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What can a piece of pottery tell us about the people who lived thousands of years ago? And how did a simple riverside fish fry become a tradition that brought entire communities together? In recognition of South Carolina Archaeology Month, I visited the Native American Studies Center in Lancaster, South Carolina, to sit down with Dr. Stephen Criswell, Director of Native American Studies at USC Lancaster and professor of English and folklore. For more than 20 years, he's worked alongside Native American communities, documenting their stories, studying traditional art, and helping preserve cultural histories that haven't always received the attention they deserve. His work has also earned him the Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award. Our conversation took us in some unexpected directions, from the remarkable pottery traditions of the Catawba Nation to the origins of Carolina fish camps, Piedmont blues, and even local legends like the Lizard Man. I especially enjoyed hearing Dr. Criswell's perspective on the creativity behind ancient pottery and the importance of allowing communities to tell their own stories. He also shared some unforgettable experiences from his years of research, including one that reminded me just how much trust matters when someone shares a piece of their history. And you'll want to stay for his answer to my final question. It genuinely gave me goosebumps. Episode Highlights [03:14] - Dr. Criswell shares how growing up in North Carolina and his early interest in Irish folklore influenced his career. [05:29] - Why cultural traditions are so difficult to erase, even after generations of hardship and change. [06:54] - How meeting Catawba potters sparked a deeper interest in Native American traditions and eventually brought him to USC Lancaster. [08:50] - What visitors should know about the Native American Studies Center and the vibrant Native communities in South Carolina today. [11:00] - Why allowing Native American communities to tell their own stories is central to the center's mission. [13:02] - What traditional pottery, baskets, and handmade objects can reveal about the lives and creativity of earlier generations. [15:55] - The surprising story of an oversized Catawba pottery piece and the human desire to create something beautiful. [16:54] - How traditional artists balance preserving cultural practices with expressing their own creativity. [18:41] - The fascinating symbolism behind Georgia Harris's Rebecca snake pitcher and its connection to Catawba traditions. [20:29] - Bigfoot, the Lizard Man, and the Southern tradition of sharing local legends. [21:14] - The origins of Carolina fish camps and how Luther Lineberger helped turn riverside fish fries into a regional dining tradition. [23:47] - Growing up around fish camps and why these restaurants became such an important part of life for textile mill families. [25:42] - Why Carolina fish camps began disappearing and how the remaining restaurants continue serving their communities. [27:07] - The connection between Piedmont blues, Southern food traditions, and transforming adversity into beauty. [28:20] - Dr. Criswell reflects on his research with Native American communities in the Lowcountry and the personal stories that have stayed with him. [30:47] - A memorable interview with Catawba elder Elsie Blue George and what it taught him about earning someone's trust. [32:30] - Dr. Criswell shares his favorite words of wisdom and a touching story about love, loss, and finding meaning in unexpected places. I hope this conversation encourages you to think about the stories behind the places you visit, the traditions you experience, and the people who keep those traditions alive. There's so much we can learn when we take the time to listen. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and leave a review, and share it with someone who enjoys discovering history, culture, and the stories behind the places we explore. Your support means so much and helps me continue bringing these conversations to you!

