Round Trip With Colleen Kelly

We Interrupt This Program - Stage Comedy & Multimedia Event, Virginia Theatre in Champaign, IL - October 16 & 17, 2026Guests:- Bill Odenkirk - Show Writer + Executive Producer, Emmy Award-winning writer (The Simpsons/Futurama)- Sarah Edwards, Tell Host + Executive Producer, Mid-America Emmy-winning Illinois Public Media TV Host (Prairie Fire)An alien landing in an Illinois cornfield is funny until you realize how quickly it turns into the biggest question humans can ask. We sit down with Emmy Award-winning writer Bill Odenkirk and Illinois Public Media host Sarah Edwards to talk about We Interrupt This Program, a live, two-part theatrical event coming to the Virginia Theatre in Champaign, Illinois, on October 16th and 17th.First, we get the story behind the play: a small-town radio station tries to report on a world-changing arrival, channeling the spirit of War of the Worlds while pushing it into modern comedy. Bill shares how the project grew from a simple stage reading into a full production with a powerhouse cast that includes Bob Odenkirk and Jill Talley, plus a technical approach that expands what live theater can do. The rear projection setup brings film-like visuals into a real-time performance, creating an experience that feels part play and part immersive event.Then we shift into the second half of the night: a moderated conversation about UAPs, government-released footage, and what “proof” would even look like. Sarah explains how the panel balances skepticism and wonder, featuring Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb and artist and Afro-futurist Ahmed Best to explore both the science and the cultural fallout of discovery. We also dig into the Great Filter theory and why the lack of clear answers might be the point, at least for now.If you love travel, arts and culture, live theater, or the UFO vs UAP debate, this one is for you. Subscribe, share this with a friend who argues about aliens at dinner, and leave a review to help more listeners find Round Trip with Colleen Kelly.For more information:weinterruptthisprogram.com | [email protected] us & Subscribe!FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkellyGET IN TOUCH!► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com► Email: [email protected]#roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #illinois #illinoistravel #champaignil #aliens #midwesttravel #alieninvasion #rurallife #odenkirk #comedy #theater #stageplays #waroftheworlds #radioshow #localtheatre #otherworldly #weinterruptthisprogram

Guest: Jessica Mlinaric, Author of Secret Illinois: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and ObscureA fire-breathing dragon you trigger with a token. A cemetery sitting quietly inside the sprawl of O’Hare. A real Viking ship that crossed the ocean and somehow ended up in Illinois. If any of that made you stop scrolling, you’re our kind of traveler and you’re going to love this ride through the state’s most unexpected corners.We’re joined by author Jessica Mlinaric to talk about her book Secret Illinois and the 6,000 mile road trip it took to make it real. We dig into how she chooses a “secret” worth sharing, the joy of finding a backstory that changes how you see a place, and why the best travel moments still come from talking to the people who live there. Along the way, we hit Illinois hidden gems you can actually visit, including a haunted-themed mini golf course in a funeral home, Opera in Focus puppet performances, Bishop Hill’s Swedish roots, and a Frank Lloyd Wright home in Rockford designed with accessibility in mind.We also lean into pure roadside wonder, from Route 66 Illinois favorites like the American Giants Museum’s muffler men to Casey’s Guinness World Record “world’s largest” attractions. Then we zoom out to the deeper history many people skip, from Cahokia Mounds to stories tucked into tiny towns that deserve a detour. If you’re planning an Illinois road trip, looking for Chicago day trips, or just craving fresh travel inspiration, you’ll leave with a long list of stops and a bigger sense of what’s possible close to home.Subscribe so you don’t miss the next adventure, share this with a friend who loves a good detour, and leave a review to help more travelers find the show.Chapter Markers0:00 Welcome, Kitten, And A Tease3:57 Route 66 Giants And Record Town8:10 Viking Ship And Airport Cemetery15:34 Prohibition Clues And Prairie Oddities23:20 What Makes A Place A Secret26:33 Rapid Fire Illinois Favorites31:07 Where To Get The BookVideos and images courtesy of Jessica MlinaricFor more information:secretillinois.com@urbnexplorerFollow us & Subscribe!FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkellyGET IN TOUCH!► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com► Email: [email protected]#roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #illinois #illinoistravel #secret #roadtrip #midwesttravel #roadside #southernillinois #rurallife #author #travelwriter #historicalfacts #illinoishistory #guidebook #chicago

