Advertise on podcast: Speaking of Travel® With Marilyn Ball

In a time shaped by rapid change and constant headlines, this conversation invites us to pause, to listen, and to look beyond perception into lived experience. My guest, Rihab Abouzaki, is an advertising strategist and Director of This N That Communications. She works at the intersection of culture, business, and global storytelling. Moving between the United States and the Gulf region, she brings a perspective rooted not just in strategy, but in humanity. Together we explore the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), made up of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, a region often viewed from a distance, yet deeply layered and evolving. We talk about what daily life actually feels like right now. About safety, continuity, and the quiet resilience found in ordinary moments, with good people going to work, families gathering, and communities caring for one another even while living near uncertainty. We also step into the spirit of the UAE through places like Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Dubai Frame, and the Museum of the Future, spaces that reflect both imagination and identity, honoring tradition while leaning boldly into what’s next. This conversation moves beyond headlines into something more human. It’s about perception and reality, about connection in times of tension, and about the small, meaningful ways people continue to show up for one another.  It’s a reminder that travel can be more than movement and become an understanding, a bridge between worlds, and a way of seeing each other more clearly. 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. 

There’s something quietly extraordinary unfolding in Italy, inside museums, churches, and hidden archives where history has long rested in silence. For centuries, luminous works of art created by women were tucked away, overlooked, or forgotten. Not because they lacked brilliance, but because their stories were never fully told. And still, they remained, waiting, holding their place in time. Today, that silence is beginning to lift. In this episode of Speaking of Travel, we’re joined by Jane Adams, co-founder and CEO of Artemisia Gold, and Susan Glimcher, whose work is helping to gently return these artists, and their voices, back into the world. As Jane shares, “It feels less like discovering something new, and more like listening… as if these women have been speaking all along, and we are finally quiet enough to hear them.” Together, they reflect on the beauty and emotion of restoration, not just of paintings, but of presence. Of stories re-emerging. We also explore the enduring legacy of Artemisia Gentileschi, whose life and work continue to resonate so deeply today, reminding us of the strength and resilience of women throughout history. This is more than art. It’s a return. A remembering. A quiet but undeniable shift in how we see, and who we choose to see, when we look at history. And now, as this movement grows, Italy opens its doors and invites you to step into these stories and witness history alive again. 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. 

Sometimes it’s not one big moment that shapes us, but a series of experiences that quietly stay, like traveling far from home at a young age, listening to stories passed down at the kitchen table, beginning to understand that where we come from carries more meaning over time. In this episode, I’m joined by Yoon Kim, a journalist, storyteller, and event producer whose work is grounded in curiosity and connection. His path has taken him across cultures and continents, but what stands out most is how he listens for the nuance, the history, and the humanity inside every story. We talk about his early travels with his father to places that felt both distant and eye-opening, and how those experiences shaped not just his worldview, but the kinds of questions he asks today in his journalism. There’s a depth to the way Yoon approaches storytelling, a sense that the real story is often just beneath the surface. At the center of our conversation are his grandparents and their work with the White Lamb textile factory, where fleeced cotton was first commercialized in the 50's. What begins as a story about innovation unfolds into a reflection on resilience, creativity, and the quiet influence of a life lived with purpose. Yoon also leads the Outdoor Media Summit, a gathering that brings together journalists, creators, and brands in the outdoor industry. We explore how his work in the industry continues to evolve, and why creating space for meaningful storytelling feels more important than ever. This is a conversation about paying attention to the stories that shape us, and recognizing their value while we’re still close enough to hold onto them. 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. 

Some journeys don’t begin with a plan. Some just begin with a song, a street corner, a moment that simply says go. In this episode of Speaking of Travel, Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show, shares a life shaped by following the music and trusting where it leads. What stays with you isn’t just the story of the road. It's more the way he moves through the world. From busking days to the guidance of Doc Watson and the deep roots of MerleFest, this conversation opens into something more personal. Ketch speaks to honoring tradition while letting it breathe. Listening closely and remembering that music isn’t ours to own, but ours to carry and hold with care. There’s a steadiness in him. A generosity. A belief that art can hold people together in ways nothing else quite can. And when he says, “When you go into the tent, magical things happen,” you feel what he means. It’s that shared space where people come as they are and leave a little more connected. Where something simple becomes meaningful because we experience it together. This one lingers. It reminds us the world feels better when we show up open and when we let the music lead. 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. 

