Speaking of Travel

Speaking of Travel

Each week, Speaking of Travel host Marilyn Ball shares her guests’ unique travel experiences that are inspiring, uplifting, enriching and informative. Sit back and be carried away to places from around the world and right here in our own backyard.

Episodes

November 15, 2025 41 mins
In this episode of Speaking of Travel, we dive deep into the art of reinvention, resilience, and storytelling with Peter Murphy Lewis, a global entrepreneur, storyteller, and creative force who’s built brands across continents, led teams through chaos, and turned collapse into catalyst. From living and working across South America to running a travel company and hosting a national TV show in Chile, Peter’s journey proves that leade...
Mark as Played
Looking for a retreat that goes beyond the usual getaway? Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Boone, North Carolina, the Art of Living Retreat Center offers travelers a chance to slow down, restore balance, and embark on a journey of holistic wellness. On this episode, I’m joined by Kelsey Daniels, Workshop Sales & Partnership Specialist. Kelsey connects transformational teachers and wellness leaders with the retreat’s mission, ...
Mark as Played
Practical travel gear isn’t just stuff in a bag but really is peace of mind. It’s survival, resilience, and the quiet confidence of knowing, “I’ve got this,” whether you’re exploring the far corners of the globe or facing a disaster right at home. In a world where unexpected events can strike at any moment, being prepared isn’t just practical, it’s empowering. In this episode of Speaking of Travel, we dive into the life skills, min...
Mark as Played
Speaking of Travel welcomes Leigh Barnes, the new President of the Americas for Intrepid Travel. Leigh leads Intrepid’s fastest-growing U.S. market, bringing curiosity, compassion, and care for the planet to every adventure. Leigh shares how travel shaped his path and leadership style and why responsible, small-group travel matters. He explains how Intrepid Travel inspires lifelong learning while staying resilient and innovative an...
Mark as Played
For over a decade, Speaking of Travel has been the place where we explore the heart of travel, connection, and community. And now we’re heading to the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago to uncover how adventure, comfort, and sustainability can come together to create truly meaningful journeys. Our guest, John Hadad, Group Co-CEO and Co-Founder of HADCO Group, is leading a movement through HADCO Experiences, one of the region...
Mark as Played
Airports are so much more than gateways to somewhere else. They are vital, caring parts of the communities they serve. In this episode of Speaking of Travel, we uncover how Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is redefining what it means to connect people, place, and purpose. With air travel booming and AVL expanding through its bold AVL Forward project, the airport is more than doubling its space, unveiling a fresh new look, and creat...
Mark as Played
I’m excited to continue the Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace TV series with Richard Crawford, host of the inspiring Amazon Prime TV series Leave No Trace TV. In this episode, we step into the heart of mindful and intentional travel, discovering what it means to move through the world with awareness, respect, and purpose. Ricky shares exciting updates from Season Two of Leave No Trace TV and offers a rare behind-the-scenes look a...
Mark as Played
Life doesn’t always follow the script we think it will. Sometimes, a single moment can shift everything and suddenly, you’re standing at a crossroads with a suitcase in one hand and your heart in the other, asking, what if? That’s exactly the journey our guest on Speaking of Travel, Julie Levin Caro, also known as Juliana, has embraced. After more than two decades as an art historian and professor, she stepped into a new chapter fi...
Mark as Played
On this episode of Speaking of Travel, we sit down with Colin McBeath, President of the Nantahala Outdoor Center, to explore the magic of the outdoors. With 30+ years leading hospitality and resort operations across the globe, Colin shares how tourism connects communities, drives recovery, and inspires adventure. Join us as Colin explores the power of partnerships, the evolving state of the outdoor industry, and the simple yet prof...
Mark as Played
Travel and tourism have always been about more than just places on a map. They are about connection, culture, and community. On this episode of Speaking of Travel, I sit down with Justin Belleme, Publisher and Partnerships Manager at RomanticAsheville.com, to explore how tourism in Western North Carolina has evolved, adapted, and thrived in the face of change. Justin’s journey is a story of full-circle dedication: from launching As...
