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

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.

Episode 32: How Visit Mesa Built a Destination Media Brand with Ashley Stwertnik

This week on Give Me Some Good News, Caleb sits down with Ashley Stwertnik from Visit Mesa, host and producer of the City Limitless podcast, to unpack how destinations can become true media brands. Ashley shares the story behind launching a destination podcast, why authentic storytelling matters more than ever, and how Mesa has evolved from a spring training town into a thriving hub for outdoor adventure, culture, food, and community. The conversation dives into podcasting as a tourism tool, the importance of local voices, balancing polished content with authenticity, and why the future of destination marketing belongs to storytellers willing to take risks. From hometown pride to dreaming big in tourism, this episode is packed with inspiration for destination marketers, content creators, and anyone passionate about building community through travel.

Episode 31: Branding Bermuda – Luxury, Partnerships & the Power of Experience with Jamari Douglas

In Episode 30, we sit down with Jamari Douglas, VP of Marketing, PR & Communications at Bermuda Tourism Authority, to unpack what it really takes to build a world-class destination brand. From Bermuda’s iconic Pink Sale to high-impact brand partnerships and experiential marketing, Jamari shares how the island continues to stand out in a crowded global market—without losing its authenticity. We dive into: * How Bermuda balances luxury positioning with accessibility * Why partnerships only work when they truly fit your brand * The power of experiential marketing in driving visitation * How to actually integrate PR, paid media, and storytelling * What destination marketers should stop doing immediately This one is packed with insights for anyone in destination marketing, tourism, or brand strategy. Plus, Jamari shares some exciting personal news you won’t want to miss (very jealous of this tbh).... If you’re looking to rethink how your destination shows up in the world—this episode is for you.