Speaking Of Travel ®

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 been telling powerful stories at 9,000 feet for 60 seasons. From its humble beginnings to a vibrant repertory schedule that draws talent and audiences from across the country, the theatre is the heartbeat of this mountain community. I’m joined by Kate Berry, Director of Marketing & Communications, and Emily Van Fleet, Artistic Director, to talk about Creede Rep’s origin story, its evolution, and how the arts continue to shape the town’s identity. Creede offers a rare kind of magic that stays with you. Fill your days fly fishing, rafting or hiking and spend your nights immersed in compelling performances. There's

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 of contemplative life, Judith shares stories, insights, and practical wisdom for anyone yearning to slow down, savor life, and reconnect with what truly matters. With the heart of a seeker and the grace of a storyteller, she invites us to discover the beauty of doing less and being more with Italian style and soul. A must listen! Ciao Ciao! Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, we welcome Liza Graves, founder of StyleBlueprint and a beloved leader in the lifestyle space, for a rich conversation about how travel has quietly and powerfully shaped her life. From the traditions she’s built with family, to the friendships that have deepened over shared adventures, and even the very fabric of her professional journey, travel has been a guiding force for Liza both outwardly and inwardly.A true storyteller at heart and a curious soul by nature, Liza has built a career around connection, beauty, and discovery. Her passion for travel isn’t about collecting stamps in a passport but rather about the people you meet, the moments that stay with you, and the perspective you carry home. Whether she’s wandering the streets of a new city or finding wonder in the familiar rhythms of her own backyard, Liza shows us how curiosity, gratitude, and intention can turn every journey, whether near or far, into something transformative.This episode is more than a

In this compelling episode of Speaking of Travel, we welcome back Richard "Ricky" Crawford, host of the Amazon Prime series Leave No Trace TV and a passionate voice for sustainable travel, conservation, and global community. We dive into the power of mindful exploration and how slowing down, connecting with local cultures, and embracing sustainability can transform not just our journeys, but the world around us. Ricky shares insights from the road, offering practical tips for reducing our travel footprint while amplifying our positive impact. From advocating for climate-conscious choices to encouraging deeper cultural appreciation, this episode is a powerful reminder that travel is more than just a movement, it’s a call to action. Whether you're planning your next adventure or simply seeking a better way to see the world, Ricky’s perspective will leave you inspired to travel with purpose and protect the places you love. A must listen and a must watch on Amazon Prime. You can watch Season One an

In this unforgettable episode, I’m joined by the extraordinary Jane Adams, a  passionate advocate, art historian, and formerly the Director of Partnership Relations for Advancing Women Artists. Today she is co-founder and CEO of Artemisia Gold. Jane brings with her a deeply moving and richly layered story, one that begins with the spark of a mission ignited by author and philanthropist Jane Fortune, and blossoms into a global movement to uncover, restore, and celebrate the long-forgotten works of women artists hidden throughout Florence’s churches, museums, and storied halls.This episode isn’t just about art. It’s about justice, recognition, and legacy. Jane shares the behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs of breathing life back into masterpieces that were nearly lost to time, and she speaks with heart and urgency about the importance of giving these women the visibility they were long denied.Jane’s insight is not only illuminating but deeply inspiring. Her passion radiates as she recounts how a once-over

Today’s guest is someone whose life feels like a gentle invitation to pause, listen, and truly see. Meet Miyuki Seguchi, a bilingual travel expert, guide, and host of the Japan Experts podcast. Born among the rice paddies and mountain breezes of central Japan, Miyuki’s path has led her across continents and cultures, all while staying deeply rooted in her homeland’s rhythms and rituals. From working in top global newsrooms like The Wall Street Journal, NHK World, and GE, to interviewing travel industry giants, Miyuki’s journalism background brings a human-centered approach to every story and itinerary. Today, she channels those storytelling gifts into creating custom travel experiences across Japan, helping travelers slow down, connect deeply, and walk away with lifelong memories. Miyuki shares her journey from rural Japan to global storytelling. If you're dreaming of cherry blossoms, steaming noodles, and lantern-lit streets, or just craving a slower, more intentional approach to travel, be sure to sign

In this vibrant and heart-centered episode, we sit down with Vanessa K. Harper, founder of Travel Cuba With Us and Support the Cuban People, to explore the powerful intersection of ethical tourism, yoga, and humanitarian support in Cuba today.Vanessa leads with purpose, offering deeply immersive cultural experiences that directly benefit Cuban communities. Through her travel company, she curates legal, people-to-people exchanges that respect Cuban sovereignty while fostering genuine human connection.With her nonprofit, Support the Cuban People, Vanessa and husband, Alejandro Berroa Alvarez, help provide food, medicine, and micro-grants to local artists and small entrepreneurs. It's a bold model to travel not as escape, but as impact.You'll also hear about her Cuba Yoga Retreats, transformative journeys blending spiritual practice, movement, and cultural immersion. These retreats offer participants not only inner peace but the chance to see, feel, and uplift a nation full of resilience, music, and jo

