Travel With Meaning

Episode 97 features a conversation with TV host Jason Zone Fisher. A passionate traveler who turned his love for sports, curiosity for adventure, and why not mentality into a thriving on-camera career.

After winning a dream opportunity with Gillette traveling to major sporting events and experiences with his best friend, Jason knew anything was possible. Jason shared one of his most meaningful travel moments happened while on the road, with another major brand, Butterfinger . He had two days off in Kansas City. After sampling dozens of BBQ restaurants on day one Jason decided to drive 7 hrs to the NBA Finals in Oklahoma City on day 2. What happened next is a travel story that drastically changed the course of Jason's life and career. Listen to the full podcast to hear the story or click here to watch the Youtube video.

About Jason Zone Fisher: a versatile host and producer, with unique expertise in sports, travel, food, game shows, and branded entertainment. He has hosted and produced shows for Travel Channel, Big Ten Network, CNBC, Nickelodeon, Bravo, USA Network, Food Network and has become one of the go-to hosts for the NBA. Jason currently hosts a popular podcast with former NBA All-Star Baron Davis, and is a regular on the NBA's App, Twitch channel and social accounts - reporting from all major events - from Draft to Summer League, All-Star Weekend through the Finals and more. He is touring the nation as an emcee for ProCamps with various major college basketball programs and NBA athletes. He's served as a sideline reporter for the World Armwrestling League (yes, that's a thing!) on B/R Live and the Alliance of American Football on NFL Network. He has served as host and spokesman for numerous brands including Express, Gillette, Butterfinger, Skype, Esurance, Nerf, Evian, Mastercard, Kingsford, Jack Links, MaximBet, Homage and Pizza Hut - where represented the brand as the "Pizza Hut All-American" at every NCAA Championship in every sport. Jason is a proud graduate of the Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University, and a lifelong Cleveland sports fan. Known for his high-energy, Jason tried sleeping once, but decided that wasn't for him!

Episode 96 features a conversation with Lauren Gay AKA Outdoorsy Diva, an extraordinary traveler who carved out her own path and inspired countless people along the way.

Lauren is the creator of Misadventures of an Outdoorsy Diva Blog, host/producer of the award-winning Adventure Is A Lifestyle Podcast, published photographer, speaker, consultant, on-air TV travel expert, and adventure coach. She is a monthly travel expert on CBS Great Day Live Tampa Bay. She is also a travel writer and social media influencer who is passionate about inspiring and empowering black women to step out of their comfort zones for new experiences in travel and adventure and embracing nature as therapy. Lauren is also an empty nest mom and a dedicated long-time advocate for racial diversity and inclusion in outdoor recreation and adventure travel and a founding member of the Black Travel Alliance.

We loved our conversation with Lauren and think you'll be inspired by her stories.

In this episode, Lauren share's the most meaningful adventure she has ever had was with her son in the Spring of 2022 abroad on an Uncruise Adventure Ship in Mexico.

Lauren had no idea that this episode was sponsored by Uncruise and we loved how organically and authentically she shared how much she loved her time cruising with Uncruise.

Big thank you to our friends at Uncruise for sponsoring this episode and for more information about Uncruise click here - make sure you use the code TWM500 to save $500 on an Uncruise adventure!

Hello travelers, in episode 95 we talk with Stephanie Daniel, the CEO, and Co-Founder of a unique new travel app, Legend. Stephanie does not come from a traditional travel industry background, but as we've found from talking with countless guests travel has impacted all of our lives and careers. Stephanie is no different as travel shaped who she is and lead her to launch this innovative concept.

As Stephanie shared with us, she believes that travel and exploration lead to authentic connection and growth for us as individuals and as a collective. When combined with the community it powers mutual evolution. Her mission is to build a platform that empowers us all to explore more and authentically connect with ourselves, each other, and the world.

Stephanie grew up in a tiny village in England, where her horizons grew through travel, and her love for exploring was born. She studied Economics at Cambridge and spent more than fourteen years in investment banking with Deutsche Bank in London and New York, working with amazing global teams and gaining the strongest foundation in markets, finance, and management. Travel continued to be a passion in the deepest part of her soul, and through her experiences and connections, she developed a strong belief that tech and community had the potential to make it better. Stephanie is beyond excited to now be harnessing her entrepreneurial spirit to bring Legends to life!

About Legends:

Legends are a community app for explorers, travelers, new nomads, and freedom seekers. We unlock your lifelong journey by creating your unique Travel DNA made up of your own experience of the world. Our proprietary tech and community-powered approach help you share trusted recommendations, discover amazing places and connect with your people.

Enjoy our conversation with Stephanie, check out Legends and shoot us a note to let us know what you think!

In this episode, we talk with, Cara Federici, the Founder, and CEO of the Madison Melle Agency. Cara has a long career in hospitality working with prestigious global brands. It's her savvy eye for design, forward-thinking innovation, and detail that has her agency positioned as a positive force in the new dawn of hospitality.

A self-described city slicker, Cara shares with us where her love for hospitality, design, and travel comes from and the meaningful moments that have shaped her life and career.

The Madison Melle Agency is a multi-faceted creative studio & lifestyle consultancy, ideating and operating one-of-a-kind media, technology, hospitality, food & beverage, retail, and real estate brands. Federici's proven track record of success is derived from collaborating with a multitude of the world's most notable names in their respective industries, including Fast Company, Standard Hotels, Palisociety, InterContinental Hotels Group, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and Proper Hospitality.

Federici's current and past portfolio comprises an array of highly sought-after, luxury lifestyle companies and market leaders, such as Brookfield Properties, Relais & Châteaux's Calabash Grenada, Casetta Group, Bridgeton Hospitality, Two Bunch Palms, Marram Montauk, Walker Hotels, Petit Ermitage, Saira Hospitality, Wylder Hotels, Cachet Hotels, Solay App, and Skypod, as well as a variety of highly acclaimed media, retail, communications, and hospitality ventures.

Federici launched Tech Theory Group in 2020, a high-performance technology advisory firm, designing and delivering best-in-class managed information technology solutions and infrastructure services. Tech Theory Group realized a compelling need in the marketplace existed for simple, transparent, cost-effective hospitality technology services. Tech Theory Group delivers these core competencies to clientele through a collective partnership of experienced IT architects, engineers, designers, consultants, and business executives across the globe.

Federici attended Parsons School of Design in New York City and graduated Cum Laude from Tulane University, with a Bachelor of the Arts in Communications and a double minor in Business and Art Studio. Federici holds a completed Certificate of Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management from Cornell University. Federici is currently based in Southern California with offices for The Madison Melle Agency and Tech Theory Group in Los Angeles.

Enjoy our conversation with Cara Federici.

Gathering the Travel With Meaning community of like-minded travelers together to hear meaningful stories from our special guests is what we missed most during the pandemic. Episode 93 features not one but two incredible guests for the podcast recorded in front of an intimate audience at the Shay Hotel in Culver City, CA. This event was a collaboration with Wanderful and their LA Chapter. Our extraordinary guests Nailah Hayward and Rachel Firchau are two meaningful content creators and have both been active within the Wanderful community and with Travel With Meaning. Big thank you to our partners to help make this event a success Travelers Autobarn, State Bags and Book Outdoors are supporters of sharing authentic meaningful stories and providing raffle prizes for the audience attending. Thank you also to all the people who watched the conversation live through zoom and thank you again to the Shay for hosting us and providing a raffle prize of a Shaycation. About our two guests: Nailah Hayward Originally from Pittsburgh, PA Nailah is a passionate traveler and advocate for others' travel adventures. Starting her popular travel blog "There's So Much To See" in 2009. As the LA Chapter Director for Wanderful Nailah helps organize community events and inspire her fellow travel community. Rachel Firachu - AKA Rachel Off Duty Balancing her passion for travel and her corporate job has given Rachel a new spin on her popular travel blog "Rachel Off Duty" instead of quitting her job to travel she's utilized her professional stability to thrive in workcation opportunities all over the world. Born and raised in Hawaii her wanderlust interest came at an early age and her desire to inspire other women to see the world has been the basis for Rachel Off Duty. One of her recent adventures to Lebanon has sparked her interest to lead trips to places that moved her. To find out more about Rachel's small group trip to Lebanon click here. Enjoy our conversation with Naialah and Rachel.

