by Marsha DuBrow
When Last on the Mountain: The View from Writers over 50 offers nonfiction, fiction, and poetry about experiences ranging from heart-wrenching to hilarious.The title is taken from one of the book’s many works about trips, literal and metaphorical. (more…)
First, award-winning travel writer Richard Grant will take us through East Africa and down the Nile River. Despite escaping death in Mexico’s lawless Sierra Madre, an adventure he describes in his adventure classic God’s Middle Finger, Richard’s curiosity and restlessness took him to Africa, where he set off on another adventure– to find the source of the Nile River. In his newest book, CRAZY RIVER: Exploration and Folly in East Africa, Richard writes that he had trained and prepared for a physical adventure in the wilderness, but his biggest challenges were intellectual.
Then, award-winning author Dianne Ebertt Beeaff shares her transcending book, SPIRIT STONES, a historic exploration that took nearly a decade to complete. Dianne explores the enduring lessons of Western Europe’s prehistoric monoliths, stone circles and burial chambers. Dianne’s research, first-hand accounts and prevailing love of history capture not only the architectural essence of these archeological treasures, but also their spiritual strength.
Finally, Joshua Berman offers some insights into Maya culture and events surrounding the end of the Maya calendar on December 21, 2012 in his new guide book MAYA 2012. Joshua has been traveling, living, teaching, and leading trips in Central America since 1998, the year the Peace Corps sent him to Nicaragua. During his two and a half years there, he heard tales about “lost worlds” and Maya pyramids. A predominate story that he encountered is what the Maya have been anticipating—the end of the Long Count, a 5,125-year cycle of the Maya calendar, which will occur on December 21, 2012. Some believe that it will be a peaceful transition while others warn it will be apocalyptic.
Skipper Donald Lawson is making history on the water. He is one of just a few African-American professional sailors who holds the titles skipper and captain and is working towards breaking barriers in the sport of sailing. Donald Lawson anticipates becoming the first African American sailor to race around the world solo but his first stop will be on World Footprints. before he embarks we’re going to try to convince him that he must take this adventure radio crew with.
As a young woman studying Spanish in Mexico in the 1970s, Mary Jo McConahay fell in love with the haunting beauty and mystery of the rainforest. Determined to experience the jungle firsthand, Mary Jo traveled solo through the beautiful wild region that spans southern Mexico and northern Guatemala. That first trip was the beginning of her life’s work and adventures in Central America. Mary Jo’s newest book, Maya Roads: One Woman’s Journey Among the People of the Rainforest, draws upon three decades in Central America’s remote and dangerous landscapes where she traveled, lived, and worked as a war correspondent.
Aidah Fontenot wears many artistic hats. With over 16 years of experience and training, she continues to raise the bar in the artistic genres of fine art, photography, graphic and fashion design. Aidah is most recognized as an ethical fashion designer. Her Aidah Collection supports a “green mission” to empower women and protect the environment. The collection is handmade locally with natural and recycled materials and many designs have been spotted on the red carpet.
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. Five of those years were spent under-cover as Bob Musella, a high-rolling mob-connected big shot who infiltrated the criminal hierarchy of Colombia’s drug cartels.
Bob’s under-cover stings proved critical in the conviction of General Manuel Noriega and helped cripple an international multi-billion money laundering outfit that served drug lords like Pablo Escobar. His new book, The Infiltrator, provides vivid and nail-biting details about his life in the criminal under-world, including events that led to a $500,000 contract being placed on his head.
More than three decades after India won freedom and independence from Great Britain, a little girl from the southern region of India was stolen from her family and became a slave. She was seven years old. She lost her home and her identity. She kept only her first name – Rani.
When Rani lost her value to her slave owner, he sold her to an American woman who thought she was legally adopting an orphan. This adoption saved Rani’s life and the love and support she received in her new home has cultivated a commitment to become an advocate for the voiceless victims of human trafficking and a leader in the movement to end modern slavery.
In Memory of Grete Waitz
Join World Footprints as hosts Tonya and Ian explore the world of silence, the power of perfume and a new Burma.
Imagine living for 17 years under a personal vow of silence. Our first guest, National Geographic author John Francis, did just that. After witnessing the devastating effects of the 1971 oil spill in San Francisco Bay, John embarked on a period of reflection that involved a 17 year long self-imposed silence and 22 years of walking. John’s incredible journey is chronicled in his book The Ragged Edge of Silence: Finding Peace in a Noisy World.
Then, you will hear the extraordinary story of a self-made man from Norway, Geir Ness, and how he is leaving positive footprints through his multi-million dollar Laila Perfume Company. During our interview with Geir we spoke about his dear friend, 9-time New York City Marathon Champion Grete Weitz, with whom he joined forces to raise money for cancer research. We learned that Geir substituted for Grete in the 2009 NYC Marathon and raised nearly $300,000 for the Norway Cancer Society. Sadly, Grete lost her courageous battle with cancer the day immediately following our interview with Geir. We dedicate this show in Grete’s memory and to everyone whose lives have been affected by cancer.
Finally, World Footprints welcomes back travel writer Cynthia Dial. Cynthia has recently returned from Burma (Myanmar) and she joins us to share some of her surprising experiences.
