Natural disasters often disrupt lives, but they also reveal the strength of community. After a crisis, neighbors unite, volunteers step up, and collective resilience shines through.

Lew Bleiweis, Executive Director of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority, explains how the airport's swift crisis response depended on coordination, communication, and leadership. His team’s preparedness and collaboration with local authorities ensured safety while teaching valuable lessons for future emergencies.

Also, Mark Collins, Partnerships Manager for RomanticAsheville.com, emphasizes that these challenging times are an opportunity to strengthen strategic partnerships with a focus on responsibility, sustainability, and safety.

Mark highlights how working together, these efforts create a more resilient and unified community, ready for any future trials and how through collaboration they're building a brighter, stronger future for Western North Carolina.

A must listen only on Speaking of Travel.

photo--Mark Collins/L, Lew Bleiweis/R

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 San Diego Zoo is a sprawling 100-acre wonderland, offering more than just your average zoo visit. Rick Schwartz, Wildlife Ambassador for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, shares why the zoo is a world-class wildlife haven.

Known for its lush, naturalistic habitats, this iconic zoo is home to over 3,700 rare and endangered animals, representing about 660 species. What truly sets it apart is its dedication to conservation and creating unique animal encounters that immerse visitors in nature.

And of course, who could forget the beloved giant pandas? Their presence at the zoo makes your experience even more special, giving you a chance to see these magnificent creatures up close.

While the pandas symbolize international efforts to protect endangered species, the zoo also boasts an incredible botanical collection with over 700,000 plants, further highlighting its commitment to preserving biodiversity.

Visiting the San Diego Zoo isn't just about seeing animals—it's about stepping into a living, breathing ecosystem where every plant and animal plays a role in telling the story of our planet’s delicate balance.

Whether you're walking through the lush landscapes or meeting an endangered species, every experience here is a celebration of wildlife and a reminder of the importance of conservation.

The San Diego Zoo, with its dedication to protecting animals and ecosystems, reminds us that every visit can make a difference. So next time you're planning an adventure, remember the zoo!

A must listen!

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Imagine a person so entwined with the rhythm of words that each breath brings forth a poem. That’s James Nave, a traveler of stories, master of memory, and a guide through the Imaginative Storm.

With over 600 poems committed to heart, Nave doesn’t just recite; he conjures magic with each syllable. Whether it’s spinning tales in the streets of New York or teaching the boundless possibilities of creativity, his journey is a never-ending dance of language and life.

Nave shares his journey through the Imaginative Storm Writing Project, alongside Allegra Huston, and invites writers into a world where the unexpected blooms, helping them discover the thrill of expression.

His wisdom flows from decades of teaching, from co-founding The Artist’s Way Creativity Camp with Julia Cameron to speaking on global platforms. He’s a weaver of worlds, and each thread he pulls opens your heart to the sheer wonder of creativity.

And be sure to visit Theleaf.org for more information about the LEAF Global Arts Festival and all their programs.

A must listen! Only on Speaking of Travel!

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.