Did you know the Great Smoky Mountains are within a day's drive of half the U.S. population? While these misty peaks and ancient forests are a national treasure, they are also fragile. Smoky Mountain Host of NC (Visit Smokies) helps protect this region's natural beauty, with its Visitor Center serving as a welcoming gateway.

It connects travelers with historic downtowns, and vibrant arts, fostering connections to preserve the Smokies' charm for generations to come. Join Mici Canales, Communications Director, as we dive into the region's future and how we can protect its irreplaceable landscape.

Also on this episode of Speaking of Travel, discover how the The Cherokee Historical Association (CHA) is working tirelessly to protect and share the cultural heritage of the Cherokee people.

Learn from Laura Blythe, CHA Program Director, and Lance Culpepper, Operations Director, about exciting future projects, new events, and the vibrant legacy of this remarkable community dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. ᎠᎾᎵᎮᎵᎬ 

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Photo = Laura Blyth (L) Lance Culpepper (C) Mici Canales (R)

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

Award-winning filmmakers, storytellers, and fearless adventurers, John Alexander and JC Guest bring their passion, creativity, and bold spirit to Speaking of Travel.

Known for powerful, transformative and heartwarming films like Little Satchmo, a PBS sensation that touched audiences worldwide, and This Is Love, John and JC are redefining family life by blending parenting with global exploration.

From traversing eight countries in eight weeks across Eastern Europe to balancing diapers and cameras, they share stories of resilience, joy, and connection.

Tune in for unforgettable tales, inspiration, laughter, and a reminder that adventure is possible for everyone, kids and all!

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

Join Speaking of Travel for this classic 2024 rerun show with Liz Galloway. Liz is a dynamic force of nature, an adventurer, storyteller, and passionate creator of meaningful experiences through transformation.

With over 20 years of expertise spanning international travel, wellness, spa, and business development, Liz has carved a unique path that blends adventure, purpose, and human connection. From scaling rugged peaks to immersing herself in cultural exploration, Liz’s life is a testament to living boldly and intentionally. She shares how this determination has not only shaped her own success but inspired countless others to embrace transformation in their own lives.

Fueled by her belief in the power of a strong mind-body connection, Liz founded The Well Mind Project, a nonprofit providing scholarships to support mental health initiatives. 

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

Travel isn’t just an adventure. It’s an opportunity to make the world a little brighter. Richard Crawford, the dynamic host of Amazon Prime’s Leave No Trace TV, is back with captivating tales that combine wanderlust with purpose.

Get a sneak peek into Season Two’s jaw-dropping destinations, meet inspiring communities leading the way in sustainable tourism, and pick up practical tips to travel smarter and kinder.

With heartfelt stories, infectious energy, and maybe even a surprise song or two, Ricky reminds us that exploring is about leaving a lasting, positive mark on every place we visit. Tune in for adventure, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart!

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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 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.

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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 visionary behind wanderlust and global connections is my guest on Speaking of Travel!

Kiki Keating is no ordinary travel aficionado. She’s a master architect of adventure and connection, curating journeys that go beyond the surface and dive deep into culture, creativity, and meaning.

As the founder of KikiNetwork, a boutique PR and travel firm, she has spent decades weaving her expertise in business, travel, and storytelling into unforgettable experiences for clients worldwide.

With a foundation in business from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, Kiki’s career has always been a bold exploration of the intersection of travel and human connection. 

Her knack for storytelling and relationship-building turned her into a sought-after travel consultant, creating experiences that reflect her belief in the transformative power of seeing the world.

Kiki’s passion for travel is infectious. Whether she’s organizing a dream honeymoon, an exotic family getaway, or helping travelers step out of their comfort zones for the first time, her enthusiasm makes every journey unforgettable. Beyond logistics, she believes in the magic of travel to spark creativity, forge meaningful bonds, and remind us of the world’s beauty.

Through KikiNetwork, she also champions sustainability, cultural respect, and the value of stepping away from routine to embrace new horizons. 

Her advice? Don’t wait for the "perfect" time to travel, because the time is now, and the world is ready to amaze you.

Kiki’s zest for life and her visionary approach to travel make her a beacon of inspiration, urging us all to explore, connect, and live our best adventures.

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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’re a foodie, brew-lover, or just someone who appreciates a good story, this episode of Speaking of Travel is going to fill your plate and your heart.

We’re exploring the vibrant Atlanta culinary scene with two extraordinary guests, Chef Kevin Gillespie, the chef-owner of Gunshow and Nàdair, and co-founder of the Defend Southern Food Foundation, which provides meals for hungry families in the area. Chef Gillespie is also a speaker, author, and Top Chef icon.

Also on board is Eric Johnson, the creative mind behind Wild Heaven Beer, who blends his love of brewing with music, gardening, and storytelling. Eric is the host of the PBS show Garden Smart, and the former owner of the Trappeze Pub in Athens, Georgia.

Together, they share their passion for creating food and drink that doesn’t just taste amazing but also fosters connection, creativity, and sustainability. 

From the bold flavors that light up Atlanta’s dining scene to the small, mindful steps they take to honor the planet, this dynamic duo proves that food and drink are so much more than sustenance. They’re an experience!

So grab your favorite treat, pull up a chair, and join us for a flavorful and fascinating adventure into Atlanta’s thriving food and brew culture.

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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 for an unforgettable journey through history, mystery, and stunning landscapes. Join filmmaker and author Paul Bonesteel, founder of Bonesteel Films, as he unravels the story of George Masa, a Japanese photographer who arrived in Asheville, NC, in 1915 and became an unexpected hero for conservation in the Appalachian Mountains. 

Masa’s breathtaking photos helped inspire the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, leaving a legacy that still resonates today.

Paul first brought Masa’s story to light in his 2002 documentary, The Mystery of George Masa, and now, with co-author Janet McCue, he’s written a powerful new biography, George Masa: A Life Reimagined. But he didn’t stop there. With fresh insights from a recent trip to Japan, Paul’s upcoming documentary will reveal even more layers to Masa’s life and impact.

Tune into Speaking of Travel as Paul shares what drives his passion for uncovering Masa’s story, the incredible impact Masa had on conservation, and why these untold stories matter.

This is history, adventure, and inspiration all rolled into one compelling tale. Don't miss it. 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.

Join Speaking of Travel’s Leave No Trace TV series as it continues to inspire with candid, uplifting conversations about sustainable travel and resilience. Hosted by the adventurous Richard Crawford of Amazon Prime’s Leave No Trace TV, each episode dives into eco-tourism’s power to make travel a force for good. 

Ricky brings real, hopeful stories from around the world from people who are making a difference.

With practical advice for facing today’s climate challenges, this episode provides meaningful guidance for travelers seeking ways to help protect our planet. Learn sustainable strategies,  and find out how each journey can uplift communities and safeguard nature.

Tune in to get motivated to travel thoughtfully and make a positive impact—one adventure at a time.

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