Local podcast Speaking of Travel celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The brainchild of marketing and public relations maven, author, documentarian, and podcaster Marilyn Ball, it features travel tips and tales of transformation with local + international guests like Graham Sharp of the Steep Canyon Rangers and Richard Crawford of Leave No Trace TV. We sat down with Marilyn for a look into the last decade and a glimpse into what’s next for this local multihyphenate.
Initially launched in 2013 as a radio show, Speaking of Travel has grown into “a global podcast platform that’s not only about destinations, but about breaking down barriers,” says Marilyn. “We really came out of the pandemic with a focus on how to travel more mindfully and sustainably. We showcase stories that inspire you to ask: ‘Where can I do good?’”
Case in point? One of Marilyn’s favorite interviews with Dayna Reggero of The Climate Listening Project and award-winning playwright Ebony Stewart. “It’s one of our most popular stories, and it’s about the ways people’s lives in the Gulf Coast have been affected by climate change,” she says.
Marilyn also notes an interview she did with motorcycle journalist Neale Bayly, who documented the war in Ukraine from a BMW motorcycle, as well as one with locals behind the Blue Ridge Honor Flight that take area Veterans to Washington, DC, to visit the memorials dedicated to their sacrifice and service.
What’s next? Marilyn says she is excited about continuing to partner with Leave No Trace’s Richard Crawford to teach folks about ecotourism and sustainability, and she welcomes the chance to partner with more folks to continue her mission of sharing stories of travel and adventure with “people doing incredible things to change the world.”
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