Speaking of Travel® With Marilyn Ball

Speaking of Travel continues the Climate Listening Project Series with Dayna Reggero and some special guests. Sisters Amanda and Allison Rodriguez talk about inspiring stories of human connection to wild places and new ways of knowing and understanding the world and the interconnectivity of existence.  Amanda Rodriguez is a writer, poet, and climate activist who works protecting Southern forests w...

Chow Chow is a multi-day immersive experience held in Asheville, NC, from September 13-15, 2019, to celebrate the region’s vibrant culinary scene from farmers to brewers, chefs, crafts people and artists. Featuring nationally recognized chefs to multi-generational farmers to millers, bakers, potters, weavers, and brewers, Chow Chow is shining a light on the spirit of this region. Join guests Kevin...

Miranda Peterson is the founder and owner of Namaste in Nature, a yoga, hiking and meditation respite in Western North Carolina that helps relive stress and anxieties while celebrating and appreciating nature. She founded Namaste in Nature in 2017 to provide a fun, safe, unique and sustainable experience for both mind and body. Miranda has practiced yoga since 2008 and completed her RYT® 200 Yoga...

Have you been thinking about learning another language? Cindy McMahon serves on the Buncombe County School Board and has over 25 years of management experience in nonprofits and small businesses. This summer, Cindy’s taking a sabbatical from her work to relax and have some adventures, including participating in a language immersion school in Cuenca, Ecuador. Cindy explains why she chose to dive he...

Kelley Louise, founder of Impact Travel Alliance, the world's largest community for impact-focused travelers and travel professionals, provides insights and solutions for creating sustainable and positive travel experiences and how travelers are making a difference throughout the world. The organization aims to educate travelers on how to travel mindfully so our experiences protect the enviro...

Whether you’re a local or visiting Western North Carolina for the first time, Leap Frog Tours offers fun opportunities to explore the area, from beer to art and everything in-between. They offer tours with set itineraries, custom excursions, and transportation services all over the area. Ann Smith, owner and founder of Leap Frog Tours, explains why they love showcasing Western North Carolina. Disc...

Mary and Hannah have a unique carry on. They’re heading out for a summer adventure in Wisconsin with Bear, a fluffy ten-week old Leonberger puppy. Mary and Hannah have taken Bear on trips in the past and they know the drill when it comes to bringing a dog onboard. “Wear them out, and pray for no delays,” Mary said. ‘Get their energy out, make sure they are taken to the bathroom before you leave, a...

Meagan is heading home to Denver after visiting WNC for the first time. As part of her best friend’s bachelorette party, she spent the weekend exploring every nook and cranny of Asheville. Given her busy itinerary, Meagan knew it was important to pack light.  “Of course, check the weather," she said. "I had a max of two outfits per day. I rolled them up as tightly as I could to fit as ma...

Robert took the plunge! He and his family traveled from Cape Coral, Florida, for his destination wedding. Traveling with such a large entourage can be quite the organizational feat, but Robert has it down to a T. “Traveling with such a large group of people, I always make a checklist,” Robert said. “We don’t leave anything or anyone behind.” Robert has visited the area before, and he loves flying...

Alex and Mark are flying home to Denver. Their Asheville weekend was filled with a friend's wedding festivities, but they ended up falling in love with the city itself. This weekend trip called for a quick turnaround, and Mark knew just what to do.  “Download mobile passes and don’t check a bag,” he said. “We did this time, and it’s been the only slow part of our travels.” Alex and Mark love...

Dayna Reggero discuss the latest Climate Listening Project film, "Earth-People-Words" and shares how the power of stories holds humanity together. The film explores how we've worked together to protect our earth and the actions shared in trying to be better people and how hope is handed down through our words to future generations. Stories are the vessel that always has held, and co...

The Blue Ridge Honor Flight is dedicated to honoring our veterans for the sacrifices they have made to keep our nation safe by providing them with an all expense paid trip to visit the memorials in Washington D. C., that symbolize the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of these American heroes. JoAnn Naeger is the registration coordinator for the Blue Ridge Honor Flight and shares memorable stories...

