The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of Sustainable Travel
The RISE Travel Institute 52 episodes Aug 26, 2026
The RISE Traveler features conversations with scholars, activists, and tourism professionals about the ethics of sustainable travel. It explores intersectional social justice, DEI, sustainability, and decolonial theory in tourism. Episodes go beyond Instagram-ready travel to examine how travel can support communities, protect ecosystems, and foster personal growth. The show is produced by the RISE Travel Institute as part of its educational programs and resources.
Episodes
Sustainability, Motherhood & Family Business at Saiyuen with Chi Lo
In this episode, host Amy Hager sits down with Chi, a sustainability professional based in Hong Kong, who wears multiple hats! Chi shares her journey of relocating her family from the US back to Hong Kong, pursuing a PhD focused on the intersection of motherhood and female entrepreneurship in eco-tourism, and helping run her family's camp and adventure playground,Saiyuen, on one of Hong Kong
Travel With Purpose: Building Ethical Community Partnerships with Candice Young of Trek Relief
What does it truly mean to travel with purpose?In this episode of RISE Traveler, host Amy Hager sits down with Candice Young, founder of Trek Relief, to explore how adventure travel can become a force for meaningful, community-led change. Rather than focusing on "voluntourism," Candice shares how Trek Relief partners directly with local communities to support projects they have identifie
Reimagining Tourism Through Justice with James Nadiope
What if travel could do more than create unforgettable memories? What if it could create lasting change for the communities we visit?If you were able to attend the RISE Travel Institute Annual Conference this is a wonderful follow up to Jame’s presentation. And if you weren’t able to attend, take a listen to this interview and then head to our YouTube channel to catch his presentation, https://www
Travel, Technology, and the Right to Belong with Maria Hernandez
In this powerful continuation of our conversation with Maria Hernandez, we explore the future of travel through the lens of identity, technology, privacy, and belonging. Drawing from her lived experience as a transgender traveler and technologist, Maria shares thoughtful reflections on how modern systems—from passports and biometrics to surveillance and social media—shape who gets to move freely t
When Travel Doesn’t Feel Safe: Borders, Identity, and Mobility with Maria Hernandez
In this powerful episode of RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of Sustainable Travel, host Amy Hager sits down with self-acceptance coach and longtime traveler Maria Hernandez for an honest conversation about borders, identity, safety, and belonging.Maria shares her perspective on political borders as human-made systems that shape how people move, travel, and experience freedom. Drawing from h
Empowering Women Through Travel with Carolyn Ray
In this inspiring episode of The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of Sustainable Travel, host Amy Hager sits down with Carolyn Ray, CEO of JourneyWoman, the world’s first solo travel publication for women. Together, they explore how travel can empower women, foster empathy, and become a catalyst for global understanding.Carolyn shares her journey of stepping into the legacy of founder Evelyn
Love, Loss, and the Hidden Stories Behind Immigration – with Michael Luongo
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
Rebuilding Through Tourism with Michael Luongo
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 justic
From Brazil to Bazaar: Laëtitia Damonsing on Travel, Identity & Sustainable Fashion
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 rep
Community-Based Travel: Building Connections Beyond Borders with Janna “Jaz” Zinzi, CEO of Wander Womxn Travels
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 res
Championing Inclusive Travel with Roni Weiss
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 conver
Celebrating 5 Years of Purposeful Travel: The RISE Travel Institute Story
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-foc
Natalie Amezua on Leading with Kindness and Connection When Traveling
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
From Camper Vans to Conscious Travel with Cathy Ji
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 v
How experiential travel can create positive impact with Jodi Suckle
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'
Kara King on Conscious Travel, Refugee Work, and Rewriting the Travel Narrative
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 virtu
A Journey of Connection with Kristin Barron
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,
Embracing the unknown: A conversation with Barbara Zerbe on Travel and Growth
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 authe
Mini-episode! A focus on Travel Education with Steve Hesse
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 imp
Focus on tourism and forced migration with Dr. Gada Mahrouse
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 importan
Sustainability and Accessibility of Tourism: what are the hidden costs with Dr. Freya Higgins-Desbiolles
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
Bolivia, Cambodia, and Oklahoma: Dr. Bobbie Chew Bigby on Tourism and Environmental Justice
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
Mega Events and Their Hidden Costs: A Conversation with Christopher Gaffney
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, an
Community-Based Tourism in Ghana with Mawutor Agbo
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 impacti
Examining the End of Tourism with Chris Christou
