In this episode, host Edward Leos sits down with Laura Penney, CEO of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation about leadership, culture, community, and the remarkable evolution of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most unique destinations.

Laura shares:
✨ The story of opening the resort’s doors in 1993
✨ How tribal values & heritage shape every aspect of the property
✨ What makes the Coeur d’Alene experience truly unforgettable
✨ The power of people-first leadership in hospitality
✨ Her journey as a CEO in the gaming & resort industry

If you’re passionate about travel, hospitality, business leadership, or culturally driven destinations, this episode delivers insight and heart at every turn.

📌 Subscribe to Travel Talk for more interviews with leaders, creators, and innovators shaping the world of travel.
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & Amazon Music.

#CoeurdAleneCasino #TravelTalk #TheHotelGuide #HospitalityLeadership #NativeOwnedBusiness #ResortLife #WomenInLeadership #TravelPodcast #PacificNorthwestTravel #CasinoResort #LeadershipStories

From bellman to VP of Marketing — Andrew Ladd’s journey is a masterclass in passion, perseverance, and people-first leadership.

In this inspiring episode of Travel Talk, host Edward Leos, publisher of The Hotel Guide, sits down with Andrew Ladd, VP of Marketing for Noble House Hotels & Resorts, to explore how one of hospitality’s most respected brands continues to redefine luxury and authenticity across its properties.

✨ Listen in as Andrew shares:

• His incredible rise through the ranks of hospitality — and what he learned along the way

• The art of creating unforgettable guest experiences that build lifelong loyalty

• How Noble House blends boutique luxury with authentic storytelling

• Leadership lessons that inspire growth, creativity, and connection

Whether you’re in the travel industry, a marketing professional, or just love a good success story — this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration for anyone passionate about people, purpose, and hospitality that makes a difference.

🎙️ Hosted by Edward Leos — Publisher of The Hotel Guide
🌍 Subscribe to Travel Talk for more behind-the-scenes stories, leadership lessons, and insider perspectives from the world of travel.

#TravelTalk #TheHotelGuide #AndrewLadd #NobleHouseHotels #HospitalityLeadership #LuxuryTravel #TravelPodcast #EdwardLeos #BoutiqueHotels #CustomerExperience #HotelMarketing

What if every destination could make the planet better—one guest at a time? 🌎

In this episode of Travel Talk, host Edward Leos sits down with Christine Kane, CEO of Audubon International, to explore how sustainability, hospitality, and leadership are reshaping the travel experience.

Christine shares powerful insights into:

• How hotels, resorts, and golf destinations are embracing green certification

• What it really means to run an eco-conscious business

• How travelers can make smarter, more sustainable choices

• Why sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for business growth

💡 Watch now to discover how visionaries like Christine are driving change across the hospitality and tourism world.

🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring travel stories, industry insights, and exclusive interviews: @TheHotelGuide

#TravelTalk #TheHotelGuide #SustainableTravel #HospitalityLeadership #ChristineKane #AudubonInternational #EcoTravel #HotelManagement #TravelIndustry #Leadership #TravelPodcast #EcoFriendlyHotels #GreenTouris

Discover how The Hotel Guide selects its Publishers’ Picks—now expanded to 15 categories—and what’s new in our 2025 Awards Edition (publishing November 25, 2025). Hosts Edward Leos and Roxann Leos take you behind the scenes of the hospitality industry: how winners stand out, which hotels, resorts, destinations, and experiences rise to the top, and what trends will shape 2026.

Why watch:

• The exact criteria that separate award-winning hotels from the pack

• New Awards categories + what they mean for properties and destinations

• Insider look at our Board of Advisors, media partnerships, and trade show plans

• How brands can partner, pitch, or get featured across print, digital, and the Travel Talk podcast

If you’re a traveler or hospitality pro, you’ll get actionable insights on hotel marketing, guest experience, and destination storytelling—plus how to be on our radar for future features.

Chapters
00:00 Intro & milestone
01:02 What’s new in the 2025 Awards
03:15 How we evaluate hotels & destinations
06:10 Publishers’ Picks: category expansion
09:25 Media partnerships & trade shows
12:40 How to get featured with The Hotel Guide
14:30 2026 trends to watch
17:00 Final takeaways

Work with us / Get featured:
• Pitch your property or destination: [email protected]
• Follow for more: @officialthehotelguide
• Listen to Travel Talk on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music

Keywords: The Hotel Guide, Travel Talk, hotel awards 2025, Publishers’ Picks, best hotels and resorts, hospitality trends 2026, destination marketing, hotel marketing, travel media, board of advisors, trade show hospitality, tourism awards, guest experience, boutique hotels, luxury resorts

