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, James brings these vibrant moments to life, connecting with extraordinary people, fellow wanderers, cultural ambassadors, and trailblazers who reveal the heart of the places they call home. 

From conquering Nepal’s breathtaking trails to savoring street food on a shoestring in Central America, James blends practical tips with laugh-out-loud tales of navigating culture shock, serendipitous encounters, and the art of traveling smart on any budget. His secret sauce? An uncanny ability to connect with people, peel back the layers of a place, and transform every journey into a treasure trove of stories.

James’ zest for life and fearless exploration will have you ready to ditch the routine, grab your passport, and wing it into the unknown. Because let’s face it, adventure always favors the bold!

And James reminds us that travel is less about miles and more about moments. His down-to-earth charm, coupled with laugh-out-loud anecdotes and nuggets of wisdom will inspire you to savor every experience, whether you’re trekking mountains, wandering city streets, or simply saying “yes” to the unknown.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, trust the journey, and join us. Tune in, get inspired, and let the adventure begin. Only on Speaking of Travel. 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

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 archaeology, founded the Boundary End Archaeology Research Center, a haven for scholars, artists, and archaeologists working to preserve and explore the archaeology of the Americas.

Ann reminisces about her father’s groundbreaking contributions, which included leading significant digs and collaborating with National Geographic to uncover ancient mysteries. These experiences shaped Ann’s own path, blending her family’s passion for discovery with her work in cultural philanthropy.

Dive into Ann’s inspiring journey as she bridges ancient Mayan traditions with modern life through immersive trips and programs. She shares stories of Oaxaca, where vibrant history and art collide, recounting adventures filled with culinary delights, colorful festivals, and meaningful connections.

Through her work, Ann reveals how travel is not just exploration but a tool for understanding humanity’s shared story. This is a fun, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation brimming with wit, warmth, and Ann’s contagious zest for life and learning.

Only on Speaking of Travel. Tune in! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

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 creativity, his journey is a never-ending dance of language and life.

Nave shares his journey through the Imaginative Storm Writing Project, alongside Allegra Huston, and invites writers into a world where the unexpected blooms, helping them discover the thrill of expression.

His wisdom flows from decades of teaching, from co-founding The Artist’s Way Creativity Camp with Julia Cameron to speaking on global platforms. He’s a weaver of worlds, and each thread he pulls opens your heart to the sheer wonder of creativity.

And be sure to visit Theleaf.org for more information about the LEAF Global Arts Festival and all their programs. 

 A must listen! Only on Speaking of Travel! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

For award-winning actor and humanitarian, Gary Sinise, 9/11 was a game changer. After playing Lt. Dan, the ravaged Vietnam vet in the Oscar-winning 1993 movie Forrest Gump, Gary recognized there were still deep wounds for the veterans of the Viet Nam war. 

His focus shifted from self to service. Gary said, “It set the stage for working with the wounded after that terrible day. I couldn’t sit back. I wanted to let our service members know they were appreciated."

Bobby George, Director of Outreach for the Gary Sinise Foundation, shares how the foundation began and all they are doing today. Bobby explains what inspired his own desire to give back to those who serve and sacrifice for our country and his role as Director of Outreach. 

Also, discover why supporting veterans and first responders is so important to Gary and some of the ways his foundation strives to help these heroes. And how you can help, even one person at a time.

Get to know the people who are protecting you right here on Speaking of Travel. 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Dawn Barclay, a veteran travel reporter, the mother of two “challenging” children, and the author of “Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the Inflexible, and the Neurodiverse," shares how she created her travel bible based on interviews from over 100 mental health professionals, special needs parents, autism allies, advocates, and certified autism travel professionals. 

Dawn's advice can help soothe the travel hiccups of any family wanting to have adventures with their loved ones on the autism spectrum or with invisible disabilities like ADHD.

Discover important tips about starting small, introducing the concept of travel, and having mini-experiences. Find out how you can create the child-centric vacation by doing your due diligence, finding out safety measures, and so much more. 

A very important show about a very important topic. If you can understand the differences that ASD brings to a family, you can make a difference by supporting a family affected by autism. This is one of the greatest gifts you can give. It is also very likely that your act of kindness may turn out to be one of the greatest gifts you receive back. 

Tune in on Speaking of Travel. 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Vic Isley, a traveler, foodie, music lover and a farmer’s daughter from North Carolina, shares her journey from growing up on a tobacco farm to becoming a leader in the travel and tourism industry. 

Over her 28-year career, she’s represented destinations including the island of Bermuda; Washington, DC; Tampa Bay, Florida and Durham, North Carolina.  

Seasoned leaders bring benefits to their team and the entire organization. Vic shares a timeline of the evolution of destination marketing and destination management and explains the role of a destination marketing organization. 

Also on Speaking of Travel, Mary Rose Ridderbusch-Shearer, guest experience manager for the North Carolina Arboretum, the most stunning and peaceful place to enjoy Western North Carolina's beautiful surrounding natural environment, shares a history of the Arboretum and a sampling of the many incredible programs and exhibits. There's no better place to meet friends and explore for hours. Find out more! 

