Traveling Culturati

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.

 

Boarding With Purpose: Wellness, Awareness, and Vacations That Change Lives

 

This week on Traveling Culturati, we explore how travel can inform, inspire, and even save lives. We begin with timely travel news and updates shaping the way we move through the world. Then, we’re joined by Yalanda Comeaux, who shares practical insight on staying healthy while traveling, especially when navigating airport lounges and long layovers. We close the episode with an impactful conversation with Kimberly Coleman, who highlights how vacations can be more than an escape, but a powerful tool for rest, healing, and saving lives.

Tune in for thoughtful conversation, real-world tips, and a deeper look at how intentional travel can transform the way we live.

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

Glamor For Good

Kate Liebelt is the force behind Glamour for Good, a fundraising activation platform that blends purpose with experience. Glamour for Good produces immersive events designed to raise meaningful funds for causes that truly matter.

On January 3, 2026 the team hosted a Golden Globes–inspired experience featuring curated health, beauty, and wellness activations, bringing community, impact, and glamour together in one powerful night.

You can learn more at glamourforgood.org and follow along on Instagram at @glamourforgoodevents.

2026 Travel Review

 

This week on Traveling Culturati, we take a thoughtful look at the ever-evolving world of travel. We begin with timely travel news and key updates shaping the industry, then move into a forward-looking conversation about emerging travel trends and destinations to watch in 2026. To close, we explore cultural tourism, what it truly means, and why it matters.

Tune in for insight, perspective, and a richer, more meaningful way to experience the world through travel.

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

 

MLK March On Washington with Kenny Burns

Our guest is Kenny, a native Washingtonian, master storyteller, and one of the city’s most respected voices on African American history. For more than three decades, Kenny has guided people through Washington, D.C. not just as a tour guide, but as a living bridge between past and present—bringing forward stories that are often overlooked, untold, or misunderstood.

He specializes in uncovering the human stories behind historic places—stories of resilience, courage, struggle, and triumph—particularly within African American history. His work goes beyond monuments and textbooks, focusing instead on the people who shaped this city and the nation, even when history failed to fully recognize them.

Through tours, media projects, and now podcasting, Kenny’s mission is simple but powerful: to make history accessible, honest, and meaningful for everyday people. Today, we’re honored to have him share his insights, his stories, and his perspective with us.”

Looking Back: Travel Stories & Trends of 2025 & Plan for Christmas Markets to Visit in 2026

 

This week on Traveling Culturati, we’re diving into what’s happening now and what’s ahead in the world of travel. We kick things off with Travel News, covering the latest updates and stories travelers should have on their radar. Next, we explore Travel Stories and Trends for 2025, breaking down what’s shaping how and where we travel in the coming year.

We’re joined by Sally Kertes, who shares insider tips on Christmas markets to start planning for in 2026, from festive favorites to must-visit destinations worth adding to your future travel list.

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

Holiday Gift Ideas for the Travelers in Your Life + Sarah Lohman’s Food History of Christmas

 

This week on Traveling Culturati, we’re diving into all things holiday travel and culture. We’re kicking things off with the latest in travel news, everything you need to know before catching those seasonal flights. Then, Gene and Ja’Vonne are sharing their Gift List for the Traveler in Your Life, packed with thoughtful ideas for every type of jet-setter.  

We’ll also have Ja’Vonne's Travel Minute and in The Culture Report we’re joined by Sara Lohman for a rich look into the history and culture of Christmas, where our favorite traditions come from and how they’ve evolved across the globe. 

Christmas Around the World: Markets, Magic & Holiday Travel

 

This week on Traveling Culturati, we’re unwrapping a festive journey across the globe. In Travel News, we dive into the latest stories shaping the world of wanderers. Then Candace Salters joins us to share the sparkle of London’s Christmas experiences, followed by Beau Black, who brings the warmth, charm, and centuries-old traditions of the German and Austrian Christmas markets to life. And to top it off, we explore the best Christmas markets in Canada, where twinkling lights, cozy vendors, and winter magic set the scene for unforgettable holiday adventures.

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

Healthy Travels, Microadventures & Holiday Wanderlust

 

This week on Traveling Culturati, we’re diving into the power of travel to elevate your well-being and deepen your sense of adventure. In Travel News, we break down the latest updates every globetrotter should know. In our wellness segment, “Staying Healthy While You Travel,” Yalanda Comeaux joins us for an insightful conversation about whether traveling truly makes you happier and healthier, and how to take better care of yourself on the move. Then, adventurer Phoebe Smith closes out the show with a look at Microadventures for the holiday season, reminding us that exploration doesn’t have to be far to be meaningful. Tune in for inspiration, insight, and a fresh dose of wanderlust.

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

Where Travel Meets Storytelling: People, Culture & Tradition

 

This week on Traveling Culturati, we’re diving into global stories, meaningful connections, and the cultures that shape our world. We kick things off with the latest in travel news, keeping you informed and inspired for your next adventure.

Then, we sit down with Melissa Rodway as she shares the heart behind her debut book, The People You Meet, exploring the power of human connection through travel. We continue our cultural journey with Rachel Sayet, who offers rich insight into Indigenous foodways, traditions, and history, reminding us how cuisine and culture intertwines across generations.

It’s an episode filled with storytelling, discovery, and the deeper meaning behind what it truly means to travel.

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