What if travel could change the world — and you along with it?In this moving episode of Travel Talk, host Edward Leos sits down with Adam Asher, the visionary behind Rugged Compass and the Humanitarian News Feed, to explore how adventure, faith, and compassion intersect to create purpose-driven journeys. 🌍✨Adam shares powerful stories from the road — moments that reveal the heart of humanity and remind us that true travel isn’t just about where you go, but how you give back.Whether you’re a traveler, leader, or storyteller, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to see the world — and your impact — in a whole new way.💡 In This Episode:The story behind Rugged Compass and its humanitarian missionHow the Humanitarian News Feed connects people doing good around the globeThe role of faith and courage in meaningful travelTurning compassion into action through storytellingWhy giving back is the true destination#TravelTalkPodcast, #TheHotelGuide, #RuggedCompass, #HumanitarianNewsFeed, #Purpose-DrivenTravel, #FaithandAdventure, #HumanitarianStorytelling, #TravelwithMeaning, #GlobalGood, #AdventureThatMatters, #TravelandCompassion, #GivingBackThroughTravel, #LuxuryTravelwithPurpose, #EdwardLeos, #AdamAsher

🎯 What defines true boutique luxury—and how do independent hotels stay authentic in a world of big brands?

In this episode of The Travel Talk Podcast, host Edward Leos, CEO of The Hotel Guide, sits down with Frances Kiradjian, visionary Founder of the Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA), to explore the movement redefining hospitality around individuality, creativity, and soul.

From intimate design to heartfelt service, Frances shares the philosophy behind boutique hospitality—and how it continues to inspire travelers and hoteliers worldwide.

🎟️ Discover why boutique hotels aren’t just places to stay—they’re stories brought to life.

🎤 In This Episode:
✅ The evolution of boutique and luxury lodging
✅ How authenticity fuels traveler connection
✅ Why independent hotels are thriving post-pandemic
✅ The impact of BLLA on innovation and community
✅ Frances’s insight on leadership, legacy, and the art of storytelling

💡 Key Takeaways:

🏨 Authenticity is the New Luxury
• Boutique hospitality is built on originality and heart.
• Travelers crave experiences that reflect local culture and creativity.

💬 Connection Creates Loyalty
• Personal touches turn stays into stories.
• Purpose and personality are what set boutique properties apart.

🌟 About Frances Kiradjian:
As Founder of BLLA, Frances has championed independent hospitality for over a decade—empowering boutique hoteliers and thought leaders to shape the industry’s most creative, inclusive, and forward-thinking community.

📲 CONNECT WITH THE HOTEL GUIDE
Instagram: @officialthehotelguide
LinkedIn: The Hotel Guide
YouTube: The Hotel Guide Podcast
Website: www.thehotelguide.com

🛎️ Subscribe to The Travel Talk Podcast for inspiring stories, travel insights, and conversations redefining the art of hospitality.

What if technology could make travel more personal, seamless, and inspiring?

In this episode of Travel Talk Podcast, host Edward Leos, CEO of The Hotel Guide, chats with Annie Pezza, Founder & CEO of Pinerary, the innovative platform transforming how travelers plan, connect, and share their journeys.

From intelligent itinerary design to curated storytelling, Annie shares how Pinerary bridges the gap between tech and human experience—empowering travelers to explore the world with confidence and creativity.

🎟️ Discover how personalization, connection, and smart innovation are redefining modern travel.

🎤 In This Episode:
✅ How AI and personalization are shaping the travel experience
✅ Why traveler connection matters more than ever
✅ The story behind Pinerary’s vision and innovation
✅ The intersection of tech, storytelling, and discovery
✅ Annie’s advice for entrepreneurs reimagining the travel space

💡 Key Takeaways:

🌍 Innovation with Intention
• Smart tech should enhance—not replace—the human touch
• Personalization creates lasting traveler engagement

✈️ Travel as Connection
• The best journeys start with authentic storytelling
• Purpose-driven travel inspires global community

🌟 About Annie Pezza:
As Founder & CEO of Pinerary, Annie Pezza is redefining how we plan, book, and experience travel. Her mission: to simplify exploration through technology that celebrates connection, culture, and creativity.

📲 CONNECT WITH THE HOTEL GUIDE
Instagram: @officialthehotelguide
LinkedIn: The Hotel Guide
Website: www.thehotelguide.com

🛎️ Subscribe to The Travel Talk Podcast and join us as we uncover the stories and innovators shaping the future of travel.

#TravelTalkPodcast #EdwardLeos #AnniePezza #Pinerary #TravelInnovation #SmartTravel #DigitalNomads #TravelTech #FutureOfTravel #SustainableTourism #HospitalityLeadership #TravelWithPurpose #LuxuryTravel #MeaningfulTravel #DigitalTransformation #TravelCommunity #InnovationInTravel #PurposeDrivenTravel #TravelDesign #TravelExperience

🔥 Hashtags:

In this episode of Travel Talk Podcast, host Edward Leos, CEO of The Hotel Guide, sits down with Viktor Meier, CEO of Glice, the pioneering company behind sustainable ice rinks that don’t require water or energy.

