Podcast
Voices of Inspiration
Hosted by Amelia Old · EN
Voices of Inspiration is a travel podcast that goes beyond the guidebook. Hosted by Amelia Old, each episode centers on the people who give a destination its soul—travelers with transformative stories, locals who call these places home, tourism professionals shaping how we experience them, and others whose work or lives are deeply connected to a place.
Through candid conversations, Amelia uncovers the moments, challenges, and personal histories that reveal what a destination is truly like. These aren't surface-level travel tips—they're stories about identity, belonging, resilience, and discovery. The kind that help you understand not just what a place is, but why it matters to the people who know it best.
At its core, this podcast is about connection: how travel brings us face-to-face with perspectives we might never encounter otherwise, and how every destination becomes richer once you've heard the voices behind it.
11episodes
Episodes
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Dinosaurs in Keqiao: The Pangu Fossil Museum
Feb 2000:21:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I travel to Keqiao, an ancient water town in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, where history stretches back more than 1,700 years. But beneath the canals, stone bridges, and historic buildings lies a much deeper story—one written millions of years ago. I sit down with Fang Lei (Florence), the co-founder of the Pangu Fossil Museum, to talk about how a personal passion for fossils unexpectedly turned into a museum with more than 3,000 ancient specimens.Florence and her husband never planned to build a museum. They were interior designers from Hong Kong who simply loved collecting fossils. But when they discovered the perfect historic building in Keqiao, their private collection became something bigger—a place for education, curiosity, and wonder. We talk about how fossils change the way we see our place in history, why she curates the museum differently from traditional institutions, and how the project eventually led to Shaoxing’s first museum-themed homestay for visiting scientists and travelers.Episode Highlights[00:00] – Introducing Keqiao, an ancient water town where a story millions of years old lies beneath the ground.[02:02] – How the Pangu Fossil Museum began and why Florence and her husband chose to share their private fossil collection with the public.[06:23] – The unexpected beginning: a fossil discovered during a design project in Shanghai sparks a lifelong passion.[07:23] – Finding the perfect Jiangnan-style historic building and transforming it into a museum in Keqiao.[09:19] – Why standing in front of ancient fossils reminds us how small humans are in the timeline of Earth.[10:54] – Florence explains how she curates fossils differently—treating them as both scientific artifacts and works of natural beauty.[11:52] – Teaching students that dinosaurs once lived right beneath Zhejiang’s soil.[14:15] – Scientists begin visiting the museum, inspiring the creation of Shaoxing’s first museum-themed homestay.[16:50] – Florence shares her philosophy on following intuition and learning new skills along the way.[18:30] – Closing reflection: why preserving fossils helps us understand the deeper story of life on Earth.Links and ResourcesThis episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at us.ceair.com.Interested in visiting this homestay? You can find them on Trip.com https://www.trip.com/w/YPUkzsE7aT2Follow AmeliaInstagram: @AmeliaOldOfficialWebsite: https://AmeliaOld.comIf you enjoyed this episode of Voices of Inspiration, please take a moment to follow the podcast, leave a rating, share the episode, and write a review. Your support helps these stories reach more people around the world.
