World Footprints: Recent Episodes
World Footprints
World Footprints is a heart-centered Social Impact travel media company where travelers of conscience and culture can come for information, engagement, education, entertainment and inspiration in the travel space.
The multi award-winning World Footprints platform was founded by Tonya & Ian Fitzpatrick, two lawyers who have merged their passion for meaningful travel and their support for social justice. World Footprints is guided by a belief in our common humanity. That principle is expressed in the Zulu word Ubuntu “I am because we are” and Tat tvam asi, a Hindu word that translates “I see the other in myself and myself in others”. The philosophy of unity guides the socially minded stories that are found throughout the World Footprints multimedia platform.
In this episode of World Footprints, hosts Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick share the Power of Children exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. They speak to Monica Ramsey, Director of exhibits and interactive media, as she guides them through the Power of Children: Making a Different exhibit and shares the stories of four extraordinary children who have significantly impacted the world - Ruby Bridges, Ryan White, Malala Yousafzai, and Anne Frank.
In this second episode of our interview with Keith Stokes, advisor to the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, we continue learning about Newport's underrepresented history during our walk through God’s Little Acre.In Episode One, Keith introduced us to prominent Africans like Pompey Brenton who lay buried in God’s Little Acre. In this second episode, Keith sheds light on the significance of this burial site and the stories of the people who were laid to rest there, providing a deeper understanding of the African presence in Newport's history.
In this episode of the World Footprint podcast, we have the privilege of interviewing Keith Stokes, advisor to the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. Keith walks with us through the colonial African burying ground of God's Little Acre in Newport, Rhode Island and he shares many of the unrepresented stories that are etched in the grave markers.
Did you know that there is a connection between Emmett Till's murder and Rosa Parks? That is one of many stories we learn about as we walk through the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See exhibit as the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. In today’s episode, we speak to Shanna Martin, director of training and professional development at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Shanna gives us a preview of the Emmett Till exhibit and shares some lesser known stories about his murder and the events that followed.
Shalom Y'all!
In this World Footprints episode, Kenneth Hoffman, Executive Director at the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience (MSJE), gives us a guided tour and explains in depth how Jews in the American South influenced and were influenced by the cultural heritage of their local communities. Tune in to learn more about the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, why it was founded, its significance beyond the Jewish community, and the collection of all the artifacts in the museum.
In this episode, we speak to Lawrence Phillips, founder and CEO of Green Book Global, which is on the mission to inspire and empower black travelers so they can travel the world in confidence. And his website has become one of the trusted sources that black travelers rely on, not just for every experience, but to learn about destinations from a safety standpoint, as well as have fun.
Who doesn't love New Orleans? It's one of America's greatest cities and a World Footprints favorite because of it's rich culture, history and constant innovation. Oh yeah...the food!!!
In this episode of World Footprints, Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick talk with Vue Orleans developers Paul Flower and Henry Coaxum. They will share a bird’s eye view of New Orleans from the top of Vue Orleans, an extraordinary new museum that dives deep into the city's history that Henry Louis Gates is helping to tell.
See New Orleans like you've never seen her before atop a 34th floor observation deck and experience the richness of New Orleans history as cutting-edge technology immerses visitors into the spirit and soul of the city. Experience a love letter to New Orleans inside the new Vue Orleans.
In this World Footprints podcast, Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick explore the life and times of Winston Churchill, his impact on the world and his relationship with the small town of Fulton, Missouri (MO).
Music is a powerful universal language where white musicians and black musicians come together, protect and stand by each other to create something special for their audience. And this inter-generational reach of music is the highlight of Martin Shore and Ian Neville's new film Take Me To The River: New Orleans.
The world has changed and so has the way we travel. We can no longer grab our passport and go. There are new requirements and other considerations so more thought and planning has to be incorporated before we pack our bags.
In this episode, Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick speak to award-winning travel journalist Tim Leffel about the things we should know about traveling today, especially, if we plan to travel for extended periods of time. As Tim says, “we can’t just wing it anymore.”
Whether you’ve been to New Orleans or not, you’ve seen them—the brass band that parades through the streets in a somber march only to erupt in a celebration of music, color and dance. Like the pied piper the band draws crowds who dance through the streets like it’s Mardi Gras.
That is the Second Line.
So what is a Second Line exactly?
In this episode of World Footprints, Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick visited The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) in the French Quarter to meet with two amazing guests, Judy Cooper and Eric Seiferth, who help us understand the history and traditions of the Second Line.
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Airline industry expert Kewwin McKenzie shares important airline tips that he's gained from his experience of traveling around the world during the pandemic and the common mistakes people make when booking airline tickets.
On this World Footprints episode, Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick speak to National Geographic Explorer and conservation photographer, Gabby Salazar, to hear about some inspiring stories of women change-makers profiled in her new book, No Boundaries.
Enjoy this interview with National Geographic Explorer, Gabby Salazar, as she shares inspiring stories from the women in STEM and STEAM (including the “art” discipline) who are changing the world.
Show notes are available at WorldFootprints.com
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In this episode, World Footprints hosts Tonya and Ian travel deeper with Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures, as he discusses his journey into the world of travel, with particular focus on his "5th Gear" as an immigrant and lessons learned from his experiences.
Bruce Poon Tip is the founder of G adventures, the world's largest small group adventure travel company that was conceived 30 years ago, during a solo backpack trip. Bruce started G adventures with nothing more than two credit cards, and a burning desire to create authentic, sustainable travel experiences. What he created was a community of social impact travelers.
Nancy Gardella, executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, says that Martha’s Vineyard is so much more than its pretty beaches and famous residents. Among the stories Nancy reveals is the Vineyard’s troubling story of colonization and the island’s surprising legacy of sign language.
How should we think about history when there's nothing to support a narrative?
The National Trust recently awarded 40 sites and organizations over $3 million in grants to preserve African American history. We'll hear about the mission and work of the African American Cultural Heritage Fund and we'll learn about this year's grant recipients. Some grantee's are a pleasant surprise.
In Karen’s new book Travel Mania: Stories of Wanderlust she explores the life-changing moments that only five decades of traveling can provide. With more than 90 countries under her belt Karen started her life of adventure and travel addiction when she left home at 17 for a solo trip in Europe.
There are many accidents, illnesses and medical mishaps that happen when we’re traveling and now we are adding COVID to the list. But the Travel Doctor will offer some sage advice on how to deal with it all.
Dr. Yvette McQueen, a travel enthusiast who travels for pleasure and work as an emergency physician. She’s on a mission to educate about health, travel, wellness and disease prevention.
There were several stories that emerged during our interview with Kimberly Stone including her advocacy for mental health awareness, her art brokerage company and editorial work in the fashion, luxury and beauty space. There may be a mention of some of those stories but we focused on her travels and her journey as a Black and gifted plus-sized model.
DC’s history is America’s history and there is so much of this country’s back story that JoAnn Hill has uncovered. In Secret Washington, DC, JoAnn unlocks some interesting history that’s been hiding in plain sight.
Dr. Betty Moseley Brown is one of the first women of color to join the U.S. Marine Corps in the 1970s. The U.S. Marine Corps is known as one of the most formidable military forces in the world, and its reputation is well-earned. So what would inspire a young Black woman in the 1970s to enlist in the Marine Corps and go through weeks of boot camp below the Mason Dixon line?
For "Down to Earth Month" in April, California Wines is celebrating the state's global leadership in sustainable winegrowing with a series of fun and informative virtual events and videos on Facebook Live and Instagram. Throughout April, the free livestream events and videos will present a variety of discussions, cooking demonstrations and virtual wine tastings focused on sustainability.
Like many of you who have visited Arlington National Cemetery, we have passed by the beautiful Military Women’s Memorial without realizing its significance OR the travel stories, life journeys and rich legacy of American Women’s Military history it maintains.
Behind the beautiful walls of the Memorial’s Hemicycle structure is a 33,000 square foot building that provides educational programs and exhibits. Its latest exhibit is called: The Color of Freedom: Honoring the Diversity of America’s Servicewomen.
The building also houses the only historical repository documenting all military women’s service.
Preserving the historical accounts of women’s service in the military is important. That’s why Military Women’s Memorial has launched a challenging, but important mission: to record the stories of EVERY woman who served or continues to serve our country through a free national registry.
Meet Matthew Maxey, Associate Director of Public Relations at Visit Franklin (Tennessee). He discusses the expanded historical narratives that Franklin is sharing beyond the Battlefield and Whiskey Trail.
If the streets could talk it would tell stories that many would soon forget because Franklin’s chapter in American history is a dark one thanks to its prominence in America’s Civil War. But Matthew says that Franklin understands the importance of sharing the full narrative of its history and that is why the city launched an initiative called The Fuller Story project.
What’s is like traveling with a hidden disability?
Meet Marika Devan, a self-described clumsy Californian with an obsession for exploring the world. Marika started a blog called Clumsy Girl Travels. But, truth is, Marika isn’t clumsy. She has a hidden disability called Ataxia.
Join us as we learn what it is like to travel the world with a hidden disability.
Have you ever thought what it would feel like to travel the world in silence?
For Nehama Rogozen, an avid traveler who happens to be deaf, her journeys around the world have not been in total silence because of Cochlear Implant technology. Nehama points out that she is deaf but not Deaf with a capital D and she explains the difference between those terms during our interview.
Our interview with Nehama is thought-provoking and insightful. She says that the deaf and hard of hearing community is diverse. Some think that the term “people with hearing loss” is inclusive and efficient, but it isn’t because individuals who were born deaf or hard of hearing do not think of themselves as having lost their hearing.
Economy Hall was the meeting place for the Société d'Economie et d'Assistance Mutuelle (Mutual Aid), a benevolent society that was formed in the early 1800s by Louisiana Creoles and free people of color in response to oppressive whites’ efforts to diminish their rights and prosperity. The strength of Economy Hall’s community endured through the era of slavery, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and Jim Crow terrorism.
In a story that is both personal and historical, author Fatima Shaik takes us on a journey that begins with the rescue of the library of ledgers, journals and papers by her father in the 1950s to the discovery that he had come to possess the documents that told the story of one of the most important institutions both for jazz and mutual aid for blacks in New Orleans—Economy Hall.
Join us as author Fatima Shaik uncovers the rich hidden history of a free Black brotherhood that was almost lost forever.
Deborah Douglas, author of the Moon’s U.S. Civil Rights Trail guide, talks with World Footprints about the places, people and events that were integral to the civil rights movement. Deborah traces the stories about the movement she grew up hearing about and she brings those stories to life in her book.
With profiles of national leaders and local heroes, helpful timelines, a suggested playlist and personal insights, Deborah’s U.S. Civil Rights Trail guide enhances the experience of a journey along the Trail.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton said, “The history of the past is but one long struggle upward to equality”. But the Civil Rights Trail is not a single long route like the scenic Appalachian Trail. As you’ll hear, the civil right trail includes attractions and experience across 15 states and new sites are constantly being added.
Join World Footprints as we explore the story of Black Americans’ fight for freedom and equality with U.S. Civil Rights Trail guide author Deborah Douglas.
Cordell Reaves is a Historic Preservation Program Analyst with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. In his role, Cordell strives to do preserve and illuminate the historical stories that have been overlooked and purposefully hidden from our historical narratives.
Cordell helps to develop educational programming and events that enable historical sites and destinations share their complete and inclusive stories.
Much of history has been rewritten in order to fit within someone else’s preferred narrative—one that is more comfortable to adopt. However, those whitewashed history diminishes and erases the significant contributions of enslaved and Indigenous people.
As Marcus Garvey said, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”. That is why the work that Cordell does to expand historical narratives is important. Our future is dependent upon understanding and sharing our past.
History Has Its Eyes On You is one of our favorite songs from the Broadway musical, Hamilton. The lyrics hold a cautionary reminder that “…You have no control who lives, who dies, who tells your story…”. As we know, the historical stories we’ve heard do not generally portray accurate and full narratives, especially, those involving early settlers like the Schuyler family and Founding Fathers like Alexander Hamilton.
So, how accurate are the stories we’ve been told about the Schuyler family and Alexander Hamilton?
Heidi Hill and Jessie Serfilippi from the Schuyler Mansion State Historical Site join us to share the stories behind the stories about the Schuyler family and Alexander Hamilton.
Schuyler Mansion was home to Philip J. Schuyler, the renowned Revolutionary War general, US Senator, and business entrepreneur. He and his wife, Catharine Van Rensselaer, descended from affluent and powerful Dutch families. Together they raised eight children in this home including Angelica, Eliza and Peggy, the three Schuyler sisters made famous by the Hamilton musical.
Throughout the Schuyler family occupancy from 1763-1804, the mansion was alive with political, military and social activities including the wedding of daughter Elizabeth, otherwise known as Eliza, to Alexander Hamilton in 1780. Today, visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the mansion as well as an orientation exhibition in the Visitor Center focusing on Philip Schuyler's life.
Cover: Actors portraying people who were enslaved in the Schuyler household in the 1790s during the four act play, The Accused. The program featured different perspectives on the trial of three enslaved children accused of setting fire to Albany in 1793. Photo courtesy of Schuyler Mansion State Historical Site.
Meet Dale Reardon, a blind traveler from Australia who has not let his disability limit his love for exploring the world. We asked Dale about his travel experiences as a blind person. Some of what he shared may be surprising.
Dale’s experience as a blind traveler is inspiring a community overlooked in the travel space. He tell us that nearly 25% of the world’s population has accessibility needs but those needs are only partially being met. For example, Dale shares a story about a new one-touch technology a hotel chain offers. With one touch this technology will close window shades, turn on the television, order a meal, turn lights on and off, etc. However, the technology was not equipped with voice commands so, as a blind person, Dale was not able to use it.
That is just one example where the travel industry has forgotten a segment of the disability community.
Dale has faced discrimination; he’s been barred from taxi’s and restaurants because of his guide dog and he’s been prevented from partaking in some activities.
Through his website, Travel For All, Dale provides a Tripadvisor-type forum for people with accessibility needs who love to travel—from people with disabilities to elderly people with mobility challenges.
In honor of America’s 46th President, World Footprints will share a cultural slice of President Joe Biden’s home state of Delaware.
Delaware is known as the “First State” because it was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Its place in American history and colonialism is uniquely blended with the state’s European influences.
Join us as we enjoy a glimpse into Delaware’s history starting with American artist N.C. Wyeth and the Wyeth generations that followed him. Next, we will examine the legacy of the DuPont family—a name that is synonymous with Delaware.
As we stroll the grounds of Longwood Gardens, Winterthur Mansion and Nemours Estate --three attractions that were built by the DuPont family--the distinct European influence of the DuPont’s French heritage will be revealed.
The places that are showcased in this episode are reflective of Delaware’s motto “Liberty and Independence”. They are just a sample of the state that has shaped President Joe Biden’s and what makes his home state of Delaware intriguing.
Washington, D.C, is a very popular tourism destination but, like all destination around the world, COVID-19 has put a stranglehold on its tourism product. In addition to the pandemic the District of Columbia has also dealt with months of social unrest and a recent violent and unconscionable insurrection.
With all of the challenges facing Washington and a forthcoming Presidential Inauguration to prepare for, we spoke to Elliott Ferguson, President and CEO of Destination DC, to talk about the status of tourism in the District. Destination DC is the official destination marketing organization for Washington, D.C. so we sought to learn what visitors to the District could expect this year.
Elliott shared that there will be a number of exciting attractions that will open this year. He also discussed the treasure trove of culinary, cultural and historical experiences that D.C. offers. Elliott reminded us of the reasons why we love calling the DMV home.
Unbeknownst to us we were talking about tourism in D.C. as the U.S. Capitol Building was under siege.
World Footprints continues its foundational value of sharing the voices of all travelers and their unique experiences and inspiring stories. Today we walk in the footsteps of a plus-size traveler.
Plus-size travelers face challenges that aren't generally considered—lack of appropriate accommodations, one-sized fits all robes that don’t fit larger bodies, zipline cables that may not support extra weight and other concerns.
Jeff Jenkins is the creative mind behind Chubby Diaries, a site dedicated to helping plus-size people travel the world. He joins World Footprints to share his experience as a plus-size traveler. Jeff also suggests how the travel industry can be better accommodating and why weight and size shouldn’t be a barrier to traveling the world.
Through Chubby Diaries, Jeff inspires and educates a community of travelers who are overlooked in the travel space.
Who are the Appalachian people? Whoever you think they are you’re probably wrong. Author and scholar Nancy Brown Diggs joins World Footprints to peel back the layers of Appalachian culture that she uncovers in her new book, In Search of Appalachia. Her book shares her years of research and it paints an honest and authentic portrait of this misunderstood culture.
Nancy shines a spotlight on Appalachian culture, history and the contributions Appalachians have made to American society. She also celebrates her own cultural roots in a region that’s often misunderstood and denigrated by many people, including mainstream media and entertainment.
As writer Ann Hagedorn said, “In an era when the truth about everything is crucially needed, author Nancy Brown Diggs unveils the true soul of Appalachia, a region commonly depicted by stereotypes of poverty, ignorance and violence. From coal mines to mountain churches to dance halls of country music, Diggs explore it all, sculpting new images as she introduced her readers to strong, creative, hardworking folks…”
“The best of America lies in its common people.” – Nancy Brown Diggs
If you’ve ever been curious about the people who dwell in the Appalachian Mountains you’ll have a fuller understanding of contemporary life in Appalachia after listening to our interview with Nancy Brown Diggs.
Cory Lee joins World Footprints hosts Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick to talk about the joys and challenges of traveling the world in a powered wheelchair.
At the age of two, Cory was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a form of muscular dystrophy. Because this disease is progressive it has served as a catalyst for Cory to see as much of the world as he can.
Cory, who runs the wheelchair travel blog Curb Free with Cory Lee, began traveling internationally when he was 15 and he’s never looked back. To date, he has visited all seven continents in his powered wheelchair. In fact, he is likely the first wheelchair traveler to achieve this goal. But there are many more countries that Cory wants to check off on his travel wish list.
Traveling is a right for everyone to enjoy but, as we’ll hear from Cory Lee, the travel industry is not accommodating to every traveler.
On September 23, 1957, Ernest Green and eight other African American high school students, known as the ‘Little Rock Nine’, integrated the all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. This event was the first experiment in school integration came three years after the U.S, Supreme Court’s Brown vs. Board of Education landmark ruling that segregation of public schools is unconstitutional.
One year later, in 1958, Ernest Green became the first African-American student to graduate from Central High. He was also the only one of the Little Rock Nine to graduate from the high school.
World Footprints revisits U.S. civil rights history and school segregation through the eyes of Ernest Green. Our poignant conversation uncovered things we didn’t know about that event in history.
Our interview was also personal because it came about after Mr. Green saw that Tonya mentioned him in her AAA World Magazine when she noted that Green and her late father were college friends at Michigan State University. Coincidentally, we spoke to Mr. Green on the birthday of Tonya’s dad.
This episode focuses on the social impact of Ernest Green’s life journey—a different type of travel experience--and his role in the civil rights movement. It’s powerful and inspiring.
What can the stars tell you about where you should travel and what destinations you are compatible with? If you’re looking to get a jump-start on your travel planning in the coming months hear what intuitive astrologer Haley Comet has to say before you start charting your journey.
Haley combines Western astrology and positive psychology in her specialty of transpersonal astrology—believing we can use our free will and the harmony of energy that vibrates without our birth chart to co-create dream lives. She will tell us how we can align our zodiac sign and follow the stars to chart our future travels and find what World Footprints calls our “soul country”.
Tune in to World Footprints to find the best destinations to travel to according to your zodiac sign. This Astrology-driven travel episode is heavenly and it will take you out of this world.
When Monet Hambrick was pregnant with her first child many people told her that she would have to retire her wanderlust. However, Monet and her husband James knew that they could not live without travel, and they didn’t…nor have their two children.
Monet has taken her family across the globe from the time her children were infants. She created her blog, The Traveling Child, to help other families travel around the world with their children.
Today, many of her tricks and family travel tips involve RV travel and some of her recent road trips have included her parents.
Monet joined World Footprints to answer questions about RV travel and share some lessons and the joys of multigenerational family travel. She also talked about her experiences traveling to campsites as people of color.
How do you imagine hope in a seemingly hopeless situation? And once that hope is imagined, how do you manifest those dreams into a sustained reality? These are the questions at the heart of IMAGINE: REFLECTIONS ON PEACE (Hemeria/SparkPress, October 6, 2020) by The VII Foundation (VIIF).
Editor and VIIF co-founder, GARY KNIGHT, shares the remarkable collection of first-person testimonials and searing photographs from some of the world’s most volatile war zones.
IMAGINE focuses on six distinct countries—Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Colombia, Lebanon, Northern Ireland, and Rwanda—to illustrate the difficult work being done to break the foundational cycles of conflict and violence that has marked each country’s immediate history.
Each country is open to tourism we also discussed the role the travel community has in rebuilding societal trust as a means for creating lasting peace.
Author James Whittaker joins World Footprints with inspiring lessons from transformational thinker Napoleon Hill that is based on his 1908 conversation with billionaire industrialist Andrew Carnegie. These conversations are annotated and edited by James Hill in his new book Andrew Carnegie’s Mental Dynamite: How to Unlock The Awesome Power of You.
James is a Napoleon Hill scholar. He uses complementary annotations throughout the epic Hill-Carnegie conversation that formed Hill’s best-selling book, Think and Grow Rich, to offer a journey of self-exploration using Carnegie’s three principles: self-discipline, learning from defeat, and the golden rule. He demonstrates that the transformation that takes place through these lessons is similar to the mindset shift that travel affords.
Learn about the genesis of fear. Understand how to excel in any circumstance including today’s challenges. Hear why the transformative power of travel is part of Andrew Carnegie’s Mental Dynamite formula.
Eric Deggans is NPR’s TV critic, MSNBC media and culture analyst, and author of Race-Baiter: How the Media Wields Dangerous Words to Divide a Nation.
Eric joined World Footprints to talk about his book that examines the role cable news networks and social media play in inciting fears around racism, sexism and prejudice. He says that conflict sells in the media so prejudice, racism, stereotypes are advanced in order to draw viewers and revenue.
We also talked travel and Eric shared how one travel experience impacted him and caused a shift in how he travels more responsibly.
A little known fact…Eric was a professional touring drummer in the 1980s, and he continues to perform with local groups when he’s not on the air. Eric will share an interesting story about Prince and other musicians during his interview.
Join World Footprints for an engaging conversation on race-baiting, travel, media and music with NPR TV critic Eric Deggans.
What does American democracy look like from abroad? Author Elizabeth Rusch answers that question in her newest book, You Call THIS Democracy?
Fundamentally, America’s democracy is dysfunctional at best and Elizabeth identifies where this country fails. Elizabeth also offers international comparisons and shows the simple solutions that other countries use to advance democracy that would work in the U.S.
In You Call THIS Democracy? Elizabeth calls on Americans to re-envision what a democracy that truly represents the people might look like.
Elizabeth has combined her passion for writing, traveling and enjoying cultural immersion experiences with her family. She discusses her Home Exchange experience and how travel has played an important part in her writing.
With everything going on in the U.S. and around the world, Elizabeth’s insights are as prescient as they are timely.
In 1995, the late author Nigel Watts published his highly acclaimed fictional book, Twenty Twenty, that foretold the events the world is experiencing today in the year 2020.
Twenty Twenty was published in 1995 by Hodder and Stoughton and received rave reviews from The Times, Time Out, Sunday Times and more. After nearly 30 years, Twenty-Twenty was relaunched by Nigel’s widow, former BBC broadcaster, Sahera Chohan. Sahera said, “when COVID-19 was at its peak earlier this year, I reread Twenty Twenty and saw how Nigel had eeringly predicted the events of this year.” Sahera immediately knew she had to relaunch the powerful novel and bring it to a new audience.
Twenty Twenty is a blueprint for today’s world because it eerily and accurately predicts a global pandemic that occurs in the year 2020. The futuristic novel predicts how the world will communicate largely through virtual technology, with people wearing masks, a drastic reduction of air travel leading to ‘virtual tourism’, and nature fighting back for its survival due to mankind’s destruction of our planet.
Sahera Chohan joins World Footprints to share Nigel Watts’s words as he saw the year 2020 from the lens of 1995. Sahera shows us how her late husband secured Twenty Twenty as a futuristic treasure and a book that is relevant beyond our time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nigel Watts was born in Winchester in 1957. He spent two years in Japan, where he wrote his first novel, The Life Game, which won the Betty Trask Award for best first novel in 1989. His second novel, Billy Bayswater, was shortlisted for the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize and broadcast on BBC Radio 4. We All Live In A House Called Innocence, his third novel, was followed by Twenty Twenty, written as part of his Ph.D. in Creative and Critical Writing from the University of East Anglia. In 1999, he received the British Library/Penguin Writers Fellowship grant to write his fifth and final novel, The Way of Love, the first novel to tell the story of the Sufi poet, Rumi. He also wrote the best-selling Write A Novel And Get It Published, part of the Teach Yourself Series.