To begin this new season, we’re exploring what archaeology can teach us about South Carolina’s past. An artifact, a piece of pottery, or even the land itself can reveal parts of history that were never written down and help us better understand the people who came before us. I had the opportunity to sit down with South Carolina State Archaeologist Chris Judge at the South Carolina State Museum. Chris has spent more than 35 years studying Native American history and archaeology across the state, and our conversation explores the stories beneath our feet, the discoveries still being made, and why preserving the past matters. Chris has such a genuine enthusiasm for this work, and I think you’ll hear throughout our conversation that archaeology is about so much more than finding old things. It is about connecting objects to stories, giving context to what was left behind, and recognizing our own responsibility for what future generations will inherit. Episode Highlights [0:54] - Beginning a new season with the stories beneath our feet and why preserving South Carolina’s history matters. [3:15] - How travel changes our perspective and helps us notice the history hiding in the places closest to home. [5:41] - Looking beyond museum displays to understand the surveying, documentation and preservation behind archaeology. [6:38] - The unexpected discovery of a 5,000-year-old Savannah River point on my own property—and all of the questions one object left behind. [8:06] - Connecting archaeology with 100 Things to Do in South Carolina Before You Die and asking who decides which places and stories are remembered. [11:41] - Meeting South Carolina State Archaeologist Chris Judge and discovering how National Geographic inspired his lifelong interest in archaeology. [13:12] - The South Carolina archaeological site that changed the trajectory of Chris’s career and became a 20-year research project. [14:26] - What a state archaeologist actually does, including maintaining records for approximately 38,000 archaeological sites across South Carolina. [16:34] - Exploring underwater archaeology, a centuries-old shipwreck, the Topper archaeological site, ancient pottery, plant research and some of the fascinating projects happening across the state. [20:40] - What modern science can reveal from ancient artifacts, including evidence left behind in the tiny crevices of stone tools. [21:23] - What happens when highways, buildings and other development projects encounter archaeological or historic sites. [23:46] - The challenges facing South Carolina archaeology, from funding and rapid development to coastal erosion and sea-level rise. [26:01] - Returning to my Savannah River point and discovering what coastal shell rings can tell us about life thousands of years ago. [26:58] - What archaeology has had to “unlearn” and why collaboration with Native American communities has become an essential part of the work. [28:51] - What should you actually do if you discover an arrowhead, pottery or another possible artifact? [31:16] - Why you should never remove archaeological artifacts from state or federal lands. [32:00] - Ground-penetrating radar, LIDAR, blood-residue analysis and the technologies changing what the next generation of archaeologists may discover. [33:11] - Chris shares one of his most recent finds—and the story it revealed about Columbia’s historic Wheeler Hill community. [34:42] - From a Spanish kiln to a pair of scissors, Chris shares memorable discoveries and how even ordinary objects can help archaeologists reconstruct a story. [36:45] - Why archaeology is not simply about finding old things, but recovering relationships between objects, places, people and generations. [37:15] - Considering the evidence we are creating today and asking what people hundreds of years from now might understand about us. [39:18] - Why preserving our own stories, memories and context may be an important part of the legacy we leave behind. [41:47] - Closing with a reminder that we have inherited only part of the story—and what happens to the chapter in our care is partly up to us. The past is all around us, and sometimes it takes slowing down and paying attention to recognize the stories that are still there. I hope this conversation encourages you to look a little closer at the places you know and think about the stories we each have a responsibility to preserve. If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow the podcast, share it with a friend, and take a moment to leave a rating and review. It truly helps more people discover the stories and voices shared here.

In this episode, I travel to Keqiao, an ancient water town in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, where history stretches back more than 1,700 years. But beneath the canals, stone bridges, and historic buildings lies a much deeper story—one written millions of years ago. I sit down with Fang Lei (Florence), the co-founder of the Pangu Fossil Museum, to talk about how a personal passion for fossils unexpectedly turned into a museum with more than 3,000 ancient specimens. Florence and her husband never planned to build a museum. They were interior designers from Hong Kong who simply loved collecting fossils. But when they discovered the perfect historic building in Keqiao, their private collection became something bigger—a place for education, curiosity, and wonder. We talk about how fossils change the way we see our place in history, why she curates the museum differently from traditional institutions, and how the project eventually led to Shaoxing’s first museum-themed homestay for visiting scientists and travelers. Episode Highlights [00:00] – Introducing Keqiao, an ancient water town where a story millions of years old lies beneath the ground. [02:02] – How the Pangu Fossil Museum began and why Florence and her husband chose to share their private fossil collection with the public. [06:23] – The unexpected beginning: a fossil discovered during a design project in Shanghai sparks a lifelong passion. [07:23] – Finding the perfect Jiangnan-style historic building and transforming it into a museum in Keqiao. [09:19] – Why standing in front of ancient fossils reminds us how small humans are in the timeline of Earth. [10:54] – Florence explains how she curates fossils differently—treating them as both scientific artifacts and works of natural beauty. [11:52] – Teaching students that dinosaurs once lived right beneath Zhejiang’s soil. [14:15] – Scientists begin visiting the museum, inspiring the creation of Shaoxing’s first museum-themed homestay. [16:50] – Florence shares her philosophy on following intuition and learning new skills along the way. [18:30] – Closing reflection: why preserving fossils helps us understand the deeper story of life on Earth. Links and Resources This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at us.ceair.com. Interested in visiting this homestay? You can find them on Trip.com  https://www.trip.com/w/YPUkzsE7aT2 Follow Amelia Instagram: @AmeliaOldOfficial Website: https://AmeliaOld.com If you enjoyed this episode of Voices of Inspiration, please take a moment to follow the podcast, leave a rating, share the episode, and write a review. Your support helps these stories reach more people around the world.

