Speaking Of Travel ®

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 teaching us: the urgent need to prioritize sustainable solutions, support one another, and prepare for a changing world.That’s where visionaries like Larry Kopald come in. With over 25 years in branding, Larry has shifted his focus to something even more impactful: healing our planet. As Co-Founder and President of The Carbon Underground, Larry is leading a transformative mission to combat climate change through regenerative practices that restore the Earth’s natural balance.Join us as we dive into Larry’s journey, uncovering how each of us can take small steps toward a healthier, more sustainable world. Let’s listen

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 vital role education plays in sustainable travel, teaching how balancing luxury with eco-conscious practices protects the planet while creating enriching journeys. Exploring sustainable logistics in travel opens up a world where adventure meets responsibility, transforming the way we think about travel on a deeper level. Imagine experiencing the breathtaking beauty of a place like Antarctica, all while knowing that every detail, from transportation to accommodation, is designed to protect the pristine environment.Sustainable logistics is more than a travel trend—it’s essential for the future of our planet. By learning a

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 preparedness and collaboration with local authorities ensured safety while teaching valuable lessons for future emergencies.Also, Mark Collins, Partnerships Manager for RomanticAsheville.com, emphasizes that these challenging times are an opportunity to strengthen strategic partnerships with a focus on responsibility, sustainability, and safety. Mark highlights how working together, these efforts create a more resilient and unified community, ready for any future trials and how through collaboration they're building a brighter, stronger future for Western North Carolina. A must listen only on Speaking of Travel. photo--Mar

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 dedication to conservation and creating unique animal encounters that immerse visitors in nature.And of course, who could forget the beloved giant pandas? Their presence at the zoo makes your experience even more special, giving you a chance to see these magnificent creatures up close. While the pandas symbolize international efforts to protect endangered species, the zoo also boasts an incredible botanical collection with over 700,000 plants, further highlighting its commitment to preserving biodiversity.Visiting the San Diego Zoo isn't just about seeing animals—it's about stepping into a living, breathing

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 p

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 poss

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

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 go on and begin her own business, Classic Music Communications.And don't miss our deep dive into the wild world of Rocky Horror. Whether you're a Rocky Horror newbie or a seasoned fan, get ready for the Rocky Horror Music Show, a live music revue that brings those iconic songs to life. Courtney Cahill, one of the leads playing the hero, Brad, shares a behind-the-scenes look at the show. Let's all do the Time Warp again!Get ready for an unforgettable episode of Speaking of Travel! Gail Wein's incredible journey, from the world of programming to the vibrant realm of classical music and radio, will inspire you to take bold leaps and follow your passions. Plus, the Rocky Horror Music Sho

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 bea

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 counterpart to writing a music textbook as a teen in Istanbul. His boundless talent and infectious passion for music have touched countless lives.In this episode, Şahan reveals the inspiration behind his latest project—recording piano works by Armenian women composers. He delves into the rich history and emotions that fuel these compositions, offering listeners a glimpse into a musical world that often goes unnoticed.Şahan also shares his deep love for Armenia and Artsakh, where he spends time mentoring young musicians and performing unforgettable recitals. His stories from the road, combined with his dedication to nu

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 individuals to participate fully in society, fostering a sense of belonging and opening doors to endless possibilities.Also on Speaking of Travel, Justin Belleme, a trailblazer in the digital marketing world and founder of JB Media Group, co-founder of the JB Media Institute and the DIY Tourism Marketing Workshop, and publisher of RomanticAsheville.com, emphasizes the importance of aligning ambitious goals with sustainable practices. He highlights that this approach is not only ethically sound but also a key ingredient for long-term success. By marrying innovation with sustainability, businesses can create lasting impacts that b

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 Asheville Regional Airport, is giving us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of the fastest-growing airports in the country. Discover what’s new and exciting for all you globetrotters out there! Join us for an engaging journey that promises to inspire your wanderlust and connect you more deeply with the world. Tune in! 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.

Get ready to unlock a world of adventure with Kat Medina’s book, “The Joys of Jet Lag.” Kat shares some of her most valuable lessons and uncovers the secrets to living a life full of excitement through an openhearted approach. And how fun can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary to create a life of pure joy and fulfillment, no matter where we are. Kat shares how The Joys of Jet Lag is your ultimate guide to infusing every day with the thrill of travel and how you can break free from the autopilot routine and rediscover the wonder around you. Discover how to overcome challenges and learn to believe that everything is happening for you, not to you.This is a laugh-out-loud guide, packed with captivating travel tales, simple exercises, and refreshingly honest advice. Kat unlocks the secrets to a life full of adventure through an open-hearted approach to living. Get ready to explore life with an adventurous spirit and turn every moment into something magical.Let the adventures begin!Only on Speaking of Tr

Join Richard Crawford, the charismatic host of the hit series Leave No Trace TV, as he shares his passion for conservation, sustainable travel, and eco-tourism, in our exciting Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace TV Series. Dive into the adventure and discover how you can catch all of Season One of Leave No Trace TV, get the latest updates on Season Two, and find out where this groundbreaking show is headed next. We'll also dive into the hot topic of accessibility, sharing insights from our talk with Darren Edwards, and why this issue is making waves in the news today. You can listen to this episode here. Plus, we have some great questions from our listeners for Ricky, and he's ready to spill some personal stories that are as funny as they are educational and inspirational!Let Richard inspire you to explore the world responsibly and make a positive impact—all this and more, only on Speaking of Travel.Tune in! Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, tra