Tune in right here on Speaking of Travel. 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Heidi Walters, Senior Director of Partner Marketing for Visit North Carolina, shares how the state is championing sustainable travel by working together to preserve the natural beauty of North Carolina.

Thousands of people flock to North Carolina every year from all over the country and the world because there are so many reasons to love this state. Heidi provides an update on the tourism recovery green initiatives and how markets are emerging to grow the industry. 

She also shares how sustainability and stewardship help to protect North Carolina's outdoor spaces and how international travel to the state remains strong and steady.

Also on Speaking of Travel, discover how writer, counselor, authenticity and intuition guide, Beth Orr, found the courage to move forward on her own journey when her grandmother inspired her to travel the world to search for her most authentic life.

Tune in! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

A professional stand-up comedian, a TV host, an actor and a podcast host walk into a bar. And what do you know? It’s Mike Siegel himself. Mike’s main passion is travel. He has produced video and written travel content for countless websites and hosts his own travel-themed podcast, “Travel Tales Podcast.” Mike shares his personal travel history and some of his favorite places.

And not all of his travel experiences are great. Some are low and some are bad. Find out some tips to prepare you for the adventure ahead (spoiler... laughing works!). Mike lets us in on some travel hacking and money-saving tips too and describes what the future of travel, tourism, blogging and social media could look like.

What is travel to Mike Siegel? You won't want to miss this special episode of Speaking of Travel. 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Thea Duncan, founder of Doing Italy, shares insights into moving to Italy. Find out what it is like to live in Italy and what to consider when moving there. 

Doing Italy offers private consultations and group coaching so you can dive into just about everything you need to know about moving to Italy. 

Thea shares insights into the Italian job market and what you need to know about real estate if considering buying an Italian home. Discover what it is actually like living in Italy vs visiting and some of the the first things you should consider when relocating to Italy. 

Also on Speaking of Travel, Whitney Williams, founder of TEFLPros, a high-quality online certification, shares all you need to know about how to teach English as a foreign language. 

If you are passionate to experience another culture, or perhaps you just love to travel and enjoy helping others realize their dreams, maybe consider becoming an English teacher in a foreign country. Find out all you need to know right here on Speaking of Travel. 

Tune in!  

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Mark Gordon Smith, founder of Private Italy Tours, shares why travelers fall in love with Italy and why people keep going back to visit. 

Today Italy is reaping the benefits of travelers wanting to explore this beautiful country. Mark explains the state of travel in Italy today and why unique places like Puglia, Basilicata and Calabria are gaining more attention.

With an increased demand in travel to Italy, Mark is not only leading tours to these wonderful locations off the beaten path, he's also focusing on itinerary planning services to provide a more exclusive option to explore Italy on your own.

Mark loves to share experiences with the Italian culture so he creates the most perfect, relaxing experiences. Imagine being in Italy in your own villa with visits to small, family-owned wineries and interactive cooking classes. 

And to get you in the mood for Italy, Mark shares how he puts into words his own memories, now an Italian Trilogy, all providing a uniquely personal look into the beauty of Italy.

Discover how Mark can help you plan your perfect trip to this special travel destination.

Also on Speaking of Travel, Tina Kinsey, Vice-president of Marketing, PR, and Air Service Development at the Asheville Regional Airport, shares how airports are constantly looking at expanding as travel volumes continue to exceed pre-pandemic levels. Find out what future planning looks like when the future is catching up with us.

Tune in!

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Pico Iyer helps bring an understanding of cultural differences to all of us by interacting with people whose culture, experiences, or worldview might differ from his own. 

For over four decades, he’s written 16 books, translated into 23 languages, on subjects ranging from the Dalai Lama to globalism, from the Cuban Revolution to Islamic mysticism. For Pico, travel is a professional devotion as much as a spiritual one. 

Pico shares how he discovered wonder and beauty right in his own backyard and why a physical location is not so important as long as you live life as a good human being. He shares how he came to realize why home lies in the things you carry with you vs the ones that tie you down.

Travel is a key theme in most of Pico's works. He tries to see within a society or way of life from an outsider's perspective. Pico shares his thoughts and curiosity about the bigger world to help us rethink assumptions and to be mindful about new ideas and insights. 

Oh, and there's ping-pong too. 

A special conversation with Pico Iyer. “A person susceptible to "wanderlust" is not so much addicted to movement as committed to transformation.” Thank you Pico! 

A must listen. Only on Speaking of Travel.

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Australian born singer-songwriter and touring musician with the Smashing Pumpkins, Katie Cole, shares how her emotional honesty comes from a place of determination and persistence. 

Katie is releasing her new EP, “Rivers & Roads," a love project created during the pandemic and will launch the final single along with a music video. 

In 2022, Katie did a 32-date tour with the Smashing Pumpkins and supported by Janes Addiction. She shares the excitement of playing Madison Square Garden and a sold-out performance at the Hollywood Bowl. Her grounded confidence and years of hard work are shining! 

Katie's music is dreamy and seductive. She said, "I just want to make music that makes me excited and proud, and if I'm being truthful in it that will make me really happy. If I’m not doing that, with everything I’ve sacrificed, what would be the point?”

A must listen! 

