Episodes

In this episode, I travel to Keqiao, an ancient water town in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, where history stretches back more than 1,700 years. But beneath the canals, stone bridges, and historic buildings lies a much deeper story—one written millions of years ago. I sit down with Fang Lei (Florence), the co-founder of the Pangu Fossil Museum, to talk about how a personal passion for fossils unexpectedly turned into a museum with more than 3,000 ancient specimens. Florence and her husband never ...

In this episode, I take you to Shaoxing, a historic city in China’s Zhejiang Province where an ancient tradition continues to shape daily life. Known for producing Shaoxing yellow rice wine, this region has been crafting its signature brew for thousands of years using the same natural elements—local water, climate, and air—that make its flavor impossible to replicate anywhere else. But this story isn’t just about wine; it’s about culture, heritage, and the people working to keep traditions alive...

Shen’ao Village sits just outside Hangzhou in China’s Zhejiang province, where stone paths wind between centuries-old courtyard homes and daily life unfolds much as it has for generations. Walking through the village, I noticed neighbors greeting one another, doors open along the narrow streets, and conversations drifting between homes and courtyards. It’s here that I met Joanne, who left city life behind to restore a 240-year-old courtyard house and open Eight Blessings Inn, a nine-room bed and...

Anthony Bourdain once said you learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together. Sitting at a dinner table at Qianhuang Bay Homestay in Zhejiang Province, that idea couldn’t have felt more true. Even though we didn’t share the same language, the evening was filled with laughter, toasts, and small gestures that made it clear I was welcome. It was one of those rare moments where connection happened naturally—through smiles, shared food, and simply choosing to be present with one another. ...

This week, I found myself reflecting on two moments that happened thousands of miles apart but carried the same quiet message about intention, connection, and peace. It began as I stood in the middle of a crowd in Great Falls, South Carolina, watching Buddhist monks walk through town on a journey for peace that stretches from Texas to Washington, D.C. In that moment, I passed along a scarf I had carried since my trek to Everest Base Camp years ago—a small gesture that connected past and present ...

I walked into a small building outside my homestay in Changxing County without really knowing what I was about to experience. What started as a simple spa treatment turned into something much deeper—a quiet lesson in slowing down. Sitting in a traditional herbal bath, with nothing to distract me but my own thoughts, I realized how uncomfortable it can be to simply be still. That moment became the beginning of a conversation about presence, hospitality, and the ways different cultures approach re...

In this episode, I travel to a small village in Changxing County where one family tradition has been preserved for more than five generations. Surrounded by tea hills and ancient ginkgo trees, I visit Yunqishe Homestay and meet Mr. Feng Xiaoping, a fifth-generation producer of Wumei, a traditional smoked plum that has been made the same way for centuries. What I discovered there wasn’t just a unique food—it was a story about responsibility, heritage, and the people who choose to carry traditions...

In this episode, I take you to Miaoxi in Zhejiang Province, China, a quiet region surrounded by endless tea mountains where life slows down and hospitality takes on a whole new meaning. What began as a journey from Shanghai turned into an unforgettable stay at a countryside homestay run by a local woman named Wang Ying and her family. From the moment I stepped into the room and saw the view stretching across the tea hills, I knew this experience was going to be something special. During our con...

Most Americans picture Shanghai as a skyline—but being inside the city feels completely different than the photos. In this episode, I share my first impressions of Shanghai during my recent trip to China, from the energy outside Yu Garden to quiet moments that made me stop and reflect on how wide the world really is. Standing in the middle of a crowded marketplace halfway across the globe, I found myself thinking about the life paths we see growing up—and the ones we don’t even realize are possi...

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 stead...

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.

In this episode, I sit down with a leader who helps shape the story of one of North Carolina’s most beloved mountain towns. Bryson City, nestled in the Smoky Mountains, is known for its small-town charm, outdoor adventure, and holiday traditions—but recently the community faced an unexpected challenge when Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina. In our conversation, we talk about the spirit of Bryson City, the resilience of its people, and how a tight-knit community came together ...

In this episode, I speak with the Tourism and Marketing Director of Beech Mountain, North Carolina, about what the High Country has experienced in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. While some communities faced devastating losses, Beech Mountain and surrounding areas have been working tirelessly to recover, support neighbors, and prepare to welcome visitors back for winter season. We talk about the uncertainty during the first days after the storm, when roads were washed out, communication was d...

