Travel With Meaning

In Episode 87 we speak with Danny Guerrero, Founder, The Culturist Group (TCG). His accomplishments are astounding and driving change.

In this episode we hear Danny's meaningful travel stories from his first international trip to Korea, his experience interning for San Diego Tourism Board and the special trip to Paris with his mom. Also sharing about the work his doing now and how it all began.

It was Danny's connection and commitment to local communities throughout his twenty plus years in travel marketing that inspired him to launch his own company, The Culturist Group (TCG).

TCG is a 100% minority-owned travel marketing company. As a thought leader for multicultural and diversity in travel Danny has been an active proponent of culture-forward thinking for travel brands and destinations as a means to help increase equity and inclusion in the travel industry.

​TCG was established at a time when shifting cultural identities and the need for more diversity, equity and inclusion in the travel industry finally became a priority. TCG believes that the travel industry and the brands, and destinations that participate in it can be a force for good.

CULTURIST as a concept and consultancy practice, bridges cultural values with multicultural travel strategies to support clients to sustain better connections who consider where and with whom they travel as an extension of who they are.

As social justice and diversity in travel became transparent during the uprising of Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, many travel brands struggled to find ways to bridge and connect with multicultural and underrepresented markets. Beginning in 2018 Danny forward thinking advocated for and led the delivery of key programs for destinations and far-reaching industry research on emerging and underrepresented travelers.

Danny championed industry-wide groundbreaking research supporting prolific travel brands such as Hilton, Choice Hotels International, Tripadvisor, NYC & Company, Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board on Black and Hispanic travelers, revealing these two segments alone representing nearly 30% of all U.S. travel spend, reaching in excess of $280M annually. His work has led to the bestowing of grants and funds to Black and diversity in travel organizations in excess of $100,000 to empower underrepresented voices in the travel marketing.

He has been at the helm of multiple award-winning brand marketing and communications programs for destinations, hospitality and travel brands on nearly every continent. Prior to founding The Culturist Group, he spent a decade of his career building and leading agency teams at two well-respected firms, MMGY Global and DCI. Prior to spent a decade in destination marketing with in house roles for hotel management and tour operators. His career portfolio includes research and public relations leadership for Visit California, Viceroy Hotel Group, Hilton, Sensei Retreats, Fiji Airways, Tourism Chile, The Travel Corporation, Visit West Hollywood, Los Cabos Tourism, Sonoma County Tourism, Destination Cleveland to name a few.

​Danny is a frequent guest speaker at travel and tourism conferences advocating for underrepresented travelers and illuminating how shifting demographics, travel sentiment and culture represent opportunities for the travel industry. Dedicated to advocating underrepresented travelers and promoting travel for diverse youth and volunteers with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, INROADS (and Mrs. Obando's 8th grade class).

Danny graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and Marketing from the University of California, Riverside with Chancellor's Honors. He is an Executive MBA Candidate at the UCLA Anderson School of Management (Class of 2024), where he was awarded a Dean's Fellowship. Early in his career Danny served as an intern for President Bill Clinton serving in the White House Visitors Office and was a career intern at the San Diego Tourism Authority.

He is a recipient of the 'Outstanding Contribution Award' granted by the World Travel and Tourism Council for his work advancing diversity and equity in the industry in 2021, and the Chairman's Award granted by the National Association of Black Meeting Professionals.

​Danny and his husband Jaime reside in Los Angeles, California.

Hello Travelers, This episode was recorded on location in Montana as part of a mindful adventure travel experience with Recal Travel. This was a unique experience as part of Recal's quiet park series in Glacier National Park. The adventure included breath work, yoga, meditation, walks in nature, camping, cold dips, s'more making and connecting with other like-minded travelers. In this episode we'll meet the Founder of Recal Travel Anthony Lorubbio to learn where the idea came from to launch mindful adventure travel experiences. We'll hear some of the sounds of nature, the quietness of Kintla Lake, deemed one of the quietest places on earth by Quiet Parks International and hear from the trip coach, Scott Stone as well other participants on the adventure. Travel With Meaning is a huge advocate for shared experiences in nature as a way to connect with ourselves, others and nature. The recalibration that comes from taking time to pause is a gift we could all benefit from. If you're interested in any future trips with Recal Travel use the code TWM and if you find other shared experiences in nature that fill you up please share them with us and use the #Travelwithmeaning when something moves, touches, and inspires you.

