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

July 27, 2025 49 mins
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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What if planning your next adventure felt more like a conversation with a trusted friend than a checklist? In this episode of Speaking of Travel, I’m joined by Anna Jaffe and Harriet Brown of Mobi.AI, a powerful new platform reimagining travel planning through the lens of empathy, technology, and storytelling. Together we explore how AI is helping travelers find what really speaks to them beyond the filters and booking engines and ...
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On this special episode on Speaking of Travel, we're joined by an editorial icon and storytelling powerhouse, Pilar Guzmán, Editorial Director of Oprah Daily. Pilar’s work is a beacon for those seeking purpose, presence, and deeper connection with themselves and the world. Under Pilar’s creative leadership, Oprah Daily has become a refuge for intentional living, infused with Oprah’s own ethos of transformation and balance. It’s a p...
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On this special episode on Speaking of Travel, we're joined by an editorial icon and storytelling powerhouse, Pilar Guzmán, Editorial Director of Oprah Daily. Pilar’s work is a beacon for those seeking purpose, presence, and deeper connection with themselves and the world. Under Pilar’s creative leadership, Oprah Daily has become a refuge for intentional living, infused with Oprah’s own ethos of transformation and balance. It’s a p...
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In this electrifying episode of Speaking of Travel, meet Alexandra Kinias, a trailblazer who’s shattering boundaries and redefining what it means to live boldly and age without limits. From breaking barriers as a mechanical engineer to making waves as a celebrated screenwriter and fearless women’s rights advocate, Alex’s journey is a masterclass in courage, creativity, and unshakable purpose. And she is igniting a movement. She’s a...
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Today’s episode is a story of courage, healing, and choosing joy after heartbreak. Abigail Carter, a writer and artist, lost her husband in the 9/11 attacks and spent years navigating grief. But when the noise of life grew too loud, she listened to a quiet voice inside that said: Go. Abby left behind the familiar and moved to a small château in the peaceful countryside of southwest France. There, surrounded by sunflowers and slow, ...
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Travel is for every family and this powerful new series proves it. On this episode of Speaking of Travel, we dive into Traveling the Spectrum, a groundbreaking new series that’s opening the world for families with loved ones on the autism spectrum. For far too long, travel felt impossible for these families. But now? The doors are wide open. Join us as we chat with Tommy Caamano and Peter Prokop, visionary producers and co-director...
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In this deeply nourishing episode, we welcome Angela Lightsey, the vibrant soul behind Tybee Wellness Retreats, where transformation and tranquility beautifully intertwine. Angela has created more than just a getaway. She’s built a sanctuary where women come to heal, grow, and reconnect with their truest selves amid the natural beauty of Tybee Island and beyond. Together, we dive into what really happens during a wellness retreat a...
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There’s something in the water in Brevard and we’re not just talking about the waterfalls (though there are plenty of those!). Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this sweet town sparkles with big charm, quirky wildlife (hello, white squirrels!), and the kind of hospitality that stays with you long after you leave. On this uplifting episode of Speaking of Travel, local legend Clark Lovelace, Executive Director of the ...
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On this episode of Speaking of Travel, award-winning filmmaker Brady Skye joins us to share the powerful story behind his new documentary, Beyond The Ruins, a film that doesn’t just challenge the way we travel, but invites us to reconsider whose stories we center and how we show up in the world. This is not a film about the past. It’s about the present. About connection. About listening. Through immersive storytelling, Brady brings...
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In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we dive deep into the story of Asheville, NC, a community that met disaster with determination and came back stronger than ever. From the immediate aftermath of the hurricane to the long, resilient road to recovery, we celebrate the creativity, grit, and soul of the people who make this mountain town truly magical. As a proud Asheville local, I’ve seen how neighbors lift each other up, how s...
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Travel has a way of turning ordinary moments into unforgettable memories and Brevard, North Carolina, is the kind of place where that magic happens every day. Tucked in the heart of the Land of Waterfalls, Brevard offers something for every curious traveler: lush forests to explore, world-class biking trails, charming shops and cafés, and an irresistible small-town vibe. Whether you’re chasing cascading waterfalls, wandering downto...
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On this episode of Speaking of Travel, we’re diving into Panama, a destination that blends adventure, opportunity, and pure paradise. And who better to guide us than Melissa Darnay, an American entrepreneur who turned her dream of living abroad into reality. Melissa made the bold move to Panama and she hasn’t looked back since. Now, as the CEO of Choose Panama, she helps others do the same whether they’re looking to visit, invest, ...
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For Todd Lester, travel isn’t just about seeing new places. It’s about pushing boundaries, embracing the unexpected, and saying yes to adventure. A lifelong explorer at heart, Todd thrives on the thrill of stepping outside his comfort zone, meeting new people, and diving into experiences that challenge and inspire. His latest journey took him to Spain, where he joined Pueblo Inglés, an immersive volunteer program that connects nati...
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Guess who’s back? Richard "Ricky" Crawford, the inspiring host of Amazon Prime’s Leave No Trace TV! If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling with purpose, making a positive impact, and immersing yourself in cultures while preserving them, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Ricky is a powerhouse advocate for sustainable travel, conservation, and the power of community. He’s all about showing us how to see the world while protectin...
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On this episode of Speaking of Travel, we’re joined by Lara Downes, a true visionary in the world of music. More than a pianist, Lara is a cultural storyteller, an advocate for change, and a bridge between past and present. With a fearless approach to classical music, she breathes new life into forgotten voices, challenges conventions, and inspires a new generation of listeners. Lara’s work isn’t just about music. it’s about connec...
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