Tom Drake, host of The Daily Cruise & Travel News Podcast, reconnects with his friend of 30 years, BJ Odom, for a wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation.

In this candid chat, BJ shares his remarkable journey through two life-saving organ transplants, the challenges of living with a heart that doctors once warned had a limited lifespan, and the new chapter he’s carved out as both a podcaster and an author.

It’s honest, humorous, inspiring—and full of the kind of storytelling only old friends can deliver.

An entertaining and informative episode you won’t want to miss!

In this episode, the Guru of the Seas, Tom Drake, sits down with Marnie Whipple, Regional Sales Director for Crystal Cruises, to explore her fascinating career journey.

It began sailing the Inside Passage of Alaska and has evolved into a remarkable path, where Marnie now leads sales training and supports travel advisors across the western United States — all on behalf of one of the world's most prestigious luxury cruise lines.

Sandals tells travel agents to sell Jamaica. It will soon be better than it was!

 UN panel of experts claims that sanctions and bombs have not stopped the Houthis!

FAA says air traffic controllers are tired and flights have to be reduced!

The Guru's visit to Cruise World was a success!

The Guru learns with Ryan Joseph, a Doctor of Music at Belmont University, who has spent the last 14 years touring with country superstar Alan Jackson. 

In this episode, you'll hear some backstage stories about life in Music City USA.

About his move from McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to Nashville, Tennessee, and his amazing career!!

From building furniture in Dublin to starring in Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and many more West End productions, David Shannon's story is fascinating. 

He sits down with the Guru in between cocktails in Horizons so the Guru can learn what really happens backstage in the theater world.

Here are some of the topics we covered in this podcast.

How has cruising changed since you began 38 years ago?

What does a Cruise Director need to do to be successful?

How difficult was it to get hired in the cruising industry years ago?

Today’s podcast takeaway: thread count doesn’t determine sheet quality if you are buying flannel— weight does.

Choose durable sheets that maintain their feel and structure beyond a few washes instead of focusing on high thread counts.

Listen to this podcast to learn how to choose the right sheets for you!