David M. Rubenstein, author of The American Story, visionary cofounder of The Carlyle Group, and host of Bloomberg TV’s The David Rubenstein Show returns to World Footprints to discuss his newest book: “How to Lead: Wisdom from the World's Greatest CEOs, Founders, and Game Changers.”
The billionaire philanthropist has long been fascinated with leadership. What makes a great leader? Are leaders born or are they made? Does extraordinary leadership arise from personality, mental or physical skills…or perhaps the simple good fortune of being in the right place at the right time?
No surprise, good, effective and compassionate leaders are also well-traveled. Before COVID-19, David says that he was traveling 240 days a year for business.
“How to Lead” reveals many leadership philosophies and principles for success by some of the world’s most famous leaders change-makers from Oprah Winfrey and YoYo Ma to Dr. Fauci, Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos.
In addition to his business successes, David Rubenstein is also known for his philanthropy in the Washington, DC area and his Board positions with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Council on Foreign Relations.
An original signer of The Giving Pledge—a pledge taken by some of the world’s richest individuals to either give away the majority of their wealth in their lifetimes—David’s generosity has been recognized as a recipient of the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy and the MoMA's David Rockefeller Award.
Today on World Footprints, we welcome back, author and television host, Rick Steves. We enjoy a very thought-provoking discussion about a range of topics from the current pandemic and social issues to the challenging issues facing the travel industry today.
Rick generally spends 100 days a year in Europe but like the rest of us he is stuck at home. However, Rick treated us to a virtual trip through the pages of his newest book “For the Love of Europe”. As you listen to this interview you will be transported to many of Rick’s favorite places and you meet some of the delightful and fascinating people he has encountered along the way.
“We need to get to know the world better…The most frightened people in the world are those who don’t have passports.”
You’ll also learn about the things that have motivated Rick Steves, what he sees as his mission and you’ll understand why he sees travel as an imperative for all of humanity.
We promise that your travel bug will awaken in a thoughtful and insightful way and that you’ll be inspired, entertained and informed by our conversation with Rick Steves.
What does the future of travel look like? We asked a travel industry insider, Helen Hernandez, CEO of the North American Travel Journalist Association (NATJA) for her insights.
In a previous episode we learned about Helen’s path from her humble beginnings in California, to her work with the labor union movement, to Hollywood where she worked with famed producer and creator Norman Lear and finally to CEO of NATJA.
With more than 400 members representing destinations and travel journalists, NATJA is forging ahead amidst the toughest period ever faced by the travel industry.
In the finale, we get Helen’s thoughts on how COVID-19 is impacting the travel industry and how NATJA is responding to the health challenges, social unrest and environmental concerns.
Helen shares her thoughts and hopes for a future world as well as the legacy this generation will leave for the next.
Helen Hernandez has worn a lot of hats in a storied career that’s taken her from the trenches of labor union activism to becoming the CEO of the North American Travel Journalist Association (NATJA) - one of the leading organizations that brings destination managers and travel journalists into the same tent. And in between it all, she has been a presence in the Los Angeles Arts and Entertainment communities too.
In this episode of World Footprints—the first of two with Helen—she shares her remarkable journey. We explore Helen’s journey from her childhood in California as a Mexican-American Latina who overcame much adversity to taking an active role in the labor union movement. Her career would go in an entirely different direction and land her a job working for television producer Norman Lear.
Janet Cheatham Bell is an author, scholar, budding playwright and mother to CNN host, W. Kamau Bell, of United Shades of America. Having lived through America’s Civil Rights Movement, Janet joins World Footprints to reflect on her life journey from a segregated Indiana to her interracial marriage that defied the laws of the era.
We also talk to Janet about the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests and how BLM has become a global movement.
Janet tells us that her literary works have seen a revival during the COVID-19 pandemic. From titles like “Not All Poor People Are Black and other things we need to think more about,” Harvard University Professor Henry Louis Gates has said that he holds Janet’s contributions to African-American writing in high esteem.
Do you wonder who will tell your story and how you’ll be portrayed? How can you control your narrative? Why should we be concerned with uncovering the full truth of our collective history?
Meet Ardre Orie--a social activist, entrepreneur, publisher, philanthropist and author who is on a mission to give marginalized voices a platform to speak.
Ardre is the CEO of 13th & Joan Publishing and the founder of 100 Seeds of Promise, a literary initiative that empowers men of color to document and publish their own narratives. She has ghostwritten for A-list Hollywood actors, Grammy Award-winning artists, professional athletes, entrepreneurs and countless other clients. Her work has been featured on WH1, MTV, WE TV, Bravo, BET, Centric and more.
Ardre joins World Footprints to discuss the power of storytelling, narratives on race and, of course, travel.
In Episodes One and Two of Escape from India during COVID-19, we heard from veteran journalist Anietra Hamper, who gave us a chilling, first-hand account of her time in India as COVID-19 spread through the country. Anietra and her guide, Ian Henderson of The Greatest Fish, traveled to India on a fishing assignment to write about a rare catfish called the Goonch, but the outbreak of COVID-19 left them trapped.
Anietra and Ian had to rely on each other…others around them…and their own instincts in order to get out of India alive, as the pandemic overtook the country and paranoia against foreigners ran high. Anietra and Ian eventually escaped, and made it back to their home countries safe and sound, but not without experiencing the single-most terrifying event in their entire lives.
This conclusion of Escape from India during COVID-19 continues with Anietra sharing more of the roller coaster ordeal that took her and Ian from hope to hopelessness and back. Now she is confronted with the memories of the traumatic experience.
"All we want to do is leave!"
In Episode One of Escape from India during COVID-19, we introduced you to veteran journalist Anietra Hamper who was trying to escape from India after COVID-19 derailed her fishing assignment trip. Anietra and her fishing guide, Ian Henderson, were left stranded in India with only a narrow window to get out.
In this episode, we hear about the multiple obstacles that Anietra and Ian faced as they tried to get home--lack of food, embassy miscommunications with local officials, limited internet, etc.
Anietra and Ian basically went into survival mode to find a way out of India. As the first episode mirrored a scene from The Fugitive this episode is reminiscent of The Twilight Zone.
The many twists and turns Anietra and Ian experienced also resemble scenes from the movie No Way Out. Anietra recounts every heart-pounding memory of their horrific ordeal that took them from hope to hopelessness and many grey areas in between.
What was meant to be a four-week writing assignment to Nepal and India for veteran journalist Anietra Hamper, turned out to be an absolute nightmare for her and her traveling companion, Ian Henderson.
In March 2020, Anietra and Ian set out in search of the goonch--a very rare catfish also know as the giant devil catfish. Anietra was hired by a prominent fishing magazine to write about the elusive goonch and Ian was her fishing guide. The goonch is found in the Indian subcontinent so Anietra and Ian were traveling between very remote fishing camps in search of the elusive catfish.
Instead of catching the goonch, Anietra and Ian found themselves caught between the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s subsequent lockdown and law enforcement during their attempts to leave the country. Their ordeal resembled scenes from the action thriller The Fugitive.
This episode is the first part of a three-part series about Anietra’s harrowing escape from India.
Today we’re going to explore the land down under – Australia. As an extra bonus we will also enjoy a listener’s favorite travel memory.
What is it about Australia that captures our imagination? We had hoped to explore parts of Australia until COVID-19 forced a change in all of our plans. So we did the next best thing, we traveled vicariously through the stories of our Australian friend and fellow travel journalist, Amanda Kendle – host of The Thoughtful Travel podcast.
Amanda gave us some insights into her West Coast city of Perth, and how Australia has handled COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter protests; especially as they relate to the Aboriginal population.
There’s something so nourishing about revisiting a favorite travel memory and we think that we can all use a little boost to our spirits right now. So we thought—since we can’t travel now—certainly not the way we use to—that it would be nice to enjoy some of our favorite travel memories.
Enjoy a special travel memory from Visionary Womenpreneuer founder, Donna Price.
Do you have a favorite travel memory that you’d like to revisit? If so we’d love to share it on an future World Footprints podcast. Email: ProductionTeam at World Footprints.com for more information.
Join us as we explore the land down under on World Footprints with Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick.
What do you get when you take several stacks of pancakes, add some miniature figurines and a stream of syrup? If you’re photographer Erin Sullivan you’ll get a scene of a canyon with hikers walking by a waterfall.
Erin Sullivan is an accomplished photographer and traveler blogger. She showcases her work on her blog Erin Outdoors.
During this pandemic Erin created a challenge called #TheGreatIndoors. This challenge called for other creative and travelers who were under stay-at-home orders to create outdoor using common household items. Erin told us that these miniature outdoor sets is helping to satisfy her wanderlust and keep her creative juices flowing.
Erin shows us that a photograph isn’t always what it appears to be but that it still has the power to transport you to a place that’s as vast as the imagination.
Join World Footprints as we explore the great outdoors while indoors with photographer Erin Sullivan of Erin Outdoors.
Photo: Pancanyon taken by Erin Sullivan
When travel writing is your profession, adjusting to a new normal of not traveling can be tough and even downright weird. To understand the impact that COVID-19 is having on the travel journalism community and to gain some insight into what the future of travel may hold, we spoke to an award-winning veteran travel writer, Tim Leffel.
Tim Leffel publishes multiple blogs and online magazines including Perceptive Travel--an online resource for independent travelers. He splits his time between Mexico and the U.S. and he joined us from quarantine in Mexico.
If you want to hear about what the future face of travel might look like post-coronavirus ask someone who travels for a living. That's what we did when we sat down with fellow travel journalist Helen Hatzis of Trip Jaunt.
In addition to being a travel journalist Helen is known for many other things. She she was recognized as one of Canada’s Nicest Person's by Roots Canada celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017. Helen also received a Governor General Award for her extensive community work over the last two decades.
Hear what the future may hold for travelers and experience a taste of Toronto on World footprints with Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick.
This mandatory pause that’s been imposed on us because of COVID-19 is very challenging; especially for those of us who travel frequently. But a fellow travel journalist, Terri Marshall of Tripping with Terri says that technology has offered us ways to feed our wanderlust at home.
Terri writes a lot about multi generational travel and, in fact, she told World Footprints that the first post-corona trip she takes will be to treat her grandchildren to a theme park trip to a theme park. So, as a multi-gen traveler she had some great suggestions for families who are eager to travel post Covid-19.
Join World Footprints as we interview a friend and Knight Wallace Journalism Fellow about the challenges facing LGBTQ+ travelers and hear from a digital nomad about her life on the road.
First, travel journalist, Michael Luongo, has researched and written about the role travel journalism plays in tourism development in conflict zones and urban areas under stress. Michael also has his pulse on travel issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community including the considerations that go into travelling around the world for Gay travelers.
Then, if you’ve ever dreamed of a life full of travel but have never taken the plunge, you can vicariously experience the digital nomadic life through our interview with Kellie Paxian. Kellie joined us from South Africa where she’d been for the previous three months. At the time of our call she was planning to explore more of South Africa before moving on Bali. Hear how she does this.
It is important to note that we spoke to both Michael and Kellie before the coronavirus pandemic gripped the world. Michael is based in New York City, the U.S. epicenter of COVID-19. The movement of coronavirus through the African nations prompted Kellie to return to her home in Vancouver, Canada where she will remain until the pandemic is lifted.
You have probably seen the men with black coats, black panama-style hats and long curly sideburns (payots) and wondered who they are. These men (and women) in black are members of the Hasidic Jewish religious group that arose as a spiritual revival movement in 18th century Eastern Europe. The Hasidic Judaism community has grown exponentially beyond Eastern Europe and if you visit Brooklyn, New York you’ll find a thriving Hasidic community that has preserved it’s old world traditions in the modern world.
We spoke to tour guide, Frieda Vizel, who knows Brooklyn, New York’s Hasidic community in an intimate way. Through her “Tours by Frieda” she helps people understand the Hasidic religion as well as the food, culture and architecture that defines the neighborhoods of Brooklyn that provide an enclave to the insular and often misunderstood people.
An inquiry about cultures in jeopardy of dying led us to Marcel Perkins of Latin Trails. Marcel, who is based in Ecuador, introduced us to the Huaorani people who live deep inside the Ecuadorian Amazon.
If you’ve never heard of the Huaorani it’s because the primitive community has chosen to remain “NON CONTACTED” and isolated for the most part.
Marcel tells us that there was a short period of time the Huaorani offered primitive lodging for tourists. They’ve since moved away from tourism and now count on petroleum revenue for the survival of their small community of a few hundred. This move from tourism was an intentional effort to minimize their contact with the outside world in order to perserve their traditional way of life.
Join World Footprints as we learn about the cultural heritages of Brooklyn’s Hasidic community and Ecuador’s Huaorani people.
Imagine a bi-partisan dinner with U.S. Senators and Representatives at the Library of Congress with leading contemporary historians and a billionaire patrotic philanthropist. Then image an evening of enlightened discussions about American history without the presence of media or political jockeying.
This is the setting of the Congressional Dialogues that philanthropist and Carlyle Group co-founder, David Rubenstein, has been holding since 2013. Today, many of these dialogues have become the foundation of David’s new book—The American Story: Conversations with Master Historians. David spent time with World Footprints to talk about The American Story, the lessons and insights that his book offers and the importance that our history provides as well as the places that bring American history to life.
Then, when you hear the words: Patriotism or National Pride, what comes to your mind?
Travel journalist Jen Tousey of This Family Blog says that those words no longer reflect a deep love for America. Instead, those words have become politicized to such a degree that they may be putting the survival of American culture at risk. But Jen says that traveling can foster a greater appreciation and love for our country and our collective history. Thereby reviving the American experiment for future generations.
Join us as we walk in the footsteps of America’s rich history and discover some places that bring history alive.
In an era of segregation, the Green Book directed African-American travelers to safe havens as they traveled through inhospitable and outright dangerous places. Indeed, being a Black family in the time of segregation having to travel by car across America through Sundown Towns and knowing that there was no one to protect you is a frightening and daunting proposition. We’ll explore the legacy of the Green Book with author Candacy Taylor in her new book “Overground Railroad”.
Rochester, New York has had a significant role in the development of America. Famed corporations such as Kodak and Xerox made Rochester the city of millionaires. But the city’s African American history—from the life and times of Frederick Douglass to the Summer of '64 have defined Rochester as much as the opening of the Erie Canal. Our next guest, journalism professor, film maker and Rochester historian, Carvin Eison, puts it all into context and makes a convincing case to visit Rochester to understand it all.
Explore the richness and depth of Kansas City’s black history from sports and jazz to food and social advancement on World Footprints with Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick.
First, we’ll talk to Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City. Bob says that the Negro Leagues is more than a story about baseball. It is the story of the beginning of the civil rights movement. It is the story about all of the players who broke the color barrier and signed with major league teams during the Jim Crow era. Bob also tells us that the leadership that emerged as a result of the Leagues and the backstory of the Negro League players deserve more than a footnote to the story of baseball and our country. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum hold a number of special events each year and you’ll hear about these events and a very special event coming up soon.
Then, we’ll explore the history and lives of people of African descent in the central United States at the Black Archives of Mid-America in Kansas City’s cultural district.. As the Archives Executive Director, Dr. Carmaletta Williams tells us, (who prefers to be called Dr. Carma), the Black Archives is the linchpin for nearly every experience that happened to people of African descent in the area. The Archives hold a treasure trove of resources in its extensive collection of artifacts from the past and, of equal value, the museum continues to share the stories of today.
The island of Puerto Rico was still recovering from the destruction caused by Hurricane Maria when a Magnitude 6.4 earthquake shook the island. As of this taping, Puerto Rico was hit by a 5.3 quake. Yet, despite these natural disasters Sarah Ratliff, owner of Purple Coqui tours and a resident of Puerto Rico, along with freelance writer Cassandra Brooklyn, who just returned from Puerto Rico, say that the island is not as devastated as has been portrayed and it is open for tourism business.
For many years, Cuba has been the forbidden fruit that many Americans have sought to taste by traveling to the island using “unconventional” means. For years, Americans believed that they could save money (and red tape) by entering Cuba through other gateways.
Freelance writer and owner of Escaping New York Cassandra Brooklyn, joins us again to share how solo and group travelers can travel to Cuba legally and within a modest budget.
Hear from a resident of Puerto Rico and a frequent traveler to Puerto Rico and Cuba about traveling to and life on the islands. Today, on World Footprints with Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick.
For 2020, nude travel and space tourism are two of the top travel trends that we'll see emerge. Surprised? Don't be.
Nakations, otherwise known as nude recreation and nude travel represents a $550 million global industry. Jeff Baldasarre with the American Association for Nude Recreation, an organization that represents 52 million individuals and 180 resorts and campgrounds worldwide, says that nude recreation is safe and wholsesome and that it enriches a person’s physical, spiritual, and mental health and is unlike anything the media portrays.
Valerie Stimac, space tourism expert and author of a Lonely Planet book about astrotourism called Dark Skies says that this is going to be the year that space tourism launches. But astrotourism, she says, will be the trendsetter because it offers wonderful opportunities to explore space from the ground.
Learn more about two of this year’s top travel trends: Nakations or nude recreation and space tourism...on World Footprints with Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick.
Being well traveled doesn’t prepare you to live in another country. In addition to learning a new language there is subtle cultural differences that require some adjustment.
Susan Haskins and Dan Pressure, International Living writers and authors of the new book, Live Richer, Spend Less, moved from Omaha, Nebraska nearly 2 decades ago and have lived in several different countries since then. So we had to ask them what inspired them to move from Nebraska to their first destination, Quito, Ecuador
Jeremy Bassetti works in international education with exchange students. He says that traveling abroad for the first time is one of the most transformative experiences one can have; especially for an international exchange student. But the experience can be richer and less intimidating with appropriate planning and some introspection.
Before you plan to live or study aboard hear from these experts first about considerations, dos and don’ts prior to embarking on life as an expat or exchange student…on World Footprints with Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick.
Join us for thought-provoking conversations that examine voluntourism and the impact that conservation practices and tourism have on the Galapagos Islands.
First, voluntourism aka volunteer travel projects are helpful to communities in need. But, intercultural educator Lena Papadopoulos says that some projects cause more harm to the communities they are meant to serve and it behooves us to recognize these hidden dangers and properly vet the organizations overseeing these projects.
Then, Galápagos researcher Dr. Elizabeth Hennessy, has written On the Backs of Tortoises: Darwin, the Galápagos, and the Fate of an Evolutionary Eden to help guide future conservation efforts by understanding how the history of the islands and current conservation efforts are entangled and challenging. Dr. Hennessy says that In a world where evolution is shaped by global history, we need a vision for conservation based on reckoning with the past, rather than trying to erase it.
Iceland is a country of sharp contrasts--Where dark winter night are offset by a sleepless summer sun—where fire and ice co-exist; and where a dramatic landscape and insular existence supports folklore and informs a vibrant culture.
We set out exploring Iceland aboard the Ocean Diamond, the small cruise ship of ProCruises Iceland. Captain Herve Parage and Expedition Leader, Dorothee Hippel guided us through Iceland’s history and the waters that were being stirred by remnants of Hurricane Dorian.
After three days of sailing from Iceland’s Southwest to its Northeast, we disembarked and loaded up in a van with eight journalists from Germany and met our guide Asi Heimisson, who drove us across Iceland in search of trolls, elves, mud puds and thermal baths.
As our show ends we will share the reflections of one of our German journalist companions, Mathias Begalke, who beautifully sums up the impression of Iceland.
Join us as we circumnavigate Iceland in search of folklore, beautiful landscape and thermal baths ...on World Footprints with Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick.
Cover photo (c) Tonya Fitzpatrick, Esq.
Join World Footprints for our conversation with New York Times bestselling author Patricia Schultz and Avalon Travel’s Grace Fujimoto about their newest books, the Deluxe edition of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die and Wanderlust.
Author Patricia Schultz has transformed her New York Times bestselling book, 1,000 Places to See Before you Die, into an illustrated masterpiece featuring 1,000 mesmerizing photographs displaying the world as you’ve never seen it before. This Deluxe edition has been reconceived for the photographic format and features 100% new material.
Wanderlust: A Traveler’s Guide to the Globe is the newest Avalon Travel, Moon book to hit the shelves. But unlike the purse-sized guide book, Grace Fujimoto, Avalon’s Vice President of Acquisitions, tells us, Wanderlust is a coffee-table sized book filled with nearly 400 pages of an eclectic mix of natural wonders, festivals, ancient cities, epic trails and more.
Depending on your age you may know actor/singer John Schneider as “Bo Duke” from The Dukes of Hazzard or more recently from Dancing with the Stars or on Tyler Perry’s show, The Haves and Have Nots. Either way, John has been involved with an artistic or charitable project that has reached you but he shared some things with us that will surprise you.
Pianist Kendol Bacchus has played private events for Bill Gates and for us during a dinner on Saint Vincent. His musical style is captivating and reflects a unique blend of cultural influences and we’re pleased to introduce this remarkable artist to you.
The photographs of Ansel Adams are among America’s finest artistic treasures. Now a landmark book containing a collection of photographs that Ansel selected before his death of his beloved Yosemite National Park has just been published for the first time in book form.
We spoke to Ansel’s son, grandson and dark-room assistant about the impact of his work and legacy.
Mahisha Dellinger grew up in the Sacramento projects but this CEO and Founder of CURLS --a family of organic hair care products for natural textures—earned a show on OWN, Oprah Winfrey’s network, and a view from the penthouse. We spoke to Mahisha about her rise from the projects to the Penthouse.
Join us for a conversation with Ansel Adams’ family and gain some success principles from Mahisha Dellinger, Founder and CEO of CURLS ...on World Footprints with Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick.
"No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks." -- James Allen
We owe our men and women in uniform a huge debt. Not only do they sacrifice their lives for the freedoms we enjoy, they also display incredible statesmanship in the line of duty.
Chez Chesak is an Army National Guardman turned travel journalist. In 2005, Chez was deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq, as part of a combat team comprised of individuals with valuable life experiences. Chez says it was their maturity and life experiences that allowed his team to accomplish their tasks while displaying empathy and humanity.
Leslie Riley graduated from the West Point Military Academy. She was a 2nd Lt. and flew CH-47D Chinook helicopters. During her tours to Kosovo and South Korea, Leslie said she saw those counties from a different vantage point as she fly over the countryside.
Join us for conversations with two of America’s finest as we thank them for their service and learn whether deployment overseas changed how they travel the world today…on World Footprints with Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick.
From open boarders to climate change, the Norwegian archipelago island of Svalbard (also known as Spitsbergen) is an open border island that speaks to some of the most pressing and challenging issues of the day.
Located between mainland Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is the largest of the islands and one of the northernmost inhabited areas. Atossa Abrahamian, senior editor of The Nation, joins us to share her insights about this Norwegian territory and the lessons it holds for the world.
It is without question that this world is technology dependent. If you’ve ever misplaced your phone or accidentally left home without it you know the separation anxiety that has caused. So imagine traveling without your electronic tether. Could you do it? We met someone who purposefully disconnected from his phone during a two-week road trip home—on a DARE!
Johnny Welsh has listened to a lot of people as a bartender. His observations about the proliferation of smartphones in our lives led him and his girlfriend to disconnect from technology in order to reconnect with people. In his book, Paper Maps, No Apps, Johnny rediscovers the power of personal interaction that travel brings when we unplug.
Explores the Norwegian archipelago island of Svalbard and hear from someone who disconnected in order to reconnect with others while traveling.
As we travel through Iceland you will hear about America’s historic Route 66 with Route Magazine editor, Brennan Matthews and Kat Bird of the Wandering Bird blog will share her adventures crossing Europe in an RV.
You haven’t experienced America until you’ve travel along the historic Route 66, also known as the Main Street of America. Route 66 was one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System and Brennan Matthews, editor of Route Magazine, a bi-monthly publication that focuses on road travel, vintage Americana and Route 66 takes us along the iconic highway.
Then, would you believe that a night of gazing at the Milky Way would inspire you to leave your job and your home for a life traveling across Europe in an RV? Well, that’s exactly what happened with Kat Bird and her husband, the founders of the Wandering Bird blog.
Enjoy a tiny taste of Iceland while you hear about the quirky and iconic things along Route 66 and the joys of traversing Europe in an RV.
On this show World Footprints discusses the power of travel to generate social change and heal depression with two amazing guests.
Matilde Simas is an award-winning documentary photographer who uses her gifts to generate social change. Her work focuses on human rights, people affected by trauma, and endangered ecosystems.
In 2017 the award-winning photographer founded Capture Humanity, an artistic collaborative organization that aims to document humanitarian groups that assist women, children, marginalized communities, and conservation efforts. Patience, commitment, and integrity are the core of their effort to inspire greater creative and social consciousness.
Then, throughout the years we’ve heard many stories about how travel has saved and transformed lives. In Ying Ao Ieong’s case, an impulsive trip to Milan helped her battle dark thoughts and hopelessness.
