Welcome to The No BS Travel Advisor®️ Podcast. I’m Marcie Muensterman, your no-filter, tell-it-like-it-is disrupted of the travel industry. Marcie is also a dedicated ORIGINAL course writer and coach/mentor for advisors struggling with burnout who need inspiration from someone who has been there, done that.
If you’re here, chances are you’re sick of the outdated hustle culture that’s been burning you out, the bullshit advice from “experts” or agency owners that doesn’t work, and the constant feeling of spinning your wheels with outdated 24/7 mindset.
A love letter to TAs from Marcie:
Friend, I’ve been there, and I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be this way.
I’ve spent 19+ years curating dream vacations for thousands of clients and I sell $1,000,000 every year in travel working less than 20 hours a week, setting boundaries, offering white-glove concierge care and building loyal relationships with my following. I have figured out how to make 6-figures working less than 20 hours a week.
But what really lights me up now? Helping travel advisors like you stop the bullshit, find your voice, and build a business that feels as good as it looks. This isn’t another fluff-filled podcast with tips you’ve heard a hundred times. F*ck no. Here, we get raw. We get real. We talk about the hard shit no one else wants to say out loud.
In every episode, I’ll bring you the real stories of your colleagues and my own journey, the strategies I have taught them, and straight-up truths you need to hear, whether it’s how to set boundaries, ditch toxic hosts, or finally charge what you’re worth. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and, if I do my job right, you’ll walk away ready to light your business on fire, in the best way possible, clapping from your car!
In each episode, you’ll have at least three takeaways that you can start RIGHT NOW without a dollar spent to make your business better by tomorrow! And, you’ll hear their UNPOPULAR opinions each week, because you konw my “bitter ass” likes to STIR THE FUCKING POT.
So, grab a coffee, a cocktail, or whatever keeps you going, and let’s get into it. This is The No BS Travel Advisor®️ Podcast—where we rewrite the rules, one badass travel advisor at a time.
Oh and follow me on IG for all the "bitter" pot stirring: https://www.instagram.com/nobstraveladvisormarcie?igsh=eGE4dWQ3ZHZpajBv&utm_source=qr
Or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nobstraveladvisormarcie?_r=1&_t=ZT-920CGA5VUIY
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In this re-drop episode of The No BS Travel Advisor Podcast, Marcie sits down with Asia Lantz, ASTA's 2025 Travel Advisor of the Year, to talk about something that far too many advisors overcomplicate:
Being yourself.
Before becoming an award-winning travel advisor, Asia worked in the beauty industry, trained through Liberty Travel, worked in GoGo Vacations' long-haul FIT department, and eventually built her own thriving business under Nexion.
What makes Asia's story so refreshing isn't just her success.
It's that she refuses to play a character to get it.
She's proof that you don't need to be pushy, fake, or constantly hustling to build a profitable travel business.
You just need to be yourself.
This conversation is packed with practical marketing advice, honest industry opinions, and reminders that some of the most effective business strategies cost absolutely nothing.
💥 In This Episode, We Get Into:
Asia's journey from the beauty industry to ASTA Travel Advisor of the Year
Why authenticity is the most underrated sales strategy
Building a thriving business without hustle culture
How Facebook groups became her most effective marketing tool
The importance of unplugging and protecting your personal time
Why advisors need to stop trying to sound like everyone else
Her honest thoughts on MLMs and their impact on the industry
Creating a business that aligns with your personality and lifestyle
Her top three free strategies every advisor can implement today
Why relationships still outperform gimmicks and trends
✨ Key Takeaways
Authenticity converts better than perfection
The best marketing often costs nothing
You do not need to work constantly to be successful
Facebook groups can become powerful community-building tools
Clients want to work with real people, not polished personas
Business growth gets easier when you stop pretending to be someone else
💬 Quotable Moments
“Being yourself is the best sales strategy.”
“You don't have to glorify hustle.”
“The best marketing tool I have is my Facebook group.”
“People buy from people they trust.”
“Stop trying to sound like everyone else.”
