Voices of Inspiration

Shen’ao Village sits just outside Hangzhou, in China’s Zhejiang province. This is where Amelia met JoAnn Leung.

JoAnn left city life behind and restored a 240-year-old courtyard house here, turning it into Eight Blessings Inn. It isn’t built around amenities or schedules. It’s built around meals, conversation, and the belief that time spent together still matters.

In this episode, Amelia and JoAnn talk about following a calling later...

This episode was recorded during Amelia’s stay at Qianhuang Bay, a family-run homestay in Xiling Village, Zhejiang Province, and features a conversation with owner Zhu Xiaokui.

Zhu opened Qianhuang Bay in 2016 after returning to his home village following years working in the city. It was the first homestay established in Xiling Village. Since then, the village has grown into a network of more than thirty family-run homestays operat...

A roadside crowd in South Carolina. An ancient mountain path in Jingshan. A scarf passed hand to hand and a cup of whisked tea that turns strangers into friends. This episode traces those moments to show how small, intentional acts can travel farther than we expect.

In this episode, Amelia sits down with Zhang Hongyan, a second-generation tea practitioner who returned home to preserve the art of Diancha and open a tea-focused homest...

In this episode of Voices of Inspiration, Amelia Old travels to Yinxing Guli Homestay in Changxing County, Zhejiang, China, located near the famous gingko tree corridor.

Amelia spends the afternoon with the homestay owner, experiencing a traditional herbal tea bath and moxibustion therapy, and reflecting on how challenging it can be to sit still without distractions. The owner shares how she transitioned from the tea industry to run...

In this episode of Voices of Inspiration, host Amelia Old visits Yunqishe Homestay in Changxing County, Zhejiang Province, to meet Mr. Fang Xiaoping, a fifth-generation practitioner of Wumei, a smoked plum tradition that has been part of this region for more than 500 years.

The episode features Mr. Fang speaking in Chinese with translation by Joanna, allowing his voice to remain part of the conversation while making his story access...

This episode of Voices of Inspiration takes place in Miaoxi, a village in the Huzhou region of Zhejiang Province, China.

The episode follows time spent at a family-run homestay and a conversation with the owner, Wang Ying, about daily life, hosting travelers, and her transition from working in finance to welcoming guests into her home. Through the discussion, the episode captures moments from the property, walks through tea-covered ...

In this episode, Amelia looks back on her time in Shanghai, the first stop on a recent project in China. Outside Yu Garden, she found herself thinking about her childhood and how different her sense of the world is today. She describes her visit to Jing’an Temple, an afternoon in Peace Park where people gathered to dance, and the way Shanghai’s neighborhoods shift from one block to the next. She also shares her time at the observat...

After an unexpected year-long break, Amelia returns to Voices of Inspiration with a candid look at why the past year pulled her in a different direction and how she found her way back to the mic. In this episode, she reflects on a year shaped by significant challenges, including a family emergency that required her full attention. She also reflects on completing 100 Things to Do in South Carolina Before You Die and what’s ahead for...

Explore the strength and unity of Bryson City, North Carolina, as Erin Smith, owner of Humanité Boutique, shares her journey as a small business owner during challenging times. Learn how the community came together after Hurricane Helene, the lessons that shaped their recovery, and the impact of supporting one another. Erin’s story reveals the importance of connection, resilience, and creating a meaningful legacy, all set against t...

Bryson City, NC, is a mountain town in Western North Carolina that blends resilience, community spirit, and festive traditions. In this episode, Sarah Conley, Executive Director of the Swain County TDA, shares how Bryson City navigated the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. From using social media to keep residents informed to preparing for winter visitors, the town demonstrates its strength and ability to adapt in every situation.

As t...

Beech Mountain, North Carolina, Tourism Marketing Director Armando Garcia shares the story of how this resilient mountain community responded to Hurricane Helene, with heartfelt support from both locals and visitors. As winter approaches, Beech Mountain is prepared to welcome travelers to its snowy slopes and scenic trails. In this episode, Armando provides valuable travel tips on how visitors can support nearby North Carolina comm...

John Murray, owner of 96 Pecan Company in Ninety-Six, South Carolina, discusses pecan farming and candy-making. Learn how his college football experience at Clemson and desire for a meaningful retirement led him to create a thriving business that's become an integral part of his community.

In this episode, John talks about:

• His shift to pecan farming
• Applying football lessons to business
• Navigating challenges in agriculture an...

Erica McCier, owner of Indigenous Underground in Abbeville, South Carolina, and 2023 South Carolina Chef Ambassador, shares her remarkable journey from middle school art teacher to celebrated chef. Discover how a near-death experience became the catalyst for McCier's transformation, propelling her from the classroom to the kitchen and ultimately to culinary stardom.

In this episode, Erica dishes on:

• Her surprising transition...

Welcome to our latest episode featuring Sharon Manor, a unique bed and breakfast in Abbeville, South Carolina. This former 1920s schoolhouse has been transformed into a cozy inn by the Chupp family.

This episode offers insights for history enthusiasts, small-town charm seekers, and those interested in renovation projects. We also share useful tips for aspiring B&B owners.

Join us to learn about the journey of ...

Join us as we dive deep into the world of culinary excellence with Chef Darren Smith, a renowned restaurateur and culinary maestro. In this episode, Darren shares his inspiring journey from his early days in the kitchen to becoming a successful restaurant owner. Discover the secrets behind running a thriving restaurant, including the importance of hiring great talent and fostering a positive work environment.

Darren reveals the core...

In this episode, Shawn Askinosie, founder of Askinosie Chocolate, shares his journey from being a criminal defense lawyer to pursuing chocolate. 

Takeaways:

• Tragedy can lead to finding one's life purpose.
• Rising cocoa bean prices pose challenges for chocolate makers.
• Building relationships with farmers is crucial in the chocolate industry.
• Profit sharing can have a positive impact on farmers and their communities. Ask...

In this episode, host Amelia Old chats with Rachel Knight, tourism director of Berkeley County, South Carolina. Discover the pivotal role Berkeley County played in the American Revolutionary War, the cunning strategies of the Swamp Fox, Francis Marion, and explore historic sites like Fort Fairlawn and Biggins Church.

Learn about current preservation efforts, how you can experience battlefield tours, and upcoming events commemorating...

In this episode, host Amelia Old chats with Krissy Milan (Tourism Manager) and Colette Daniels (Tourism Development Coordinator) about Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter, South Carolina.  Swan Lake Iris Gardens , established in 1927, began as a private pond however, a twist of fate turned this into a haven for Japanese Irises, now boasting around 120 species.

Over time, Swan Lake evolved from a private retreat to a beloved community t...

Join Amelia Old, Darrell Gaither, and Lori Setzer as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of South Carolina's state dance at the North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum. Darrell and Lori share their journey from shagging novice to seasoned instructors and competitors, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of shag dancing in Myrtle Beach. Discover the tunes, debunk the myths, and explore the inclusive nature of ...