Terry Lawson Dunn, a wildlife biologist, conservation educator, author, and artist has worked in the rain forests of Panama, the swamps of Florida and the mountains of Idaho. Based on her experiences with travelers, she founded the ecotourism website, EcoTripMatch.com to make it easier for people to find ecolodges and ecotours all over the world in support of conservation. Discover why Terry creat...

Peter Krull and his wife Melissa Booth love traveling together and explain how this shared passion builds a happy relationship based on the excitement to discover the next adventure and escape their comfort zones. Find out how they research and plan their trips and why travel feeds their dreams. Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel ! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories...

The Brevard Music Center is home to celebrated artists, distinguished faculty, and students from all over the world who come together each summer to prepare and perform in a beautiful park-like setting. From the end of June to the beginning of August, gifted young musicians participate in a rigorous program of instruction and performance including orchestral ensembles, private lessons, chamber mus...

To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the United States Climate Action Network (USCAN), members Nakisa Glover of Sol Nation and Susannah Tuttle of NC Interfaith Power & Light (NCIPL) join Dayna Reggero of the Climate Listening Project to talk about solutions for traveling and protecting the places we love with compassion, justice and love for people and place. The USCAN is a vital network for 1...

Author, musician, speaker and sailor Chris DiCroce and wife Melody sold their house and almost everything they owned to move onto a sailboat and discovered the greatest triumphs often came from their greatest challenges.  Tired of the lives they were living, Chris and Melody, along with their dog Jet, took a leap of faith in their attempt to break away and were brought face to face with the realit...

Explore one of Western North Carolina’s most iconic places with Mary Jaeger-Gale, General Manager at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. The Park features six hiking trails, an Animal Discovery Den, rock climbing with instructors, monthly guided hikes and more. Special moments you'll cherish await you here. Visit Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park once, and you’ll want to come back...

Continuing the Speaking of Travel + Climate Listening Project Series with Dayna Reggero and special guest, Sara Day Evans, the founding director of Accelerating Appalachia. Accelerating Appalachia is the world’s first nature-based business accelerator, connecting innovative businesses, investors and mentors aligned with people, place and prosperity. Find out how they are creating a new regenerativ...

Peggy Ratusz and Paula Hanke are on the road delighting audiences with their sensational act, “Love Is a Rose: Celebrating the Music of Torch Singer Linda Ronstadt,” featuring some of her best works. Peggy and Paula have been friends for over a decade and collaborated before, but their newest chapter is truly a project from the heart. “Love Is a Rose: Celebrating the Music of Torch Singer Linda Ro...

The Asheville Art Museum is opening its renovated and expanded building in summer 2019. Big changes are happening during their major expansion and renovation project in the heart of downtown Asheville, NC. When the Museum opens, you’ll see fresh approaches, additions to the Collection, exhibitions, educational programs, and so much more.  Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel ! Visit speaking...

Melissa Reardon, editor-in-chief of WNC Magazine, the regional lifestyle publication that captures the wonder of one of the most beautiful places in the world, highlights some of the top ways to experience summer in the mountains and explores fun travel opportunities in Western North Carolina from Lake Toxaway to Boone to Blowing Rock. Melissa also offers up some great ideas to begin planning your...

Much of what happens around us or to us happens rather by chance. You may initiate actions, but what follows depends upon many factors. Sometimes situations arise on their own, such as an accident or a chance meeting. Or in the case of Maestro Murry Sidlin when he happened upon a book entitled Music in Terezín: 1941–1945. And so began his journey to find out how Jewish prisoners at a World War II...

Johnny Morris hiked the entire Appalachian Trail to raise money and awareness for MemoryCare, an Asheville nonprofit founded by his mother, Dr. Margaret Noel, that provides services to caregivers and patients with dementia and other memory impairments. Find out how Johnny carries the experiences and lessons he had on the AT forward into a different lifestyle and how those experiences/ lessons chan...

Visiting with Michelle and Dale Isom at the lovely 1915 Historic Federal Courthouse and Post Office in Wilkesboro, NC, home to the Blue Ridge Artisan Center and The Artisan Café.  Find out how they are expanding cultural horizons for children and communities through educational programs to help preserve traditions from one generation to the next and how they are supporting and promoting local and...