World Footprints

Start of @Sochi2014 Paralympic Games

World Footprints is broadcasting from Sochi, Russia where we have just arrived for the country’s first ever Winter Paralympic Games. Before we left the United States, however, we caught up with Taylor Imus, a young journalism student from Ball State University (BSU) who traveled to Sochi with other BSU student journalists. She shared her Olympic experience and some helpful insights into this city that has gained tremendous international attention. You'll also hear from Charlie Huebner, the Chief of the Paralympics for the US Olympic Committee about the history of the Paralympic Games, the purpose of the Games and why they continue to be a mystery despite growing media attention. Finally, you'll meet Patrick McDonald, a champion curler who is competing on Paralympic Curling Team USA. We'll hear Patrick's inspiring story and learn more about this sport that is growing in popularity.

Inspiring stories from the Sochi Paralympics

World Footprints continues to have a wonderful time in Sochi, Russia as the city plays host to the country's first ever Winter Paralympic Games. Today we will introduce two extraordinary athletes who will inspire you with their stories of courage, tenancity and strength--skiier Stephanie Jallen and hockey player Nikko Landeros. Both athletes are in Sochi and are focused on bringing home a Gold. We'll also introduce the mother of World Cup champion Stephanie Jallen. Deb Jallen knows first-hand about what it takes to raise a champion athlete and she'll share her journey with us. SPECIAL NOTE: Stephanie Jallen won a Bronze in the women's Super-G in her Paralympic debut. Nikko has been the leading assist on goals obtained in hockey matches in Sochi.

Saving the Cheetah, Reviving Detroit, Sailing with Rick Steves

Travel around the globe with World Footprints today as we go to Namibia, the Mediterranean and Detroit. First stop…Namibia with Dr. Laurie Marker, Founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Since 1990, Dr. Marker has pioneered new ideas in cheetah conservation and has formed cooperative alliances on behalf of the cheetah that have never before been possible. She is recognized around the world as one of the leading experts on cheetahs, both in the wild and in captivity.
Then we’ll journey to the Mediterranean with travel author and TV host Rick Steves. Rick is on a mission: to help make European travel accessible and meaningful for Americans. Rick just returned from two Mediterranean Cruises and he joins us to talk about his newest guide book, Mediterranean Cruise Ports, and the art of travel.
Finally, Detroit is a city that has not been portrayed favorably in the media (except on World Footprints) so we were surprised to meet someone who left his Fortune 500 employer to move to Detroit for the purpose of showing the city in a different light. Philip Lauri is the Founder and Director of Detroit Lives! and he join us to share why Detroit is a vibrant place to live and discover.

Music Revolution, Everett Potter’s Travel Report and ecofashion

Today World Footprints will follow the path of a music revolution on two coasts, we’ll explore all things travel with travel journalist Everett Potter and we’ll visit an eco-fashion boutique.
Known as the mother of Afro-Beat, music legend Sandra Iszadore has lent her voice to advance humanitarian causes. As a civil rights activist Sandra also helped shape the music and the message of Africa’s revolutionary voice Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Sandra’s influence was so profound that she has been immortalized in Fela’s autobiography and Broadway hit, Fela! Sandra continues to fight for the human rights of others with her mic.
We’ll chat about all things travel with travel journalist Everett Potter. Everett is the editor and publisher of Everett Potter’s Travel Report—an online newsletter that the Wall Street Journal calls “a source for finding great travel values”. Everett has been traveling professionally for over 2 decades and has written for a number of top travel publications in the country. Where is Everett off to next? Tune in to find out.
Eco-fashion has come a long way since the 1990s and the trend is growing beyond just being the flavor of the month. Boutique shops that promote sustainable fashion are now doing more than just green window dressings and we found such a store in Washington, DC. Carbon DC is an upscale boutique that offers sustainable clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women that are produced by independent designers. Katherine Limon, owner of Carbon DC, joins us to dispel the perception that sustainable fashion is just a burlap bag wrapped with a rope. (Note: Carbon DC is no longer open.)

Children of Civil Rights and Human Rights

After the War of 1812, Canada’s reputation as a safe haven for slaves grew. Fugitive slaves fled to planned settlements like The Elgin Settlement, known today as Buxton, located in Ontario. Bryan and Shannon Prince from the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum will share how Buxton survived and developed as a haven for fugitive slaves to a thriving town that continues to preserve its rich history.
Then, World Footprints has joined with CNN and the BBC as a media partner of the United Nations Global Initiative of fight Human Trafficking (UN-GIFT). We’ll speak to our UN-GIFT partners from Austria, Livia Wagner and Siria Gastellum, to discuss this global issue and learn why human trafficking is the largest and fastest growing criminal industry in the world-- worth an estimated US$32 billion each year. As responsible travelers there is a lot we can do to fight this awful crime; and Livia and Siria will provide some insights into what we can do to help save lives.
Author and educator Paula Young Shelton also stops by World Footprints to share her memories about growing up in the midst of the civil rights movements. Paula is the daughter of former United Nations Ambassador, Atlanta Mayor and civil rights activist Andrew Young. In her new children’s book “Child of the Civil Rights Movement,” Paula recounts the fun times she had growing up around a house full of many new “aunts and uncles” from the civil rights movement, including her Uncle Martin (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.).
Finally, James L. Stowe, Director of the Montgomery County Maryland’s Office of Human Rights, will invite you to experience the civil rights trail aboard the 2011 Civil Rights Education Freedom Tour, April 18-23. This tour is open to anyone who would like to retrace the Freedom Trail and learn about Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks & the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Voters Rights and other significant events of the civil rights movement.

