World Footprints

America By Harley, Roller Coaster Thrills, California Wines

Today World Footprints will go on an American Ride, experience exhilarating thrills and preview a month-long California Wine Festival. Television show host, historian and motorcycle buff Stan Ellsworth breaks the mold of the stereotypical high school history teacher. A former NFL player, Stan is the Harley Davidson-riding host and creator of BYU-TV’s American Ride. Join us as we hop on the “iron horse” with Stan as he takes us through American history.
As the author of “America’s Top Roller Coasters and Amusement Parks” Pete Trabucco knows a thing or two about high-speed thrills. Pete is taking his need for speed and death-defying adventures to the airwaves in a new show, Thrill Ride Maniacs, and he’ll share the best places to enjoy a thrill in America.
With the month of April celebrating Earth Day, California wineries are embarking on a first time, month-long celebration called “Down to Earth Month.” Gladys Horiuchi of The Wine Institute will preview the month’s festivities and some up and coming wine regions in California.

National Geographic TV hosts uncover history, developing Latin America and California wines

World Footprints will take you on a journey as we explore the artifacts from America’s greatest family battles, discover a catalyst for promoting Latin American arts and culture, and take a sip of sustainable California wines (yum!). The home of Randall McCoy, the patriarch of the famed McCoy family, and the site of the deadly 1888 New Year’s Day showdown between the Hatfields and McCoys has been unearthed by National Geographic “Diggers” Tim “Ringmaster” Saylor and “King” George Wyatt. Tim “Ringy” stops by to share their historic discoveries.
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is the leading source of development financing for Latin American and the Caribbean. IDB has an extensive and dynamic cultural education outreach program and Ivan Duque Marquez, Culture, Creativity and Solidarity Division Chief, joins us to talk about the unique role culture plays in Latin America’s economic development.
Sustainability has taken hold in the wine industry. One of the leaders in the vanguard is Allison Jordan, Executive Director of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, a non-profit that promotes environmental and social responsibility in the industry. Cheers!

Waterways to Freedom, Student Travel Safety, and Autism Awareness

Discover Norfolk’s Untold Role in the Underground Railroad
Located in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic region, Norfolk, Virginia, is more than just a historic 400-year-old port city—it’s a city with deep ties to America’s fight for freedom. Known today as the home of the largest naval base in the world, Norfolk was once a critical final stop on the Underground Railroad, offering freedom seekers a vital link to the North via its port.
World Footprints welcomes Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, professor and historian at Norfolk State University, to discuss the newly launched Waterways to Freedom Tour—a cultural heritage trail that retraces Norfolk’s involvement in the Underground Railroad. Dr. Newby-Alexander shares insight into the lives of enslaved people who risked everything for freedom and explains how waterways served as covert escape routes.
Whether you’re a history buff or heritage traveler, this segment offers a powerful look at how Norfolk’s shoreline became a lifeline for freedom—and why this history still resonates today.
Teen and Student Travel Safety Tips Amid Global Uncertainty
As summer approaches, thousands of teens will travel abroad through educational and student exchange programs. But with global headlines dominated by events in Japan, North Africa, and the Middle East, many parents are asking: Is it safe for my child to travel internationally right now?
World Footprints speaks with Mike Bowers, Senior Director of Health and Safety at People to People Ambassador Programs—a trusted student travel organization. Bowers shares expert travel safety tips and best practices for student travelers, covering everything from pre-trip planning and emergency preparedness to cultural awareness and real-time safety monitoring.
This is essential listening for families considering international travel programs and for students preparing to navigate new countries with confidence and care.
Understanding Autism with Dr. Stephen Shore
In our final segment, we turn inward to explore the world of autism with Dr. Stephen Shore, a globally recognized autism expert, professor at Adelphi University, and autism advocate who is himself on the spectrum.
Dr. Shore shares his personal journey—from being nonverbal as a child to becoming a leading voice in autism research and education. We discuss how greater awareness, inclusive travel programs, and sensory-friendly initiatives are transforming opportunities for individuals with autism around the world.
For anyone seeking to better understand autism, advocate for neurodivergent communities, or build more inclusive environments in travel, education, or everyday life—this conversation offers both insight and inspiration.
Key Takeaways:
Norfolk, Virginia’s overlooked history as a pivotal stop on the Underground Railroad.
The new “Waterways to Freedom” cultural tour and its historical significance.
Practical student travel safety tips from People to People Ambassador Programs.
Understanding autism through the lived experience and expertise of Dr. Stephen Shore.
 
