Give Me Some Good News

Welcome to Good News from TTRA , recorded live from the 2026 TTRA Annual International Conference in Greenville, South Carolina. In this kickoff in-person episode, host Caleb Sullivan sits down with tourism researcher, educator, and thought leader Jeremy Fairley (Greater Insights) for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolving relationship between data, leadership, and destination decision-making...

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 mo...

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...

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 m...

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 mus...

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,...

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 ment...

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 a...

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...

What happens when a destination stops focusing only on marketing—and starts focusing on stewardship? This week, we sit down with Terry Natwick from Discover Crystal River, Florida, the self-proclaimed Manatee Capital of the World, to unpack how a small destination is making a big impact through sustainability, community, and purpose-driven tourism. From restoring critical manatee habitats to launc...

In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Mullins, Executive Director of the Johnston County Visitors Bureau, to unpack what it really means to lead, connect, and tell a destination’s story. Aaron shares how his background in communications, from corporate leadership to working with U.S. senators, shaped his approach to running a DMO that represents 11 unique towns . We dive into the challenges of b...

In Episode 28, Caleb sits down with Christian Mengel, Communications and Marketing Director for the St. Joseph, Missouri Convention & Visitors Bureau, for a conversation that challenges how we think about tourism’s role in our communities. From a city built on westward expansion to a destination finding its next chapter, Christian shares how St. Joseph is leaning into its history while rethink...

What if the simplest advice is actually the hardest to live? In this episode, I sit down with Tom Merrick, Chief Creative Officer at Paradise Advertising, to talk about creativity, leadership, and the life lessons behind his book “Today I Turned 60: Advice You Didn’t Ask For… But I’m Gonna Give You Anyway.” We unpack what it really means to find the soul of a destination, why action beats overthin...

In this episode of Give Me Some Good News , we sit down with Daquan Mickens from Beaufort, South Carolina, to unpack one of the most innovative content strategies in destination marketing today. We dive into how the Intercoastal Podcast has evolved from a simple marketing tool into a full-blown content engine that drives visitation, builds community, and enhances the visitor experience before gues...

In Episode 25, we sit down with Randy DuTeau, Executive Director of Visit Mooresville, to unpack a career that’s anything but traditional. From punk rock bands and DIY culture to building DMOs and driving real economic impact, Randy shares how following your passion can shape not just your career, but an entire destination strategy. They dive into rebuilding an organization from the ground up, why...

This week, Caleb is joined by Erin White from EnvisionIt Agency for a conversation that every destination leader needs to hear. Inspired by her recent LinkedIn article, we break down the five conversations shaping the future of destination marketing, from shifting beyond inspiration to building traveler reassurance, to why reputation is now the true product DMOs are managing. We also dive into the...

We welcome one of the true pod fathers of the tourism industry, Adam Stoker. From the advice that helped spark this podcast to a deep conversation on imposter syndrome, niche marketing, challenger destination strategy, and the future of the agency-DMO relationship, this episode is packed with insight for anyone in travel and tourism. Adam also shares why action is the antidote to fear, how destina...

In our first solo show, Caleb sits down with Marcus Carney, CEO of Visit Yuma , to talk about career paths, leadership, and the future of the destination marketing industry. Marcus shares his unique journey from tour guide to DMO CEO and reflects on how the tourism industry has evolved from the “old guard” to a new generation of passionate leaders. Together, Caleb and Marcus explore the different...

Caleb is officially on paternity leave (welcome to the world, Lilah), which makes this the perfect moment to reflect. In this special “Bro Show” episode, we unpack what 21 episodes of Give Me Some Good News have taught them about tourism, leadership, and personal growth. From why the tourism industry is smaller — and kinder — than we think… To why vulnerability beats vision…To why positivity is st...

In this episode, we sit down with Learn Tourism CEO & Co-Founder Stephen Ekstrom to talk about: The rise of the “Values Visitor” and what that means for DMOs Why storytelling beats stats in tourism advocacy How frontline workers shape the first 90 seconds of a visitor experience Building a culture of learning inside your destination organization Why education is the future of destination manag...

Mason Moore has spent 27 years leading in both corporate America and agency environments, but his greatest leadership lessons didn’t come from a boardroom. In this episode, Mason shares how discipline in fitness, surviving cancer three times, and building trust over time shaped the way he leads today. We unpack what it means to create future leaders, why inspiration beats intimidation, how awarene...

The boys sit down with Jeremiah Cook, CDME, Assistant Director of Tourism for Visit College Station, to unpack what modern DMO leadership really looks like in 2026. From stewarding public funds and communicating ROI to boards, to building strategic sales teams and focusing on the right KPIs at the right time, Jeremiah shares candid insight on transparency, accountability, and intentional growth in...

Leadership matters now more than ever in travel and tourism, that's why we sat down with longtime industry leader Gathan Borden for a candid conversation on what it really takes to build strong teams and future-readyhuman-centered destinations. From stumbling into tourism to becoming a respected voice on leadership, relationships, and innovation, Gathan shares why transparency builds trust, ho...

Caleb and Tyler sit down with Emily Zertuche , newly announced Chief Innovation Officer at Visit Corpus Christi - You heard it here first! Emily shares her journey from working in restaurants and coffee shops to spending more than a decade rising through the ranks at her destination. The conversation dives into career growth, drive, and why hospitality experience creates some of the strongest lead...

Caleb Sullivan and co-host Tyler Ford sit down with a very special guest: Barbara Karasek , entrepreneur, investor, and owner of Paradise Advertising & Marketing . Barbara shares her remarkable journey from global sports and entertainment marketing to acquiring and growing a full-service agency deeply embedded in the tourism and hospitality world. Together, they explore: How tourism quietly to...