In this episode, I take you to Shaoxing, a historic city in China’s Zhejiang Province where an ancient tradition continues to shape daily life. Known for producing Shaoxing yellow rice wine, this region has been crafting its signature brew for thousands of years using the same natural elements—local water, climate, and air—that make its flavor impossible to replicate anywhere else. But this story isn’t just about wine; it’s about culture, heritage, and the people working to keep traditions alive. I sit down with Zhu Qingli, the founder of a unique homestay dedicated entirely to Shaoxing wine culture. He shares how guests can experience the full journey—from learning the craft to brewing their own jar of wine—and why preserving this centuries-old tradition matters so deeply to him. Along the way, we explore the philosophy behind traditional craftsmanship, the meaning of cultural preservation, and what it truly takes to dedicate your life to something you love. Episode Highlights [0:00] – In Shaoxing, guests experience something far beyond a typical visit. Travelers learn the ancient process of brewing yellow rice wine and leave with a small clay jar containing the wine they helped create—often sealed with personal wishes or blessings. [1:05] – Shaoxing’s reputation for yellow rice wine comes from a rare combination of natural elements. The local water from Jianhu Lake, the climate, and even the microorganisms in the air all contribute to a flavor that cannot easily be recreated anywhere else. [3:00] – Huangjiu, often translated as “yellow rice wine,” is introduced along with its brewing process. Unlike grape wine, it’s brewed more like beer using glutinous rice, creating complex flavors that can be sweet, nutty, earthy, or savory. [6:50] – Zhu Qingli shares the story behind his homestay, a cultural space designed to help visitors—especially international travelers—understand the history, craftsmanship, and cultural importance of Shaoxing wine. [9:34] – The fascinating Kaiba stage of brewing reveals how the winemaker’s personality can influence the final taste. Patience, instinct, and attention during fermentation leave subtle marks on every batch. [11:19] – Guests at the homestay experience the entire journey of the craft: observing traditional methods, learning the history behind the process, tasting the wine, and eventually brewing their own jar. [12:43] – Zhu discusses his book Searching for the Taste of Shaoxing, which explores the city’s culinary traditions, cultural customs, and hospitality practices—including the ceremonial ten-course meal served to honored guests. [14:43] – A meaningful ritual allows visitors to take home the jar of wine they created. Many choose to write messages or blessings inside before sealing the jar, turning the experience into a personal memory. [15:45] – One memorable guest arrived from Beijing knowing very little about Shaoxing wine but left deeply inspired. The experience sparked a friendship with Zhu and eventually led the visitor to help promote Shaoxing wine culture. [18:07] – Zhu reflects on the belief that passion and dedication give meaning to difficult work. Even without large financial rewards, preserving this tradition remains a life choice he feels proud of. Links and Resources: This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at us.ceair.com. Interested in visiting this homestay? You can find them on Trip.com https://www.trip.com/w/k4gak3FtPT2

Shen’ao Village sits just outside Hangzhou in China’s Zhejiang province, where stone paths wind between centuries-old courtyard homes and daily life unfolds much as it has for generations. Walking through the village, I noticed neighbors greeting one another, doors open along the narrow streets, and conversations drifting between homes and courtyards. It’s here that I met Joanne, who left city life behind to restore a 240-year-old courtyard house and open Eight Blessings Inn, a nine-room bed and breakfast rooted in hospitality, conversation, and community.  