What if planning your next adventure felt more like a conversation with a trusted friend than a checklist? In this episode of Speaking of Travel, I’m joined by Anna Jaffe and Harriet Brown of Mobi.AI, a powerful new platform reimagining travel planning through the lens of empathy, technology, and storytelling. This is more than a travel episode. It’s a love letter to curiosity, to wandering with purpose, and to a future where your travel tools know you crave hidden bookstores just as much as beach sunsets. Together we explore how AI is helping travelers find what really speaks to them beyond the filters and search engines and how this deeply personal approach is changing the way we explore the world. Anna and Harriet share why travel planning is so complex and so human and how AI tools are learning what you love and helping you discover more of it. This is a conversation about possibility, connection, and the beautiful future of travel where technology listens, learns, and helps us find joy in the journey. So

In this soul-stirring episode of Speaking of Travel, we welcome the radiant and deeply authentic Pilar Guzmán, Editorial Director of Oprah Daily, whose voice has long guided readers toward lives of intention, connection, and beauty. With grace, warmth, and unflinching honesty, Pilar opens up about her creative vision for Oprah Daily, a space that has become a sanctuary for mindful living, soulful exploration, and profound storytelling.Pilar shares the inspiration behind the Oprah Daily Travel Issue, a breathtaking invitation for women to rediscover themselves through the liberating lens of travel. This isn’t just about getting away; it’s about coming home to yourself. Through powerful stories, Pilar reveals how travel can be a sacred act of self-care, a way to realign with your inner compass, and a catalyst for deep emotional renewal.Together we explore what it means to live well... not in excess, but with presence, wonder, and soul. Pilar reminds us that living well is not about perfection or performance. It

In this unforgettable episode of Speaking of Travel, meet Alexandra Kinias, a fearless trailblazer rewriting the rules on what it means to live boldly, age defiantly, and lead with purpose.From forging her path as a mechanical engineer in a male-dominated world to becoming a celebrated screenwriter and outspoken women’s rights advocate, Alex’s life is a breathtaking testament to courage, reinvention, and relentless hope. She’s not just breaking barriers though. She’s building bridges for women across cultures and generations. With unflinching honesty and radiant wisdom, Alex shares her extraordinary journey from the quiet strength it took to walk away from convention, to the power of finding her voice through storytelling and activism, to standing atop Mount Kilimanjaro at 60 as a symbol of resilience and possibility.This episode is a call to action. A love letter to reinvention. A celebration of every woman who dares to rise and bring others with her.Whether you're chasing your next adventure or still s

Today’s episode is a breathtaking story of courage, healing, and the radical choice to seek joy after unimaginable loss.I’m so honored to share the journey of Abigail Carter, a writer, artist, and one of the most soulfully brave humans I’ve ever met. After losing her husband in the 9/11 attacks, Abby spent years learning how to live with grief. But when the buzz and blur of life became too much, a quiet whisper inside nudged her toward something new.So she listened. Fast forward...She packed up her life and moved to a charming little château in the sun-drenched countryside of southwest France. Yes, France! Picture golden fields of sunflowers, deep breaths, and slow mornings with coffee and birdsong. It’s here that Abby began again.But this is not just a story about moving to France. It’s about moving forward. About what happens when we follow the gentle pull toward something more, like more peace, more purpose, more joy.Now Abby has turned her home into a retreat space for women over 50, creating a haven wher

Welcome back to a brand-new episode of Speaking of Travel! We’re making a BIG deal out of this one for good reason.Drumroll, please... The first season of Traveling the Spectrum, the powerful series we highlighted right here on Speaking of Travel, is streaming on Peacock and has just been nominated for an Emmy Award! That’s right! This groundbreaking series is receiving the recognition it deserves for changing lives and redefining travel.This episode is a celebration and a deep dive into why Traveling the Spectrum is so special, so necessary, and so long overdue. For too long, families with loved ones on the autism spectrum felt that travel was out of reach. But now? The world is opening up and this series is leading the way.We’re joined by Tommy Caamano and Peter Prokop, visionary producers and co-directors at The Workshop, the creative force behind Traveling the Spectrum. These passionate storytellers are breaking barriers and giving families the tools, hope, and inspiration to confidently explore the world

