Explore every episode of the podcast The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of Sustainable Travel
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolivia, Cambodia, and Oklahoma: Dr. Bobbie Chew Bigby on Tourism and Environmental Justice | 31 Aug 2024 | 01:25:00 | |
In this episode of The RISE Traveler Podcast, Dr. Bobbie Chew Bigby, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Waterloo, Canada, shares her insights into the intersection of tourism, Indigenous communities, and climate justice. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Mega Events and Their Hidden Costs: A Conversation with Christopher Gaffney | 30 Jul 2024 | 00:53:14 | |
Professor Christopher Gaffney teaches at the Tisch Center for Hospitality at New York University. Just in time for the Olympics, RISE’s Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Vincie Ho, sits down with Chris to discuss his work examining the impacts of mega events throughout the world. In this interview, Chris explores the reasons behind criticism of mega events such as the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, and Pan American Games. He highlights the evictions, displacement, and gentrification caused by these events, particularly noting his active involvement with the anti-Olympics group in Brazil. He argues that the infrastructure put in place for these events does little to serve the communities that actually live in these areas. Once the events are over and the stadiums are no longer in use, the social issues that existed before the games often remain or are exacerbated. Chris’s current projects include the Global Tourism Risk Index co-developed with his colleague in 2018, which identifies countries and regions most at risk from the impact of overtourism/lack of tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and assesses the systemic risks places are exposed to on the economic, social, ecologic, cultural, and political levels. Host: Dr. Vincie Ho - Founder and Executive Director of The RISE Travel Institute Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Running a Sustainable Travel Business: Conscious Travel in Costa Rica | 18 Jul 2023 | 00:34:44 | |
As the owner of Travel with Ann Experiential, Ann Becker consults with nonprofits and small travel businesses with the goal of raising and including more diverse voices, making strategic connections, contributing fresh perspectives as well as thought leadership and counseling. Ann's extensive experience includes successfully operating experiential tours in lesser-known destinations in Costa Rica and neighboring countries. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Welcoming Foreigners, Supporting Locals: Conscious Travel in Rwanda and Beyond | 05 Jun 2023 | 00:18:40 | |
A leader in the field of sustainability in tourism, Lambert Hategekimana is General Manager at Rwanda Eco Company and Safari. Before his 10+ years in the tourism sector, Lambert worked as an educator. Now, he works alongside some of his former pupils to introduce travelers to Rwanda and other East African countries. In 2022, Lambert was a guest instructor for the course “Conscious Travel in Rwanda” as part of the RISE Conscious Travel Series. Lambert discusses with host Amy Hager about the value of communities’ sustainable development through empowerment and exposure to the external world. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Balancing Adventure and Ethical Travel: A Digital Nomad's Story | 08 May 2023 | 00:22:42 | |
Keri Pfeiffer, a digital nomad for almost seven years, works remotely as the Head of Account Management at WeTravel, an online payment platform for tour companies. Following completion of the Sustainability and Anti-Oppression in Travel program at RISE, Keri is now a guest instructor with the course "How to Travel Ethically as a Digital Nomad." In this interview with host Amy Hager, Keri discusses her views on being an ethical digital nomad and how completing the RISE Certificate Flagship Program has inspired more thoughtful travel habits. Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Travel to Guatemala: A Deeper, Ethical Approach | 06 Apr 2023 | 00:29:25 | |
Sofia Godoy is the Founder and Chief Operations Officer at Etnica, a social enterprise that connects locals to travelers that visit Guatemala and Mexico. She shares the history of Etnica as well as some key examples of how to plan a Guatemala itinerary that is community-based and intentional about supporting local artisans. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Unpacking the Many Sides of Bhutan | 18 Oct 2022 | 00:22:34 | |
Thinley Choden is a social entrepreneur and consultant devoted to showing travelers the "real" Bhutan as the Co-Owner and CEO of Bhutan Tours and Travel. She sits down with host Amy Hager to talk through the meaning of conscious travel, encouraging travelers to put aside the romanticized image of Bhutan and explore the multi-faceted identity of this fascinating country. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Amplifying Afro-Latino Voices | 04 Aug 2022 | 00:27:37 | |
