Voices of Inspiration

In this episode of Voices of Inspiration, Amelia Old travels to Yinxing Guli Homestay in Changxing County, Zhejiang, China, located near the famous ginkgo tree corridor.

Amelia spends the afternoon with the homestay owner, experiencing a traditional herbal tea bath and moxibustion therapy, and reflecting on how difficult it can be to sit still with no distractions. Through conversation translated by Joanna, the owner of Yinxing Guli shares how she moved from the tea industry to opening her homestay, the meaning behind the name Yinxing Guli (“ginkgo hometown”), and the everyday values that guide her work.

Th...

In this episode of Voices of Inspiration, host Amelia Old visits Yunqishe Homestay in Changxing County, Zhejiang Province, to meet Mr. Fang Xiaoping, a fifth-generation practitioner of Wumei, a smoked plum tradition that has been part of this region for more than 500 years.

The episode features Mr. Fang speaking in Chinese with translation by Joanna, allowing his voice to remain part of the conversation while making his story accessible. Together they discuss how Wumei is produced, how rural homestays are growing across Zhejiang, and what it takes to run a small, twenty-room property outside major cities.

This episode of Voices of Inspiration takes place in Miaoxi, a village in the Huzhou region of Zhejiang Province, China.

The episode follows time spent at a family-run homestay and a conversation with the owner, Wang Ying, about daily life, hosting travelers, and her transition from working in finance to welcoming guests into her home. Through the discussion, the episode captures moments from the property, walks through tea-covered mountains near the village, and the small details that shaped the experience of staying in rural Zhejiang.

Rather than focusing on major landmarks, the episode centers on...

In this episode, Amelia looks back on her time in Shanghai, the first stop on a recent project in China. Outside Yu Garden, she found herself thinking about her childhood and how different her sense of the world is today. She describes her visit to Jing’an Temple, an afternoon in Peace Park where people gathered to dance, and the way Shanghai’s neighborhoods shift from one block to the next. She also shares her time at the observatory with its wide city views and a night river cruise along the Bund that offered a completely different look at the...

After an unexpected year-long break, Amelia returns to Voices of Inspiration with a candid look at why the past year pulled her in a different direction and how she found her way back to the mic. In this episode, she reflects on a year shaped by significant challenges, including a family emergency that required her full attention. She also reflects on completing 100 Things to Do in South Carolina Before You Die and what’s ahead for 2026.

Now that the manuscript is turned in and life feels steadier, Amelia is back behind the mic with a clearer understanding of...

Explore the strength and unity of Bryson City, North Carolina, as Erin Smith, owner of Humanité Boutique, shares her journey as a small business owner during challenging times. Learn how the community came together after Hurricane Helene, the lessons that shaped their recovery, and the impact of supporting one another. Erin’s story reveals the importance of connection, resilience, and creating a meaningful legacy, all set against the backdrop of Bryson City’s natural beauty and holiday charm.

Bryson City, NC, is a mountain town in Western North Carolina that blends resilience, community spirit, and festive traditions. In this episode, Sarah Conley, Executive Director of the Swain County TDA, shares how Bryson City navigated the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. From using social media to keep residents informed to preparing for winter visitors, the town demonstrates its strength and ability to adapt in every situation.

As the holiday season approaches, Bryson City transforms into a cozy winter retreat. Highlights include the Polar Express train ride, a family favorite that brings holiday stories to life, and the...

Beech Mountain, North Carolina, Tourism Marketing Director Armando Garcia shares the story of how this resilient mountain community responded to Hurricane Helene, with heartfelt support from both locals and visitors. As winter approaches, Beech Mountain is prepared to welcome travelers to its snowy slopes and scenic trails. In this episode, Armando provides valuable travel tips on how visitors can support nearby North Carolina communities, making for a winter getaway filled with both adventure and community spirit.

John Murray, owner of 96 Pecan Company in Ninety-Six, South Carolina, discusses pecan farming and candy-making. Learn how his college football experience at Clemson and desire for a meaningful retirement led him to create a thriving business that's become an integral part of his community.

In this episode, John talks about:

John explains how his business has become a place of support for those seeking empathy. We...

Erica McCier, owner of Indigenous Underground in Abbeville, South Carolina, and 2023 South Carolina Chef Ambassador, shares her remarkable journey from middle school art teacher to celebrated chef. Discover how a near-death experience became the catalyst for McCier's transformation, propelling her from the classroom to the kitchen and ultimately to culinary stardom.

In this episode, Erica dishes on:

Get r...