Our conversation explores the dream that led Joanne from Hong Kong and Shanghai to this thousand-year-old village, the bold decision to start over later in life, and the challenges she faced while restoring the inn during the pandemic. Along the way, we talk about the meaning behind the name Eight Blessings, the importance of face-to-face connection in a fast-moving world, and why returning to a simpler way of living can create the space where meaningful moments happen. Episode Highlights [00:00] – Walking through Shen’ao Village for the first time and the storybook feeling that immediately came to mind. [01:25] – The moment I realized Joanne’s deep care for others after she insisted on helping me seek treatment for an injury. [03:20] – The thousand-year history of Shen’ao Village and the ancient drainage system that still functions today. [04:24] – Joanne shares how she moved from Hong Kong to the village and started Eight Blessings Inn. [05:18] – Her first attempt at opening a bed and breakfast in Shanghai—and why it had to close after only a year. [09:39] – Renovating a historic courtyard home just before the COVID lockdown brought construction to a halt. [12:49] – Why Joanne believes face-to-face conversation has become one of life’s greatest luxuries. [17:44] – The unique cultural experiences guests can experience in the village, from crafts workshops to learning local history. [19:35] – Joanne’s philosophy on happiness and why she believes life is best lived simply. Links and Resources: Eight Blessings Inn – Bed and breakfast in Shen’ao Village near Hangzhou This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported Amelia’s travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at: https://us.ceair.com/en/Follow Amelia Instagram: @AmeliaOldOfficial Website: https://AmeliaOld.com If you enjoyed this episode of Voices of Inspiration, please take a moment to follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who might appreciate the story. Your support helps these conversations reach more listeners around the world.

Anthony Bourdain once said you learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together. Sitting at a dinner table at Qianhuang Bay Homestay in Zhejiang Province, that idea couldn’t have felt more true. Even though we didn’t share the same language, the evening was filled with laughter, toasts, and small gestures that made it clear I was welcome. It was one of those rare moments where connection happened naturally—through smiles, shared food, and simply choosing to be present with one another.  In this conversation, I sit down with Zhu Xiaokui, the founder of Qianhuang Bay, to talk about why he chose to return to his hometown in Xiling Village and open his home to travelers. We talk about building something meaningful in the place you come from, the role community plays in shaping the future of a village, and why success for him isn’t measured by recognition—but by family being together, neighbors supporting one another, and the time we give to the people around us. Episode Highlights [00:00] – A dinner table in Zhejiang Province and why Anthony Bourdain’s words about sharing a meal felt especially true that night. [01:08] – Navigating a language barrier while sitting around the table—and realizing that connection can happen through smiles, gestures, and shared moments. [02:30] – A night of toasts, laughter, and hospitality that made a foreign place feel unexpectedly like home. [05:22] – The story behind Qianhuang Bay Homestay, built to preserve the surrounding landscape while welcoming travelers into village life. [07:22] – Zhu Xiaokui explains why he returned to Xiling Village after working in the city and chose to build something in the place he calls home. [10:07] – How cooperation between homestays transformed the village into a network of more than 30 family-run stays working together rather than competing. [13:14] – What travelers can experience throughout the seasons—from harvesting tea in the mountains to exploring rivers, forests, and local traditions. [16:52] – The story of Qianhuang Well and the local legend connected to Emperor Qianlong. Links & Resources This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at us.ceair.comFollow Amelia Instagram: @AmeliaOldOfficial Website: https://AmeliaOld.com If you enjoyed this episode of Voices of Inspiration, please take a moment to follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who might appreciate the story. Your support helps these conversations reach more listeners around the world.

