Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis

🎙️ Podcast Episode Summary Title: Cultivating Connection: Agritourism Along New York’s Adirondack Coast Guest: Kristy Kennedy, Vice President of Marketing, North Country Chamber of Commerce Host: Jim Bamboulis @travelmammal Episode Overview: In this episode, we journey to the Adirondack Coast of New York—where fertile farmlands meet the shores of Lake Champlain—to explore how agritourism is revita...

🍁✨ New season, new vibes, and a new episode of Fact Up! This week, we’re taking you to one of Canada’s most underrated fall destinations — Thunder Bay, Ontario — with none other than Paul Pepe from Thunder Bay Tourism. Think you know fall? Think again. 🍂 Thunder Bay turns autumn into an experience. From the jaw-dropping views of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park to cozying up at the Thunder Bay Co...

In this episode of “Thunder Bay — On Land, On Water, and On Your Plate,” we sat down with Paul Pepe from Tourism Thunder Bay to explore everything that makes this Northern Ontario gem a must-visit summer destination. From scenic hikes and paddling adventures on Lake Superior to vibrant cultural festivals and a dynamic food scene blending tradition with trend, Paul gave us the inside scoop on how t...

It's a pleasure to present Episode #54 of the Fact Up Podcast featuring Paul Pepe, Manager of Thunder Bay Tourism in northwest Ontario, Canada. In this episode, we talk about: What makes Thunder Bay an ideal 4-season destination. Why Thunder Bay should be on your Travel Radar. Thunder Bay's endless outdoor adventures, culinary offerings, and cultural richness. Finnish Pancakes @ the Sauna??  The F...

I'm delighted to present Episode #53 of the Fact Up Podcast featuring Isabel Hilgendag, Scientist, Explorer & CEO @ Pursuit of Exploration . In this episode, we talk about: Completing the Pacific Crest Trail, solo. Rewards & challenges traveling the world, solo. Passion for the land, and a nomadic-inspired lifestyle.  Traveling while looking at the world with scientific eyes, as much as ad...

I'm delighted to present Episode #52 of the Fact Up Podcast featuring Amra Durakovic, Head of Communications @ Flight Centre Canada , one of the country's premier travel agencies dating back 30 years.  In this episode, we talk about: The importance of booking a trip well in advance. Whether last-minute deals are actually good deals. Flight Centre Canada's human touch.  Getting more value for your...

I'm delighted to present Episode #51 of the Fact Up Podcast featuring Andrew McDonald, Director of Marketing and Communications @ Wanuskewin Heritage Park , a future UNESCO World Heritage Site, located just north of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.  In this episode, we talk about: Wanuskewin itself, and its cultural, social, and geographic importance in the span of human history.  Experiences visi...

Episode #50 of the Fact Up Podcast features Adina Bercowicz, Founder & Executive Director @ LymeTV.org . In this episode, we talk about: What is Lyme Disease, and efforts being made to teach kids prevention methods in school. Detecting, diagnosing, and treating Lyme Disease. Steps you can take to protect yourself and your pets from Lyme Disease. Does celebrity raise further awareness about Lyme Di...

Episode #49  of the Fact Up Podcast features Tracy Ford, Director of Public Relations at the Chelsea Hotel in Toronto, Canada. In this episode, we talk about: How Canada's largest hotel managed to persevere through the pandemic. What it takes to manage and operate a hotel of that size. Experiences Guests can expect to have, and renovations underway that will make it better. Activities in-house, in...

Episode #48  of the Fact Up Podcast features Alex Pope, Editor-in-Chief @ Canadian Geographic , based in Ottawa, Canada. In this episode, we talk about: Destroying comfort zones, professionally and personally. Why Canadian Geographic continues to be a media standout after nearly 100 years. The culture of smart content creation, and shifts in the media landscape. Why People play an important, centr...

Episode #47 of the Fact Up Podcast features Neil Hodge, Travel Media Rep from New Brunswick Tourism in Canada. In this episode, we talk about: Why New Brunswick is a must see destination. Culinary experiences to be had, including Ballet on the Ocean.  Experiencing the largest tides on Earth, and the warmest ocean waters north of the Carolinas.  Cultural experiences, including immersive Acadian, an...

Episode #46 of the Fact Up Podcast features Merren McArthur, President and CEO of Lynx Air , one of Canada's newest airlines. In this episode, we talk about: What Lynx Air is all about and why travellers should be paying attention. Voids Lynx Air fills that other airlines lack. Establishing trust with travellers, and the challenges of being at the helm of a new airline, especially post-covid. Amou...

