Give Me Some Good News

Caleb Sullivan, PDM TMP and Tyler Ford, MBA
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Destination marketing is the best - and we're on a mission: to deliver Good News to our listeners in an authentic way! Join Caleb & Tyler as they talk to Travel & Tourism experts about fun and exciting campaigns, career growth, and shine a light on happy moments to rev up your week. (:

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 34: The Business Case for Accessible Travel with Sagar Sharma (Wheel the World)

    In Episode 34 of Give Me Some Good News, we chat with Sagar from Wheel the World to unpack one of the most important conversations happening in destination marketing today: accessibility in travel. From the difference between ADA compliance and true usability to the massive economic impact of accessible tourism, this episode explores how destinations can better serve travelers with disabilities, families, aging populations, and more. Tyler also shares personal stories from traveling with his mother, a powered wheelchair user, highlighting the real-world challenges travelers still face every day. The conversation dives into transparency, accessibility verification, training destination partners, and why accessibility is no longer a niche — it’s a necessity. Plus, hear how Travel Oregon became the first fully accessibility-verified state and why the future of tourism belongs to destinations willing to meet travelers where they are. Because at the end of the day, travel should be for everyone

    36 min
  2. Episode 33: Kicking Off the “Good News from TTRA” Series

    Jun 1

    Episode 33: Kicking Off the “Good News from TTRA” Series

    In Episode 33 of Give Me Some Good News, Caleb sits down with two leaders helping shape the future of destination research and tourism strategy: Robert Li and Anna Blount. This episode officially launches the new “Good News from TTRA” series, where we’ll be sharing conversations and insights live from the upcoming TTRA Annual International Conference in Greenville. From AI and the economy to mental health, belonging, and the power of hallway conversations, this discussion explores how tourism research is evolving far beyond traditional ROI metrics. Robert and Anna unpack what makes TTRA unique, why Greenville is the perfect host city, and how young professionals can find mentorship, community, and opportunity within the industry. If you care about the future of destination marketing, tourism intelligence, and the human side of travel, this is an episode you won’t want to miss — and just the beginning of what’s ahead in our Good News from TTRA series.

    30 min

  3. May 25

    Episode 32: How Visit Mesa Built a Destination Media Brand with Ashley Stwertnik

    This week on Give Me Some Good News, Caleb sits down with Ashley Stwertnik from Visit Mesa, host and producer of the City Limitless podcast, to unpack how destinations can become true media brands. Ashley shares the story behind launching a destination podcast, why authentic storytelling matters more than ever, and how Mesa has evolved from a spring training town into a thriving hub for outdoor adventure, culture, food, and community. The conversation dives into podcasting as a tourism tool, the importance of local voices, balancing polished content with authenticity, and why the future of destination marketing belongs to storytellers willing to take risks. From hometown pride to dreaming big in tourism, this episode is packed with inspiration for destination marketers, content creators, and anyone passionate about building community through travel.

    25 min

  4. May 18

    Episode 31: Branding Bermuda – Luxury, Partnerships & the Power of Experience with Jamari Douglas

    In Episode 30, we sit down with Jamari Douglas, VP of Marketing, PR & Communications at Bermuda Tourism Authority, to unpack what it really takes to build a world-class destination brand. From Bermuda’s iconic Pink Sale to high-impact brand partnerships and experiential marketing, Jamari shares how the island continues to stand out in a crowded global market—without losing its authenticity. We dive into: How Bermuda balances luxury positioning with accessibilityWhy partnerships only work when they truly fit your brandThe power of experiential marketing in driving visitationHow to actually integrate PR, paid media, and storytellingWhat destination marketers should stop doing immediatelyThis one is packed with insights for anyone in destination marketing, tourism, or brand strategy. Plus, Jamari shares some exciting personal news you won’t want to miss (very jealous of this tbh).... If you’re looking to rethink how your destination shows up in the world—this episode is for you.