Madison, Wisconsin looks like a postcard, but what surprised me most is how much you can actually do without trying too hard. I’m joined by Ellie Westman Chin, CEO of Destination Madison, to share the kind of inside guidance that turns a “maybe someday” city into a locked-in weekend plan. If you’re searching for things to do in Madison Wisconsin, a walkable Midwest getaway, or a lake vacation with great food, this conversation is your shortcut.We dig into summer staples that locals genuinely love, including free outdoor concerts on Capitol Square, the Dane County Farmers’ Market circling the Capitol, and why Madison earns its reputation as a platinum-rated bike city. Ellie explains how the city’s unique geography on an isthmus creates constant lake access, from skyline-view paddles on Lake Mendota to easy walks that hop from Lake Monona to downtown in minutes. We also talk about the restaurant scene, from brats and cheese curds to upscale supper clubs and an impressive roster of James Beard recognized talent.Madison is not only a warm-weather trip. We cover annual festivals like the National Mustard Festival, Pride celebrations that stretch through August, and winter travel highlights when the lakes freeze for the Frozen Assets Festival with skating, hockey, ice fishing, kite flying, and even ice sailing. Plus: museums, campus energy, Union Terrace sunsets, and a nightlife scene that includes vinyl listening bars and standout breweries.Subscribe for more travel stories and smart trip planning, share this with your favorite travel buddy, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.Chapter Markers0:00 Why Madison Makes A Great Getaway1:10 Music Nights On Capitol Square2:25 Bike Trails And The Free Arboretum3:35 Walking Madison And The Farmers Market5:00 From Comfort Food To Fine Dining6:40 Life On The Isthmus And Lakes8:25 Capitol Stops Campus Fun And Museums11:05 Summer Festivals Mustard And Pride12:55 Winter On Frozen Lakes And Holidays15:10 Adult Book Fair For Readers16:20 Nightlife Vinyl Bars And Breweries17:20 Where To Get Info And WrapGuest: Ellie Westman Chin - President & CEO of Destination MadisonVideos courtesy of and episode in collaboration with Destination MadisonFor more information:visitmadison.com @destinationmadison#destinationmadison #madisonwiFollow us & Subscribe!FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkellyGET IN TOUCH!► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com► Email: [email protected]#roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #madison #madisonwisconsin #wisconsintravel #capitolbuilding #farmersmarket #biking #citylife #midwesttravel #harrystyles #wisconsinlife #fourseasons