Kim Hass is the President and Founder of Haas Media and the Executive Director of the public television series “Afro-Latinos with Kim Haas.” Her travel show explores the tremendous impact that Afro-Latinos have had and continue to have on the culture and history of Latin America. She shares some of her experiences creating a public television series and how she hopes the show will amplify the contributions and powerful voices of the Afro-Latino community. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Reconnecting with Nature: Sustainable Safari | 11 Jul 2022 | 00:25:43 | |
James Mwenda, Founder of James Mwenda Expeditions, shares his expertise in sustainable safari adventures and provides some tips on how to make a safari more than just an Instagram photo opportunity. He shares how to be a responsible wildlife tourist and truly reconnect with the natural world. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Booking with Purpose: The Hotel That Helps Refugees | 07 Mar 2022 | 00:24:51 | |
Gabriela Sonnleitner is the General Manager of the Magdas Hotel in Vienna, Austria. Austria's first hotel run as a social business, the Magdas provides job training to refugees and asylum seekers, offering support to those struggling to find employment in the city. Listen to Gabriela explain the joys and difficulties of running a social business and elaborate on her hotel’s commitment to sustainability. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Education as Activism | 01 Mar 2022 | 00:24:12 | |
Mary Pat Champeau, Director of Graduate Programs at The Institute for Humane Education and Board Secretary at RISE Travel Institute, discusses the importance of learning how one’s everyday choices in their lives can impact their surroundings. She explores how activism is sometimes as simple as educating oneself about how the environment, human, and animal welfare are all interconnected. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Building the Bridge to a More Equal World | 21 Feb 2022 | 00:21:13 | |
This week, Amy sits down with Dr. Anu Taranath, Author of “Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World.” Dr. Taranath is also co-teaching a course entitled Locating Ourselves in the Spectrum of Power for RISE Travel Institute. Through a discussion of her book and her work with RISE Travel Institute, she details how to approach difficult conversations about worldwide inequities with grace, encouraging building community and the space to work through these tough questions together. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Community-Based Tourism in Ghana with Mawutor Agbo | 20 May 2024 | 01:07:58 | |
On this season of The RISE Traveler podcast, our guest host, Dr. Vincie Ho, Founder and Executive Director of The RISE Travel Institute, will be interviewing critical theory scholars, activists and leaders in sustainability, social and environmental justices in the travel and tourism space. Together, they will delve into the ethics of travel and discuss some of the pressing issues that are impacting communities around the world. In this episode, Vincie sits down with Mawutor Agbo, a PhD candidate at the University of Waterloo, to delve into the nuances of sustainable tourism. From his roots in Ghana to his current research on tourism education and colonization relationships, Mawutor sheds light on the often overlooked impacts of tourism and advocates for decolonizing tourism education and practices. Tune in as he shares insights on the challenges and opportunities of community-based tourism and calls for greater inclusion of local voices and knowledge in shaping sustainable travel practices. Host: Dr. Vincie Ho - Founder and Executive Director of The RISE Travel Institute Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Giving Tuesday Special with Tuition Grant Recipient Taylor Ruoff | 30 Nov 2021 | 00:17:37 | |
Today on GivingTuesday 2021, we are raising funds for RISE Travel Institute. All donations made today will go toward tuition grants and travel scholarships for students with demonstrated financial need. Our goal is to raise $10,000 by the end of the year. We have raised just over $6,500 so far and so we need your help to reach our goal. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Strategic Thinking: Travel and Systemic Change | 11 Nov 2021 | 00:29:46 | |
Hyungjoon Jin, a K-12 educator, and the Board Treasurer at RISE Travel Institute discusses his approach to making real, lasting systemic change in education and travel. He delves into his powerful and sustainable long-term project in Guatemala and gives examples of how to think strategically about the systemic issues at play in many aspects of our lives, including travel. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Love Without Borders: Art, Travel, and the Refugee Crisis | 13 Oct 2021 | 00:14:59 | |