Book Your Stay Now in Norfolk, Virginia

Exploring Michigan’s Old Settlers and Henry Ford’s legacy

As the world celebrates the 150th birthday of Henry Ford, World Footprints takes you to the place where automobile history was made and beyond. Today we'll explore the treasure trove of history and culture in Michigan -- a State that both Ian and Tonya call home. We'll start our tour of the Great Lakes State in Mecosta County in Mid-Michigan where you’ll meet descendents of the “Old Settlers”—a group of twelve African-American families, including Tonya's family, who migrated by underground railroad and wagon train from Canada and Southern and Eastern states to settle in Western Michigan. Then we'll travel to the Southeast suburbs of Dearborn and Grosse Point where you’ll experience the Henry Ford and Greenfield Village as we share an audio history of American ingenuity. Finally, you’ll take a step back into history and experience what it was like to live the life of an auto baron as we visit the regal Grosse Pointe home of Henry Ford’s only child, Edsel Ford.
We dedicate this broadcast to our dear father, Lonnie D. "Boogie" Johnson--a man whose wonderful legacy will live on forever.

Houmas House Plantation and New Orleans History

Today's show will find World Footprints traveling to the crown jewel of Louisiana's River Road, revisiting a dark chapter in American history, and uncovering the best that New Orleans has to offer.
The Houmas House in Darrow, Louisiana is an antebellus plantation and sister property of the famous Greenbrier Resort in Virginia. This historical jewel sits between New Orleans and Baton Rouge and contains a treasure trove of history within its walls. We were pleased to spend a day with the planation's colorful owner, entrepreneur Kevin Kelly and learn what he is doing to preserve Houmas House as a living history and decorative arts showcase.
Then, the greatest act of slave resistance in American history took place in 1811 just outside of New Orleans and has remained largely untold, until now. Author Daniel Rasmussen joins us to discuss his book, American Uprising: The Untold Story of America's Largest Slave Revolt, and shed new light on the great American paradox--slavery.
Finally, native New Orleanian and travel writer Laura Martone is the author of the Moon Travel Guide to New Orleans and she stops by to offer an insider's guide to the best that New Orleans has to offer.

CBS Travel Editor Peter Greenberg, other travel friends and European Jazz

Join World Footprints as we catch up with our good friend Peter Greenberg at the Travel & Adventure Show in Washington, DC. Peter has a lot of great travel advice to share and he offers one very intriguing travel tip that is sure to raise some eyebrows.
Then we’ll introduce you to Dr. Kelly Bricker, Chair of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Dr. Bricker will talk about the power of tourism and travel to implement positive change in society and we’ll get an update about the upcoming TIES conference. Our good friend Kelly Schulz with the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau treats Tonya to lunch and a great conversation about what’s happening in New Orleans for 2011.
Finally, another good friend, Polish-born composer, guitarist and violinist, Lucas Lechowski (pronounced Le-hoff-ski) shares his unique artistry and musical styles with us. Lucas is an acclaimed musician on the European Jazz scene and, as a composer he has scored film and theatrical productions in Poland and is currently collaborating on projects while in the U.S., including a Baltimore-based television show that is being considered for the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).