Episode #45 of the Fact Up Podcast features Rachel Ferguson - Chief Innovation and Global Diversity Officer @ Visit Philadelphia  - THE source for everything City of Brotherly Love + Sisterly Affection! In this episode, we talk about: Experiences to be had in Philly, including the World Premiere of the Harry Potter Exhibit. The Heartbeat of Philly. The city's Cultural Soul. Philly's history of cel...

Episode #44 of the Fact Up Podcast features Daniel Hayter, Senior Product Manager at CheapOair - a travel organization that prides itself on exceptional customer service, dedicated to making the travel experience seamless! In this episode, we talk about: A recent survey conducted by CheapOair about the new Ontario Staycation Tax Credit. The surprising results from that survey. Whether Ontario Resi...

Episode #43 of the Fact Up Podcast features Ashley Serrate, Media Relations Manager at Florida Keys + Key West Tourism - a piece of paradise filled with beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, exceptional cuisine and a rich history. In this episode, we talk about: Dispelling travel myths for those eager to travel to the Florida Keys + Key West. What measures are in place to ensure visitor safety. T...

Episode #42 of the Fact Up Podcast features Tracie Bertrand, Director of Tourism at Peterborough and the Kawarthas Tourism in Southern Ontario, Canada - an exceptional area rich in nature, culture, and tradition. In this episode, we talk about: The brand new tourism campaign that features the inclusive and poignant O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge - and where you can sign up -> thekawarthas.ca/pledge Why...

Episode #41 of the Fact Up Podcast features Heather Greenwood Davis, award-winning and internationally renowned freelance travel writer, on-air personality and the woman behind GlobeTrottingMama.com. A lawyer in her previous life, Heather's work can been seen in various publications including, National Geographic and The Globe and Mail, a national Canadian daily. In this epic episode, we talk abou...

Episode #40 of the Fact Up Podcast features Chris Nowrouzi, CEO of FlyGTA , Visit Canada and VidaJet . Chris started having an interest in everything flight at age 5. He knew what he wanted, worked hard, and earned his wings, in a matter of speaking. In this episode we chat about: Where his passion for flight started. What steps he took to realize his dream of flying. How he started FlyGTA and wha...

Episode #39 of the Fact Up Podcast features Jenn Smith Nelson, Travel Writer, Photographer, Author and the woman behind Travel + Happiness , a site dedicated to experiences that promote gratitude, the beauty of wildlife and the importance of conservation. In this episode we chat about: Why her book, '110 Nature Hot Spots in Manitoba + Saskatchewan' is a must-read. The appeal of the Canadian Prairi...

Episode #22 of the Fact Up Podcast features Stephanie Reid, Digital superstar @ Tourism Thunder Bay, Ontario, a widely underrated and energetically emerging city in Northern Ontario. In this episode, we discuss: Why Thunder Bay's is an ideal vacation spot, especially post Covid. The dynamic and exciting food scene making the rounds across the country. Local delights, including 'The Persian'. The r...

Episode #38 of the Fact Up Podcast features Kevin Wagar, Family Travel Writer and Photographer @ The Wandering Wagars , the travel site dedicated to sharing family travel tips and inspiring parents to travel with kids and exploring the benefits of family travel. In this episode we chat about: Challenges parents face when traveling with kids. Enriching experiences that come from traveling as a fami...

Episode #37 of the Fact Up Podcast features Tamara Soroka, Media Content Specialist @ Travel Manitoba , the site to visit when planning a trip to Manitoba. In this episode we chat about: Why Manitoba is an overlooked and underrated place to visit, even amongst Canadians. Winnipeg's emerging food scene. Why Manitoba is Canada's Cultural Cradle and Winnipeg's cultural experiences. Manitoba as a trul...

Episode #24 of the Fact Up Podcast features Yashy Murphy, Founder and Editor @ Parenting To Go , a website that explores how to do family travel the smart way. In this episode we chat about: How Yashy and her hubby Chris planned and executed a months-long trip with 2 kids. Maintaining a fun pre-baby lifestyle, post baby. The importance of communication when planning a trip. Planning a trip but lea...

Episode #30 of the Fact Up Podcast features Agatha Podgorski, Director, Community Engagement at Culinary Tourism Alliance , a national Canadian organization dedicated to supporting the food and restaurant industry. Passionate about travel, food, local and sustainability, we talk about: What her personal travel experiences have taught her about food and sustainability. How delicious Canada is. How...

Episode #36 of the Fact Up Podcast features Maryam Siddiqi, Lifestyle Editor at The Globe & Mail , a national Canadian daily newspaper. A natural storyteller, we discussed various topics, including:  What Book perfectly reflects what's happening the world. Professional challenges as a Lifestyle Editor in the age of Covid. The benefits and pitfalls of solo travel. What she learned traveling the wor...