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Preserving 2,000 Years of Tradition: Shaoxing Wine with Zhu Qingli
Feb 700:22:50Tap to summarizeIn 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 alive.I sit down with Zhu Qingli, the founder of a unique homestay dedicated entirely to Shaoxing wine culture. He shares how guests can experience the full journey—from learning the craft to brewing their own jar of wine—and why preserving this centuries-old tradition matters so deeply to him. Along the way, we explore the philosophy behind traditional craftsmanship, the meaning of cultural preservation, and what it truly takes to dedicate your life to something you love.Episode Highlights[0:00] – In Shaoxing, guests experience something far beyond a typical visit. Travelers learn the ancient process of brewing yellow rice wine and leave with a small clay jar containing the wine they helped create—often sealed with personal wishes or blessings.[1:05] – Shaoxing’s reputation for yellow rice wine comes from a rare combination of natural elements. The local water from Jianhu Lake, the climate, and even the microorganisms in the air all contribute to a flavor that cannot easily be recreated anywhere else.[3:00] – Huangjiu, often translated as “yellow rice wine,” is introduced along with its brewing process. Unlike grape wine, it’s brewed more like beer using glutinous rice, creating complex flavors that can be sweet, nutty, earthy, or savory.[6:50] – Zhu Qingli shares the story behind his homestay, a cultural space designed to help visitors—especially international travelers—understand the history, craftsmanship, and cultural importance of Shaoxing wine.[9:34] – The fascinating Kaiba stage of brewing reveals how the winemaker’s personality can influence the final taste. Patience, instinct, and attention during fermentation leave subtle marks on every batch.[11:19] – Guests at the homestay experience the entire journey of the craft: observing traditional methods, learning the history behind the process, tasting the wine, and eventually brewing their own jar.[12:43] – Zhu discusses his book Searching for the Taste of Shaoxing, which explores the city’s culinary traditions, cultural customs, and hospitality practices—including the ceremonial ten-course meal served to honored guests.[14:43] – A meaningful ritual allows visitors to take home the jar of wine they created. Many choose to write messages or blessings inside before sealing the jar, turning the experience into a personal memory.[15:45] – One memorable guest arrived from Beijing knowing very little about Shaoxing wine but left deeply inspired. The experience sparked a friendship with Zhu and eventually led the visitor to help promote Shaoxing wine culture.[18:07] – Zhu reflects on the belief that passion and dedication give meaning to difficult work. Even without large financial rewards, preserving this tradition remains a life choice he feels proud of.Links and Resources:This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at us.ceair.com.Interested in visiting this homestay? You can find them on Trip.com https://www.trip.com/w/k4gak3FtPT2
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Inside a Thousand-Year-Old Village: Shen’ao and Eight Blessings Inn
Jan 2900:23:06Tap to summarizeShen’ao Village sits just outside Hangzhou in China’s Zhejiang province, where stone paths wind between centuries-old courtyard homes and daily life unfolds much as it has for generations. Walking through the village, I noticed neighbors greeting one another, doors open along the narrow streets, and conversations drifting between homes and courtyards. It’s here that I met Joanne, who left city life behind to restore a 240-year-old courtyard house and open Eight Blessings Inn, a nine-room bed and breakfast rooted in hospitality, conversation, and community. Our conversation explores the dream that led Joanne from Hong Kong and Shanghai to this thousand-year-old village, the bold decision to start over later in life, and the challenges she faced while restoring the inn during the pandemic. Along the way, we talk about the meaning behind the name Eight Blessings, the importance of face-to-face connection in a fast-moving world, and why returning to a simpler way of living can create the space where meaningful moments happen.Episode Highlights[00:00] – Walking through Shen’ao Village for the first time and the storybook feeling that immediately came to mind.[01:25] – The moment I realized Joanne’s deep care for others after she insisted on helping me seek treatment for an injury.[03:20] – The thousand-year history of Shen’ao Village and the ancient drainage system that still functions today.[04:24] – Joanne shares how she moved from Hong Kong to the village and started Eight Blessings Inn.[05:18] – Her first attempt at opening a bed and breakfast in Shanghai—and why it had to close after only a year.[09:39] – Renovating a historic courtyard home just before the COVID lockdown brought construction to a halt.[12:49] – Why Joanne believes face-to-face conversation has become one of life’s greatest luxuries.[17:44] – The unique cultural experiences guests can experience in the village, from crafts workshops to learning local history.[19:35] – Joanne’s philosophy on happiness and why she believes life is best lived simply.Links and Resources:Eight Blessings Inn – Bed and breakfast in Shen’ao Village near Hangzhou This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported Amelia’s travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at: https://us.ceair.com/en/Follow AmeliaInstagram: @AmeliaOldOfficialWebsite: https://AmeliaOld.comIf you enjoyed this episode of Voices of Inspiration, please take a moment to follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who might appreciate the story. Your support helps these conversations reach more listeners around the world.
