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.
black patriot World footprints showcases positive footprints around the world with today’s guests. Dr. P. Bai Akridge talks about the importance of study aboard programs and how students can discover their potential through global learning. Frank Martin, producer of the PBS documentary, For Love of Liberty: The Story of America’s Black Patriots, and Bill straw from Blix Street Records, producer of the original soundtrack, discuss their award-winning film. The film details the military contributions of African Americans from the Revolutionary War to the present. The movie allows the viewers to gain an understanding about the experiences and accomplishments of African Americans in the military, and learn why such a group of heroic men and women would fight for the freedom of others that they themselves weren't able to enjoy. Nancy Rivard, founder of Airline Ambassadors International, talks about her decision to leave the management track at American airlines to focus on building [...]
The North American Travel Journalist Association (NATJA) announced that World Footprints has received two top awards for journalism excellence.
The Editor-and-chief of National Geographic Traveler, Keith Bellows, joins World Footprints Radio to talk about the magazine, travel storytelling, his upcoming travel book for children, and his never ending quest for discovering different cultures. Then, because culinary treasures are a manifestation of culture, Shelley Galloway from the newly opened Buddha Bar DC, the newest member of the internationally renowned Buddha bar group, will offer a culinary journey that promises to delight every palate. (Note: Buddha Bar DC has recently closed. The food was fantastic as was the ambience.) Finally, Tonya and Ian will introduce a celebrated jewelry designer, Monique Pean, whose socially-conscious and culturally-inspired designs have been featured in the major fashion magazines and have been donned by a who’s who of celebrities including first lady Michelle Obama. Keith Bellows This show is dedicated to our friend, Keith Bellows, a visionary journalist, author, and globetrotter who was editor-in-chief of National [...]
Join World Footprints as we take you on a journey through a national treasure—the State of Montana. We covered just a small section of this wonderful state—Glacier Country--but as you’ll discover from Part I of this series, there’s a reason why many celebrities (Ted Turner, David Letterman, among others) call Montana a “home away from home.”
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.
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.
Actress Kate Linder, best known for her role as Ester Valentine on The Young and the Restless (CBS Daytime), also travels for a living as a United Airlines flight attendant. Really! Kate didn’t leave her daytime job even after landing the popular role on Y&R. She takes a break from Genoa City to join World Footprints talk about her dual roles and her work as Celebrity Spokesperson for the ALS Foundation.
World Footprints will present two powerful stories of survival from unlikely human trafficking victims and how they’re using their ordeals to support other victims and raise awareness about this elusive crime. We will also share the story of a former Peace Corp volunteer whose experience inspired the development of a new community-based adventure travel resource. Holly Smith is not what many think a human trafficking survivor would look like. She’s a blond American and was raised in a middle-class two parent home. But when Holly was only 14 years old she was taken from her home planted immediately into the sex trade. The trafficking incident was traumatic enough but Holly was also traumatized by the lack of support she received from law enforcement and social services after she escaped. Stacy Jewel Lewis was a 19 year old student and aspiring actress when she was abducted by an elderly man who [...]
Oscar Mayer Car 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 descendants 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 [...]
All around the world natural disasters ruin people’s lives. It often takes months if not years for a community to recover. The need for volunteer work in these areas is thus essential.
Our book club reading today, The Long Ride, is the story of a team of people who in 1989 traveled coast to coast on horseback to raise awareness about the plight of the world’s rainforests—an issue that was not on the radar of most people at that time. It started in Los Angeles and ended 2963 miles away in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. A challenge of endurance, a statement of commitment to raising awareness about the plight of the Rainforest, The Long Ride tells of the extraordinary passion and perseverance of Lucian Spataro and his team, as he rode on horseback from coast to coast. In his second book about this historic cross-country journey, Spataro offers an honest, inspiring, comical and beautiful fusion between travel-log, advocacy and photo journal. Told with wit and eloquence, the story moves from the beaches and crowded streets of Los Angeles, across Death Valley and the [...]
World Footprints is pleased to introduce more great friends from our beloved New Orleans. First, we'll be joined by actor/filmmaker Terence Rosemore who most recently donned a badge as New Orleans Police Deputy Chief Eugene Marsden in the hit HBO series "Treme". Terence will discuss his upcoming roles and film projects post-Treme as well as his initiative in Crescent City to introduce the city's youth to the entertainment industry. If you're looking for the best places to go, eat or see the Moon Guide to New Orleans is a great resource to have. Native New Orleanian and travel writer Laura Martone joins us to give her take on what makes her hometown such an interesting and captivating place for her and visitors alike. Finally, New Orleans is a city that never needs a reason to host a festival. Just when you think that the city wouldn't have room for one [...]
