Hey everyone, it's Emma Weissmann, the host of Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff series from Humans of Travel. This Hot Seat episode features Eric Bowman, Editor-in-Chief of TravelPulse.com and host of The TravelPulse Podcast.

During this episode, Bowman will share the origins of TravelPulse's annual 40 Under 40 list, which began in 2024. Listeners will also get a behind-the-scenes look at the application and judging process, plus advice for those who are considering applying for 2026.

This episode is sponsored by Air France-KLM.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

TravelPulse 40 Under 40

The TravelPulse Podcast

Contact Bowman on Instagram: @ericbowman_

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.

TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Hey everyone, it's Emma Weissmann, the host of Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff series from Humans of Travel. This episode features Tom Ho, luxury travel advisor at Protravel International and Global Travel Collection (GTC), who was recently cast in the newest season of "1st Look Presents: Extra Mile Club” on NBC. 

During this episode, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the audition, filming and production process of the reality television show, where GTC advisors compete to win the business of celebrity clients.

Ho's episodes air on Dec. 13 (part one) and Dec. 20 (part two) following Saturday Night Live on NBC, and can be streamed via Peacock and YouTube.

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

1st Look Presents: Extra Mile Club

Protravel International

Global Travel Collection

Contact Ho on Instagram: @ThomsTravel

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.

TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, is one of the most well-known entrepreneurs of our time, pioneering ventures in industries including music, telecommunications, banking and, of course, travel and tourism. At present, there are more than 40 Virgin businesses worldwide in more than 30 countries, according to Virgin Group.

In this episode of Humans of Travel, Branson shares travel stories from his early childhood, and details his first entrepreneurial journey as the teenage founder of Student Magazine, a publication created in protest of the Vietnam War.

Listeners will also hear the business lessons Branson learned throughout his life, his advice to travel advisors starting their own businesses and how to be adaptive during times of change. Branson also reflects on the creation of his adults-only cruise line, Virgin Voyages, why he decided to enter the cruise industry and how his First Mates (travel advisors) can best sell the line.

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Virgin Group

Virgin Voyages

About Student Magazine

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.

TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Hey everyone, it's Emma Weissmann, the host of Humans in the Hot Seat. During this episode, you'll hear from Malia Asfour, managing director of the Jordan Tourism Board in North America. Right now, Jordan is — as my friend Brinley Hineman at Travel Weekly says — a casualty of the war next door. The country is coming off of hosting the GX Summit a few weeks ago with G Adventures, and I wanted Malia to come on the podcast to explain what the state of Jordan tourism is right now, how travel advisors can learn more and how they can best educate their clients about the situation on the ground. 

This episode is sponsored by Europe Express.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Jordan Tourism Board

Contact JTB: [email protected], [email protected] 

Tourism Cares' Meaningful Travel Map of Jordan

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.

TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stacey Ray is no ordinary travel advisor. After decades in the health care industry and the loss of her husband, she made a bold career pivot — launching a business designed for women like herself: curious, solo female travelers over 45 who want to see the world and make lasting friendships along the way. Thus, Sisterhood Travels was born.

In this episode of Humans of Travel, Ray shares her inspiring career journey, the challenges she’s faced and how she turned those experiences into a thriving community of travelers. The conversation also touches on the importance of succession planning — her daughter, Sami, now serves as Sisterhood’s COO — as well as the nuances of group travel and Ray’s advice for new-to-industry advisors.

This episode is sponsored by Europe Express.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Sisterhood Travels

Email Ray: [email protected] 

Ray's business phone: 910-742-5324

Ray's podcast: Life. Reimagined. with Stacey Ray

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.

TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff of the Humans of Travel, is currently running a 10-part mini-series on the 2025 TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which recognizes some of the most forward-thinking and impactful travel advisors in the U.S.

 Each year, the Trendsetter Awards recognize outstanding travel advisors across five unique categories: 

• Best Targeted Marketing Idea

• Best Group Booking Effort

• Upward Bound: Rockstar Advisor Under 40

• Saving the Day

• Best Use of Social Media

Listeners will hear directly from this year's finalists about what makes their work stand out, including the creativity, the dedication, and the stories behind their nomination.

This episode features Kaitlyn Metzler of Travelmation, who is nominated in the Best Group Booking Effort, along with colleagues Kelly Kirk and Aurora Brick.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Travelmation

Contact Metzler: [email protected]

Veterinary CE at Sea on Facebook

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.

TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barbra Merwin, president of Travel Insured International, has more than 30 years of experience in insurance, beginning her career in the claims adjustment department at State Farm Insurance. In this episode of Humans of Travel, Merwin shares her personal journey — from her upbringing in Minnesota to leading a full company transformation and rebrand at TII.

Listeners will hear Merwin’s views on how travel insurance gives travelers much-needed peace of mind — and her vision for how travel protection can elevate the advisor–client relationship. She also reflects on the lessons learned early in her career, and her views on mentorship. Plus, advisors will get the inside scoop on what exactly should be included in a travel insurance policy, and learn more about TI’s travel advisor certification program.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Travel Insured International

Become a Partner With Travel Insured International

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.

TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff of the Humans of Travel, is currently running a 10-part mini-series on the 2025 TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which recognizes some of the most forward-thinking and impactful travel advisors in the U.S.

 Each year, the Trendsetter Awards recognize outstanding travel advisors across five unique categories: 

• Best Targeted Marketing Idea

• Best Group Booking Effort

• Upward Bound: Rockstar Advisor Under 40

• Saving the Day

• Best Use of Social Media

Listeners will hear directly from this year's finalists about what makes their work stand out, including the creativity, the dedication, and the stories behind their nomination.

This episode features Mallory Wheeler of Kingdom Luxe Travel, nominated in the Upward Bound, Rockstar Advisor category.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Contact Wheeler: [email protected]

Wheeler on Facebook

Kingdom Luxe Travel

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.

TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vanessa McGovern has built her entire career within the travel industry. And earlier this year, she stepped into a new role as senior vice president of partner product, marketing and events at Global Travel Collection (GTC), the luxury arm of Internova Travel Group.

In this episode of Humans of Travel, Vanessa shares how she got her start as an art auctioneer onboard cruise ships — a role that taught her the fundamentals of sales, customer service and persuasive storytelling. She also reflects on her experience co-founding Gifted Travel Network, which earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list and quickly became one of the fastest-growing private companies in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Beyond her leadership roles, Vanessa is an educator, industry advocate and strategist. Now, in her position at GTC, she continues to shape the travel advisor community by strengthening partnerships, creating exclusive programs and redefining how luxury travel is curated and delivered.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Global Travel Collection

Internova Travel Group

Vanessa McGovern on LinkedIn

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.

TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff of the Humans of Travel, is currently running a 10-part mini-series on the 2025 TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which recognizes some of the most forward-thinking and impactful travel advisors in the U.S.

 Each year, the Trendsetter Awards recognize outstanding travel advisors across five unique categories: 

• Best Targeted Marketing Idea

• Best Group Booking Effort

• Upward Bound: Rockstar Advisor Under 40

• Saving the Day

• Best Use of Social Media

Listeners will hear directly from this year's finalists about what makes their work stand out, including the creativity, the dedication, and the stories behind their nomination.

This episode features Beci Mahnken of MEI-Travel, nominated in the Best Targeted Marketing Idea category.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Beci Mahnken on Instagram

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.

TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.