In Karen’s new book Travel Mania: Stories of Wanderlust she explores the life-changing moments that only five decades of traveling can provide. With more than 90 countries under her belt Karen started her life of adventure and travel addiction when she left home at 17 for a solo trip in Europe.

Talk about Travel Mania

Nancy Gardella, executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, says that Martha’s Vineyard is so much more than its pretty beaches and famous residents. Among the stories Nancy reveals is the Vineyard’s troubling story of colonization and the island’s surprising legacy of sign language.

Martha’s Vineyard: Along the Deaf Heritage Trail and beyond

Whether you’ve been to New Orleans or not, you’ve seen them—the brass band that parades through the streets in a somber march only to erupt in a celebration of music, color and dance. Like the pied piper the band draws crowds who dance through the streets like it’s Mardi Gras.

That is the Second Line.

So what is a Second Line exactly?

In this episode of World Footprints, Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick visited The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) in the French Quarter to meet with two amazing guests, Judy Cooper and Eric Seiferth, who help us understand the history and traditions of the Second Line.

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Dancing in the Streets: A History of the Second Line

The world has changed and so has the way we travel.  We can no longer grab our passport and go. There are new requirements and other considerations so more thought and planning has to be incorporated before we pack our bags.

In this episode, Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick speak to award-winning travel journalist Tim Leffel about the things we should know about traveling today, especially, if we plan to travel for extended periods of time.  As Tim says, “we can’t just wing it anymore.”

Traveling Today: What You Should Know

Music is a powerful universal language where white musicians and black musicians come together, protect and stand by each other to create something special for their audience. And this inter-generational reach of music is the highlight of Martin Shore and Ian Neville's new film Take Me To The River: New Orleans.

Take Me To The River: New Orleans - a celebration of music history and legacy

In this World Footprints podcast, Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick explore the life and times of Winston Churchill, his impact on the world and his relationship with the small town of Fulton, Missouri (MO).

Winston Churchill's Connection to a Small Midwestern Town

Who doesn't love New Orleans? It's one of America's greatest cities and a World Footprints favorite because of it's rich culture, history and constant innovation. Oh yeah...the food!!!

In this episode of World Footprints, Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick talk with Vue Orleans developers Paul Flower and Henry Coaxum. They will share a bird’s eye view of New Orleans from the top of Vue Orleans, an extraordinary new museum that dives deep into the city's history that Henry Louis Gates is helping to tell.

See New Orleans like you've never seen her before atop a 34th floor observation deck and experience the richness of New Orleans history as cutting-edge technology immerses visitors into the spirit and soul of the city. Experience a love letter to New Orleans inside the new Vue Orleans.

Vue Orleans: A Love Letter to New Orleans

In this episode, we speak to Lawrence Phillips, founder and CEO of Green Book Global, which is on the mission to inspire and empower black travelers so they can travel the world in confidence.  And his website has become one of the trusted sources that black travelers rely on, not just for every experience, but to learn about destinations from a safety standpoint, as well as have fun.

Green Book Global - A TripAdvisor for Black Travelers

Shalom Y'all!

In this World Footprints episode, Kenneth Hoffman, Executive Director at the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience (MSJE), gives us a guided tour and explains in depth how Jews in the American South influenced and were influenced by the cultural heritage of their local communities. Tune in to learn more about the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, why it was founded, its significance beyond the Jewish community, and the collection of all the artifacts in the museum.

Walking through the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience

Did you know that there is a connection between Emmett Till's murder and Rosa Parks? That is one of many stories we learn about as we walk through the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See exhibit as the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. 

In today’s episode, we speak to Shanna Martin, director of training and professional development at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Shanna gives us a preview of the Emmett Till exhibit and shares some lesser known stories about his murder and the events that followed.

Remembering Emmett Till

In this episode of the World Footprint podcast, we have the privilege of interviewing Keith Stokes, advisor to the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. Keith walks with us through the colonial African burying ground of God's Little Acre in Newport, Rhode Island and he shares many of the unrepresented stories that are etched in the grave markers.

God’s Little Acre: America’s Colonial African Cemetery preserving history in stone - Part 1

In this second episode of our interview with Keith Stokes, advisor to the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, we continue learning about Newport's underrepresented history during our walk through God’s Little Acre.