Due to a number of factors, including her traditional upbringing in Macau, Ying developed depression whilst studying in London, England. Ying realized that that she was walking a dangerous tight rope so she sought to shake things up with an impulsive trip to Italy. Italy changed her outlook and showed Ying the value of life.
COVER PHOTO by Matilde Simas.
World Footprints discusses Indigenous Tourism opportunities in America and the cultural influences that have shaped Istanbul, Turkey.
There are 573 federally recognized American Indian tribes in the United States and 326 reservations. Some reservations are open to visitors and most are known for their Casinos. However, Indigenous Tourism consultant Anna Barrera tells us that many tribes are looking to move beyond the Gaming industry by offering cultural experiences to visitors.
The Turkish city of Istanbul reflects the cultural influences of the empires that once ruled it. The city is strategically located on the Bosporus peninsula between the Mediterranean and Black Sea and it is divided into a European and an Asian side. Author Bijan Bayne tells us that there are so many cultural layers to Istanbul that it resembles Baklava; an intrinsically crafted dessert the city is famous for.
The island of St. Maarten (Sint Maarten) is the common denominator in the stories of two different families whose lives were changed when they landed on the Caribbean island. Join us to hear why St. Maarten was the backdrop to their positive life transformations.
First, we’ll speak to Erik and Emily Orton about their decision to spend a year at sea with their five children. The family of seven spent a year sailing from St. Maarten to New York. The lessons they learned and the adventures they experienced are described in their book, Seven at Sea: Why a New York City Family Cast Off Convention For A Life-Changing Year On A Sailboat. In their book, Erik and Emily remind us that we have the ability to customize our lives, regardless of our perceived constraints.
Then, we’ll introduce travel writer Breana Johnson who lived as an American expat on the island of St. Maarten for a few years. Breana says that anytime you move to a new country you expect that there will be a period of cultural adjustment. However, what Breana didn’t expect was the cultural adjustment she experienced when you returned to the United States. Breana will share how she managed her cultural shocks.
Experience a slice of American history as two journalists share their perspectives on Martha’s Vineyard and parts of the American south.
Author, Bijan Bayne,has been a summer resident of Martha’s Vineyard since childhood. He says that while most people may know about Martha’s Vineyard because of the Obama family and the movie Jaws, the Vineyard has a rich history within the African American community. Bijan tells us that the island is much more than a playground for the rich and famous and his stories will shatter some stereotypical notions many hold about Martha’s Vineyard.
Travel writer Kathleen Walls loves sharing the historical stories she discovers during her travels. Her storytelling is truthful and authentic and she isn’t afraid to share stories about dark episodes in American history like the Trail of Tears or slavery. Kathleen says that often times certain parts of American’s history is overlooked because of shame and guilt, but even those dark episodes can help inform our future.
You can read all of Kathleen Wall’s stories on World Footprints.
This "Legacy Show" was produced under our former name (Travel'n On) in the earlier years of our podcast.
There's no place like Vermont in the fall. And Dave Hakins, Executive Director of the Vermont Convention Bureau along with Tim Shea, Vice President of the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce, are here to let you know how to get the most of fall travel to Vermont.
The Nexus Program Kelly Klent of Customs and Border Protection joins the program to let you know about some new traveler programs that are available, including a registered traveler program called nexus that will help to speed travel into Canada.
Vermont in the Fall Dave Hakins of the Vermont Convention Bureau and Tim Shea of the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce talk about what makes Vermont so special in the fall, and let you know the best times to visit for the most color, and the best routes through the state to see them.
Lake Champlain and The Champlain Islands Learn about all the activities on Americas 6th largest lake and the Champlain Islands. Plus - How you can get maps from the state to direct you to color changes in different regions, and some of the fall festivals you can check out.
This "Legacy Show" was produced under our former name (Travel'n On) in the earlier years of our podcast.
For all of you diving enthusiasts, Ian and Tonya have a real treat for you! Theyre joined by underwater photographer Christy Gavitt, who shares some of her favorite diving destinations in the world's most exotic locales, and offers some advice for those of you who have always wanted to learn how to scuba. Plus A special valentines gift: Ian and Tonya have some great ideas for some last-minute romantic getaways.
Christy Gavitt discusses her undersea photography, what she thinks makes a great dive site, and reveals some of her favorite dive sites, such as Indonesia, the Red Sea, and the California Coast. Plus information about how you can get your scuba certification.
Christy Gavitt shares more of her favorite places to dive, like Bali and Irian Jaya. Plus, if youre looking to do some diving, find out what you should look for in a diving operator, the differences between Land based and Sea Based operators, and learn what it takes to be a good underwater photographer.
If you havent made any Valentines plans yet, Ian and Tonya are here to help keep you out of the doghouse! They have information on places offering great packages in exotic locations such as Belize and Aruba, closer to home in Hershey, Pennsylvania and Santa Fe New Mexico, and in Europe.
Unfinished Business: Ian answers some listener questions about passports from last weeks show.
This Legacy Show was produced under our old name before we adopted "World Footprints".
Bundle up! This week, we head for Whistler, British Columbia one of the finest ski resorts in North America, and probably the world! And once the Olympics come there in 2010, the rest of the world is going to know that. Find out everything you need to know about what to see and do Whistler, and about their preparation for the winter games from Breton Murphy, the manager of corporate and member communications for Tourism Whistler.
Breton Murphy the manager of corporate and member communications for Tourism Whistler joins the program. He explains that Whistler is a year-round destination, and theres more going on than skiing. Plus - how Whistler got its name & how their quest to host an Olympics started back in 1968.
Breton Murphy talks about the wonderful skiing on Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountains, with their 8000 acres of terrain, accessible back country skiing, and runs for all ski levels. Plus find out about their Peak-to-peak gondolas and a very unique rainforest where youd least expect to find it.
Breton talks about where Whistler is at in preparation for the 2010 Winter Games they are sharing with Vancouver. Plus- information on Whistlers exceptional dining and spas.
In Travel News and Views: Ian talks with Kelly Schultz of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau about the Forever New Orleans tour, and with Bob Davis, the president of the mountain institute.
This is one of our earliest shows on terrestrial radio. The show was produced under our old brand name.
In this episode, Ian and Tonya have some vacation tips for families - some affordable destinations in the Northeast that are easy to get to, and are just a quick drive from Washington DC.
Williamsburg, VA In this segment, find out about Williamsburg Virginia. Its rich in history, but its also rich in family fun. Ian and Tanya will fill you in on the best water parks and family activities.
Berkeley Springs Find out all about Berkeley Springs in the Shenandoah Valley Americas Original Spa Capital. Ian and Tonya have the scoop on some great deals in the area. Plus, theres a lot more going on than chocolate in Hershey Pennslyvania for family fun!
Philadelphia and Ocean City Ian and Tonya have info on more family hot spots, and great activity ideas in the Northwest, including Philadelphia, Virginia Beach, Ocean City and the Jersey Shore.
This is one of our earliest shows on terrestrial radio. The show was produced under our old brand name.
Passport backlog problems and delays are making headlines, and the documentation rules for international travel are changing. But Ian and Tonya will fill you in on hat you need to know about traveling in and out of the country, with some help from Michelle Bond from the US State Department Public Outreach Office, and Kelly Klent from the Public Affairs Office at Customs and Border Protection.
Michelle Bond from the US State Department Public Outreach Office gives the status of the passport backlog. Plus- how the number of passports is expected to grow with changes in travel, and what locations now require a passport.
Kelly Klent from the Public Affair Office at Customs and Border Protection explains what the CBP does, and gives information on the new land & sea travel document requirements.
Kelly and Michelle give recommendations for getting your passport applications in; tell you what you need to know before you travel abroad both before and after you return. Plus the features & resources of the travel.state.gov website.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel’n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
World Footprints will travel along the award-winning journalistic trails of the CRAZY RIVER, explore prehistoric Spirit Stones and contemplate the end of the world in Maya 2012.
First, award-winning travel writer Richard Grant will take us through East Africa and down the Nile River. Despite escaping death in Mexico’s lawless Sierra Madre, an adventure he describes in his adventure classic God’s Middle Finger, Richard’s curiosity and restlessness took him to Africa, where he set off on another adventure-- to find the source of the Nile River. In his newest book, CRAZY RIVER: Exploration and Folly in East Africa, Richard writes that he had trained and prepared for a physical adventure in the wilderness, but his biggest challenges were intellectual.
Then, award-winning author Dianne Ebertt Beeaff shares her transcending book, SPIRIT STONES, a historic exploration that took nearly a decade to complete. Dianne explores the enduring lessons of Western Europe’s prehistoric monoliths, stone circles and burial chambers.
Finally, Joshua Berman offers some insights into Maya culture and events surrounding the end of the Maya calendar on December 21, 2012 in his new guide book MAYA 2012. Joshua has been traveling, living, teaching, and leading trips in Central America since 1998. During his travels he's heard tales about “lost worlds” and Maya pyramids. A predominate story that he encountered is what the Maya have been anticipating—the end of the Long Count, a 5,125-year cycle of the Maya calendar, which will occur on December 21, 2012. Some believe that it will be a peaceful transition while others warn it will be apocalyptic.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Have you ever descended into the depths of a mine, or panned for gold in Alaska? Its all in a days work for Kristen Gum, host of the Travel Channel’s Treasure Hunter and World Footprints will explore the treasures of the world on today’s “Best Of…” show.
Then, World Footprints will be joined by Hollywood actress Stefanie Powers who is keeping alive the African legacy of the late film star William Holden, who established a well known game ranch and sanctuary in Kenya. Stefanie will talk about her "Hart" for animals and her conservation work.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
The son of America’s 64th Attorney General talks with World Footprints Radio hosts Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick about his involvement in a new documentary, Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk 3D. An environmental attorney and activist, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., was named by Time Magazine as one of its “Heroes for the Planet” in 1999. RFK, Jr., also talks about work with Waterkeeper Alliance . Rob Holmes, Founder & President of Green Living Project talks to World Footprints about his work in promoting sustainable tourism projects around the globe. Finally, author Bill Raney, founder of the Nickelodeon Theatre, joins World Footprints from the road in North Dakota where he was traveling in his famous “Zerky Mobile” and sharing his book “Letters to Zerky: A Father’s Legacy to a Lost Son and a Road Trip Around the World.
Some extraordinary people sharing a bit of travel advice, insights and experiences from Moscow to the Camino de Santiago and destinations in between take us to some surprising places.
“Bizzare” is one way of describing some of the misadventures recounted in Audrey Murray’s debut book Open Night in Moscow. The comedienne takes us on a wild and wacky journey inside the republics of the former Soviet Union as a solo traveler.
The Camino de Santiago draws the faithful and the curious to northern Spain, Portugal and France to explore the life and times of Saint James. Adventurist Richard Keltner has traveled the Camino many times and he shares some advice for anyone interested in this pilgrimage.
Singer-songwriter Kendall Gary has taken her opera training to the world of country music. Having spent the first nine years of her life abroad, Kendall began her vocal craft with an opera singer. Now this Texan is shaking up the country music world with her unique style.
Celebrity veterinarian and television host Dr. Jeff Werber has made it his mission to strengthen the ties between pets and their human parents. The Emmy-Award winning host of Animal Plant’s Petcetera and Lassie’s Pet Vet on PBS offers some sage advice on traveling stress-free with our furry companions.
We’ll also visit Moab in Southeastern Utah and Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley.
Additional resources available on this show page at WorldFootprints.com.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that was produced under our old Travel'n On name and format before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
This year's National Travel and Tourism Week features the first-ever U.S. Travel Rally Day on Tuesday, May 12. On that day, cities across the country will unite to make a bold statement about the power of travel. Over 40 cities throughout the U.S. have exciting Travel Rally Day activities planned. Kelly Schultz from the New Orleans CVB will join Travel'n On Radio to discuss their activities and the importance travel plays in the revitalization of New Orleans economy.
Then, Randi Thompson, CEO of KidSave International, will join Tonya & Ian to talk about her organizations global mission to ensure that no orphan or foster child is forgotten and that every child grows up in a family with love and hope for a successful future.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
World Footprints traveled to Reno, NV to accept a First Place award from the North American Travel Journalists Association for their travel show. Today’s show is broadcast from the banks of the Truckee River during the Reno River Festival. Guests include Betsy McDonald who will share the history of the Reno River Fest and the Reno-Tahoe region. World Footprints will also visit the National Automobile Museum and review the Bill Harrah collection and the fascinating stories behind some of the cars. Finally, we’ll explore the underwater world of shipwrecks and treasure hunting with noted marine archaeologist Dr. E. Lee Spence and learn the story behind his discovery of the real identity of Rhett Butler.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Ian and Tonya welcome John Sexton, CEO of Sexton Executive Security, who shares some must-know safety tips for when you travel. Then - make a difference on your next vacation, Ian and Tonya get you in-the-know about one of the fastest-growing travel niches- Voluntourism.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Medical tourism - where people travel abroad to receive affordable and quality medical, dental and surgical care - is one of the fastest growing markets in the world and we'll be joined by Jonathon Edelheit, President of the Medical Tourism Association to discuss this new travel trend. Then, In 1995, NASCAR driver Kyle Petty combined his passion for helping others and love of motorcycles to create the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America. Kyle will join the Travel'n On Radio Show to talk about his upcoming Charity Ride, his career and his travels.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Travel'n On celebrates Alaska's 50th anniversary of their induction into the Union as the 49th State with a profile on the beautiful capitol city of Juneau. Lorene Palmer, President of the Juneau Convention & Visitors Bureau tells Travel'n On why Juneau is a unique and must see tourist destination. Then Juneau Mayor Bruce Botelho discusses his challenges of managing a city that is larger than some States and why he loves his city. Finally, Jane Lindsey, Director of the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, provides some insight into Juneaus unique history and culture.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
During our coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Travel’n On made some new friends while traveling aboard the Rocky Mountaineer Whistler Express between Vancouver and Whistler. You’ll meet Sandy Best, Director of P.R. for Lake Louise, Vern Kimball, the CEO of the greatest outdoor show on earth, The Calgary Stampede, and celebrity chef Ned Bell, star of the Canadian Food Network show Cook Like a Chef.
LEGACY SHOW: This show was broadcast LIVE through a former platform and under our former Travel'n On name.
What began in 1984 as a 2-day street festival has blossomed into one of Louisiana's most popular Cajun festivals. We shared the tastes and sounds of the 25th Anniversary of the Mudbug Madness Festival in Shreveport, Louisiana.
North Carolina’s Outer Banks offers everything from open-sea beaches, theatre, wildlife preserves and popular shipwreck diving sites to down home cooking and history. On today’s show we explore these barrier islands and put a spotlight on Thailand and Indonesia.
The Outer Bank’s Roanoke Island was the site of the first English settlement in the New World. A local popular theatrical production called “The Lost Colony” celebrates the birth of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America. The Lost Colony is America’s longest running outdoor symphonic drama. We’re given a behind the scenes look at this epic drama that has drawn theatre goers every year since 1937.
Before the farm-to-table and locally-source movement in food there was Owens Restaurant leading the way. An Outer Banks institution, Owens is North Carolina’s oldest family-owned restaurant having been owned and operated by the same family since 1946. During a visit, we met Clara “Peaches” Woodard, a member of the fourth generation of Owens restaurateurs. Peaches treated us to tastings of some popular family recipes while she shared the restaurant’s history and art collections.
A 1937 Act of Congress established Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge as a place for wildlife and waterfowl conservation. Pea Island is located on the Outer Bank’s Hatteras Island and is surrounded by sand dunes, marshes, ponds and creeks. The Wildlife Refuge is home to migratory birds, sea turtles and more. We joined Cindy Heffley of the US Fish and Wildlife Service on a nature walk through the Refuge.
Before the U.S. Coast Guard there was the U.S. Life-Saving Service protecting the shores. One of the most comprehensive Life-Saving station sites still in existence, the Chicamoacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site and Museum, is a unique living history attraction. The only one of its kind in North Carolina, this Outer Bank’s museum houses artifacts and teaches the history of the predecessor to today’s U.S. Coast Guard. The museum’s John Griffin shares some of the inspiring stories that made Chicamoacomico legendary.
We explore points around the globe from London and the Jewish contributions to British society to America as we explore it’s history on the back of a Harley Davidson. We’ll stop at places in between and we’ll remember Anthony Bourdain.
When most people think of London their first thoughts are of the iconic attractions. Few, however, realize the influences that other cultures have made to British society. Author and tour guide, Rachel Kolsky, takes us on an in-depth tour of Jewish London.
We also welcome back three old friends.
Darley Newman, host of the Emmy winning show Equitrekking takes us on new adventures with her Amazon Prime show, Travels with Darley.
Bestselling author James Rollins uncovers new secrets in his latest Sigma Force thriller, The Demon Crown. He also shares a great scuba diving location.
Our good friend and favorite historian, Stan Ellsworth takes us along on his Harley Davidson to uncover more of America’s rich history.
Finally, we’ll remember a travel giant, Anthony Bourdain as we reflect on his thoughts about travel.
Join us as we discover thrilling secrets, adventures and cultural heritage, and as we learn about Cabo San Lucas and Saint Martin on World Footprints with Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick.
Additional resources can be found on World Footprints.
“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” -Gustave Flaubert
Sandwiched between its Amish countryside and hip food scene, Lancaster Pennsylvania combines the old and new in awe-inspiring ways. Join World Footprints as we explore the area’s rich history, including President James Buchanan’s Wheatland home, and Lancaster’s contemporary offerings.
Our first stop is the Hans Herr House. This structure traces its Germanic roots to 1719 and stands as the oldest homestead in Lancaster County. We learn what life was like for early settlers as our guide David Shrock takes us on a tour of the 1892 farmhouse.
As we finished our tour of the Hans Herr House and grounds, we made our way to the Long House just across the street. The Long House commemorates the Native American people who once called the Lancaster County region their home—the Conoy, Lenape, Susquehannock and others. A visit to the Long House offers insight into the lives of the indigenous people well before the first Europeans set foot in the area.
In another part of Lancaster County sits the Rock Ford Plantation that once served as the home of medical doctor and Military General to George Washington—General Edward Hand. One of the finest examples of Georgian architecture with 18th century origins that remains standing in Pennsylvania, Rock Ford’s elegance shines in the simplicity of its light and airy design.
Finally, as theatre lovers we discovered a performance gem in Lancaster—the Sight and Sound Theatre. This Broadway-style theatre started in 1976 as the vision of Lancaster locals Glen and Shirley Eshelman to bring Bible stories to life on the stage. With the mantle has passed to the next generation, granddaughter Katie Miller shares her family’s journey of faith and the genesis behind making Bible stories theatrical and entertaining for families of all faiths.
Join us as we explore Lynchburg’s history on an art and architectural tour including spotlight stops at the Point of Honor historic home and the Riverview Artspace.
Located in the center of Virginia, Lynchburg is within a day’s drive of most major east coast cities and it's a perfect place to begin an exploration of Central Virginia. But historic Lynchburg, the city on the hill, is undergoing an incredible revival. From new outdoor spaces, visual and performing arts to culinary arts and architectural restoration, Lynchburg offers iconic attractions within its vibrant borders.
Lynchburg is divided into several historic districts. We began our tour of Lynchburg in The Carriage House Inn Bed and Breakfast—a beautifully restored 1878 Italianate mansion that’s located in the historic Daniel Hill district. Owners, Mike and Kathy Bedsworth take us on a historic tour of the property and area.
Then, we’ve all heard the story of Old Mother Hubbard who lived in a shoe. Lynchburg’s Craddock Terry Hotel takes living in a shoe one step further. Once the world’s fifth largest show manufacturer, Craddock Terry celebrates shoes daily in its shoe motif rooms. General Manager, Todd Swindell, tells us how Craddock Terry opens its laces and buckles to thousands of guests every year.
Next, Lynchburg is a city that remembers its past but keeps an eye on its future. Another important move towards the city’s future is the rehabilitation of the historic Virginian Hotel that, once completed, will be part of the Hilton’s Curio Collection. Developer Danny George tells us why this project ties in with the rehabilitation of the Academy Center of Arts and how it will transform downtown.
Finally, the restoration of Lynchburg’s Academy Center of Arts, also known as the Jewel of Main Street, is leading the arts revolution in the downtown. The Academy complex, anchored by the Academy of Fine Arts Music Theatre, also includes a studio theatre and the historic theatre that showcases an array of performances ranging from musical and theatrical performances to variety shows. Originally built in 1905, the Academy Center of Arts promises to be a regional centerpiece for the arts once restoration is complete. Dorie Smiley, Director of Operations, shared the Academy’s treasured past and looked towards its promising future.
Links to attractions can be found on this show page at WorldFootprints.com.
Today on World Footprints we celebrate Canada’s Francophone roots in the Quebec region as we walk in the footsteps of history at the New France Festival in Quebec City. Plus, we’ll visit an Augustinian Monastery turned holistic spa and we’ll talk to an Old World wine merchant.
The walled fortifications in Old Quebec make Quebec City one of the most romantic and picturesque places to explore on foot. We explore the heart and soul of the city with Marc Duchesne of Cicerone Tours.
For five days every August, Quebec City celebrates its connection to France with the New France Festival. The actors and festival-goers enjoy food and folly in their period costumes representing the peasant, bourgeois and royalty classes. (Our costumes represented the bourgeois class.) Melanie Raymond, the festival’s Executive Director, shares the essence of one of North America’s best festivals.
The New France Festival has its share of ingenious characters like historian and outdoorsman Billy Rioux, aka “Billy the Adventurer”. He displayed the canoe that he carved from a spruce bark and entertained visitors with stories about early settlers and their interaction with the indigenous population.
Then, we took a detour to the Charlevoix Region and visited Domaine de la Vallee du Bras where we did some wine tasting—tomato wine. The vineyard is the first in the world to make this unique wine under the Omerto label. Pascal Miche and his wife Stephanie Hott told us the story about how they started this unique wine in between sips. Spoiler alert: The wine is very tasty—surprisingly tasty.
Finally, we shined a spotlight on le Monastere des Augustines. The home of the Augustinian Sisters has found a new mission as a center for holistic health, healing and hospitality in the heart of Quebec City. We also enjoyed a conversation with the Merchant de Boisson at the New France Festival. He delighted us with tales of the challenges he had importing wines from the Old World to New France at the urging of the noblesse oblige.
Links to additional resources are available on WorldFootprints.com.
Rio de Janeiro is a city of vibrant neighborhoods and districts. We wanted to experience the city’s culture and history up close so we embarked on an exploration of Rio by foot. Historian Dr. Luciana Fagundes led our walking tour, which began in the historic central district of Lapa—an area known as the cradle of bohemian Rio. We discovered Rio’s rich history as we passed historical monuments like the Carioca Aqueduct and it’s famous arches. Our walking tour ended in the sweetest of ways at the century-old Confeitaria Colombo and enjoyed some of the chocolate and pastries they’ve been serving up over 120 years.
Then, Rio is a tale of many cities. Favela shantytowns surround affluent neighborhoods with luxury high-rises. Because favelas are informal urban areas that came into being when scatters occupied vacant land those neighborhoods have a reputation for being unsafe. We visited a favela known as Vidigal and met with an American ex-pat, Adam Newman of the Favela Experience hostel. We’ll ask him about the awards Favela Experience received from Trip Advisor and Booking.com.
Finally, we’ll talk to Vinicius Lummertz, President of Embrateur, the inbound tourism promotion agency for Brazil. Vinicius, who also shares a name with an Olympic mascot, will talk about Brazil’s abundant natural resources, rich culture and beautiful people and why just one visit to Brazil will never be enough.
Visit WorldFootprints.com for additional resources.
Today on World Footprints we’ll visit one of the largest churches in the world in Washington DC, examine efforts to save cheetahs in Namibia and head off on a Caribbean pirate treasure hunt with the latest generation of Cousteaus.
First, The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception may not be the most iconic building in Washington, DC, but it looms large in other ways. Louise DuFresne of the Basilica takes us inside this beautiful building in northeast DC to share its remarkable history. From the awe-inspiring domes, mosaics and statues that define the Basilica and much of the ornamentation, words can hardly express the grandeur and artistry on display. One of the most amazing attractions is the 3,600 square foot mosaic of Christ, which is believed to be the largest mosaic of Jesus in the world.
Then, the country of Namibia is replete with natural physical beauty and abundant wildlife. The world’s fastest cat—the Cheetah roams the beautiful landscape but is faced with man-made and natural threats to its existence. For more than three decades, rescuing cheetahs and returning them to the wild has been the focus of Namibia’s Cheetah Conservation Fund. During a trip to Namibia, we visited CCF for a closer look at the efforts to save this endangered cat. CCF’s Eli Walker took us behind the scenes during feeding time as we learned of the challenges facing the cheetah in Namibia.
Finally, Philippe Cousteau Jr. came to undersea exploration and conservation thanks to a legacy left by his famous grandfather Jacques and his father. Now, Philippe and his wife Ashlan, who made her mark as an on-air entertainment reporter for E-news, combine their personal and professional passions in their new Travel Channel show Caribbean Pirate Treasure—crisscrossing the Caribbean to share stories of pirates and lost treasures of yesteryear.