This week, I found myself reflecting on two moments that happened thousands of miles apart but carried the same quiet message about intention, connection, and peace. It began as I stood in the middle of a crowd in Great Falls, South Carolina, watching Buddhist monks walk through town on a journey for peace that stretches from Texas to Washington, D.C. In that moment, I passed along a scarf I had carried since my trek to Everest Base Camp years ago—a small gesture that connected past and present in a way I didn’t fully understand until later.  In this episode, I take you with me to Jingshan Mountain near Hangzhou, China, where I was invited into the centuries-old tradition of the Jingshan Tea Banquet and the art of Dian Cha, a ceremonial method of whisking tea rooted in Zen philosophy and presence. I sit down with tea master Zhang Hongyan, who returned to her hometown to preserve this cultural tradition while creating opportunities for women in her community. Together we talk about tea, heritage, family pride, and how one cup shared between strangers can turn into something much more meaningful.  Episode Highlights [00:00] – I witness Buddhist monks walking through Great Falls, South Carolina on a cross-country walk for peace—and share a personal moment that connects my Everest journey to theirs. [02:28] – I introduce the ancient Jingshan Tea Banquet tradition and the art of Dian Cha, a ceremonial tea practice rooted in China’s Tang and Song dynasties. [05:52] – Tea master Zhang Hongyan shares why she returned to her hometown to open a tea-focused homestay and preserve traditional tea culture. [07:40] – We talk about how serving tea becomes a bridge between strangers and why connection—not just tea—is at the heart of the ceremony. [08:30] – Zhang explains how teaching tea culture has created career opportunities for women in her rural community. [13:10] – A powerful moment: Zhang shares how seeing her parents’ pride in her work reminded her why this path matters. [15:19] – I reflect on a simple but profound lesson her mother shared: sometimes the answer isn’t advice—it’s slowing down with a cup of tea. Links and Resources This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at us.ceair.com. Follow Amelia Instagram: @AmeliaOldOfficial Website: https://AmeliaOld.com If this episode spoke to you, I hope you’ll share it with someone who could use a reminder to slow down and maybe enjoy a cup of tea. And if you enjoyed this conversation, please take a moment to follow, rate, and leave a review of Voices of Inspiration. It helps these stories reach the people who need them most.

I walked into a small building outside my homestay in Changxing County without really knowing what I was about to experience. What started as a simple spa treatment turned into something much deeper—a quiet lesson in slowing down. Sitting in a traditional herbal bath, with nothing to distract me but my own thoughts, I realized how uncomfortable it can be to simply be still. That moment became the beginning of a conversation about presence, hospitality, and the ways different cultures approach rest and connection.  In this episode, I travel to the famous Ginkgo Corridor in Zhejiang, China, where thousands of ancient ginkgo trees stretch through the valley—some more than a thousand years old. I sit down with Zhou Junbei, the owner of Yingxing Guli Homestay, who left city life behind to build a place rooted in family values, community, and meaningful experiences for travelers. We talk about the inspiration behind her homestay, the symbolism of the ginkgo tree, and why creating moments that bring people together may be the most important work of all.  Episode Highlights [00:00] – I arrive at a spa treatment without knowing what to expect and quickly discover how difficult it can be to slow down and sit quietly with my thoughts. [02:07] – I introduce Changxing County and the famous Ginkgo Corridor, home to tens of thousands of ancient ginkgo trees. [03:29] – I meet Zhou Junbei, owner of Yingxing Guli Homestay, and hear the story behind how her homestay began. [07:54] – Zhou shares how her upbringing in an artistic family shaped the values and atmosphere she brings to her homestay. [10:29] – We talk about the symbolism of the ginkgo tree in Chinese culture and how its longevity reflects strength and resilience. [12:31] – Zhou explains the seasonal experiences guests can enjoy—from herbal baths and traditional medicine therapies to tea picking in the mountains. [15:41] – A powerful story about recognizing a guest’s severe allergic reaction reminds Zhou why caring for people like family matters. [22:26] – I reflect on the kindness and small gestures that made my stay feel less like visiting and more like belonging. Links and Resources This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at us.ceair.com. For more information about Yinxing Guli Homestay and planning your own visit, you can find their listing here: https://us.trip.com/hotels/changxing-hotel-detail-9055720/yinxing-guli-hotel/  Follow Amelia Instagram: @AmeliaOldOfficial Website: https://AmeliaOld.com If this episode stayed with you, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder to slow down. And if you enjoyed the episode, please follow, rate, and review Voices of Inspiration wherever you listen. Your support helps these stories reach more people around the world.