Also on Speaking of Travel is naturalist and nature photographer, Sharon Mammoser. Sharon loves the night sky and shares how we can appreciate the darkness and help reduce artificial lighting. 

Tune in! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Jovelle Fernandez knows how it feels to be a fish out of water having navigated through various constraints because of being alienated. She helps us learn and understand about being away from our comfort zones.

Jovelle's story includes the unique experiences of a former woman expatriate and the challenges of living and working as a foreigner in academia, in a male-dominated society, and in the corporate world while juggling the demands of work and family as a wife and mother.

She shares stories from her new book, The Expat, that are funny, unbelievable, mind-boggling, and shocking, and she helps provide insight into navigating through constraints because of being alienated, even in your own country. 

Tune in to explore more about why it's important to prioritize what matters most, to continue to define yourself, and to let go.

Also on Speaking of Travel is Nicole Foti of Sandy Bee Mine Honey Company, a family owned and operated venture in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, to share why bees are at the heart of why we love honey and all the benefits we gain thanks to our friends the bees!

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

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 experience that promises zero impact on the pristine Antarctic environment. Imagine balancing world-class service with sustainability on the 7th Continent, where every detail is designed to protect this fragile ecosystem.

In this episode, we dive deep into the thrilling world of sustainable logistics, a challenge that blends cutting-edge innovation with a deep commitment to the planet.

From the behind-the-scenes magic that makes White Desert a top-tier experience to the creative solutions that ensure customer satisfaction while safeguarding the Earth, this journey is all about pushing boundaries and redefining what's possible in sustainable travel.

So, join us on this incredible adventure where luxury meets responsibility, and discover how you too can leave no trace while exploring the wonders of the world!

Only on Speaking of Travel. A must listen! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Richard Crawford, host of the popular TV show, Leave No Trace TV, and his producer/cameraman, Ben Alcott, recently went to Antarctica to experience the incredible beauty and solitude as polar explorers. 

When the two returned from White Desert Antarctica's Echo camp, a pioneering luxury experience, their lives were changed. In episode one of their Great Antarctica Adventure, heard only on Speaking of Travel, Ricky and Ben shared how the out-of-this-world location and the magic they felt really can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

Because there is no other destination on the planet more incredible, overwhelming or epic as Antarctica, one episode to unpack their experience just wasn't enough. Continuing the conversation about the most adrenalin-fueled adventure ever, Ricky and Ben are joined by special guest Patrick Woodhead, co-founder of Antarctica’s only luxury adventure camp, White Desert Antarctica.

Patrick shares how he set about to show the wonders of the interior of Antarctica to people other than scientists and polar explorers, elevating Arctic exploration to a level never seen before.

We all love a good story about extraordinary places and extraordinary adventures. Put your headphones on and listen to this special edition of the Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace TV Series with today's modern explorers, Richard Crawford, Ben Alcott and Patrick Woodhead. 

Tune in! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

What do you do when a friend asks you to pack your things and take a trip ASAP? For Terri Lynn Queen, you just say YES! Find out how a quick, spontaneous trip to Las Vegas became a most memorable adventure. 

Terri Lynn is a regional/national media consultant with iHeart Media (for 33 years!) who loves to travel. She shares stories of how traveling with her children when they were young created a special bond on the long road trips with her dad, allowing them to all develop a wandering spirit. 

Find out how saying yes to traveling spontaneously with friends is sometimes the best fun of all. Terri Lynn shares some travel tips to make your adventure run as smoothly as possible and even save you money! 

Also on Speaking of Travel, Jen Brooks of RomanticAsheville.com, provides some top picks for everything Spring in and around North Carolina's beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. 

And Tina Kinsey, VP of Marketing, PR, and Air Service Development at the Asheville Regional Airport, shares how the airport is positioning itself as a catalyst for economic regeneration and growth.

Tune in! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

If you love being out in nature enjoying beautiful, breathtaking views, you’ll love cycling. Cyclists are generally a friendly group of people and riding bikes can be an excellent way to make new friends and create community. 

Rob Dull is an avid cyclist and the principal planner at Find The Line Studios based out of Asheville, NC. Rob heads up the firm's master planning efforts around community development and outdoor recreation projects. 

Rob shares why community is important to our overall wellbeing and how leveraging natural assets with a healthy lifestyle around cycling is a win-win for everyone. 

Discover how Rob's new project in Costa Rica, Buen Camino Bike Park, is becoming the model for creating community around the great outdoors. The mountain bike park offers trails of all experience levels in a lush, tropical mountain forest in the central valley of Costa Rica. 

Rob explores how social interactions and building friendships are more meaningful when progressing through physical challenges (and even an element of danger) together.

Find out how physical movement, along with a rush of adrenaline, will help you survive real challenges and how mountain biking allows you to push your comfort level to places you might not otherwise go.

A must listen! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Nancy Stohlman is a flash fiction writer, a performer, and a professor. She holds workshops and retreats around the world to help you learn about yourself as a writer and a person.

Nancy provides professional and aspiring writers the gift of time, a new community, instruction, and the opportunity to reconnect with your own imagination and sense of possibility so you can confidently bring the work inside you to fruition.

