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

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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.

Get ready to embark on an eco-conscious adventure like no other! This episode of the Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace TV series takes you to the icy wonderland of Antarctica with none other than Richard Crawford, the popular host of the hit TV show Leave No Trace.

But that's not all—we're also joined by Louis, the maestro of Food and Beverage at White Desert, the ultra-luxury experience that promises zero impact on the pristine Antarctic environment. Imagine balancing world-class service with sustainability on the 7th Continent, where every detail is designed to protect this fragile ecosystem.

In this episode, we dive deep into the thrilling world of sustainable logistics, a challenge that blends cutting-edge innovation with a deep commitment to the planet.

From the behind-the-scenes magic that makes White Desert a top-tier experience to the creative solutions that ensure customer satisfaction while safeguarding the Earth, this journey is all about pushing boundaries and redefining what's possible in sustainable travel.

So, join us on this incredible adventure where luxury meets responsibility, and discover how you too can leave no trace while exploring the wonders of the world!

Only on Speaking of Travel. A must listen!

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Ready for an inspiring journey? Meet John Watson, the International Critical Care Flight Paramedic who's taking life-saving care to new heights. Whether it’s a fragile newborn or a senior in need of medical air transport, John’s there, providing top-notch care at 30,000 feet. His dedication shines through in every mission, making him a true unsung hero of the skies.

And fasten your seatbelts as Tina Kinsey from the Asheville Regional Airport takes you on a thrilling ride into the future of one of the nation’s fastest-growing airports. From sleek expansion plans to brand-new amenities, Tina’s got all the insider info that will make your travels smoother and more exciting.

The future at the Asheville Regional Airport is looking bright, innovative, and traveler friendly. Get ready to take off into a world of endless possibilities.

Tune in for a show filled with innovation, inspiration, and endless possibilities!

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Meet Gail Wein, a world traveler, music lover, and a true New Yorker. Gail's journey is a testament to following your passions and embracing change. She shares how her real adventure began when she took a leap of faith, leaving behind a career in computer programming to pursue her love for radio. And then go on and begin her own business, Classic Music Communications.

And don't miss our deep dive into the wild world of Rocky Horror. Whether you're a Rocky Horror newbie or a seasoned fan, get ready for the Rocky Horror Music Show, a live music revue that brings those iconic songs to life. Courtney Cahill, one of the leads playing the hero, Brad, shares a behind-the-scenes look at the show. Let's all do the Time Warp again!

Get ready for an unforgettable episode of Speaking of Travel! Gail Wein's incredible journey, from the world of programming to the vibrant realm of classical music and radio, will inspire you to take bold leaps and follow your passions.

Plus, the Rocky Horror Music Show is sure to get your toes tapping and your heart racing as we go behind the scenes with Courtney Cahill. Whether you're looking for inspiration, adventure, or a bit of musical magic, this episode has it all. Tune in and let the excitement begin! 🎧✨

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 LEAF Global Arts Series continues with Luis Porras, a Costa Rican journalist, musician, and founder of the Jirondai Project. This initiative preserves indigenous languages and cultures through captivating audiovisual recordings, blending ancient songs with modern sounds.

Luis emphasizes that when a language disappears, we lose unique ideas and our potential as a species. The Jirondai Project amplifies indigenous voices, creating world fusion music that connects the past with the present, making it accessible to everyone.

Luis shares that the language of the spirits is encoded in song, making singing vital to their traditions. He emphasizes that this tradition, especially among women, is beautiful because it celebrates their creation, talents, and humility.

"The language of the spirits was created in a code that is only understood by singing. So that's why it's so important. That's why the singing is so important for these people and especially this type of tradition from women is so beautiful because they talk about how well they were created. How big is their talent? How humble they are, even. Because they know they have just a little short life. And they have to develop their talent as much as they can."

Listen to this moving, inspiring, and encouraging story with Luis Porras. A true World Changer and Culture Keeper!

For more information about LEAF Global Arts and their upcoming festivals, visit their website.

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Get ready for a special episode of Speaking of Travel with the ultimate music Renaissance man, Şahan Arzruni, whose talents span far beyond the piano keys.

Şahan isn’t just a world-renowned Armenian concert pianist; he’s also an ethnomusicologist, composer, producer, writer, and philanthropist. He’s dazzled audiences worldwide, from sharing the stage with the legendary Victor Borge as his comedic counterpart to writing a music textbook as a teen in Istanbul. His boundless talent and infectious passion for music have touched countless lives.

In this episode, Şahan reveals the inspiration behind his latest project—recording piano works by Armenian women composers. He delves into the rich history and emotions that fuel these compositions, offering listeners a glimpse into a musical world that often goes unnoticed.

Şahan also shares his deep love for Armenia and Artsakh, where he spends time mentoring young musicians and performing unforgettable recitals.

His stories from the road, combined with his dedication to nurturing the next generation of artists, make for an episode you won’t want to miss.

Whether on stage, in the classroom, or behind the mic, Şahan Arzruni's passion for music is nothing short of inspiring.

Tune in for an extraordinary journey through music, culture, and creativity.

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.