In this episode, I travel to a small village in Changxing County where one family tradition has been preserved for more than five generations. Surrounded by tea hills and ancient ginkgo trees, I visit Yunqishe Homestay and meet Mr. Feng Xiaoping, a fifth-generation producer of Wumei, a traditional smoked plum that has been made the same way for centuries. What I discovered there wasn’t just a unique food—it was a story about responsibility, heritage, and the people who choose to carry traditions forward.  During my time there, I also experienced what it feels like to navigate the world entirely through translation. Every conversation arrived a moment later, and that shift changed the way I listened, observed, and connected with people around me. In my conversation with Mr. Feng, we talk about preserving cultural heritage, building a homestay rooted in local traditions, and why sharing these stories with visitors from around the world helps keep them alive for the next generation.  Episode Highlights [00:00] – I introduce the village where plums are still smoked by hand and the story of a fifth-generation Wumei producer continuing a family legacy. [01:23] – I reflect on what it felt like navigating daily life in China through translation and how it changed the way I paid attention to others. [03:38] – We meet Mr. Feng Xiaoping, the owner of Yunqishe Homestay, who is working to preserve and share the Wumei tradition. [06:10] – Mr. Feng explains what Wumei is and the traditional process used to smoke the plums for nearly 48 hours. [08:12] – We discuss how he blends modern hospitality with deeply rooted cultural traditions inside his homestay. [11:17] – Mr. Feng shares what he hopes guests take home after visiting—an appreciation for the cultural legacies passed down through generations. [13:46] – Visitors can participate in local experiences, from preparing traditional foods to exploring the surrounding countryside. [16:51] – Mr. Feng shares his words of wisdom: why working together as a team allows traditions and communities to thrive. Links and Resources This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at us.ceair.com. Follow Amelia Instagram: @AmeliaOldOfficial Website: https://AmeliaOld.com If this episode gave you a new way to think about the places you visit, consider sharing it with someone who might enjoy it too. And if you enjoyed the conversation, please take a moment to follow, rate, and review Voices of Inspiration wherever you listen. Your support helps these stories reach more people around the world.

In this episode, I take you to Miaoxi in Zhejiang Province, China, a quiet region surrounded by endless tea mountains where life slows down and hospitality takes on a whole new meaning. What began as a journey from Shanghai turned into an unforgettable stay at a countryside homestay run by a local woman named Wang Ying and her family. From the moment I stepped into the room and saw the view stretching across the tea hills, I knew this experience was going to be something special. During our conversation, Wang Ying shares how she left her corporate job to return home and build a lifestyle centered around family, culture, and welcoming travelers from around the world. We talk about what a true homestay experience looks like, the traditions guests can experience throughout the seasons, and how hosting people from different cultures has shaped her life and her community. Episode Highlights [0:00] – Arriving in China’s tea country and the first breathtaking view of the mountains from my room. [1:32] – Welcome to Miaoxi in Zhejiang Province, where tea production shapes the landscape and daily life. [2:55] – A travel tip: using AI to help translate and solve small problems when navigating language barriers abroad. [3:40] – An unexpected hike through the tea fields to the top of the mountain with locals and my translator, Joanna. [5:10] – Wang Ying introduces herself and explains what a homestay truly means in her village. [7:09] – Why she left her career in finance to return home and create a lifestyle built around travel, culture, and community. [9:24] – Memorable guest experiences, including celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival with visitors from Europe. [11:49] – Raising her son in the homestay environment and the life lessons she hopes he learns from it. [13:22] – A powerful reflection: how spending a night in the mountains can make life’s challenges feel manageable. Links and Resources This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at us.ceair.com. Interested in visiting this homestay?  Huzhou Miaoxi Slide Meisu https://www.trip.com/hotels/v2/huzhou-hotel-detail-44559210/huzhou-miaoxi-slide-meisu/ Follow Amelia Instagram: @AmeliaOldOfficial Website: https://AmeliaOld.com If you enjoyed this episode of Voices of Inspiration, don’t forget to follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who might enjoy these stories too. Your support helps more people discover the show and keeps these conversations going.