Nancy shares how her workshops, always held in inspiring locations, provide the perfect backdrop for focusing on your writing practice with like-minded short fiction writers. "The world demands more substance and less filler. Flash fiction is all meat and no fat," said Nancy.

Find out how travel inspired her newest book, After the Rapture, a socio-satirical flash novel set in a post-Rapture landscape. A must read!

Also on Speaking of Travel, discover why traveling with your family will build life life-long memories and break you all away from the same old-same old routine. Stephanie Carson, who lives a life full of adventure, sometimes pushing the limits on heart-stopping adventures with her own family, works full-time and is still living the dream!

Tune in!

Photo credits include Laura Alexander and Lizzie Woofenden, and Kathy Fish.

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

The Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace Series with Richard Crawford, host of the popular TV series, Leave No Trace TV, highlights the importance of conservation, sustainable travel and eco-tourism, and provides tips on how to travel mindfully and why it's important to just say YES!

There is no other destination on the planet more incredible, overwhelming or epic as Antarctica. Ricky and his producer and cameraman, Ben Alcott, recently traveled to Antartica with White Desert Antarctica, a pioneering luxury experience, and are here to tell us all about it!

Ricky and Ben share what was it like to be there... the cold, adventure, history, remoteness, and other worldly vibe, coupled with science, icebergs, and the deep, deep silence.

Discover how this experience created the most adrenalin-fueled adventure, changing their lives forever. And how the magic they felt there can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

There are some people who will push themselves to the limit, leading them to accomplish feats we couldn’t even imagine while in the leading role of our wildest dreams.

A must listen! And stay tuned for the upcoming Part Two of Ricky Crawford and Ben Alcott's Amazing Adventure To Antartica only on Speaking of Travel.

Watch season one of Leave No Trace TV here.

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Vincenzo Lodato is a true Renaissance gentleman and skilled at all things he attempts to do. Vincenzo has wide-ranging knowledge in many fields and loves life. 

Now living in Florence, Italy, Vincenzo shares why being a huge dreamer and putting yourself out there, past your comfort zone, is the best way to live life to the fullest. 

And Vincenzo provides hands-on tips for even considering a move to Italy. His straight-forward observations will save you much time if living in Italy is on your bucket-list. 

A must listen!

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Noted motorcycle journalist Neale Bayly had two goals when he went off to Ukraine to bring attention to what journalists are experiencing in this war-torn country and to give victims of the war in Ukraine the chance to tell their stories. He hoped to somehow ease their burden by providing an opportunity to tell their stories.

Neale recently returned from a three-week, 6,600-km (approx. 4,100 miles) motorcycle trip across Europe and into war-torn Ukraine under the constant threat of Russian rockets and bombs. He describes Ukraine as a “beautiful country with incredible people standing resiliently against a brutal regime intent on their destruction.” 

Neale shares his thoughts and feelings of what he saw while riding his BMW GS motorcycle and how this humanitarian adventure in Ukraine reignited his purpose. "My purpose is very simple," he said. "My goal is to help and bring attention to the underserved. I just want to do more good.” 

Please do not miss this incredible story and find out how you can help the people of Ukraine today. 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Don Bunnell is a serial entrepreneur passionate about the environment and he is the founder of Swank Guide, a travel platform that helps people uncover exotic destinations, unique lodging, and insider activities.

Don shares how and why he created Swank Guide and how his background in travel, the environment, energy policy, design, and architecture brought him to the intersection of all those things to create a platform to help others have their best travel adventure.

Also on Speaking of Travel, Justin Bellame, founder of the JB Media Group, co-founder of the JB Media Institute and the DIY Tourism Marketing Workshop, and the publisher of Romantic Asheville.com, shares why his deep commitment to the future of sustainable travel is the foundation for his businesses model and how B-Corp companies are benefiting people and the planet.

Tune in! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Michael Juergens is a courageous serial entrepreneur and certified sommelier. As the founder of the Bhutan Wine Company, he is leading the development of the wine industry in the magical Himalayan country.

Michael is an adventure race addict who optimized the runners mindset in all areas of his life. He's a sought-after speaker and author and owns the award-winning SoCal Rum company. 

Add to this he's a professor at the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of CA, Irvine. And remember, he invented the wine industry in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Discover how he defies a comfort zone and looks for adventure whenever, and wherever, he can.

Also on Speaking of Travel, Mark Robertson, founder of the destination elopement and micro wedding company, Simple I Do's, shares how his company was founded to bring people together for their special day.

And Tina Kinsey from the Asheville Regional Airport shares some groundbreaking news on how the investments for their future are in motion today. Stay tuned! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Dee Flower made her dreams come true over her life. Her book, "Where The Wind Wills," tells her story of visiting over 40 countries on six continents and embracing cultural differences while seeing all humanity as one tribe.

Dee shares why it's never too late to live the life you have dreamed about and how patience is the solid force necessary for waiting for the opportunities to show up for you to grab them.

Also on Speaking of Travel, Kaye Bentley, founder of Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours, has a passion for her town and its history. And bringing people together. Find out why taking a tour provides the opportunity to learn about the destination and the culture.