    25 min

  5. May 11

    Episode 30: From Bed Tax to Better Places – A New Era of Tourism with Terry Natwick

    What happens when a destination stops focusing only on marketing—and starts focusing on stewardship? This week, we sit down with Terry Natwick from Discover Crystal River, Florida, the self-proclaimed Manatee Capital of the World, to unpack how a small destination is making a big impact through sustainability, community, and purpose-driven tourism. From restoring critical manatee habitats to launching an Eco Compliant Partner Program that rewards responsible tour operators, Terry shares how Crystal River is weaving sustainability into the very fabric of its brand—not as a reaction, but as a proactive strategy. We dive into: Why owning your niche matters more than everThe shift from “bed tax” thinking to destination stewardshipHow to build real community buy-in (not just campaigns)Turning sustainability from a buzzword into actionAnd why the future of tourism is about managing places—not just marketing themIf you’re in destination marketing, this episode is a reminder: if you build a better place, the visitors will follow.

    27 min

  6. May 4

    Episode 29: From Communications to Community Impact with Aaron Mullins

    In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Mullins, Executive Director of the Johnston County Visitors Bureau, to unpack what it really means to lead, connect, and tell a destination’s story. Aaron shares how his background in communications, from corporate leadership to working with U.S. senators, shaped his approach to running a DMO that represents 11 unique towns. We dive into the challenges of balancing those identities, the power of local storytelling, and why engagement at the community level is the foundation for everything. We also get into a topic we’re fired up about: destination podcasts. Aaron gives a behind-the-scenes look at launching a video-first, on-location podcast designed to bring Johnston County’s stories to life in a way traditional marketing simply can’t. A big theme throughout this conversation: DMOs aren’t just marketers anymore, they’re connectors, storytellers, and community builders. If you’re in tourism, marketing, or just love hearing how great destinations come to life, this one’s for you. And as always… just a little bit of good news to start your day.

    28 min

  7. Apr 27

    Episode 28: Tourism Is Economic Development. Now Act Like It! with Christian Mengel

    In Episode 28, Caleb sits down with Christian Mengel, Communications and Marketing Director for the St. Joseph, Missouri Convention & Visitors Bureau, for a conversation that challenges how we think about tourism’s role in our communities. From a city built on westward expansion to a destination finding its next chapter, Christian shares how St. Joseph is leaning into its history while rethinking its future—and why tourism has always been at the center of it all. Together, they unpack a bigger question:Are DMOs truly being treated as economic development drivers—or are we leaving our seat at the table open? This episode dives into: Why tourism is “cash in hand” economic developmentThe disconnect between DMOs and economic development teamsHow destination marketers can earn (or create) their seat at the tableThe importance of thinking like a problem solver, not just a marketerBold ideas on how DMOs can shape the visitor experience when the market won’tIf you’ve ever felt like tourism plays a bigger role than it gets credit for—this one’s for you.

    46 min

  8. Apr 20

    Episode 27: Advice You Didn’t Ask For… But Probably Needed with Tom Merrick

    What if the simplest advice is actually the hardest to live? In this episode, I sit down with Tom Merrick, Chief Creative Officer at Paradise Advertising, to talk about creativity, leadership, and the life lessons behind his book “Today I Turned 60: Advice You Didn’t Ask For… But I’m Gonna Give You Anyway.” We unpack what it really means to find the soul of a destination, why action beats overthinking, and how the best leaders give credit instead of taking it. Tom shares hard-earned wisdom from 30+ years in the industry, from not chasing “the next thing” to the power of simply being nice. We also dive into one of my favorite takeaways: positivity is strategic, not naive. Choosing happiness isn’t just a mindset; it’s a decision that can shape your career, your leadership style, and your life. If you’re looking for a quick hit of perspective, this one’s for you. In this episode: How to uncover the true brand promise of a destinationWhy overthinking kills great ideasThe leadership power of giving credit“Don’t chase the next thing,” and what it really meansWhy being nice is a competitive advantageChoosing happiness every single dayAnd of course… Tom shares some good news you won’t want to miss.

    34 min
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About

Destination marketing is the best - and we're on a mission: to deliver Good News to our listeners in an authentic way! Join Caleb & Tyler as they talk to Travel & Tourism experts about fun and exciting campaigns, career growth, and shine a light on happy moments to rev up your week. (:

Information

  • Creator
    Caleb Sullivan, PDM TMP and Tyler Ford, MBA
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Caleb Sullivan, PDM TMP and Tyler Ford, MBA
  • Show Website
    Give Me Some Good News