Welcome to our latest episode featuring Sharon Manor, a unique bed and breakfast in Abbeville, South Carolina. This former 1920s schoolhouse has been transformed into a cozy inn by the Chupp family.

This episode offers insights for history enthusiasts, small-town charm seekers, and those interested in renovation projects. We also share useful tips for aspiring B&B owners.

Join us to learn about the journey of Sharon Manor, from its days as a schoolhouse to its current status as a welcoming inn. You'll hear about the challenges and rewards of preserving a piece of local...

Join us as we dive deep into the world of culinary excellence with Chef Darren Smith, a renowned restaurateur and culinary maestro. In this episode, Darren shares his inspiring journey from his early days in the kitchen to becoming a successful restaurant owner. Discover the secrets behind running a thriving restaurant, including the importance of hiring great talent and fostering a positive work environment.

Darren reveals the core values that guide his restaurant's success: creating an inviting atmosphere, serving exceptional food promptly, and maintaining menu integrity. Aspiring chefs will gain valuable insights as Darren offers advice on...

In this episode, Shawn Askinosie, founder of Askinosie Chocolate, shares his journey from being a criminal defense lawyer to pursuing chocolate. 

Takeaways:

In this episode, host Amelia Old chats with Rachel Knight, tourism director of Berkeley County, South Carolina. Discover the pivotal role Berkeley County played in the American Revolutionary War, the cunning strategies of the Swamp Fox, Francis Marion, and explore historic sites like Fort Fairlawn and Biggins Church.

Learn about current preservation efforts, how you can experience battlefield tours, and upcoming events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War. Visit exploreberkeleycounty.com to explore this rich legacy.

🔗 Explore Berkeley County: exploreberkeleycounty.com
Special Thanks to Visit Santee Cooper https://www.santeecoopercountry.org...

In this episode, host Amelia Old chats with Krissy Milan (Tourism Manager) and Colette Daniels (Tourism Development Coordinator) about Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter, South Carolina.  Swan Lake Iris Gardens , established in 1927, began as a private pond however, a twist of fate turned this into a haven for Japanese Irises, now boasting around 120 species.

Over time, Swan Lake evolved from a private retreat to a beloved community treasure. Today, it stands as the only public park in the U.S. home to all eight known swan species. The gardens also hold the distinction of being a l...

Join Amelia Old, Darrell Gaither, and Lori Setzer as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of South Carolina's state dance at the North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum. Darrell and Lori share their journey from shagging novice to seasoned instructors and competitors, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of shag dancing in Myrtle Beach. Discover the tunes, debunk the myths, and explore the inclusive nature of shag dancing that welcomes dancers of all ages. 

Schedule your Carolina Shag Lessons in Myrtle Beach by emailing Darrell at gaither@mindspring.com

SPECIAL THANKS FOR THIS E...

Step into the heart of Winna's Kitchen with Amelia Old as she sits down with Chef Jess Sagun. In this episode, Jess shares the personal journey behind Winna's Kitchen, a place where community, comfort, and cuisine intertwine. Jess opens up about her path, filled with moments of sorrow and triumph, and how these experiences have shaped the warm, inviting space that is Winna's Kitchen. Jess also opens up about the touching moments of generosity and kindness she's experienced from the community, illustrating Winna's Kitchen as not just a restaurant, but a cherished space in Myrtle Beach.

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Dr. Benjamin E. Mays is a towering figure in the history of the civil rights movement in America. His story, a testament to the human spirit's resilience and capacity for greatness, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations. Born in the waning days of slavery, Dr. Mays emerged from the humble beginnings of a sharecropping community in Greenwood County to become a mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and an advisor to U.S. presidents. His journey is not just a narrative of personal triumph but a chronicle of the transformative power of education and...

Embark on a journey through the flavors, struggles, and triumphs of a culinary mastermind as I, Amelia Old, sit down with the pioneering Chef Daryl Shular. Chef Shular pulls back the curtain on his rise from a childhood filled with the warmth of his mother's kitchen to making history as the first African American certified master chef. The aroma of resilience and diversity is rich in this episode, as we trace his steps and discover how he's not only carving out a space for himself but also setting the table for future chefs through his work with Hospitality Forward...

As the executive director of The Kentucky Wildlands, Tammie Nazario has been a driving force behind the region's economic pivot from coal to tourism.  With over 800 waterfalls as her office backdrop, Tammie embodies the resilience and spirit of her homeland, and she's here to tell us how her team has managed to carve a trail of hope through these enchanting woods.

