Speaking of Travel® With Marilyn Ball
Founded in 2013, Speaking of Travel is a media platform dedicated to meaningful, responsible travel storytelling. Through conversations with global explorers, conservation leaders, cultural visionaries, world-changers, musicians, historians, conservationists, industry leaders, and everyday adventurers, we explore how travel connects people, preserves culture, and protects the planet.
After a decade of global change, including a pandemic and climate-driven disruptions, Speaking of Travel continues to lead the conversation on travel as a force for good.
Listen in, dream big, and let’s explore the world together. Because remember, life is short. Don't postpone joy!
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Speaking of Travel® With Marilyn Ball
Asheville Rises: A Story of Resilience, Recovery, and Community Spirit
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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.