Round Trip With Colleen Kelly

We Interrupt This Program - Stage Comedy & Multimedia Event, Virginia Theatre in Champaign, IL - October 16 & 17, 2026

Guests:

- Bill Odenkirk - Show Writer + Executive Producer, Emmy Award-winning writer (The Simpsons/Futurama)

- Sarah Edwards, Tell Host + Executive Producer, Mid-America Emmy-winning Illinois Public Media TV Host (Prairie Fire)

An alien landing in an Illinois cornfield is funny until you realize how quickly it turns into the biggest question humans can ask. We sit down with Emmy Award-winning writer Bill Odenkirk and Illinois Public Media host Sarah Edwards to talk about We Interrupt This Program, a live, two-part theatrical event coming to the Virginia Theatre in Champaign, Illinois, on October 16th and 17th.

First, we get the story behind the play: a small-town radio station tries to report on a world-changing arrival, channeling the spirit of War of the Worlds while pushing it into modern comedy. Bill shares how the project grew from a simple stage reading into a full production with a powerhouse cast that includes Bob Odenkirk and Jill Talley, plus a technical approach that expands what live theater can do. The rear projection setup brings film-like visuals into a real-time performance, creating an experience that feels part play and part immersive event.

Then we shift into the second half of the night: a moderated conversation about UAPs, government-released footage, and what “proof” would even look like. Sarah explains how the panel balances skepticism and wonder, featuring Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb and artist and Afro-futurist Ahmed Best to explore both the science and the cultural fallout of discovery. We also dig into the Great Filter theory and why the lack of clear answers might be the point, at least for now.

If you love travel, arts and culture, live theater, or the UFO vs UAP debate, this one is for you. Subscribe, share this with a friend who argues about aliens at dinner, and leave a review to help more listeners find Round Trip with Colleen Kelly.

For more information:

weinterruptthisprogram.com | thevirginia.org

@show.tell.productions

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Guest: Jessica Mlinaric, Author of Secret Illinois: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

A fire-breathing dragon you trigger with a token. A cemetery sitting quietly inside the sprawl of O’Hare. A real Viking ship that crossed the ocean and somehow ended up in Illinois. If any of that made you stop scrolling, you’re our kind of traveler and you’re going to love this ride through the state’s most unexpected corners.

We’re joined by author Jessica Mlinaric to talk about her book Secret Illinois and the 6,000 mile road trip it took to make it real. We dig into how she chooses a “secret” worth sharing, the joy of finding a backstory that changes how you see a place, and why the best travel moments still come from talking to the people who live there. Along the way, we hit Illinois hidden gems you can actually visit, including a haunted-themed mini golf course in a funeral home, Opera in Focus puppet performances, Bishop Hill’s Swedish roots, and a Frank Lloyd Wright home in Rockford designed with accessibility in mind.

We also lean into pure roadside wonder, from Route 66 Illinois favorites like the American Giants Museum’s muffler men to Casey’s Guinness World Record “world’s largest” attractions. Then we zoom out to the deeper history many people skip, from Cahokia Mounds to stories tucked into tiny towns that deserve a detour. If you’re planning an Illinois road trip, looking for Chicago day trips, or just craving fresh travel inspiration, you’ll leave with a long list of stops and a bigger sense of what’s possible close to home.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next adventure, share this with a friend who loves a good detour, and leave a review to help more travelers find the show.

• 0:00 Welcome, Kitten, And A Tease
• 3:57 Route 66 Giants And Record Town
• 8:10 Viking Ship And Airport Cemetery
• 15:34 Prohibition Clues And Prairie Oddities
• 23:20 What Makes A Place A Secret
• 26:33 Rapid Fire Illinois Favorites
• 31:07 Where To Get The Book

Videos and images courtesy of Jessica Mlinaric

For more information:

secretillinois.com

@urbnexplorer

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Madison, Wisconsin looks like a postcard, but what surprised me most is how much you can actually do without trying too hard. I’m joined by Ellie Westman Chin, CEO of Destination Madison, to share the kind of inside guidance that turns a “maybe someday” city into a locked-in weekend plan. If you’re searching for things to do in Madison Wisconsin, a walkable Midwest getaway, or a lake vacation with great food, this conversation is your shortcut.

We dig into summer staples that locals genuinely love, including free outdoor concerts on Capitol Square, the Dane County Farmers’ Market circling the Capitol, and why Madison earns its reputation as a platinum-rated bike city. Ellie explains how the city’s unique geography on an isthmus creates constant lake access, from skyline-view paddles on Lake Mendota to easy walks that hop from Lake Monona to downtown in minutes. We also talk about the restaurant scene, from brats and cheese curds to upscale supper clubs and an impressive roster of James Beard recognized talent.

