Voices of Inspiration

In this episode, I take you to Shaoxing, a historic city in China’s Zhejiang Province where an ancient tradition continues to shape daily life. Known for producing Shaoxing yellow rice wine, this region has been crafting its signature brew for thousands of years using the same natural elements—local water, climate, and air—that make its flavor impossible to replicate anywhere else. But this story isn’t just about wine; it’s about culture, heritage, and the people working to keep traditions al...

Anthony Bourdain once said you learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together. Sitting at a dinner table at Qianhuang Bay Homestay in Zhejiang Province, that idea couldn’t have felt more true. Even though we didn’t share the same language, the evening was filled with laughter, toasts, and small gestures that made it clear I was welcome. It was one of those rare moments where connection happened naturally—through smiles, shared food, and simply choosing to be present with one another...

I walked into a small building outside my homestay in Changxing County without really knowing what I was about to experience. What started as a simple spa treatment turned into something much deeper—a quiet lesson in slowing down. Sitting in a traditional herbal bath, with nothing to distract me but my own thoughts, I realized how uncomfortable it can be to simply be still. That moment became the beginning of a conversation about presence, hospitality, and the ways different cultures approach...

In this episode, I take you to Miaoxi in Zhejiang Province, China, a quiet region surrounded by endless tea mountains where life slows down and hospitality takes on a whole new meaning. What began as a journey from Shanghai turned into an unforgettable stay at a countryside homestay run by a local woman named Wang Ying and her family. From the moment I stepped into the room and saw the view stretching across the tea hills, I knew this experience was going to be something special. During our c...

After an unexpected year-long break, Amelia returns to Voices of Inspiration with a candid look at why the past year pulled her in a different direction and how she found her way back to the mic. In this episode, she reflects on a year shaped by significant challenges, including a family emergency that required her full attention. She also reflects on completing 100 Things to Do in South Carolina Before You Die and what’s ahead for 2026. Now that the manuscript is turned in and life feels ste...

In this episode, I sit down with a leader who helps shape the story of one of North Carolina’s most beloved mountain towns. Bryson City, nestled in the Smoky Mountains, is known for its small-town charm, outdoor adventure, and holiday traditions—but recently the community faced an unexpected challenge when Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina. In our conversation, we talk about the spirit of Bryson City, the resilience of its people, and how a tight-knit community came togeth...

In this episode, I visit 96 Pecan Company and sit down with owner John Murray, whose story blends farming, faith, football, and community. What started with the purchase of a historic southern property—complete with pecan trees planted in the late 1800s—turned into a full-time commitment to preserving tradition and sharing the experience of farm life with visitors. John shares how the orchard, the store, and the tasting experience were all built around one simple idea: when people walk throug...

In this episode, I visit Sharon Manor in Abbeville, South Carolina, and sit down with owner Benita Chupp to learn the story behind this beautifully restored historic building. What was once a rural schoolhouse from the early 1920s has been transformed into a charming bed and breakfast—but the path to creating it wasn’t something Benita and her family had planned. After discovering the building through an online auction, they took a leap of faith and stepped into a renovation project that woul...

In this episode, I sit down with Shawn Askinosie, founder of Askinosie Chocolate, whose journey from criminal defense lawyer to chocolate maker is as powerful as it is unexpected. After nearly two decades of handling serious felony and murder cases, Shawn found himself at a crossroads when the emotional toll of the work began affecting his health and perspective on life. What followed wasn’t an overnight transformation but a slow search for purpose that eventually led him to the world of craf...

Some places feel like a hidden escape—and Swan Lake Iris Gardens is exactly that. I had the chance to walk through this beautiful spot in Sumter, South Carolina, with Chrissy Milan and Colette Daniels, learning how a simple fishing retreat turned into one of the most unique gardens in the country. We talk about the unexpected story behind the famous Japanese irises, what makes this park so special—from all eight swan species to its peaceful, storybook feel—and how the community has come toget...

Sometimes the most meaningful stories come from places built with heart—and Winna’s Kitchen is exactly that. I sat down with Chef Jess Sagan in Myrtle Beach to talk about the journey behind her restaurant, the inspiration rooted in family, and the courage it takes to chase something bigger than yourself. We dive into how food, community, and purpose all come together under one roof—from creative, elevated dishes to a powerful mission that’s changing lives. This conversation goes beyond the ki...

There’s something powerful about a story rooted in purpose, passion, and giving back—and Chef Daryl Shular’s journey is exactly that. In this conversation, I connect with Chef Shular, a certified master chef and visionary leader in the culinary world, to talk about what it truly means to succeed and bring others along with you. We dive into his path from early inspiration in the kitchen to becoming the first African American certified master chef, and how that achievement shaped his mission t...