Journey Along the Underground Railroad: Virginia to Canada World Footprints traces one of the most historic and courageous journeys in North America—the Underground Railroad route that carried enslaved people from bondage to freedom. This episode follows a trail that begins in Norfolk, Virginia and ends in Buxton, Ontario, with stops in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and Lewiston, New York. We explore the landscapes, landmarks, and legacies of those who resisted slavery and those who helped them. Alon...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 5
New Orleans has been the backdrop of many dark chapters in American history, but perhaps none so shocking as the slave rebellion of 1811. We will explore the history of America's largest slave revolt with author Daniel Rasmussen who organized his research in his book, American Uprising: The Untold Story About America's Largest Slave Revolt. The New Orleans African-American Museum of Art, Culture and History, located in Faubourg Treme, is helping to keep the stories of America's oldest and contin...
Feb 22, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 4
In this powerful episode of World Footprints , Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick take listeners on a deeply personal and historic journey to Pulaski, Tennessee—a town known as the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan but now undergoing a transformation. Their guest, Miss Vivian Leigh Battle Sims, an educator, artist, and community leader, has dedicated her life to uplifting the stories of marginalized voices, including the unsung Black Union soldiers who fought bravely during the Civil War. At 87 years old, M...
Jan 08, 2025•31 min•Ep. 3
n this episode of World Footprints, hosts Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick take you on an unforgettable journey through one of the most poignant chapters of history—the liberation at the end of World War II. Joined by special guest Michael Bell, Executive Director of the Institute for the Study of War and Democracy, the Fitzpatricks delve deep into the newly opened Liberation Pavilion at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. Michael Bell brings his wealth of knowledge and passion for history to guid...
Oct 09, 2024•12 min•Ep. 2
In this episode of World Footprints , hosts Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick share the Power of Children exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. They speak to Monica Ramsey, Director of exhibits and interactive media, as she guides them through the Power of Children: Making a Different exhibit and shares the stories of four extraordinary children who have significantly impacted the world - Ruby Bridges, Ryan White, Malala Yousafzai, and Anne Frank....
Mar 19, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 1
In this second episode of our interview with Keith Stokes, advisor to the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, we continue learning about Newport's underrepresented history during our walk through God’s Little Acre. In Episode One, Keith introduced us to prominent Africans like Pompey Brenton who lay buried in God’s Little Acre. In this second episode, Keith sheds light on the significance of this burial site and the stories of the people who were laid to rest there, providing a deeper understan...
Mar 01, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 1
In this episode of the World Footprint podcast, we have the privilege of interviewing Keith Stokes, advisor to the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. Keith walks with us through the colonial African burying ground of God's Little Acre in Newport, Rhode Island and he shares many of the unrepresented stories that are etched in the grave markers.
Feb 24, 2023•29 min
Did you know that there is a connection between Emmett Till's murder and Rosa Parks? That is one of many stories we learn about as we walk through the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See exhibit as the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. In today’s episode, we speak to Shanna Martin, director of training and professional development at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Shanna gives us a preview of the Emmett Till exhibit and shares some lesser known stories about his murder ...
Nov 13, 2022•21 min
Shalom Y'all! In this World Footprints episode, Kenneth Hoffman, Executive Director at the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience (MSJE), gives us a guided tour and explains in depth how Jews in the American South influenced and were influenced by the cultural heritage of their local communities. Tune in to learn more about the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, why it was founded, its significance beyond the Jewish community, and the collection of all the artifacts in the museum.
Sep 28, 2022•40 min
In this episode, we speak to Lawrence Phillips, founder and CEO of Green Book Global, which is on the mission to inspire and empower black travelers so they can travel the world in confidence. And his website has become one of the trusted sources that black travelers rely on, not just for every experience, but to learn about destinations from a safety standpoint, as well as have fun.
Aug 30, 2022•34 min
Who doesn't love New Orleans? It's one of America's greatest cities and a World Footprints favorite because of it's rich culture, history and constant innovation. Oh yeah...the food!!! In this episode of World Footprints, Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick talk with Vue Orleans developers Paul Flower and Henry Coaxum. They will share a bird’s eye view of New Orleans from the top of Vue Orleans, an extraordinary new museum that dives deep into the city's history that Henry Louis Gates is helping to tell. ...
Jul 18, 2022•29 min
In this World Footprints podcast, Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick explore the life and times of Winston Churchill, his impact on the world and his relationship with the small town of Fulton, Missouri (MO).
Jun 16, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Music is a powerful universal language where white musicians and black musicians come together, protect and stand by each other to create something special for their audience. And this inter-generational reach of music is the highlight of Martin Shore and Ian Neville's new film Take Me To The River: New Orleans.
Jun 02, 2022•34 min
The world has changed and so has the way we travel. We can no longer grab our passport and go. There are new requirements and other considerations so more thought and planning has to be incorporated before we pack our bags. In this episode, Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick speak to award-winning travel journalist Tim Leffel about the things we should know about traveling today, especially, if we plan to travel for extended periods of time. As Tim says, “we can’t just wing it anymore.”
May 17, 2022•20 min
Whether you’ve been to New Orleans or not, you’ve seen them—the brass band that parades through the streets in a somber march only to erupt in a celebration of music, color and dance. Like the pied piper the band draws crowds who dance through the streets like it’s Mardi Gras. That is the Second Line. So what is a Second Line exactly? In this episode of World Footprints, Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick visited The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) in the French Quarter to meet with two amazing g...
