This episode of Voices of Inspiration takes place in Miaoxi, a village in the Huzhou region of Zhejiang Province, China.

The episode follows time spent at a family-run homestay and a conversation with the owner, Wang Ying, about daily life, hosting travelers, and her transition from working in finance to welcoming guests into her home. Through the discussion, the episode captures moments from the property, walks through tea-covered mountains near the village, and the small details that shaped the experience of staying in rural Zhejiang.

Rather than focusing on major landmarks, the episode centers on place, pace, and everyday life outside of China’s largest cities.

KEY TOPICS

• Staying at a family-run homestay in Miaoxi, Zhejiang
• Time spent walking through tea-covered mountains near the village
• Daily life and seasonal rhythms in rural Zhejiang
• A conversation with Wang Ying about hosting travelers
• Family involvement in running the property
• Navigating language barriers while traveling
• Small tools that helped simplify travel logistics
• Beginning the homestay-focused portion of the China series

BOOKING INFORMATION

Listeners interested in staying at the homestay featured in this episode can find details and booking information at the link below:

Huzhou Miaoxi Slide Meisu
https://www.trip.com/hotels/v2/huzhou-hotel-detail-44559210/huzhou-miaoxi-slide-meisu/

The property is located approximately 16 km from Huzhou Railway Station and is near local attractions including Elves Alley, Xisaishan Holiday Resort, and Huzhou Giraffe Manor.

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More information about Voices of Inspiration, along with episode updates and newsletter sign-ups, is available at ameliaold.com and voicesofinspirationpodcast.com

In this episode, Amelia looks back on her time in Shanghai, the first stop on a recent project in China. Outside Yu Garden, she found herself thinking about her childhood and how different her sense of the world is today. She describes her visit to Jing’an Temple, an afternoon in Peace Park where people gathered to dance, and the way Shanghai’s neighborhoods shift from one block to the next. She also shares her time at the observatory with its wide city views and a night river cruise along the Bund that offered a completely different look at the skyline.

Amelia also talks through the practical side of her trip — the apps that made communication simple, the tools that helped her stay connected, and why Shanghai felt surprisingly comfortable to navigate on her own.

This episode lays the foundation for where the series is headed next and why Shanghai was the right place to begin.

This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines. Visit their official site for routes and booking information. https://us.ceair.com/en/

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 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.

Explore the strength and unity of Bryson City, North Carolina, as Erin Smith, owner of Humanité Boutique, shares her journey as a small business owner during challenging times. Learn how the community came together after Hurricane Helene, the lessons that shaped their recovery, and the impact of supporting one another. Erin’s story reveals the importance of connection, resilience, and creating a meaningful legacy, all set against the backdrop of Bryson City’s natural beauty and holiday charm.

Bryson City, NC, is a mountain town in Western North Carolina that blends resilience, community spirit, and festive traditions. In this episode, Sarah Conley, Executive Director of the Swain County TDA, shares how Bryson City navigated the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. From using social media to keep residents informed to preparing for winter visitors, the town demonstrates its strength and ability to adapt in every situation.

As the holiday season approaches, Bryson City transforms into a cozy winter retreat. Highlights include the Polar Express train ride, a family favorite that brings holiday stories to life, and the dazzling Christmas Light Spectacular that lights up the town. Visitors can enjoy warm hospitality, stunning mountain views, and countless opportunities to make unforgettable holiday memories.

This episode dives into what makes Bryson City truly special—its resilience, holiday magic, and the way it welcomes visitors with open arms, no matter the season.

https://www.explorebrysoncity.com/

Beech Mountain, North Carolina, Tourism Marketing Director Armando Garcia shares the story of how this resilient mountain community responded to Hurricane Helene, with heartfelt support from both locals and visitors. As winter approaches, Beech Mountain is prepared to welcome travelers to its snowy slopes and scenic trails. In this episode, Armando provides valuable travel tips on how visitors can support nearby North Carolina communities, making for a winter getaway filled with both adventure and community spirit.

John Murray, owner of 96 Pecan Company in Ninety-Six, South Carolina, discusses pecan farming and candy-making. Learn how his college football experience at Clemson and desire for a meaningful retirement led him to create a thriving business that's become an integral part of his community.

In this episode, John talks about:

• His shift to pecan farming
• Applying football lessons to business
• Navigating challenges in agriculture and food production
• Starting 96 Pecan Company and expanding into candy-making
• Creating a welcoming, family-farm atmosphere
• Building customer loyalty through generosity

John explains how his business has become a place of support for those seeking empathy. We also explore the local community that's supported John's success. Discover:

• How he's turned his store into a gathering place for locals
• The impact of word-of-mouth in a small town
• How he uses his business to give back to the community

For travelers visiting Ninety-Six, SC:

• Why 96 Pecan Company is worth a stop
• What visitors can experience at the store
• A glimpse into small-town Southern hospitality

John's story shows that retirement can open new doors. This episode offers insights for those nearing retirement, considering career changes, or interested in stories of reinvention.

Listen to how John's post-retirement venture led to a beloved local business, and discover the charm of Ninety-Six through its pecan-centered enterprise.

Audio and Video: Melanie Lech Multimedia

Special Thanks to Old 96 District

Erica McCier, owner of Indigenous Underground in Abbeville, South Carolina, and 2023 South Carolina Chef Ambassador, shares her remarkable journey from middle school art teacher to celebrated chef. Discover how a near-death experience became the catalyst for McCier's transformation, propelling her from the classroom to the kitchen and ultimately to culinary stardom.

In this episode, Erica dishes on:

• Her surprising transition from teaching to cooking
• Overcoming health challenges and personal obstacles
• Opening Indigenous Underground
• The whirlwind experience of becoming a SC Chef Ambassador
• How her nomination boosted business and opened new doors
• Building lasting friendships with fellow chef ambassadors

Get ready for some heartwarming moments as Erica shares how her new role has touched both her life and her customers'. You'll hear firsthand how she's adapted to sudden fame and embraced her expanded responsibilities.

We'll also explore Abbeville's tight-knit community that's been crucial to Erica's success. Learn about:

• Her favorite local hotspots
• Organizing a massive Thanksgiving meal for 500 residents
• Getting involved with the Chamber of Commerce
• How community support fuels her passion

Erica's journey proves that food is more than sustenance – it's a way to nourish the soul and bring people together. Whether you're a foodie, an aspiring chef, or simply love a good comeback story, this episode serves up inspiration by the plateful.

Tune in to hear how one woman's leap of faith led her to the forefront of South Carolina's food scene, and why following your passion can lead to the most unexpected and rewarding places.

Audio and Video: Melanie Lech Multimedia
Special Thanks to Old 96 District