Actress Heather Tom, dining with Chef Jose Pizarro, sharing Cross-Cultural Communication

Today World Footprints talks to Chef Jose Pizarro, the “Father of Spanish Cooking in the UK.” Chef Pizarro will talk about his new Spanish cook-book and life in the U.K. Then Emmy winning actress Heather Tom, star of the CBS daytime drama, The Bold and the Beautiful, discusses her recent trip to Thailand and her journey towards stardom. Finally, linguist and marketing executive, Larry Wojno, talks about effective cross-cultural communications.

Emmy-winning actor Eric Braeden, Spanish Cuisine and RARE animal conservation

World Footprints is pleased to share Part 2 of the 3-part interview with Emmy Award winning actor Eric Braeden, who plays Victor Newman on The Young & the Restless (CBS Daytime). Eric talks about his favorite travel destinations and his efforts to foster peace and understanding between Germans and the Jewish community.
Then, enjoy a feast with Spain’s celebrated chef Maria Jose San Roman as she shares the secret ingredient that appears in all of her dishes (and cocktails). Finally, since every day is World Animal Day we are pleased to be joined by Paul Butler, SVP of Global Programs at RARE Conservation, who will discuss RARE’s animal conservation efforts and the world-wide Pride Campaign.

Actor Eric Braeden, Exploring Egypt & Voluntourism

This is Part 3 of our wonderful conversation with Emmy-winning actor Eric Braeden. Eric is best known for his role as Victor Newman on the #1 Daytime drama “The Young and the Restless” and he opens up about his transition to Hollywood, his hope for peace in the Middle East, his desire for better German-Israeli relations, and his love for America.
We'll also share an enlightening conversation with our dear friend, Dr. Kristin Lamoureux, Director of the International Institute of Tourism Studies at George Washington University. Kristin recently returned from a symposium on Voluntourism in Egypt and she shares the highlights of her experience in Egypt and the volunteer initiatives that are taking place in Egypt and around the world.

Eco-couture, Green Dubai and Stone Walls

Today on World Footprints we’ll contemplate the personal boundaries of Stone Walls with Ansel Adams protégé, photographer Mariana Cook. We’ll also look at the fusion between eco-friendly couture and glamour. We’ll talk to one traveler about her initiatives to fight human trafficking and we’ll learn about Dubai’s progressive sustainable initiatives.
Mariana Cook is an extraordinary photographer who is actually the last protégé of Ansel Adams. Mariana’s work can be seen in major museums throughout the world including the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC and the National Gallery in London, England, among others. She has produced several amazing portrait books including Fathers and Daughters, Couples and Mathematcians. She joins us today to discuss her newest photographic book, Stone Walls: Personal Boundaries.
Imagine how fulfilling your life would be if your work were your passion and this passion provided a wonderful living but also allowed you to have a positive impact in others lives. Designer Elizabeth St. John is living a passion that she began cultivating at the age of 5. From that tiny beginning to now, Elizabeth is known for her elegant couture that is a masterful fusion of Eco-Friendly and Glamour. Outside of her Silver Spring, MD studio, Elizabeth is also known for her humanitarian work. She donates a percentage of profits from her Couture collections to charities that do hands on work throughout the world, and she has co-founded the Universal Strategic Services Foundation, which works at the crossroads of human needs and the environment.
As you know, the fight against human trafficking is one of World Footprints major causes. Until recently, little attention had been paid to this crime, despite the fact that it is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world. In 2002 while on a trip in Europe, Deborah Sigmund first heard the phrase, human trafficking. When she later learned about human trafficking and the challenges and issues surrounding the fight against this crime, Deborah took her knowledge and turned it into action. In 2006, she founded Innocents At Risk, a non-profit organization that was formed to help fight human trafficking.
With all of the development that Dubai is experiencing the country is embracing sustainable developmet during its growth. We spoke to Saud H. Al Nowais from the UAE Trade & Commercial Office in the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC about how Dubai is setting the bar for sustainable development throughout the Middle East.