Kayra Martinez is a flight attendant and Founder and Director of the non-profit Love Without Borders for Refugees in Need, which supports refugees in Greece by building spaces where art and creativity flourish. She touches on how she got started, the powerful stories within her refugee art exhibitions, and the importance of travel as a method to learn, share, and create. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Travel | 01 Sep 2021 | 00:23:15 | |
Catarina Rivera, Co-Founder of ExplorEquity (https://www.explorequity.com), which supports local communities by partnering with small businesses, community-based tourism initiatives and sustainable travel operators globally while connecting travelers to real social justice issues, discusses her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion in both workspaces and travel and what it is like for her to travel as a disabled individual. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Sustainable Tourism and Animal Welfare | 01 Sep 2021 | 00:31:58 | |
Daniel Turner discusses the intricacies of tourism and its effects on animal welfare, species protection, habitat protection, and beyond. Turner is Co-founder and director of Animondial, an organization that provides impartial advice and practical support to better manage tourism’s impact on animals and the natural environment. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| A look at the RISE Travel Institute's Pilot Program | 13 May 2021 | 00:10:05 | |
We take a pause from The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of Sustainable Travel podcast to speak with Vincie Ho, Ph.D., Executive Director and Founder of the RISE Travel Institute to talk about our Pilot Program. RISE Travel Institute's Pilot Program is an online certificate program consisting of 10 sessions, grouped into 3 modules over 10 weeks, and begins June 7th. The content explores different aspects of sustainable travel through structured, rigorous, research-based education. We are taking a systems-thinking approach to address the intersection of social justice, community development, animal protection, and environmental sustainability with regards to travel. Students that successfully complete the program and a capstone project will receive our Certificate in Sustainability and Anti-Oppression in Travel. Graduates can apply to join one of our domestic or international Experiential Journeys to put theory into practice. Learn more at https://www.risetravelinstitute.org. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Reflections on Travel Education | 22 Apr 2021 | 00:32:52 | |
Steve Hesse is a longtime traveler. He's backpacked and hitchhiked across multiple countries and traveled with students in his role as a university professor. He's also a senior advisor at RISE Travel Institute. Listen as he discusses his life-altering travel experiences and his approach to travel education. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Beyond the Bucket List: Positive Impact While Traveling Abroad | 09 Apr 2021 | 00:24:33 | |
Eliza Raymond, Co-founder of Good Travel and Senior Advisor for Curriculum Development at RISE Travel Institute, shares her expertise on volunteering while traveling and sheds light on what a truly mutually beneficial, positive travel experience looks and feels like. She challenges us all to go beyond the “bucket list,” and open ourselves up to more meaningful travel experiences. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Regenerative Tourism and Transformational Travel | 08 Apr 2021 | 00:22:34 | |
In this episode, RISE Senior Advisor and Development Coordinator at Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Genevieve Huneault, shares her expertise on regenerative and indigenous tourism experiences. She also explains the transformative impact that travel has had on her life and shares some helpful tips for those planning their first trip abroad. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| A DEI Approach to Sustainability: Creating a more just and equitable future through travel | 26 Mar 2021 | 00:18:52 | |
In this episode of The RISE Traveler, Amy sits down with Justine Abigail Yu, Senior Advisor at RISE Travel Institute. Justine advises RISE on its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategy and has devoted her career to creating a more just and equitable world for all. She shares her positive outlook on the future of travel, thoughts on how to incorporate a DEI mindset in order to truly achieve sustainability, and to how to better support local communities while traveling. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Examining the End of Tourism with Chris Christou | 15 Apr 2024 | 01:10:00 | |
