Welcome Shari Leid, a connection coach, friendship expert, and creator of Table For 51. A former litigator turned champion of belonging, Shari spent a year traveling to all 50 states, sharing a meal with 50 strangers. 

What she discovered is simple yet profound: breaking bread isn’t just about food. It is about lowering walls, opening hearts, and finding common ground, even in a divided world. 

From her earliest days in a cardboard box to building a table for connection, Shari’s journey is proof that belonging can be created one meal, one conversation, one courageous step at a time. 

Along the way, she met people whose stories stayed with her and she shares these moments of love in hardship, wisdom in the everyday, and the reminder that people see what they’re looking for. 

At a time when loneliness is at epidemic levels, her message is both urgent and up-lifting. You don't have to travel the country to make a difference. You can start with one invitation, one table, and the intention to connect.

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.

Hawai‘i is unlike anywhere else and not just for its breathtaking beauty, but for the living spirit that moves through its people, its land, and its traditions. In Hawai’i, culture isn’t a performance, but rather the pulse of daily life. 

On today’s episode, I’m deeply honored to welcome Ka’iʻini Aranaydo. Ka’iʻini oversees Kilohana, a groundbreaking and visionary partnership with the Hawai’i Tourism Authority and a multifaceted initiative reshaping what it means to travel responsibly in the islands and ensuring it is grounded in pono (righteousness), cultural integrity, and true connection. 

Kilohana’s mission is to transform Hawai’i’s hospitality space through advocacy, cultural stewardship, tour guide certification, and visitor education. It’s about creating space for Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) to lead, to thrive, and to welcome others into a deeper relationship with the islands. 

In a place this sacred, being present is not enough. You’re invited to show up fully and to listen, to learn, and to uplift the places and people who welcome you in. 

Join us for a heartfelt conversation about stewardship, story, and the spirit of Hawai’i.

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.

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 something for everyone.

Creede is calling. Go there. See a show. Breathe the mountain air. Don't miss all Creede has to offer. You won’t forget it. 

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.

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 conversation. Think of it as an invitation to reflect on how we move through the world, and how travel, when approached with heart, can create a life filled with purpose, connection, and joy.

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.

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 and now Season Two! 

And be sure to visit Speaking of Travel for past episode of the Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace TV series!

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 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-overlooked painting becomes a reclaimed piece of history, a recovered voice, a restored place in the cultural narrative.

If you care about art, women's history, meaningful travel, or stories that stir the soul, this conversation will leave you deeply moved and energized. You’ll walk away seeing the art world, and perhaps the world itself, a little differently.

And don’t miss hearing about Jane’s uniquely curated art tour through Italy with Kiki Keating of KiKiNetwork Travel, designed to bring travelers face-to-face with these rediscovered treasures. It’s more than a tour. This is a pilgrimage through forgotten genius and enduring beauty.

This episode of Speaking of Travel is heartfelt, eye-opening, and brimming with passion. Join us in giving voice to the women who painted in silence, and whose stories are finally being told.

A must listen! 

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

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 up for a free Japan travel guide and follow Miyuki on Instagram. 

A must listen! 

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 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 joy. 

If you’ve ever been curious about Cuba or want to travel in a way that truly matters, this episode will inspire you to see tourism in a whole new light. 

A must listen! 

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

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 if you’ve ever dreamed of travel planning that actually gets you, tune in. You’ll hear about the tech, the heart, and the hope behind a smarter way to see the world. 🎧 

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