Also, Washington, DC is filled with many well-know attractions drawing millions of visitors every year. But venturing off the beaten path, DC’s unique neighborhoods reveal historic homes with of stories of their own connected to America’s history. We’ll shine a “spotlight” on two of them in the Nation’s Capital—Tudor Place and Heurich House.
For links to additional resources visit this show page at World Footprints.
As a mother of three, family travel expert Shelly Rivoli says when traveling with babies it is important to remain calm. Shelly has learned a lot of tricks and tips for traveling with children first-hand.
Today on World Footprints we will examine some troubling realities of Western conservation efforts in Africa; we’ll connect with life in Italy; take a glimpse inside of Uganda and we’ll hear about the People of Yellowstone.
In her provocative new book: White Man’s Game, author Stephanie Hanes examines the larger problems that arise when Westerners try to “fix” complex problems in developing countries, acting with the best intentions yet often overlooking the wishes of the local population. In White Man’s Game, Stephanie find herself tracing an unexpected storyline of the tangled history of Western missionaries, explorers and do-gooders in Africa.
Throughout the centuries Italy has drawn travelers to its peninsula like a magnetic force. There’s something so magical and inspiring about Italy. It’s a country where people go to create, reflect and feel alive, like author Chandi Wyant. For Chandi, she first found what she describes as her “glow” in Italy and later rediscovered it along the Via Francigena when she walked alone on a 265-mile stretch of this ancient route to Rome. Chandi joins us from Luca, Italy to share her pilgrimage of transformation that is chronicled in her book, Return to Glow.
Sir Winston Churchill once wrote that, “Uganda is a fairy-tale. You climb up a railway instead of a beanstalk, and at the end there is a wonderful new world”. There’s a reason why Uganda is known as “the Pearl of Africa”. The country is beautiful and green; the scenery is breathtaking and after years of turmult Uganda is relatively stable despite allegations of government corruption. According to Uganda Tourism Minister Stephen Asiimwe, the country is no longer marred by the legacy of Idi Amin, but today has a new narrative that is welcoming to visitors from around the world.
In their new book, the People of Yellowstone, photographer Steve Horan and writer Ruth Crocker, share the real life stories and portraits of 87 individuals from volunteers to scientists and park rangers to trail guides—all who are dedicated to the preservation of wilderness and offer us a unique glimpse into Yellowstone National Park through their eyes. Indeed, for writer Ruth Crocker who joins us from Connecticut, the People of Yellowstone project deepened her appreciation for our National Parks.
Join us as we go inside conservation efforts in Africa, learn about the People of Yellowstone, explore Uganda and hear how one author found her glow in Italy. We’ll also visit Florida’s Treasure Coast and the State of Maine...on World Footprints radio with Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick.
Additional resources available on this show page at http://WorldFootprints.com
To understand a city one must look through the lens of its artists with open eyes, appreciate the personal stories of locals, and sometimes jump on a fast track to have time at popular attractions.
Art curator and author Matt Wagner travels the world looking for the Tall Trees—the artists that stand out and help share our common humanity. In his third Tall Trees book series Matt explores the artist community in Paris.
As a mother of three, family travel expert Shelly Rivoli says when traveling with babies it is important to remain calm. Shelly has learned a lot of tricks and tips for traveling with children first-hand.
Deborah Wakefield from City Pass will tell us how we can visit the top attractions in North America’s popular tourist destinations without standing in a long queue.
We will travel inside the Middle Kingdom with author Jonathan Geldhart to gain some insights into modern China. Through the personal stories in his book Jonathan shares new truths about this mysterious country.
Join us as we explore Tall Trees of Paris and modern China, learn the art of family travel and jump the queue at popular attractions. We’ll also visit Portland, Oregon and Williamburg, Virginia on World Footprints with Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick.
For links to additional resources visit this show page on http://WorldFootprints.com
On one side of the state, North Carolina has the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. On the coastal side, the state boasts wild horses and deep blue waters. However, the center of the North Carolina holds surprising treasures and a rich history.
After losing the tobacco and textile industries, Kinston’s Mayor, B.J. Murphy tells us that his small town turned to the arts for economic revitalization. Even after traveling to Kinston for decades, Ian experienced a new community that is rich in all art forms-- from music and visual arts to brewing and distilling arts.
North Carolina has a rich musical heritage. Darrell Stover, Cultural Historian for African Music Trails of North Carolina tells us how the Eastern part of the state is now being recognized for its musical contribution.
A kinetic art sculpture park created by visionary artist Vollis Simpson forms the center price of a new district in historic Wilson, North Carolina. Whirligigs have also been adopted as North Carolina’s official folk art.
Bob Timberlake (a possible relation to Justin Timberlake) is one of America’s foremost artists, and the person behind some of the most successful furniture sold around the world. We visited him at his home gallery in Lexington, NC.
Join us as we experience the art of central and eastern North Carolina and get a history lesson aboard the Confederate Ironclad ship the CSS Neuse II. Plus, Learn the secrets of barbeque from a master cook...on World Footprints radio with Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick.
World Footprints will explore Wilmington, Delaware and the Brandywine Valley’s rich American history and vibrant arts and cultural scene with its European flair.
Known for its collection of American art, the internationally acclaimed Brandywine River Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, houses three generations of Wyeth artists—N.C. Wyeth, his son Andrew Wyeth and grandson Jamie Wyeth. Guide Reno Winter takes us inside the Andrew Wyeth studio to learn about these legendary American artists.
The DuPont name is synonymous with Delaware, at the Hagley Museum and Library, five generations of DuPont’s built a fortune on black powder and left an indelible mark on American history. Guide Elaine Croft shares the legacy of the DuPont family as she takes us on a stroll through the grounds of Hagley.
Longwood Gardens, Winterthur Mansion and Nemours Estate are some amazing attractions that were built by the DuPont family in the Wilmington area. Each property has a distinct European feel that resembles the DuPont’s French heritage. Lyn Lewis from Visit Wilmington explores these attractions and some of the arts and cultural scene that contributes to Delaware and the Brandywine Valley’s dynamism.
Many people say that if Christopher Columbus were to return to our modern world today, Dominica would be the only island he would recognize. This volcanic island is called "The Nature Island" for a reason. It has a breathtaking natural beauty that sparkles like an emerald jewel and has remained moderately developed. World Footprints will share our cultural and music tour of Dominica with stops along Waitukubuli National Trail, the Jazz and Creole Festival, the Kalingo territory and Champagne Reef where we snorkel with tiny bubbles.
For links to these attractions visit http://worldfootprints.com/
In honor of our Nations’ heroes this Veterans Day, we are pleased to introduce you to animal trainer Clarissa Black, founder of Pets for Vets—an organization that serves both Veterans and shelter animals. The Pets for Vets program is dedicated to providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America’s veterans who could benefit from a companion animal.
Then CBS Soap fans will enjoy our interview with the dashing Don Diamont from the Bold and the Beautiful (B&B). Most known for his character as “Dollar Bill” Spencer on B&B and formerly as Brad Carlton on the Young and the Restless, Don joins us to talk about his illustrious film and television career and his work with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Finally, we have all heard about approaching end of the Maya calendar on December 21, 2012. Certainly Hollywood has sensationalized what the Maya are calling “the end of the Long Count”—a 5,125-year cycle of the Maya calendar. Some believe that it will be a peaceful transition while others warn it will be apocalyptic. We will introduce travel writer Joshua Berman and his new book Maya 2012 (Moon Travel Guides). Joshua will offer some insights into the predictions for next year as well as some suggestions on where travelers can experience the end of the Long Count.
Throughout the show you'll hear clips from our interview with fashion designer Christian Siriano. Christian is the youngest winner of Bravo's "Project Runway" show and we met him during our coverage of 'Pink Rocks the Runway'--a fashion extravaganza that raises awareness and money for breast cancer research.
As we celebrate this year's G.I. Film Festival we thought we'd share some highlights from previous years. As with every day, World Footprints is proud to pay tribute to our nation’s heroes--our men and women in uniform, and the Hollywood patriots who support them. From the red carpet of the 2011 G.I. Film Festival in Washington DC, we will share our conversations with three award-winning actors: Gary Sinise, William Devane and Lou Diamond Phillips. We also met award-winning filmmaker Rodney Ray and budding filmmaker Chris Loverro. The GI Film Festival is the first film festival in the nation to exclusively celebrate the successes and sacrifices of the service member through the medium of film. Then we’ll chat with actor Sean Kanan who is best known for his role as Deacon Sharpe on The Young and the Restless. Sean joins us to talk about his journey from the mid-west to Hollywood and his travels with the USO.
World Footprints travels today in celebration of gospel music, in enjoyment of Panda havens and in search of the warmth of other suns. First, Coretta Scott King Illustrator award winning artist Michele Wood will join us to talk about her newest book, I See the Rhythm of Gospel. Then, TV naturalist Nigel Marven, the Jack Hannah of Britain, will stop by to talk about his latest adventures of living on Panda reserves in China. Finally, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson shares the stories and inspirations behind her first book, The Warmth of Other Suns: the epic story about America’s Great Migration.
World Footprints will walk in the footprints of two socially-conscious guests--a Grammy-nominated singer whose musical talents led her to change her life and live her passion, and we'll welcome back a good friend whose efforts are savings one of the most graceful and beautiful big cats on our planet.
Rene Marie is a Grammy-nominated singer, actress and writer who uses her energetic and dynamic voice to raise awareness about social issues. Inspired by iconic entertainer - Eartha Kitt - Rene has released a tribute album honoring Eartha Kitt, an inspiring artist who helped changed America's landscape for the better. Rene also uses her voice to shine attention on important issues in America.
Next we welcome back Dr. Laurie Marker, founder of The Cheetah Conservation Fund. The cheetah is one of the oldest and most majestic animals in the world and is fighting to survive. While it's taken four million years for the species to develop, it has only taken 100 years for mankind to bring the cheetah to the brink of extinction. Dr. Laurie Marker has made it her life's mission to reverse that trend. As the founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, Dr. Marker and her team are ensuring that the cheetach is here for the ages.
World Footprints is pleased to introduce more great friends from our beloved New Orleans. First, we'll be joined by actor/filmmaker Terence Rosemore who most recently donned a badge as New Orleans Police Deputy Chief Eugene Marsden in the hit HBO series "Treme". Terence will discuss his upcoming roles and film projects post-Treme as well as his initiative in the Crescent City to introduce the city's youth to the entertainment industry.
If you're looking for the best places to go, eat or see the Moon Guide to New Orleans is a great resource to have. Native New Orleanian and travel writer Laura Martone joins us to give her take on what makes her hometown such an interesting and captivating place for her and visitors alike. Finally, New Orleans is a city that never needs a reason to host a festival.
Just when you think that the city wouldn't have room for one more thing, another "thing" pops up and offers something unique. For the last few years, Diane Lyons has been spearheading the Festi Gals Conference. As founder of this conference, Diane sought to create an event just for women. Festi Gals is an empowering weekend-long celebration of the female spirit and stength. World Footprints has a personal connection with the Festi Gals conference as Tonya will be giving a "Diva Discussion" this year.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup is underway in South Africa and on this show, World Footprints showcases an organization, Grassroot Soccer, that’s using soccer to transform the lives of disadvantaged children throughout South Africa. Tonya and Ian will introduce you to executive director and founder Dr. Tommy Clark and they’ll also introduce someone who is on the “front lines” in South Africa for Grassroot Soccer, Phil Johnson.
World footprints showcases positive footprints around the world with today’s guests. Dr. P. Bai Akridge talks about the importance of study aboard programs and how students can discover their potential through global learning.
Frank Martin, producer of the PBS documentary, For Love of Liberty: The Story of America’s Black Patriots, and Bill straw from Blix Street Records, producer of the original soundtrack, discuss their award-winning film.
Nancy Rivard, founder of Airline Ambassadors International, talks about her decision to leave the management track at American Airlines to focus on building the only nonprofit that marshalls the connections of the airline industry with humanitarian efforts.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Travel’n On prepares to transition to its new name World Footprints and today you’ll be introduced to author Don Mankin who will talk about his newest project that discusses the transformative power of adventure travel. Don will also offer an invitation for you to participate in the development of this book.
Then, you’ll have an opportunity to meet celebrated interior designer Sandra Espinet who will talk about the cultural influences to her work which has been featured on the HGTV show Celebrity Holiday Homes.
Finally, have you ever wondered where a newly crowned Miss America goes? Ami Feller, former travel manager for the Miss America Corporation, will offer some interesting insights and the lessons learned from the road as she traveled with two Miss Americas.
Fans of the CBS prime-time reality show, Survivor will remember contestant Becky Lee from the 2006 Cook Islands season. She took her prize money and created Becky’s Fund, to raise awareness about domestic violence. Becky will talk about her social mission with the fund, and share some tips for making it on Survivor. Then, we’ll share how the game of soccer is promoting global citizenship and transforming lives with guest Lawrence Cann, the founder and CEO of Street Soccer USA, who has made soccer a force for social change.
World Footprints is broadcasting from Sochi, Russia where we have just arrived for the country’s first ever Winter Paralympic Games. Before we left the United States, however, we caught up with Taylor Imus, a young journalism student from Ball State University (BSU) who traveled to Sochi with other BSU student journalists. She shared her Olympic experience and some helpful insights into this city that has gained tremendous international attention. You'll also hear from Charlie Huebner, the Chief of the Paralympics for the US Olympic Committee about the history of the Paralympic Games, the purpose of the Games and why they continue to be a mystery despite growing media attention. Finally, you'll meet Patrick McDonald, a champion curler who is competing on Paralympic Curling Team USA. We'll hear Patrick's inspiring story and learn more about this sport that is growing in popularity.
World Footprints continues to have a wonderful time in Sochi, Russia as the city plays host to the country's first ever Winter Paralympic Games. Today we will introduce two extraordinary athletes who will inspire you with their stories of courage, tenancity and strength--skiier Stephanie Jallen and hockey player Nikko Landeros. Both athletes are in Sochi and are focused on bringing home a Gold. We'll also introduce the mother of World Cup champion Stephanie Jallen. Deb Jallen knows first-hand about what it takes to raise a champion athlete and she'll share her journey with us. SPECIAL NOTE: Stephanie Jallen won a Bronze in the women's Super-G in her Paralympic debut. Nikko has been the leading assist on goals obtained in hockey matches in Sochi.
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 World Footprints will follow the path of a music revolution on two coasts, we’ll explore all things travel with travel journalist Everett Potter and we’ll visit an eco-fashion boutique.
Known as the mother of Afro-Beat, music legend Sandra Iszadore has lent her voice to advance humanitarian causes. As a civil rights activist Sandra also helped shape the music and the message of Africa’s revolutionary voice Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Sandra’s influence was so profound that she has been immortalized in Fela’s autobiography and Broadway hit, Fela! Sandra continues to fight for the human rights of others with her mic.
We’ll chat about all things travel with travel journalist Everett Potter. Everett is the editor and publisher of Everett Potter’s Travel Report—an online newsletter that the Wall Street Journal calls “a source for finding great travel values”. Everett has been traveling professionally for over 2 decades and has written for a number of top travel publications in the country. Where is Everett off to next? Tune in to find out.
Eco-fashion has come a long way since the 1990s and the trend is growing beyond just being the flavor of the month. Boutique shops that promote sustainable fashion are now doing more than just green window dressings and we found such a store in Washington, DC. Carbon DC is an upscale boutique that offers sustainable clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women that are produced by independent designers. Katherine Limon, owner of Carbon DC, joins us to dispel the perception that sustainable fashion is just a burlap bag wrapped with a rope. (Note: Carbon DC is no longer open.)
After the War of 1812, Canada’s reputation as a safe haven for slaves grew. Fugitive slaves fled to planned settlements like The Elgin Settlement, known today as Buxton, located in Ontario. Bryan and Shannon Prince from the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum will share how Buxton survived and developed as a haven for fugitive slaves to a thriving town that continues to preserve its rich history.
Then, World Footprints has joined with CNN and the BBC as a media partner of the United Nations Global Initiative of fight Human Trafficking (UN-GIFT). We’ll speak to our UN-GIFT partners from Austria, Livia Wagner and Siria Gastellum, to discuss this global issue and learn why human trafficking is the largest and fastest growing criminal industry in the world-- worth an estimated US$32 billion each year. As responsible travelers there is a lot we can do to fight this awful crime; and Livia and Siria will provide some insights into what we can do to help save lives.
Author and educator Paula Young Shelton also stops by World Footprints to share her memories about growing up in the midst of the civil rights movements. Paula is the daughter of former United Nations Ambassador, Atlanta Mayor and civil rights activist Andrew Young. In her new children’s book “Child of the Civil Rights Movement,” Paula recounts the fun times she had growing up around a house full of many new “aunts and uncles” from the civil rights movement, including her Uncle Martin (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.).
Finally, James L. Stowe, Director of the Montgomery County Maryland’s Office of Human Rights, will invite you to experience the civil rights trail aboard the 2011 Civil Rights Education Freedom Tour, April 18-23. This tour is open to anyone who would like to retrace the Freedom Trail and learn about Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks & the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Voters Rights and other significant events of the civil rights movement.
World Footprints will journey inside the life of musician/actor Frank Stallone, we’ll also preview a film festival just for travelers and we’ll talk to the founder of the G.I. Film Festival.
Frank Stallone knew he wanted to be a singer at an early age. Although he has joined his brother Sylvester on the big screen, music has been the driving force in Frank’s life and has earned him several Grammy and Academy Award nominations. Frank’s unique music style has paved the way for artists like Harry Connick, Jr., Rod Stewart and Michael Buble.
New York played host to a new film festival that’s been created just for travelers. The Nomading Film Festival entertained, educated and brought to life authentic travel experiences. Co-founder Josh Wolff will take us a cinematic journey that is shared from the travelers’ perspective.
The G.I. Film Festival is the nation’s most significant venue for screening military films. Laura Law Millett channeled her military service, entrepreneurial spirit and entertainment experience to co-create the G.I. Film Festival so that filmmakers could share the story of our troops, their successes and their sacrifices.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Kate Hanni , Founder of the Coalition for an Airline Passengers Bill of Rights, returns to Travel'n On Radio to talk about the latest incidents on the tarmac and shell provide a legislative update on the proposed Airline Passengers Bill of Rights Act. Then, Libby Gill , author, business coach and former SVP of Universal Studios, Sony Pictures & Turner Broadcasting, will stop by to discuss her powerful new book Traveling Hopefully: How To Lose Your Family Baggage and Jumpstart Your Life . Finally, internationally renown martial arts actor, Chuck Johnson , will talk about his life in Japan as an African-American and about bridging the gap between two cultures.
For over a century Detroit, Michigan has hosted an auto show. The show's start in 1907 had a regional focus and continued that way for several decades. Then, in the 1980s a London cabby asked a board member why Detroit's show didn't include international auto manufacturers. That started the wheels turning (no pun) and in 1987 the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) made it's debut. Bob Shuman, Chairman of NAIAS, joins World Footprints to talk about the latest innovations in automobile design and what visitors can expect to see.
Then we head north on I-96 to Lansing, Michigan's state capital to meet a son of the city who left after school to pursue a musical career. John Fluker is an award-winning pianist, composer, vocalist and arranger who has a string of credits backing such R&B notables as Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, Oleta Adams, Mavis Staples, David Hasselhoff, Boys 2 Men, Queen Latifah, Brenda Russell, Stephanie Mills and more. In addition to backing Gladys Knight, John also served as her music director for several years. He also has a number of television and theatrical scores to his credit. How did this small town guy make it big in the music industry? John will share his secret.
Finally, we will discover Lansing's rich transportation history with a tour of R.E. Olds Transporation Musuem where we'll explore the REO Motor Car Company, old-time bicycles and aviation endeavors.
World Footprints will open up our new "Travelers University" to share some important things that you should know about the cruise industry and travel insurance. Whether you are a first time cruiser or have sailed the seven seas for years, there are things about the cruise industry that you probably don’t know. For as much enjoyment as a cruise provides there is a dark side to cruising that generally goes unreported. Author and Saturday Evening Post contributor, Elizabeth Becker, joins us to reveal the dangers that passengers often face upon boarding. World Footprints Travelers University will continue with an expert panel that will addresse many questions surrounding the decision to purchase travel insurance. If you’ve ever questioned the necessity of travel insurance or a medical evacuation plan, many frequently asked questions will be answered today from experts at the TravelInsuranceStore.com and MedjetAssist. You’ll also hear from a traveler who suffered severe injuries in Africa and how his care and rehabilitiation was managed through his travel insurance policy.
In what would become one of her final interviews, World Footprints enjoyed a intimate chat with "Global Renaissance Woman" Dr. Maya Angelou. Dr. Angelou shared some wisdom, insights and stories from her incredible life's journey, including the transitional relationship with her mother Vivian Baxter. Her mother shared messages of courage, hope, forgiveness and unlimited possibilities and those messages are what Dr. Angelou attributed to many of her life's blessings. Dr. Angelou joined us to talk about her last book "Mom & Me & Mom" and she generously offered nuggets of wisdom for everyone. Dr. Angelou's time with us was the most memorable interaction we've ever experienced and we greatly miss her presence.
We continue along the heart's path and take a short trip to a city that is near and dear to us--Detroit, where we share the city's great comeback and one of the greatest reinvention stories in America. Finally we chat with a dear friend, artist Michele Wood - a Coretta Scott King award-winning illustrator whose work is displayed in her book "I See the Rhythm of Gospel"
World Footprints busts some myths with Tory Belleci, co-host of Discovery Channel’s Mythbusters. Since joining Mythbusters, Tory has jumped out of planes, wake-boarded behind a cruise ship and been chased by a crocodile. But none of his adventures compare to the life-altering experience he had following his visit to post-earthquake Haiti during a recent break from the show. If you love animals, you’ll enjoy our conversation with Toby Bloom, Director of Wildlife Ecotourism for Humane Society International (HSI). Toby joins us to talk about HSI’s newest programs in Latin America, her focus on community-based ecotourism development, and HSI’s new travel program that will make its first stop in South Africa. Then, author Barbara Singer talks about her new book, Living Without Reservations, and her life events that were the impetus behind her pursuing a life full of travel adventures on the fly.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Travel "Louisiana's Other Side" with Tonya & Ian as they take you to the northern parts of the State. First stop: a journey through Webster Parish and the Dorcheat Museum. Then Pro Bass Angler Homer Humphreys, the pride of Webster Parish, will regal you with countless stories about life on the Bayou and his encounters with Donald Trump and Tina Turner. Finally, you’ll walk through the Ford Museum in Homer, LA and discover how the museum is helping to preserve the history and culture of the North Louisiana Hill Country.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
This week, Craig Kennedy, co-founder of Access Anything, a nationally recognized leader in adaptive sports and adventure travel for people with disabilities, will join the show to talk about their upcoming events.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Travel'n On continues their 2010 Winter Olympic coverage live from Vancouver & Whistler B.C. Ian and Tonya will first introduce tour guide Doug Neasloss and conservationist Viki Jackson, two individuals who work tirelessly on efforts to save two endangered species, the Spirit Bear and the Marmot, both who have been selected as mascots for the Winter Olympic Games. Then you’ll meet a few new friends that they met in Whistler—the “snow angels” who are spreading love and joy throughout and the “King of Norway." You will also meet downhill Olympic skier Kwame the “Snow Leopard”, the only member of the Ghana Olympic Team. You’ll hear how this Olympic hopeful has overcome many challenges to fulfill his Olympic dream. Finally, this month's Travel Angel Joyce Major will talk about her decision to walk away from the corporate world to travel the globe as a volunteer.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
While in Vancouver covering the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Travel’n On met with some key individuals who shaped the Games and who are helping to build a remarkable legacy for the city. First, you’ll meet Svein Romstad, the Secretary General of the International Luge Federation. Svein will discuss how the sport of Luge has changed, the Federation’s response following the tragic accident in Whistler and what preparations are being made for 2016 Sochi. Then, Gordon Price, Director of The City Program at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver will discuss the city’s culture and sustainability efforts and the lasting legacy of the Games. Finally, Roger Bayley, Design Manager of the Olympic Village will talk about this ground-breaking project and the future plans for this development.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Securing the Canadian wilderness and protecting humans and bears alike are two big security challenges for the Olympics. Chris Doyle, of the British Columbia Ministry of Environment joins Travel’n on to talk about the challenges that the wilderness poses for these games and visitors alike. Then, travel philosopher and fellow journalist Bob Fisher will offer a cultural perspective of our northern neighbor and explain why Vancouver is a perfect hub for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Finally, in honor of Black History Month, documentary film producer Gregory Cooke will talk about his newest film projects Invisible Warriors – African American Women During World War II and Choc'late Soldiers from the USA.
World Footprints will talk to intrepid travelers, explore America's National Parks and endangered World Heritage Sites, and we'll pay a visit to the Philippines and Northern Florida.