Home to mist-shrouded mountains and ancient forests,  this 14,000-square-mile wilderness is a haven for adventure, culture, and tradition.  This episode invites you to explore the diverse ecosystem and rich tapestry that defines this remarkable region, untouched sin...

Meet Lisa Jansen, a fearless digital nomad who chose the open road over societal expectations. At 33, she discarded conventional norms—marriage, kids, and traditional careers—for a five-year escapade across New Zealand, chronicled on her blog, Life Done Differently. She's also the creative mind behind three books: "Life Done Differently," "The Nomad's Ultimate Guide to NZ," and "One Size Does Not Fit All."

In this candid conversation, Lisa shares how breaking free from societal norms led to a rich and fulfilling life on her terms. Swapping her hectic Auckland career for a camper van, Lisa shares the joy...

 Born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, Kristen Secor, is not one to be held back. She has found joy in exploring the globe, documenting her journey on her accessible travel blog, World on Wheels. Her experiences, filled with challenges and triumphs, offer amazing insights into the world of accessible travel.

Kristin shares how meticulous planning and a keen spirit of adventure can make the world accessible for those with disabilities. She emphasizes the importance of using tools like Google Maps and seeking assistance from specialized travel companies. Hear firsthand about unforgettable experiences, from a woman f...

Join us in this episode as we delve into the captivating world of Kamal X, a self-taught documentary photographer hailing from Brooklyn, New York. Kamal's lens doesn't just capture images; it reveals the power of photography to foster empathy, spark conversations, and bring about social change. From his global expedition in honor of a dear friend to his powerful documentation of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, Kamal's journey demonstrates how photography transcends borders and transforms lives. Discover the hidden truths of humanity through his lens and gain insight into his upcoming project, 'Black Astronaut,' set to release in late 2023...

Curiosity sparked at a young age can lead to incredible journeys, and our guest today, Mandy Volpe, is a living testament to this truth. Her enchanting tale begins as a high school student hosting birthday parties at Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK) and soars all the way to becoming the first Executive Director of the organization. Mandy shares her inspiring journey replete with challenges, triumphs, and a vision to kindle the potential in every child walking through the museum's doors.

Imagine a place where children can freely explore, learn, and make sense of the world around them...

In this episode of "Inspirational Interludes," join me on a profound exploration of self-discovery through travel. Delve into the intricate connection between how travel changes your perspective and traveling for self-discovery. 

Discover the thrilling world of solo travel as a transformative journey, where the thrill of solitude and the unexpected lead to valuable self-reflection and growth. Gain insights into the lessons of self-reliance and the profound connection forged with the world when you embark on a solo adventure.

Through personal anecdotes and practical tips, uncover how travel not only broadens horizons b...

Imagine standing at the crossroads of a city that's fresh and undiscovered, your senses alive with the symphony of experiences ripe for the taking. We're embarking on a journey of 'traveling with intention,' immersing ourselves in local culture, engaging with people, and embracing the moments that make a place truly special. 

But we're not stopping there. We're diving into the deep end of the transformative power of intentional travel on personal growth. We're exploring uncharted territories, stepping out of the comfort zone and illuminating our own potential. It's not about capturing the perfect Instagram shot; it's a...

Get a healthy dose of inspiration as we venture into the world of Royce Johnson, a dedicated park manager whose resilience and tenacity are nothing short of contagious. Picture a man who deftly balances managing Georgia's beautiful state parks with the rewarding yet challenging role of being a father to children with special needs. From Royce, we get drawn into a story that showcases the human spirit in all its strength and beauty, while also reminding us of our profound connection to nature.

Our journey with Royce takes us through the lush landscapes of parks across Georgia...

Our guest today is a true trailblazer in the world of craft brewing. Robert Young is the first black brewer in Augusta, GA, and the owner and head brewer of Tapped 33 Craft Brewery. Robert's passion for brewing began as a hobby and quickly turned into a dream of starting his own brewery. With hard work and dedication, he has made that dream a reality. Robert's story is one of perseverance, creativity, and the power of pursuing one's passions. He has overcome many obstacles to bring Tapped 33 to life. Join us as Robert shares his journey from homebrewing to becoming...

In this episode, I'm excited to introduce Kevin Stark, an accomplished artist and entrepreneur based in Chickasaw Country and Paul's Valley, Oklahoma. As the owner of the Toy and Action Figure Museum, Kevin has created a unique attraction that draws visitors from all over the world.

With over 13,000 figures, the museum has been voted the best new attraction in the state of Oklahoma. Making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in toys and pop culture. In addition to his work with the museum, Kevin is also a talented, cartoonist, portrait painter, sculptor, toy designer, musician, photographer...

*This episode is part of a series highlighting stories in Albemarle, North Carolina*

Welcome to today’s episode! We have two very special guests joining us from Albemarle, NC. Dawn Allen from GHA Autism Supports and Alan Cremisi, who is supported by GHA,  from Second Street Sundries.

Alan is a talented barista and coffee master who has been with Second Street
Sundries since they first opened their doors in 2015. He has a passion for
coffee and has developed a deep understanding of the coffee-making process,
from bean to cup. He loves his job...

*This episode is part of a series highlighting stories in Albemarle, North Carolina*

In this episode of our podcast, we sit down with Mary Wysocki, a City of Albemarle native who found her calling in the world of custom apparel. After feeling unfulfilled in the corporate world, Mary began experimenting with wooden signs as a creative outlet. But it wasn't until she discovered heat transfer vinyl that her hobby truly took off. From there, she began advertising on social media, selling on Etsy, and eventually opening her first retail location in 2015. Join us as Mary shares her...

*This episode is part of a series highlighting stories in Albemarle, North Carolina*

In this episode of our podcast, I'll be sharing the incredible story of Connie Blalock, the owner of Glorybeans Coffeehouse in Albemarle, NC. Connie's journey is one of resilience, determination, and a true passion for making a difference in her community. Despite facing childhood difficulties and battling breast cancer, Connie was able to overcome these obstacles and achieve her dream of owning her own business.

Glorybeans Coffeehouse is more than just a coffee shop, it's a community gathering place that is dedicated...

Join us for an exciting episode as we sit down with lifestyle writer Patti Davis, now residing in Setúbal, Portugal with her husband Eric. Patti shares her journey of moving to a new country and the challenges that come along with it. She is a seasoned traveler, having visited 14 countries across 3 continents and brings a wealth of knowledge about entertaining, travel, and etiquette to the table. Patti co-founded Atlanta Movie Tours in 2012 and has contributed to several online publications. In this episode, Patti shares her love for entertaining, traveling, and movies, as well as her dream to host a...

In this episode, Martha Rebour and I talk about vaccine advocacy and our trip to Zambia.  She also discusses her recent trips to Democratic Republic of Congo and Copenhagen.

Martha Rebour joined the United Nations Foundation in June 2014 as Executive Director. She oversees campaign strategy and implementation, corporate partnerships, advocacy and communications activities for the campaign Shot@Life.

Prior to joining the foundation, Martha worked for 15 years in strategic branding, digital and social media marketing, messaging, creative development, partnership building and consumer research for corporate and nonprofit clients. While at Discovery Channel, Martha crafted multimillion d...

*This episode is part of a series highlighting stories in Albemarle, NC*

Join us in Albemarle, North Carolina as we speak with Shawn Oke, a third generation firefighter and owner of the Albemarle Sweet Shop. Shawn began his fire service career at just fourteen years old and retired in 2019 as Fire Chief for the City of Albemarle. In April 2000, he purchased the Albemarle Sweet Shop, a scratch bakery that has been a staple in downtown Albemarle since 1922. Since retiring from the fire service, Shawn has focused on growing the bakery business, with double-digit growth every year except...

Michele Herrmann has been writing now for a quarter of her life and stays grateful for every byline then and now. Her byline has appeared on outlets ranging from AAA, Thrillist, Shondaland, Forbes and USA Today. While Michele divides her time between New York City and New England, her adventures have taken her as far as Fiji, to date. 

Follow Michele's adventures -> https://www.instagram.com/micheleherrmann/
https://sheisgoingplaces.com

Amy Bizzarri lives in a circa 1900 home in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. When she isn't at home indulging in her passion for baking, you'll find her wandering the world. Amy has come face to face with gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, helped to build a school in Mali, drove the length of Route 66 in a minivan with her two kids in the backseat, and is a mermaid having trained with the legendary mermaids of Weeki Wachee, Florida.

Amy covers food and travel for the Chicago Tribune, BBC Travel, Lonely Planet, Tasting Table, Smithsonian, PBS...

Chris Cowan has been an internationally-recognized leader in Law Enforcement for over 30 years. With experience leading various special ops, security and crime suppression teams, developing professional development programs, and engaging in community policing, media relations, and business and community crime prevention, he has a wealth of knowledge on how to protect and serve the public. 

