WORLD FOOTPRINTS

World Footprints takes you on a unique journey as we explore the life and work of a paleontologist.   We'll travel through Montana’s Missouri River Country to search for dinosaur bones and we'll spend time to pan for gold.  First, we’ll go in search of Carl the Dinosaur with the help of Dave Trexler and Sue Frary of the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum and Field Station as they take us digging for dinosaur bones.  We’ll introduce you to Brenda Koss, whose family-owned ranch has produced some major dinosaur fossils, including one discovered by her daughter Kennedy.   Then it’s off to Zortman, an interesting gold rush era town nestled in Montana’s Little Rocky Mountains that’s filled with lot of character and characters alike, and we’ll learn about this quirky place from one of the town’s resident entrepreneurs, John Kalal.

We journey to the island of St. Vincent to explore ancient places and the history of a proud people few know anything about.  Our first stop is to the Botanical Gardens of St. Vincent, the oldest such garden of its type in the Western Hemisphere, and we are joined by historian Dr. Edgar Adams for a look into some of the events and experiences that have defined his life and the history of St. Vincent. Then we travel to Fort Charlotte where we meet Augustine Sutherland, a decendant of one of St. Vincent's indigeneous ethnic groups, the Garafuna.   Fort Charlotte was built by the British (1793-1806), not to defend against a naval attack but as an inland defense against attacks from the Garafuna, Kalinago and the French.  This in evidenced by the fact that the cannons of Fort Charlotte face inland.  Augustine shares some of the tragic history his ancestors faced here and some of the challenges he faced growing up as a Garafuna on St. Vincent.

On today's World Footprints radio show we will take flight across America with pilot Field Morey as he prepares for his Capital Air Tour.  Field and fellow pilot Conrad Teitell are embarking on an adventurous flight in a small aircraft to all the state capitals in the United States lower 48 plus Alaska in only two weeks.  The pilots plan to raise awareness about the importance of smaller airports to the tourism industry and to provide a virtual geography lesson to school children across America. We will also enjoy some time in middle America; namely Ohio, as we enjoy a walk through the roller coaster capital of the world--Cedar Point.  This Sandusky landmark is a place that holds special memories for us because every childhood summer was spent daring ourselves to ride the latest roller coaster.  This visit was no different because the Park's Bryan Edwards led us to an old favorite--The Blue Streak; and we enjoyed soaring through the air on the newest giant--The Gatekeeper.  Enjoy exploring the "best amusement park in the world" with us. Finally, one of the decisive battles in the War of 1812 took place in Lake Erie's Put-In-Bay where Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry captured the British squadron and raised the now famous "Don't Give Up The Ship" flag on board the US Brig Niagara.  National Park Ranger Marianne Duvendack takes us on a tour around the International Peace Monument and shares more about Ohio's role in the War of 1812.

In the echo of Hurricane Katrina, World Footprints  will explore a sample of the multiple treasures that can be found in New Orleans.  We will share a wonderful conversation with Chef Leah Chase of Dokie Chase restaurant fame.  Chef Leah is an iconic figure in New Orleans.  She was the inspiration behind Tiana, the principle character in the Disney Animated Picture Princess and the Frog.  Then World Footprints will take listeners through two little known musuems, the Free People of Color museum and the African-American museum.  Other stops on this audio trip include a tour through Treme and a visit to the famed Carosel bar in the Hotel Monteleone. New Orleans is a treasure trove of wonderful museums, rich history and cultural gumbo and today’s show will explore just a few of the treasure today.

World Footprints will take you on an exploration of the wonderful city of Norfolk, VA. On today's show we will travel through rich historical neighborhoods like Ghent, meet fascinating residents like the Doumars Family—creators of the ice cream cone, and visit cultural attractions like the Chrysler Museum and Attucks Theatre. From the Waterfront to the Freemason District, the Botanical Gardens, Nauticus and beyond, Norfolk offers a treasure trove of art, culture, history and culinary delights.