Kaila Yu is a Taiwanese American singer, songwriter, former model, and freelance journalist. She was formerly the lead singer and vocalist for the all-Asian-American, female rock band Nylon Pink. As a journalist and on-camera correspondent based in Los Angeles for KEYT which broadcasts on CBS/NBC/FOX. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, CNN, VICE, Business Insider, Travel and Leisure, Rolling Stone, Newsweek, Thrillist, and more. Give her a follow at @kailaYu

Episode 85 is sponsored by Uncruise the small boat adventure company. Use the code TWM500 to get $500 off per person when you sign up for an Uncruise adventure.

On episode 84 of the podcast we meet a man who's blazed a trail in the travel digital space, but things didn't always go as planned for Scott Eddy.

Life changed for Scott after losing his father 3 weeks before graduating high school. After months of feeling lost, unmotivated, and directionless, Scott joined an investment training program and excelled as a stockbroker over the next decade. After 10 years traveling between Florida and New York as a stockbroker, Scott said goodbye to the corporate world and embarked on his first life changing trip. Scott's lifestyle gradually transformed into something he couldn't plan or predict, starting with his moving permanently to Asia to explore life beyond living in the United States.

After living in Europe and Asia for 17 years, Scott fell in love with several different cultures and recognized the value of creating lasting relationships. Scott embraced his sales and business savvy once again by starting one of the first digital agencies in Southeast Asia. Owning and selling this agency gave him a deep understanding of the digital transformation several industries would encounter.

Scott is a true people person and believes human connection is the only key to success and happiness. Although based in South Florida, there is no one place he currently calls home and is a genuine citizen of the world, traveling full-time, living out of a few suitcases through countless destinations.

2020 changed the world of travel in ways no one could ever predict, and for better or worse, Scott Eddy has become the 'go-to' digital guy for the travel industry, understanding it far more than many others as he chooses to completely immerse himself in its development and growth.

Episode 84 is sponsored by the small ship adventure company Uncruise

Use TWM500 for $500 per person on an UnCruise adventure - click here for all the incredible trip UnCruise offers.

TWM podcast host Mike Schibel was honored to attend the first in person Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Summit since the COVID pandemic. Bringing together Like-minded travelers from all sectors of the travel industry in North Lake Tahoe at the beautiful Palisades Tahoe. Discussing important issues on Climate Change, Sustainability and DEI in the industry with a focus on the local region of Lake Tahoe.

Tourism Cares is an almost twenty plus year non profit dedicated to the long-term survival of the travel + tourism industry. Inspiring each other to make travel a force for good to ensure the future prosperity of the people and places who rely on it.

The Meaningful Travel Summits, or "Tourism Cares for America" as it was once called, began after a call for all Americans to volunteer service to their country as a direct result of September 11, 2001.

Tourism Cares founder and then Executive Director, Bruce Beckham, saw an opportunity for the industry to come together - regardless of industry sector, competitor, or colleague.

The Meaningful Travel Summit has grown from a volunteer program to a multi-day global event that pairs education, service, social enterprise development, and industry networking.

This episode features conversation about what is Toursim Cares and how the organization is making an impact in the travel industry. We also learn what travel means to our fellow Meaningful Travel Summit attendees. Enjoy this meaningful episode.

If you have interest to learn more about Tourism Cares and future Meaningful Travel Summits visit www.tourismcares.org

Renowned adventure photographer Laura Grier has a knack for manifesting extraordinary opportunities. When she was presented with leading an all women's climb to the top of the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, she knew this would be one of her greatest physical and mental challenges of her life. If the eight days and fifty one hours of climbing through blizzards and down pours was not difficult enough, Laura and her fearless crew of ladies became a fashion pit crew stopping each day for a photo shoot. Each lady on the climb had a chance express themselves and mark this monumental adventure with a goddess portrait in something that looked right out of fashion magazine. When you see the stunning images Laura captured (check the Travel With Meaning Instagram) of her goddess crew in the different landscapes that make up the climb wearing traditional African fabric purchased at a local market and in jewelry from the Maasai tribe it's hard to remember these women have been climbing for days with no showers. As a passionate advocate of local artisan, Laura is also co-founder of Andeana Hats made in Peru and Guatemala, she wanted these photo shoot images to also pay homage to local African artisans.

Small spoiler alert, all the women did summit and had an incredible adventure. When we asked Laura what her biggest takeaway was from the trip she said this adventure really pushed her to practice being present and be in the moment. As Laura said she realized many of her travels have involved her own search for being in the moment, staying present and this is a practice she has brought home with her.

To learn more about Laura and her incredible travel stories and background listen to episode seven of the TWM podcast

- click here.

Enjoy this episode and make sure to check out the Travel With Meaning Instagram for the amazing goddess photo shoot images from the Kilimanjaro climb!