In this season of The RISE Traveler, Dr. Vincie Ho, Founder and Executive Director of The RISE Travel Institute, will be interviewing influential justice activists and thought leaders in conscious travel. She will be going beyond the idea of “sustainable travel” to dive deeper into what that really means for those who are looking to travel responsibly. To kick off the season, Vincie engages in a conversation with Chris Christou, a writer, storyteller, educational curator, and culture activist. Chris is the host of the End of Tourism podcast, which explores wanderlust, exile, and radical hospitality. During their discussion, Chris delves into topics covered on his podcast, drawing from his experiences in both his native Canada and his home for nearly a decade, Oaxaca, Mexico. With extensive involvement in the service industry from both provider and tourist perspectives, Chris offers a unique viewpoint on the community impact of tourism. He also discusses concepts such as radical hospitality and decolonizing travel, providing fresh insights into the tourism industry and redefining travel and mobility paradigms. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Questions for Reflection: Exploring Our Impact on Travel Destinations | 04 Mar 2021 | 00:24:22 | |
Dr. Vincie Ho recounts some of her most sustainable travel experiences and opens up about her missteps from her travels in the past, as well as moments when she had to check her privilege. She shares a few questions we all can ask ourselves in order to be more mindful travelers. This interview shines a light on the power of sustainable tourism and challenges us to think about the positive or negative impacts we can have on travel destinations. About: Dr. Vincie Ho, President and Founder A humane educator and social justice advocate, Vincie founded RISE Travel Institute in June 2020 with the commitment to engage young people in important conversations around human rights, animal protection and environmental sustainability in the context of travel. She is also the creator of Paths Crossing, a card game designed to foster cross-cultural connections and inspire mindful travel decisions. She has been involved with Impact Travel Alliance since 2018 and currently holds the position of Chapter Engagement Lead on their global team. Vincie has a PhD in Linguistics from the University of Hong Kong and a Master of Arts degree from University College London. She has also obtained various graduate certificates and diplomas from the Institute for Humane Education and New York University in the United States, the United Nations University in Japan, and l’Université de Franche-Comté in France. She is based in the Greater New York City Area. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Mira's Expedition into Conscious Travel | 19 Jan 2024 | 00:24:10 | |
Mira Shah is on a personal journey, exploring sustainable travel across India, Australia, Kenya, and Colombia. This is one of the reasons why she opted to participate in The RISE Travel Institute's Flagship Program- to gain a deeper understanding of conscious travel. Over time, Mira has embraced intentional and sustainable travel, placing a strong emphasis on forming genuine connections with local communities. In conversation with host Amy Hager, Mira shares insights from her travels– from meaningful encounters with sustainability advocate Michael Mobbs in Australia to acknowledging less-than-ideal decisions, like visiting an ethically questionable elephant sanctuary in Thailand. She recognizes the ongoing learning process and the space for improvement. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Emerald Isles, Mindful Travels: Laura Kelly's Insights | 18 Dec 2023 | 00:18:54 | |
Laura Kelly is a sustainability advocate with Brendan Vacations, a tour operator focused on Ireland and Scotland. In this interview with host Amy Hager, Laura shares her journey from growing up in an eco-minded household to her current role evaluating and crafting sustainable travel experiences. Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Writing the World: Lily Ann's Journey as an Author and Traveler | 04 Dec 2023 | 00:25:53 | |
Author and travel expert Lily Ann Fouts is dedicated to advocating for sustainable and culturally sensitive travel experiences that benefit both travelers and local communities. She was a participant in RISE's Flagship Program, where she earned her certificate in Sustainability and Anti-Oppression in Travel. Additionally, Lily Ann joined RISE's Experiential Journey to Guatemala in 2022. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Off the Beaten Path: The Dilemma of 'Secret' Destinations | 16 Oct 2023 | 00:24:18 | |
Aurora Christy Oktavia, an Alumni of the RISE Travel Institute's Pilot Program, currently resides in Bali, Indonesia. She recently completed her Master's degree in International Tourism and Hospitality Management at Griffith University in Australia. In her conversation with host Amy Hager, Aurora shared insights into her journey in sustainable tourism, leveraging her educational background in forest conservation and tourism management, as well as her role as a luxury travel agent. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Leaving a Legacy of Peace: A Former Government Employee’s Vision for Sustainable Travel | 18 Sep 2023 | 00:16:44 | |