🎯 Who This Episode Is For
Advisors struggling with sales or self-promotion
Travel advisors tired of feeling "salesy" online
Entrepreneurs looking for marketing strategies that feel authentic
Advisors trying to grow through community-building
Anyone who feels like they're overcomplicating business growth
Travel advisors who want success without burnout
🔑 Keywords
Travel Advisor of the Year, ASTA, luxury travel advisor, Facebook group marketing, authenticity in business, travel advisor success, travel advisor sales tips, Nexion travel advisor, travel industry insights, entrepreneurship, community marketing, travel business growth, travel advisor coaching, social media marketing, travel advisor branding, luxury travel sales
Redrop: Melissa Esposito - Show Up Imperfectly Anyway
In this re-drop episode of The No BS Travel Advisor Podcast, Marcie sits down with Melissa Esposito, travel advisor, entrepreneur, mom, and one of the most authentic voices you'll hear in this industry.
This conversation isn't just about travel.
It's about reinvention.
Melissa shares her journey from hairstylist to travel advisor, the challenges of raising teenagers with ADHD, navigating personal health struggles, surviving the uncertainty of COVID, and learning how to show up authentically through every season of business and life.
If you've ever felt like you needed everything figured out before showing up online, serving clients, or growing your business, this episode will remind you that perfection is not the goal.
Connection is.
💥 In This Episode, We Get Into:
Melissa's transition from hairstylist to travel advisor
Parenting teenagers with ADHD while running a business
Why relationships matter more than transactions
How COVID reshaped her perspective on business and resilience
The role of mentorship and community in long-term success
Building a memorable brand that reflects your purpose
In this re-drop episode of The No BS Travel Advisor Podcast, Marcie sits down with Siobhan Reeser from Siren's Call Travel to talk about what it really looks like to build a travel business while juggling motherhood, marriage, burnout, ambition, and real life.
Before entering the travel industry, Siobhan worked as a paramedic, and after becoming a mom, she realized she wanted a life with more flexibility, freedom, and presence for her family.
What followed was not a perfectly polished entrepreneurial journey.
It was messy. Emotional. Honest. And incredibly relatable.
This conversation dives into balancing work and family life, setting boundaries, learning to say no, and why vulnerability in your business can become your greatest strength.
💥 In This Episode, We Get Into:
Siobhan’s transition from paramedic to travel advisor
The reality of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship
Why choosing the right host agency matters
Calendar control and managing a busy life intentionally
Building a niche in North American luxury travel
Using vulnerability and authenticity in marketing
The importance of mindset shifts in business growth
Redrop: Rachel McDowell - Redefining what true success feels like
In this re-drop episode of The No BS Travel Advisor Podcast, Marcie sits down with Rachel McDowell, founder of The Unfiltered Traveler, a retired Army veteran, mom of twins, and travel advisor building her business around freedom rather than burnout.
After spending 24 years in the military, Rachel entered the travel industry with structure, discipline, and a completely different perspective on success.
And somewhere between leading women’s adventure trips, selling out a Machu Picchu group, running a business alongside her husband, and planning a move to Portugal… she realized something a lot of advisors eventually learn the hard way:
Success that destroys your personal life isn’t success.
This episode is an honest conversation about boundaries, balance, lifestyle design, and building a business that actually supports the life you want to live.
💥 In This Episode, We Get Into:
Transitioning from the military into the travel industry
Balancing motherhood, marriage, and entrepreneurship
Finding freedom through niche specialization
Planning and selling women’s adventure travel
Behind the scenes of Rachel’s sold-out Machu Picchu group trip
Redrop: Ciarra St. Arnold - Your business should not drain the life out of you
In this re-drop episode of The No BS Travel Advisor Podcast, Marcie sits down with Ciarra St. Arnold from Hidden Gems Travel and Excursions to talk about something a LOT of travel advisors quietly struggle with:
Burnout.
And not years into the business either but early on.
Ciarra shares what it looked like navigating the pressure of trying to do everything, be available all the time, and build a business before realizing:
“This business does not have to suck the life out of us.”
From finding her niche and growing on TikTok to setting boundaries and learning how to communicate authentically with clients, this conversation is packed with reminders for advisors who want success without building a business they resent.
💥 In This Episode, We Get Into:
How Ciarra unexpectedly got started in the travel industry ● Burnout in the early stages of building a business ● Why finding a niche changes everything ● Using TikTok to attract and connect with clients ● Setting client expectations to protect your energy ● Charging fees to filter serious inquiries ● Calendar control and creating healthier work-life balance ● Why authenticity matters more than sounding “professional” ● Learning that not every client is the right fit
Redrop: April Peter - Stop building your business like you’re on call 24/7
In this re-drop episode of The No BS Travel Advisor Podcast, Marcie sits down with April Peter, founder of The Vacay Way LLC, who built a $600K+ travel business in under 15 months… while simultaneously working full-time as an RN, homeschooling her daughter, caring for her mom, and managing ADHD and anxiety.
