Episodes

Set in Shen’ao Village outside Hangzhou, this episode features a conversation with JoAnn Leung, who left her life in Shanghai to restore a 240-year-old courtyard house now known as Eight Blessings Inn.

Recorded during a stay at Qianhuang Bay in Xiling Village, Zhejiang Province, this episode features a conversation with homestay owner Zhu Xiaokui about opening his home to travelers and how cooperation—not competition—has shaped the village over time.

At the base of Jingshan Mountain in Zhejiang Province, Amelia meets Zhang Hongyan, a second-generation tea practitioner. Zhang is a master of Diancha, the traditional practice of whisked tea that sits at the center of the Jin...

This episode features Yinxing Guli Homestay in Changxing County, Zhejiang, China, located near the well-known ginkgo tree corridor. You’ll hear about a traditional herbal tea bath, moxibustion therapy, and an interview with the homestay owner discussing the meaning of the name Yinxing Guli, her bac…

This episode visits Yunqishe Homestay in Changxing County, Zhejiang, China, where Mr. Fang Xiaoping continues the Wumei smoked plum tradition that has been practiced locally for more than 500 years. It highlights how Wumei is made, the role of rural homestays in Zhejiang, and how food traditions ar…

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 f…

In this episode, Amelia shares her time in Shanghai, the first stop on a recent project in China. She talks about the moments that stood out—seeing the crowds around Yu Garden, visiting Jing’an Temple, spending time in Peace Park, and noticing how the neighborhoods shift from luxury storefronts to …

In this episode of Voices of Inspiration, host Amelia Old returns after a year-long break to share what reshaped the past twelve months and why this season marks a new beginning for the podcast. She discusses the challenges that shifted her focus, the completion of 100 Things to Do in South Carolin…

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 Hurr...

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 k…

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 winte...

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.

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 …

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 insig...

Send us a Text Message. Join us as we explore the culinary world with Chef Darren Smith, a renowned restaurateur. In this episode, Darren shares his journey from his early kitchen days to becoming a successful restaurant owne...

In this episode, Shawn Askinosie, founder of Askinosie Chocolate , shares his journey from being a criminal defense lawyer to pursuing chocolate. Takeaways: Tragedy can lead to finding one's life purpose. Educating people abo...

Send us a Text Message. 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 c...

Send us a Text Message. 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 ...

Send us a Text Message. 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 ...

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....

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 ...

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 fille...

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 h…

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, chron...