Speaking Of Travel ®

Speaking of Travel continues the Climate Listening Project Series with Dayna Reggero and some special guests. Sisters Amanda and Allison Rodriguez talk about inspiring stories of human connection to wild places and new ways of knowing and understanding the world and the interconnectivity of existence.  Amanda Rodriguez is a writer, poet, and climate activist who works protecting Southern forests with Dogwood Alliance. She recently produced a film series called, “Stories Happen in Forests” that features inspiring stories of human connection to wild places. Allison Maria Rodriguez is an interdisciplinary artist who creates immersive experiential spaces that challenge conventional ways of knowing and understanding the world. Her work focuses extensively on climate change, species extinction and the interconnectivity of existence. Her award-winning work includes the video installation “Wish You Were Here: Greetings from the Galápagos” and a residency at the Churchill Northern Studies. Thanks for listening to Spea

Chow Chow is a multi-day immersive experience held in Asheville, NC, from September 13-15, 2019, to celebrate the region’s vibrant culinary scene from farmers to brewers, chefs, crafts people and artists. Featuring nationally recognized chefs to multi-generational farmers to millers, bakers, potters, weavers, and brewers, Chow Chow is shining a light on the spirit of this region. Join guests Kevin Barnes, founder of Ultimate Ice Cream, Connie Matisse, co-founder of East Fork, Jael Rattigan, co-founder of French Broad Chocolate and Chef Katie Button of Katie Button Restaurants, and discover what makes this event different, including highlights of key events, Chow Chow's charity focus and the awesome activities guests and local makers will be doing over the weekend. Come celebrate with Chow Chow! Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Miranda Peterson is the founder and owner of Namaste in Nature, a yoga, hiking and meditation respite in Western North Carolina that helps relive stress and anxieties while celebrating and appreciating nature. She founded Namaste in Nature in 2017 to provide a fun, safe, unique and sustainable experience for both mind and body. Miranda has practiced yoga since 2008 and completed her RYT® 200 Yoga Teacher Training in traditional Hatha style yoga at Ayur-Yoga Eco Ashram in Southern India. She has led or participated in international classes and training across North America, South America, and Asia and believes yoga is for every body and should be accessible to everyone. Namaste in Nature offers multiple options for each person in the practices she guides so they are inclusive of everyone from beginners to experts.  Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Have you been thinking about learning another language? Cindy McMahon serves on the Buncombe County School Board and has over 25 years of management experience in nonprofits and small businesses. This summer, Cindy’s taking a sabbatical from her work to relax and have some adventures, including participating in a language immersion school in Cuenca, Ecuador. Cindy explains why she chose to dive head first into the deep end of language immersion in Cuenca, what it was like during her two-week stay, and how the community welcomed her with open arms. If you've ever considered taking the leap and participating in an immersion school, Cindy shares tips on how to research and what to look for in planning such an adventure. Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Kelley Louise, founder of Impact Travel Alliance, the world's largest community for impact-focused travelers and travel professionals, provides insights and solutions for creating sustainable and positive travel experiences and how travelers are making a difference throughout the world. The organization aims to educate travelers on how to travel mindfully so our experiences protect the environment and empowers locals. Kelley discusses the importance of building resiliency in travel and shares stories from her recent visit to Puerto Rico and her time with ExplorEquity, a socially conscious travel company exploring food systems and sovereignty in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Whether you’re a local or visiting Western North Carolina for the first time, Leap Frog Tours offers fun opportunities to explore the area, from beer to art and everything in-between. They offer tours with set itineraries, custom excursions, and transportation services all over the area.Ann Smith, owner and founder of Leap Frog Tours, explains why they love showcasing Western North Carolina. Discover how you can sip your way through the extensive craft beer scene, see elk in their natural habitat, learn about the benefits of hemp and CBD, explore the history of the French Broad River and so much more.Visit leapfrogtours.com and book your tour today! Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Meagan is heading home to Denver after visiting WNC for the first time. As part of her best friend’s bachelorette party, she spent the weekend exploring every nook and cranny of Asheville. Given her busy itinerary, Meagan knew it was important to pack light. “Of course, check the weather," she said. "I had a max of two outfits per day. I rolled them up as tightly as I could to fit as many as I can in my bag.” Meagan loved the amenities at AVL. “It’s been great,” she said. “One of my favorite things [is that] they have a lot of different charging stations.”Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Robert took the plunge! He and his family traveled from Cape Coral, Florida, for his destination wedding. Traveling with such a large entourage can be quite the organizational feat, but Robert has it down to a T.“Traveling with such a large group of people, I always make a checklist,” Robert said. “We don’t leave anything or anyone behind.”Robert has visited the area before, and he loves flying in and out of AVL. “It’s a nice airport,” he said. “Everybody is super nice out here.”Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Mary and Hannah have a unique carry on. They’re heading out for a summer adventure in Wisconsin with Bear, a fluffy ten-week old Leonberger puppy. Mary and Hannah have taken Bear on trips in the past and they know the drill when it comes to bringing a dog onboard.“Wear them out, and pray for no delays,” Mary said. ‘Get their energy out, make sure they are taken to the bathroom before you leave, and hopefully they sleep the whole way.”Mary and Hannah love the ease of traveling out of AVL. “[It is] super convenient,” Mary said. "Small, quick, no-hassle. This is just a piece of cake. It’s really lovely. It’s a really nice environment to fly in and out of.”Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Alex and Mark are flying home to Denver. Their Asheville weekend was filled with a friend's wedding festivities, but they ended up falling in love with the city itself. This weekend trip called for a quick turnaround, and Mark knew just what to do. “Download mobile passes and don’t check a bag,” he said. “We did this time, and it’s been the only slow part of our travels.”Alex and Mark love the intimate size of AVL. “The Asheville Airport is small and easy to get around, so it’s made flying nice,” Alex said.Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Dayna Reggero discuss the latest Climate Listening Project film, "Earth-People-Words" and shares how the power of stories holds humanity together. The film explores how we've worked together to protect our earth and the actions shared in trying to be better people and how hope is handed down through our words to future generations. Stories are the vessel that always has held, and continues to hold, Earth, People, and Words in unity and balance. The film features four poets: Joy Harjo, Laura Hope-Gill, and guests Elizabeth Bradfield and Sean Hill. Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