Tune in to these wonderful conversations! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

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 as Tina Kinsey from the Asheville Regional Airport takes you on a thrilling ride into the future of one of the nation’s fastest-growing airports. From sleek expansion plans to brand-new amenities, Tina’s got all the insider info that will make your travels smoother and more exciting.

The future at the Asheville Regional Airport is looking bright, innovative, and traveler friendly. Get ready to take off into a world of endless possibilities.

Tune in for a show filled with innovation, inspiration, and endless possibilities!

Only on Speaking of Travel!

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Spanish-born Jambo Naphula is a traveling artist and troubadour who goes around the world performing and making music and art to make people happy.  

Jambo shares why his love of travel and performing brings him much joy and why his belief that travel facilitates understanding between people of different racial, cultural or national origin promotes world-peace. 

Discover why Jambo is passionate about promoting inclusiveness, the values of a culture of tolerance, peace and non-violence.

Also on Speaking of Travel, Jen Brooks of RomanticAsheville.com, the popular online travel guide to the mountains and foothills surrounding Asheville and Western North Carolina, shares why your winter-destination vacation in the Blue Ridge Mountains with cozy accommodations, mouthwatering restaurants, and breathtaking scenery, is a must!

Tune in!

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

The Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace Series with Richard Crawford, host of the popular TV series, Leave No Trace, continues.

Ricky shares some exciting upcoming news on a huge adventure he's embarking on that will push his boundaries and even take him out of his comfort zone. He's off to Antarctica, a bucket list destination!

Discover how Ricky stays inspired to put his dreams and plans into action leading to this amazing journey. And find out how Antarctica is more than just a sprawling white landmass and how it plays a vital role in supporting life around the world.

Also, Ricky answers your questions about sustainability, global warming, and what lessons we can learn from nature. And he has some helpful tips for you on how to create sustainable solutions right in your own backyard.

A must listen! And be sure to watch Season One of Leave No Trace TV on BingeNetworks.

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

With long-lasting traditions of winemaking, culinary delights, awe-inspiring landscapes, and certified organic wineries, Tuscany is a shining star.

Mary Shea is the Director of Marketing and Hospitality at the organic winery and agriturismo, Querceto di Castellina, in the Tuscan region of Chianti. 

Mary shares how this handcrafted, sustainable winery began in 1998 and how they are intensely focused on the art of great Italian winemaking and equally passionate about the Earth. From the process of pruning vines to the selection of grapes, today all the wines are certified organic. 

And she explains why hospitality is so important at Querceto. With a heartfelt goal to  make their guests feel relaxed, renewed and reconnected, Mary shares why providing an exceptional guest experience is paramount. 

Also on Speaking of Travel is Clark Lovelace, Executive Director of Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority in Western North Carolina, to share why this region in the Blue Ridge Mountains is so rich in nature and what they are doing to preserve and protect it. 

A must listen! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

This year marks a milestone for Speaking of Travel... 10 years! And more good news... While people are totally wired to visuals, the podcast industry just continues to grow over the years. 

Adam Stoker, President and CEO of Relic, host of the Destination Marketing Podcast, and founder of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network, explains how to use the destination’s resources to plan your trip. 

Adam recounts his backstory and why owned media is so important in tourism today. And find out some of Adam's favorite destination podcasts. 

Also on Speaking of Travel is Kevan Frazier, one of the co-owners of Well Played Board Game Café in Asheville's South Slope, to share why playing games just leaves you happy and why playing board games is a thing!

And Tina Kinsey at the Asheville Regional Airport shares how airports prepare and keep you safe during the winter months and offers up some tips to make sure your flying experience is awesome.

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

HATCH founder Yarrow Kraner is a pioneer of social networking and a creative alchemist with a long history of building communities.

Yarrow is a change maker and with his vision and HATCH community unites creative leaders for a better world through mentorship in creativity and innovation. Think of it as an ecosystem of transformative experiences helping to create a beautiful, sustainable, and just world.

Yarrow shares how his early memories of travel impacted his world view and how he incorporated travel into HATCH. He explains how creativity is a critical leadership skill in the new innovation economy. 

Growing up in Montana helped Yarrow imagine a bigger world. He said he would "think big and wonder what's on the other side of those horizons." 

Follow Yarrow as he tells his recent story of going down the Nile River with extraordinary people while hatching a better world for us all. Find out more about HATCH and the important work the organization is doing to help preserve and protect our planet and help people reach their full potential.  

A must listen! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Larry Bleiberg is a delightful, curious and imaginative travel writer who uses all his senses to engage his readers to feel the human experience. He is thoughtful and honest with a passion to inspire others to travel more.  

Larry is an eight-time Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Award winner and was honored for editing the best newspaper travel section in the country. He served on a Pulitzer Prize team, is past president of the Society of American Travel Writers, and he writes for some of the top publications. 

Larry shares how he created his passion project, CivilRightsTravel.com, a travel guide to historic sites from the Civil Rights movement. And find out why traveling with a purpose today is more important than ever before. You won't want to miss this show!

A must listen!

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

The Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace Series with Richard Crawford Continues.

Richard is the host of the popular TV series, Leave No Trace, and he highlights the importance of conservation, sustainable travel and ecotourism. 