Mark as Played
Vietnam today is full of color, music, and energy and is a culture that welcomes travelers with open arms. On this episode of Speaking of Travel, I’m joined by Steve Mueller, founder of Vespa Adventures, who turned his love for Vespas and travel into a business that shows visitors the real Vietnam. Steve shares how he fell for the country, his passion for vintage scooters, and how Vespa Adventures helps travelers experience bustlin...
Mark as Played
Welcome Abydylla Geldiyev, founder of Undiscovered Frontiers Travel and a true testament to courage and perseverance. Born and raised in the vast Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan, Abydylla’s story is one of relentless determination to overcome barriers and forge a path to share the magic wonders of his homeland and other lesser-known destinations with the world. Together we explore Turkmenistan’s dazzling and little-known treasures t...
Mark as Played
This week on Speaking of Travel we welcome Shari Leid, a connection coach, friendship expert, and creator of Table For 51. A former litigator turned champion of belonging, Shari spent a year traveling to all 50 states, sharing a meal with 50 strangers. What she discovered is simple yet profound: breaking bread isn’t just about food. It is about lowering walls, opening hearts, and finding common ground, even in a divided world. From...
Mark as Played
Hawai‘i is unlike anywhere else and not just for its breathtaking beauty, but for the living spirit that moves through its people, its land, and its traditions. In Hawai’i, culture isn’t a performance, but rather the pulse of daily life. On today’s episode, I’m deeply honored to welcome Ka’iʻini Aranaydo. Ka’iʻini oversees Kilohana, a groundbreaking and visionary partnership with the Hawai’i Tourism Authority and a multifaceted ini...
Mark as Played
On this episode of Speaking of Travel, we’re heading high into Colorado’s San Juan Mountains to uncover the charm and magic of Creede, a tiny town with a mighty story. Once a booming silver mining camp, Creede has transformed into a cultural haven where creativity and adventure collide. At the center of it all is the Creede Repertory Theatre, a nationally renowned professional company that’s been telling powerful stories at 9,000 f...
Mark as Played
On this episode of Speaking of Travel, we’re joined by the wise and luminous Judith Valente, an award-winning journalist, poet, and author of The Italian Soul: How to Savor the Full Joys of Life. Judith brings us into the soulful rhythms of Italy, a place that taught her to live not faster, but deeper. Drawing from her own transformation from the high-speed world of journalism to the stillness of contemplative life, Judith shares s...
Mark as Played
On this episode of Speaking of Travel, we’re joined by the wise and luminous Judith Valente, an award-winning journalist, poet, and author of The Italian Soul: How to Savor the Full Joys of Life. Judith brings us into the soulful rhythms of Italy, a place that taught her to live not faster, but deeper. Drawing from her own transformation from the high-speed world of journalism to the stillness of contemplative life, Judith shares s...
Mark as Played
My guest on this episode is Jane Adams, formerly Director of Partnership Relations for Advancing Women Artists. Jane shares the compelling journey of how a single mission, sparked by author and philanthropist Jane Fortune, became a movement dedicated to rediscovering and restoring works by women artists hidden in Florence’s museums and churches. This is more than a story about art. It’s about visibility, voice, and preserving women...
Mark as Played
Today’s guest is someone whose life feels like a gentle invitation to pause, listen, and truly see. Meet Miyuki Seguchi, a bilingual travel expert, guide, and host of the Japan Experts podcast. Born among the rice paddies and mountain breezes of central Japan, Miyuki’s path has led her across continents and cultures, all while staying deeply rooted in her homeland’s rhythms and rituals. From working in top global newsrooms like The...
Mark as Played
In this vibrant and heart-centered episode, we sit down with Vanessa K. Harper, co-founder of Travel Cuba With Us, Support the Cuban People, and Cuba Yoga Retreats, to explore the powerful intersection of ethical tourism, yoga, and humanitarian support in Cuba today. Vanessa leads with purpose, offering deeply immersive cultural experiences that directly benefit Cuban communities. Through her travel company, she curates legal, peop...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

    Ruthie's Table 4

    For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.