In this episode, we talk about Scot's passion for travel and how it lead to launching the Travel Academy. An initiative with State Bags and Puzzle International to provide the opportunity of travel for young adults from disadvantaged neighborhoods. Travel With Meaning podcast host, Mike Schibel was lucky enough to be a last-minute addition to the inaugural Travel Academy trip in California and even earned a special nickname. The Travel Academy California adventure was turned into a short film premiering on October 2, 2022, online. Click here to see the inspiring trailer of the film.

More about Scot Tatelman:

Scot defines the term 'social entrepreneur' and has made it his life's work to balance profitable business ventures with making the world a better place. In 2005, he collaborated with The Mark Wahlberg Foundation and The Boys and Girls Club to create Camp Northbound - a residential camp for kids growing up in the inner cities of Boston. Following its success, Scot set out to build a similar program for kids in New York City's most underfunded communities, creating Camp Power. In fourteen years, the volunteer-based nonprofit organization provided life-changing experiences, positive role models and college scholarships to thousands of kids. After seeing many Camp Power kids carrying their belongings in ripped trash bags, he and his wife founded STATE Bags - a Brooklyn-born bag brand that uses the power of business to give back and support American children and families in need, in the ways they need it most. He has worked to evolve their charitable model through STATE's innovative giving initiatives and #WhatDoWeTellTheKids platform and recently launched a consulting company to help build out the company's charitable and giving efforts. Scot is a graduate of UVM and a Boston native, he currently resides in Northern California with his wife, two kids, and dog, Bird.

This could be one of our favorite and most inspiring episodes ever!

Episode 91 was recorded in front of a live audience at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills and is brought to you by our partner, Los Cabos Tourism.

Our special guest, Danni Washington, is a Science Communicator, Author, and TV Host. Making her return to the TWM podcast, she shares her love for the Pacific Ocean + Los Cabos and even drops hints about the top secret NatGeo show she's hosting.

Danni, a Miami native of Jamaican descent, graduated from The University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric with a Marine Science and Biology degree. At age 21, Danni and her mom launched the non-profit Big Blue & You, dedicated to inspiring and educating youth about marine Science through the arts and media.

Danni is a full-time dedicated marine science communicator, a part-time educational "mermaid," and an unstoppable rising media star brilliantly educating and entertaining. Standing at the intersection of Science and the public at large, Danni is the first African American woman of color to host an American Science TV show. Her new book geared towards youth, Bold Women In Science, tells the inspiring stories of fifteen women who changed the course of Science.

Danni is currently in production as the sole host of a "top secret" National Geographic Disney + mega-budgeted premium limited documentary series. She is the host of Season 1 of The Genius Generation; a new podcast focused on young people behind an incredible invention, entrepreneurial pursuit, or discovery using Science. Previously, Danni was a featured correspondent for the weekly nationally syndicated CBS series Mission Unstoppable, hosted and executive produced by Miranda Cosgrove and Geena Davis. Danni has also hosted Xploration Nature Knows Best on Fox and Amazon Prime, a STEM educational TV series featuring the latest bio-inspired technology and design advancements. Danni has also worked with other significant STEM shows, including Facebook Watch and Science the $#!* Out Of It to Science Channel's Strange Evidence.

Her new book, geared towards youth Bold Women In Science, tells the inspiring stories of fifteen women who changed the course of Science. Now Danni supports changing the system by serving as a judge for the Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize 2021. Danni is also a proud Board Member of the North American Association of Environmental Education.

Thanks to Danni for sharing her inspiring stories and LOVE for Los Cabos. We look forward to having you back on the podcast to tell us all about your NatGeo show coming out in Spring 2023! A big thank you to all our partners, Los Cabos Tourism, the Waldorf Astoria, State Bags, and all who attended this special live podcast evening!

Episode 90 features a conversation with a digital trailblazer who found healing and transformation in nature.

