Speaking Of Travel ®

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Today I am living my dream of taking Speaking of Travel live with three amazing world- changing guests at the LEAF Global Arts Retreat.LEAF Global Arts  plays a significant role in fostering community and over the years has become an essential role of this community and provides opportunities for people to come together and celebrate their shared customs, beliefs, and values. My guests on this special live show, Masankho Banda, Amanda Lucidon and Chase Pickering, are leaders and visionaries ready to stand up and make a difference.Amanda is an award-winning photographer, filmmaker, and New York Times best-selling author. She served as an Official White House photographer responsible for documenting President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama from 2013 to 2017 and she is one of only a few female White House photographers in history. Her two highly-recommended books, Chasing Light: Michelle Ob

There is always a proud sense of community that you find in small towns and communities in our country. And in the North Carolina Mountains, you can add to that something downright magical. Great people, incredible food, and Southern Hospitality to make you all feel like you’re home. People here love to roll out the welcome mat. Meet Summer Stipe, Founder and Lead Planner​ of Juniper and Crafted by Juniper. Summer offers customized and personalized itineraries for people traveling to Western North Carolina and for locals looking to freshen up their date nights or adventures. Summer shares why helping people build deeper connections with the people in their lives and to the places where they land, either temporarily or permanently, as well as supporting businesses who are recruiting candidates to the area, provides a rewarding, and proud business model. And Tina Kinsey from the Asheville Regional Airport shares how the future could look for this fast-growing airport and what the summer season is shaping up to

Vanessa K. Harper runs Travel Cuba With Us, a tour company specializing in ethical traveler tours and yoga retreats to directly support the Cuban people. Vanessa is also a founder of  a nonprofit organization, Support The Cuban People, prioritizing food and medicine aid to individuals in need, apolitical academic engagement, and micro-grant support for independent artists and entrepreneurs.Vanessa has practiced yoga since 1997 and became a certified yoga teacher practicing a variety of styles of yoga, including Bikram, Ashtanga, Baptiste, Kundalini, and Mixed-Level Power Vinyasa. She and her husband, Alejandro Berroa, also offer their signature Cuba Yoga Retreats program, an immersion experience that physically, spiritually, and culturally engages guests both on and off the mat. Vanessa knows Cuba and so can you. Her team offers unique perspectives and intimate insights into Cuba and provide personalized cultural immersion experiences to support the local economy. Their designed custom itineraries for solo tr

Traveling with children is always challenging, but for parents of children on the autism spectrum and/or those who have mood and attention disorders, it can be especially intimidating. Dawn M. Barclay wrote Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the Inflexible, and the Neurodiverse as the essential resource to make the cultural, educational, and bonding benefits of vacations available to all. The multi award-winning parenting and travel guide was recently released in a paperback edition and is an important read for all families and especially those with autistic or otherwise neurodivergent children.Dawn shares the latest cities and countries that are making a concerted effort to be autism-friendly and how the growth of the vacation rental certification company, Becoming RentABLE , is helping families with a commitment to inclusion and the need to reshape the landscape of travel for individuals with disabilities. And find out how changes at the Champion Autism Network, once known

During a 40-year freelance career, Nan K. Chase has written about French Catalonia, urban wilderness in San Francisco, hunting for gemstones in North Carolina, and dozens of other off-beat topics and destinations. Nan shares how she became a travel writer and what it was like before computers, the Internet, and plastic diapers. And find out how her wanderlust shifted over the years and how she navigates traveling today. Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, New York Times, Southern Living, and Air & Space Magazine. Nan tells a great story about how that one happened! With North Carolina her home base for four decades, Nan relocated five years ago to the wilds of Southwest Virginia, where she now writes about wildflowers, bicycling, and learning to shoot. She is the author of "Asheville: A History," and "Lost Restaurants of Asheville," as well as two books about the edible, drinkable landscape.An enchanting trip down memory lane. A must listen! Only on Speaking of Travel. Thanks