Ecotourism has become increasingly popular over the past years with more and more people wanting to spend their vacations in natural environments without disturbing or damaging natural habitats. 

Ecotourism helps protect natural habitats and pristine environments and allows countries and communities to build their economies without harming the environment which means that local wildlife can thrive and visitors can enjoy untouched destinations. 

Ricky shares examples for reducing our carbon offset and discusses the relationship between nature and happiness. Discover how a personal connection to the living world not only has a positive influence on mental wellbeing, but also brings deeper meaning to your life.

There is also new news about Leave No Trace TV and what’s up next and Ricky tells us about all the new platforms available for watching. 

A must listen! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Corey Costanzo and Robin Fann of Still Point Wellness Spa, a destination wellness spa in Asheville, NC, provide effortless relaxation through a combination of world-class services designed to reconnect to your body’s wisdom.

Corey and Robin share what makes Still Point Wellness unique as a destination spa and how their special combination of top quality services—including Saltwater Floatation (sensory deprivation), Esalen® Massage, Cranial Sacral Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing—are designed to support personal development through deep relaxation and self exploration.

Also on Speaking of Travel, Mark Collins, Partnerships Manager for RomanticAsheville.com, the online travel guide to Asheville and the Western North Carolina region, looks back over this incredible year to acknowledge everyone who has worked so hard to be a big part of what makes Western North Carolina, and the travel and tourism industry over, so successful.

A must listen! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

The Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace Series with Richard Crawford continues. Richard is the host of the popular TV series Leave No Trace, now on Binge.com and other global platforms.

Ricky immerses himself into local cultures and understands what brings people together. Fresh from filming Season Two of Leave No Trace TV, Ricky shares how his trip to Costa Rica unfolded and how much he learned at Finca Casa Blanca, an inn and organic coffee farm. 

The people of Finca Rosa Blanca take sustainability and regeneration seriously, because as they say, “It’s the right thing to do.” Costa Rica is considered among the most progressive nations on Earth with respect to climate change.

Also, Ricky explains how we can research our favorite destinations to learn about environmental and social challenges and guide us to be more mindful of what we want to take part in, where to visit, and where to spend our money. 

And find out what’s next for Leave No Trace TV! Lots of big news and more ways to get connected to Ricky and the show.  

A must listen! Tune in on Speaking of Travel! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

The Speaking of Travel + Gulf Coast Love Story series with Dayna Reggero of the Climate Listening Project is a platform to keep you informed on what’s happening in one of the most beautiful and vulnerable areas, The Gulf Coast. 

Joining Dayna is Ebony Stewart,  an elite performer, brilliant lyricist and award-winning playwright. Her newest collection, Bloodfresh, blends her understanding of craft with her keen ear for orality.

Ebony stars in Dayna's Climate Listening Project film project: Gulf Coast Love Story, where she is listening to artists and activists working together in the Gulf Coast. 

Bloodfresh is a celebration of identity and Ebony reclaims her own narrative to speak against the racism and colorism she's experienced, while criticizing society's treatment of women as sexual objects. This collection is an open letter to acknowledge, overcome, and learn new ways to use poetry as a coping technique. 

Cheers to Dayna and Ebony and all the people on the Gulf Coast for sharing their stories.

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

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 for a touch of wild fun, join us as we dive into the Rocky Horror Music Show. Courtney Cahill, starring as Brad, takes us behind the scenes for a glimpse into the musical magic of this iconic live revue. The show had an incredible run, bringing energy, laughter, and unforgettable memories to audiences. So glad to have been part of such a unique and exciting experience. 

Whether you're looking for inspiration, adventure, or a bit of musical magic, this episode has it all. Tune in and let the excitement begin! 🎧✨

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Southern Scotland is a magical land and is on Lonely Planet’s list of top 30 places to travel in 2023. You can go visit with tour leader Tebbe Davis and Mark Nicol, a native of the Scottish Borders. 

Mark and Tebbe will be visiting sites taking guests back in time through the tumultuous history of the area from Roman and Viking invasions to the 400 year wars of Independence with England. 

They will also visit sites which allude to the areas with great spiritual heritage like Stone Circles, Iron Age hill forts and portals to the other world. Mark shares why trees are sacred to the people of Scotland and explains why in the South there are some fine examples of ancient historical and biologically fascinating trees, particularly the Yew tree, revered through history as magical beings with powers to give and take life.

Also on Speaking of Travel, Jen Brooks of RomanticAsheville.com, the most popular online travel guide to the mountains and foothills surrounding Asheville and Western North Carolina, gives us the scoop on why winter is one of the best seasons ever.

And Tina Kinsey at the Asheville Regional Airport shares some exciting news about their new Air Traffic Control Tower and what that means to the ever-growing regional airport. A great show and a must listen! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Mark Wolters helps people help themselves when they are traveling so they can take charge of their own vacations. 

Mark shares his family's success as influencers and as our travel go-to resources. Mark is committed to telling it like it is. So, he does. Honest travel isn’t a catch phrase for Mark - it's a way of life for him and his family.

Mark's day job is as a Professor of Marketing (PhD) and he has worked, lived, studied, and taught in more than a dozen countries and traveled to many dozens more. His passion for teaching and helping others to see and experience the world is legendary.