And no, she didn’t do it by working 24/7.
April shares what it actually looked like to move from imposter syndrome into CEO mode — including the mindset shifts, systems, boundaries, and marketing strategies that completely changed her business.
From charging fees and controlling her calendar to using TikTok as a luxury lead machine, this conversation is packed with practical reminders for advisors who are tired of hustle culture but still want serious growth.
💥 In This Episode, We Get Into:
How April grew to $600K+ in sales in under 15 months ● Why her first luxury honeymoon booking changed everything ● The systems and boundaries that helped her manage multiple full-time roles ● How TikTok became her #1 luxury client magnet ● Why charging fees changes the client relationship ● Learning to stop being available 24/7 ● Building a business that supports your life instead of consuming it
Redrop: NATASHA - From Nurse to Travel Advisor (and what she learned the hard way)
In this episode of the No BS Travel Advisor podcast, Marcie Muensterman sits down with Natasha, the owner of Serenity Sand and Seas Travel, to talk about what it actually looks like to transition into the travel industry, without the bullshit.
Natasha shares her journey from nursing to travel advising and how she built her business through relationships, intentional changes, and learning to trust herself along the way.
But this isn’t just a “success story.”
It’s a conversation about grief, growth, and the moments where you either stay stuck… or finally decide to do something different.
✈️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
What it really looks like to transition careers into travel advising
Why relationship-building still drives the most growth in this industry
The small shifts that can drastically improve your client experience (hint: Zoom calls matter more than you think)
How personal challenges and grief can impact your business, and how to keep moving forward
Why niche specialization is key if you want to stand out
How to confidently say no to the wrong clients
When it’s time to hire support and stop doing everything yourself
🔥 Real Talk Moments:
“I see you everywhere!”
“You just have to do it.”
“It’s okay to say no.”
🧠 Why This Episode Matters:
If you’ve been feeling stuck… overwhelmed… or like you know what you need to do but just haven’t done it yet, this episode is your reminder:
Redrop: Megan Medlin - You don’t need to sell millions to be successful
In this re-drop episode of The No BS Travel Advisor Podcast, Marcie sits down with Megan Whitley Medlin, founder of Guide Girl Travel Co., mom of four, Airbnb host, and group trip leader who’s doing business her way.
Megan didn’t build her travel business overnight. She built it slowly, intentionally, and around her life, not the other way around.
From signing her very first group contract (with a very real fear she might end up alone in Montana 😅) to leading 11 women through national parks and witnessing unforgettable wildlife moments, Megan shares what it actually looks like to grow a sustainable, profitable business without burning out.
💥 In This Episode, We Get Into:
Why you don’t need a million-dollar sales badge to be successful
The power of calendar control (and why it changes everything)
Saying “no” as a legitimate business strategy
How niching down attracts better, easier clients
Why using DMCs can simplify your workflow and increase your income
What it really feels like to lead your first group trip
✨ Key Takeaways
Success ≠ overworking yourself
Slow growth is still growth (and often better growth)
Boundaries are not optional if you want longevity
You get to decide how your business operates
💬 Quotable Moments
“Say no, and say it often.”
🎯 Who This Episode Is For
🔑 Keywords
Redrop: Renee - Confidence doesn't come first, clarity does!
In this redrop episode of The No BS Travel Advisor Podcast, Marcie sits down with Renee, a military spouse, travel advisor, and someone who knows what it means to build a business in the middle of constant change.
From navigating hurricanes to moving across countries, Renee shares how resilience and adaptability shaped not only her life, but the way she runs her travel business today.
What started as a love for planning and research turned into a business built on strong client relationships, clear communication, and systems that actually support her life (not overwhelm it).
💥 In This Episode, We Get Into:
What military life teaches you about flexibility and resilience
The real learning curve of becoming a travel advisor
Why clear communication is everything in client relationships
How creating simple processes reduces stress, for you and your clients
The role of community (and why doing this alone is harder than it needs to be)
Balancing family life while treating your business like a real business
✨ Key Takeaways
Alleviating client stress is one of your most valuable skills
Confidence comes from clarity, not just experience
Structured workflows make selling (and servicing) easier
Strong relationships lead to repeat clients and referrals
You don’t have to choose between family life and business growth
💬 Quotable Moments
🎯 Who This Episode Is For
🔑 Keywords
Redrop: Carrie - From Doing It All to Saying HELL NO
While I’m taking a little break from recording new podcast episodes, I wanted to bring back a conversation that’s absolutely worth another listen.