Most Americans picture Shanghai as a skyline—but being inside the city feels completely different than the photos. In this episode, I share my first impressions of Shanghai during my recent trip to China, from the energy outside Yu Garden to quiet moments that made me stop and reflect on how wide the world really is. Standing in the middle of a crowded marketplace halfway across the globe, I found myself thinking about the life paths we see growing up—and the ones we don’t even realize are possible yet.  I also talk about the moments that stayed with me most: a man quietly praying at a temple, couples dancing together in a public park, and the surprising sense of safety I felt exploring the city alone. Along the way, I share practical travel tips—from the apps that made navigating China easier to experiences like the Shanghai Observatory and a nighttime river cruise. This episode is a look at the human side of Shanghai—the small moments between the famous landmarks that make a place truly memorable.  Episode Highlights [00:00] – I introduce Shanghai and explain why the city feels very different once you’re actually there. [01:05] – Standing outside Yu Garden, I reflect on how traveling later in life changed the way I see the world and the paths we think are available to us. [05:03] – A powerful moment at Jing’an Temple where I watched a man quietly pray and leave with tears in his eyes. [06:41] – I visit Peace Park, where older couples gather to dance, socialize, and enjoy life after raising their families. [07:30] – Exploring different neighborhoods in Shanghai—from luxury shopping streets to quiet historic Shikumenalleyways. [09:23] – My experience walking alone around Shanghai and why the city felt surprisingly safe for solo travel. [10:00] – Visiting the Shanghai Observatory and taking in a 360-degree view of the city from the 118th floor. [11:00] – A nighttime Huangpu River cruise reveals the dramatic contrast between the historic Bund and the futuristic skyline of Pudong. [11:40] – Practical travel tips: the essential apps that made navigating China easier, including WeChat, Alipay, Didi, and translation tools. Links and Resources This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at us.ceair.com. Follow Amelia Instagram: @AmeliaOldOfficial Website: https://AmeliaOld.com If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more listeners discover these stories. And if this episode reminded you how wide the world really is, share it with someone who might need that reminder too. 🌍

After an unexpected year-long break, Amelia returns to Voices of Inspiration with a candid look at why the past year pulled her in a different direction and how she found her way back to the mic. In this episode, she reflects on a year shaped by significant challenges, including a family emergency that required her full attention. She also reflects on completing 100 Things to Do in South Carolina Before You Die and what’s ahead for 2026. Now that the manuscript is turned in and life feels steadier, Amelia is back behind the mic with a clearer understanding of why these conversations matter and why this season felt like the right time to return. This season includes interviews with homestay owners in China, specifically in Shanghai and Zhejiang, whose work supports their communities through local hiring, cultural preservation, and the use of homegrown or locally sourced products. Whether you’ve been listening from the start or tuning in for the first time, this episode brings you up to date and sets the direction for what’s ahead.

