ancient forests are a national treasure, they are also fragile. Smoky Mountain Host of NC (Visit Smokies) helps protect this region's natural beauty, with its Visitor Center serving as a welcoming gateway. It connects travelers with historic downtowns, and vibrant arts...

Award-winning filmmakers, storytellers, and fearless adventurers, John Alexander and JC Guest bring their passion, creativity, and bold spirit to Speaking of Travel. Known for powerful, transformative and heartwarming films like Little Satchmo , a PBS sensation that touched audiences worldwide, and This Is Love , John and JC are redefining family life by blending parenting with global exploration....

Join Speaking of Travel for this classic 2024 rerun show with Liz Galloway . Liz is a dynamic force of nature, an adventurer, storyteller, and passionate creator of meaningful experiences through transformation. With over 20 years of expertise spanning international travel, wellness, spa, and business development, Liz has carved a unique path that blends adventure, purpose, and human connection. F...

Travel isn’t just an adventure. It’s an opportunity to make the world a little brighter. Richard Crawford , the dynamic host of Amazon Prime’s Leave No Trace TV, is back with captivating tales that combine wanderlust with purpose. Get a sneak peek into Season Two’s jaw-dropping destinations, meet inspiring communities leading the way in sustainable tourism, and pick up practical tips to travel sma...

Meet James Hammond , globe-trotter extraordinaire, podcast host, and endlessly curious storyteller behind the wildly captivating Winging It   travel podcast. With his adventurous spirit, James has explored over 70 countries, turning each journey into a patchwork of unforgettable memories and collecting moments that are equal parts thrilling, heartwarming, and hilariously unexpected. On his show, J...

This lively episode of Speaking of Travel welcomes Dr. Ann Stuart , a dynamic veterinarian with a remarkable history rooted in Mexico's rich cultural tapestry. Ann’s love for archaeology and travel was kindled in her childhood, spent in the remote village of Coba, where her parents were deeply immersed in a National Geographic archaeological project. Her father, a trailblazing figure in archa...

The visionary behind wanderlust and global connections is my guest on Speaking of Travel! Kiki Keating  is no ordinary travel aficionado. She’s a master architect of adventure and connection, curating journeys that go beyond the surface and dive deep into culture, creativity, and meaning. As the founder of KikiNetwork , a boutique PR and travel firm, she has spent decades weaving her expertise in...

If you’re a foodie, brew-lover, or just someone who appreciates a good story, this episode of Speaking of Travel   is going to fill your plate and your heart. We’re exploring the vibrant Atlanta culinary scene with two extraordinary guests, Chef Kevin Gillespie , the chef-owner of Gunshow and Nàdair , and co-founder of the Defend Southern Food Foundation , which provides meals for hungry families...

Get ready for an unforgettable journey through history, mystery, and stunning landscapes. Join filmmaker and author Paul Bonesteel , founder of Bonesteel Films, as he unravels the story of George Masa, a Japanese photographer who arrived in Asheville, NC, in 1915 and became an unexpected hero for conservation in the Appalachian Mountains.  Masa’s breathtaking photos helped inspire the creation of...

Join Speaking of Travel’s   Leave No Trace TV series as it continues to inspire with candid, uplifting conversations about sustainable travel and resilience. Hosted by the adventurous Richard Crawford of Amazon Prime’s Leave No Trace TV , each episode dives into eco-tourism’s power to make travel a force for good.  Ricky brings real, hopeful stories from around the world from people who are making...

Communities hit by natural disasters face not only monumental recovery challenges but also show us what’s possible when people unite with resilience and determination.  These communities remind us of the strength that lies in solidarity and the importance of sustainable practices to protect against future crises. As we witness the power of rebuilding together, we must pay attention to what they’re...