Guest: Megan Kudla, Producer & Travel WriterPortugal has a way of feeling both easy and full of discovery, and Porto is a perfect example. In this travel conversation, we map out why Porto belongs on any Portugal itinerary, especially if you want a city that feels lively without feeling overwhelming. Porto sits in northern Portugal along the Douro River, with hills, cobblestone lanes, staircases, and viewpoints called miradouros that reward anyone willing to walk. The Ribeira riverfront is the classic place to linger with a drink at sunset, while Vila Nova de Gaia across the water is where many of the famous port wine cellars age their bottles. If you’re building a Porto travel guide for yourself, start with the river, plan for slow wandering, and treat the views as part of the experience, not a quick photo stop.Where you stay can shape the whole trip, and Porto has options that range from budget-friendly to full-on luxury. One memorable choice is São Bento train station, famous for its blue-and-white azulejo tiles, and yes, you can even find lodging tied to the station experience. It’s a reminder that in Portugal the logistics can be beautiful too, especially if you travel by rail. Porto is also a strong base for exploring the Douro Valley wine region, the birthplace of port wine and a top destination for vineyard tours and tastings. Staying in the valley lets you wake up surrounded by terraced hillsides, vineyards, and the winding river that defines the landscape. For travelers who want a “city plus countryside” plan, Porto makes the transition simple.For a standout Douro Valley stay, Octant Douro is designed to mirror the vineyard terraces as it cascades down the hillside, blending into the scenery while still feeling modern and calm. Inside, the style leans minimal so the view can be the star: floor-to-ceiling windows, bright rooms, and a sense of quiet that makes it easy to actually rest. The property offers multiple room types, from terraces and balconies to private pools, plus shared pools including adults-only space. There’s also a spa with a heated indoor pool, sauna, and gym, which matters if you’re planning a wellness-forward Portugal trip or a celebratory escape like a honeymoon or friends getaway. Add in pet-friendly and kid-friendly policies and it becomes a flexible luxury hotel in Portugal that works for different travel styles.Food and culture round out the best Portugal travel tips. In the Douro, the experience pairs naturally with local wine, including creative port wine cocktails and a more ambitious tasting menu at RAIVA, noted as Michelin Guide featured, where the meal becomes a kind of storytelling. Beyond the plate, the region invites you onto the water: a small-group Douro River tour on a refurbished Rebello boat connects you to the history of transporting port barrels back to Porto. Back in the city, many cellar tours weave in Fado, Portugal’s soulful music tradition. For practical planning, English works well in Lisbon and Porto, but learning a simple “Obrigado” goes a long way. Take the Lisbon to Porto train if it fits your route, pack supportive walking shoes, and show up hungry: pastel de nata, bacalhau (cod), and the Porto classic Francesinha should all be on your list. Finally, ask locals for recommendations because the best meals are often down the side streets Google won’t highlight.Chapters0:00. Welcome And Guest Introduction1:00 Porto And The Douro In Context5:00 Porto Stays And Iconic Tile Stations6:15 Octant Douro Rooms, Pools, And Spa12:20 Food With Port Cocktails And Michelin15:10 Douro Adventures On Boats And Fado21:10 Travel Logistics And Must-Eat Tips29:45 Resources, Social Links, And FarewellPhoto credits: Megan KudlaFor more information:douro.octanthotels.com/[email protected] | @[email protected] us & Subscribe!FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkellyGET IN TOUCH!► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com► Email: [email protected]#roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #octantdouro #octanthotel #luxuryhotel #dourovalley #douroriver #portugal #portugaltravel #porto #portwine #vineyard #michelin #luxurytravels

Guest: Alexa Lazerow, Head of Public Relations, Scenic Group (Scenic Cruises, Emerald Cruises)A cruise can be flashy, crowded, and overwhelming or it can feel like you’ve checked into a calm, floating boutique hotel that just happens to move you to a new destination every day. That’s the lane we’re exploring with Alexa Lazerow, Head of Public Relations for Scenic Group, the parent company behind Scenic Cruises and Emerald Cruises.We get clear on what people mix up all the time: both Scenic and Emerald offer luxury river cruises and luxury yacht-style cruising, but they’re not identical. We talk about the small differences that shape the whole experience, from Emerald’s more active excursion options to Scenic’s headline-grabbing discovery yacht concept. Alexa paints the picture of super yacht life, including the marina platform at the back of the ship and the onboard water toys, and why small-ship capacity changes everything for solo travel, meeting people, and genuinely getting to know the crew.Then we go deeper into the behind-the-scenes details that make luxury feel effortless. Scenic Group designs and builds its ships in-house, and their teams are full-time employees, which helps create consistent service. We also get practical about what first-time cruisers care about most: cabin space, storage, laundry options, and how “unpack once” can transform the way you see Europe. Finally, we dig into what’s hot right now, from Christmas market cruises and Mediterranean sailings to new growth areas like Portugal’s Douro, India, and the Seychelles and we don’t skip the bucket-list dream of Antarctica aboard Scenic Eclipse with an expedition team onboard.If you’re planning a river cruise, a luxury yacht cruise, or an expedition cruise and want to book smarter, listen through, then subscribe, share this with a travel buddy, and leave a review with the destination you’re chasing next.Chapters:0:19 Welcome To Scenic And Emerald2:50 River Cruises Vs Super Yachts8:39 Why In-House Shipbuilding Matters10:26 Small-Ship Capacity And Solo Travel11:40 Cabins Storage Laundry And Ease15:03 Where Cruisers Are Going Next16:59 Antarctica On A Luxury Discovery Yacht18:54 First-Timer Tips Service And Booking DealsVideos courtesy of and episode in collaboration with Scenic Group.For more information:[email protected] | #[email protected] | #EmeraldCruisesFollow us & Subscribe!FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkellyGET IN TOUCH!► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com► Email: [email protected]#roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #cruiseship #cruising #scenic #sceniccruise #emeraldcruise #yacht #rivercruise #marina #yachtlifestyle #multigenerational #excursions