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PODCAST

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of Sustainable Travel

The RISE Travel Institute

Gathering scholars, activists and tourism professionals with expertise in intersectional social justice, DEI, sustainability, and decolonial theory for conversations surrounding the ethics of travel, we’re here to move a step beyond the “Instagram ready” world of travel and to think critically and deeply about how travel can uplift global communities, protect natural ecosystems, and be a source of growth for travelers.Here at RISE Travel Institute we are committed to empowering travelers and travel

society & culture places & travel

All Episodes

11:51

Love, Loss, and the Hidden Stories Behind Immigration...

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of... ·

2025/11/21

In this heartfelt episode of The RISE Traveler, host Amy Hager speaks with writer and academic Michael Luongo again to explore the moving true story behind his New York Times Modern Love essay. Michael opens up about his late husband, Wing-Ho “Harry” Chow, an undocumented and closeted gay man who lived with him in New York for over two decades. When Harry was diagnosed with late-stage cancer, their decision to marry became an act of both love and necessity — allowing Michael to care for him, ...

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28:58

Rebuilding Through Tourism with Michael Luongo

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of... ·

2025/10/24

In this powerful conversation, Amy Hager sits down with journalist and academic Michael Luongo to explore how tourism can become a tool for recovery, peace, and rebuilding after war and conflict. From Ground Zero to Gaza, Iraq, Rwanda, and Ukraine, Michael shares firsthand stories of resilience, research, and the human capacity to heal through travel. If you care about ethical travel, social justice, and the transformative power of tourism, this episode will challenge and inspire you. It’s a...

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35:48

From Brazil to Bazaar: Laëtitia Damonsing on Travel,...

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of... ·

2025/09/26

In this episode of The RISE Traveler, we sit down with Montreal-based entrepreneur Laëtitia Damonsing to explore how her global experiences shaped her identity, worldview, and business. From volunteering in Brazilian communities during the World Cup to working in international diplomacy in Paris and Australia, Laëtitia shares how travel transformed her perspective on privilege, resilience, and representation as a woman of color. Her journey led her to launch DoDo Bazaar, a circular fashion br...

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35:28

Community-Based Travel: Building Connections Beyond...

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of... ·

2025/08/29

In this episode of RISE Traveler, host Amy Hager sits down with Janna “Jaz” Zinzi founder of WanderWomxn Travels, to explore how travel can go beyond sightseeing to support local communities, small businesses, and marginalized groups. Jaz shares her journey from New York to New Orleans, her passion for community-based tourism, and how today’s U.S. policies—from immigration to DEI rollbacks—are reshaping how people experience travel. Together, they discuss the power of local action, cultural p...

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27:22

Championing Inclusive Travel with Roni Weiss

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of... ·

2025/07/08

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 ...

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46:20

Celebrating 5 Years of Purposeful Travel: The RISE...

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of... ·

2025/06/20

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 internation...

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26:16

Natalie Amezua on Leading with Kindness and...

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of... ·

2025/05/30

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...

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23:09

From Camper Vans to Conscious Travel with Cathy Ji

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of... ·

2025/05/23

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 ...

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16:32

How experiential travel can create positive impact...

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of... ·

2025/05/16

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.risetraveli...

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22:13

Kara King on Conscious Travel, Refugee Work, and...

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of... ·

2025/05/09

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 fr...

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26:31

A Journey of Connection with Kristin Barron

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of... ·

2025/05/02

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 con...

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21:58

Embracing the unknown: A conversation with Barbara...

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of... ·

2025/04/04

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...

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14:56

Mini-episode! A focus on Travel Education with Steve...

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of... ·

2025/03/26

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, avoidi...

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57:14

Focus on tourism and forced migration with Dr. Gada...

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of... ·

2025/03/07

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. M...

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66:46

Sustainability and Accessibility of Tourism: what are...

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of... ·

2025/01/21

In this episode of The RISE Traveler Podcast, Dr. Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, an Adjunct Associate Professor with Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo, Canada, Adjunct Professor with the Centre for Research and Innovation in Tourism, Taylor’s University of Malaysia and an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with the Business Unit, University of South Australia shares her insights around the impacts of tourism on local communities through the effects of sustainability and acc...

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85:00

Bolivia, Cambodia, and Oklahoma: Dr. Bobbie Chew...

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of... ·

2024/08/31

In this episode of The RISE Traveler Podcast, Dr. Bobbie Chew Bigby, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Waterloo, Canada, shares her insights into the intersection of tourism, Indigenous communities, and climate justice. Bobbie discusses her transformative experiences in Bolivia and Southeast Asia, which inspired her ongoing research in environmental justice. She also delves into her work with indigenous-led tourism and toxic tours in Tar Creek, Oklahoma, highlighting the env...

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53:14

Mega Events and Their Hidden Costs: A Conversation...

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of... ·

2024/07/30

Professor Christopher Gaffney teaches at the Tisch Center for Hospitality at New York University. Just in time for the Olympics, RISE’s Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Vincie Ho, sits down with Chris to discuss his work examining the impacts of mega events throughout the world.In this interview, Chris explores the reasons behind criticism of mega events such as the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, and Pan American Games. He highlights the evictions, displacement, and gentrification caused by the...

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67:58

Community-Based Tourism in Ghana with Mawutor Agbo

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of... ·

2024/05/20

On this season of The RISE Traveler podcast, our guest host, Dr. Vincie Ho, Founder and Executive Director of The RISE Travel Institute, will be interviewing critical theory scholars, activists and leaders in sustainability, social and environmental justices in the travel and tourism space. Together, they will delve into the ethics of travel and discuss some of the pressing issues that are impacting communities around the world.In this episode, Vincie sits down with Mawutor Agbo, a PhD candid...

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70:00

Examining the End of Tourism with Chris Christou

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of... ·

2024/04/15

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24:10

Mira's Expedition into Conscious Travel

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of... ·

2024/01/19

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46 results

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