North America
Totem Poles of the First Nations in Vancouver Canada. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick
“Through travel I first became aware of the outside world; it was through travel that I found my own introspective way into becoming a part of it.”
– Eudora Welty
Explore the history, diverse cultures and traditions of the North American countries of Canada, Mexico and the United States. North American culture reflects both the cultures of its indigenous people- the Native Americans as well as the culture that is influenced by European Colonization.
The United States is the third largest country in the world and one of the most culturally diverse countries of the world. Described as the ‘melting pot‘ of North America , amalgamation of different cultures has given shape to the unique U.S. culture.
Mexico is the most populous state of North America and one of the largest city in the world.
Canada is the largest country of North American region and covering more than half of the continent’s area.
Mardi Gras Indian costume in the New Orleans African-American Museum. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick World Footprints returns to New Orleans for our signature broadcast from Jackson Square for French Quarter Festival! During this hour we will share more "must see" museums, including the New Orleans African-American Museum. We'll also speak to a local historian, Errol Laborde, editor at the New Orleans Magazine and we'll introduce "Mr. New Orleans" aka Stephen Perry, President/CEO of the New Orleans CVB. Errol Laborde has won more than twenty-five New Orleans Press Club awards for outstanding journalism and the National City and Regional Magazine Association Award for his magazine Streetcar column. Finally, you'll hear from two "NOLA ambassadors" and fans of World Footprints who will share why they come back to the city every year. Spoiler alert: These special guests have been nicknamed "The Moms" by New Orleans Conventions and Visitors Bureau staff. They are [...]
At 100+ years old, Hakone Gardens is a National Trust and one of the oldest Japanese estate and gardens in the Western Hemisphere.
On March 6, 1836, the pivotal Battle of the Alamo came to a deadly conclusion, marking a crucial moment in Texas' struggle for independence from Mexico. At the time, Texas was part of Coahuila y Tejas, a northern region of Mexico, caught in a fierce tug-of-war. Rebel forces in Texas sought freedom, while the Mexican government, led by General Santa Anna, was determined to hold on to the territory and prevent further U.S. expansion.
On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant made history by signing the act that established Yellowstone as the world’s first national park. Primarily located in Wyoming, the park’s expansive territory also stretches into Montana and Idaho, covering over 2 million acres of diverse landscapes.
Enjoy travel melodies with three extraordinary musicians as we hear about their personal and cultural journeys. Also learn what Rio de Janeiro is doing to prepare for the Summer Olympics. First, singer/actress/author Gloria Loring joins World Footprints to talk about her music collaboration with son, R&B artist Robin Thicke, travel and her book, "Coincidence is God's Way of Remaining Anonymous". Gloria also dishes on her life past life as Liz Chandler on daytime's Days of our Lives. Jazz artist Rene Marie credits many women, including Eartha Kitt, for her life's direction and musical influences. After her abusive husband of 23 years gave her an ultimatum to quit singing or leave--she chose to leave and begin her professional music career at the age of 42. Rene reflects on her own life journey and how travel; in particular a trip to Germany, helped her acknowledge humanity's common bonds. According to Rockin' Dopsie, [...]
With more than 200 songs to his credit and multiple film scores, Frank Stallone has distinguished himself from movie-star brother Sylvester. His road as a musician was difficult despite his brother's fame but he found ways to stay relevant and reinvent himself. Frank says that traveling has played an important role in his development as a person and an artist.
World Footprints returns to New Orleans for our signature broadcast from Jackson Square for French Quarter Festival! During this broadcast we'll introduce you to All-Star musicians, Trumpeter Connie Jones and Clarinet player Tim Laughlin. Connie & Tim grace the cover of this year's French Quarter Festival poster. We’ll also hear from French Quarter Festival Executive Director, Marci Schramm, about the newest attractions that visitors will experience this year.
The multi award-winning CBS reality show, The Amazing Race, has been entertaining audiences since 2001. The show was created by partners Eleise Doganieri and Bertram van Munster as part of a bet. Viewers have traveled around the world vicariously through The Amazing Race teams as they race for the $1 million grand prize. As part of World Footprints' "Best Of" series we are sharing our interview with Executive Producer Bertram van Munster who joined us a few seasons ago to share his travel experiences and give us a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of his Emmy-winning show.
Listen to our interview with Chef Cat Cora. The Norfolk Botanical Garden is an oasis that sits on a 155 acre site near the Norfolk International Airport. The garden showcases 52 themed gardens including a butterfly garden, rose garden and other diverse flora. President Michael Desplaines tells us that visitors will soon experience a taste of Asia when the garden hosts Lanterasia. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has launched four trusted traveler programs to help streamline the travel experience to and around the United States. One program, TSA Precheck is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration and we'll get the 4-1-1 from Nathan Tsoi on how the TSA Precheck program can help travelers avoid long and aggravating security lines. We had an opportunity to speak to Richard Zarkin about Mexico's Riviera Nayarit following a recent trip to Puerto Vallarta. Richard joins World Footprints to explain why Riviera Nayarit is [...]
The best way to experience a city is through the eyes of a local. We'll travel to New Orleans and walk along Paris’s rue des Martyrs with the people who know them best. Democratic consultant James Carville says that New Orleans is defined by its culture and way of life and that distinguishes the city from other places. We'll talk to him to learn what he means by this. The beheading of Saint Denis, now the patron saint of France, was one of many events that occurred on the rue des Martyrs in Paris. Accoring to author and New York Times writer, Elaine Sciolino, the rue des Martyrs was a cultural enclave where Degas and Renoir painted, Puccini replicated in his La Boheme opera and Edith Piaf would sing for a few francs. Yet, this charming half-mile long street that is steeped in history has been overlooked in Paris guidebooks. [...]
Today we will share the legacies of two individuals who have put themselves on the frontlines in the fight against the crimes of drug and human trafficking. Robert Mazur served 27 years as a Federal Special Agent for the IRS, Customs Service and Drug Enforcement Administration.
There’s a new hip hotel in town and it is leading the way in social responsibility and preservation. Earlier this week, World Footprints attended the grand opening of Hotel RL Inner Harbor Baltimore, a new urban lifestyle brand of the Red Lion Hotel Corporation (RLHC) . Guests enjoyed signature cocktails, live music and an overnight stay at this flagship property that allowed staff to work out final details before the hotel officially opened its doors on Saturday.