Tracey Ford is the Founder of Local Insights, a social enterprise dedicated to connecting locals with tourists, offering them authentic personal encounters that go well beyond the typical guidebook experience. Previously, Tracey held a government role working with the armed services, where she specialized in coordinating logistics for events with a focus on cultural considerations among attendees. Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Knowing Names, Building Bonds: Jabulile Ngwenya on Meaningful Travel | 21 Aug 2023 | 00:24:18 | |
Jabulile Ngwenya is a travel coach and advocate for sustainable and responsible travel at Travel Africa with Jabu. With a vision to reshape perceptions of travel to Africa, Jabulile's impactful work is rooted in changing the narrative. In her RISE Flagship Course Capstone Project, she focused on tribal photography, aiming to bring attention to the profound identities behind the subjects. She firmly believes that every individual carries a story and a name, urging us to see beyond the surface. In a conversation hosted by Amy Hager, Jabulile delves into the essence of travel as an avenue of abundance. She underscores the significance of understanding the lives of the people we encounter on our journeys, stressing that they are more than just extras in our personal narratives. Her insights illuminate the transformative power of travel, as it expands horizons and challenges our perspectives. Jabulile's perspective on the world is a testament to her belief that there's always more to explore, learn, and experience. In a moment where all we may have is a screenshot of our current reality, travel serves as a reminder of the boundless opportunities and connections awaiting us. This interview is an invitation to venture beyond our assumptions and engage with the richness of the world through meaningful interactions.
Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Celebrating 5 Years of Purposeful Travel: The RISE Travel Institute Story | 20 Jun 2025 | 00:46:20 | |
In this special 5th anniversary episode of the RISE Traveler Podcast, we reflect on five powerful years of growth, learning, and impact at RISE Travel Institute. Host Amy Hager is joined by founder Vincie Ho and Board Vice President Amanda Kendle to explore the origin story of RISE, the evolution of its mission, and how a grassroots idea blossomed into a global movement for ethical and justice-focused travel. We discuss:
Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Natalie Amezua on Leading with Kindness and Connection When Traveling | 30 May 2025 | 00:26:16 | |
In this inspiring episode of the RISE Podcast, host Amy Hager sits down with longtime RISE volunteer and educator Natalie Amezcua to explore the deep questions that travel can spark. From her beginnings with RISE during the pandemic to her work as a systems thinker and educator, Natalie shares how travel, when done mindfully, can help bridge cultural gaps, promote sustainability, and reconnect us to our shared humanity. Whether you're a curious globetrotter or an industry professional, this episode offers heartfelt insights and practical frameworks to help you travel with intention. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| From Camper Vans to Conscious Travel with Cathy Ji | 23 May 2025 | 00:23:09 | |
In this episode, host Amy chats with Cathy Ji, a longtime RISE volunteer and Senior Manager of Finance and Fundraising. Cathy shares her journey into sustainable travel—from a spontaneous campervan trip during the pandemic to a life-changing solo adventure in Vietnam. She opens up about the ethical wake-up call that led her to veganism, reflects on the hidden impacts of Airbnb, and champions the value of slow, intentional travel. Tune in for thoughtful stories, practical tips, and a reminder that every step we take as travelers matters. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| How experiential travel can create positive impact with Jodi Suckle | 16 May 2025 | 00:16:32 | |
In this episode, Amy sits down with Jodi Suckle, Experiential Travel Manager at RISE Travel Institute, live from Guatemala. They explore what it means to plan ethical, intentional journeys that benefit both travelers and host communities. Jodi shares her path into sustainable travel, the power of homestays, and how conscious travel can shape future global citizens—especially students. If you're curious about how to travel with purpose, this episode is for you. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Kara King on Conscious Travel, Refugee Work, and Rewriting the Travel Narrative | 09 May 2025 | 00:22:13 | |
In this powerful and inspiring conversation, host Amy Hagar reconnects with longtime RISE volunteer and content creator Kara King. From writing blog posts and editing podcasts to working with refugees in Greece, Kara shares how her experiences have shaped her commitment to ethical storytelling and conscious travel. A few key takeaways in the episode:
Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| A Journey of Connection with Kristin Barron | 02 May 2025 | 00:26:31 | |
