Today’s episode is a breathtaking story of courage, healing, and the radical choice to seek joy after unimaginable loss.

I’m so honored to share the journey of Abigail Carter, a writer, artist, and one of the most soulfully brave humans I’ve ever met. After losing her husband in the 9/11 attacks, Abby spent years learning how to live with grief. But when the buzz and blur of life became too much, a quiet whisper inside nudged her toward something new.

So she listened. Fast forward...

She packed up her life and moved to a charming little château in the sun-drenched countryside of southwest France. Yes, France! Picture golden fields of sunflowers, deep breaths, and slow mornings with coffee and birdsong. It’s here that Abby began again.

But this is not just a story about moving to France. It’s about moving forward. About what happens when we follow the gentle pull toward something more, like more peace, more purpose, more joy.

Now Abby has turned her home into a retreat space for women over 50, creating a haven where others can come to rediscover their creativity, reconnect with themselves, and begin their own next chapters.

This conversation is full of heart and wonder. We talk about slowing down, building meaningful community, and what it really means to start over on your own terms. If you’ve ever felt the urge to change your life, to seek beauty after heartbreak, or to step into something wildly new, Abby’s story will light a spark in you.

Come listen. It’s a reminder that no matter where you are, it’s never too late to begin again.

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

Welcome back to a brand-new episode of Speaking of Travel! We’re making a BIG deal out of this one for good reason.

Drumroll, please... The first season of Traveling the Spectrum, the powerful series we highlighted right here on Speaking of Travel, is streaming on Peacock and has just been nominated for an Emmy Award! That’s right! This groundbreaking series is receiving the recognition it deserves for changing lives and redefining travel.

This episode is a celebration and a deep dive into why Traveling the Spectrum is so special, so necessary, and so long overdue. For too long, families with loved ones on the autism spectrum felt that travel was out of reach. But now? The world is opening up and this series is leading the way.

We’re joined by Tommy Caamano and Peter Prokop, visionary producers and co-directors at The Workshop, the creative force behind Traveling the Spectrum. These passionate storytellers are breaking barriers and giving families the tools, hope, and inspiration to confidently explore the world together.

From the inclusive and sensory-friendly beaches of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to touching moments with real families discovering freedom and joy through travel, this episode is filled with heart, authenticity, and empowerment.

Traveling the Spectrum is not just a show. It’s a movement. It proves what we’ve always believed here on Speaking of Travel: Travel is for everyone. 🧡

Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or dreaming of your first family getaway, this episode will move you, inform you, and maybe even change the way you see the world.

Listen now and be part of something bigger. 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.

In this deeply nourishing episode, we welcome Angela Lightsey, the vibrant soul behind Tybee Wellness Retreats, where transformation and tranquility beautifully intertwine.

Angela has created more than just a getaway. She’s built a sanctuary where women come to heal, grow, and reconnect with their truest selves amid the natural beauty of Tybee Island and beyond.

Together, we dive into what really happens during a wellness retreat and Angela shares how these sacred spaces foster genuine sisterhood, spark inner clarity, and offer a safe, empowering path for solo female travelers and Angela reminds us how each dimension matters and how retreats help rebalance what daily life often pulls out of alignment.

Angela’s work is a joyful invitation to slow down, tune in, and remember who you are. This episode will leave you inspired, grounded, and ready to ask: What do I need right now?

Tune in! 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.

There’s something in the water in Brevard, NC and we’re not just talking about the waterfalls (though there are plenty of those!). Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this sweet town sparkles with big charm, quirky wildlife (hello, white squirrels!), and the kind of hospitality that stays with you long after you leave.

On this uplifting episode of Speaking of Travel, local legend Clark Lovelace, Executive Director of the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority, shares why Brevard isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience.

From epic bike trails and cozy cafés to how the town is balancing growth and sustainability, Clark dives into what makes Brevard one of the most heartwarming, awe-inspiring places in Western North Carolina.

You're in for a real treat! Start making your plans 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.