In this season of The RISE Traveler, Dr. Vincie Ho, Founder and Executive Director of The RISE Travel Institute, will be interviewing influential justice activists and thought leaders in conscious travel. She will be going beyond the idea of “sustainable travel” to dive deeper into what that really means for those who are looking to travel responsibly. To kick off the season, Vincie engages in a c
Mira's Expedition into Conscious Travel
Mira Shah is on a personal journey, exploring sustainable travel across India, Australia, Kenya, and Colombia. This is one of the reasons why she opted to participate in The RISE Travel Institute's Flagship Program- to gain a deeper understanding of conscious travel. Over time, Mira has embraced intentional and sustainable travel, placing a strong emphasis on forming genuine connections with
Emerald Isles, Mindful Travels: Laura Kelly's Insights
Laura Kelly is a sustainability advocate with Brendan Vacations, a tour operator focused on Ireland and Scotland. In this interview with host Amy Hager, Laura shares her journey from growing up in an eco-minded household to her current role evaluating and crafting sustainable travel experiences.Laura's background in European Languages and Medieval History, coupled with her experience guiding
Writing the World: Lily Ann's Journey as an Author and Traveler
Author and travel expert Lily Ann Fouts is dedicated to advocating for sustainable and culturally sensitive travel experiences that benefit both travelers and local communities. She was a participant in RISE's Flagship Program, where she earned her certificate in Sustainability and Anti-Oppression in Travel. Additionally, Lily Ann joined RISE's Experiential Journey to Guatemala in 2022.D
Off the Beaten Path: The Dilemma of 'Secret' Destinations
Aurora Christy Oktavia, an Alumni of the RISE Travel Institute's Pilot Program, currently resides in Bali, Indonesia. She recently completed her Master's degree in International Tourism and Hospitality Management at Griffith University in Australia. In her conversation with host Amy Hager, Aurora shared insights into her journey in sustainable tourism, leveraging her educational backgrou
Leaving a Legacy of Peace: A Former Government Employee’s Vision for Sustainable Travel
Tracey Ford is the Founder of Local Insights, a social enterprise dedicated to connecting locals with tourists, offering them authentic personal encounters that go well beyond the typical guidebook experience. Previously, Tracey held a government role working with the armed services, where she specialized in coordinating logistics for events with a focus on cultural considerations among attendees.
Knowing Names, Building Bonds: Jabulile Ngwenya on Meaningful Travel
Jabulile Ngwenya is a travel coach and advocate for sustainable and responsible travel at Travel Africa with Jabu. With a vision to reshape perceptions of travel to Africa, Jabulile's impactful work is rooted in changing the narrative. In her RISE Flagship Course Capstone Project, she focused on tribal photography, aiming to bring attention to the profound identities behind the subjects. She
Running a Sustainable Travel Business: Conscious Travel in Costa Rica
As the owner of Travel with Ann Experiential, Ann Becker consults with nonprofits and small travel businesses with the goal of raising and including more diverse voices, making strategic connections, contributing fresh perspectives as well as thought leadership and counseling. Ann's extensive experience includes successfully operating experiential tours in lesser-known destinations in Costa R
Welcoming Foreigners, Supporting Locals: Conscious Travel in Rwanda and Beyond
A leader in the field of sustainability in tourism, Lambert Hategekimana is General Manager at Rwanda Eco Company and Safari. Before his 10+ years in the tourism sector, Lambert worked as an educator. Now, he works alongside some of his former pupils to introduce travelers to Rwanda and other East African countries. In 2022, Lambert was a guest instructor for the course “Conscious Travel in Rwanda
Balancing Adventure and Ethical Travel: A Digital Nomad's Story
Keri Pfeiffer, a digital nomad for almost seven years, works remotely as the Head of Account Management at WeTravel, an online payment platform for tour companies. Following completion of the Sustainability and Anti-Oppression in Travel program at RISE, Keri is now a guest instructor with the course "How to Travel Ethically as a Digital Nomad." In this interview with host Amy Hager, Keri
Travel to Guatemala: A Deeper, Ethical Approach
Sofia Godoy is the Founder and Chief Operations Officer at Etnica, a social enterprise that connects locals to travelers that visit Guatemala and Mexico. She shares the history of Etnica as well as some key examples of how to plan a Guatemala itinerary that is community-based and intentional about supporting local artisans.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video a
Unpacking the Many Sides of Bhutan
Thinley Choden is a social entrepreneur and consultant devoted to showing travelers the "real" Bhutan as the Co-Owner and CEO of Bhutan Tours and Travel. She sits down with host Amy Hager to talk through the meaning of conscious travel, encouraging travelers to put aside the romanticized image of Bhutan and explore the multi-faceted identity of this fascinating country.Host: Amy Hager -
Amplifying Afro-Latino Voices
Kim Hass is the President and Founder of Haas Media and the Executive Director of the public television series “Afro-Latinos with Kim Haas.” Her travel show explores the tremendous impact that Afro-Latinos have had and continue to have on the culture and history of Latin America. She shares some of her experiences creating a public television series and how she hopes the show will amplify the cont