Shira Lazar is the founder and CEO of the Emmy Nominated digital media brand What's Trending. She is the host of the afternoon drive show Let's Go There weekdays on CHANNEL Q, an Audacy Original Station, and the award-winning LGBTQ+ Talk Radio Network.

She has also been named one of Fast Company's Most Influential Women in Technology, Huffington Post's "Women in Tech to follow on Twitter", honored on the Variety Women of Impact list, and Cynopsis Top Women In Digital.

A BIG Web3 advocate, collector, and advises as well as consults with companies in the space relating to cryptocurrency, NFTs and the metaverse.

As a broadcaster, Shira uses her platforms to create content and education around Web3, bridging the gap between the industry, creators, and consumers. She hosts weekly Twitter Spaces shows, #AlphaMondays and Women in Web3 Weekly, brings viewers the top five NFT stories of the week on Instagram, and just launched Inside Web3 airing weekly as a podcast and on KNX News 91.FM in Los Angeles.

While in quarantine in April 2020, Shira co-founded PeaceInside.Live, a wellness community and platform offering virtual classes, workshops, and retreats. PIL is constantly working to break down the barriers of entry to make tools for well-being accessible for all via our community experiences and our workplace programs.

Previously, Shira hosted the weekly pop culture Facebook live show, Circa Pop Live! for Circa.com and was a West Coast contributor for HLN's "The Daily Share", where she covered all things social media and digital trends for the network. As the leading broadcaster and interviewer in the digital space, Shira has been the face of the biggest live streams on the web from awards shows to red carpet premieres including, The Oscars, The Grammys, and Tony Awards among many others. Lazar is a Webby Awards Honoree, Streamy Awards, and IAWTV Winner For Best Web Series Live Host.

Enjoy our conversation with the wonderful Shira Lazar.

In episode 89 we catch up with Lindsay Myers at the newly remodeled Viceroy Santa Monica. Lindsay tells us about some of the exciting projects and travels she's working on. We also hear about the fun shared experience that podcast host Mike Schibel, and Lindsay had together in Los Cabos.

Lindsay is a weekly contributor on NBC Access Hollywood, where her segments include visiting unique places around the world. She is a respected voice in the travel and lifestyle industry. With her expertise from TV exposure, and highlighting brands and venues from all over the world, she uses her experience to reach all levels of media.

Originally from Hilton Head, S.C Lindsay got her start in the TV industry as a Production Assistant on the Maurey Povich show and was later a regular on the TV reality series It's a Brad, Brad World with Brad Goreski.

When she's not traveling the world for Access Hollywood Lindsay is creating stories for her popular blog, Get Lost With Lindsay.

Enjoy this episode and fun conversation with Lindsay Myers

This episode was sponsored by Los Cabos Tourism. One of the world's premiere travel destinations with a variety of luxury and family-friendly resorts. Los Cabos has everything you need and so much more. For more information go to visitloscabos.travel

Episode 88 of the podcast was record at Bluestone Lane on Rose Ave in Venice Beach with the CEO and Founder of Blunestone Lane Nicholas Stone.

A former professional AFL Football Player (6 years), Corporate Finance banker (11 years Australia, USA, UK) and currently Founder & CEO of Bluestone Lane.

Bluestone Lane is the fastest growing premium cafe brand in the United States, with +65 locations across 9 markets (NY, LA, SF, DC, NJ, PA, MA & Toronto CDN). Headquartered in New York City, Bluestone Lane is influenced by Australian independent coffee-culture, and is committed to providing elevated cafe experiences focused on human connection.

Nick was a 2019 Finalist in EY's New York Entrepreneur of the Year.

Nick has been recognized as one of World's Young Leaders of the Future and has been featured in the New York Times, CNBC, Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, Australian Financial Review, The Age, Forbes, GQ and Vogue USA. Nick has been a featured guest on +15 podcasts since 2019, available on Spotify and iTunes stores.

Prior to founding Bluestone Lane a complete hospitality "outsider", Nick spent 11 years in corporate finance and advisory in Australia, New York and London, after beginning his career as a professional AFL footballer for 6 seasons following selection in the 1999 AFL National Draft.

Enjoy our conversation!