World Footprints is excited to share one of our new favorite cities --Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (despite our football rivalries).  When most people who have never visited Pittsburgh think of the city, they may envision an industrial city filled with tall smoke stakes.  In reality, Pittsburgh is a vibrant, colorful, modern and pristine city that is very welcoming. The three rivers that meet at a point creates a flowing calming energy and provided the inspiration for Dutch artist Florentjn Hofman to select the city as her North American debut of his giant rubber duck.  Today, we will give you a glimpse into this remarkable city as we explore Pittsburgh's rich history through attractions like the Senator John Heinz History Center, we'll walk through the streets of The Hill District and we'll relive Pittsburgh's industrial past as we tour the Carrie Blast Furnaces.

Today we travel to Namibia and beyond with animal conservationist and television personality Jack Hanna; we will discover Cuba through its people with Insight Cuba’s Tom Popper and Rebecca Rothney will share how people around the world are leaving positive footprints through Pack for a Purpose.  Jack Hanna, nicknamed “Jungle Jack” is one of the most notable animal experts in the U.S.  Jack took some time away from his many filming schedule, David Letterman and other show appearances to talk to us about the successes and challenges in the world of animal conservation.  We are going to discover Cuba through its people with Tom Popper, President of Insight Cuba.  Tom has traveled many times to Cuba and his company is one of a few that are licenses by the U.S. Treasury Department to provide tours to the beautiful island. Our friend Rebecca Rothney will give us an update on how many travelers are leaving positive footprints when they Pack for a Purpose.  Rebecca will also share how her foundation has grown since the O Magazine feature.

Travel around the globe with World Footprints today as we go to Namibia, the Mediterranean and Detroit. First stop…Namibia with Dr. Laurie Marker, Founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund.  Since 1990, Dr. Marker has pioneered new ideas in cheetah conservation and has formed cooperative alliances on behalf of the cheetah that have never before been possible. She is recognized around the world as one of the leading experts on cheetahs, both in the wild and in captivity. 

Then we’ll journey to the Mediterranean with travel author and TV host Rick Steves.  Rick is on a mission: to help make European travel accessible and meaningful for Americans.  Rick just returned from two Mediterranean Cruises and he joins us to talk about his newest guide book, Mediterranean Cruise Ports, and the art of travel.

Finally, Detroit is a city that has not been portrayed favorably in the media (except on World Footprints) so we were surprised to meet someone who left his Fortune 500 employer to move to Detroit for the purpose of showing the city in a different light.  Philip Lauri is the Founder and Director of Detroit Lives! and he join us to share why Detroit is a vibrant place to live and discover.

Today we will share the legacies of two individuals who have put themselves on the frontlines in the fight against the crimes of drug and human trafficking. Robert Mazur served 27 years as a Federal Special Agent for the IRS, Customs Service and Drug Enforcement Administration.  Five of those years were spent under-cover as Bob Musella, a high-rolling mob-connected big shot who infiltrated the criminal hierarchy of Colombia’s drug cartels.  Bob’s under-cover stings proved critical in the conviction of General Manuel Noriega and helped cripple an international multi-billion money laundering outfit that served drug lords like Pablo Escobar.  His book, The Infiltrator, provides vivid and nail-biting details about his life in the criminal under-world, including events that led to a $500,000 contract being placed on his head.

 

More than three decades after India won freedom and independence from Great Britain, a little girl from the southern region of India was stolen from her family and became a slave.  She was seven years old.  She lost her home and her identity.  She kept only her first name – Rani. When Rani lost her value to her slave owner, he sold her to an American woman who thought she was legally adopting an orphan.  This adoption saved Rani’s life and the love and support she received in her new home has cultivated a commitment to become an advocate for the voiceless victims of human trafficking and a leader in the movement to end modern slavery.

World Footprints will introduce the African country of Kenya--considered to be the Cradle of Civilization because its history can be traced back six million years ago.  Kenya is also considered the heart of Africa and the safari epicenter of the world.  We'll learn more about this ancient country from Jacinta Nzioka with the Kenyan Tourism Board.

During the latest Caribbean Tourism Organization conference we met over a dozen of country representatives to learn what distinguishes their country from another Caribbean nation.  We also discovered some interesting history and traveled deeper through our conversations.   Listen. Learn. Explore. as we speak to:

BarbadosHaitiAnguillaSt. MaartenNevisGrenadaTrinidad & TobagoUS Virgin IslandsSt. Vincent and the GrenadinesTurks & CaicosAntigua and BarbudaMartiniqueDominica