Congo [Click and drag to move] First, the Congo's Virunga National Park has been ensnared in bloody conflict for years but National Geographic Explorer correspondent, Justin Hall, discusses whether this vast natural resource can uplift the Congo's fortunes.
Then, hear about what lies "Beyond the Horizon" with author and traveler Christopher Many, who has taken some unconventional means to traveler around the world.
Also, we welcome back television personality and former Travel Channel host, Samantha Brown, who has joined forces with AARP to celebrate the centennial of the U.S. National Park Service.
Finally, Dr. Mechtild Rossler, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Center joins World Footprints to discuss the challenges facing World Heritage Sites in war-torn regions.
Additional resources:
National Geographic Explorer
Christopher Many
US National Park Service
UNESCO Programming for World Heritage Sites
World Footprints (updated)
Tonya and Ian share their reflections upon arriving in Rio and highlights from the opening ceremony of the 2016 Paralympic Games
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
We travel around the world with travel journalist Johnny Jet (John DiSilva). He joins us to also talk about the hottest travel sites.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Baltimore, Maryland has a number of unique attractions that showcase African-American culture and contributions in America. Nancy Hinds from the Baltimore Convention and Visitor's Bureau joins our show to share the city's interesting treasures.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Hop behind the wheel of a 55 Caddy, and find all about a very unique tour of the Memphis, Tennessee area that spawned musical legends like Elvis, Johnny Cash, BB King and more.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Tonya and Ian enjoy a conversation with CBS Travel Editor, Peter Greenberg. Peter dropped by to join our live broadcast during the US-Africa Summit.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Tonya and Ian enjoy a conversation with Thad Simons and Ellen Dierenfeld from Novus International to talk about the sustainable practices that they are incorporating in Africa. Thad and Ellen joined our live broadcast from the US-Africa Summit.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Tonya and Ian enjoy a conversation with Samantha Taylor from Reputation Dynamics. Sam stops by to discuss corporate social responsibility during our live broadcast from the US-Africa Business Summit.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Tonya and Ian enjoy a conversation with Marc Cavaliere, Executive Vice President of North America for South African Airways. Marc stopped by to talk to us during our live broadcast from the US-Africa Business Summit.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Ian and Tonya continue exploring the dynamic music scene in Seattle, Washington.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Ian and Tonya continue their look at Americas Music Cities! Today's stop is the city that spawned Quincy Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana and Pearl Jam--Seattle, Washington!
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Ian and Tonya continue their convesation with Fred Reid, former CEO of Virgin America who discusses the state of the airline industry, Sir Richard Branson, and his own personal travels.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Ian and Tonya welcome Fred Reid, former CEO of Virgin America who discusses the state of the airline industry, Sir Richard Branson, and his own personal travels.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Tonya and Ian continue their conversation with Dr. Adam Jones as he shares more stories from his first photography book Latin American Portraits . Dr. Jones has seen the world, having visited over 70 countries and every populated continent. However, he found his peace in Latin America and his book captures the faces, celebrations and culture of the Latin American region.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Tonya and Ian chat with Dr. Adam Jones about his first photography book Latin American Portraits . Dr. Jones has seen the world, having visited over 70 countries and every populated continent. However, he found his peace in Latin America and his book captures the faces, celebrations and culture of the Latin American region.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
We travel to Curacao to explore the rich African heritage and culture that continues to influence the culture of the island today.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
We continue our conversation with Ricki Stevenson, founder of Black Paris Tours, as she introduces the rich culture that had defined Black Paris by taking us on a journey to the places made famous by Black soldiers, writers, and political exiles that came to the City of Light to flee American racism.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Ricki Stevenson, founder of Black Paris Tours, introduces the rich culture that had defined Black Paris by taking us on a journey to the places made famous by Black soldiers, writers, and political exiles that came to the City of Light to flee American racism.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Angela DiSilva, President of the National Black Tourism Network, shares stories of celebrated figures from Missouri who rose from the ashes of slavery to national prominence.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
We travel to Independence, Missouri where we explore the multiple attractions and fascinating history that add to the African-American legacy.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Explore the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
This segment takes us on a visit to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and other attractions in Cincinnati, Ohio.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
David Gordon joins us from Ireland to talk about "Homecoming Scotland", a festival that celebrates people from around the world who have Scotish-Irish heritage.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Feel the beat and taste exotic flavors when we explore the island of Puerto Rico. US citizens can travel to Puerto Rico and enjoy the tropical without needing a passport.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Hop across the pond to Australia with contributor Brian Portland who explores the world as an accessible traveler.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Saddle up with Tonya and Ian as they speak to Equestrian Travel expert Elizabeth McCall about the best places to horseback ride on the Big Island.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Adventure travel and volunteer travel experts, Alexia Nestora of Lasso Communications and Christina Heyniger from XOLA Consulting, joins the show to discuss the emerging best practices in adventure travel and voluntourism (volunteer travel).
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Victor Pineda, founder of the Victor Pineda Foundation, has traveled the world on a mission to promote the rights and dignities of children and young people with disabilities. Victor is a recipient of the prestigious Jefferson Award and has emerged as one of the young global leaders of the international disability rights movement and was the youngest delegate negotiating the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, the first human rights treaty of the 21st century. Victor will talk about his efforts to educate, inspire and inform a global audience about the capabilities and potential of young people with disabilities.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Tonya and Ian will chat with fellow travel journalists J.S. Fletcher and Kathy Newbern about their recent trip to Antarctica.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Ian and Tonya's Guests are Betty Slayton, President of the Bedford County Development Association. She joins us to share all of the attractions that Bedford County offers. Todd Gillespie, Managing Director of the Bedford Springs Resort, joins Ian and Tonya to talk about the Historic Bedford Springs Resort.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Tonya and Ian travel to Montgomery, Alabama, the birthplace of the civil rights movement to explore iconic sites.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before rebranding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Tonya and Ian head to Detroit, Michigan to explore what the Henry Ford Museum is doing for Black History Month.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before rebranding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Travel'n On will head to to Richmond, Virginia to visit the city's Civil Rights sites along the heritage trail.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before rebranding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
This is a continuation of our conversation with author and explorer Col. John Blashford Snell who will talk about his upcoming expedition to Bolivia and his work with Just A Drop Foundation. John is a legendary explorer who has traveled to all corners of the earth to leave positive footprints and share remote places with the world.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before rebranding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Attention sports fans, all-American sportscaster, Kenny Albert, son of famed sportscaster Marv Albert, will join Traveln On to discuss his travels around the country with the NFL and the Olympics.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before rebranding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Join Tonya and Ian as they take you on an exciting adventure with author and explorer Col. John Blashford Snell who will talk about his upcoming expedition to Bolivia and his work with Just A Drop Foundation. John is a legendary explorer who has traveled to all corners of the earth to leave positive footprints and share remote places with the world.
World Footprints is pleased to introduce filmmaker Mitty Mirrer who produced and directed a new film honoring the families of fallen troops. "Gold Star Children: Two Generations Sharing Loss and Healing" premiered on the Pentagon Channel on Veteran's Day and is making the Film Festival circuit. Mitty is a Gold Star child herself, having lost her father in Vietnam when she was only one day old. The film focuses on the sharing, loss and mentoring of the Iraq/Afghanistan generation by the Vietnam generation gold star children and how they heal together.
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's assassination on November 22nd, World Footprints takes a look back at the event that changed America with Saturday Evening Post historial Jeff Nilsson. The shot that killed JFK in 1963 left an indelible mark on America. The Saturday Evening Post was there, capturing the thoughts and tributes of the celebrated men who knew him well in its December 14, 1963 issue, which was devoted almost entirely to memorializing the fallen president.
Now, 50 years later, the Post opens its vault to pay honor to our 35th president as his contemporaries knew him. Jeff will offer some historical perspectives and offer a glimpse into the Post's commemorative issue.
One of our favorite heroes, Ret. Col. Gail Halverson returns to World Footprints to reflect on his service during World War II. Ret. Col. Halverson flew the C-47S and C-54S aircraft during the Berlin Airlift (Operation Vittles) 1948-49. Col. Halverson, aka, Uncle Wiggly Wings is best known as the Candy Bomber during the Berlin Airlift.
Birmingham, Alabama - the Magic City - saw events and courageous people who played a central role in the Civil Rights struggle. World Footprints goes on a walking tour through history along the Civil Rights Heritage Trail as we step onto the grounds where African Americans confronted Jim Crow era violence with non-violent civil disobedience. We will also explore Kelly Ingram Park and Birmingham's 4th Avenue Business District and discuss the time when segregation made this the city's "Little Harlem".
Brimingham is also known for it's rich musicial traditions and we'll pay homage to two iconic musical figures: Henry "Gip" Gipson whose 'juke joint' is the last standing music venue of it's kind in Alabama. Gip's Place has welcomed musicians from all over the world and every Saturday music lovers travel miles for an all-night music tailgate party on a "Sanford and Son" style lot. We will also introduce Dr. Frank Adams, Sr., a charter member of the Alabama Hall of Fame, who regaled us with stories of his life, a musical set and his time playing with greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. Sadly, Doc Adams passed away only one month after our meeting with him. We are honored to showcase his music throughout today's show.
As a side note, our trip to Birmingham was a very pleasant surprise. As ethnic travelers we often wonder how we'll be perceived and treated. What we found in Birmingham (and Huntsville--another story for another time) were incredibly were welcoming and very hospitable people. Also, the food we enjoyed was GREAT. We highly recommend a visit to Birmingham, Alabama. There's a lot waiting for visitors to discover in the city "where freedom lives".
Join World Footprints as hosts Tonya and Ian explore the world of silence, the power of perfume and a new Burma.
Imagine living for 17 years under a personal vow of silence. Our first guest, National Geographic author John Francis, did just that. After witnessing the devastating effects of the 1971 oil spill in San Francisco Bay, John embarked on a period of reflection that involved a 17 year long self-imposed silence and 22 years of walking. John’s incredible journey is chronicled in his book The Ragged Edge of Silence: Finding Peace in a Noisy World.
Then, you will hear the extraordinary story of a self-made man from Norway, Geir Ness, and how he is leaving positive footprints through his multi-million dollar Laila Perfume Company. During our interview with Geir we spoke about his dear friend, 9-time New York City Marathon Champion Grete Weitz, with whom he joined forces to raise money for cancer research. We learned that Geir substituted for Grete in the 2009 NYC Marathon and raised nearly $300,000 for the Norway Cancer Society. Sadly, Grete lost her courageous battle with cancer the day immediately following our interview with Geir. We dedicate this show in Grete’s memory and to everyone whose lives have been affected by cancer.
Finally, World Footprints welcomes back travel writer Cynthia Dial. Cynthia has recently returned from Burma (Myanmar) and she joins us to share some of her surprising experiences.
Ladies and Gentlemen…Start Your Engines! That was the start command heard during the inaugural IZOD Indycar Baltimore Grand Prix. World Footprints went behind the scenes into Pit Row and trackside to bring interviews with racing icons Roger Penske and Chip Ganassi and Baltimore Grand Prix winner Will Power, a Team Penske member.
World Footprints listeners will also hear from 2nd and 3rd Place winner Dario Franchitti and Tony Kanaan and other drivers before and after the inaugural event on the streets of Baltimore. In addition to IZOD Indycar Series making an appearance in Baltimore, this race also marked GoDaddy Girl Danica Patrick’s last race before her move to NASCAR. World Footprints captured the sights and sounds from the track and you’ll feel as though you’re standing trackside along with hosts Ian and Tonya.
Follow World Footprints on Facebook and Twitter @WorldFootprints for the latest travel information including travel-relevant legislation, travel warnings and best practices.
The Editor-and-chief of National Geographic Traveler, Keith Bellows, joins World Footprints Radio to talk about the magazine, travel storytelling, his upcoming travel book for children, and his never ending quest for discovering different cultures.
Then, because culinary treasures are a manifestation of culture, Shelley Galloway from the newly opened Buddha Bar DC, the newest member of the internationally renowned Buddha bar group, will offer a culinary journey that promises to delight every palate. (Note: Buddha Bar DC has recently closed. The food was fantastic as was the ambience.)
Finally, Tonya and Ian will introduce a celebrated jewelry designer, Monique Pean, whose socially-conscious and culturally-inspired designs have been featured in the major fashion magazines and have been donned by a who’s who of celebrities including first lady Michelle Obama.
This show is dedicated to our friend, Keith Bellows, a visionary journalist, author, and globetrotter who was editor-in-chief of National Geographic Traveler for 17 years. Keith passed away on August 29, 2015 after a long illness. He was 63.
As the world remembers Nelson Mandela on the anniversary of his death, Tonya and Ian travel full circle from their law careers to South Africa, a destination they hold close to their hearts. (Hint: they honeymooned there). World Footprints shares the lasting legacy of Mandela as it showcases other sides of South Africa, including an extraordinary student exchange program between the University of Missouri and the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town, South Africa.
Then you’ll hear about the legacy of animal conservation that stretches across the globe as World Footprints introduces Nandi, a rescued South African manta ray who Tonya got to scuba dive (one of her great passions) with at the Georgia Aquarium. You'll hear about the intregal role that the Aquarium plays in sea life conservation.
The country of Russia celebrated a very successful Olympic and Paralympic Games and we thoroughly enjoyed our time in Sochi. For us, the Paralympic Games were transformative. We saw many examples of courage, strength, humanity and the belief that all things are possible, especially in the face of great adversity.
We met some amazing people and some colorful characters during our time in Sochi and you'll meet some of them during the show.
You will receive a small taste of what we experienced during our time in Sochi. On our way back to the U.S. we spent a long layover in Moscow and you’ll hear about some places you see during a short visit to moscow when Russian-American singer/songwriter Marina Verenikina joins us to talk about her hometown. We had the pleasure of visiting some of the places that she mentions.
Step into the words and paintings of award-winning writers and artists as we celebrate black history in literary color. Award-winning artist Michele Wood’s work reflects a deep sense of history and place. As a painter, illustrator, designer and writer, she has gained wide recognition and has earned multiple awards including the prestigious American Book Award for her first book, Going Back Home. Michelle is also a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award recipient from the American Library Association. Michele’s artistry continues to explode in her other works, I See the Rhythm and I See the Rhythm of Gospel.
Fond memories of swimming with “Uncle Martin” is how a small Paula Young-Shelton recalls many days with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As the daughter of former United Nations Ambassador and former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, Paula offers a human side to the icons of the civil rights movement through her young eyes. Paula’s accounts are colorfully shared in her children’s book “Child of the Civil Rights Movement.”
Pulitzer-Prize winning author Isabel Wilkerson chronicles America’s Great Migration of African-Americans in her epic novel, The Warmth of Other Suns. Isabel shares many accounts of African-Americans who left the south between 1915 to 1970 in search of freedom and opportunity and, in doing so, changed a nation and the world. The Migration of over 6 million black folks from the south not only transformed society, politics, economics and culture, these events also changed the course of history.
As travel experts we know that understanding new languages play an important part in the travel experience. But what about the journey of marriage? World Footprints talks to best selling author Dr. Gary Chapman about his book, “The 5 Love Languages” and he'll walk us through the different languages that every couple should know. This book has been on the New York Times bestsellers list for the last 20 years, and has now been translated in 40 different languages. Dr. Chapman joins World Footprints to talk about his experiences teaching new love languages around the world.
Then, we’ll introduce you to Colin Salisbury, founder of Global Volunteer Network. He joins us to talk about how his organization is connecting people with communities throughout the world.
Finally, you’ll meet Eric and Christi Grab, a great adventurous couple who took a break from corporate America to circumnavigate the world in a 43 foot trawler powerboat. Eric and Christi spent two years visiting 100 places and 34 countries around the world. Hear how they did it, and why they chose to travel via boat with limited boating experience.
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.
Emmy Award winning actor Eric Braeden, best known for his role as Victor Newman on the CBS Daytime Drama The Young and the Restless, joins World Footprints to share his travel experiences, early childhood memories and his adventures after immigrating to the U.S. Then “gadget gurus” Ellen Barone, traveler journalist and publisher of several travel blogs; and John E. DiScala, better known as professional traveler Johnny Jet and publisher of JohnnyJet.com, join the show to share the latest travel essentials and travel tips.
World Footprints is joined by an all-star cast of artists who have traveled the world to realize their dreams. Actress and Super Model, Natasha Alam joins World Footprints to talk about her latest role as “Yvetta”, Alexander’s new love interest, and her amazing journey of courage and determination that took her from Uzbekistan to Hollywood.
Then, Singer/Songwriter Elizabeth Elming is a classically trained artist who has perfected her craft in London and throughout Canada and she’ll join us to share the musical journey she has embarked on.
Finally, marital artist, writer and actor Antonio Graceffo, better known as "The Monk From Brooklyn", discusses his decision to leave corporate America for a childhood dream of a life of adventure in Vietnam and beyond.
World Footprints revisits South Africa to explore the country that Nelson Mandela built and we'll cross the border into Eritrea.
Our journey will take us through the world of fine art and will focus on the transformative power of art with Martin Britz, President and Founder of Soweto Fine Art, will join us from Johannesburg to talk about his personal journey from an Afrikaner military officer to a champion for black South African artists. Martin will share some unique insights into the people, culture, and South African society today; and he’ll talk about his quest to promote and empower the diverse people on the African continent and expose its art treasures to the world.
Then we’ll travel back to Maryland for a visit to Galerie Myrtis to chat with several prominent art collectors who gathered to discuss the topics of cultural preservation through art collecting, connoisseurship and philanthropy. Based in Baltimore, Galerie Myrtis features works by African, African-American and emerging artists with a mission to utilize the visual arts to raise awareness for artists who deserve recognition for their contributions in artistically portraying our historic and cultural landscape; and recognize art movements that paved the way for freedom of artistic expression.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before rebranding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Travel'n On listeners will discover the beautiful country of Israel with Arie Sommer, Israel Tourism Commissioner with the Israel Ministry of Tourism. Then Tonya & Ian will share the recording of a recent Town Hall meeting they facilitated for their good friend Rajmohan Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. Rajmohan will share his thoughts about current world events, his grandfathers legacy and his role as the new president of Initiatives of Change (IOC).
This show reflects an appreciation for culture through the arts--writing, fine art and Dr. Seuss's illustrative art.
NBC News correspondent and former Middle East Bureau Chief, Martin Fletcher, joins World Footprints to share his new book, Walking Israel. Fletcher’s book chronicles his adventures and insights as he walked along the coast of Israel meeting people and immersing himself in his surroundings. We will discuss the misperceptions that some have of Israel and why a visit to the historic country is worth considering.
Then, the art of human rights in the African Nation of Eritrea takes center stage as we introduce you to artist and activist Elsa Gebreyesus who is using her art to encourage hope, preserve history and fight political oppression across an ocean.
Finally, “Who-ville” comes alive and everyone from Horton to the Cat in the Hat raises awareness of a variety of social issues when curator Bill Dreyer takes us inside the art of Ted Geisel (Dr. Seuss). Dreyer represents the Art of Dr. Seuss and he will tell us why Dr. Seuss was ahead of his time with his art and its commentary on everything from discrimination, the environment, to the state of the economy.
World Footprints will take listeners on a journey that follows the North Star today from slavery to navigating the oceans.
Many Americans are familiar with the slave revolts led by John Brown and Nat Turner, but the story of the greatest act of slave resistance in American history took place in 1811 and has remained largely untold, until now. Daniel Rasmussen, acclaimed author of American Uprising: The Untold Story of America’s Largest Slave Revolt has pulled back the curtain on a long neglected period in New Orleans and he joins World Footprints to discuss his research and provide a glimpse into the history of slavery in the South and our nation’s path to Civil War.
Then, Bradley Myles, Executive Director and CEO of Polaris Project joins World Footprints. Named after the North Star that guided slaves towards freedom along the Underground Railroad, Polaris Project has been providing a comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking and modern-day slavery since 2002. Polaris Project has created the National Human Trafficking hotline in order to combat human trafficking.
Finally, meet SEAsoned chef Victoria Allman. Many people have wondered what it’s like to live on a super-yacht that cruises the oceans and docks in exotic ports around the world and Victoria Allman tells all in her new book, SEAsoned: A Chef’s Journey with her Captain. Victoria joins World Footprints to offer a first-hand account of her journey as a yacht chef with her husband Patrick on his first assignment as Captain. From their comical adventures with their inexperienced crew, and dysfunctional passengers to the violent storm, rapidly flooding engine room and great mouth-watering recipes, SEAsoned offers a great adventure & cookbook.
Today on World Footprints we’ll enjoy some Wayward and hair-raising travel experiences with a true Vagabond and we’ll look at a new travel service that has gone to the dogs.
First, author and Matador Network editor Tom Gates will give us a “sample” (no pun) of a few of his personal eyebrow-raising travel stories in his new book Wayward: Fetching Tales from a Year on the Road. Tom will share how Anthony Bourdain is responsible for his sampling of “mans best friend” and why he ended up in the pokey at Heathrow International Airport. Those stories are just a few of what we’ll hear.
Next you’ll meet Mike Richard, founding editor of the popular website Vagabondish.com—a travel portal for the independent traveler and free spirit. Mike absconded from corporate America to pursue his passion for travel and to help others travel wisely.
Finally, Aaron Hirschorn’s career has gone to the dogs—literally. Aaron and his wife Karine created a new service, DogVacay.com that provides travelers with host homes that will care for their dogs while traveling.
Today we’ll embark on an around the world race with skipper Donald Lawson, we’ll journey among the people of the rainforest with Maya Roads author Mary Jo McConahay and we’ll explore what it means to be an ethical designer in the fashion house of Aidah Fontenot.
Skipper Donald Lawson is making history on the water. He is one of just a few African-American professional sailors who holds the titles skipper and captain and is working towards breaking barriers in the sport of sailing. Donald Lawson anticipates becoming the first African American sailor to race around the world solo but his first stop will be on World Footprints. before he embarks we’re going to try to convince him that he must take this adventure radio crew with.
As a young woman studying Spanish in Mexico in the 1970s, Mary Jo McConahay fell in love with the haunting beauty and mystery of the rainforest. Determined to experience the jungle firsthand, Mary Jo traveled solo through the beautiful wild region that spans southern Mexico and northern Guatemala. That first trip was the beginning of her life’s work and adventures in Central America. Mary Jo’s newest book, Maya Roads: One Woman’s Journey Among the People of the Rainforest, draws upon three decades in Central America’s remote and dangerous landscapes where she traveled, lived, and worked as a war correspondent.
Aidah Fontenot wears many artistic hats. With over 16 years of experience and training, she continues to raise the bar in the artistic genres of fine art, photography, graphic and fashion design. Aidah is most recognized as an ethical fashion designer. Her Aidah Collection supports a “green mission” to empower women and protect the environment. The collection is handmade locally with natural and recycled materials and many designs have been spotted on the red carpet.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before rebranding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
The way we travel will soon be changing, particularly when it comes to required documentation and airport security. But your Traveling Enthusiasts welcome representatives from Border Protection and the TSA who will update you on all the changes, and offer Practical tips and info on everything from passports to handling the security lines at the airport. Plus- find out about Mayfest in Downtown Frederick, MD.
Today we’ll go on some remarkable adventures and we’ll review the history of friendship between the United States and Japan.
Mary Anne Potts has worked in the adventure travel editorial space for more than eleven years. She started on the editorial staff of National Geographic Adventure magazine in 2001 and has moved up the ranks from there. She has run the magazine’s website and also launched its social media presence. Mary Anne continues to run Adventure as a standalone digital brand for National Geographic and includes her National Geographic Adventure blog which Outdoor Magazine recognized as No. 3 within its Top 10 List of Adventure blogs.
Richard Wiese has been called the modern day Indiana Jones. He is a world-class explorer and host of ABC’s new program, Born to Explore. As an explorer and field scientist Richard has traveled to all seven continents. From tagging jaguars in the Yucatan jungles to discovering new life forms on Mt. Kilimanjaro, Richard became the youngest President of The Explorers Club. As a journalist, he has received numerous honors, including an Emmy, a Genesis Award, an Associated Press Folio Award and a Golden Halo Award.
Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates spring in Washington, DC, with the gift of the cherry blossom trees, and the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. Next year, Washington, DC will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the gift of cherry trees from Tokyo, Japan. To commemorate this milestone, the National Cherry Blossom Festival will be extended to an epic 5-wk spectacular.
World Footprints travels through Eastern Montana and explores the history and diversity of Big Sky Country's eastern border.
Today we'll fulfill a "need for speed" when we go drag car racing at Phillips County Motor Sports Dragstrip in Malta with racing champions Shaun and Dillion Carnahan. We'll travel along the vast landscape of the Hammond Ranch where some of the most significant dinosaur discoveries have been made.
From Malta we'll head south to Billings and go behind the scenes at the Dino Lab where prehistoric creatures are restored fossil-by-fossil. Finally, we'll visit the elegant Moss Mansion former home to Billings founder Preston Boyd Moss. We'll learn how Moss' vision for Billings and his world travels influenced the city's growth and his home's design.