Apr 30, 2022•29 min
Airline industry expert Kewwin McKenzie shares important airline tips that he's gained from his experience of traveling around the world during the pandemic and the common mistakes people make when booking airline tickets.
Apr 15, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 1
On this World Footprints episode, Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick speak to National Geographic Explorer and conservation photographer, Gabby Salazar, to hear about some inspiring stories of women change-makers profiled in her new book, No Boundaries. Enjoy this interview with National Geographic Explorer, Gabby Salazar, as she shares inspiring stories from the women in STEM and STEAM (including the “art” discipline) who are changing the world. Show notes are available at WorldFootprints.com If you enj...
Mar 16, 2022•33 min
In this episode, World Footprints hosts Tonya and Ian travel deeper with Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures, as he discusses his journey into the world of travel, with particular focus on his "5th Gear" as an immigrant and lessons learned from his experiences. Bruce Poon Tip is the founder of G adventures, the world's largest small group adventure travel company that was conceived 30 years ago, during a solo backpack trip. Bruce started G adventures with nothing more than two credit cards, ...
Nov 14, 2021•38 min
Nancy Gardella, executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, says that Martha’s Vineyard is so much more than its pretty beaches and famous residents. Among the stories Nancy reveals is the Vineyard’s troubling story of colonization and the island’s surprising legacy of sign language.
Sep 28, 2021•28 min
How should we think about history when there's nothing to support a narrative? The National Trust recently awarded 40 sites and organizations over $3 million in grants to preserve African American history. We'll hear about the mission and work of the African American Cultural Heritage Fund and we'll learn about this year's grant recipients. Some grantee's are a pleasant surprise.
Jul 27, 2021•30 min
In Karen’s new book Travel Mania: Stories of Wanderlust she explores the life-changing moments that only five decades of traveling can provide. With more than 90 countries under her belt Karen started her life of adventure and travel addiction when she left home at 17 for a solo trip in Europe.
Jun 01, 2021•29 min
There are many accidents, illnesses and medical mishaps that happen when we’re traveling and now we are adding COVID to the list. But the Travel Doctor will offer some sage advice on how to deal with it all. Dr. Yvette McQueen, a travel enthusiast who travels for pleasure and work as an emergency physician. She’s on a mission to educate about health, travel, wellness and disease prevention.
May 25, 2021•28 min
There were several stories that emerged during our interview with Kimberly Stone including her advocacy for mental health awareness, her art brokerage company and editorial work in the fashion, luxury and beauty space. There may be a mention of some of those stories but we focused on her travels and her journey as a Black and gifted plus-sized model.
May 18, 2021•15 min
DC’s history is America’s history and there is so much of this country’s back story that JoAnn Hill has uncovered. In Secret Washington, DC, JoAnn unlocks some interesting history that’s been hiding in plain sight.
May 11, 2021•34 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Dr. Betty Moseley Brown is one of the first women of color to join the U.S. Marine Corps in the 1970s. The U.S. Marine Corps is known as one of the most formidable military forces in the world, and its reputation is well-earned. So what would inspire a young Black woman in the 1970s to enlist in the Marine Corps and go through weeks of boot camp below the Mason Dixon line?
Apr 20, 2021•41 min
For "Down to Earth Month" in April, California Wines is celebrating the state's global leadership in sustainable winegrowing with a series of fun and informative virtual events and videos on Facebook Live and Instagram. Throughout April, the free livestream events and videos will present a variety of discussions, cooking demonstrations and virtual wine tastings focused on sustainability.
Apr 13, 2021•23 min
Like many of you who have visited Arlington National Cemetery, we have passed by the beautiful Military Women’s Memorial without realizing its significance OR the travel stories, life journeys and rich legacy of American Women’s Military history it maintains. Behind the beautiful walls of the Memorial’s Hemicycle structure is a 33,000 square foot building that provides educational programs and exhibits. Its latest exhibit is called: The Color of Freedom: Honoring the Diversity of America’s Servi...
Mar 23, 2021•43 min
Meet Matthew Maxey, Associate Director of Public Relations at Visit Franklin (Tennessee). He discusses the expanded historical narratives that Franklin is sharing beyond the Battlefield and Whiskey Trail. If the streets could talk it would tell stories that many would soon forget because Franklin’s chapter in American history is a dark one thanks to its prominence in America’s Civil War. But Matthew says that Franklin understands the importance of sharing the full narrative of its history and th...
Mar 17, 2021•32 min
What’s is like traveling with a hidden disability? Meet Marika Devan, a self-described clumsy Californian with an obsession for exploring the world. Marika started a blog called Clumsy Girl Travels. But, truth is, Marika isn’t clumsy. She has a hidden disability called Ataxia. Join us as we learn what it is like to travel the world with a hidden disability.
Mar 09, 2021•25 min
Have you ever thought what it would feel like to travel the world in silence? For Nehama Rogozen, an avid traveler who happens to be deaf, her journeys around the world have not been in total silence because of Cochlear Implant technology. Nehama points out that she is deaf but not Deaf with a capital D and she explains the difference between those terms during our interview. Our interview with Nehama is thought-provoking and insightful. She says that the deaf and hard of hearing community is di...
Mar 02, 2021•20 min