Madison is not only a warm-weather trip. We cover annual festivals like the National Mustard Festival, Pride celebrations that stretch through August, and winter travel highlights when the lakes freeze for the Frozen Assets Festival with skating, hockey, ice fishing, kite flying, and even ice sailing. Plus: museums, campus energy, Union Terrace sunsets, and a nightlife scene that includes vinyl listening bars and standout breweries.

Subscribe for more travel stories and smart trip planning, share this with your favorite travel buddy, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.

• 0:00 Why Madison Makes A Great Getaway
• 1:10 Music Nights On Capitol Square
• 2:25 Bike Trails And The Free Arboretum
• 3:35 Walking Madison And The Farmers Market
• 5:00 From Comfort Food To Fine Dining
• 6:40 Life On The Isthmus And Lakes
• 8:25 Capitol Stops Campus Fun And Museums
• 11:05 Summer Festivals Mustard And Pride
• 12:55 Winter On Frozen Lakes And Holidays
• 15:10 Adult Book Fair For Readers
• 16:20 Nightlife Vinyl Bars And Breweries
• 17:20 Where To Get Info And Wrap

Guest: Ellie Westman Chin - President & CEO of Destination Madison

Videos courtesy of and episode in collaboration with Destination Madison

For more information:

visitmadison.com

@destinationmadison

#destinationmadison #madisonwi

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Guest: Megan Kudla, Producer & Travel Writer

Portugal has a way of feeling both easy and full of discovery, and Porto is a perfect example. In this travel conversation, we map out why Porto belongs on any Portugal itinerary, especially if you want a city that feels lively without feeling overwhelming. Porto sits in northern Portugal along the Douro River, with hills, cobblestone lanes, staircases, and viewpoints called miradouros that reward anyone willing to walk. The Ribeira riverfront is the classic place to linger with a drink at sunset, while Vila Nova de Gaia across the water is where many of the famous port wine cellars age their bottles. If you’re building a Porto travel guide for yourself, start with the river, plan for slow wandering, and treat the views as part of the experience, not a quick photo stop.

Where you stay can shape the whole trip, and Porto has options that range from budget-friendly to full-on luxury. One memorable choice is São Bento train station, famous for its blue-and-white azulejo tiles, and yes, you can even find lodging tied to the station experience. It’s a reminder that in Portugal the logistics can be beautiful too, especially if you travel by rail. Porto is also a strong base for exploring the Douro Valley wine region, the birthplace of port wine and a top destination for vineyard tours and tastings. Staying in the valley lets you wake up surrounded by terraced hillsides, vineyards, and the winding river that defines the landscape. For travelers who want a “city plus countryside” plan, Porto makes the transition simple.

For a standout Douro Valley stay, Octant Douro is designed to mirror the vineyard terraces as it cascades down the hillside, blending into the scenery while still feeling modern and calm. Inside, the style leans minimal so the view can be the star: floor-to-ceiling windows, bright rooms, and a sense of quiet that makes it easy to actually rest. The property offers multiple room types, from terraces and balconies to private pools, plus shared pools including adults-only space. There’s also a spa with a heated indoor pool, sauna, and gym, which matters if you’re planning a wellness-forward Portugal trip or a celebratory escape like a honeymoon or friends getaway. Add in pet-friendly and kid-friendly policies and it becomes a flexible luxury hotel in Portugal that works for different travel styles.

Food and culture round out the best Portugal travel tips. In the Douro, the experience pairs naturally with local wine, including creative port wine cocktails and a more ambitious tasting menu at RAIVA, noted as Michelin Guide featured, where the meal becomes a kind of storytelling. Beyond the plate, the region invites you onto the water: a small-group Douro River tour on a refurbished Rebello boat connects you to the history of transporting port barrels back to Porto. Back in the city, many cellar tours weave in Fado, Portugal’s soulful music tradition. For practical planning, English works well in Lisbon and Porto, but learning a simple “Obrigado” goes a long way. Take the Lisbon to Porto train if it fits your route, pack supportive walking shoes, and show up hungry: pastel de nata, bacalhau (cod), and the Porto classic Francesinha should all be on your list. Finally, ask locals for recommendations because the best meals are often down the side streets Google won’t highlight.

