The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of Sustainable Travel

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 neurodivergent traveler to addressing how political climates impact tourism, Roni brings insight, honesty, and heart to the conversation.

Highlights from this great conversation: 

• How Roni’s early experiences with ADD shaped his career and travel mindset
  
  
• The founding of Travel Unity and the need for systemic change in the travel industry
  
  
• Why privilege and identity matter when discussing travel access and safety
  
  
• The real-world effects of U.S. political policies on international tourism
  
  
• How DEI language is being quietly erased from some organizations
  
  
• Why knowing your organization’s “why” is essential in times of uncertainty
  
  
• What grassroots advocacy can look like in the tourism space
  
  
• Tips for travel professionals and students to promote inclusive travel experiences

Travel Unity Website: https://travelunity.org/

Website:  https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram:  instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

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 Kendle to explore the origin story of RISE, the evolution of its mission, and how a grassroots idea blossomed into a global movement for ethical and justice-focused travel.

We discuss:

•  How a graduate school capstone became a nonprofit with international reach
• What responsible, impactful, sustainable, and ethical travel really looks like
• The shift from focusing on traveler experiences to prioritizing host communities
• The power of diverse, passionate volunteers in shaping RISE’s voice and impact
• Highlights from our programs, experiential journeys, and educational resources
•  How universities and tourism professionals are using RISE’s free tools, including the popular Decolonial Guide to Travel

Website:  https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram:  instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

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 work as a systems thinker and educator, Natalie shares how travel, when done mindfully, can help bridge cultural gaps, promote sustainability, and reconnect us to our shared humanity.

Whether you're a curious globetrotter or an industry professional, this episode offers heartfelt insights and practical frameworks to help you travel with intention.

Website:  https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram:  instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

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 solo adventure in Vietnam. She opens up about the ethical wake-up call that led her to veganism, reflects on the hidden impacts of Airbnb, and champions the value of slow, intentional travel. Tune in for thoughtful stories, practical tips, and a reminder that every step we take as travelers matters.

Website:  https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram:  instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

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. Jodi shares her path into sustainable travel, the power of homestays, and how conscious travel can shape future global citizens—especially students. If you're curious about how to travel with purpose, this episode is for you.

Website:  https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram:  instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

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 experiences have shaped her commitment to ethical storytelling and conscious travel.

A few key takeaways in the episode: 

• Why Kara joined RISE during a pandemic-era virtual summit
  
  
• How volunteering at RISE sparked personal and professional growth
  
  
• Lessons from her time volunteering in a refugee camp in Greece
  
  
• The importance of amplifying local voices in travel content
  
  
• How the future of travel media is shifting toward more meaningful narratives
  
  
• Practical advice for content creators who want to make a positive impact

Website:  https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram:  instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

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 travel, the deeper lessons she learned from experiences like walking the Camino de Santiago, and how RISE’s mission aligns with her personal values. Together, they explore the importance of critical thinking, intentional travel, and cultivating deeper connections with people, places, and purpose. Plus, Kristen offers insight into the challenges of securing grants for systemic, educational work at RISE.

Website:  https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram:  instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

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 navigate chaos and achieve growth through strategic project management, streamlined operations, targeted marketing, and impactful coaching.

A firm believer in authentic leadership, Barbara is dedicated to building systems and processes that drive success while fostering a culture of health, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. She shares insights into travel, adventure, and personal growth. The discussion covers Barbara’s experiences exploring different cultures, embracing uncertainty, and learning from travel challenges. This episode emphasizes the importance of travel as a means of personal development and broadening one’s worldview.

Website:  https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram:  instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

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 they need. 

This mini-episode is from Season 1, Episode  5 (link for full episode).  In this episode Steve Hesse, RISE Institute Board member, highlights the importance of  integrating with local communities during student travel, avoiding corporate entities to support the local economy. He describes cultural exchange activities with local schools, highlighting the joy and intensity of cross-cultural connections, even with language barriers. 

Steve also shares personal anecdotes, such as a transformative experience at the Taj Mahal and a chance encounter in Japan that led to meeting his partner. He also discusses the challenges of cultural misunderstandings, using an example from India to illustrate the need for awareness and respect for local customs and social norms.

Website:  https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram:  instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

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 discusses her research on the representation of refugees in media and the challenges of solidarity across racialized power relations. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of colonization and the need for decolonizing travel. Dr. Mahrouse also shares her teaching approach, which encourages critical thinking about tourism's impact on power dynamics and advocates for open borders. The conversation highlights the complexities of tourism's role in social justice and the need for mindful travel practices.

Website:  https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram:  instagram.com/risetravelinstitute