Having grown up in the Midwest we are always proud to share many of the regions undiscovered treasures. On today's show, World Footprints will explore two state capitols--Indianapolis, Indiana and Lansing, Michigan (Tonya's hometown).
Indianapolis is home to the world's largest and the fourth oldest children's museum. Kim Harm from the museum will take us on a tour and share how a children's museum can change a child's life in unimaginable ways. She will also talk about some of their exciting international exhibits, including China's Terra Cotta Warriors.
From its opening in 1879, the Michigan State Capitol Building has served as the gateway to the Mid-Michigan region. Bolding standing in the heart of Lansing--Michigan's capitol city--the Capitol Building draws more than 100,000 visitors annually. This beautiful landmark is one of only 13 Capitol buildings nationwide--including the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC--that have been designated as a National Historic Landmark. We will tour the Capitol Building and hear stories of this remarkable historic structure with the Michigan Capitol's chief story teller, Matt Van Acker.
World Footprints seeks to connect you to the great places in this world. Today, we travel to a destination that is near and dear ot our hearts--Bermuda. We will celebrate the national holiday of Bermuda Day, the music, history and traditions with our island brothers and sisters.
Then, we'll travel to Paget parish on Bermuda and introduce you to a fantastic new property--Newstead Belmont Hills, a golf and spa resort. This property blends a boutique hotel with the leisure of a luxury resort.
Finally, we'll hop back across the pond to Birmingham, Alabama where we'll visit the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum--home to one of the world's largest motorcycle collections. We'll hear what inspired the museum's founder, George Barber, to preserve America's motorcycle heritage.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before rebranding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
On this edition, we travel back to New Orleans for a conversation with Bruce Beckham, Executive Director of Tourism Cares, who talks about their latest project- Preserving Louis Armstrong Park. Then - well find out about all the exciting things happening in the city of Brotherly Love from Philadelphia's Mayor Michael Nutter. And find out about a new TV show spotlighting one of Ian and Tonya's favorite destinations!
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before rebranding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
If, on your travels through the USA, imagine you could work with dolphins, experience zero gravity or even work in the Grand Canyon. Then imagine if these opportunities cost you little to nothing or even paid you a stipend for your short term service, would you take advantage of such opportunities? Well you can, and a new book Immersion Travel USA tells you how. The books author, Sheryl Kayne, will join the show to talk about the best and most meaningful volunteering, living, and learning excursions.
Then, New York Times bestselling author Patricia Schultz will join the show to talk about her book "1000 Places to See Before You Die" and will help listeners discover the many treasures that our world has to offer both legendary and unsung; places that should be included on our bucket list of travel wishes.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before rebranding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Travel'n On Radio returns to Ireland to discover some hidden gems, explore off the beaten path attractions and play golf on one of the many Links courses on the Emerald Isle with Ireland aficionado and tour guide extraordinaire Will Collins. Then well get an update on The Green Dragon, Irelands yacht entry in the Volvo Ocean Race and the festivities in Galway. Finally, well explore Irelands contribution to the arts and its culture with Damien OBrien with Filte Ireland.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before rebranding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Your Traveling enthusiasts continue their destination music series with two men who have seen the world through and because of their music. Folk recording artist Willy Porter tells us all about some the unique music venues hes played at during his travels. Then, legendary Jazz manager and producer Charles Fishman, founder and executive producer of Washington DCs Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, shares some tales from the road from his travels with Dizzy Gillespie.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before rebranding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Famed for its Big Texan steak house—home to a 72 oz steak—you get eat for free if you can do so within an hour and its rodeo culture, Amarillo is where the real Texas begins. From its historic Route 66, to the quirky Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo is a place that surprises at every turn, and today were are going to give you a feel for what makes this an intriguing place to visit. Also, Travel’n On introduces a Travel’n Angel, Tammy Van Dyke who is making a difference in the lives of many around the world through World Hope Missions, a faith-based organization dedicated to helping women and child around the world.
World Footprints will take you on a journey through America's heritage through the words of legendary actor Hal Holbrook. We will travel on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle with our friend Stan Ellsworth--the gregarious American history TV show host of "American Ride", and we will go inside the iconic Oak Alley plantation deep in the American south. If you'd like to experience a living history lesson or two then tune in because today's World Footprints is just for you. Follow World Footprints on Facebook and Twitter @WorldFootprints for the latest travel information including travel-relevant legislation, travel warnings and best practices.
Actress Kate Linder, best known for her role as Ester Valentine on The Young and the Restless (CBS Daytime), also travels for a living as a United Airlines flight attendant. Really! Kate didn’t leave her daytime job even after landing the popular role on Y&R. She takes a break from Genoa City to join World Footprints talk about her dual roles and her work as Celebrity Spokesperson for the ALS Foundation.
Then we’ll talk about the role that tourism plays in fostering peace with Lou D’Amore, Founder and President of the International Institute for Peace through Tourism. Finally, Casey Wohl, the “Getaway Girl,” stops by to share a few great destination ideas for a girlfriends’ getaway and the guys who are seeking a “mancation.”
In honor of the War of 1812, World Footprints will travel the "Star-Spangled Banner" Trail by land and by sea through Maryland, the home state of Francis Scott Key.
Our first stop will be two historical sites in Baltimore--Ft. McHenry and the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House. Then we will explore Southern Maryland and travel to historic Jefferson Patterson Park and the Sotterley Plantation where we’ll learn about the two largest naval battles in Maryland’s history—the Battles of St. Leonard Creek. Finally, we will travel to Maryland’s capital in Annapolis to visit the U.S. Naval Academy for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Academy where we’ll learn about many artifacts from the War of 1812.
For more information about Maryland’s role in the War of 1812 visit www.StarSpangled200.org.
World Footprints will take you inside the sport of blind judo with a Paralympic hopeful, a past Paralympian and the founder of the Blind Judo Foundation.
As a member of the 2012 USA Paralympic Judo Team, Jordan Mouton is on a quest for Olympic Gold in London. Jordan joins us to talk about her sport, her preparations for London and why she considers Judo an ideal sport for the blind or visually impaired athlete.
Lori Pierce is a Paralympic trail-blazer for athletes like Jordan. As the First Lady of Paralympic Judo, Lori was the first ever and only female on the 2004 US Paralympic Judo Team. Now, Lori is one of Judo’s ambassadors and she joins us to share her plans to return to international competition in the near future.
Ron Peck, founder of the Blind Judo Foundation, recognized that athletes like Jordan and Lori needed a stronger support system than was available. He founded the Blind Judo Foundation to help create opportunities and support the growth of blind and visually-impaired athletes in the sport of Judo. Ron joins us to talk about the “aha” moment that led to the creation of the Foundation.
Do you believe in ghosts or vampires? On today’s show you’ll meet two people that do—a paranormal photographer and a writer who traveled along Dracula’s trail. On a more serious note we’ll also re-introduce you to our friends and partners at the United Nations Global Initiative to fight Human Trafficking.
Jason Dowd is an award-winning photographer whose work has been exhibited throughout the world. He is also a paranormal investigator, who has debunked possible “ghost sightings” and confirmed others through his own personal experiences—some which he captured on recording.
Steven P. Unger has traveled extensively in North and South America, Western Europe, Israel, and Romania. But his life journeys are even more intriguing. He was one of a handful of white students at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, and a member of the Bear Tribe, a California commune that tried sharecropping, goat herding, and living in teepees. So it’s not surprising that this adventurer also sought to discover the truth and myths behind “Vlad the Impaler” aka, DRACULA. In his new book, IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF DRACULA: A PERSONAL JOURNEY AND TRAVEL GUIDE, Steven reveals the history of Dracula in a surprisingly scholarly fashion.
Human trafficking is a real threat and it affects people of every demographic in every country around the world. World Footprints has joined several organizations that are fighting on the frontlines against this global crime. Our awareness and intro into the world of human trafficking started with our partnership with the United Nations Global Initiative to fight Human Trafficking.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before rebranding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Travel with Travel’n On through Alaska’s Glacier National Park aboard the luxurious American Safari yacht. Tonya and Ian will chat with American Safari’s captain and expedition leaders as they embark on a discovery of the Inner Passage and the natural treasures that the area holds. Then, enjoy a cultural immersion experience and history lesson with David Katzeek, a senior Tlingit tribal member and founder of the Sea Alaska Foundation.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before rebranding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
February marks Black History Month, and in celebration, World Footprints returns to Missouri; a state that has made a unique contribution to America’s history. Ian and Tonya will speak to father Moses Berry, founder of the Ozarks African American Heritage Museum in Ash Grove. Then, Angela da Silva of Lindenwood University will join them to talk about a few Missourians who rose from slavery to national prominence. Finally, we journey to Independence, Missouri to explore some of the history and places were African American contributions have not been forgotten.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before rebranding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
National Geographic author Jon Bowermaster talks about his journey down the coast of Vietnam. Then, Canadian anthropologist Wade Davis joins Tonya and Ian to talk about his recent travels to Peru, Borneo, Tibet and northern Kenya. Finally, learn about the Shams Ensemble, one of the first groups to pursue musical independence and freedom of womens voices in Iran, and their current US tour.
In March, Washington, DC will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Environmental Film Festival. This film festival has become one of the world’s largest and most influential showcases of environmental films. The Festival presents a diverse selection of high quality environmental films, including many national and world premieres. Executive Director Peter O’Brien shares with World Footprints audiences what this year’s festival holds.
Becoming a world-class athlete takes enormous determination, courage and faith. Anjali Forber-Pratt has all of those characteristics and more. She is a record-breaking paralympic athlete who has competed on the international stage for several years. She is heading to London for the 2012 games but is taking time out of her training schedule to join us.
Some teachers teach without ever leaving the classroom. Larry “Jungle” Shortell is not one of them. During the school year, Larry teaches special education in Connecticut. But during his Summers Off, which incidentally is the name of his new book, Larry travels the world seeking adventure.
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.
Today World Footprints will go on an American Ride, experience exhilarating thrills and preview a month-long California Wine Festival. Television show host, historian and motorcycle buff Stan Ellsworth breaks the mold of the stereotypical high school history teacher. A former NFL player, Stan is the Harley Davidson-riding host and creator of BYU-TV’s American Ride. Join us as we hop on the “iron horse” with Stan as he takes us through American history.
As the author of “America’s Top Roller Coasters and Amusement Parks” Pete Trabucco knows a thing or two about high-speed thrills. Pete is taking his need for speed and death-defying adventures to the airwaves in a new show, Thrill Ride Maniacs, and he’ll share the best places to enjoy a thrill in America.
With the month of April celebrating Earth Day, California wineries are embarking on a first time, month-long celebration called “Down to Earth Month.” Gladys Horiuchi of The Wine Institute will preview the month’s festivities and some up and coming wine regions in California.
World Footprints will take you on a journey as we explore the artifacts from America’s greatest family battles, discover a catalyst for promoting Latin American arts and culture, and take a sip of sustainable California wines (yum!). The home of Randall McCoy, the patriarch of the famed McCoy family, and the site of the deadly 1888 New Year’s Day showdown between the Hatfields and McCoys has been unearthed by National Geographic “Diggers” Tim “Ringmaster” Saylor and “King” George Wyatt. Tim “Ringy” stops by to share their historic discoveries.
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is the leading source of development financing for Latin American and the Caribbean. IDB has an extensive and dynamic cultural education outreach program and Ivan Duque Marquez, Culture, Creativity and Solidarity Division Chief, joins us to talk about the unique role culture plays in Latin America’s economic development.
Sustainability has taken hold in the wine industry. One of the leaders in the vanguard is Allison Jordan, Executive Director of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, a non-profit that promotes environmental and social responsibility in the industry. Cheers!
Located in the heart of the mid-Atlantic the City of Norfolk is an important 400-year-old port city and home to the largest naval base in the world. Norfolk also played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad as one of the last port stops on the road to freedom north. Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander from Norfolk State University joins World Footprints to discuss the newly established Waterways to Freedom Tour and Norfolk’s important role in the Underground Railroad.
Then, as we race to summer, many teens from across America will be packing their bags and exploring various destinations around the world. Given the recent headlines from Japan, North Africa and the Middle East, travel security and safety is paramount in the mind of many families. Mike Bowers, Senior Director of Health and Safety at People to People Ambassador Programs, will share some sage advice about what teens (and adults) need to know to stay safe.
Finally, Adelphi University’s Dr. Stephen Shore is a renowned expert of autism. From his personal challenges with autism to his work with others, Dr. Shore takes us inside the world of autism and he’ll share how lives are being changed through research and support groups around the world.
As the world celebrates the 150th birthday of Henry Ford, World Footprints takes you to the place where automobile history was made and beyond. Today we'll explore the treasure trove of history and culture in Michigan -- a State that both Ian and Tonya call home. We'll start our tour of the Great Lakes State in Mecosta County in Mid-Michigan where you’ll meet descendents of the “Old Settlers”—a group of twelve African-American families, including Tonya's family, who migrated by underground railroad and wagon train from Canada and Southern and Eastern states to settle in Western Michigan. Then we'll travel to the Southeast suburbs of Dearborn and Grosse Point where you’ll experience the Henry Ford and Greenfield Village as we share an audio history of American ingenuity. Finally, you’ll take a step back into history and experience what it was like to live the life of an auto baron as we visit the regal Grosse Pointe home of Henry Ford’s only child, Edsel Ford.
We dedicate this broadcast to our dear father, Lonnie D. "Boogie" Johnson--a man whose wonderful legacy will live on forever.
Today's show will find World Footprints traveling to the crown jewel of Louisiana's River Road, revisiting a dark chapter in American history, and uncovering the best that New Orleans has to offer.
The Houmas House in Darrow, Louisiana is an antebellus plantation and sister property of the famous Greenbrier Resort in Virginia. This historical jewel sits between New Orleans and Baton Rouge and contains a treasure trove of history within its walls. We were pleased to spend a day with the planation's colorful owner, entrepreneur Kevin Kelly and learn what he is doing to preserve Houmas House as a living history and decorative arts showcase.
Then, the greatest act of slave resistance in American history took place in 1811 just outside of New Orleans and has remained largely untold, until now. Author Daniel Rasmussen joins us to discuss his book, American Uprising: The Untold Story of America's Largest Slave Revolt, and shed new light on the great American paradox--slavery.
Finally, native New Orleanian and travel writer Laura Martone is the author of the Moon Travel Guide to New Orleans and she stops by to offer an insider's guide to the best that New Orleans has to offer.
Join World Footprints as we catch up with our good friend Peter Greenberg at the Travel & Adventure Show in Washington, DC. Peter has a lot of great travel advice to share and he offers one very intriguing travel tip that is sure to raise some eyebrows.
Then we’ll introduce you to Dr. Kelly Bricker, Chair of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Dr. Bricker will talk about the power of tourism and travel to implement positive change in society and we’ll get an update about the upcoming TIES conference. Our good friend Kelly Schulz with the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau treats Tonya to lunch and a great conversation about what’s happening in New Orleans for 2011.
Finally, another good friend, Polish-born composer, guitarist and violinist, Lucas Lechowski (pronounced Le-hoff-ski) shares his unique artistry and musical styles with us. Lucas is an acclaimed musician on the European Jazz scene and, as a composer he has scored film and theatrical productions in Poland and is currently collaborating on projects while in the U.S., including a Baltimore-based television show that is being considered for the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
Today World Footprints talks to Chef Jose Pizarro, the “Father of Spanish Cooking in the UK.” Chef Pizarro will talk about his new Spanish cook-book and life in the U.K. Then Emmy winning actress Heather Tom, star of the CBS daytime drama, The Bold and the Beautiful, discusses her recent trip to Thailand and her journey towards stardom. Finally, linguist and marketing executive, Larry Wojno, talks about effective cross-cultural communications.
World Footprints is pleased to share Part 2 of the 3-part interview with Emmy Award winning actor Eric Braeden, who plays Victor Newman on The Young & the Restless (CBS Daytime). Eric talks about his favorite travel destinations and his efforts to foster peace and understanding between Germans and the Jewish community.
Then, enjoy a feast with Spain’s celebrated chef Maria Jose San Roman as she shares the secret ingredient that appears in all of her dishes (and cocktails). Finally, since every day is World Animal Day we are pleased to be joined by Paul Butler, SVP of Global Programs at RARE Conservation, who will discuss RARE’s animal conservation efforts and the world-wide Pride Campaign.
This is Part 3 of our wonderful conversation with Emmy-winning actor Eric Braeden. Eric is best known for his role as Victor Newman on the #1 Daytime drama “The Young and the Restless” and he opens up about his transition to Hollywood, his hope for peace in the Middle East, his desire for better German-Israeli relations, and his love for America.
We'll also share an enlightening conversation with our dear friend, Dr. Kristin Lamoureux, Director of the International Institute of Tourism Studies at George Washington University. Kristin recently returned from a symposium on Voluntourism in Egypt and she shares the highlights of her experience in Egypt and the volunteer initiatives that are taking place in Egypt and around the world.
Today on World Footprints we’ll contemplate the personal boundaries of Stone Walls with Ansel Adams protégé, photographer Mariana Cook. We’ll also look at the fusion between eco-friendly couture and glamour. We’ll talk to one traveler about her initiatives to fight human trafficking and we’ll learn about Dubai’s progressive sustainable initiatives.
Mariana Cook is an extraordinary photographer who is actually the last protégé of Ansel Adams. Mariana’s work can be seen in major museums throughout the world including the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC and the National Gallery in London, England, among others. She has produced several amazing portrait books including Fathers and Daughters, Couples and Mathematcians. She joins us today to discuss her newest photographic book, Stone Walls: Personal Boundaries.
Imagine how fulfilling your life would be if your work were your passion and this passion provided a wonderful living but also allowed you to have a positive impact in others lives. Designer Elizabeth St. John is living a passion that she began cultivating at the age of 5. From that tiny beginning to now, Elizabeth is known for her elegant couture that is a masterful fusion of Eco-Friendly and Glamour. Outside of her Silver Spring, MD studio, Elizabeth is also known for her humanitarian work. She donates a percentage of profits from her Couture collections to charities that do hands on work throughout the world, and she has co-founded the Universal Strategic Services Foundation, which works at the crossroads of human needs and the environment.
As you know, the fight against human trafficking is one of World Footprints major causes. Until recently, little attention had been paid to this crime, despite the fact that it is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world. In 2002 while on a trip in Europe, Deborah Sigmund first heard the phrase, human trafficking. When she later learned about human trafficking and the challenges and issues surrounding the fight against this crime, Deborah took her knowledge and turned it into action. In 2006, she founded Innocents At Risk, a non-profit organization that was formed to help fight human trafficking.
With all of the development that Dubai is experiencing the country is embracing sustainable developmet during its growth. We spoke to Saud H. Al Nowais from the UAE Trade & Commercial Office in the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC about how Dubai is setting the bar for sustainable development throughout the Middle East.
Every 14 days a language dies. National Geographic author and renown linguist, David Harrison, joins World Footprints to discuss his latest book: The Last Speakers: The Quest to Save the World’s Most Endangered Languages.
Then celebrated personal chef to the stars, Chef Jermome Brown--a.k.a. Chef Rome, is fresh on the heels of his invitation to participate in the International Food & Wine Festival. He joins World Footprints to talk about his journey from a small neighborhood eatery in Rocky Mount, North Carolina to the accolades he was showered with in Orlando, Fla..
Finally, Sylvia Allen is a prominent business woman, Associate Professor of Marketing and Author; but since 2003, she has placed the title of Humanitarian at the top of her professional mantel. After returning from a humanitarian trip to Uganda, where she was adopted as a grandmother by local children, Sylvia returned and created “Sylvia’s Children” with a commitment to help feed, clothe and educate the children of Uganda.
World Footprints is pleased to introduce our partner, Pack for a Purpose. Did you know that just by setting aside a small space in your suitcase—5 lbs worth of space—that you could supply crucial education materials or simple medical supplies to children around the world? Our friend, Rebecca Rothney founded “Pack for a Purpose” on the belief that every traveler could have a positive and big impact on a community by donating just a little of their luggage space.
Then, meet our good friend, oscar nominated director Robert Bilheimer. Bob is using his gift of film making to raise awareness about social, cultural, and humanitarian concerns. His company, Worldwide Documentaries, brings to light the way the world is today—a world of small islands of wealth surrounded by vast oceans of poverty and despair. his films include “cry of reason”, for which he was nominated for an academy award; “a closer walk” which examines the global response to the hiv/aids crisis; and most recently “Not My Life” which confronts one of World Footprints causes--the tradegy of human trafficking.
Finally, our dear friend Edvinas Minkstimas, one of Europe’s top emerging young pianists, joins us today. Edvinas hails from Kaunas, Lithuania and he made his debut at the age of 14 with The Lithuanian National Philharmonic Orchestra . Edvinas has won international acclaim and multiple awards including his most recent, the Belz-Parker Young Artist Award. In addition to his impressive musical career, Edvinas is also the founder of Global Lithuanian Leaders, a nonprofit organization that has a mission to support Lithuanians all over the world.
World Footprints will present two powerful stories of survival from unlikely human trafficking victims and how they’re using their ordeals to support other victims and raise awareness about this elusive crime. We will also share the story of a former Peace Corp volunteer whose experience inspired the development of a new community-based adventure travel resource.
Holly Smith is not what many think a human trafficking survivor would look like. She’s a blond American and was raised in a middle-class two parent home. But when Holly was only 14 years old she was taken from her home planted immediately into the sex trade. The trafficking incident was traumatic enough but Holly was also traumatized by the lack of support she received from law enforcement and social services after she escaped.
Stacy Jewel Lewis was a 19 year old student and aspiring actress when she was abducted by an elderly man who was working on behalf of traffickers. Only after Stacy’s trafficker was arrested two years later was she able to leave the sex trade and begin rebuilding her life. Today Stacy has returned to acting and playwriting where she uses theatrical performances to share her story and raise awareness about human trafficking.
Jack Fischl is a former Peace Corp volunteer who helped create a tourism initiative for a small village in Panama. Upon returning from his assignment, Jack was inspired to continue the work he started so he built a powerful online resource, Keteka.com, that connects the dots between socially conscious travelers and Peace Corp communities
Imagine being on the path of qualifying for the 1996 US Olympic Track and Field Team as a hurdler after becoming a 3-time All-American at the University of Arkansas to suffering a devastating injury that would lead to the loss of your leg. Through faith and family, John Register overcame that devastating loss-- first to compete as a Paralympic swimmer in the 1996 Atlanta games and to win a Silver Medal as a long jumper in the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney Australia. John’s story of “Hurdling Adversity” is an inspirational one he will share with World Footprints today.
Then, there are travel guide books that advise you on the places to see, eat and stay but very few guide you through the history of a destination or inspire an appreciation of a place. However, a new book co-written by History Professor Victor Silverman called California: On the Road Histories, takes readers through the Golden State’s rich history and heritage in a way that no other book ever has.
As World Footprints continues in the fight against human trafficking, we are pleased to introduce you to other organizations that are fighting on the frontline in this global war against humanity. One such organization that we are pleased to work with is Stop the Traffik—a U.K. based initiative that is leading strategic responses to human trafficking world wide. Ruth Dearnley, CEO of Stop the Traffik, will join us today.
Today we will share positive vibes from a Paralympic Champion, race into London 2012 with a remarkable person and special athlete, and “Hurdle Adversity” with a leading Paralympic Advocate, athlete and motivational speaker.
Meet Tony Volpentest. Tony achieved his dream of running in the Olympics, becoming a four-time Paralympic Gold Medalist and five-time World Champion sprinter—a seemingly incredible accomplishment because Tony was born without hands or feet. We’re honored to share his inspiring story.
Becoming a world-class athlete takes enormous determination, courage and faith and our good friend, Anjali Forber-Pratt, exudes all of those attributes. As a child Anjali has been paralyzed from the waist down but she never allowed her wheelchair to limit her. Anjali is an Olympic Bronze Medalist and she has her sights set on Gold in London.
Behind every great athlete is a strong advocate. John Register was at the top of his sport as an all-American hurdler on the verge of qualifying for the US Olympic Team only to suffer a devastating injury that would lead to the loss of his leg. He overcame that to compete as a Paralympian in two sports. Today, John is on the management team at the US Olympic Committee in the Paralympic Division.