In Episode One, Keith introduced us to prominent Africans like Pompey Brenton who lay buried in God’s Little Acre. In this second episode, Keith sheds light on the significance of this burial site and the stories of the people who were laid to rest there, providing a deeper understanding of the African presence in Newport's history.

God's Little Acre: Continuing the underrepresented stories of America's African heritage, Part 2

In this episode of World Footprints, hosts Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick share the Power of Children exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. They speak to Monica Ramsey, Director of exhibits and interactive media, as she guides them through the Power of Children: Making a Different exhibit and shares the stories of four extraordinary children who have significantly impacted the world - Ruby Bridges, Ryan White, Malala Yousafzai, and Anne Frank.

Experiencing the Power of Children exhibit at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis

World Footprints will explore Biblical history at the City of David, Namibia's political, economic and natural landscape and small town treasures that offer a taste of Sicily and more.

According to Hebrew tradition, the area outside of the Old City Walls of Jerusalem is considered to be the center of the world.  World Footprints will explore that theory and Biblical history with Zev Orenstein at the City of David.  We'll also examine new archaeology discoveries that support the existence of King David. 

Namibia is a country is great diversity.  The country is home to wildlife that can't be found anywhere else in Africa and it vast desert landscapes.  While at the Mount Etjo Safari Lodge, we break bread withn Eric Reindhart of Nambia Tracks and Trails to learn more about the country and it's commitment to conservation.

If you live in a metropolitan city you have your choice of authentic international restaurants.  Small towns are not so lucky but we stumbled upon the little American midwest town of New Salem, Indiana and enjoyed a taste of Sicily at Perillo's Pizzeria.  By the way, we enjoyed the BEST pizza we've ever had!

World Footprints will also share a few other small town treasures:  Newport, Rhode Island and the Airlie Hotel, a Historic Hotel of America.  Plus Ian and Tonya will share their own reflections.

 

Photo credits:  City of David (Tonya Fitzpatrick); Namibia Desert (Ian Fitzpatrick)

City Of David, Namibia, Tasting Sicily

Today, World Footprints will explore element of American history from small towns and historic hotels to Fort Monroe.  We'll also visit the shanty town of Mondesa which sits just outside of Swakopmund, Namibia.  There we will mingle with the locals and witness how black Namibians are preserving their history and traditions.

Fort Monroe in Virginia has been defending America since 1607 and today it remains the largest stone fortification in the United States.   Tour guide Robin Reed gives us the backstory of the Fort's rich history and the important role it has played in American history.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is on a mission to preserve and share all of America's history.  We'll share the work the organization is doing and we'll introduce two interesting historic hotels in Washington, DC--the Mayflower and the Morrison-Clark.

Small towns in America are often overlooked as tourist destinations but if you really want to experience real Americana you should go off the beaten path and visit a small town where you can uncover a treasure trove of goodies. Some of the most authentic travel experiences and unique stories can be found in small and rural towns and we will explore a few. 

The beach resort of Swakopmund, Namibia is an example of German colonial architecture and culture.  However, a majority of the population of Swakopmund lives in settlements that were developed for indigenous black Namibians.  We will introduce you to some of the locals we met on a walk through the Mondesa district.

Traveling through American and Namibian history

Nialls Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, will take us on a historical journey through the Emerald Isles.  Niall will introduce some of Ireland's lesser known stories, including the country's ancient monastic history and language heritage.

For Americans, the island of Cuba has been the forbidden fruit that many have desired to taste.  Some Americans have risked the threat of jail and others have spent a small fortune to travel to the land where time has stood still.  For photographer Jay Seldin, one trip to Cuba was never enough and now he has compiled hundreds of photos from years of traveling to the island in a powerful photo book called The Cubans.

Travel journalist Bijan Bayne recently experienced the explosion of Detroit, Michigan's revitalization and growth.  He also ventured to port cities along Michigan's coastline and uncovered some interesting maritime history.  Bijan returns to World Footprints to share what Detroit and adjacent mid-Michigan port cities have to offer to travelers who want to experience the rebirth of the "Big D" and Michigan's unique history.

Best of Ireland, Portraits from Cuba, Exploring Mid-Michigan

At 100+ years old, Hakone Gardens is a National Trust and one of the oldest Japanese estate and gardens in the Western Hemisphere.  In honor of its centennial, Hakone is celebrating its beginning and lasting endurance with multi-year events and activities.  Historian and Hakone Foundation Board Member, Connie Young-Yu, shares the richness and history of this oasis that sits on the edge of Silicon Valley.