Chapters

• 0:00. Welcome And Guest Introduction
• 1:00 Porto And The Douro In Context
• 5:00 Porto Stays And Iconic Tile Stations
• 6:15 Octant Douro Rooms, Pools, And Spa
• 12:20 Food With Port Cocktails And Michelin
• 15:10 Douro Adventures On Boats And Fado
• 21:10 Travel Logistics And Must-Eat Tips
• 29:45 Resources, Social Links, And Farewell

Photo credits: Megan Kudla

For more information:

douro.octanthotels.com/en

visitporto.travel

@octant.hotels | @octant.douro

@megan.kudla

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Guest: Alexa Lazerow, Head of Public Relations, Scenic Group (Scenic Cruises, Emerald Cruises)

A cruise can be flashy, crowded, and overwhelming or it can feel like you’ve checked into a calm, floating boutique hotel that just happens to move you to a new destination every day. That’s the lane we’re exploring with Alexa Lazerow, Head of Public Relations for Scenic Group, the parent company behind Scenic Cruises and Emerald Cruises.

We get clear on what people mix up all the time: both Scenic and Emerald offer luxury river cruises and luxury yacht-style cruising, but they’re not identical. We talk about the small differences that shape the whole experience, from Emerald’s more active excursion options to Scenic’s headline-grabbing discovery yacht concept. Alexa paints the picture of super yacht life, including the marina platform at the back of the ship and the onboard water toys, and why small-ship capacity changes everything for solo travel, meeting people, and genuinely getting to know the crew.

Then we go deeper into the behind-the-scenes details that make luxury feel effortless. Scenic Group designs and builds its ships in-house, and their teams are full-time employees, which helps create consistent service. We also get practical about what first-time cruisers care about most: cabin space, storage, laundry options, and how “unpack once” can transform the way you see Europe. Finally, we dig into what’s hot right now, from Christmas market cruises and Mediterranean sailings to new growth areas like Portugal’s Douro, India, and the Seychelles and we don’t skip the bucket-list dream of Antarctica aboard Scenic Eclipse with an expedition team onboard.

If you’re planning a river cruise, a luxury yacht cruise, or an expedition cruise and want to book smarter, listen through, then subscribe, share this with a travel buddy, and leave a review with the destination you’re chasing next.

Chapters:

• 0:19 Welcome To Scenic And Emerald
• 2:50 River Cruises Vs Super Yachts
• 8:39 Why In-House Shipbuilding Matters
• 10:26 Small-Ship Capacity And Solo Travel
• 11:40 Cabins Storage Laundry And Ease
• 15:03 Where Cruisers Are Going Next
• 16:59 Antarctica On A Luxury Discovery Yacht
• 18:54 First-Timer Tips Service And Booking Deals

Videos courtesy of and episode in collaboration with Scenic Group.

For more information:

Scenic.Cruises

Emerald.Cruises

@scenic.luxurycruisestours | #ScenicCruises

@emeraldcruises.global | #EmeraldCruises

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Guest: Suzanne Kenzer, Travel Journalist

Budapest doesn’t just surprise you, it keeps changing on you. Cross the Danube and you’re suddenly in a different mood, a different landscape, and almost a different city. We sit down with our longtime friend Suzanne Kenzer, a freelance travel journalist, to unpack why Budapest, Hungary belongs near the top of your Europe travel list, especially if you want big history and big beauty without the Western Europe price tag.

We talk through the fundamentals that make planning easier: the real difference between Buda and Pest, what it feels like to stay on each side, and what Americans should know about the Hungarian forint (HUF). Suzanne also shares why she loves tools like the Budapest Card for transportation and attraction access, plus how to build a trip that feels smooth instead of rushed. If hotels are part of your travel experience, you’ll want to hear her take on the Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel, including its famous New York Cafe and why it’s considered one of the most beautiful cafes in the world.

From there, we get into the can’t-miss experiences for a smart Budapest itinerary: thermal baths like the Széchenyi Baths (and how to avoid peak crowds), a walking tour that brings the Jewish Quarter to life, and a Danube River cruise at night for those unforgettable views of the Hungarian Parliament Building. We also cover Castle District highlights, reconstructed landmarks after World War II, what to eat first (goulash, lángos, chimney cake), and why restaurant reservations can require real lead time. If you’re choosing dates, we share the best time to visit Budapest for pleasant weather and fewer lines.

If this travel conversation helps you plan, please subscribe, share the episode with a friend heading to Europe, and leave a review so more travelers can find us. What’s the one Budapest question you want answered before you go?