Per recent news reports, scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute embarked on a historic expedition to "virtually raise" the legendary TITANIC. Expedition Leader Dave Gallo joins World Footprints to discuss the expedition's mission and the efforts being made to preserve the Titanic. We've spent a lot of time talking about soccer and how this sport is transforming lives. Today we will introduce Mel Young, Founder of the Homeless World Cup. Mel joins us to talk about this year's World Cup in Brazil and the impact soccer is having on the lives of homeless people all over the world. Finally, we will be treated to the history of the Siksika People in Alberta, Canada as Shane Breaker from the Blackfoot Crossing Museum joins us.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before rebranding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
The outbreak and apparent resurgence of the H1N1 virus, commonly referred to as the Swine Flu, has caught the world by surprise and worldwide concern over this virus is affecting many peoples lives, including their travel plans. Travel'n On Radio has invited a distinguished panel of health care, medical and insurance experts to answer your pressing questions regarding this virus and its impact on travel. Dr. MauriceRamirez, Founding Chairperson of the American Board of Disaster Medicine; Steve Crimando, Managing Director of Extreme Behavioral Risk Management; Dr. Anatoly Belilovsky, Director of Belilovsky Pediatrics and child health and flu detection/treatment expert; and Commissioner Sandy Praeger (Kansas), Immediate Past President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners will help separate the facts from the hype and provide practical tips. Additionally, two authors, one who traveled and worked in Vietnam during the SARS pandemic and another whose son was recently quarantined in Japan, will provide their perspective as members of the travel community.
World Footprints is joined by New York Times Bestselling Author of The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd, and her daughter Ann Kidd Taylor. The mother/daughter pair talk about their new book, Traveling with Pomegranates, that chronicles their journey of self-discovery that they embarked on together when the idea of Bees was just an idea in Sue’s head and when both she and Ann were at a cross road in their lives. Then National Geographic author and women’s travel expert Marybeth Bond, the “Gutsy Traveler”, joins us to talk about great girlfriend getaways.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before rebranding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Jana La Sorte, Executive Director of Urban Bush Women, talks about her dance company’s selection as one of three companies selected to inaugurate the U.S. State Department’s cultural exchange program called “Dance Motion USA.” Then, you will meet Cat Cora, the first and only female Iron Chef and founder of the non-profit organization called Chefs for Humanity. Cat will talk about her foundation’s philanthropic efforts, including their newly launched campaign for Haiti called One Million in One Month. And now that the Olympic Games have concluded, the world is shifting its attention to South Africa, host country for the 2010 World Cup. Travel’n on will be joined by one of our newest partners, Dr. Tommy Clark, executive director of Grassroot Soccer to learn about his organization’s efforts in South Africa and how he uses the power of soccer to help curb the spread of HIV.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before rebranding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Rick Webster , VP of Public Policy at the US Travel Association, joins Travel'n On Radio to talk about the Travel Promotion Act and his Associations efforts to promote tourism in the United States. Then voluntourism gal Alexia Nestora returns to Travel'n On to talk about voluntourism as a transformational travel experience and author Sheryl Kayne joins Tonya & Ian to discuss her newly released book Volunteer Vacations Across America .
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.
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced prior to rebranding our show from Travel'n On to WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Today will explore the legacy of one of America’s great frontier families, Daniel Boone and his son Nathan, who helped settle the American frontier in Missouri. Dr. David Knolls and Grady Manus of Lindenwood University will introduce the historic home of Daniel Boone and Boonesfield Village, the place Daniel Boone launched America’s early exploration into the West. Then, David Roggensees of the Nathan Boone Homestead in Southwest Missouri—the Ozarks—will offer a glimpse into the life of Nathan Boone.
Study abroad and global citizenship were front and center at a recent White House Travel Summit. The White House invited the most influential travel journalists and bloggers to join Administration officials, policymakers and thought-leaders here in Washington, D.C. to discuss how the U.S can build stronger relationships to the rest of the world with the help of young Americans, especially through study abroad programs. World Footprints was there and today we will bring you some of the highlights from the speakers and panelists who spoke.
The White House Travel Bloggers Summit on study abroad and global citizenship sought to build on President Barack Obama's vision of studying, learning and working together as a way to bring prosperity to the United States and the world. On today's show you'll hear from policy makers and thought-leaders like (in order of appearance): Benjamin Rhodes (Dep., National Security Advisor), Evan Ryan (Assistant Secretary of State), Bernadette Meehan (National Security Council), Patrick Dowd (Millenials Trains Project), Paula Froelich (Yahoo Travel), Johathan Greenblatt (Special Asst. to Pres. Obama), Daniela Kaisth (Inst. of International Education), Penny Pritzker (Secretary of Commerce), Tina Tchen (Michelle Obama's Chief of Staff), Robert Reid (National Geographic), Robin Goldberg (Minerva Project), James Howard (iHeart Radio) and Don Wildman (Travel Channel).
In remembrance of the spirit of New Orleans following the devastation 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 museums, 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.
On today’s show World Footprints explores the plight of the endangered Panther, we chat with one of the rising IZOD Indycar stars Simona de Silvestro, and we also view Catholicism through the lens with Father Robert Barron. As a special bonus, we added some sound bytes and interviews from the DC Stop Modern Slavery walk to end human trafficking.
Panthers once roamed the entire southeastern United States; from Florida to South Carolina and Louisiana. However, the panther was added to the Endangered Species List in 1967 and today the remaining population is isolated in South Florida. The Panther population has dramatically decreased but many efforts are being made to save this beautiful animal from extinction. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is at the forefront of the Panther conservation efforts and Park Ranger Sandy Mickey from the Florida Panther & Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuges joins us today to talk about some of these initiatives.
Then, we enjoyed a chat with one of the IZOD Indycar series rising stars, Simona de Silvestro. Simona is one of a handful of female Indycar racers and she is one of the most prominent racecar drivers on the track. Simona hails from a country where auto racing is banned but she has made a name for herself as one of racing’s brightest young stars. She is the first woman in Atlantic Series history to have earned the most wins and pole positions, and the IZOD Indycar Rising Star Award.
Finally, we will talk to Father Robert Barron, the Francis Cardinal George Professor of Faith and Culture at Mundelein Seminary and a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, about his new PBS series Catholicism. This documentary illustrates the history and treasures of a global religion shared by more than one billion people around the world by exploring art, architecture, literature, music and all the riches of the Catholic tradition. Father Barron was joined on his two-year around the world journey by acclaimed filmmaker Mike Leonard, a veteran correspondent for NBC‘s Today show and producer. To learn more about the Florida Panther visit: http://www.fws.gov/floridapanther or http://www.floridapanther.org
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.
Peter Vogel, founder and managing director of CulturePrep Inc., is a noted speaker on advancing cross-cultural relations and a philanthropist. Peter joins World Footprints to talk about how CulturePrep has been empowering individuals and groups from around the world to overcome the obstacles that threaten meaningful and productive cross-cultural relationships. He will also talk about the volunteer work his organization is spearheading in Uganda.
Then, David Morey, co-chair of The Fund for Peace and former chair of the Council on Foreign Relations’ Task Force on Public Diplomacy, sits down with World Footprints to talk about the current events in Northern Africa and the Middle East and how the insurgent strategy he has developed will help the U.S. to re-boot its foreign policy as . David is one of America’s leading strategic consultants. He has advised some of the world’s top business leaders, five Nobel Peace Prize winners and twelve successful global presidential campaigns, including President Barack Obama. David is also an award-winning co-author of The Underdog Advantage, a book that outlines a powerful insurgent strategy to put business on top.
Finally, prepare your taste buds as Malaysian Chef Susheela Raghavan cooks up the Flavors of Malaysia from her new cookbook with World Footprints. Flavors of Malaysia: a Journey through Time, Tastes, and Traditions, will take you on a wonderful sensory journey as Susheela serves up more than 150 amazing recipes, touching family stories, and fascinating notes about the multi-cultural origins of Malaysian food in this wonderful collection.
World Footprints is pleased share this GOLD Award winning show which was recognized by the North American Travel Journalist Association. In celebration of Black History Month and the 150 Anniversary Commemoration of the American Civil War and Gettysburg Address, you will see a very compelling side of Gettysburg as told through our guests. In 2013 the city of Gettysburg, the nation and the world reflected upon the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place from July 1 to July 3 1863, and President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863. We showcased what visitors can expect to see and experience following the Commemorations and beyond the battlefield with Stacey Fox, Vice President of Marketing and Sales of the Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau. Then, Scott Hancock, PhD, Associate Professor of History and Africana Studies at Gettysburg College joins us to discuss the role of the Underground Railroad in the war, the African-American struggle for freedom--from President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, and the seminal events that took place in Gettysburg in 1863 that forever changed America. Finally, Debra Sandoe McCauslin of For the Cause/Gettysburg Histories takes us along the Underground Railroad in Adams County, Pennsylvania where we visit Yellow Hill and the Quaker Valley to uncover the African-American families who settled in the area and the role of Quakers in the Abolitionist Movement there.
On today’s World Footprints radio show we will showcase some remarkable young women who are doing extraordinary things. World Footprints was invited to attend the Girl Up Leadership Summit in Washington, DC. Girl Up is an innovative campaign of the United Nations Foundation that gives American girls the opportunity to become global leaders and channel their energy and compassion to raise awareness and funds for United Nations programs that help some of the world’s hardest-to-reach adolescent girls. We are pleased to share highlights from this first Girl Up Leadership Summit which included remarks from actress Monique Coleman from High School Musical; Sarah Hurwitz, Speechwriter for President Obama; and moments between Girl Up teen advisors and young girls from the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. Also, we are delighted to introduce a dynamic teenager who is making waves on the air with her weekly radio show—Pavlina’s Kids Place. Pavlina Osta shares interviews with celebrities, politicians and newsmakers. In addition to her radio show, Pavlina is an honor-roll student and an accomplished steel drum musician. Truly a wonderful role model.
World Footprints will take you inside “The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth”—the Calgary Stampede. Cowboy up and hitch your horse to a chuck wagon as the Stampede’s Keith Rutherford shares the heritage of one of the signature events, the chuck wagon race. Then meet the young Canadians who charm their way into the hearts of all during the Stampede evening extravaganzas. They will share what it takes to be a member of this Broadway style glee club. Finally, World Footprints will visit the Siksika Nation, east of Calgary on the Blackfoot Reservation. Tribal elder, Bernard Bear Shirt, will share the history of the Tribe through stories and members of his family will continue the tradition of music and dance.
Some of our favorite celebrities are more than just pretty faces. They are people who are displaying their sense of humanity and building legacies of positive footprints that go beyond the big and small screens.
Don Diamont is an extraordinary actor who has been seen on both the big and small screens. Most recognized for his role as “Dollar Bill Spencer, Jr.,” on the CBS Daytime Drama, The Bold and the Beautiful, Don was also seen in the film Anger Management with Jack Nicolson and Adam Sandler and Marco Polo opposite Jack Palance. Don made history when he was named in People’s Magazine “50 Most Beautiful” issue and more recently in the 2009 “Sexiest Man Alive” issue. Don’s resume and his titles are very impressive but the one title he treasures the most is when he was named Ambassador of the Year by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in recognition of his work and efforts to find a cure for this crippling disease.
Heather Tom is a two-time Emmy Award winning actress is recognized for her role as “Katie Logan-Spencer” on the CBS Daytime drama, The Bold and the Beautiful. Heather began acting at the tender ago of two and she’s been seen in many roles on television, on the big screen and on the stage. However, Heather embraces an even larger role on the world stage as an activist and humanitarian.
Eric Braeden has captivated audiences for many years. From his role as John Jacob Astor in James Cameron’s Titanic to his most famous role as the dashing Victor Newman in the #1 daytime drama, The Young & The Restless—a role that garnered an Emmy Award, several Emmy nominations and a People’s Choice Award. Eric has held many screen roles over the last 50 years, but he has also been honored for his real-life role as a humanitarian and for his work to bridge cultural gaps.
Award-winning World Footprints goes exploring through the lens of a film maker who is bringing hope to millions, a cruise ship doctor turned novelist, and a barrier-free travel writer.
Communities in crisis need knowledge and empowerment and award-winning FilmAid International provides both to millions of people suffering the effects of war, poverty, displacement or disaster. Caroline Baron is the founder of FilmAid International and she joins us from the field to discuss the life-changing power of film.
Dr. Paul Davis is a cruise ship doctor turned mystery writer. Dr. Davis uses his insider knowledge and years of experience at sea as the backdrop for his new book Cruise Ship Crime: A Medical Mystery Murder.
Accessible travel expert Candy Harrington returns to World Footprints to discuss new developments in accessible travel and to offer some advice and tips to the physically-challenged traveler.
Today’s World Footprints radio show is all about the beautiful island of Bequia (pro-nounced Beck-Way), the northern-most island in the Grenadines. We will traverse as much of the seven square miles as we can during this broadcast. First, we’ll start under the pristine coastal waters of Bequia as we explore some of the best diving spots in the world. We start our underwater adventure with Cathy Sachs from Dive Bequia who takes us to a colorful spot called Devils Table. From there we’ll travel on land to Bequia’s Park Bay, home to the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, where we’ll meet up with a retired, skin-diving fisherman known affectionately as “Brother” King. Brother King has devoted much of his adult life to helping preserve the Hawksbill turtle and protect them from poachers. The story of this “accidental conservationist” is inspiring and educational. Finally, we’ll retire to one of the most scenic and romantic resorts we’ve experienced on any of our travels-the Bequia Beach Hotel. You’ll meet owner Bengt Mortstetd and hear his inspiring story on how he came to establish this unique property on Bequia’s most beautiful beach.
Two-time Academy Award-nominated producer/director Greg MacGillivray brings his latest IMAX film to World Footprints—ARABIA 3D. Narrated by Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren, ARABIA 3D is the first major film production filmed entirely in Saudi Arabia. In addition to our conversation with the director, World Footprints went inside the making of ARABIA 3D with principle character Hamzah Jamjoom and film-consultant Robert Lacey.
ARABIA 3D spans 21 centuries of Arabian history, beginning in present-day America, with the dreams of Hamzah Jamjoom, the first-ever Saudi Arabian film student at Chicago’s DePaul University. Historian Robert Lacey, author of The Kingdom (banned from Saudi Arabia) and the just-released update, Inside The Kingdom, served as the film’s consultant.
From the nomads in the desert to young Saudis in the cities, from thrilling Red Sea dives to a poignant spiritual pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah (Mecca) for Hajj, ARABIA 3D’s journey reveals Arabia in an illuminating new light.
Keeping with our focus on meaningful films, Academy Award-nominated director Robert Bilheimer continues his conversation with World Footprints about his background in theatre and filmmaking, decision to focus on socially conscious messages and his nominated film Cry of Reason.
You may have seen the “60 Minutes” interview with Howard Buffett and clips from the World Food Program’s 10th Annual George McGovern Leadership Award Ceremony and global hunger conference at the U.S. Department of State but World Footprints is sharing the complete highlights.
This event honored the contributions made by Howard Buffett and Bill Gates to global hunger efforts and it included keynote remarks by Vice President Joe Biden, a presentation of the awards by Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton—a 2010 George McGovern Leadership Award recipient, and a panel discussion on private sector management.
Members of the panel included: Howard G. Buffett; Dr. Rajiv Shah, administrator, USAID; Greg Page, chairman and CEO, Cargill; and The Honorable Dan Glickman, former Secretary of Agriculture. The panel was moderated by Betty Liu of Bloomberg News.
World Footprints visits Havre, Malta and Glasgow today (Montana Journey #2). No, we’re not going to Europe, but we’ll be taking you through these towns in Montana for the final leg of our first great Montana journey. Our stops on this trip also included Fort Peck and Fort Benton – the birthplace of Montana. We will be sharing everything from Dinosaur digging in Malta to fisheries in Ft. Peck, the 2,000 year old buffalo jump in Havre, the fur trading post in Ft. Benton, various museum collections and lots of history in between. Montana is a state of great eco-diversity, natural resources, cultural heritage and rich history and we are pleased to share with you one of our favorite destinations.
Join World Footprints as we take you on a journey through a national treasure—the State of Montana. We covered just a small section of this wonderful state—Glacier Country--but as you’ll discover from Part I of this series, there’s a reason why many celebrities (Ted Turner, David Letterman, among others) call Montana a “home away from home.” Our first stop through Glacier country begins in the town of Whitefish, an enchanting art and cultural center, and you’ll meet the proprietors of the Good Medicine Lodge. (One of the most extraordinary places we have ever stayed.) Whitefish is also the gateway to our second stop—Glacier National Park. We will take you deep inside Glacier National Park to share some of its charm with the help of Mike Davies of Glacier Guides. Then we’ll travel by rail on the Amtrak Empire Builder to Havre, Montana, where we’ll experience the Havre Underground, a town beneath the town. Finally, we’ll end the first part of this journey with a stop that takes us on safari (yes, a safari) on the Great Plains with Jacob Dusek of Sage Safaris.
World Footprints is excited to take you on a journey through Colombia, South America where “The Only Risk is Wanting to Stay”. Colombia is home to the 2015 Miss Universe and the country was the featured country in the 2011 Smithsonian Folklife Festival and also had a presence in subsequent Smithsonian Folklife Festivals. World Footprints visited the country and met with some of the artisans and other participants who have been traveling to Washington, DC to share the country's treasures. When some think of Colombia they reflect on Colombia's dark history with drug cartels and corruption. However, we saw a very colorful face of this country--one that reflected it's rich cultural heritage and warmth of the communities we visited. We traveled to historic cities, through the Gold Museum and to Monkey's Island in the Amazon. The memories we left with included the wonderful food, gracious hospitality, architectural and natural beauty. We fell in love with Colombia and we hope that you will also be inspired to visit the country with an open mind and open heart.
This World Footprints show will journey to the Grenadines and unlock the mysteries of the sea in a way few seldom see or experience. The Grenadines are a haven for scuba divers, some of the world’s most spectacular aquatic scenery and much more. Our first stop takes us to Bequia (pronounced Beck-way), the largest of the Grenadines. Fresh from a dive at Devils Table with her dive buddy Cathy Sachs of Dive Bequia, Tonya and Cathy will recount their dive and why Bequia offers an unusual diving experience. Cathy will also share how this island has changed her life. Then we’ll visit Bequia’s Park Bay, home to the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, where a native retired skin-diving fisherman affectionately known as “Brother King”, has spent more than a decade of his life to helping to conserve the endangered hawksbill turtle. Brother King and his helpers monitor the beaches and nests here to protect mother turtles from poachers. They also care for the baby hatchlings in the sanctuary during the turtles’ vulnerable years of life. Many of the hatchlings are released into a protective area just south of Bequia called Tobago Cays—our next stop.
Lesroy Noel is the Park Ranger for the Tobago Cays Marine Park which lies in the southern Grenadines. The area comprises of five isles bordered by a giant horseshoe reef and teems with wildlife and wild sea turtles. Few places on earth can match the unblemished natural beauty, tranquil waters and their ever-changing kaleidoscope of blues, greens and aquamarines. Finally, we’ll travel just a short distance by boat to the private Palm Island where we’ll catch up with the island’s resident artist and (retired) medical professional Dr. Patrick Chevallier. Patrick is one of the world’s premiere undersea artists and his character is as charming and colorful as his artwork. As one of only five underwater painters around the world Patrick captures the beauty of sea life in remarkable detail. We will talk to him about the beginning of Palm Island and his family’s experience as the only permanent year-round resident. To learn more about the beautiful St. Vincent and the Grendines visit their website at www.DiscoverSVG.com.
In the second hour of our French Quarter Festival 2012 broadcast we will keep the good times rolling, Mark Romig, President of New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corp (and a member of the famous Romig family) along with Zack Rosenburg, a Washington, DC transplant and very first CNN Hero. Zack will discuss the St. Bernard Project (SBP), a non-profit organization that aims to rebuild one of the most devastated parishes hit by Hurricane Katrina. SBP is also working in others areas around the United States that are in need.
Finally, we will travel outside of New Orleans to Houma, Louisiana and hear what that city has to offer. We'll also talk about the FestiGals event, the ultimate girlfriend getaway.
In our first hour of the 2012 French Quarter Festival broadcast we will celebrate our 5th anniversary of LIVE broadcasts from New Orleans by sharing sound bites from the previous years. You'll recognize prior guests and the comedy relief they offered on past shows; guests like Rockin' Dopsie Jr. and Chef Duke "Big Sexy" Locicero of Cafe Giovanni. We'll also have new friends from the art and film community join us like Katie Williams with the New Orleans Film Office and Grace Wilson from the New Orleans Museum of Art. We will welcome back French Quarter Festival Executive Director, Marci Schramm and our own Kelly Schulz from New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau.
New Orleans has so much to offer and we'll introduce a few more of the city's treasures including indie soul singer/songwriter Theresa Andersson who stops by to talk about how life in New Orleans has influenced her music and how she merged the culture of New Orleans with that of her home country of Sweden within her music. Then, learn about a national treasure—The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park from Park Ranger Bruce Barnes. Finally, meet Dawn Logsdon, Director of the PBS documentary Faubourg Treme: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans. Dawn will discuss how this historic suburb that was an integral part of the fabric of New Orleans and the HBO series that will be modeled after her documentary.
World Footprints Radio continues with its special broadcast from New Orleans during French Quarter Festival 2010. Stevie McKee will talk about the 7th Ward and Faubourg Treme, an historic neighborhood recently made famous by HBO. Then we’ll be rockin’ with the “Mick Jagger of the Marsh” and Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. Plus Patty Gay from the New Orleans Preservation Resource Center and jazz great Jeremy Davenport.
World Footprints returns to New Orleans for our signature broadcast from Jackson Square for French Quarter Festival! During this hour we will share more "must see" museums, including the New Orleans African-American Museum. We'll also speak to a local historian, Errol Laborde, editor at the New Orleans Magazine and we'll introduce "Mr. New Orleans" aka Stephen Perry, President/CEO of the New Orleans CVB. Finally, you'll hear from two "NOLA ambassadors" and fans of World Footprints who will share why they come back to New Orleans every year. Spoiler alert: These special guests have been nicknamed "The Moms" by New Orleans Conventions and Visitors Bureau staff. They are better known as our moms.
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:
Barbados Haiti Anguilla St. Maarten Nevis Grenada Trinidad & Tobago US Virgin Islands St. Vincent and the Grenadines Turks & Caicos Antigua and Barbuda Martinique Dominica
Fans of the daytime drama "Days of Our Lives" (DOOL) will enjoy another one of our conversations with actress, singer and author Gloria Loring who played Liz Chandler for seven years on the soap opera. Gloria spends some time today talking about her spiritual autobiography "Coincidence is God's Way of Remaining Anonymous", and her life since DOOL including working with her son R&B singer Robin Thicke.
Then, join us on an amazing cruise along the Amazon River with Delfin Amazon Cruises. Generally a 5-star experience and authentic travel sit on opposite sides of the spectrum. However, Delfin Amazon Cruises takes great pride in connecting the dots between those experiences and provides a unique and memorable travel opportunity in the world's most mystical ecosystem.
Louisiana's Creole culture and a famed New Orleans' neighborhood share the spotlight on today's show. Our Creole cultural exploration takes us just outside New Orleans to the Old Mississippi River Road where we'll share the story of a Creole family and a plantation named Laura--voted "Best history tour in the USA" by Lonely Planet Travel and a top travel attraction in Louisiana. Laura Plantation, named after Laura Locoul Gore, is an old sugarcane plantation over 200 years old. We experienced life on the plantation as a member of the Locoul family through the voice of one of Laura's decendents, Norman Marmillion. We will also visit Faubourg Treme with filmmaker Dawn Logsdon. Treme is considered the oldest black neighborhood in America and the birthplace of the civil rights movement in the South. Treme is a place where African-Americans lived free during slavery and became a place of social and economic diversity.
World Footprints travels to Jalisco, Mexico where we'll be met by dolphins, pirates and Jose Cuervo.
Jalisco is the seventh largest state of the 32 states in Mexico. It is rich in history and considered to be Mexico since many of the cultural characteristics of the country (Mariachis, the sombrero, Mexican Hat Dance, tequila) originated in Jalisco. While touring the state we enjoyed a playful swim with dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery in Puerto Vallarta and spoke to a resident veterinarian about how Dolphin Discovery is at the forefront of marine life conservation.
World Footprints also set sail aboard a replica of the Santa Maria as we went off the beaten path with pirates to a private island to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Our trip to Jalisco concluded in the World Heritage site of Tequila where we experienced the harvesting of the blue agave plant that is used to make tequila. We also followed the agave to the Jose Cuervo distillery to see how tequila is produced. Of course, we sampled a number of fine tequila throughout the trip--for research purposes.
Join World Footprints as we explore the Great Lakes State of Michigan and travel from Mackinac City to Detroit.
Our audio tour will start with a visit to the Michigan Historical Center and Museum in Lansing where we will offer a flavor of every place in the State between the lower and upper peninsula. Museum director Linda Endersby and Michigan History Foundation director Cindy Hales will help us learn about the stories of the people who helped shape Michigan.
Then, one of Michigan's crown jewels is Mackinac Island--Tonya's childhood playground. Since the late 19th century, the island's Grand Hotel has welcomed celebrities, Presidents and other visitors from around the world. The Grand Hotel offers the world's longest porch and has been the setting of several movies, including "Somewhere In Time" with Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve. Hotel historian and concierge, Bob Tagetz, will take us inside the rich history and traditions of this iconic hotel.
Finally, we will share the legacy of a family deeply intertwined in the history of Michigan and Mackinac Island--the Shepler family--the namesake behind Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry. This multi-generational family enterprise has transported legions to and from Mackinac Island between Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. Chris Shepler will share his family's legacy, their passion for customer service, philanthropy and he'll give Tonya a new experience as Captain.