As the Chief of the newly formed Cayce Police Department in South Carolina, Chris is dedicated to bringing more holistic policing strategies to the community that protect the vulnerable and create religious, business, and neighborhood crime prevention initiatives. With his expertise, Chris i...

Welcome to this episode featuring PJ Barnes, a New York native who discovered his passion for the arts at a young age and has dedicated his life to it ever since. From joining a theatre troupe in 8th grade to producing films, PJ has been an artist through and through. He is the co-founder of ScrewUp TV, a production company that has completed multiple short films, features, sketches, and web-series.

In this episode, PJ takes us through his journey, sharing his experiences and the lessons he has learned along the way. He talks about overcoming challenges such...

In this episode, Christina Karis, the talented American film and television actress, opens up about her experiences growing up amidst a racial divide, her journey to becoming an actress, and her recent role on the hit NBC series Law & Order: Organized Crime. Christina shares her passion for storytelling, and how she's dedicated her life to honing her craft by studying with some of the most distinguished teachers in the industry.

Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to work on a hit television series, and Christina shares some of the lessons she's learned about...

In this episode, we're joined by Marc Howard, the Founding Director of the Prisons and Justice Initiative at Georgetown University and President of the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice. With over three decades of experience in government and law, Marc's research focuses on criminal justice in American prisons, as well as contemporary democracy. He's authored three books and countless academic articles, and his courses on prisons and punishment are among the most in-demand at Georgetown.

Recently, Marc was featured in a documentary alongside Kim Kardashian West, where they visited a DC jail together. He also made a...

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with John Austin, a sound and film expert who possesses the rare ability to speak backwards fluently. John has made appearances on TV shows like America's Got Talent, Germany's Got Talent, and the Right This Minute. He also runs a popular YouTube channel called Backwords Dude, where he takes requests to say words backwards and posts videos.

In our conversation, John shares his journey of discovering his unique talent, and how he has been able to embrace it and make a career out of it. He also talks about...

Join us in this captivating episode of our podcast as we sit down with Aspen Heidekrueger, a remarkable 22-year-old cancer survivor and the first-ever recipient of the  'Old Family Scholarship' established by my family with Cancer for College.  At just 13 years old, Aspen was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia, embarking on a grueling journey through one of the most intensive chemotherapy regimens known to medicine. Despite enduring long-term side effects, Aspen has emerged as a passionate speaker, blogger, and advocate for young girls and adult cancer survivors.

In this heartfelt conversation, Aspen openly shares her extraordinary story of tr...

Today, we are thrilled to have Jackson Snelling, an accomplished singer-songwriter and pianist hailing from Austin, Indiana, as our guest.

Jackson is a rising star in the music industry and was a contestant on the 2021 season of American Idol, where he went before the judges on national television in March. He has also been awarded the 2021 Josie Music Awards "Entertainer of the Year Fan Choice Award" and the 2020 JMA's Video of the Year for his original song "If I Only Knew" in Nashville, Tennessee.

In addition to his musical accomplishments, Jackson is also a passionate...

Travel correspondent and host Dayvee Sutton takes you on a journey to some of the world's most exciting destinations in this must-listen travel podcast episode. With her extensive experience appearing on top news platforms like NBC News, CNN, and The Weather Channel, Dayvee is a seasoned travel expert. Discover her favorite travel stories and insider tips for the ultimate adventure. From adventure travel to extraordinary experiences, this travel podcast episode has it all. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting to plan your next trip, join Dayvee for inspiration and expert advice. Tune in now and...

In this powerful episode of our podcast, we hear from Doa, a Gulf War refugee who spent four years in a desert camp as a child before moving to the US. Despite facing numerous obstacles such as a culture clash and language barriers, Doa was able to pave her way through the school system and go on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a Master's in Health Information. In this episode, Doa shares her moving story of fleeing Iraq, her time in the desert camp, and her father's struggle with mental health. She also provides a voice...

Join us as we explore Chef Zweli Williams' incredible journey from Zimbabwe to North Carolina and the White House. From her early days discovering her love for flavors in Zimbabwe, to her time studying hospitality and tourism at North Carolina Central University, to her successful catering business and first authentic Zimbabwean restaurant in the country, Zweli's Kitchen. Chef Zweli's flavors and community service have earned her recognition, including a special invitation from President Joe Biden to be his VIP guest at the Presidential debate. Listen as Chef Zweli shares her story and the impact her restaurant has had on...

Everyone has a story to tell. Join Host Amelia Old as she shares stories of family, friends, and strangers through her everyday life and travels.