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The Gift of Time at Qianhuang Bay
Jan 2200:21:34Tap to summarizeAnthony 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. In this conversation, I sit down with Zhu Xiaokui, the founder of Qianhuang Bay, to talk about why he chose to return to his hometown in Xiling Village and open his home to travelers. We talk about building something meaningful in the place you come from, the role community plays in shaping the future of a village, and why success for him isn’t measured by recognition—but by family being together, neighbors supporting one another, and the time we give to the people around us.Episode Highlights[00:00] – A dinner table in Zhejiang Province and why Anthony Bourdain’s words about sharing a meal felt especially true that night.[01:08] – Navigating a language barrier while sitting around the table—and realizing that connection can happen through smiles, gestures, and shared moments.[02:30] – A night of toasts, laughter, and hospitality that made a foreign place feel unexpectedly like home.[05:22] – The story behind Qianhuang Bay Homestay, built to preserve the surrounding landscape while welcoming travelers into village life.[07:22] – Zhu Xiaokui explains why he returned to Xiling Village after working in the city and chose to build something in the place he calls home.[10:07] – How cooperation between homestays transformed the village into a network of more than 30 family-run stays working together rather than competing.[13:14] – What travelers can experience throughout the seasons—from harvesting tea in the mountains to exploring rivers, forests, and local traditions.[16:52] – The story of Qianhuang Well and the local legend connected to Emperor Qianlong.Links & ResourcesThis episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at us.ceair.comFollow AmeliaInstagram: @AmeliaOldOfficialWebsite: https://AmeliaOld.comIf you enjoyed this episode of Voices of Inspiration, please take a moment to follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who might appreciate the story. Your support helps these conversations reach more listeners around the world.
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A Walk for Peace and the Art of Diancha
Jan 1500:20:25Tap to summarizeThis week, I found myself reflecting on two moments that happened thousands of miles apart but carried the same quiet message about intention, connection, and peace. It began as I stood in the middle of a crowd in Great Falls, South Carolina, watching Buddhist monks walk through town on a journey for peace that stretches from Texas to Washington, D.C. In that moment, I passed along a scarf I had carried since my trek to Everest Base Camp years ago—a small gesture that connected past and present in a way I didn’t fully understand until later. In this episode, I take you with me to Jingshan Mountain near Hangzhou, China, where I was invited into the centuries-old tradition of the Jingshan Tea Banquet and the art of Dian Cha, a ceremonial method of whisking tea rooted in Zen philosophy and presence. I sit down with tea master Zhang Hongyan, who returned to her hometown to preserve this cultural tradition while creating opportunities for women in her community. Together we talk about tea, heritage, family pride, and how one cup shared between strangers can turn into something much more meaningful. Episode Highlights[00:00] – I witness Buddhist monks walking through Great Falls, South Carolina on a cross-country walk for peace—and share a personal moment that connects my Everest journey to theirs.[02:28] – I introduce the ancient Jingshan Tea Banquet tradition and the art of Dian Cha, a ceremonial tea practice rooted in China’s Tang and Song dynasties.[05:52] – Tea master Zhang Hongyan shares why she returned to her hometown to open a tea-focused homestay and preserve traditional tea culture.[07:40] – We talk about how serving tea becomes a bridge between strangers and why connection—not just tea—is at the heart of the ceremony.[08:30] – Zhang explains how teaching tea culture has created career opportunities for women in her rural community.[13:10] – A powerful moment: Zhang shares how seeing her parents’ pride in her work reminded her why this path matters.[15:19] – I reflect on a simple but profound lesson her mother shared: sometimes the answer isn’t advice—it’s slowing down with a cup of tea.Links and ResourcesThis episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at us.ceair.com.Follow AmeliaInstagram: @AmeliaOldOfficialWebsite: https://AmeliaOld.comIf this episode spoke to you, I hope you’ll share it with someone who could use a reminder to slow down and maybe enjoy a cup of tea. And if you enjoyed this conversation, please take a moment to follow, rate, and leave a review of Voices of Inspiration. It helps these stories reach the people who need them most.