Travel magazines and publications dedicated to wine enthusiasts frequently share their picks for the best wine destinations in the coming year.  But what about other guilty pleasures like chocolate?  According to travel writer and Chocolatour publisher, Doreen Pendgracs, chocolate travel and tourism is emerging as a culinary trend.

Speaking of wine...California has been a leader in developing and implementing sustainable programs in a number of industries, but most prominently in its winemaking practices.  Allison Jordan with California's Wine Institute takes us on an excursion through the state's famous winegrowing regions and she offers the backstory behind their earth-friendly practices.

Lansing, Michigan has blossomed into a dynamic cultural center and the city has grown far beyond the small plot of land that European explorer Hugh Heward discovered while canoeing down the Grand River in 1790.  Lori Lanspeary from the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau tells us why Lansing, home to Michigan State University, is much more than a college town.

Finally, we'll shine a destination spotlight on the Dominican Republic and Cabo San Lucas from the floor of the Adventure Travel Show in Washington, D.C.

Exploring Hakone Gardens, chocolate travel, sustainable California wines and Lansing, Michigan

Doreen Pendgracs, publisher of Chocolatour, takes us on an exploration of chocolate travel around the globe on her quest to discover the world's best chocolate.  Has she discovered the "world's best chocoloate"?  Have a listen and hear for yourself.

Exploring the world of chocolate travel

World Footprints returns to New Orleans for our signature broadcast from Jackson Square for French Quarter Festival! During this broadcast we'll introduce you to All-Star musicians, Trumpeter Connie Jones and Clarinet player Tim Laughlin. Connie & Tim grace the cover of this year's French Quarter Festival poster.  We’ll also hear from French Quarter Festival Executive Director, Marci Schramm, about the newest attractions that visitors will experience this year. As we all know, New Orleans is a foodie’s paradise and there is a new restaurant in town called Sylvain.  We’ll have a chance to talk with the proprietor Sean McCusker about some of his hottest recipes and unique cocktail menu.   In keeping the food theme going we’ll enjoy a conversation with Liz Williams from the Southern Food and Wine Museum.

New Orleans' French Quarter Festival 2011 - Hour 1

World Footprints Radio officially launched its new brand during a special 2-hour broadcast in New Orleans during French Quarter Festival 2010. During this first hour, we are happy to reintroduce you to Mary Beth Romig, VP of the French Quarter Festival and a member of the Landrieu transition team. Then, Who Dat!! You’ll meet the Voice of the New Orleans Saints: broadcast legend and father to Mary Beth, Jerry Romig. There’s a lot of new developments in the Crescent City and Kelly Schultz from the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau will give us the inside scoop. Finally, you’ll hear from a long-time resident (and long-lost cousin of Tonya’s) about the hidden treasures around the City and Kacey Hill from The National WWII Museum stops by to talk about the new attractions at the museum. 

New Orleans' French Quarter Festival 2010 - Hour 1

World Footprints returned to New Orleans for our 7th annual French Quarter Festival 2-hour broadcast.  This year we set up at Tableau Restaurant, Dickie Brennan's newest culinary gem in Jackson Square.   The first hour of World Footprints showcase New Orleans international outreach, the arts and history.  We introduce a hidden gem, The New Orleans Historic Collection.  The Historic Collection  is a museum, research center, and publisher dedicated to the study and preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South region.  This year they are showcasing homegrown stars, The Boswell Sisters, and we are joined by the exhibit's curator Mark Cave.  We are pleased to introduce the granddaughter of Vet Boswell, Kyla Titus, who joins us to share treasured memories, her new book and her work to keep the memory of The Boswell Sisters alive. We also talk about a special event that the world is sharing this year--the 70th anniversary of the landing at Normandy.  The National World War II Museum's Alan Raphael joins us to talk about how the museum is commemorating this anniversary and the special role that New Orleans played in WWII. We promise you'll enjoy this first hour and we invite you back to listen to the 2nd hour broadcast where we talk about the history of Voodoo and spotlight the contributions of Africans in New Orleans.

