Speaking of Travel® With Marilyn Ball

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...

Join the Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace Series with Richard Crawford , host of the popular TV show Leave No Trace , and special guest Andre Conradie, Head of Cargo & Logistics from White Desert , for an epic Antarctic adventure.  Together, they'll reveal the secrets of an unforgettable, zero-footprint luxury experience on the seventh continent. Along the way, they’ll also explore the...

Natural disasters often disrupt lives, but they also reveal the strength of community. After a crisis, neighbors unite, volunteers step up, and collective resilience shines through. Lew Bleiweis, Executive Director of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority , explains how the airport's swift crisis response depended on coordination, communication, and leadership. His team’s preparedn...

The San Diego Zoo is a sprawling 100-acre wonderland, offering more than just your average zoo visit. Rick Schwartz, Wildlife Ambassador for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, shares why the zoo is a world-class wildlife haven.  Known for its lush, naturalistic habitats, this iconic zoo is home to over 3,700 rare and endangered animals, representing about 660 species. What truly sets it apart is its...

Imagine a person so entwined with the rhythm of words that each breath brings forth a poem. That’s James Nave , a traveler of stories, master of memory, and a guide through the Imaginative Storm.  With over 600 poems committed to heart, Nave doesn’t just recite; he conjures magic with each syllable. Whether it’s spinning tales in the streets of New York or teaching the boundless possibilities of c...

Get ready to embark on an eco-conscious adventure like no other! This episode of the Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace TV series takes you to the icy wonderland of Antarctica with none other than Richard Crawford , the popular host of the hit TV show Leave No Trace . But that's not all—we're also joined by Louis, the maestro of Food and Beverage at White Desert , the ultra-luxury exper...

Ready for an inspiring journey? Meet John Watson, the International Critical Care Flight Paramedic who's taking life-saving care to new heights. Whether it’s a fragile newborn or a senior in need of medical air transport, John’s there, providing top-notch care at 30,000 feet. His dedication shines through in every mission, making him a true unsung hero of the skies. And fasten your seatbelts...

Meet Gail Wein, a world traveler, music lover, and a true New Yorker. Gail's journey is a testament to following your passions and embracing change. She shares how her real adventure began when she took a leap of faith, leaving behind a career in computer programming to pursue her love for radio. And then to go on and begin her own business, Classic Music Communications. And if you’re ready f...

The LEAF Global Arts Series continues with Luis Porras, a Costa Rican journalist, musician, and founder of the Jirondai Project . This initiative preserves indigenous languages and cultures through captivating audiovisual recordings, blending ancient songs with modern sounds. Luis emphasizes that when a language disappears, we lose unique ideas and our potential as a species. The Jirondai Project...

Get ready for a special episode of Speaking of Travel with the ultimate music Renaissance man, Şahan Arzruni, whose talents span far beyond the piano keys. Şahan isn’t just a world-renowned Armenian concert pianist; he’s also an ethnomusicologist, composer, producer, writer, and philanthropist. He’s dazzled audiences worldwide, from sharing the stage with the legendary Victor Borge as his comedic...

Amanda Wrublewski , the passionate and dedicated Executive Director of Literacy Together , sheds light on a powerful truth: literacy goes beyond the basics of reading and writing.  It’s about unlocking the ability to connect with others, share stories, and build a thriving community where everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed. Through literacy, we can empower individua...

Get ready to be inspired. Dr. Aileen Hale , the visionary behind Create-Connections and the Travel with Purpose Podcast , shares ways for travelers to make meaningful connections around the globe. If you are looking to enhance your travel experiences and leave a positive impact on the communities you visit, Dr. Hale’s insights will transform the way you see the world. And Tina Kinsey, from the Ash...