Traveling Culturati

Honoring Women, Culture & the Soul of Travel with Andrea Malcomb & Emily Thomas

This week on Traveling Cultutrati, we’re joined by two incredible voices: Andrea Malcomb of the National Collaborative for Women’s History Sites and Emily Thomas.Andrea takes us on a journey into the importance of preserving and elevating women’s history across the country, sharing the mission behind her organization and the impact of highlighting underrepresented voices. She explores how these stories shape the cultural landscapes we travel through every day and how travelers can connect with history in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Emily Thomas brings a reflective perspective on the inner journey of travel, exploring stillness, culture, and the soul of our adventures. Together, they help us see travel not just as a destination, but as an opportunity to honor history, culture, and personal growth.

If you’re passionate about travel, storytelling, and connecting with the world, both outwardly and inwardly, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

We’ll also have Ja’Vonne's Travel Minute and The Culture Report featuring host and travel pro Ja’Vonne Harley!

Tracks, Freedom & Black Travel Power: Stories That Move Us

This week on Traveling Culturati, we’re diving into the power, purpose, and perspective behind how we move through the world. Dr. Nadine C. Duncan joins the conversation to explore the economic impact of Black travelers and how our presence shapes destinations globally. She also unpacks the deeper meaning of travel as a symbol of freedom for Black travelers, past, present, and future.

Then, we shift gears with Monisha Rajesh as we explore the beauty of train culture and why night trains offer a uniquely immersive experience. From the rhythm of the rails to the connections formed along the journey, we discuss how traveling overnight creates a different kind of magic you just don’t get during the day. This episode is all about movement, with intention, with history, and with curiosity. Press play and take the journey with us.

We’ll also have Ja’Vonne's Travel Minute and The Culture Report featuring host and travel pro Ja’Vonne Harley!

 

Andrew Motiwalla Blueprint for Senior Travel & Yalanda Staying Health Tipsy Before Takeoff

This week on Traveling Culturati, we’re bringing you another episode filled with travel insights, industry updates, and a little fun before takeoff.

We start with the latest travel news, keeping you informed on what’s happening across the travel world and what it means for travelers right now. Then, Andrew Motiwalla joins us to share his blueprint for senior travel, offering thoughtful strategies on how older travelers can explore the world comfortably, confidently, and with the right preparation.

We close out the episode with Yalanda and a lighthearted conversation about the idea of being “tipsy before takeoff.” She shares her take on the airport cocktail culture many travelers enjoy, the social side of grabbing a drink before boarding, and a few friendly reminders about pacing yourself so the fun doesn’t turn into a rough flight. It’s a relatable conversation for anyone who’s ever toasted the start of their vacation at the airport bar.

Tune in for travel news, expert insights, and a fun look at one of travel’s most talked-about airport rituals. 

We’ll also have Ja’Vonne's Travel Minute and The Culture Report featuring host and travel pro Ja’Vonne Harley!

Mostafa Hasaan talks Egypt & EgyptAir

This week on Traveling Culturati, we’re taking you on a journey to one of the most fascinating destinations in the world, Egypt. In this episode, we start with the latest travel news and updates that every traveler should have on their radar. Then we dive into an insightful conversation with Egypt expert Mostafa Hasaan, who shares his knowledge, cultural insights, and what travelers should know before visiting this historic destination. We wrap things up with a closer look at EgyptAir, discussing what to expect when flying with the country’s national airline and how it fits into your overall travel experience. If Egypt is on your bucket list, or already on your itinerary, this episode is packed with information to help you travel smarter and more confidently. 

We’ll also have Ja’Vonne's Travel Minute and The Culture Report featuring host and travel pro Ja’Vonne Harley!

Walking Through History, From Headlines to the Civil Rights Trail

This week on Traveling Culturati, we begin with the latest in travel news shaping how and where we explore, then journey into the powerful legacy of Black history in Washington, DC with Kenneth Burns, uncovering stories that continue to define the nation’s capital. We close with Deborah Douglas as she shares insights from the second edition of the Civil Rights Trail, guiding us through transformative landmarks and the enduring impact of the movement. It’s a meaningful exploration of travel, culture, and the history that connects us all.