New Orleans' French Quarter Festival 2014 - Hour 1

Louisiana's Creole culture and a famed New Orleans' neighborhood share the spotlight on today's show.  Our Creole cultural exploration takes us just outside New Orleans to the Old Mississippi River Road where we'll share the story of a Creole family and a plantation named Laura--voted "Best history tour in the USA" by Lonely Planet Travel and a top travel attraction in Louisiana.  Laura Plantation, named after Laura Locoul Gore, is an old sugarcane plantation over 200 years old.  We experienced life on the plantation as a member of the Locoul family through the voice of one of Laura's decendents, Norman Marmillion.  We will also visit Faubourg Treme with filmmaker Dawn Logsdon.  Treme is considered the oldest black neighborhood in America and the birthplace of the civil rights movement in the South.  Treme is a place where African-Americans lived free during slavery and became a place of social and economic diversity.  

Exploring New Orleans' Laura Plantation and the Faubourg Treme neighborhood

World Footprints returns to New Orleans for our signature broadcast from Jackson Square for French Quarter Festival! During this hour we will share more "must see" museums, including the New Orleans African-American Museum.  We'll also speak to a local historian, Errol Laborde, editor at the New Orleans Magazine and we'll introduce "Mr. New Orleans" aka Stephen Perry, President/CEO of the New Orleans CVB.  Finally, you'll hear from two "NOLA ambassadors" and fans of World Footprints who will share why they come back to New Orleans every year.  Spoiler alert:  These special guests have been nicknamed "The Moms" by New Orleans Conventions and Visitors Bureau staff.  They are better known as our moms. 

New Orleans' French Quarter Festival 2011 - Hour 2

This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before rebranding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.

Famed for its Big Texan steak house—home to a 72 oz steak—you get eat for free if you can do so within an hour and its rodeo culture, Amarillo is where the real Texas begins. From its historic Route 66, to the quirky Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo is a place that surprises at every turn, and today were are going to give you a feel for what makes this an intriguing place to visit. Also, Travel’n On introduces a Travel’n Angel, Tammy Van Dyke who is making a difference in the lives of many around the world through World Hope Missions, a faith-based organization dedicated to helping women and child around the world.

LEGACY SHOW:  Deep in the Heart of Amarillo, Texas

World Footprints seeks to connect you to the great places in this world.  Today, we travel to a destination that is near and dear ot our hearts--Bermuda.  We will celebrate the national holiday of Bermuda Day, the music, history and traditions with our island brothers and sisters. 

Then, we'll travel to Paget parish on Bermuda and introduce you to a fantastic new property--Newstead Belmont Hills, a golf and spa resort.  This property blends a boutique hotel with the leisure of a luxury resort.

Finally, we'll hop back across the pond to Birmingham, Alabama where we'll visit the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum--home to one of the world's largest motorcycle collections.  We'll hear what inspired the museum's founder, George Barber, to preserve America's motorcycle heritage.

Bermuda Day And Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

The 2010 FIFA World Cup is underway in South Africa and on this show, World Footprints showcases an organization, Grassroot Soccer, that’s using soccer to transform the lives of disadvantaged children throughout South Africa. Tonya and Ian will introduce you to executive director and founder Dr. Tommy Clark and they’ll also introduce someone who is on the “front lines” in South Africa for Grassroot Soccer, Phil Johnson.

How Grassroot Soccer is transforming lives

Experience a slice of American history as two journalists share their perspectives on Martha’s Vineyard and parts of the American south.

Author, Bijan Bayne,has been a summer resident of Martha’s Vineyard since childhood.  He says that while most people may know about Martha’s Vineyard because of the Obama family and the movie Jaws, the Vineyard has a rich history within the African American community.   Bijan tells us that the island is much more than a playground for the rich and famous and his stories will shatter some stereotypical notions many hold about Martha’s Vineyard.

Travel writer Kathleen Walls loves sharing the historical stories she discovers during her travels.  Her storytelling is truthful and authentic and she isn’t afraid to share stories about dark episodes in American history like the Trail of Tears or slavery.  Kathleen says that often times certain parts of American’s history is overlooked because of shame and guilt, but even those dark episodes can help inform our future.

You can read all of Kathleen Wall’s stories on World Footprints.

