Episode 38: Accessibility Is Hospitality with Kristy Durso

Episode 38: Accessibility Is Hospitality with Kristy Durso

In Episode 38 of Give Me Some Good News, Caleb chats with accessibility advocate, speaker, travel advisor, and founder of Incredible Memories Travel, Kristy Durso, for a powerful conversation about making travel more inclusive for everyone. Drawing from her lived experience as a wheelchair user, military veteran, mother, and tourism professional, Kristy shares how accessible travel impacts far more people than most destinations realize. Together, they discuss why accessibility should move beyond compliance checklists, how destinations can better communicate with travelers of all abilities, and why some of the best accessibility innovations ultimately create better experiences for every visitor. From adaptive surfing in California to creative ways destinations are making Dark Sky experiences accessible, this episode is packed with practical insights, inspiring stories, and actionable ideas for destination marketers, hospitality professionals, and community leaders. If you've ever wondered how your destination can become more welcoming, more inclusive, and ultimately more successful, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Episode 37: The Work Nobody Claps For: Leadership Lessons from the Florida Keys with Kara Franker

What does it take to lead one of America's most iconic tourism destinations? In Episode 37, Caleb sits down with Kara Franker, President & CEO of the Florida Keys and Key West, to discuss her remarkable journey from prosecutor and journalist to destination marketing leader. Kara shares how she helped rebuild the Florida Keys tourism organization from the ground up, the importance of doing "the work nobody claps for," and why successful destination marketing starts with earning trust from residents. The conversation also explores AI adoption in tourism, community engagement, destination stewardship, and what it means to attract the right visitors—not just more visitors. Plus, Kara reflects on protecting the unique character of the Keys, restoring coral reefs, and creating a future where tourism works with communities instead of happening to them. If you're a destination leader, marketer, or tourism professional, this episode is packed with practical insights on leadership, change management, and building better tourism for everyone.

Episode 36: The Forest Beyond the Trees - Leveraging Partnerships for Shared Success with Thomas Salley

Thomas Salley returns to Give Me Some Good News as our first-ever repeat guest to discuss his transition from destination marketing organization (DMO) leader to agency professional and what he's learning from the other side of the table. Together, we explore how AI is changing trip planning, why destination marketers need a more dynamic and holistic strategy, and why authenticity remains the most valuable asset a destination can have. We also dive into the importance of strong vendor partnerships, the role of DMOs as community stewards, and why a consultative approach will always outperform a transactional one in tourism. If you're wondering what the future holds for destination marketing, this conversation is full of practical insights and plenty of good news.

Episode 35: From Polar Bears to Personal Connections: Lessons from Travel Manitoba with Cody Chomiak

In Episode 35 of Give Me Some Good News, Caleb sits down with Cody Chomiak, Vice President of Marketing at Travel Manitoba, and one of the tourism industry's most positive and respected leaders. Together, they explore the power of relationships in destination marketing, why curiosity and kindness can be career superpowers, and how Manitoba is transforming from Canada's best-kept secret into a must-visit destination. Cody shares lessons from his journey through tourism, innovative marketing activations that are changing traveler perceptions, and why creating emotional connections matters more than ever in a world increasingly dominated by screens. They also dive into leadership, workplace culture, embracing failure as a learning tool, and the importance of giving yourself the space to think creatively in a constantly changing industry. Whether you're a destination marketer, tourism professional, or someone looking for a fresh perspective on leadership and human connection, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and plenty of good news.

Episode 34: The Business Case for Accessible Travel with Sagar Sharma (Wheel the World)

In Episode 34 of Give Me Some Good News, we chat with Sagar from Wheel the World to unpack one of the most important conversations happening in destination marketing today: accessibility in travel. From the difference between ADA compliance and true usability to the massive economic impact of accessible tourism, this episode explores how destinations can better serve travelers with disabilities, families, aging populations, and more. Tyler also shares personal stories from traveling with his mother, a powered wheelchair user, highlighting the real-world challenges travelers still face every day. The conversation dives into transparency, accessibility verification, training destination partners, and why accessibility is no longer a niche — it’s a necessity. Plus, hear how Travel Oregon became the first fully accessibility-verified state and why the future of tourism belongs to destinations willing to meet travelers where they are. Because at the end of the day, travel should be for everyone