Speaking of Travel® With Marilyn Ball

Step into the world of David Belmont and you’ll find yourself somewhere between a jazz riff, a poetry line, and a road trip that definitely skipped the exit ramp. David is a lifelong musician, writer, mixed-media artist, and a certified original, the kind of counter-culture cool you don’t try to manufacture. He’s effortlessly hip, wildly curious, and just mischievous enough to make life more inter...

This episode of Speaking of   Travel opens the door to a new year with intention, warmth, and deep joy as we welcome the extraordinary David LaMotte , songwriter, speaker, peace builder, author, and quiet force for good in the world. Being with David feels like stepping onto a peaceful back porch at sunrise, shoulders soften, the air feels clearer, and you’re reminded that kindness still has a str...

Travel is often pictured as excitement, new sights, and adventure. But for many, it can feel overwhelming, exhausting, or even impossible before a trip begins. For individuals navigating ADHD, anxiety, autism, or learning differences, the unfamiliar sounds, routines, and expectations of travel can make even the simplest journey feel heavy.  And yet, these truths are rarely spoken with honesty, emp...

On this powerful episode of Speaking of Travel , we welcome Christopher Hill, founder of Hands Up Holidays and Impact Destinations , two visionary luxury travel companies transforming the way we explore the world and our place within it. This conversation goes beyond destinations and indulgence, shining a light on what’s possible when travel is rooted in purpose, connection, and responsibility. Jo...

Elizabeth Birkelund is not just a novelist and journalist. She’s a traveler of landscapes, both worldly and emotional, and a gifted listener to the human heart. Her newest book, A Northern Light in Provence , sweeps us from the crystalline silence of Greenland’s ice fields to the golden, lavender-scented slopes of Provence.  With her unmistakable tenderness and immersive storytelling, she reminds...

Jonny Wright isn’t your typical wanderer. He didn’t torch his old life or sprint toward the horizon in a fit of cinematic rebellion. No doors were slammed. No bridges were burned. Just one quiet, existential moment staring at the ceiling thinking, “Is this it? Seriously? This… can’t be it.” That tiny question sparked a very un-tiny adventure. Jonny packed a bag, stuck out a thumb, and stepped into...

In a special return episode, we explore a journey of resilience, reinvention, and rediscovering joy.  Abigail Carter , a gifted writer and artist, faced unimaginable loss when she lost her husband in the 9/11 tragedy. For years, grief shaped her days but eventually a quiet inner voice whispered: It’s time to go.   Following that calling, Abigail left the familiar behind and settled in a charming c...

Strap in—slowly—and lift off into a sky full of wonder. In this magical episode of Speaking of Travel , beloved writer and adventurer Peter Egan returns to share the extraordinary tale of the 7,000-mile journey he and his wife Barbara made in 1987… at the dreamy, unhurried pace of 70 miles per hour. Aboard their vintage Piper Cub, carrying just 20 pounds of luggage and an open-ended sense of curio...

In this episode of Speaking of Travel, brace yourself for a high-voltage deep dive into reinvention, resilience, and the raw power of storytelling. We’re joined by Peter Murphy Lewis , a global entrepreneur, magnetic storyteller, and creative catalyst who has built brands on multiple continents, led teams through chaos, and transformed collapse into pure momentum. From building businesses across S...

Our well-being is the foundation of everything. It's the quiet thread that weaves through our lives, shaping how we move through the world and how we connect with others. And how we care for ourselves. Yet, somewhere along the way, we can lose sight of that simple truth. Life gets busy and we forget the importance of slowing down long enough to listen to what our hearts are trying to tell us....

Practical travel gear isn’t just stuff in a bag but really is peace of mind. It’s survival, resilience, and the quiet confidence of knowing, “I’ve got this,” whether you’re exploring the far corners of the globe or facing a disaster right at home. In a world where unexpected events can strike at any moment, being prepared isn’t just practical, it’s empowering.  In this episode of Speaking of Trave...

Speaking of Travel welcomes Leigh Barnes, the new President of the Americas for Intrepid Travel , a certified B Corp travel company on a mission to make travel a force for good. Leigh leads Intrepid’s fastest-growing U.S. market, bringing curiosity, compassion, and care for the planet to every adventure.  Leigh shares how his love of adventure shaped his career and leadership style and why respons...

For over a decade, Speaking of Travel has been the place where we explore the heart of travel, connection, and community. And now we’re heading to the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago to uncover how adventure, comfort, and sustainability can come together to create truly meaningful journeys.  Our guest, John Hadad, Group Co-CEO and Co-Founder of HADCO Group, is leading a movement through...

Airports are more than gateways and more like the heartbeats of their communities. In this episode of Speaking of Travel , discover how the Asheville Regional Airport ( AVL ) is redefining what it means to connect people, place, and purpose.  With air travel soaring, AVL’s bold AVL Forward project is transforming the airport experience, more than doubling its space, introducing a fresh, modern des...

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...