Explore the strength and unity of Bryson City, North Carolina, as Erin Smith, owner of Humanité Boutique, shares her journey as a small business owner during challenging times. Learn how the community came together after Hurricane Helene, the lessons that shaped their recovery, and the impact of supporting one another. Erin’s story reveals the importance of connection, resilience, and creating a meaningful legacy, all set against the backdrop of Bryson City’s natural beauty and holiday charm.

In this episode, I sit down with a leader who helps shape the story of one of North Carolina’s most beloved mountain towns. Bryson City, nestled in the Smoky Mountains, is known for its small-town charm, outdoor adventure, and holiday traditions—but recently the community faced an unexpected challenge when Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina. In our conversation, we talk about the spirit of Bryson City, the resilience of its people, and how a tight-knit community came together when it mattered most.  You’ll hear from the Executive Director of the Swain County Tourism Development Authority about what it takes to promote a destination that so many people love, how tourism supports the local economy, and why visitors returning after a disaster can make a real difference. We also talk about Bryson City’s magical holiday traditions—from the Polar Express train ride to festive downtown lights—and why this mountain town continues to feel like stepping into a Hallmark movie during Christmas.  Episode Highlights [01:09] – My guest shares her role as Executive Director of the Swain County Tourism Development Authority and how tourism helps support Bryson City and the surrounding region. [02:24] – A look back at how she first entered the tourism and hospitality industry after graduating college and discovering her passion for travel marketing. [04:51] – What makes Bryson City special: the community’s strong roots, family heritage, and welcoming small-town spirit. [07:08] – We discuss the impact of Hurricane Helene on Western North Carolina and how Bryson City experienced flooding while neighboring communities faced devastating damage. [14:07] – A powerful story about local business owners standing together in floodwaters to protect their downtown businesses. [18:40] – How Bryson City communicated with visitors and helped coordinate recovery efforts while supporting neighboring counties. [25:19] – Why tourism matters now more than ever—and how responsible travel helps communities rebuild after natural disasters. [29:55] – Holiday traditions in Bryson City, including the Polar Express train ride, festive downtown lights, and seasonal attractions. Links and Resources https://www.explorebrysoncity.com/ Instagram: @AmeliaOldOfficial Website: https://AmeliaOld.com If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, and review Voices of Inspiration wherever you listen. It helps more listeners discover these stories—and helps communities like Bryson City continue sharing their spirit with the world.

In this episode, I speak with the Tourism and Marketing Director of Beech Mountain, North Carolina, about what the High Country has experienced in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. While some communities faced devastating losses, Beech Mountain and surrounding areas have been working tirelessly to recover, support neighbors, and prepare to welcome visitors back for winter season. We talk about the uncertainty during the first days after the storm, when roads were washed out, communication was down, and residents were temporarily isolated on the mountain.  Despite those challenges, the resilience and generosity of people from across the country became a powerful reminder of how communities come together in difficult moments. In our conversation, we also discuss how visitors can responsibly support the High Country right now, what travelers can expect during winter on Beech Mountain, and why experiencing the natural beauty of the mountains can be such a powerful source of healing.  Episode Highlights [01:31] – My guest shares her role as Tourism and Marketing Director for Beech Mountain and what drew her to the mountain community after years in South Florida. [02:55] – We talk about Hurricane Helene’s impact on the High Country and the early days when roads were washed out and communication was cut off. [06:19] – Stories of generosity and volunteers arriving from across the country to bring supplies and support to mountain communities. [09:13] – What visitors can expect when traveling to Beech Mountain this winter and how the community is preparing for ski season. [11:24] – Popular winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and the town’s free sledding hill for kids. [12:45] – Ways travelers can make a positive impact by supporting local businesses during their visit. [15:29] – A moving story about a dispatcher who stayed at work helping others even after learning her own home had been destroyed. [20:41] – Inspiring moments of first responders and local volunteers going above and beyond to care for residents during the storm. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the show and leaving a rating or review wherever you listen. Your support helps more people discover these stories—and helps communities like Beech Mountain continue sharing their spirit with the world.