In this episode, I sit down with Carrie Blackwell, a full-time nurse turned travel advisor who built her business while juggling a demanding career in healthcare.
Carrie didn’t grow up traveling the world. In fact, travel wasn’t really part of her life until later on. But once she started exploring more of the U.S. with her husband, everything changed, and eventually led her to build her own travel business.
Her journey is proof that you don’t need decades of travel experience to get started. What you do need is curiosity, confidence, and the willingness to figure things out as you go.
Inside this episode we talk about:
How Carrie went from limited travel experience to becoming a travel advisor
Balancing a full-time nursing career while building a travel business
The mistakes she made with her first host agency and why support and training matter
How traveling more opened her eyes to the world beyond what she grew up with
Working through imposter syndrome and building confidence as an advisor
Why finding your niche makes your business easier and more enjoyable
The power of in this industry
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Embracing change, growth, and imperfection along the way
✨ Key Takeaways
Relationships are the foundation of a sustainable business
Authenticity builds deeper trust than perfection ever will
Community and mentorship accelerate growth
Resilience is often built during the hardest seasons
Clear branding helps attract the right clients
Charging fees creates stronger client commitment and respect
💬 Quotable Moments
“I need to start a new thing.”
“Show up imperfectly.”
“Clarity is kindness.”
“Relationships matter more than transactions.”
“Community changes everything.”
🎯 Who This Episode Is For
Travel advisors navigating change or reinvention
Parents balancing family responsibilities and business growth
Advisors struggling with perfectionism or imposter syndrome
Entrepreneurs seeking authentic ways to market themselves
Travel advisors looking to strengthen their brand and client relationships
Anyone who needs a reminder that growth doesn't require perfection
🔑 Keywords
Travel advisor podcast, entrepreneurship, ADHD parenting, travel business growth, authenticity in business, branding for travel advisors, client relationships, mentorship, community building, travel advisor success, resilience, social media marketing, personal growth, destination weddings, business coaching, work-life balance, travel industry insights
Setting boundaries with difficult clients
Why community support matters so much for women in business
Learning that “no” is sometimes the healthiest answer
✨ Key Takeaways
You do not have to sacrifice your entire life to build a successful business
Boundaries protect both your business and your peace
Community over competition leads to healthier growth
Mindset shifts are necessary for long-term success
Saying no is a business skill, not a personality flaw
💬 Quotable Moments
“If it’s not a hell yes, then it’s a fuck no.”
“It’s okay to fire a client.”
“You can say no to an asshole client.”
“There is no such thing as scarcity.”
“Stop selling from your own wallet.”
“Money isn’t moral; it just is.”
“It’s okay to have really shit travel days.”
🎯 Who This Episode Is For
Moms balancing family life and entrepreneurship
Travel advisors struggling with boundaries
Advisors dealing with burnout or overwhelm
Entrepreneurs learning to stop people-pleasing
Advisors wanting more authentic marketing strategies
Anyone trying to build a business without losing themselves in the process
🔑 Keywords
Travel advisor success, work-life balance for travel advisors, North America luxury travel, women in business, motherhood and entrepreneurship, client boundaries, mindset shifts, burnout recovery, authenticity in marketing, calendar control, travel advisor coaching, travel business growth, community over competition, luxury travel advisor, travel industry insights, women entrepreneurs
Creating connection and community through travel
Working with your spouse inside your business
Why mindset shifts improve client relationships
The decision to move to Portugal for a slower, more intentional life
Why not every booking has to maximize profit to have value
✨ Key Takeaways
Success should feel good, not just look impressive
Community creates stronger client loyalty
Boundaries improve both business and relationships
Niching down can reignite passion and profitability
Lifestyle design matters just as much as sales numbers
Sometimes the most meaningful bookings are not the most profitable ones
💬 Quotable Moments
“Military taught me structure. Motherhood taught me flexibility. Travel gave me freedom.”
“Success should support your real life.”
“Not every booking has to maximize profit.”
“Community matters more than commission sometimes.”
“You can build a business around the life you actually want.”
