This week on the Travel with Rick Steves radio show: Find out why Germany's "second city," Hamburg, is a first-choice getaway for many of the country's residents. Then get the inside scoop on Rick's "Art of Europe" TV miniseries as he and longtime collaborator Gene Openshaw delve into the making of this look at the great works of the Western world. And hear from New York Times sports journalist John Branch what draws extreme athletes toward the adrenaline rush of the most dangerous games. Find y

I recently met up with my friend Samantha Brown in New York City, and we took a moment in Central Park to share why we love public broadcasting — and why both PBS and NPR are so important. Every time I connect with Sam (of “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love”), I’m reminded of how her love of travel is such an inspiration and how thankful I am that we both host shows on public television that inspire our fellow Americans to reach out and connect with our world and celebrate it in all its diversity,