World Footprints LLC

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World Footprints is a heart-centered Social Impact travel media company where travelers of conscience and culture can come for information, education and inspiration in the travel space.

From its inception in 2007, World Footprints has revealed untold narratives and has explored places that push beyond our comfort zones by opening a window to the world through powerful written and audio storytelling. It is through these stories that World Footprints helps people overcome their fears about traveling the world.

World Footprints was founded by Tonya & Ian Fitzpatrick, two media-savvy lawyers who have merged their passion for meaningful travel and their support for social justice. The multi award-winning World Footprints podcast is the cornerstone of the socially conscious company.

World Footprints continues to evolve but it is unique in its consistent illumination of our common humanity. The steadfast belief in our shared humanity is expressed in the foundational principle of Ubuntu, a Zulu word that translates “I am because we are” and also the Hindu phrase Tat tvam asi – “I see the other in myself and myself in others”. The philosophy of unity guides the impactful stories that are found throughout the World Footprints multimedia platform including the website, podcast and YouTube channel. 

World Footprints offers a space for all voices to be heard and for fuller narratives to be shared even if they are uncomfortable because of the value those stories offer for growth and cross-cultural understanding.

In addition to the philosophical mission there are two prevailing messages that are amplified through World Footprints: the importance of ground-truthing–(finding your own truth about people and places in order to debunk misinformed opinions) and the transformative power of travel. 

Throughout its history, World Footprints has partnered with a number of non-profit and advocacy groups like the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking.  It has also welcomed world figures, thought leaders and celebrities, such as Maya Angelou, Jack Hanna, Bobby Kennedy, Jr., Ken Burns, chef Cat Cora and others to share unique insights on places and people.

Travel, culture, history and social impact are foundational to World Footprints.

Series

Caption: Slave Memorial on Martinique, Credit: Tonya Fitzpatrick
4 Pieces

World Footprints shines a light on black history with unique stories from America and beyond.

Caption: Anietra and Ian attempting to leave India without being noticed, Credit: Anietra Hamper
3 Pieces

What was meant to be a four-week writing assignment to Nepal and India for veteran journalist Anietra Hamper, turned out to be an absolute nightmare for her and her traveling companion, Ian Henderson.

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2 Pieces

In episode one of a two-part series Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick of World Footprints walk through the grounds of God's Little Acre--the largest and oldest colonial African burial ground in the U.S.

Caption: NATJA logo, Credit: NATJA
2 Pieces

In this first episode we profile Helen Hernandez, CEO of the North American Travel Journalist Association. We explore her humble beginnings to her rise in the travel industry with a detour through Hollywood.

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26 Pieces

World travel news from the topical to the quirky is provided in a polished format in 3 minutes.


Pieces

Caption: Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC
Join us as we walk in the footsteps of America’s rich history and discover some places that bring history alive.

  • Added: Feb 28, 2020
  • Length: 31:17
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World Footprints will uncover the stories behind the story of the Green Book and we’ll explore Rochester, New York’s rich African-American heritage .

  • Added: Feb 20, 2020
  • Length: 37:09
Caption: Jackie Robinson, Credit: Janeb13 courtesy of Pixabay
Explore the richness and depth of Kansas City’s black history from sports and jazz to food and social advancement on World Footprints with Ian and ...

  • Added: Feb 09, 2020
  • Length: 42:34
Caption: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Hear from a resident of Puerto Rico and a frequent traveler to Puerto Rico and Cuba about traveling to and life on the islands. Today, on World Foo...

  • Added: Jan 30, 2020
  • Length: 29:55
Caption: Northern Lights
Learn more about two of this year’s top travel trends: Nakations or nude recreation and space tourism..on World Footprints with Ian and Tonya Fitz...

  • Added: Jan 17, 2020
  • Length: 29:55
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Before you plan to live or study aboard hear from these experts first about considerations, dos and don’ts prior to embarking on life as an expat o...

  • Added: Jan 12, 2020
  • Length: 29:55
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Join World Footprints for thought-provoking conversations that examine voluntourism and the impact that conservation practices and tourism have on ...

  • Added: Jan 03, 2020
  • Length: 29:55
Caption: Sun Voyager sculpture in Reykjavik., Credit: Tonya Fitzpatrick
Join us as we circumnavigate Iceland in search of folklore, beautiful landscape and thermal baths ...on World Footprints with Ian and Tonya Fitzpat...

  • Added: Dec 17, 2019
  • Length: 44:24
Caption: Notre Dame de Dinant
Join World Footprints for our conversation with New York Times bestselling author Patricia Schultz and Avalon Travel’s Grace Fujimoto about their n...

  • Added: Dec 05, 2019
  • Length: 29:55
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World Footprints chats with two extraordinary artists, actor/singer John Schneider and pianist Kendol Bacchus, who share their life journeys and fa...

  • Added: Nov 28, 2019
  • Length: 29:55