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Yinxing Guli in Changxing, China | The Ginkgo Corridor
Jan 900:28:17Tap to summarizeI 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 rest and connection. In this episode, I travel to the famous Ginkgo Corridor in Zhejiang, China, where thousands of ancient ginkgo trees stretch through the valley—some more than a thousand years old. I sit down with Zhou Junbei, the owner of Yingxing Guli Homestay, who left city life behind to build a place rooted in family values, community, and meaningful experiences for travelers. We talk about the inspiration behind her homestay, the symbolism of the ginkgo tree, and why creating moments that bring people together may be the most important work of all. Episode Highlights[00:00] – I arrive at a spa treatment without knowing what to expect and quickly discover how difficult it can be to slow down and sit quietly with my thoughts.[02:07] – I introduce Changxing County and the famous Ginkgo Corridor, home to tens of thousands of ancient ginkgo trees.[03:29] – I meet Zhou Junbei, owner of Yingxing Guli Homestay, and hear the story behind how her homestay began.[07:54] – Zhou shares how her upbringing in an artistic family shaped the values and atmosphere she brings to her homestay.[10:29] – We talk about the symbolism of the ginkgo tree in Chinese culture and how its longevity reflects strength and resilience.[12:31] – Zhou explains the seasonal experiences guests can enjoy—from herbal baths and traditional medicine therapies to tea picking in the mountains.[15:41] – A powerful story about recognizing a guest’s severe allergic reaction reminds Zhou why caring for people like family matters.[22:26] – I reflect on the kindness and small gestures that made my stay feel less like visiting and more like belonging.Links and ResourcesThis episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at us.ceair.com.For more information about Yinxing Guli Homestay and planning your own visit, you can find their listing here:https://us.trip.com/hotels/changxing-hotel-detail-9055720/yinxing-guli-hotel/ Follow AmeliaInstagram: @AmeliaOldOfficialWebsite: https://AmeliaOld.comIf this episode stayed with you, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder to slow down. And if you enjoyed the episode, please follow, rate, and review Voices of Inspiration wherever you listen. Your support helps these stories reach more people around the world.
Transcribe →Yunqishe Homestay in China | Keeping the Wumei Tradition Alive
Jan 200:19:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I travel to a small village in Changxing County where one family tradition has been preserved for more than five generations. Surrounded by tea hills and ancient ginkgo trees, I visit Yunqishe Homestay and meet Mr. Feng Xiaoping, a fifth-generation producer of Wumei, a traditional smoked plum that has been made the same way for centuries. What I discovered there wasn’t just a unique food—it was a story about responsibility, heritage, and the people who choose to carry traditions forward. During my time there, I also experienced what it feels like to navigate the world entirely through translation. Every conversation arrived a moment later, and that shift changed the way I listened, observed, and connected with people around me. In my conversation with Mr. Feng, we talk about preserving cultural heritage, building a homestay rooted in local traditions, and why sharing these stories with visitors from around the world helps keep them alive for the next generation. Episode Highlights[00:00] – I introduce the village where plums are still smoked by hand and the story of a fifth-generation Wumei producer continuing a family legacy.[01:23] – I reflect on what it felt like navigating daily life in China through translation and how it changed the way I paid attention to others.[03:38] – We meet Mr. Feng Xiaoping, the owner of Yunqishe Homestay, who is working to preserve and share the Wumei tradition.[06:10] – Mr. Feng explains what Wumei is and the traditional process used to smoke the plums for nearly 48 hours.[08:12] – We discuss how he blends modern hospitality with deeply rooted cultural traditions inside his homestay.[11:17] – Mr. Feng shares what he hopes guests take home after visiting—an appreciation for the cultural legacies passed down through generations.[13:46] – Visitors can participate in local experiences, from preparing traditional foods to exploring the surrounding countryside.[16:51] – Mr. Feng shares his words of wisdom: why working together as a team allows traditions and communities to thrive.Links and ResourcesThis episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at us.ceair.com.Follow AmeliaInstagram: @AmeliaOldOfficialWebsite: https://AmeliaOld.comIf this episode gave you a new way to think about the places you visit, consider sharing it with someone who might enjoy it too. And if you enjoyed the conversation, please take a moment to follow, rate, and review Voices of Inspiration wherever you listen. Your support helps these stories reach more people around the world.