In this deeply nourishing episode, we welcome Angela Lightsey, the vibrant soul behind Tybee Wellness Retreats, where transformation and tranquility beautifully intertwine. Angela has created more than just a getaway. She’s built a sanctuary where women come to heal, grow, and reconnect with their truest selves amid the natural beauty of Tybee Island and beyond. Together, we dive into what really happens during a wellness retreat and Angela shares how these sacred spaces foster genuine sisterhood, spark inner clarity, and offer a safe, empowering path for solo female travelers and Angela reminds us how each dimension matters and how retreats help rebalance what daily life often pulls out of alignment. Angela’s work is a joyful invitation to slow down, tune in, and remember who you are. This episode will leave you inspired, grounded, and ready to ask: What do I need right now?Tune in! Only on Speaking of Travel!  Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel sto

There’s something in the water in Brevard, NC and we’re not just talking about the waterfalls (though there are plenty of those!). Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this sweet town sparkles with big charm, quirky wildlife (hello, white squirrels!), and the kind of hospitality that stays with you long after you leave. On this uplifting episode of Speaking of Travel, local legend Clark Lovelace, Executive Director of the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority, shares why Brevard isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience. From epic bike trails and cozy cafés to how the town is balancing growth and sustainability, Clark dives into what makes Brevard one of the most heartwarming, awe-inspiring places in Western North Carolina.You're in for a real treat! Start making your plans 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.

On this episode of Speaking of Travel, award-winning filmmaker Brady Skye joins us to share the powerful story behind his new documentary, Beyond The Ruins, a film that doesn’t just challenge the way we travel, but invites us to reconsider whose stories we center and how we show up in the world. This is not a film about the past. It’s about the present. About connection. About listening. Through immersive storytelling, Brady brings us into the homes of contemporary Maya families, where cultural humility, reciprocity, and shared humanity take the spotlight. In his search for deeper meaning, Brady explores the wisdom of Yucatecan Maya traditions, not as an outsider, but as someone striving to live alongside, to learn, and to belong. He speaks movingly about finding your tribe, not just in people who look or live like you, but in those who open your heart and help you remember that we are all one. Beyond The Ruins is more than a documentary. It’s a call to travel with intention, to engage with respect, and to di

Get ready to meet Karlie Loland-Ringer, a powerhouse casting director whose life is anything but ordinary. With a spirit for adventure and a career that spans coast-to-coast, Karlie lives where work and wanderlust collide. One moment she is behind the scenes making casting magic happen and the next, she’s soaking up quiet sunsets on a faraway beach.In this conversation, Karlie dives into how the casting industry has transformed in a post-pandemic world and what those changes mean for talent, creators, and storytellers everywhere.But for Karlie, travel isn’t just a getaway. It is fuel for creativity, a way to stay inspired, and a way of life. She opens up about how she finds balance in the chaos, stays grounded through movement and curiosity, and builds deep connections along the way. Whether you’re a creative, a traveler, or simply someone itching for more adventure in your everyday grind, Karlie’s journey is living proof: you can build a thriving career, chase your passions, and still catch a killer sunset a

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. Artists, chefs, and entrepreneurs proved that Asheville’s spirit could never be washed away.Joining the show is the amazing Mickey Poandl, the masterful storyteller and PR mastermind at Explore Asheville. Mickey shares honest insights, recovery numbers, and the soul-stirring moments that define Asheville’s comeback.Together, we reflect on what it means to build back—not just buildings and streets, but trust, joy, and connection.This episode is more than a story of recovery. It’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the role travel plays in healing and transformation. Whether you're a longtime local, a curious

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’s a soulful escape. With its lush forests, world-class biking and hiking, creative community spirit, and yes, even white squirrels, Brevard invites you to slow down and soak in the wonder.Joining us is Brevard’s hometown hospitality hero, Clark Lovelace, Executive Director of the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority. Clark shares how his family’s legacy in welcoming guests shaped his deep love for this town, what’s new and exciting in the region, and how Brevard is setting the standard for sustainable tourism and meaningful connections.Whether you’re dreaming of your next mountain getaway, searching for sm

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 of Travel, Melissa Darnay, CEO of Choose Panama, shares how she turned her Panama dreams into reality—and how you can too!From expat life and smart investments to hidden gems and must-know travel tips, Melissa reveals why Panama is the perfect place to visit, live, and explore.Melissa is sharing what makes Panama so special with its stunning natural beauty and thriving economy to its welcoming culture and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of pristine beaches, lush mountains, or a vibrant city life, Melissa will show you why Panama might just be the perfect place to write your next chapter. 

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 connection. No textbooks and no formal lessons. Just real conversations, shared experiences, and the kind of learning that happens when walls come down and laughter takes over.From the lively streets of Madrid to the breathtaking Spanish countryside, Todd found himself swapping stories over tapas, witnessing the fire and passion of this amazing country, and forming friendships that stretched beyond language barriers. What started as a volunteer experience quickly became something much bigger—a reminder of why travel is so transformative. It’s not just about seeing new places; it’s about discovering new sides of yourself, fi