Deanna Jannuzzi is an Initiated Priestess in the Lineage of the Alchemical Rose, a Somatic Practitioner, and Soul Awakening Coach. Deana facilitates retreats, rituals, and ceremonies around the world. Weaving in Transcendental Breathwork, Sound Healing, Personal Sovereignty and Empowerment, Shadow Integration, Sexual Reclamation, Consent Culture, and more, Deanna emphasizes the importance of personal sovereignty and self-expression, helping individuals find their voice, align with their purpose, and cultivate connections that nourish the Soul. Deanna shares how the beauty of travel, and travel itself, is an inward journey just as much as it is an outward journey. She guides the evolving process of self-discovery to help bring actions and ideas into alignment so you can better know who you want to be and how you impact the world you are living in. Discover how Deanna created her Mary Magdalene Pilgrimage in Southern France and find out about other upcoming retreats and personal retreats. Also on Speaking of Tr

Justin Belleme, owner and founder of JB Media Group and publisher of Romantic Asheville, shares how working with local entrepreneurs in the community and supporting organizations he believes in helps them achieve their vision. Justin is a travel industry leader and provides strategic direction and expertise in the travel and tourism industry, and is an advocate for sustainable growth and fairness in all business. JB Media is a B Corp Certified social impact marketing agency dedicated to increasing the reach and authority of social enterprises, conscious companies, and mission-driven organizations across all digital channels. Justin explains how  becoming a Certified B Corp brings you into a global community that is using business as a force for good and embraces collaboration with other change makers with shared visions and values. Also on Speaking of Travel, Tina Kinsey, VP of Marketing, PR, and Air Service Development at the Asheville Regional Airport, shares how aviation organizations help bring others to

Did you know middle school students who explored nature and took part in outdoor activities like climbing, canoeing, skiing and hiking, displayed improvements in social skills, resilience, and creativity?Situated on the banks of the French Broad River in Asheville, NC, is a school that provides middle-schoolers with an educational experience that is academically rigorous, outdoor-centric, and ventures far beyond the classroom.French Broad River Academy (FBRA) is a middle school (6-8 grade), founded in 2012, with strong academics, experiential education, and international travel. Co-Founder and Executive Director, Will Yeiser, along with Tricia Chan, Girls Program Director, and 8th graders Riley and Noah, share how the two single-gender campuses, one for girls and one for boys, combines a carefully-crafted academic curriculum with relevant, purposeful learning experiences beyond the campus to become confident, compassionate leaders.The team explains how the community and culture inside of FBRA is set up to cha

Speaking of Travel continues the LEAF Global Arts Series with LEAF Co-Executive Director Erinn Hartley. Erinn shares how her unique LEAF journey began and how she arrived where she is today within the organization.LEAF Global Arts plays a significant role in fostering a sense of community and cultural identity and Erinn shares how over the years LEAF Global Arts has provided opportunities for people to come together and celebrate their shared customs, beliefs, and values. LEAF Global Arts is an integral part of community life, promoting cultural cohesion, social interaction, and a sense of belonging. Their mission comes to life as an agent for positive social impact in many ways and places. There are cultural exchanges, residencies, programs, workshops, mentoring, Easel Rider Mobile Art Lab, Learning Journeys, Signature Events, Immersive Experiences, and Partnerships. Also, discover what is happening at the LEAF Global Arts space in downtown Asheville, NC, and how all their programs, retreats, and festivals,

Poet Glenis Redmond has learned to receive beauty without hesitation. Being diagnosed with cancer and amid COVID, she came up with the idea to visit South Carolina's State Parks with her grandson as a life-affirming way for them both to share this poetic journey. Her new book, “The Song of Everything: A Poet's Exploration of South Carolina State Parks,” is a pocket-sized collection of poems exploring the enduring connection between the natural world and our internal landscape. In sharing these Park experiences, Glenis explains to her grandson (and us) that goodness and well-being exist worldwide, especially in nature. "There, we can find our truest nature—our highest nature," said Glenis. You will cherish her treasured moments as she shares them with us here. Glenis has spent almost three decades touring the country as a poet and teaching artist. She explains why poetry is the mouth that speaks when all other mouths are silent, and she invites everyone to rediscover the wonders of the worl

Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas is the groundbreaking television series dedicated to uncovering the vibrant Afro-Latino culture across Latin America. Host, founder, and executive producer, Kim Haas, shares how her series allow viewers to discover a smaller group within the Black community. Kim explains how showcasing  Afro-Latino communities throughout Latin America, with their rich and diverse legacy of creating vibrant cultures in the Americas, honors the people and shows their vast contributions. Also, Frank Grindrod, author, public speaker, and veteran, is a seasoned wilderness survival expert known for leadership training with teams in the wild and founder of Earthwork Programs. Frank shares why learning Earth skills is a transformative process for all ages and explains how outdoor team building helps build confidence and cooperation while providing space to get to know the natural world around them. A must listen. Only on Speaking of Travel!Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoft

The Speaking of Travel And Leave No Trace TV series continues with host Richard Crawford, our ambassador to the bigger world. Ricky shares where to watch Season One of Leave No Trace TV and gives an update on Season Two and when the first episodes will be coming out. Also, Ricky highlights inspiring stories from around the world where good things are happening in and around sustainable and eco-tourism. Richard shares how travel and seeing the world inspires him, what keeps him moving, and the profound impact travel can have on a person. And it’s no secret that self-reflection comes when you interact with diverse cultures and people with individual beliefs that might be different than ours. Discover why Richard wants to constantly go on new adventures and some reasons why he continues exploring new places.The idea of changing the world can be daunting. It's easy and understandable to think, "I’m only one person; what can I really do?” Find out what Ricky will them. Only on Speaking of Travel. Tune in

Author Charlie Birney, Chief Listening Officer at his company, Podville Media in Washington, DC, wrote his new book The Tao of Podcasting: An Interpretation of the Tao Te Ching, as a meditation on the purpose of podcasting. Charlie shares how the book serves as a guide to growth and transformation that can be directly applicable to podcasting. Written in lovely verse and illustrated by Charlie's own delightful sketches, The Tao of Podcasting shows how podcast production creates memorable stories by remembering the ancient art of listening, deepening the silence before the sound, combining stillness and fluidity, developing auditory wisdom, engaged listening, and talking forward, and reigniting your passion for podcastingIn addition to writing this creative gem, Charlie co-founded Podville Media and produces a wide range of audio and video for a diverse range of clients. He also shares what he calls "Internal Facing Podcasts" which are podcasts not so much looking for growth and monetization, b

Sustainable Chef William Dissen, owner of The Market Place Restaurant in Asheville, NC, shares how his passion for building sustainable food systems, his love of hospitality, and serving in the American Chef Corps for the US State Department, has taken him around the world to promote American food culture and sustainability practices. The Market Place Restaurant, Asheville’s original farm-to-table fixture since 1979, and widely acclaimed for its Appalachian cuisine and community-driven menus, was distinguished with a James Beard Awards “Outstanding Restaurant” nomination in 2024. It’s considered one of the best farm-to-table restaurants in America.  Chef Dissen shares how he came to write his debut cookbook, “Thoughtful Cooking: Recipes Rooted In the New South," and how he takes readers on a transformative culinary journey, carefully organized by the four seasons of Appalachia’s most sought after ingredients.  And just like a restaurant continues to grow, airports are investing in redevelopment plans and

There are many reasons to study abroad. At UNC Asheville, Laura Dobson, Director of the Study Abroad program, along with Study Aboard faculty member Anne Slatton, and Study Abroad students, Emma and Adrien, shares the importance, and benefits, of study abroad opportunities. Discover how UNCA diversifies participation in the Study Abroad program by making sure students realize there is a right study abroad opportunity for their needs and how providing scholarships, careful advising, and other types of resources and support help students have a great experience that fits their needs.And find out how the benefits of a study aboard experience will boost language skills by living in another country, develop new views of the world, and meet people from different places around the globe, all while getting the best education possible.Study abroad provides one of the most impactful and rewarding learning opportunities of a student's academic career. Experiencing the world, gaining new perspectives, making new fri