Transcribe →Inside a Homestay in Zhejiang’s Tea Country | Miaoxi
Dec 1900:14:34Tap to summarizeIn 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 conversation, Wang Ying shares how she left her corporate job to return home and build a lifestyle centered around family, culture, and welcoming travelers from around the world. We talk about what a true homestay experience looks like, the traditions guests can experience throughout the seasons, and how hosting people from different cultures has shaped her life and her community.Episode Highlights[0:00] – Arriving in China’s tea country and the first breathtaking view of the mountains from my room.[1:32] – Welcome to Miaoxi in Zhejiang Province, where tea production shapes the landscape and daily life.[2:55] – A travel tip: using AI to help translate and solve small problems when navigating language barriers abroad.[3:40] – An unexpected hike through the tea fields to the top of the mountain with locals and my translator, Joanna.[5:10] – Wang Ying introduces herself and explains what a homestay truly means in her village.[7:09] – Why she left her career in finance to return home and create a lifestyle built around travel, culture, and community.[9:24] – Memorable guest experiences, including celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival with visitors from Europe.[11:49] – Raising her son in the homestay environment and the life lessons she hopes he learns from it.[13:22] – A powerful reflection: how spending a night in the mountains can make life’s challenges feel manageable.Links and ResourcesThis episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at us.ceair.com.Interested in visiting this homestay? Huzhou Miaoxi Slide Meisuhttps://www.trip.com/hotels/v2/huzhou-hotel-detail-44559210/huzhou-miaoxi-slide-meisu/Follow AmeliaInstagram: @AmeliaOldOfficialWebsite: https://AmeliaOld.comIf you enjoyed this episode of Voices of Inspiration, don’t forget to follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who might enjoy these stories too. Your support helps more people discover the show and keeps these conversations going.
Transcribe →A Different Side of Shanghai
Dec 1100:16:04Tap to summarizeMost Americans picture Shanghai as a skyline—but being inside the city feels completely different than the photos. In this episode, I share my first impressions of Shanghai during my recent trip to China, from the energy outside Yu Garden to quiet moments that made me stop and reflect on how wide the world really is. Standing in the middle of a crowded marketplace halfway across the globe, I found myself thinking about the life paths we see growing up—and the ones we don’t even realize are possible yet. I also talk about the moments that stayed with me most: a man quietly praying at a temple, couples dancing together in a public park, and the surprising sense of safety I felt exploring the city alone. Along the way, I share practical travel tips—from the apps that made navigating China easier to experiences like the Shanghai Observatory and a nighttime river cruise. This episode is a look at the human side of Shanghai—the small moments between the famous landmarks that make a place truly memorable. Episode Highlights[00:00] – I introduce Shanghai and explain why the city feels very different once you’re actually there.[01:05] – Standing outside Yu Garden, I reflect on how traveling later in life changed the way I see the world and the paths we think are available to us.[05:03] – A powerful moment at Jing’an Temple where I watched a man quietly pray and leave with tears in his eyes.[06:41] – I visit Peace Park, where older couples gather to dance, socialize, and enjoy life after raising their families.[07:30] – Exploring different neighborhoods in Shanghai—from luxury shopping streets to quiet historic Shikumenalleyways.[09:23] – My experience walking alone around Shanghai and why the city felt surprisingly safe for solo travel.[10:00] – Visiting the Shanghai Observatory and taking in a 360-degree view of the city from the 118th floor.[11:00] – A nighttime Huangpu River cruise reveals the dramatic contrast between the historic Bund and the futuristic skyline of Pudong.[11:40] – Practical travel tips: the essential apps that made navigating China easier, including WeChat, Alipay, Didi, and translation tools.Links and ResourcesThis episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at us.ceair.com.Follow AmeliaInstagram: @AmeliaOldOfficialWebsite: https://AmeliaOld.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review. It helps more listeners discover these stories. And if this episode reminded you how wide the world really is, share it with someone who might need that reminder too. 🌍
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Catching Up After a Year Away: A New Season Begins
Dec 300:13:10Tap to summarizeAfter 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 steadier, Amelia is back behind the mic with a clearer understanding of why these conversations matter and why this season felt like the right time to return.This season includes interviews with homestay owners in China, specifically in Shanghai and Zhejiang, whose work supports their communities through local hiring, cultural preservation, and the use of homegrown or locally sourced products.Whether you’ve been listening from the start or tuning in for the first time, this episode brings you up to date and sets the direction for what’s ahead.
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