Every once in awhile we share stories of sheer determination, resilience and grit that it's hard not to find inspiration in the journey. Episode 81 of the TWM Podcast features a conversation with a truly remarkable man, Shaahin Cheyene.

He's the founder of the brain nutrition startup Accelerated Intelligence (AI), an award-winning business mogul, author, filmmaker, and inventor of Herbal Ecstacy, the nootropic that sparked the (100% legal) Smart Drug Movement.

Shaahin is the author of ("Billon, How I Became the King of the Thrill Pill"). His story of leaving home at fifteen, sleeping in his car and a few years later running a company making hundreds of millions of dollars to now where he is today- is remarkable. Along the way the people he met and experiences Shaahin had are unbelievable.

As a serial entrepreneurial his career has spanned more than 30 years, earning over $350 Million. As a leading Amazon expert his products have outpaced Fortune 500 companies' sales on the platform, selling millions of units worldwide.

This is an episode not to be missed and we highly recommend his book!

Listen to the full episode for a very special offer Shaahin presents to the TWM community. If you'e always wanted to learn how to sell on Amazon now is your time to learn.

Welcome to Episode 80 of the podcast! This is a special solo cast episode where our host Mike Schibel shares stories from a recent adventure in Mexico. Spending time in Los Cabos and cruising for a week on the Sea of Cortés with Uncruise the small ship adventure company. This episode is broken up into three parts: 1) The bucket list experience 2) shared experiences 3)expectations. All three of these elements come together for an epic adventure ! As a bonus to our community if you use the code TWM500 you can get $500 per person off an UnCruise adventure. Enjoy the episode!

Episode 79 features a conversation with an exceptional travel entrepreneur Kylie Chenn, Founder of Acanela Expeditions, The Wander Camp and The Adventure Dress. Growing in a small town in Northern Idaho, it was a semester studying abroad that opened her mind and heart. Kylie had the travel bug from the first trip abroad and didn't look back. Over 121 countries later spending time living in Europe, South Africa, Asia and Africa expanding her knowledge and curiosity. Her passion for travel and desire to support others to have impactful adventures lead her to launch Acanela Expeditions, a boutique travel organization that curates hands-on tour experiences around the world. When travel came to a standstill during the pandemic, Kylie did some wandering and camping near National Parks in the Southwest US, sparking the idea for The Wander Camp (a "wandering" hotel of glamping tents). The Wander Camp operates locations outside of six National Parks: Grand Canyon, Glacier, Bryce, Zion, Yellowstone, and Moab. To learn more about The Wander Camp and their billion star ratings click here.

Kylie was recognized as a Utah Business 40 under 40 and Sego World's Fastest Growing Company in Under 5 years.

For more information on Kylie and her endeavors follow her on Instagram @kytrisha

This episode features a conversation with a visionary hotelier who's passionate about providing a full service hospitality experience. Investing in historic properties in unique markets to invite travelers to embrace slow travel, have less and experience more with meaning.

Excited for you to hear our conversation and make sure you check out and stay at some of Jayson's extraordinary properties: The Columns Hotel Saint Vincent The Drifter ThunderBird Marfa East Austin Hotel Hotel Ranch Motel Boro Hotel Kokoro Springs

Highlights from the episode:

14:44 First big travel moment

20:09 Best trip in college with lessons and adventures to last a lifetime

33:01 All about creating the vibe

35:25 Why he chose New Orleans to start operating hotels

1:01:22 His vision for the future of hospitality

1:09:50 Speed Round

This episode is brought to you by TopTipper the cashless tipping app supporting hospitality employees who make our stays nice. It's Nice to be Nice.

Enjoy the episode!

Jayson's full bio

Jayson Seidman is the Founder and Principal Managing Partner of Sandstone and its various subsidiary companies. Through his years of experience working with Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse, and most recently as the Head of Development for SHVO in New York, he has gained key knowledge concerning the financial implications and methods for repositioning a property through pragmatic creative approaches, smart sustainable design, and problem mitigation. Seidman possesses wide-ranging real estate knowledge, including a strong background in hotel finance, operations, design development, asset and portfolio management, and acquisitions, as well as the structuring of capital for complex real estate transactions. Over the past 15 years, Jayson has amassed a collection of hotel properties around the country that are full of soul, love, and memorable guest experience. Most recently Jayson's keen eye for acquiring unique properties in special locations landed him three hotels in New Orleans: The Drifter Hotel, Hotel Saint Vincent, and the most iconic Columns Hotel. Beyond New Orleans, Jayson is back to his Texas roots where he is currently focused on resurrecting the historic Ranch Motel in San Antonio, TX.