Visit and connect with World Footprints for the best travel information to any destination. Let us inspire you.
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.
Travel is one of the most transformative life experiences anyone can have. It can renew one’s energy, bring immeasurable joy, even inspire a life’s direction and encourage hope. The Make A Wish foundation understands the power of travel. Since 1980 the organization has granted over a quarter of million wishes for children with life-threatening diseases. 75% of the wishes involved travel. Josh deBerge from Make A Wish joins us to share some inspiring stories and how the organization (with your help) can continue bringing hope and joy into children’s lives.
For people like us we felt we needed to choose between our legal careers (yes, we are both lawyers) and travel. However, Chun Wright, combined law with her passion for travel led her fill a void in the travel industry. Chun has carved her space as an Adventure Travel Lawyer and is considered the preeminent attorney in this emerging legal field.
Bob Hemphill has spent the better part of a decade racking up millions of airline frequent flier miles traveling the Globe helping to build a multi-billion dollar solar energy company from a start-up. From his service in the Vietnam War to international business negotiations and unique cultural practices, Bob has seen and done it all. In his new book, Dust Tea, Dingoes and Dragons: Adventures in Culture, Cuisine and Commerce from a Globe-Trekking Executive, Bob shares hidden gems and 5 rules for international business travelers.
Mackinac Island, named by Native Americans for its shape as a turtle, is a northern Michigan island made famous by the Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour movie, "Somewhere in Time". Just as the Victorian-period movie reflected, Mackinac Island has maintained its old world charm. Many of the buildings reflect Victorian architecture and there are only two ways to travel around the 9 mile island--by bicycle or horse drawn carriage. Join World Footprints as wel explore the island by horse drawn carriage today.
There are only two ways to travel to the island from the mainland--small plane or ferry. World Footprints had the pleasure of meeting Chris Shepler of Shepler's Ferry on one such journey between the island and the lower peninsula of Michigan. Chris shared the imporance of his family's legacy and Shepler Ferry's philanthropic mission. Chris also gave Tonya and opportunity to play Captain as she navigated the waters of Lake Huron at the helm.
Finally, World Footprints had a chance to meet representatives from a number of East Coast destinations at a Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) conference. We did a bit of speed dating with each travel destination to discover the special things that each offers to travelers. Pack your bags and stay tuned to see what adventures await.
On the occasion of International Press Freedom Day, World Footprints was invited by the United Nations Foundation to attend a powerful event sought to change the narrative and examine women's voices in fragile states and why those voices matter. The UN Foundation co-hosted a distinguished panel which was led by Ambassador Melanne Verveer of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security. She was joined by Krista Hendry from The Fund for Peace, Amy Slaughter and Yar Ayuel with RefugePoint and award-winning filmmaker Elaisha Stokes. The panel discussed the challenges that women face in fragile states and areas where women are taking the lead in reconciliation. They also examined what happens to girls and women as the most vulnerable and neglected victims in conflict afflicted states, and why telling these stories is important.
What does great fudge, the world’s longest porch, U.S. presidents and Hollywood have in common? Mackinac Island.
World Footprints will take you on a journey to a little known crown jewel that sits in Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas –Mackinac Island (pronounced “Mack –in-aw”). The island was named by Native Americans in the Straits of Mackinac region who said that the island resembled a turtle. They gave it the name "Mitchimakinak" meaning "big turtle". When European exploration began in the 17th century French settlers used a version of the original pronunciation: Michilimackinac and the British later shortened the name to Mackinac.
Today’s show will explore the island’s rich history and how that is being carefully preserved as a National Historic Landmark. When Europeans landed, Mackinac Island served as a strategic position amidst the commerce of the Great Lakes fur trade. This led to the establishment of Fort Mackinac on the island by the British during the American Revolutionary War. Mackinac Island was also key in two battles during the War of 1812.
In the late 19th century, Mackinac Island became a popular tourist attraction and summer colony but the island still maintains its Old World charm. It is well known for its numerous cultural events; its wide variety of architectural styles, including the famous Victorian-style Grand Hotel; the aforementioned fudge; and its ban on almost all motor vehicles. (Golf carts are allowed but only on the golf course.)
Hollywood discovered the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island and they have been the setting of two feature films: This Time for Keeps in 1946 and Somewhere in Time, filmed at the Grand Hotel and various other locations on the island in 1979. Mackinac Island has been written about and visited by many influential writers including Mark Twain, Henry David Thoreau, Bill Bryson, Margaret Fuller, Herman Melville and Alexis De Tocqueville, among others.
As we will hear, U.S. Presidents and politicians from around America and the world have enjoyed respites on Mackinac Island. The Grand Hotel has honored these visits by designing some staterooms with the assistance of a few former First Ladies.
Today’s guests include:
Dan Musser, President, Grand Hotel
Ken Hayward, Executive Vice President, Grand Hotel
Bob Tagatz, historian
Today World Footprints will talk travel; specifically international travel and study abroad programs with Yahoo! Travel's Paula Froelich. Our conversation follows an invitation to the White House to participate in a travel summit focused on encouraging more travel, volunteer travel and study-abroad opportunities for Americans. Of course, as Yahoo! Travels editor-in-chief, Paula will share some of her recent travels, top destination picks and travel philosophy.
Then, take a stroll through history as we explore San Antonio, Texas. The city of San Antonio is one of the oldest European settlements in Texas and, for decades, its largest city. Thousands of years before the Spanish settlements began the city was populated by various cultures of indigenous people. Today, San Antonio is investing energy in preserving its cultural heritage and ecosystem for future generations to come. We will discover the development initiatives taking place in San Antonio and get an update on the city's possible inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Finally, everyone knows Orlando, Florida as the theme park capital of the world. However, we will discover another side of Orlando as we explore the Maitland Arts Center--the city's first National Historic Landmark.
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 indigenous 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 is 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.
World Footprints will give you a taste of paradise as we journey to St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG)—a multi-island country of 32 enchanting islands and cays. Of those islands only nine are inhabited and each offers unique accommodations. We’ll introduce you to three of our favorite properties today. Our first stop is Buccament Bay Resort on the island of St. Vincent. Buccament Bay is a brand new 5 star all-inclusive resort surrounded by lush green mountains, rainforests and a white sand beach. Resort Manager Christine Nelles will offer a virtual tour of the array of experiences that families, couples and business travelers can enjoy. From the Liverpool Football Club Soccer School and Pat Cash Tennis Academy to the Harlequin Performing Arts Academy, and world-class cuisine the resort offers something for everyone. Our next stop is the island of Bequia, the largest of the Grenadine Islands. Here we’ll introduce Bengt Mortsted, owner of the newly built Bequia Beach Hotel. This boutique hotel is inspired by stylish Mustique villas and situated on the beautiful Friendship Beach. Lush tropical gardens embrace the grounds and provide a luxurious and relaxing experience. The private island of Palm Island, in the Southern Grenadines, and the Palm Island Resort is our final stop on this tour. The resort is an eco-friendly, all-inclusive, 135-acre resort that is intimate with only 41 guestrooms and two villas. General Manager Chris Ghita will entice us with a tour of the amenities, activities, dining options and accommodations.
World Footprints returns to St. Vincent and travels through the village of Layou on St. Vincent’s Leeward Coast. Layou, which sits against a stunning backdrop of rockscapes and ridges, is filled with historic homes and churches, a small beach and crescent shaped bay. On the ridge above the village you’ll find the Layou Petroglyph Park; the spot where we begin today’s broadcast with our guide Marlon Joseph. From Layou we travel to Argyle, where, in the near future St. Vincent will welcome the thousands of visitors in its newly built international airport. The quarter-of-a-billion dollar Argyle International Airport is the large development project in St. Vincent’s history. Jennifer Richardson of the Airport’s Development Corporation takes us onsite to talk about the mega project. We end today’s show at one of our favorite resorts, the newly built Buccament Bay. General Manager Gianluca Cugnetto, a powerhouse in the hospitality industry, will discuss his passion for food, nature, and hospitality, and his desire to incorporate them all to provide visitors with a unique experience. Speaking of one of the many unique features that Buccament Bay offers, Tonya enjoyed an afternoon with two of London’s West End talents at the resort’s Harlequin Performing Arts Academy. Actor & Singing Coach John Barr (Convict #5 in Les Miserables) and Musical Director Tim Davies helped Tonya find her true voice as she performed the song “I Dream A Dream.” For more information about St. Vincent and the Grenadines visit www.DiscoverSVG.com Hang out with World Footprints on Twitter and Facebook @WorldFootprints.
World Footprints returned to New Orleans for our 7th annual French Quarter Festival 2-hour broadcast. This year we set up at Tableau Restaurant, Dickie Brennan's newest culinary gem in Jackson Square. This second hour of our French Quarter Festival (FQF) broadcast explores the unique history of New Orleans with two prominent professors from the University of New Orleans. The diverse heritages of the people of New Orleans makes this city very unique, interesting and alive with traditions that are not found in any other city in the country. New Orleans is a place where Africans intermingled with Native Americans and European settlers ultimately creating a sustainable culture that distinguishes New Orleans today. Dr. Mary Mitchell, History Professor at UNO, joins us to discuss the African contributions to New Orleans and the dynamics that slavery played in the development and culture of this city. Most people don’t equate compassion and beauty when they think of Voodoo, but Voodoo historian, Professor Martha Ward, says that is what she discovered when she first began researching the practice. Prof. Ward is a Professor Emeritus at UNO and author of the book, Voodoo Queen: The Spirited Lives of Marie Laveau, the only academic account of the famous New Orleanss voodoo priestess and her daughter, Marie Laveau II. Professor Ward offers a Voodoo history lesson and her belief that Hollywood and media have incorrectly racialized and stigmatized Voodoo. Enjoy our FQF hour one discussion of New Orleans art and history.
World Footprints returned to New Orleans for our 7th annual French Quarter Festival 2-hour broadcast. This year we set up at Tableau Restaurant, Dickie Brennan's newest culinary gem in Jackson Square. The first hour of World Footprints showcase New Orleans international outreach, the arts and history. We introduce a hidden gem, The New Orleans Historic Collection. The Historic Collection is a museum, research center, and publisher dedicated to the study and preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South region. This year they are showcasing homegrown stars, The Boswell Sisters, and we are joined by the exhibit's curator Mark Cave. We are pleased to introduce the granddaughter of Vet Boswell, Kyla Titus, who joins us to share treasured memories, her new book and her work to keep the memory of The Boswell Sisters alive. We also talk about a special event that the world is sharing this year--the 70th anniversary of the landing at Normandy. The National World War II Museum's Alan Raphael joins us to talk about how the museum is commemorating this anniversary and the special role that New Orleans played in WWII. We promise you'll enjoy this first hour and we invite you back to listen to the 2nd hour broadcast where we talk about the history of Voodoo and spotlight the contributions of Africans in New Orleans.
World Footprints will travel along The Road To Freedom with author and former civil rights activist Charlie Cobb as he introduces us to the places of the movement and the personalities who made those places historically relevant. Then meet fellow travelers Scott Hartblay and Christine Bischoff as they recount their independent journeys along the civil rights trail through Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. This show won a GOLD AWARD for best travel broadcast from the North American Travel Journalist Association.
"The Long Ride" tells the story of author Lucian Spataro as he raises awareness about the rainforest during his cross-country equine trek.
Can 4 friends travel through 5 countries on two continents to get 10 major music artists to appear on a tribute album to 1 unknown songwriter? That is the question we'll have answered with today’s Book Club reading, A Far Cry From Sunset. The unknown songwriter is our book’s author, Billy Franks. The first chapter has Billy admitting that he is a man whose dreams didn’t come true. The later chapters describe a verbal altercation with singer Bryan Adams and everything in between offers a cross between science fiction, suspense and comedy relief. Did Billy and his friends achieve their goal or did they realize unexpected dreams? Tune in to hear the answer to this question and others like:
When did Billy's lifelong friendship with Prince Harry begin? Did Billy and friends actually steal from Led Zeppelin? What was the biggest lesson he learned while traveling around the world?
Author Kevin Fitzpatrick (no relation to us) joins us to talk about his dynamic historic guide book: Dororthy Parker's New York. As part of the ArtPlace Series, this richly illustrated book captures the New York that inspired Dorothy Parker. Much more than a travel book, readers are taken on a journey into her favorite haunts as well as her career, private life, political activism, theatrical exploits, and final years. Today's World Footprints Book Club is joined by listener reviewers Karon Powell and Seigrid Rich.
Author and former school teacher Lynn Glaze joins this special childrens' book club to discuss her book: Samuel Sails 'Round the Horn. A tale of an ancestor that provides a realistic glimpse into daily life in 1850 and embraces the importance of traveling to adopt a worldly view. We're joined by two special student listener reviewers: Jedidiah Bonner and Zamika Peterson. Sam's adventure is a great read for school aged children and adults alike.
If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at our world’s airports, you’ll enjoy today’s book club reading “Tales from the Tarmac”. Author Claudia Oxee is a former runway model turned airline industry aficionado and her new book offers great insight into the crazy world of airport terminals when ground staff and passengers intersect. With humor, warmth, and wit, Oxee shares her most memorable moments in the industry in hopes to entertain – and yes, enlighten! – all travelers, from the novice to the seasoned. Oxee’s book is part ‘tell-all’ and part etiquette guide, but “Tales from the Tarmac” is also all heart and humor.
"GOLDEN MIC" award-winning show from the Caribbean Tourism Organization.
On today’s World Footprints we’re traveling through the southern Grenadines and will share the beauty and magic of this special part of the world. Our show originates from the beautiful Palm Island at the Palm Island Resort. Palm Island is a private tropical paradise comprising only 135 acres in size. You’ll meet Chris Ghita, a transplant from Grenada, who has found his place as General Manager of this remarkable resort. He’ll entice you to escape the hassles of the world with a visit to this tiny paradise. Then, we’ll introduce you to Palm Island’s most colorful character and resident artist and doctor, Patrick Chavellier. This wonderful man and his extraordinary studio is worth the visit alone. Patrick is one of the world’s finest undersea artists and we’ll learn about his art and his life in paradise. Finally, we’ll travel by powerboat to the Tobago Cays Marine Park—a protected wildlife preserve of five isles bordered by a giant horseshoe reef. This aquamarine blue and green water-scape serves as home to wild sea turtles and is a underwater haven for scuba divers and snorkelers alike. Here’s we’ll talk to Park Ranger Lesroy Noel who will describe the natural beauty surrounding us.
World Footprints continues to let the good times roll with the powerful second hour of our LIVE French Quarter Festival 2013 broadcast. For our 6th annual broadcast we introduce the founders of Timecode: NOLA a popular independent film festival. Actor Terence Rosemore continues to help us co-host the show and contributes to the conversation about the film and television industry in New Orleans. Then political power couple James Carville and Mary Matalin join us. They may not agree on anything in the political sphere but they do agree on their mutual love for New Orleans. Hear why they chose to leave the political jungle of Washington, DC to raise their family in the Big Easy.
World Footprints celebrated in style for our 6th annual French Quarter Festival broadcast from the Big Easy in 2013! Our LIVE broadcast earned us a distinguished award from the North American Travel Journalists Association. We are pleased to share the first hour of our award-winning show today. Interviews included first-time New Orleans visitors Chad Kerkman and Jerry Krueger, award-winning actor Terence Rosemore (HBO Treme), and Bradley Sumrall, curator for the Ogden Museum of Southern Art (the largest house for southern art in the world). For art lovers this is the place to be today so join us and let the good times roll.
You may know actress/singer Gloria Loring from her character Liz Chandler on the soap opera Days of Our Lives, or as the singer in the number-one hit song "Friends and Lovers" or as the mother of singer Robin Thicke. But what you may not know is that Gloria has wrestled with real-life dramas throughout her life. Her oldest child was diagnosed with a chronic illness, she struggled through an unraveling marriage and faced countless professional challenges. But Gloria also experienced the saving grace of timely coincidences. Today's Book Club reading "Coincidence is God's Way of Remaining Anonymous" is a detailed account of Gloria's compelling life's journey and her exploration of the mystery of divine intervention. Gloria experienced many 'accidental miracles' that occurred at just the right time. One example was her discovery of a business card with the words "expect a miracle" that someone or something placed on her makeup table. That event and those simple words have since become her mantra.
World Footprints brings back the story of "The Long Ride" and our first children's book club review. In an effort to raise awareness about the plight of the rainforest author Lucian Spataro Jr. set off on a cross-country journey by horseback. He shares his journey in his photo journal book "The Long Ride." In our first children's book club we learned about the mis-adventures of a kid named Samuel in Lynn Glaze's book "Samuel Sails 'Round the Horn." We even received a history lesson about the Gold Rush.
World Footprints Radio officially launched its new brand during a special 2-hour broadcast in New Orleans during French Quarter Festival 2010. During this first hour, we are happy to reintroduce you to Mary Beth Romig, VP of the French Quarter Festival and a member of the Landrieu transition team. Then, Who Dat!! You’ll meet the Voice of the New Orleans Saints: broadcast legend and father to Mary Beth, Jerry Romig. There’s a lot of new developments in the Crescent City and Kelly Schultz from the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau will give us the inside scoop. Finally, you’ll hear from a long-time resident (and long-lost cousin of Tonya’s) about the hidden treasures around the City and Kacey Hill from The National WWII Museum stops by to talk about the new attractions at the museum.
September 11, 2001 is a date that touches every American from coast to coast and citizens from around the world; each recalling memories of a fateful day that placed thousands at the center of a terror attack. The personal stories that emerged from Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and Flight 93 bring to light the men and women whose courage and resilience have shown how humanity will always overcome fear. Today World Footprints commemorates the anniversary of the terrifying attack that changed the world and brought heroes to the front-line. You will hear from survivors their first-hand account of the events as they experienced them. You will also hear from individuals who selflessly put their own lives at risk to rescue others. We will also share our own memories for the first time. We will always be united in memory! Click HERE to see our video from within the Pentagon and our visit to the Pentagon Memorial. Guests include:
Colonel Jeffrey B. Cashman, US Air Force: On September 11, 2001, then Major Cashman was one of the first US military pilots nationwide to take to the air on a domestic armed combat air patrol. William Layer, US Army National Guard: Was in his Pentagon Office in the D Ring (river side) at the time of the attack. Assisted in evacuation. Nicole B. Simpson: Worked on the 73rd floor in Tower II at the World Trade Center. She assisted in the evacuation of her staff. Nicole is a supporter of survivors and advocated on behalf of mental and financial assistance for the many individuals who are still affected by the events of 9/11. Note: During the month of September, Nicole is donating a portion of the profits from her book 9/11/01: A Long Road Toward Recovery to "Tuesday's Children" Geof Morin, American Bible Society: Geof was in Pennsylvania on the day of the attack. He joined World Footprints to share how the American Bible Society was a first-responder of a different kind. The organization immediately sought to provide comfort and hope and created a small pamplet of scriptures that encouraged strength. Lauren Manning: When a wall of flame at the World Trade Center burned more than 80 percent of her body, Lauren began a journey of survival and rebirth that tested her almost beyond human endurance. Lauren's story is detailed in her book Unmeasured Strength. JC Hayward, Anchor, WUSA 9 (CBS Affiliate in Washington, DC): JC was in Santa Monica, CA at the time of the attacks. Just two days prior, she had flown on American Airlines Flt. 77. JC shares her perspective from a journalist's viewpoint and her observations and introspections. Don Diamont, Actor: A native New Yorker but based in Los Angeles, Don sought to learn the whereabouts of his family. His story is an example of how 9/11 impacted everyone from coast to coast. Vincent Kam, Pentagon survivor (not pictured)
World Footprints returns to New Orleans for our signature broadcast from Jackson Square for French Quarter Festival! During this broadcast we'll introduce you to All-Star musicians, Trumpeter Connie Jones and Clarinet player Tim Laughlin. Connie & Tim grace the cover of this year's French Quarter Festival poster. We’ll also hear from French Quarter Festival Executive Director, Marci Schramm, about the newest attractions that visitors will experience this year. As we all know, New Orleans is a foodie’s paradise and there is a new restaurant in town called Sylvain. We’ll have a chance to talk with the proprietor Sean McCusker about some of his hottest recipes and unique cocktail menu. In keeping the food theme going we’ll enjoy a conversation with Liz Williams from the Southern Food and Wine Museum.
Doreen Pendgracs, publisher of Chocolatour, takes us on an exploration of chocolate travel around the globe on her quest to discover the world's best chocolate. Has she discovered the "world's best chocoloate"? Have a listen and hear for yourself.
At 100+ years old, Hakone Gardens is a National Trust and one of the oldest Japanese estate and gardens in the Western Hemisphere. In honor of its centennial, Hakone is celebrating its beginning and lasting endurance with multi-year events and activities. Historian and Hakone Foundation Board Member, Connie Young-Yu, shares the richness and history of this oasis that sits on the edge of Silicon Valley.
Travel magazines and publications dedicated to wine enthusiasts frequently share their picks for the best wine destinations in the coming year. But what about other guilty pleasures like chocolate? According to travel writer and Chocolatour publisher, Doreen Pendgracs, chocolate travel and tourism is emerging as a culinary trend.
Speaking of wine...California has been a leader in developing and implementing sustainable programs in a number of industries, but most prominently in its winemaking practices. Allison Jordan with California's Wine Institute takes us on an excursion through the state's famous winegrowing regions and she offers the backstory behind their earth-friendly practices.
Lansing, Michigan has blossomed into a dynamic cultural center and the city has grown far beyond the small plot of land that European explorer Hugh Heward discovered while canoeing down the Grand River in 1790. Lori Lanspeary from the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau tells us why Lansing, home to Michigan State University, is much more than a college town.
Finally, we'll shine a destination spotlight on the Dominican Republic and Cabo San Lucas from the floor of the Adventure Travel Show in Washington, D.C.
Nialls Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, will take us on a historical journey through the Emerald Isles. Niall will introduce some of Ireland's lesser known stories, including the country's ancient monastic history and language heritage.
For Americans, the island of Cuba has been the forbidden fruit that many have desired to taste. Some Americans have risked the threat of jail and others have spent a small fortune to travel to the land where time has stood still. For photographer Jay Seldin, one trip to Cuba was never enough and now he has compiled hundreds of photos from years of traveling to the island in a powerful photo book called The Cubans.
Travel journalist Bijan Bayne recently experienced the explosion of Detroit, Michigan's revitalization and growth. He also ventured to port cities along Michigan's coastline and uncovered some interesting maritime history. Bijan returns to World Footprints to share what Detroit and adjacent mid-Michigan port cities have to offer to travelers who want to experience the rebirth of the "Big D" and Michigan's unique history.
Today, World Footprints will explore element of American history from small towns and historic hotels to Fort Monroe. We'll also visit the shanty town of Mondesa which sits just outside of Swakopmund, Namibia. There we will mingle with the locals and witness how black Namibians are preserving their history and traditions.
Fort Monroe in Virginia has been defending America since 1607 and today it remains the largest stone fortification in the United States. Tour guide Robin Reed gives us the backstory of the Fort's rich history and the important role it has played in American history.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is on a mission to preserve and share all of America's history. We'll share the work the organization is doing and we'll introduce two interesting historic hotels in Washington, DC--the Mayflower and the Morrison-Clark.
Small towns in America are often overlooked as tourist destinations but if you really want to experience real Americana you should go off the beaten path and visit a small town where you can uncover a treasure trove of goodies. Some of the most authentic travel experiences and unique stories can be found in small and rural towns and we will explore a few.
The beach resort of Swakopmund, Namibia is an example of German colonial architecture and culture. However, a majority of the population of Swakopmund lives in settlements that were developed for indigenous black Namibians. We will introduce you to some of the locals we met on a walk through the Mondesa district.
World Footprints will explore Biblical history at the City of David, Namibia's political, economic and natural landscape and small town treasures that offer a taste of Sicily and more.
According to Hebrew tradition, the area outside of the Old City Walls of Jerusalem is considered to be the center of the world. World Footprints will explore that theory and Biblical history with Zev Orenstein at the City of David. We'll also examine new archaeology discoveries that support the existence of King David.
Namibia is a country is great diversity. The country is home to wildlife that can't be found anywhere else in Africa and it vast desert landscapes. While at the Mount Etjo Safari Lodge, we break bread withn Eric Reindhart of Nambia Tracks and Trails to learn more about the country and it's commitment to conservation.
If you live in a metropolitan city you have your choice of authentic international restaurants. Small towns are not so lucky but we stumbled upon the little American midwest town of New Salem, Indiana and enjoyed a taste of Sicily at Perillo's Pizzeria. By the way, we enjoyed the BEST pizza we've ever had!
World Footprints will also share a few other small town treasures: Newport, Rhode Island and the Airlie Hotel, a Historic Hotel of America. Plus Ian and Tonya will share their own reflections.
Photo credits: City of David (Tonya Fitzpatrick); Namibia Desert (Ian Fitzpatrick)