In this episode, I visit 96 Pecan Company and sit down with owner John Murray, whose story blends farming, faith, football, and community. What started with the purchase of a historic southern property—complete with pecan trees planted in the late 1800s—turned into a full-time commitment to preserving tradition and sharing the experience of farm life with visitors. John shares how the orchard, the store, and the tasting experience were all built around one simple idea: when people walk through t...

In this episode, I sit down with Chef Erica McCier at Indigenous Underground in Abbeville, South Carolina—a restaurant built from courage, creativity, and an incredible personal journey. Erica shares how her life changed after developing a serious kidney disease that left her hospitalized for months and forced her to rethink everything she thought her future would look like. What began as a hobby while sitting through dialysis treatments—watching cooking shows and enrolling in culinary classes—s...

In this episode, I visit Sharon Manor in Abbeville, South Carolina, and sit down with owner Benita Chupp to learn the story behind this beautifully restored historic building. What was once a rural schoolhouse from the early 1920s has been transformed into a charming bed and breakfast—but the path to creating it wasn’t something Benita and her family had planned. After discovering the building through an online auction, they took a leap of faith and stepped into a renovation project that would e...

In this episode, I sit down with Chef Darren Smith, the chef and owner behind two successful restaurants, to talk about what it really takes to build a lasting career in the restaurant industry. Darren shares how his journey into cooking began unexpectedly while attending college to play soccer, and how the craft of cooking—along with the camaraderie and creativity of the kitchen—quickly became a lifelong passion. Over the years, that passion has grown into a career defined by mentorship, strong...

In this episode, I sit down with Shawn Askinosie, founder of Askinosie Chocolate, whose journey from criminal defense lawyer to chocolate maker is as powerful as it is unexpected. After nearly two decades of handling serious felony and murder cases, Shawn found himself at a crossroads when the emotional toll of the work began affecting his health and perspective on life. What followed wasn’t an overnight transformation but a slow search for purpose that eventually led him to the world of craft c...

History isn’t just something you read about—it’s something you can step into and experience for yourself. I had the chance to sit down with Rachel Knight, Tourism Director of Berkeley County, South Carolina, and uncover the powerful stories woven into this region—from Revolutionary War legends to the cultural roots that continue to shape the community today. We explore how Berkeley County became a key player in the American Revolutionary War, the incredible historic sites you can still visit, a...

Some places feel like a hidden escape—and Swan Lake Iris Gardens is exactly that. I had the chance to walk through this beautiful spot in Sumter, South Carolina, with Chrissy Milan and Colette Daniels, learning how a simple fishing retreat turned into one of the most unique gardens in the country. We talk about the unexpected story behind the famous Japanese irises, what makes this park so special—from all eight swan species to its peaceful, storybook feel—and how the community has come togethe...

There’s something special about traditions that bring people together—and shag dancing is exactly that. I sat down with local shag experts in North Myrtle Beach to talk about the history, evolution, and heart behind South Carolina’s state dance, and what it means to the people who live it every day. From first discovering the dance at the old Myrtle Beach Pavilion to the lifelong friendships, community, and even love stories that have grown from it, this conversation dives into how shag is so m...

Sometimes the most meaningful stories come from places built with heart—and Winna’s Kitchen is exactly that. I sat down with Chef Jess Sagan in Myrtle Beach to talk about the journey behind her restaurant, the inspiration rooted in family, and the courage it takes to chase something bigger than yourself. We dive into how food, community, and purpose all come together under one roof—from creative, elevated dishes to a powerful mission that’s changing lives. This conversation goes beyond the kitc...

Some legacies don’t just shape history—they continue to inspire generations. I had the opportunity to visit the Benjamin E. Mays Historic Preservation Site in Greenwood, South Carolina, and sit down with Christopher Thomas, Executive Director of the site, to learn more about the life, impact, and enduring influence of Dr. Benjamin E. Mays. We talk about his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global leader, mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and a powerful voice for justice and huma...

There’s something powerful about a story rooted in purpose, passion, and giving back—and Chef Daryl Shular’s journey is exactly that. In this conversation, I connect with Chef Shular, a certified master chef and visionary leader in the culinary world, to talk about what it truly means to succeed and bring others along with you. We dive into his path from early inspiration in the kitchen to becoming the first African American certified master chef, and how that achievement shaped his mission to ...