From transforming sports and leisure to reimagining eco-tourism experiences, Viktor shares how Glice is proving that sustainability and fun can go hand-in-hand—and what this means for destinations, hoteliers, and communities worldwide.

🎟️ Discover how innovation, impact, and imagination are powering the future of recreation and hospitality.

🎤 In This Episode:
✅ The story behind Glice’s revolutionary eco-ice technology
✅ How destinations can merge sustainability with guest experience
✅ Why eco-friendly solutions are becoming travel essentials
✅ The role of sports and leisure in destination storytelling
✅ Viktor’s vision for a more sustainable future in travel and hospitality

💡 Key Takeaways:

🌍 Sustainability Scales
• Eco-innovation is no longer optional—it’s the new standard.
• Guests value experiences that align with their values.

🎢 Experience Drives Connection
• Memorable moments create loyalty and advocacy.
• Leisure and lifestyle trends are shaping destination appeal.

🌟 About Viktor Meier:
As CEO of Glice, Viktor Meier leads the charge in sustainable innovation for sports and leisure. His mission: to create environmentally friendly, energy-free ice experiences that inspire joy while protecting the planet.

📲 CONNECT WITH THE HOTEL GUIDE
Instagram: @officialthehotelguide
Facebook: The Hotel Guide
LinkedIn: The Hotel Guide

📖 Explore more travel insights at:
https://www.thehotelguide.com

🛎️ Subscribe to The Travel Talk Podcast for stories that transform the way we travel, play, and connect.

#TravelTalkPodcast #EdwardLeos #ViktorMeier #Glice #SustainableTravel #EcoInnovation #FutureOfTravel #HospitalityInnovation #TravelAndSustainability #PurposeDrivenTravel #LuxuryMeetsSustainability #HospitalityLeadership #EcoTourism #TravelWithPurpose #GlobalTravelTrends #SustainableHospitality

What happens when conservation, storytelling, and hospitality come together? In this episode of The Travel Talk Podcast, host Edward Leos, CEO of The Hotel Guide, sits down with Neil Jacobs of Wild Origins to explore how nature, culture, and purpose-driven tourism are reshaping the travel experience.

From eco-luxury to authentic conservation efforts, this episode uncovers how destinations can create deeper meaning, foster sustainability, and inspire travelers to connect with the world in powerful new ways.

🎟️ Tune in to hear how Wild Origins is reimagining the relationship between people, planet, and hospitality.

🎤 In This Episode:
✅ Why modern travelers are seeking purpose-driven journeys
✅ How sustainability can be luxury’s strongest asset
✅ The art of weaving local culture into guest experience
✅ The role of conservation in future-focused hospitality
✅ Strategies to balance growth, impact, and authenticity
✅ Neil’s perspective on redefining “wild” in travel

💡 Key Takeaways:

🌍 Sustainability is Strategy
• Conscious travel is no longer optional—it’s expected
• Guests value transparency, conservation, and authenticity
• Eco-efforts must go beyond “greenwashing” into real action

🛎️ Luxury with Purpose
• Experiences rooted in nature and culture elevate connection
• Personalized service meets planet-friendly design
• Travelers want to “give back” while they explore

📣 The Future is Wild
• The next wave of hospitality blends adventure with awareness
• Storytelling drives both bookings and loyalty
• Wild Origins shows how to align brand, mission, and traveler values

🌟 About Neil Jacobs & Wild Origins:
Neil Jacobs is driving a new movement in hospitality—one where conservation, community, and connection are at the heart of every experience. Through Wild Origins, he is pioneering meaningful, sustainable journeys that invite travelers to see the world differently.

📍Whether you’re a hotelier, sustainability advocate, or curious explorer, this episode will inspire you to rethink what it means to travel with purpose.

📲 CONNECT WITH THE HOTEL GUIDE
Instagram: @officialthehotelguide
Facebook: The Hotel Guide
LinkedIn: The Hotel Guide

📖 Explore more and subscribe for exclusive features, travel stories, and insider access:
👉 https://www.thehotelguide.com

🛎️ Subscribe to The Travel Talk Podcast for conversations with thought leaders redefining travel, hospitality, and global connection.

In this inspiring episode of Travel Talk, Edward Leos sits down with Carolyn Ray, CEO of JourneyWoman, the world’s original solo travel resource for women. Carolyn shares how she’s empowering women over 50 to explore the world with confidence, community, and curiosity.

From breaking barriers in solo travel to reshaping how women see themselves as adventurers, Carolyn opens up about:
✔️ The rise of solo female travel and why it’s booming
✔️ Building a trusted global community for women travelers
✔️ How travel fosters empowerment, courage, and lifelong connections

Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or dreaming of your first solo trip, this episode will leave you ready to pack your bags and embrace the journey.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music & YouTube!

👉 Tag a friend who needs this travel inspiration!

#TravelTalk #Podcast #JourneyWoman #WomenWhoTravel #SoloTravel #TheHotelGuide