Chapters:

• 0:00 Welcome And Why Budapest
• 1:30 Buda Versus Pest Basics
• 3:18 Currency And Affordability Reality Check
• 4:29 Getting Around With The Budapest Card
• 5:24 Choosing A Hotel With Local Flavor
• 10:03 New York Palace And New York Cafe
• 11:13 Hotel Spa And Jet Lag Reset
• 14:46 Thermal Baths And The Beer Bath
• 15:51 Walking Tours And The Jewish Quarter
• 18:44 Danube Night Cruise And Parliament
• 22:58 Castle District And WWII Rebuilds
• 26:25 What To Eat And Where
• 28:54 When To Visit For Fewer Crowds
• 29:50 Andrássy Avenue Heroes Square Opera
• 32:02 Final Tips And How To Follow

Photos courtesy of Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel

For more information:

anantara.com

budapestinfo.hu/en

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Guest: Heidi Hayes - Director of Public Relations, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

Las Vegas is having a moment, but not for the reason most people think. The city is still great at the classics like casinos, nightlife, and people-watching, yet what surprised us most is how much Vegas has expanded into a true travel hub with next-level entertainment, immersive attractions, a serious food scene, and easy access to iconic outdoor adventures.

We’re joined by Heidi Hayes, Director of PR for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, to break down what’s new and what’s essential. We talk standout shows and residencies across the destination, then go deep on the Las Vegas Sphere and why it’s become a must-see experience even if you’ve “done Vegas” before. From there, we dig into interactive options like Area15 and Omega Mart, plus local favorites beyond the Strip including downtown, the Arts District, Chinatown, and neighborhood restaurants in Henderson.

If you’re planning your first trip or bringing family for a multi-stop road trip, we share simple, practical ideas: free icons like the Bellagio Fountains and Conservatory, the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, and how to set a gambling budget as “entertainment.” We also cover the outdoor side of a Las Vegas vacation, with quick wins like Red Rock Canyon and bigger day trips to Valley of Fire, Lake Mead, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon. Heidi even flags budget-friendly options, including new all-inclusive deals at Luxor and Excalibur.

• 0:19 Welcome And Vegas On Fire
• 1:50 How Las Vegas Has Matured
• 3:47 Must-See Shows And The Sphere
• 7:52 Interactive Vegas At Area15
• 9:25 Hidden Gems For Food And Neighborhoods
• 12:11 Red Rock And Epic Day Trips
• 17:08 First-Timer Vegas Must-Dos
• 19:00 New Hotels Sports And Big Events
• 21:21 Budget Vegas Deals And Best Timing
• 23:54 Where To Get Info And Wrap

For more information:

VisitLasVegas.com

► @vegas

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Guest: Amanda Marr, Director of Marketing & Communications, Visit Sevierville

You know that feeling when a place surprises you fast and then somehow sticks with you for years? That’s Sevierville, Tennessee for me. It’s set in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so you get big mountain scenery and outdoor adventure, but you also get an easy home base with true small-town warmth. Amanda Marr from Visit Sevierville joins me to share what’s new and why this area keeps giving travelers fresh reasons to come back.

We get into the Smokies themselves, including why the park’s no admission fee is such a game-changer for family vacations and outdoor trips. Then we talk about how Sevierville does lodging differently: modern luxury cabins with hot tubs and views, boutique stays downtown, glamping, and even a full treehouse resort experience. If you’re the kind of traveler who thinks the place you stay sets the whole tone of the trip, you’re going to want to hear these ideas.

From there, it’s all about the experiences you can’t fake. Amanda breaks down animal encounters like the sloth experience at Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo, plus an axolotl exhibit that connects kid curiosity to real science. We also talk bald eagles, conservation, and the American Eagle Foundation’s up-close opportunities. And of course, we go deep on Dolly Parton’s hometown pride: downtown tributes, murals, the statue, festivals, Dollywood’s latest updates, and the spots where Dolly’s story still feels close enough to touch.

If Sevierville is on your spring, summer, or fall list, press play, take notes, and then subscribe, share the show with a travel-loving friend, and leave us a review so more listeners can find Round Trip. What would be your first Sevierville stop?

• 0:00. Welcome To Round Trip
• 1:06 Why Sevierville Feels So Special
• 4:12 The Smokies And Cabin Life
• 6:18 Sloths, Axolotls, And Animal Encounters
• 10:54 Bald Eagles Up Close
• 12:52 Dolly Parton’s Hometown Downtown
• 15:36 Dolly Celebrations And Live Competitions
• 18:52 Dollywood Tips And New Rides
• 22:26 Water Parks And Unique Places To Stay
• 26:58 Dig’n Zone And Trip Planning Tools
• 29:44 Getting There And Final Travel Notes

For more information:

VisitSevierville.com

Episode in collaboration with Visit Sevierville. Broll credit to Visit Sevierville.

