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The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of Sustainable Travel
Gathering scholars, activists and tourism professionals with expertise in intersectional social justice, DEI, sustainability, and decolonial theory for conversations surrounding the ethics of travel, we’re here to move a step beyond the “Instagram ready” world of travel and to think critically and deeply about how travel can uplift global communities, protect natural ecosystems, and be a source of growth for travelers.
Here at RISE Travel Institute we are committed to empowering travelers and travel professionals through education. Our programs, research, Experiential Journeys, scholarships, and free resources are all aimed at bringing you closer to a more responsible and ethical travel experience. Learn more by visiting RISETravelInstitute.org
Episodes
47 episodes
Empowering Women Through Travel with Carolyn Ray
In this inspiring episode of The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of Sustainable Travel, host Amy Hager sits down with Carolyn Ray, CEO of JourneyWoman, the world’s first solo travel publication for women. Togeth...
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Love, Loss, and the Hidden Stories Behind Immigration – with Michael Luongo
In this heartfelt episode of The RISE Traveler, host Amy Hager speaks with writer and academic Michael Luongo again to explore the moving true story behind his New York Times Modern Love essay.
Rebuilding Through Tourism with Michael Luongo
In this powerful conversation, Amy Hager sits down with journalist and academic Michael Luongo to explore how tourism can become a tool for recovery, peace, and rebuilding after war and conflict. From Ground Zero to Gaza, Iraq, Rwanda, and U...
From Brazil to Bazaar: Laëtitia Damonsing on Travel, Identity & Sustainable Fashion
In this episode of The RISE Traveler, we sit down with Montreal-based entrepreneur Laëtitia Damonsing to explore how her global experiences shaped her identity, worldview, and business. From volunteering in Brazilian c...
Community-Based Travel: Building Connections Beyond Borders with Janna “Jaz” Zinzi, CEO of Wander Womxn Travels
In this episode of RISE Traveler, host Amy Hager sits down with Janna “Jaz” Zinzi founder of WanderWomxn Travels, to explore how travel can go beyond sightseeing to support local communities, sma...
Championing Inclusive Travel with Roni Weiss
In this powerful Season 6 premiere, host Amy Hager sits down with Roni Weiss, Executive Director of Travel Unity, to explore the intersection of diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) and global travel. From his personal journey as a neurodiverg...
Celebrating 5 Years of Purposeful Travel: The RISE Travel Institute Story
In this special 5th anniversary episode of the RISE Traveler Podcast, we reflect on five powerful years of growth, learning, and impact at RISE Travel Institute. Host Amy Hager is joined by founder Vincie Ho and Board Vice President Amanda K...
Natalie Amezua on Leading with Kindness and Connection When Traveling
In this inspiring episode of the RISE Podcast, host Amy Hager sits down with longtime RISE volunteer and educator Natalie Amezcua to explore the deep questions that travel can spark. From her beginnings with RISE during the pandemic to her w...
From Camper Vans to Conscious Travel with Cathy Ji
In this episode, host Amy chats with Cathy Ji, a longtime RISE volunteer and Senior Manager of Finance and Fundraising. Cathy shares her journey into sustainable travel—from a spontaneous campervan trip during the pandemic to a life-changing...
How experiential travel can create positive impact with Jodi Suckle
In this episode, Amy sits down with Jodi Suckle, Experiential Travel Manager at RISE Travel Institute, live from Guatemala. They explore what it means to plan ethical, intentional journeys that benefit both travelers and host communities. Jo...
Kara King on Conscious Travel, Refugee Work, and Rewriting the Travel Narrative
In this powerful and inspiring conversation, host Amy Hagar reconnects with longtime RISE volunteer and content creator Kara King. From writing blog posts and editing podcasts to working with refugees in Greece, Kara shares how her experienc...
A Journey of Connection with Kristin Barron
In this episode, host Amy Hager talks with Kristen Barron, grant manager at RISE Travel Institute, about her journey from corporate life to sustainable travel advocacy. Kristen shares how her 18-month career break transformed her approach to...
Embracing the unknown: A conversation with Barbara Zerbe on Travel and Growth
The episode features a conversation with Barbara Zerbe (she/her), a volunteer who heads up our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion policy and implementation. Barbara is the founder and CEO of BZ Strategies, LLC, where she helps businesses navi...
Mini-episode! A focus on Travel Education with Steve Hesse
The RISE Travel podcast is packed with valuable insights, so we’ve pulled out some key highlights for our listeners. Alongside our full-length episodes, we’ll also release shorter ones to make it easier for everyone to find the information t...
Focus on tourism and forced migration with Dr. Gada Mahrouse
In this episode of the Rise Traveler podcast, Vincie Ho interviews Dr. Gada Mahrouse, an Associate Professor at Concordia University's Simone de Beauvoir Institute, about the intersection of tourism and forced migration. Dr. Mahrouse discuss...
Sustainability and Accessibility of Tourism: what are the hidden costs with Dr. Freya Higgins-Desbiolles
In this episode of The RISE Traveler Podcast, Dr. Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, an Adjunct Associate Professor with Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo, Canada, Adjunct Professor with the Centre for Research and ...
Bolivia, Cambodia, and Oklahoma: Dr. Bobbie Chew Bigby on Tourism and Environmental Justice
In this episode of The RISE Traveler Podcast, Dr. Bobbie Chew Bigby, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Waterloo, Canada, shares her insights into the intersection of tourism, Indigenous communities, and climate justice.
Mega Events and Their Hidden Costs: A Conversation with Christopher Gaffney
Professor Christopher Gaffney teaches at the Tisch Center for Hospitality at New York University. Just in time for the Olympics, RISE’s Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Vincie Ho, sits down with Chris to discuss his work examining the impact...
Community-Based Tourism in Ghana with Mawutor Agbo
On this season of The RISE Traveler podcast, our guest host, Dr. Vincie Ho, Founder and Executive Director of The RISE Travel Institute, will be interviewing critical theory scholars, activists and leaders in sustainability, social and environm...
Examining the End of Tourism with Chris Christou
In this season of The RISE Traveler, Dr. Vincie Ho, Founder and Executive Director of The RISE Travel Institute, will be interviewing influential justice activists and thought leaders in conscious travel. She will be going beyond the idea of “s...
Mira's Expedition into Conscious Travel
Mira Shah is on a personal journey, exploring sustainable travel across India, Australia, Kenya, and Colombia. This is one of the reasons why she opted to participate in The RISE Travel Institute's Flagship Program- to gain a deeper understandi...
Emerald Isles, Mindful Travels: Laura Kelly's Insights
Laura Kelly is a sustainability advocate with Brendan Vacations, a tour operator focused on Ireland and Scotland. In this interview with host Amy Hager, Laura shares her journey from growing up in an eco-minded household to her current role eva...
Writing the World: Lily Ann's Journey as an Author and Traveler
Author and travel expert Lily Ann Fouts is dedicated to advocating for sustainable and culturally sensitive travel experiences that benefit both travelers and local communities. She was a participant in RISE's Flagship Program, where she earned...
Off the Beaten Path: The Dilemma of 'Secret' Destinations
Aurora Christy Oktavia, an Alumni of the RISE Travel Institute's Pilot Program, currently resides in Bali, Indonesia. She recently completed her Master's degree in International Tourism and Hospitality Management at Griffith University in Austr...
Leaving a Legacy of Peace: A Former Government Employee’s Vision for Sustainable Travel
Tracey Ford is the Founder of Local Insights, a social enterprise dedicated to connecting locals with tourists, offering them authentic personal encounters that go well beyond the typical guideb...