Being a savvy traveler is crucial to ensure safety, comfort, and the best experiences during your travels.What if you could transform your post-retirement years into a journey full of adventure and fulfillment? Join us as we uncover the vibrant world of travel for older adults in this enlightening episode of Speaking of Travel. Our guest, Betsy O'Leary, an expert in aging and senior lifestyles, sheds light on the expansive opportunities awaiting baby boomers and older individuals to explore the world.Betsy is the owner of Carolina Living Choices, and a go-to expert in assisting aging individuals in many areas. And with travel being in high demand, she has some invaluable tips for active adults. Betsy offers fantastic advice on traveling with your aging parents to make the journey enjoyable and stress-free. She shares personal stories and actionable advice to help older travelers or those with disabilities have a seamless and enjoyable travel experience. Communication with travel agencies and family membe

Speaking of Travel continues the LEAF Global Arts Series with Melissa McKinney, International Blues Star, LEAF teaching artist, and member of the popular band, Mama and the Ruckus, and Lucho Serapio of Asheville Multicultural. Melissa curated the artist lineup for the Black Mountain Blues inaugural festival taking place in downtown Black Mountain, NC, with hundreds of musicians and true Blues music.  Black Mountain Blues Festival is a collaborative event between LEAF Global Arts and White Horse Black Mountain, two non-profit organizations dedicated to connecting communities through music and culture-keeping initiatives. Melissa shares how the festival unfolded and the excitement in launching a new festival. Also, Lucho Serapio was born in Mexico and later created Asheville Multicultural, the first bilingual online platform highlighting the vibrant and international culinary scene in Asheville, NC.Lucho shares his experience as an entrepreneur, his involvement with LEAF Global Arts, and his vision to connect t

Traveling helps you make your everyday life less boring. Travel experiences ultimately become your passions. So why not try new things and get out and explore the world?On this episode of Speaking of Travel, Josie Vosoba, founder of Lavender and Vine, a business running small-group tours to France, is an artist who loves landscapes and botanical themes, many inspired by her annual trips to Provence, France. Josie shares why she loves taking artists to Provence to experience the wonder, excitement, and beauty she finds in nature.And discover beautiful Western North Carolina, another popular travel destination known for its Southern charm and some of the most ancient mountains in the world, by train. Dustin McNeely-Wall from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, fills us in on why this iconic attraction, with its rich history, sense of nature and community, and several special events throughout the year, has become a family tradition. Make your travel dreams come true and go explore! Tune in to Speaking of Travel

With a background in spa, wellness, marketing and business development, Liz Galloway has a rich history in international travel, tourism, and adventure spanning 20 years. Liz shares how her adventure-driven passion and determination has led to a transformation in her continued success in life and social change. And Liz shares how her love of creating a mind-body connection inspired her to begin her nonprofit, The Well Mind Project, providing scholarships to people in support of mental health. Liz talks about her transition from being a wellness trainer and marketing manager overseas to being a creative director, digital marketer, and travel journalist / PR specialist.And she shares her experiences in adventure travel and the challenges of extreme outdoor activities. Imagine hiking Fansipan in Vietnam, learning to fly a helicopter, doing solo skydives, becoming certified as a jungle guide in the Panamanian jungle, and doing a 5,000-mile leg of the "Clipper Round The World Yacht Race." Liz did all thi

The Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace TV Series with Richard Crawford, host of the popular TV series, Leave No Trace TV, continues with insights on conservation, sustainable travel, eco-tourism, and accessibility. Special guest Darren Edwards, a disabled adventurer, author, and motivational speaker, shares lessons he’s learned from facing the unknown head-on and by redefining persistence, resilience, and change. Discover how Darren remains positive and focused in the face of difficulties and why he launched Adaptive Expeditions, an interactive educational nonprofit using sport and recreation to provide health and wellness programs to people with physical and sensory disabilities and to help encourage them to push their boundaries.   Also Darren provides advice for other disabled people looking to travel more and how we can all be better advocates for accessibility. And he explains why you don’t need to experience extremes to build resilience. Find out why there are so many misconceptions about disabilities

Rikimah Glymph is a world traveler, a wellness guru, and she puts together exceptional travel experiences. She shares how her work with people of all backgrounds helps identify challenges to think outside of their comfort zones. Rikimah has traveled alone to over 120 countries (72 of those countries with her son), and hosts wellness retreats and logistics conferences all over the world.  Rikimah challenges people to think outside of their comfort zones and helps create innovative solutions necessary for actionable change.Also on Speaking of Travel, author, seasoned backpacker, and hiker Gary Sizer, shares his passion for travel and how his life was humbled, and changed forever, by walking the entire Appalachian Trail and ultimately writing his best-selling book, "Where's the Next Shelter?" Gary describes how the spark leading to his love of the outdoors and travel from childhood and into the military created this passion.  And find out how his international travel, including a recent trip to M