We’ll also have Ja’Vonne's Travel Minute and The Culture Report featuring host and travel pro Ja’Vonne Harley!

Niagara Falls, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and the Living Tradition of Sweet Grass Basket Weaving

This week on Traveling Culturati, here is this week’s Traveling Culturati podcast: we journey through powerful stories of resistance, remembrance, and cultural preservation, from the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center with Saladin Allah, where the roar of the falls echoes the courage of freedom seekers, to a deeper exploration of Niagara Falls Black history with Lezlie Harper, connecting that legacy to the sacred ground of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice with Tera DuVernay.

We then travel south to the coastal traditions of the Lowcountry with Corey Alston, where the art of Sweet Grass Basket Weaving carries generations of Gullah Geechee history in every stitch. This episode flows through stories of movement, memory, and living heritage, reminding us that travel isn’t just about places, it’s about the people and traditions that shape them.

We’ll also have Ja’Vonne's Travel Minute and The Culture Report featuring host and travel pro Ja’Vonne Harley!

Hidden Hospitality: Black Hotel Pioneers, Juneteenth & the Legacy Trail

This week on Traveling Culturati, we take a powerful journey along the Legacy Trail, uncovering the hidden hospitality and untold stories of Black hotel, motel, and resort owners from the Pioneer Days through the Civil Rights Movement. In Part I, Calvin Stovall begins to peel back the layers of history, highlighting the resilience, innovation, and courage of these trailblazing entrepreneurs who created safe havens and thriving businesses during some of America’s most challenging times. In Part II, Calvin continues the conversation, deepening our understanding of this overlooked legacy, while Steve Williams joins us to discuss the meaning and continued impact of Juneteenth. We close the episode with Michelle Dickerson, who shares insights on the Clarksville, Tennessee Black History Trail, inviting listeners to explore the rich stories and cultural landmarks that continue to shape the community today.

We’ll also have Ja’Vonne's Travel Minute and The Culture Report featuring host and travel pro Ja’Vonne Harley!

From Black History to the White House: Culture, Legacy & Soul Food

 

This week on Traveling Culturati, we take you on a journey that blends timely travel updates with powerful cultural storytelling. We kick things off with the latest travel news you need to know, then dive into an insightful conversation with Steve Williams as he explores the origins and inception of Black History Month and why its roots still matter today. We close the episode with food, history, and legacy as Adrian Miller joins us to discuss soul food and the role of Black cooks at the White House, highlighting how culture, cuisine, and history intersect in unforgettable ways. This episode is rich, educational, and a true celebration of Black history and global influence, don’t miss it.

 

We’ll also have Ja’Vonne's Travel Minute and The Culture Report featuring host and travel pro Ja’Vonne Harley!

Travel, Culture & Cuisine: London Tips + Let’s Eat the World

This week on Traveling Culturati: We’re bringing you culture, cuisine, and travel inspiration from around the globe! Stay up-to-date with the latest travel news, then join Candice Salters as she shares her top tips for exploring London, from hidden gems to must-see experiences. Finally, take a delicious journey with Yetunde Oshodi Fraudeau and Let’s Eat The World, discovering how food connects us to culture and community everywhere we go.

Whether you’re planning your next adventure or exploring the world from your headphones, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and inspiration for every traveler.

We’ll also have Ja’Vonne's Travel Minute and The Culture Report featuring host and travel pro Ja’Vonne Harley!

 

Black History Month Kick Off with Black History Specialist Steve Williams

Black History Month is about celebrating the history and culture, and paying homage. I've found a new ritual that I am now adopting for every Black History Month. Ring the bell 13 times on the 13th hour to commemorate the 13th amendment. the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution formally abolished slavery and involuntary servitude throughout the United States, except as a punishment for a crime. This landmark amendment, the first of three Reconstruction amendments, freed over 4 million enslaved people and gave Congress the authority to enforce this abolition through legislation, marking a major turning point in American history. Black people, Black culture and Black history are to be celebrated and honored.

My special guest, Steve Williams, President of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, the chief advocates and subject matter experts of the National Juneteenth Independence Day legislation and Board member of Project 1619 share background, history and evolution of Black History Month.