On this episode of Speaking of Travel, award-winning filmmaker Brady Skye joins us to share the powerful story behind his new documentary, Beyond The Ruins, a film that doesn’t just challenge the way we travel, but invites us to reconsider whose stories we center and how we show up in the world.

This is not a film about the past. It’s about the present. About connection. About listening.

Through immersive storytelling, Brady brings us into the homes of contemporary Maya families, where cultural humility, reciprocity, and shared humanity take the spotlight. In his search for deeper meaning, Brady explores the wisdom of Yucatecan Maya traditions, not as an outsider, but as someone striving to live alongside, to learn, and to belong.

He speaks movingly about finding your tribe, not just in people who look or live like you, but in those who open your heart and help you remember that we are all one. Beyond The Ruins is more than a documentary. It’s a call to travel with intention, to engage with respect, and to discover that the greatest journeys begin when we truly see and hear one another.

Ready to rethink your place in the world? Let’s dive in.

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 meet Karlie Loland-Ringer, a powerhouse casting director whose life is anything but ordinary. With a spirit for adventure and a career that spans coast-to-coast, Karlie lives where work and wanderlust collide. One moment she is behind the scenes making casting magic happen and the next, she’s soaking up quiet sunsets on a faraway beach.

In this conversation, Karlie dives into how the casting industry has transformed in a post-pandemic world and what those changes mean for talent, creators, and storytellers everywhere.

But for Karlie, travel isn’t just a getaway. It is fuel for creativity, a way to stay inspired, and a way of life. She opens up about how she finds balance in the chaos, stays grounded through movement and curiosity, and builds deep connections along the way.

Whether you’re a creative, a traveler, or simply someone itching for more adventure in your everyday grind, Karlie’s journey is living proof: you can build a thriving career, chase your passions, and still catch a killer sunset at the end of the day.

Tune in! And visit Karlie's website at KLR Creative Group!

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

In this impactful episode of Speaking of Travel, we shine a light on the incredible resilience of Asheville, North Carolina, a city that turned heartbreak into hope and recovery into a rallying cry.

From the moment disaster struck, this tight-knit mountain town showed the world what community truly means. Neighbors helped neighbors. Local businesses found creative ways to reopen their doors. Artists, chefs, and entrepreneurs proved that Asheville’s spirit could never be washed away.

Joining the show is the amazing Mickey Poandl, the masterful storyteller and PR mastermind at Explore Asheville. Mickey shares honest insights, recovery numbers, and the soul-stirring moments that define Asheville’s comeback.

Together, we reflect on what it means to build back—not just buildings and streets, but trust, joy, and connection.

This episode is more than a story of recovery. It’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the role travel plays in healing and transformation.

Whether you're a longtime local, a curious visitor, or someone who simply believes in the power of place, this conversation will leave you inspired, informed, and filled with gratitude.

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

What if your next adventure wasn’t just about the destination, but the feeling it leaves behind? In this heartwarming episode of Speaking of Travel, we’re heading to a place where waterfalls whisper, trails lead to awe, and kindness is part of the culture... Brevard, North Carolina.

Nestled in Transylvania County in the heart of the Land of Waterfalls, Brevard is more than just a scenic stop. It’s a soulful escape. With its lush forests, world-class biking and hiking, creative community spirit, and yes, even white squirrels, Brevard invites you to slow down and soak in the wonder.

Joining us is Brevard’s hometown hospitality hero, Clark Lovelace, Executive Director of the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority. Clark shares how his family’s legacy in welcoming guests shaped his deep love for this town, what’s new and exciting in the region, and how Brevard is setting the standard for sustainable tourism and meaningful connections.

Whether you’re dreaming of your next mountain getaway, searching for small-town charm with big adventure, or simply need a reminder of the magic that lives in community and nature, this episode is your call to go. Brevard is waiting, and it might just steal your heart.

Tune in, feel inspired, and plan your next trip to the mountains. The waterfalls are calling and all you need to do is answer. 🎧

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