The Transformative Power of Film and Music

World Footprints will journey inside the life of musician/actor Frank Stallone, we’ll also preview a film festival just for travelers and we’ll talk to the founder of the G.I. Film Festival.
Frank Stallone knew he wanted to be a singer at an early age. Although he has joined his brother Sylvester on the big screen, music has been the driving force in Frank’s life and has earned him several Grammy and Academy Award nominations. Frank’s unique music style has paved the way for artists like Harry Connick, Jr., Rod Stewart and Michael Buble.
New York played host to a new film festival that’s been created just for travelers. The Nomading Film Festival entertained, educated and brought to life authentic travel experiences. Co-founder Josh Wolff will take us a cinematic journey that is shared from the travelers’ perspective.
The G.I. Film Festival is the nation’s most significant venue for screening military films. Laura Law Millett channeled her military service, entrepreneurial spirit and entertainment experience to co-create the G.I. Film Festival so that filmmakers could share the story of our troops, their successes and their sacrifices.

LEGACY SHOW: Authors, Airlines & Living in Japan

This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.
Kate Hanni , Founder of the Coalition for an Airline Passengers Bill of Rights, returns to Travel'n On Radio to talk about the latest incidents on the tarmac and shell provide a legislative update on the proposed Airline Passengers Bill of Rights Act. Then, Libby Gill , author, business coach and former SVP of Universal Studios, Sony Pictures & Turner Broadcasting, will stop by to discuss her powerful new book Traveling Hopefully: How To Lose Your Family Baggage and Jumpstart Your Life . Finally, internationally renown martial arts actor, Chuck Johnson , will talk about his life in Japan as an African-American and about bridging the gap between two cultures.

North American Int’l Auto Show & Lansing’s treasures

For over a century Detroit, Michigan has hosted an auto show. The show's start in 1907 had a regional focus and continued that way for several decades. Then, in the 1980s a London cabby asked a board member why Detroit's show didn't include international auto manufacturers. That started the wheels turning (no pun) and in 1987 the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) made it's debut. Bob Shuman, Chairman of NAIAS, joins World Footprints to talk about the latest innovations in automobile design and what visitors can expect to see.
Then we head north on I-96 to Lansing, Michigan's state capital to meet a son of the city who left after school to pursue a musical career. John Fluker is an award-winning pianist, composer, vocalist and arranger who has a string of credits backing such R&B notables as Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, Oleta Adams, Mavis Staples, David Hasselhoff, Boys 2 Men, Queen Latifah, Brenda Russell, Stephanie Mills and more. In addition to backing Gladys Knight, John also served as her music director for several years. He also has a number of television and theatrical scores to his credit. How did this small town guy make it big in the music industry? John will share his secret.
Finally, we will discover Lansing's rich transportation history with a tour of R.E. Olds Transporation Musuem where we'll explore the REO Motor Car Company, old-time bicycles and aviation endeavors.

Dark side of Cruising and Travel Insurance F.A.Q.

World Footprints will open up our new "Travelers University" to share some important things that you should know about the cruise industry and travel insurance. Whether you are a first time cruiser or have sailed the seven seas for years, there are things about the cruise industry that you probably don’t know. For as much enjoyment as a cruise provides there is a dark side to cruising that generally goes unreported. Author and Saturday Evening Post contributor, Elizabeth Becker, joins us to reveal the dangers that passengers often face upon boarding. World Footprints Travelers University will continue with an expert panel that will addresse many questions surrounding the decision to purchase travel insurance. If you’ve ever questioned the necessity of travel insurance or a medical evacuation plan, many frequently asked questions will be answered today from experts at the TravelInsuranceStore.com and MedjetAssist. You’ll also hear from a traveler who suffered severe injuries in Africa and how his care and rehabilitiation was managed through his travel insurance policy.

A conversation with Maya Angelou and revisiting Detroit

In what would become one of her final interviews, World Footprints enjoyed a intimate chat with "Global Renaissance Woman" Dr. Maya Angelou. Dr. Angelou shared some wisdom, insights and stories from her incredible life's journey, including the transitional relationship with her mother Vivian Baxter. Her mother shared messages of courage, hope, forgiveness and unlimited possibilities and those messages are what Dr. Angelou attributed to many of her life's blessings. Dr. Angelou joined us to talk about her last book "Mom & Me & Mom" and she generously offered nuggets of wisdom for everyone. Dr. Angelou's time with us was the most memorable interaction we've ever experienced and we greatly miss her presence.
We continue along the heart's path and take a short trip to a city that is near and dear to us--Detroit, where we share the city's great comeback and one of the greatest reinvention stories in America. Finally we chat with a dear friend, artist Michele Wood - a Coretta Scott King award-winning illustrator whose work is displayed in her book "I See the Rhythm of Gospel"