Also on Speaking of Travel, Justin Bellame, founder of the JB Media Group and the publisher of Romantic Asheville.com, shares some guidance, knowledge, and insight on creative ideas to help push nonprofits forward.  

And if you're thinking of traveling by air anytime soon, remember it can sometimes be confusing so it's always a good idea to be prepared. Tina Kinsey, VP of Marketing, PR and Air Service Development at the Asheville Regional Airport, fills us in on some important information to put your mind at rest so you can have your best trip ever! 

So dream big and tune in. There's a good chance he has videos from that place. Great advice! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

What do you remember most about the '70s? Many people certainly went through a lot of changes in the 70s, but not nearly as many as Amy Edelstein. Amy is a transformative educator, mediation teacher, founder of Inner Strength Education, co-founder of Emergence Education Press and the author of a number of books, including Adventure In Zanskar: A Young Woman’s Solitary Journey To Reach Physical And Metaphysical Heights.

Amy shares why she embarked on this solitary journey to reach physical and metaphysical heights and some of the most important things she learned while being there. And she explores how these early awakenings relate to her work establishing Inner Strength Foundation and bringing mindfulness and systems thinking tools to over 20,000 inner city high school students.

A must listen! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

We continue The Speaking of Travel + Gulf Coast Love Story series with Dayna Reggero of the Climate Listening Project to keep you informed on what’s happening in one of the most beautiful and vulnerable areas, The Gulf Coast. 

The Gulf is unlike anywhere else in the world. The people and environment combine to form a place with a rich culture tied to the ocean. The Gulf Coast Mural Project is a collaborative of Gulf Coast artists, activists, communities, and allies remembering and visioning.

Special guests to discuss the Lake Charles mural located at 1704 Broad Street in Lake Charles, LA, is Derrick Thornton and Shannon Denise DeJean, both selected as the Gulf Coast Murals project muralists for Lake Charles coordinator Tasha Guidry. 

The site of the mural was purposely selected for many reasons, one of which is it's located in the heart of the city on a major artery and secondly it's located on a street where many black owned businesses were located prior to Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Those businesses have not and are not rebuilding. 

The mural instills hope by paying homage to businesses or institutions that are no longer in Lake Charles either because of the storms or because of socioeconomic conditions that have plagued the black community causing them to close. 

The mural has united a community because of the images and what it represents and has accomplished something that is helping shape the natural heritage, culture, and economy of this region. 

A must listen!

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Jake Sasseville, co-founder of the Imiloa Institute, shares how to experience an awakening of consciousness through a variety of transformational retreats and group experiences in the jungle of Costa Rica. 

Jake has been on his own transformational journey and he shares his life challenges and describes his spiritual path and the spiritual markers along the way. Find out ways the unique culture of Imaloa helps you make progress in your own life. "This jungle has brought up so much for me. Imiloa is going to transform your life." 

Discover how Jake continues to clarify his vision and how he's learning to let go. If you are on a personal mission to become a better person, this episode of Speaking of Travel is a game-changer. 

And a must listen!

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Kenny Stockard grew up singing with his family at home, in church and traveling. Today he has a fresh take on traditional R&B, fusing elements of soul, neo soul and jazz with energetic harmonies, pure joy and hope.

Kenny’s love for music and his calling to be a musician began as a young child and he knew he wanted to use his voice to lift people’s hearts. "I sang all the time," he said.

You'll love the vibe and the mood he creates because Kenny’s joy is contagious. He shares the meaning behind his songs and how he makes each performance feel personal and truly unique. Kenny connects to each of us on a deeply spiritual, emotional and loving way. 

Also on Speaking of Travel, have you ever wondered how an airport plans for growth? They don’t have a crystal ball to forecast how many tickets will sell or how many people will come to town. But there are ways they plan for the future. Tina Kinsey at the Asheville Regional Airport shares how this airport is ready for continued expansion. 

A must listen! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Richard Crawford, host of the acclaimed TV series, Leave No Trace, announces big news and shares how easy it is to watch the show and why he highlights the importance of conservation, sustainability and eco-tourism.

Ricky shares some big changes about Leave No Trace TV and the new network platform, binge.com, where you can easily watch all of season one. 

Find out where Ricky traveled to record season two and his latest trip to Costa Rica. And discover how to research a destination and accommodation to learn about environmental and social challenges and be more mindful of what to take part in, where to visit and where to spend your money. 

Also Ricky explains what's up next for Leave No Trace TV and what’s the most valuable thing he's learned after two seasons traveling to all these amazing places. And hear what are some common problems he's had along the way and how he found solutions. 

A must listen! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

The Speaking of Travel + Gulf Coast Love Story series with Dayna Reggero of the Climate Listening Project is a platform to keep you informed on what’s happening in one of the most beautiful and vulnerable areas, The Gulf Coast.

The Climate Listening project is in the Gulf Coast region listening to artists and activists working together for Dayna's new film, The Gulf Coast Love Story. 

