Speaking of Travel® With Marilyn Ball

In this compelling episode of Speaking of Travel, we welcome back Richard "Ricky" Crawford, host of the Amazon Prime series Leave No Trace TV and a passionate voice for sustainable travel, conservation, and global community. 

We dive into the power of mindful exploration and how slowing down, connecting with local cultures, and embracing sustainability can transform not just our journeys, but the world around us. 

Ricky sha...

In this unforgettable episode, I’m joined by the extraordinary Jane Adams, a  passionate advocate, art historian, and formerly the Director of Partnership Relations for Advancing Women Artists. Today she is co-founder and CEO of Artemisia Gold. 

Jane brings with her a deeply moving and richly layered story, one that begins with the spark of a mission ignited by author and philanthropist Jane Fortune, and blossoms into a global movem...

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...

In this vibrant and heart-centered episode, we sit down with Vanessa K. Harper, founder of Travel Cuba With Us and Support the Cuban People, 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, people-to-people exchanges th...

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. 

This is more than a travel episode. It’s a love letter to curiosity, to wandering with purpose, and to a future where your ...

In this soul-stirring episode of Speaking of Travel, we welcome the radiant and deeply authentic Pilar Guzmán, Editorial Director of Oprah Daily, whose voice has long guided readers toward lives of intention, connection, and beauty. 

With grace, warmth, and unflinching honesty, Pilar opens up about her creative vision for Oprah Daily, a space that has become a sanctuary for mindful living, soulful exploration, and profound storytell...

In this unforgettable episode of Speaking of Travel, meet Alexandra Kinias, a fearless trailblazer rewriting the rules on what it means to live boldly, age defiantly, and lead with purpose.

From forging her path as a mechanical engineer in a male-dominated world to becoming a celebrated screenwriter and outspoken women’s rights advocate, Alex’s life is a breathtaking testament to courage, reinvention, and relentless hope. She’s not ...

Today’s episode is a breathtaking story of courage, healing, and the radical choice to seek joy after unimaginable loss.

I’m so honored to share the journey of Abigail Carter, a writer, artist, and one of the most soulfully brave humans I’ve ever met. After losing her husband in the 9/11 attacks, Abby spent years learning how to live with grief. But when the buzz and blur of life became too much, a quiet whisper inside nudged her to...

Welcome back to a brand-new episode of Speaking of Travel! We’re making a BIG deal out of this one for good reason.

Drumroll, please... The first season of Traveling the Spectrum, the powerful series we highlighted right here on Speaking of Travel, is streaming on Peacock and has just been nominated for an Emmy Award! That’s right! This groundbreaking series is receiving the recognition it deserves for changing lives and redefining ...

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...

There’s something in the water in Brevard, NC 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 ...

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...

Get ready to meet Karlie Loland-Ringer, a powerhouse casting director whose life is anything but ordinary. With a spirit for adventure and a career that spans coast-to-coast, Karlie lives where work and wanderlust collide. One moment she is behind the scenes making casting magic happen and the next, she’s soaking up quiet sunsets on a faraway beach.

In this conversation, Karlie dives into how the casting industry has transformed in ...

In this impactful episode of Speaking of Travel, we shine a light on the incredible resilience of Asheville, North Carolina, a city that turned heartbreak into hope and recovery into a rallying cry. 

From the moment disaster struck, this tight-knit mountain town showed the world what community truly means. Neighbors helped neighbors. Local businesses found creative ways to reopen their doors. Artists, chefs, and entrepreneurs proved...

What if your next adventure wasn’t just about the destination, but the feeling it leaves behind? In this heartwarming episode of Speaking of Travel, we’re heading to a place where waterfalls whisper, trails lead to awe, and kindness is part of the culture... Brevard, North Carolina.

Nestled in Transylvania County in the heart of the Land of Waterfalls, Brevard is more than just a scenic stop. It’s a soulful escape. With its lush for...

Imagine a place where two oceans meet, rainforests hum with life, and vibrant city streets blend seamlessly with untouched natural beauty. That place? Panama! Whether you're craving adventure, eyeing a tropical escape, or dreaming of a fresh start, Panama has it all with its stunning beaches, a booming economy, modern conveniences, and a welcoming, diverse culture.

On this episode of Speaking of Travel, Melissa Darnay, CEO of C...

For Todd Lester, travel isn’t just about checking destinations off a list. It’s really about embracing the unknown, connecting with people, and finding magic in unexpected moments. 

His latest adventure took him to Spain, where he joined Pueblo Inglés, a one-of-a-kind program that brings together native English speakers and Spanish students for a week of immersive conversation, culture, and connection. No textbooks and no formal les...

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 ...

On this episode of Speaking of Travel, we’re exploring the world of music, history, and innovation with the one and only Lara Downes, a pianist, storyteller, and cultural force redefining classical music in bold and unexpected ways.

Lara doesn’t just play music. She tells stories through it. She revives the voices of overlooked composers, blending classical traditions with jazz, folk, and contemporary influences to create something ...