Table & Compass
Pull up a chair for global conversations that shape a better world. Big Blend Radio's "Table & Compass" Podcast with Lisa D. Smith, Joelle Machia, and Ryan Slough explores the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals through real stories and real solutions. New episodes every first Monday.
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20 minutes ago
20 minutes ago
Welcome to the inaugural episode of Big Blend Radio's "Table & Compass" Podcast with hosts Lisa D. Smith, Joelle Machia, and Ryan Slough.
Pull up a chair for global conversations that shape a better world as we explore how travel, community, culture, and collaboration connect to the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In this debut episode, the hosts are joined by Carlisle Richardson, an international relations expert whose career has included serving as Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations and as a United Nations Economic Affairs Officer. Carlisle played a key role in negotiations that helped establish the landmark Sustainable Development Goals and contributed to preparations for the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Together they discuss:- Why the Sustainable Development Goals matter to everyone- - How travel builds understanding across cultures- The importance of protecting heritage sites and cultural identity- Sustainable tourism and water conservation- Community-led solutions that create global impact- Inspiring children and future generations to become changemakers- The role of storytelling in preserving culture and encouraging sustainability- Why every individual can help build a more resilient future
Whether you're passionate about travel, conservation, education, culture, or simply making your community stronger, this conversation offers practical inspiration and a hopeful perspective on creating positive change—one story and one connection at a time.
Carlisle's Books📚 The Soft Underbelly — https://www.amazon.com/Soft-Underbelly-Carlisle-Richardson-ebook/dp/B0H2FLMPN8/ 📚 Rose Grows Veggies — https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Grows-Veggies-Carlisle-Richardson/dp/1068739991 📚 Island Journeys: The Impact of the Island Way of Life at Home and Abroad — https://www.amazon.com/Island-Journeys-Impact-Life-Abroad/dp/1599326124
Resources & Links➡️ Wanderers Compass: https://www.wandererscompass.com/ ➡️ Big Blend Media House: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ ➡️ The Steppes of Henry Foundation: https://theglobalhenry.org/ ➡️ UN Sustainable Development Goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals
New episodes of Table & Compass air every first Monday on Big Blend Radio: https://table-and-compass.podbean.com/
13 hours ago
13 hours ago
In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Wanderers Compass" Travel Podcast, Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, founders of the Wanderers Compass Travel Blog, explore the global importance of sustainable tourism and the growing call for responsible travel. This is the episode that inspired the new podcast Table & Compass. It originally aired in Nov. 2025.
They discuss their recent experiences at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, where Joelle spoke on sustainable tourism. The role of water, equality, and cultural preservation were central themes, reflecting on how tourism impacts local communities—from small towns to major cruise destinations. The conversation highlights the importance of engaging local voices (especially women), protecting biodiversity, and preserving authenticity in travel experiences.
Through inspiring stories and examples of successful sustainable practices around the world, this episode reminds travelers that small, mindful actions can make a big difference in creating a more responsible, connected world.
📰 Read their article “Sustainable Tourism at the UN”: https://www.wandererscompass.com/sustainable-tourism-at-the-un/
🌐 Learn more and Wanderers Compass: https://www.wandererscompass.com/
📅 New episodes of Wanderers Compass air every second Monday on Big Blend Radio. Subscribe and listen to more episode: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/ Table & Compass airs every 1st Monday: https://table-and-compass.podbean.com/
TABLE & COMPASS
Hosted by Lisa D. Smith of Big Blend Radio and Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough of Wanderers Compass.
Joelle and Ryan are digital content creators, freelance travel writers, photographers, and founders of Wanderers Compass Travel Blog. Rooted in immersive travel — where history, culture, and adventure intertwine — they inspire others to explore with purpose and curiosity. Ryan is a US Army veteran and Joelle also serves as a United Nations Representative to ECOSOC and has spoken at the UN General Assembly on sustainable tourism. Follow their adventures at https://www.wandererscompass.com/
Along with her mom and co-owner Nancy J. Reid, Lisa D. Smith is co-owner, producer, and host of Big Blend Radio and co-publisher of Big Blend Magazines. With a background in conservation and media spanning Kenya, South Africa, England, and Mexico, Lisa and Nancy have spent decades telling stories that matter. Today they travel full time across America — documenting national parks, public lands, and communities — and pet sit along the way, because caring for animals and people is part of the journey. Follow Big Blend at https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/
Learn more about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at https://sdgs.un.org/goals