In this episode, host Amy Hager talks with Kristen Barron, grant manager at RISE Travel Institute, about her journey from corporate life to sustainable travel advocacy. Kristen shares how her 18-month career break transformed her approach to travel, the deeper lessons she learned from experiences like walking the Camino de Santiago, and how RISE’s mission aligns with her personal values. Together, they explore the importance of critical thinking, intentional travel, and cultivating deeper connections with people, places, and purpose. Plus, Kristen offers insight into the challenges of securing grants for systemic, educational work at RISE. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Embracing the unknown: A conversation with Barbara Zerbe on Travel and Growth | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:21:58 | |
The episode features a conversation with Barbara Zerbe (she/her), a volunteer who heads up our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion policy and implementation. Barbara is the founder and CEO of BZ Strategies, LLC, where she helps businesses navigate chaos and achieve growth through strategic project management, streamlined operations, targeted marketing, and impactful coaching. A firm believer in authentic leadership, Barbara is dedicated to building systems and processes that drive success while fostering a culture of health, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. She shares insights into travel, adventure, and personal growth. The discussion covers Barbara’s experiences exploring different cultures, embracing uncertainty, and learning from travel challenges. This episode emphasizes the importance of travel as a means of personal development and broadening one’s worldview. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Mini-episode! A focus on Travel Education with Steve Hesse | 26 Mar 2025 | 00:14:56 | |
The RISE Travel podcast is packed with valuable insights, so we’ve pulled out some key highlights for our listeners. Alongside our full-length episodes, we’ll also release shorter ones to make it easier for everyone to find the information they need. This mini-episode is from Season 1, Episode 5 (link for full episode). In this episode Steve Hesse, RISE Institute Board member, highlights the importance of integrating with local communities during student travel, avoiding corporate entities to support the local economy. He describes cultural exchange activities with local schools, highlighting the joy and intensity of cross-cultural connections, even with language barriers. Steve also shares personal anecdotes, such as a transformative experience at the Taj Mahal and a chance encounter in Japan that led to meeting his partner. He also discusses the challenges of cultural misunderstandings, using an example from India to illustrate the need for awareness and respect for local customs and social norms. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Focus on tourism and forced migration with Dr. Gada Mahrouse | 07 Mar 2025 | 00:57:14 | |
In this episode of the Rise Traveler podcast, Vincie Ho interviews Dr. Gada Mahrouse, an Associate Professor at Concordia University's Simone de Beauvoir Institute, about the intersection of tourism and forced migration. Dr. Mahrouse discusses her research on the representation of refugees in media and the challenges of solidarity across racialized power relations. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of colonization and the need for decolonizing travel. Dr. Mahrouse also shares her teaching approach, which encourages critical thinking about tourism's impact on power dynamics and advocates for open borders. The conversation highlights the complexities of tourism's role in social justice and the need for mindful travel practices. Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||
| Sustainability and Accessibility of Tourism: what are the hidden costs with Dr. Freya Higgins-Desbiolles | 21 Jan 2025 | 01:06:46 | |
In this episode of The RISE Traveler Podcast, Dr. Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, an Adjunct Associate Professor with Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo, Canada, Adjunct Professor with the Centre for Research and Innovation in Tourism, Taylor’s University of Malaysia and an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with the Business Unit, University of South Australia shares her insights around the impacts of tourism on local communities, with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and justice. She has worked with industry, community and non-profits on projects that have worked at the cutting edge of just and sustainable tourism. One highlight of her work has been working with the Palestinian Initiative on Responsible Tourism to develop the Code of Conduct for Tourism in the Holy Land. Host: Dr. Vincie Ho - Founder and Executive Director of The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Megan Orvis - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel Institute Graphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art Director Music: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License) Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute | |||