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

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

Episode 33: Kicking Off the “Good News from TTRA” Series

In Episode 33 of Give Me Some Good News, Caleb sits down with two leaders helping shape the future of destination research and tourism strategy: Robert Li and Anna Blount. This episode officially launches the new “Good News from TTRA” series, where we’ll be sharing conversations and insights live from the upcoming TTRA Annual International Conference in Greenville. From AI and the economy to mental health, belonging, and the power of hallway conversations, this discussion explores how tourism research is evolving far beyond traditional ROI metrics. Robert and Anna unpack what makes TTRA unique, why Greenville is the perfect host city, and how young professionals can find mentorship, community, and opportunity within the industry. If you care about the future of destination marketing, tourism intelligence, and the human side of travel, this is an episode you won’t want to miss — and just the beginning of what’s ahead in our Good News from TTRA series.