What if the way we travel could actually help restore the planet instead of slowly wearing it down? On this episode of Speaking of Travel, we explore how every choice we make, where we go, how we move, where we stay, and how we show up, creates a lasting impact. Travel today is no longer just about seeing the world. Each of us has a responsibility to care for it and protect it. And we must become more conscious of the footprint we leave behind. Join me in welcoming back Richard Crawford (Ricky), creator of Leave No Trace TV, whose work sits at the intersection of adventure, conservation, and responsible travel.  Through his experiences around the world, Ricky shares what it really means to “leave no trace," not just as an outdoor ethic, but as a mindset and way of living. Together we talk about the difference between tourism that gives back and tourism that takes, how to recognize authentic sustainability, and why slowing down may be one of the most powerful ways to travel more intentionally. We also dive into the real changes happening across the planet, from environmental shifts to the growing responsibility of travelers and storytellers alike.  If you’ve ever wondered how your travels can create something meaningful, this conversation is a great place to begin. It’s about moving through the world with awareness and realizing that every choice we make along the way carries weight. 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 Speaking of Travel episode is a heartfelt reminder that the spirit of travel doesn’t fade, but rather deepens, shifting, growing, and finding new meaning with every chapter.  Cary Lowe and his wife Trish share the remarkable story of a life shaped by exploration, where each journey has strengthened their bond and expanded their connection to the world, as beautifully captured in his book On Two Legs and Three Wheels. What began as a kindred love of adventure grew into something far more meaningful over time, a beautiful testament to what’s possible when you keep saying yes to life. When Trish was diagnosed with MS, their path shifted, but it never stopped. With resilience, creativity, and unwavering determination, they found new ways to keep moving forward, navigating the world with a mobility scooter and an open heart.  Cary also captures this journey in his book, offering an honest and uplifting look at the realities of traveling with a disability. filled with hard-earned wisdom, practical insights, and the kind of perspective that can change how you see what’s possible. This conversation is an invitation to travel differently, to embrace what is, and to trust that joy is still out there waiting. Because no matter where you are in life, the journey is never over and the world is still calling.  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. 

Welcome to the island of Madagascar, a place that feels both distant and deeply connected to the rest of the world. Through the lens of food, culture, and community, guest Emmanuel Laroche invites us to look beyond familiar ingredients and discover the stories, people, and landscapes that shape them. Born in France and now based in New Jersey, he has spent years exploring the world through taste, reminding us that every dish carries a history, and every ingredient holds a human story. In his newest book, A Taste of Madagascar, Emmanuel explores the island’s remarkable food traditions, the farmers who grow its ingredients, and the deep cultural connections that food creates. From the fragrant vanilla fields to the everyday meals shared among families and farmers, this conversation reveals how food connects us across continents, cultures, and experiences. Emmanuel reflects on how working with local communities transformed his understanding of resilience, sustainability, and the responsibility we all share as global consumers. As we talk about flavor, farming, and the future of food, we’re reminded that the simple act of gathering around a table can dissolve barriers and create space for compassion and understanding. “When you know the story behind what’s on your plate, every bite becomes a connection.” Join us for a heartfelt journey that reminds us that travel is how we open our hearts to the people, traditions, and wisdom we meet along the way. 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 a world that rarely pauses, this episode of Speaking of Travel is an invitation to breathe. To slow down. To remember that wonder still lives just outside our door and within our own hearts. Meet Sue Wasserman, Travel and Tourism Director for Explore Burnsville, NC, a writer, nature photographer, devoted critter sitter, and a self-described general meanderer who knows how to pause for life’s most beautiful moments. Sue’s life has been shaped by the rhythms and quiet wisdom of Southern Appalachia, the hush of forest trails, the courage of wildflowers blooming in unlikely places, the stillness that teaches us how to truly be present. Her story isn't about rushing toward a destination. It's about honoring the space between. At the heart of our conversation is the gentle truth that creativity, healing, and self-discovery often begin the moment we give ourselves permission to pause. Sue shares how embracing her creative spirit, sparked by a transformative studio tour experience, shifted something deep within her. What began as admiration became ownership. What once felt like admiration of others’ gifts became a claiming of her own. She reminds us that nature doesn’t lecture. It simply models resilience, patience, and grace. Trails don’t hurry. Seasons don’t force. Wildflowers bloom when they’re ready. And maybe we can too. Sue’s presence is a soft but powerful reminder that travel is certainly about going somewhere new, but it’s also about coming home to ourselves. As she so beautifully says, “When I slow down enough to notice the light on a leaf or the way a trail curves out of sight, I remember that life invites me to pay attention and not rush." This is a conversation about presence. About wonder. About saying yes to unexpected opportunities. About remembering what truly matters. If you’ve been feeling hurried, scattered, or unsure of your next step, this episode is your permission slip to slow down and trust that the path is unfolding exactly as it should. Tune in! 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 the greatest stories on Earth aren’t written in the sky but carved in stone beneath our feet? On this illuminating episode of Speaking of Travel, we shine a light on the extraordinary underground ecosystems that hold the living history of our planet. My guest is David Foster, President and CEO of the American Cave Conservation Association and steward of Hidden River Cave in Kentucky. Once considered one of the most polluted caves in the United States, Hidden River Cave is now a powerful symbol of restoration and hope. More than 40 years of scientific effort, community collaboration, and unwavering commitment transformed a damaged ecosystem into a conservation success story.  Located within the watershed of Mammoth Cave International Biosphere Reserve, its recovery reminds us that protecting one place can ripple far beyond what we see. In this heartfelt conversation, David shares why the ACCA chose to go where the problem was, what it truly takes to repair decades of environmental harm, and how working in spaces shaped over millions of years changes the way we think about time, patience, and responsibility. “This is a happy cave today because people care. When you do good things for the world, karma rewards you. And we’re an organization that really cares.” And maybe that’s the heart of it. When we care deeply enough, even the unseen parts of our world can heal. Sometimes the greatest journeys aren’t across oceans, but into the quiet places beneath our feet, reminding us that care, patience, and community can truly change the world.  Because in the end, protecting what’s hidden may be one of the most important journeys we ever take. 🧡 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. 

Travel has a way of waking us up and inviting us to slow down, breathe more deeply, and reconnect with what truly makes us feel alive. In this episode of Speaking of Travel, we welcome Nancy De Losa, Co-Founder of A’qto Italian Cycling Tours, whose work beautifully blends cycling, culture, community, and mindful travel across Italy. Nancy shares how exploring Italy by bike becomes far more than a physical experience. Moving through landscapes at a human pace encourages presence, clarity, and a powerful mind-body connection, while the gentle rhythm of the journey naturally reduces stress and opens space for reflection, joy, and personal growth. Riding becomes a form of meditation and a chance to feel each moment rather than rush through it. Beyond the ride, travelers discover the deeper wellness woven into everyday Italian life, like gathering in the piazza, sharing long meals and local wines, enjoying aperitivo, and connecting with people and place in meaningful ways. These simple rituals remind us that wellbeing is not only about activity, but about finding balance in movement and rest, nourishment and connection, adventure and presence. This heartfelt conversation explores how slowing down, traveling with intention, and embracing the Italian way of living can transform a trip into a journey that helps us feel grounded, renewed, and more fully ourselves. A must listen. Especially for all you Italy dreamers! 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 listening deeply could carry us across centuries? In this Speaking of Travel episode, cellist Louise Dubin invites us into a world where travel, music, and historical discovery intertwine, reminding us that the most meaningful journeys reconnect us with voices nearly forgotten. Performing across solo, chamber, orchestral, and Broadway stages, including Radio City, Louise brings audiences beyond the concert hall, uncovering hidden musical treasures and restoring them to life with remarkable care and passion. Her recordings, including The Franchomme Project and Passages, grew from years of research and travel, especially in France, where she followed the footsteps of 19th-century composers whose works had slipped from the repertoire. Through her work, Louise shows us that curiosity is a devotion, honoring the artists who came before us and ensuring their music continues to breathe. “Travel teaches us to listen differently. When we step into the places where music was created, the notes begin to feel less like history and more like conversation.” In our conversation, Louise reflects on falling in love with the cello, the responsibility of recording works never before heard, and the discoveries that shaped her journey abroad. Together, we explore how music becomes a living conversation across time, memory, and human connection. This is a story about listening with the heart and remembering that every rediscovered note brings the past beautifully into the present.  Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler. 

Some people take trips. Evlyn Mondo built an entirely new life through travel. Her journey from science labs and academic classrooms in Quebec to leading a luxury villa in Barbados is a story of reinvention guided by courage, intuition, and heart. As CEO and Managing Director of Villa Casablanca at Sandy Lane, Evlyn is redefining what luxury truly means by shifting the focus from opulence to connection, sustainability, and experiences that stay with people long after they return home. Drawing from her perspective as both traveler and host, Evlyn curates stays that feel deeply personal and emotionally meaningful. She shares how thoughtful details, cultural immersion, private chef experiences, and eco-conscious practices come together to create space for guests to slow down, celebrate life’s milestones, and reconnect with themselves and each other. “Luxury isn’t about excess,” Evlyn says. “It’s about presence and creating space for people to reconnect with themselves, with each other, and with the place they’re in.” Her story goes beyond hospitality. Evlyn shares stories about identity, bravery, leadership, and the choice to design a life aligned with purpose. She reminds us that reinvention isn’t about losing who we were, but expanding into who we’re meant to become. 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. 

We often think of travel as moving across maps with new cities, new landscapes, new horizons. But the most profound journeys happen in ways you cannot trace on a globe. They happen through music. Through sound. Through the stories hidden in every note. Pianist Terry Eder lives life and art emboding this idea. Her performances have taken her from Carnegie Hall to Alice Tully Hall and beyond, but she doesn’t just play music, she inhabits it. Every piece she touches carries history, culture, memory, and emotion. Her devotion to Hungarian twentieth-century composers even led her to live in Hungary behind the Iron Curtain, immersing herself in a world that shaped the very music she performs today. “To truly play the music you must understand the people who lived it.” In this conversation on Speaking of Travel, Terry shares what it means to select a program like a journey, how music can bridge cultures, and why a piano recital is storytelling, connection, and remembrance. We explore vulnerability, identity, memory, and how audiences often feel the depth of a piece even without knowing its history. We also trace Terry’s beginnings in Detroit, the moment she realized music was her calling, and the ways her life practicing law and performing music intertwined to deepen her artistry.  Through teaching, curating, and founding the Key Pianists series, she continues to guide new listeners and seasoned audiences alike toward a deeper understanding of sound, culture, and human emotion. This episode is about music as a journey, sound as story, and the way one life devoted to music can illuminate places, histories, and hearts far beyond the stage. Terry guides and shares the spaces where memory, culture, and melody meet the light between the notes. 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. 

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) stands out because it understands its role as more than a transportation hub and more like an active member of the Western North Carolina community it serves. AVL is intentionally doing the work to ensure that its customers are, quite literally, served by their neighbors.  The team at AVL operates as a community within a community, grounded in shared purpose, mutual respect, and a deep understanding of place. This commitment shows up in how service is delivered: thoughtful, steady, and human. It’s customer service is designed to reflect local values while meeting the real operational demands of a growing airport. From a business perspective, this approach matters. By investing in its people and cultivating a culture of internal care, AVL creates sustainable service that holds up under pressure, builds trust with travelers and partners, and supports long-term growth. This is not accidental. It’s strategic.  AVL demonstrates how purpose-driven leadership, community alignment, and operational excellence can reinforce one another. It’s why this airport deserves attention, not just admiration. AVL offers a model worth studying for anyone interested in the future of customer service, workforce sustainability, and how infrastructure can truly serve the people who call a place home. 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 Karen Urosevich, founder of Well Placed Travel, where she helps people discover the places that bring them purpose, peace, and joy. After a 20+ year career leading global design and development projects, Karen followed her calling, and her own wanderlust, to help others explore the world in ways that transform, restore, and inspire.  With nearly 40 countries explored and certifications in yoga and Reiki, she blends culture, wellness, and thoughtful planning into journeys that protect your time, your investment, and your sense of wonder. In this episode of Speaking of Travel, Karen gets real about shedding old identities, navigating grief and reinvention, and how travel became a mirror for self-discovery. She shares the birth of Well Placed Travel, the challenges and rewards of helping people find their place, and the deeper truths behind what we think we want from travel versus what we truly crave.  Whether you’re chasing restoration, adventure, or clarity, Karen’s insights will make you see travel, and yourself, in a whole new way. Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.