The Blue Ridge Honor Flight is dedicated to honoring our veterans for the sacrifices they have made to keep our nation safe by providing them with an all expense paid trip to visit the memorials in Washington D. C., that symbolize the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of these American heroes. JoAnn Naeger is the registration coordinator for the Blue Ridge Honor Flight and shares memorable stories of of what this trip means to veterans and how the efforts of a community help to honor our veterans and how you can get involved. Visit www.blueridgehonorflight.com for more information. Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Terry Lawson Dunn, a wildlife biologist, conservation educator, author, and artist has worked in the rain forests of Panama, the swamps of Florida and the mountains of Idaho. Based on her experiences with travelers, she founded the ecotourism website, EcoTripMatch.com to make it easier for people to find ecolodges and ecotours all over the world in support of conservation. Discover why Terry created the site and what kinds of ecolodges and tours you'll find. Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Peter Krull and his wife Melissa Booth love traveling together and explain how this shared passion builds a happy relationship based on the excitement to discover the next adventure and escape their comfort zones. Find out how they research and plan their trips and why travel feeds their dreams.Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

The Brevard Music Center is home to celebrated artists, distinguished faculty, and students from all over the world who come together each summer to prepare and perform in a beautiful park-like setting. From the end of June to the beginning of August, gifted young musicians participate in a rigorous program of instruction and performance including orchestral ensembles, private lessons, chamber music, and opera. They will be joined by some of the most celebrated names in music, from classical superstars to pops legends to acclaimed composers, for more than 80 unforgettable performances under the stars! See their comprehensive schedule at brevardmusic.org.  Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the United States Climate Action Network (USCAN), members Nakisa Glover of Sol Nation and Susannah Tuttle of NC Interfaith Power & Light (NCIPL) join Dayna Reggero of the Climate Listening Project to talk about solutions for traveling and protecting the places we love with compassion, justice and love for people and place. The USCAN is a vital network for 175+ organizations active on climate change, all working together to fight climate change in a just and equitable way. Nakisa Glover, founding director of Sol Nation, provides pathways to solutions that can help communities thrive through resiliency and revitalization as we move to a Green Economy. Susannah Tuttle, director of NC Interfaith Power and Light, connects the faith voice around climate change, encouraging mitigation of the effects and resilient communities by advocacy with compassion. Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can bec

Author, musician, speaker and sailor Chris DiCroce and wife Melody sold their house and almost everything they owned to move onto a sailboat and discovered the greatest triumphs often came from their greatest challenges. Tired of the lives they were living, Chris and Melody, along with their dog Jet, took a leap of faith in their attempt to break away and were brought face to face with the reality that things don't always go as planned, and how, sometimes, that's the best plan.In what was supposed to be a one year experiment is now seven years later. Discover how the dream evolved and how they keep it going today.     www.mondovacilando.com  Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Explore one of Western North Carolina’s most iconic places with Mary Jaeger-Gale, General Manager at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. The Park features six hiking trails, an Animal Discovery Den, rock climbing with instructors, monthly guided hikes and more. Special moments you'll cherish await you here. Visit Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park once, and you’ll want to come back for more. An annual pass provides you unlimited visits to the Park for a year, exclusive events and special deals at the Park’s shops and restaurants. And you get discounts at other area attractions, too. Visit chimneyrockpark.com.Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Continuing the Speaking of Travel + Climate Listening Project Series with Dayna Reggero and special guest, Sara Day Evans, the founding director of Accelerating Appalachia. Accelerating Appalachia is the world’s first nature-based business accelerator, connecting innovative businesses, investors and mentors aligned with people, place and prosperity. Find out how they are creating a new regenerative economy to improve soil, retain water, sequester carbon, and help communities by accelerating nature-based entrepreneurs where mining, logging, textile and tobacco/farming industries are on the decline. Accelerating Appalachia supports a regenerative economy, sustaining good jobs and keeping thousands of sustainable farmers on the land.  Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Peggy Ratusz and Paula Hanke are on the road delighting audiences with their sensational act, “Love Is a Rose: Celebrating the Music of Torch Singer Linda Ronstadt,” featuring some of her best works. Peggy and Paula have been friends for over a decade and collaborated before, but their newest chapter is truly a project from the heart. “Love Is a Rose: Celebrating the Music of Torch Singer Linda Ronstadt,” is part of an ongoing project, the Women Who Make Music History Concert Series. Find out what led them to develop, produce and launch their brand and why they are simpatico as two women who own their own business and travel together. Although quite alike in many ways, they are different enough to benefit the partnership in just the right ways! A fabulous conversation! Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.