🎯 Who This Episode Is For
Advisors trying to balance family life and business growth
Travel advisors craving more freedom and less chaos
Entrepreneurs interested in women’s group travel
Advisors struggling with boundaries or burnout
Anyone rethinking what “success” actually means
Travel advisors wanting to build a lifestyle-first business
🔑 Keywords
Travel advisor podcast, women’s adventure travel, military veteran entrepreneur, Machu Picchu group travel, work-life balance, travel advisor success, motherhood and entrepreneurship, Portugal lifestyle, family business, travel coaching, client engagement, group travel planning, lifestyle freedom, travel advisor mindset, niche travel marketing, women travelers, entrepreneurship in travel
✨ Key Takeaways
You do not have to work 24/7 to be successful ● Boundaries are necessary, not optional ● Niching down helps attract better-fit clients ● Authenticity builds stronger client relationships ● Burnout often comes from lack of systems and expectations ● It’s okay to refer clients elsewhere when they aren’t aligned
💬 Quotable Moments
“This business does not have to suck the life out of us.” ● “You do not have to work 24/7 to have success.” ● “Just be yourself.” ● “Calendar control is such an easy change.” ● “I can happily refer you to someone else.” ● “I just want to enjoy my free time.”
🎯 Who This Episode Is For
Travel advisors feeling overwhelmed or burned out ● Newer advisors trying to find their footing ● Advisors struggling with boundaries and client expectations ● Entrepreneurs trying to balance business with real life ● Advisors wanting to grow without becoming workaholics ● Anyone trying to figure out their niche in the industry
🔑 Keywords
Travel advisor burnout, travel industry insights, TikTok for travel advisors, finding your travel niche, work-life balance for entrepreneurs, travel advisor success, client boundaries, calendar control, travel business strategies, social media marketing for travel advisors, growing a travel business, authentic marketing, attracting ideal clients, travel advisor coaching, avoiding burnout in entrepreneurship
✨ Key Takeaways
Hustling harder is not the answer. ● Boundaries create better businesses. ● Charging fees helps position you as the expert. ● You do not need to be available at all hours to be successful. ● Confidence comes from implementation, not perfection.
💬 Quotable Moments
“You can design a business that works for your life.” ● “Charge the fee.” ● “Control your calendar.” ● “You don’t have to be available 24/7.” ● “You just have to start acting like the CEO.”
🎯 Who This Episode Is For
Advisors balancing business with real life responsibilities ● Travel advisors stuck in hustle-mode ● Entrepreneurs managing burnout, ADHD, or overwhelm ● Advisors wanting better boundaries and better clients ● Anyone ready to stop treating their business like a side hobby
🔑 Keywords
Travel advisor podcast, luxury travel advisor, TikTok marketing for travel advisors, charging planning fees, travel business boundaries, ADHD entrepreneur, nurse to travel advisor, luxury travel marketing, travel advisor systems, work-life balance, travel advisor success, calendar control, scaling a travel business, imposter syndrome, CEO mindset
You don’t need more information. You need implementation.
Natasha didn’t grow her business by doing more, she grew by doing things differently.
“You don’t have to sell millions to be successful.”
“Two words: calendar control.”
“Travel advisors don’t get raises. We give them to ourselves.”
“You can’t do it like everyone else. You have to do it your way.”
“Moose will attack you. Please don’t try to pet them.”
Travel advisors balancing business and real life
Moms building a business in the margins of their day
Advisors tired of hustle culture
Anyone who wants more profit without more burnout
Travel advisor podcast, group trips, Montana travel, national parks, DMCs, niche travel, calendar control, slow business growth, work-life balance, travel advisor success, escorted trips, entrepreneurship, Guide Girl Travel Co
“Alleviating client stress is key.”
“Balancing family and work takes clarity and intention.”
“Collaboration over competition is how we all win.”
Travel advisors juggling life, family, and business
Advisors who feel overwhelmed or unclear in their process
Anyone struggling with confidence in sales or client communication
Advisors craving community and support in the industry
Travel advisor podcast, client relationships, travel business systems, communication, luxury travel, travel advisor success, military spouse business, work-life balance, travel industry coaching, niche travel, client experience
networking, referrals, and relationship-building
Why Carrie believes in ditching the intake form and having real conversations with clients
The importance of being transparent with clients about availability and expectations
Why travel advisors are more needed than ever, even with online booking tools and AI
Carrie also shares what it looks like to build a business around the parts of travel you actually enjoy, and why you don’t have to take every client or every trip that comes your way.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can build a travel business while still working another job, or if you’ve struggled with confidence as a newer advisor, this episode is a great one to revisit.