Charlie Thomas is an artist and environmentalist based on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. With a strong connection to the ocean and all its inhabitants, Charlie shares how his passion is creating a life of stewardship, leadership, and traveling.Charlie spent his summer holidays on Great Barrier Island and has worked full-time in wildlife conservation since leaving high school when he was only 16. He has visited, or lived on, some of the most remote (and important) islands in the world, including the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and New Zealand subantarctic islands. ​During 2020, Charlie spent nine months on Kure, one of the most isolated atolls in the world, in an effort to restore the island by helping its seabirds and marine wildlife, eradicate invasive weed species, and clear marine debris. And he shares his recent expedition with the  Antarctic Heritage Trust's Inspiring Explorers Expeditions™ in South Georgia as part of the Trust’s visual arts outreach team where he uses watercolor to illustrate South

Author and travel professional Nina Zapala shares why she is dedicated to helping people create a personalized, transformative roadmap for self-discovery. Her trailblazing personality paradigm encourages self-awareness through spiritually focused typing. Nina's typology is the keystone of her debut book, “Unpack Your Personality: Let Your Inner Guide Be Your Travel Guide.”Andy McNeill, CEO of American Meetings, Inc., shares how hospitality and travel can come together to build lifelong business relationships. He has helped thousands of organizations build stronger relationships through shared human experiences and explains how the history of hospitality is now the cornerstone of today’s travel experience and why it has lasted so long. 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.

Sarah Benoit is a digital marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and educator. She is also the co-founder and acting lead instructor of the JB Media Institute. And she is a passionate traveler.Sarah shares how traveling can be a way to deepen your intimacy, connection, and understanding of the people you love. And she explains why sometimes she travels for adventure, but most of the time she chooses to be close to people and to strengthen relationships. And Sarah shares how she decided to plan bucket list trips for her parents. Discover how she gets out of her comfort zone and exposes herself to uncertainty, exploration, and learning. Being so passionate about traveling, Sarah describes why the result is in her own personal growth along with having greater emotional agility, empathy, and creativity.Also on this episode of Speaking of Travel is Tina Kinsey, VP of Marketing, PR, and Air Service Development at the Asheville Regional Airport. Tina provides some tips on how to set the tone and ensure your travel expe

Margaret Roach and Ken Druse are gardeners and writers offering up online courses on all things gardening. Margaret and Ken share how The Virtual Garden Club began and how they put together these programs to provide advice, encouragement, and camaraderie, along with answers to your gardening questions! Margaret is a longtime garden writer and  created a website, podcast, and weekly newsletter called A Way to Garden, the title of her 1989 book that was reissued in 2019 in an all-new edition.Ken is a celebrated lecturer, an award-winning writer, photographer and author of 20 garden books. The American Horticultural Society listed, The Natural Garden, among the best books of all time, and the New York Times called him “the guru of natural gardening.”Ready to join the club? Click here!  Also, Mark Collins from RomanticAsheville.com, shares how this guide to Asheville and Western North Carolina helps the community grow stronger and fosters inspiration and why  RomanticAsheville.com is the most visited travel websi

In 1995, LEAF Global Arts began as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Their mission...  to connect cultures and create community through music, arts education, and experiences, and to cultivate curiosity, preserve cultures and promote global understanding.An organization like LEAF plays a significant role in fostering a sense of community and cultural identity. Over the years, LEAF has become an essential part of this community and provides opportunities for people to come together and celebrate their shared customs, beliefs, and values. On this episode of Speaking of Travel, meet two integral participates in the LEAF experience who are helping to pass the magic forward. In this year’s theme of World Changers: Year of The Activist, they are world changers.Adama Dembele is from the Ivory Coast, West Africa, and is the 33rd generation of a family serving communities through music and culture of the djembe. Schree Antoinette is a cultural preservationist and heritage practitioner with a passion for safeguardin