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Guest: Jane Wooldridge - Award-winning travel and business journalist & Author of Frommer’s Comfort in the Wild:100+ Idyllic Nature Destinations, No Roughing It Required

You can love wild places and still want high-thread-count sheets. Travel journalist and author Jane Wildridge joins me to talk about Frommer’s Comfort in the Wild, a beautiful, practical guide to 100+ nature destinations where you get the hiking, wildlife, and wide-open views without the misery factor. If the idea of camping has ever stopped you from booking the trip, this conversation is your permission slip to do it differently.

We dig into what “no roughing it required” really means, from a jaw-dropping stay in Cambodia where you can zipline into camp and unwind with gourmet food, to an ingenious Montana farm near Glacier National Park that turns grain silos into cozy, self-contained lodging with the one amenity we both agree is non-negotiable: a bathroom. Along the way, Jane shares how comfort-forward travel can still bring you closer to conservation, local culture, and the kind of outdoor quiet that resets your whole nervous system.

We also explore expedition cruising and why small ships have become one of the most comfortable ways to reach remote nature destinations, including Antarctica. Think “safari at sea” vibes: intimate groups, incredible wildlife access, and a warm, welcoming place to come back to at the end of the day. Plus, we get into elevated treehouses, creative stays, and how to choose an experience that fits your real-life comfort level so you actually go.

If you like smart travel ideas, unforgettable nature stories, and planning tips you can use right now, hit follow, share this with your favorite travel buddy, and leave a review so more listeners can find Round Trip.

• 0:19 Welcome And Guest Introduction
• 1:30 Why Comfort Belongs In Nature
• 4:55 Cambodia Luxury Camp With Zipline
• 6:43 Montana Silo Stays Near Glacier
• 9:26 Expedition Ships And Antarctica
• 12:07 Treehouses With Real Amenities
• 14:26 Wildlife Moments And Nature’s Pull
• 15:26 The Core Message Get Outside
• 18:05 How To Reach Us And Subscribe

For more information:

frommers.com

janewooldridge.com

► IG: @frommers | @janewooldridge

► FB: @FrommersTravelGuides

You can find Frommer’s Comfort in the Wild:100+ Idyllic Nature Destinations, No Roughing It Required on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books & Books.

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Guest: Megan Kudla, Producer & Travel Writer

Rome is iconic, but it can also feel like a lot, especially when you’re trying to pick the right neighborhood, book tickets, and squeeze the “big stuff” into a short stay. We wanted a plan that feels chic, simple, and actually doable, so I brought on my producer Megan Kudla to break down her Rome girls trip and the exact choices that made two nights feel full without feeling frantic.

We talk through the Chic in Italy Set Jet Stays package from Minor Hotels Collection, including what you get, how customizable it is, and why built-in breakfast matters more than people think when you’re sightseeing all day. Megan shares what it’s like staying at nHow Roma after its renovation, how walkable the area is for Rome first-timers, and the kind of modern comfort that makes it easy to recharge before heading back out to the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and the city’s endless layers of history.

Then we get practical: how long to stay in Rome, how to think about a short Rome itinerary, and why Vatican tickets and Colosseum tickets should be booked online ahead of time. Megan also shares the standout experience from her trip, a custom Fiat 500 tour with a local guide who tailored the route to what she’d already seen, turning Rome travel tips into something you can actually feel in real time. We also touch the Venice and Milan legs of the Italy itinerary, with add-ons like Murano glass, mask-making, and a Milan cosmetics workshop.

If you’re planning travel to Rome and want fewer decisions with better results, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a friend who loves Italy, and leave a review with your best Rome question so we can answer it next.

Chapters:

• 0:00 Meet Megan And The Rome Plan
• 1:08 Why Rome Works For Friends
• 3:02 Chic In Italy Package Breakdown
• 5:18 First Impressions Of Rome
• 6:49 NOW Roma Style And Rooms
• 8:56 Walking Rome From A Smart Base
• 10:32 Breakfast Perks And Ludo Dinner
• 12:52 How Long To Stay In Rome
• 14:40 Vatican And Colosseum Ticket Tips
• 16:18 The Fiat 500 Tour Finale
• 20:18 Venice And Milan Extras Plus How To Book

For more information:

minor-hotels.com

► IG: @minorhotels | @avani_hotels | @nhcollection | @nhow | @nhowroma | @avanivenice | @nhcollectionmilanocitylife

Email: [email protected]

Mention «CHIC IN ITALY» in the subject line when making your enquiry

with preferred dates of travel, number of guests and full booking details

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#roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #italy #rome #girlstrip #italytravel #chicinitaly #minorhotels #nhow #fiat500 #travelexpert