The Gulf is beautiful and rich with beaches and bayous. But there’s also cancer alley and dangerous oil rigs. Now there are 20+ LNG export terminals proposed along the Gulf Coast. These are huge liquid natural gas export facilities where all the pipelines bring the gas to the coast to ship it overseas with fossil fuel companies profiting billions. It’s dangerous.

Our special guest is Joshua Duttweiler of Corpus Christi, Texas. Joshua was selected for the collaborative Coastal Alliance to Protect our Environment (CAPE) artist activist grant to create community art for Corpus Christi / Coastal Bend activism in collaboration with groups like Texas Campaign for the Environment.

Joshua is a designer, artist, and educator. His multi-disciplinary practice encompasses personal, collaborative, and client-based projects focused on social justice and community building. 

Connect via GulfCoastMurals.com for more information. Support the Gulf Coast to help save this special and important place. 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Mandy Lea and Kendrick Callaway are traveling in a Teardrop camper while running a business focused on photography and teaching, guided backpacking trips, and creating rallies for fellow Teardrop enthusiasts.

Such a sweet story too! Mandy and Kendrick were both already living on the road and working when they met and they share what it was like merging two tiny living spaces and lives. And now they've been together full-time on the road for 5 1/2 years.

So what's it like to live together in such a small space and run a business 24/7?  What really are the actual logistics of living in such a small space with two people?

Discover how great it is to really follow your dreams, and how challenging it can get when you're working hard to make those dreams come true.

A must listen! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

The Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace Series with Ricky Crawford continues. Ricky is the host of the popular TV series Leave No Trace, and together we highlight the importance of conservation, sustainable travel and eco-tourism. 

Ricky shares what he's seeing as he travels the world and how destinations are making efforts to reduce their environmental impact and are committed to respecting the environment and their local communities. 

With current travel trends showing eco-travel and local experiences featuring travelers engaging authentically with the local culture, Ricky looks at why travelers are wanting authentic adventures to engage with the local experience and try to keep a smaller footprint when they’re traveling. 

A must listen.

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

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 amplifies indigenous voices, creating world fusion music that connects the past with the present, making it accessible to everyone.

Luis shares that the language of the spirits is encoded in song, making singing vital to their traditions. He emphasizes that this tradition, especially among women, is beautiful because it celebrates their creation, talents, and humility.

"The language of the spirits was created in a code that is only understood by singing. So that's why it's so important. That's why the singing is so important for these people and especially this type of tradition from women is so beautiful because they talk about how well they were created. How big is their talent? How humble they are, even. Because they know they have just a little short life. And they have to develop their talent as much as they can."

Listen to this moving, inspiring, and encouraging story with Luis Porras. A true World Changer and Culture Keeper!

For more information about LEAF Global Arts and their upcoming festivals, visit their website.

Only on Speaking of Travel. 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Lance Henson is a member of the Cheyenne Nation of Oklahoma, a poet, cultural activist, and a teacher. His poems draw upon his Cheyenne heritage and he challenges perspectives through his writings and teachings. 

Lance's native upbringing and ceremonies are at the heart of his poetry and he frequently incorporates Cheyenne phrases and culture into his writings. He was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up near Calumet, Oklahoma, where his grandparents raised him in the traditions of the Cheyenne tribe.  

Lance shares how his early life led to the discovery of his inner voices and how difficult it was to  find other poets whose words spoke directly to his culture, visions and experiences. 

Through a lifetime of travel, he found community. “It was the poets outside of America that addressed issues I could comprehend — words and metaphoric responses to genocide, ethnocide and human resistance to inhumanity." 

A must listen. 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Pelumi Nubi provides travelers of color advice, inspiration, and a way to explore the world as part of a community. She shares how traveling can be easy, safe, and doable, especially as a Black, solo female traveler. 

Pelumi migrated from Nigeria to the UK when she was just 10. Her early exposure to traveling ignited her love and curiosity for travel and she has visited over 70 countries. Her goal is to visit every single country in the world because she truly believes this fascinating planet deserves to be explored. Discover how you can travel with Pelumi and some important travel tips to ensure your journey is easy and safe.

Also on Speaking of Travel,  if you are looking for a home away from home when you travel, why not think about a bed and breakfast experience? Find out how Stephen Collins, along with his wife Robin, owners of The Applewood Manor Inn Bed & Breakfast in Asheville, NC, have created a relaxing place with a personal and family touch.  

And Jen Brooks, editor and social media manager of RomanticAsheville.com, the popular online travel guide to the mountains and foothills surrounding Asheville and Western North Carolina, shares how much there is to see and do in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains during fall and early winter.

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Peter Shankman has been called a rockstar. His magnetic personality is legendary. He's a 5x best-selling author, entrepreneur and corporate keynote speaker, focusing on customer service and the new and emerging customer and neurodiverse economy. 

His passion for helping people and companies makes him a worldwide connector known for creating radically new ways of looking at social media, marketing, PR and customer service. 

Peter shares why loyalty is the only thing that matters in travel anymore and offers some timely tips to help your travel experience be better and more beneficial to everyone around you. 

Want to find ways to add meaning and make your life worth living? Check out this sweet, candid conversation with Peter Shankman and learn some valuable lessons on how to be your authentic self and live a life of service and fun. 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.