Exploring Martha's Vineyard and the American south

In an era of segregation, the Green Book directed African-American travelers to safe havens as they traveled through inhospitable and outright dangerous places.  Indeed, being a Black family in the time of segregation having to travel by car across America through Sundown Towns and knowing that there was no one to protect you is a frightening and daunting proposition.  We’ll explore the legacy of the Green Book with author Candacy Taylor in her new book “Overground Railroad”.

Rochester, New York has had a significant role in the development of America.  Famed corporations such as Kodak and Xerox made Rochester the city of millionaires.  But the city’s African American history—from the life and times of Frederick Douglass to the Summer of '64 have defined Rochester as much as the opening of the Erie Canal.   Our next guest, journalism professor, film maker and Rochester historian, Carvin Eison, puts it all into context and makes a convincing case to visit Rochester to understand it all.

Exploring the Green Book trail and Rochester’s African-American Heritage

Today we’re going to explore the land down under – Australia.  As an extra bonus we will also enjoy a listener’s favorite travel memory. 

What is it about Australia that captures our imagination? We had hoped to explore parts of Australia until COVID-19 forced a change in all of our plans. So we did the next best thing, we traveled vicariously through the stories of our Australian friend and fellow travel journalist, Amanda Kendle – host of The Thoughtful Travel podcast.

Amanda gave us some insights into her West Coast city of Perth, and how Australia has handled COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter protests; especially as they relate to the Aboriginal population.

There’s something so nourishing about revisiting a favorite travel memory and we think that we can all use a little boost to our spirits right now.  So we thought—since we can’t travel now—certainly not the way we use to—that it would be nice to enjoy some of our favorite travel memories.  

Enjoy a special travel memory from Visionary Womenpreneuer founder, Donna Price.

Do you have a favorite travel memory that you’d like to revisit?  If so we’d love to share it on an future World Footprints podcast.  Email: ProductionTeam at World Footprints.com for more information.

Join us as we explore the land down under on World Footprints with Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick.

LIFE DOWN UNDER IN THE LAND OF “OZ”

Today on World Footprints, we welcome back, author and television host, Rick Steves.  We enjoy a very thought-provoking discussion about a range of topics from the current pandemic and social issues to the challenging issues facing the travel industry today. 

Rick generally spends 100 days a year in Europe but like the rest of us he is stuck at home.  However, Rick treated us to a virtual trip through the pages of his newest book “For the Love of Europe”.  As you listen to this interview you will be transported to many of Rick’s favorite places and you meet some of the delightful and fascinating people he has encountered along the way.  

“We need to get to know the world better…The most frightened people in the world are those who don’t have passports.”

You’ll also learn about the things that have motivated Rick Steves, what he sees as his mission and you’ll understand why he sees travel as an imperative for all of humanity.

We promise that your travel bug will awaken in a thoughtful and insightful way and that you’ll be inspired, entertained and informed by our conversation with Rick Steves.

Rick Steves “For the Love of Europe” and his Travel-Driven Social Ethos

In honor of America’s 46th President, World Footprints will share a cultural slice of President Joe Biden’s home state of Delaware.

Delaware is known as the “First State” because it was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Its place in American history and colonialism is uniquely blended with the state’s European influences. 

Join us as we enjoy a glimpse into Delaware’s history starting with American artist N.C. Wyeth  and the Wyeth generations that followed him. Next, we will examine the legacy of the DuPont family—a name that is synonymous with Delaware.  

As we stroll the grounds of Longwood Gardens, Winterthur Mansion and Nemours Estate --three attractions that were built by the DuPont family--the distinct European influence of the DuPont’s French heritage will be revealed. 

The places that are showcased in this episode are reflective of Delaware’s motto “Liberty and Independence”. They are just a sample of the state that has shaped President Joe Biden’s and what makes his home state of Delaware intriguing.

Discover President Joe Biden’s Delaware

World Footprints is a heart-centered Social Impact travel media company where travelers of conscience and culture can come for information, engagement, education, entertainment and inspiration in the travel space.

The multi award-winning World Footprints platform was founded by Tonya & Ian Fitzpatrick, two lawyers who have merged their passion for meaningful travel and their support for social justice. World Footprints is guided by a belief in our common humanity. That principle is expressed in the Zulu word Ubuntu “I am because we are” and Tat tvam asi, a Hindu word that translates “I see the other in myself and myself in others”. The philosophy of unity guides the socially minded stories that are found throughout the World Footprints multimedia platform.

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