Reconnecting with Nature: Sustainable Safari
James Mwenda, Founder of James Mwenda Expeditions, shares his expertise in sustainable safari adventures and provides some tips on how to make a safari more than just an Instagram photo opportunity. He shares how to be a responsible wildlife tourist and truly reconnect with the natural world.Host: Host (Amy) Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kara Ki
Booking with Purpose: The Hotel That Helps Refugees
Gabriela Sonnleitner is the General Manager of the Magdas Hotel in Vienna, Austria. Austria's first hotel run as a social business, the Magdas provides job training to refugees and asylum seekers, offering support to those struggling to find employment in the city. Listen to Gabriela explain the joys and difficulties of running a social business and elaborate on her hotel’s commitment to sust
Education as Activism
Mary Pat Champeau, Director of Graduate Programs at The Institute for Humane Education and Board Secretary at RISE Travel Institute, discusses the importance of learning how one’s everyday choices in their lives can impact their surroundings. She explores how activism is sometimes as simple as educating oneself about how the environment, human, and animal welfare are all interconnected.Host: Host
Building the Bridge to a More Equal World
This week, Amy sits down with Dr. Anu Taranath, Author of “Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World.” Dr. Taranath is also co-teaching a course entitled Locating Ourselves in the Spectrum of Power for RISE Travel Institute. Through a discussion of her book and her work with RISE Travel Institute, she details how to approach difficult conversations about worldwide inequities with grac
Giving Tuesday Special with Tuition Grant Recipient Taylor Ruoff
Today on GivingTuesday 2021, we are raising funds for RISE Travel Institute. All donations made today will go toward tuition grants and travel scholarships for students with demonstrated financial need. Our goal is to raise $10,000 by the end of the year. We have raised just over $6,500 so far and so we need your help to reach our goal. Our guest is Taylor Ruoff, a tuition grant recipient and grad
Strategic Thinking: Travel and Systemic Change
Hyungjoon Jin, a K-12 educator, and the Board Treasurer at RISE Travel Institute discusses his approach to making real, lasting systemic change in education and travel. He delves into his powerful and sustainable long-term project in Guatemala and gives examples of how to think strategically about the systemic issues at play in many aspects of our lives, including travel.Host: Amy Hager - Social M
Love Without Borders: Art, Travel, and the Refugee Crisis
Kayra Martinez is a flight attendant and Founder and Director of the non-profit Love Without Borders for Refugees in Need, which supports refugees in Greece by building spaces where art and creativity flourish. She touches on how she got started, the powerful stories within her refugee art exhibitions, and the importance of travel as a method to learn, share, and create.Host: Amy Hager - Social
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Travel
Catarina Rivera, Co-Founder of ExplorEquity (https://www.explorequity.com), which supports local communities by partnering with small businesses, community-based tourism initiatives and sustainable travel operators globally while connecting travelers to real social justice issues, discusses her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion in both workspaces and travel and what it is like for her t
Sustainable Tourism and Animal Welfare
Daniel Turner discusses the intricacies of tourism and its effects on animal welfare, species protection, habitat protection, and beyond. Turner is Co-founder and director of Animondial, an organization that provides impartial advice and practical support to better manage tourism’s impact on animals and the natural environment.Host: Host (Amy) Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Instit
A look at the RISE Travel Institute's Pilot Program
We take a pause from The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of Sustainable Travel podcast to speak with Vincie Ho, Ph.D., Executive Director and Founder of the RISE Travel Institute to talk about our Pilot Program.RISE Travel Institute's Pilot Program is an online certificate program consisting of 10 sessions, grouped into 3 modules over 10 weeks, and begins June 7th. The content explores
Reflections on Travel Education
Steve Hesse is a longtime traveler. He's backpacked and hitchhiked across multiple countries and traveled with students in his role as a university professor. He's also a senior advisor at RISE Travel Institute. Listen as he discusses his life-altering travel experiences and his approach to travel education.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Aud
Beyond the Bucket List: Positive Impact While Traveling Abroad
Eliza Raymond, Co-founder of Good Travel and Senior Advisor for Curriculum Development at RISE Travel Institute, shares her expertise on volunteering while traveling and sheds light on what a truly mutually beneficial, positive travel experience looks and feels like. She challenges us all to go beyond the “bucket list,” and open ourselves up to more meaningful travel experiences.Host: Amy Hager -
Regenerative Tourism and Transformational Travel
In this episode, RISE Senior Advisor and Development Coordinator at Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Genevieve Huneault, shares her expertise on regenerative and indigenous tourism experiences. She also explains the transformative impact that travel has had on her life and shares some helpful tips for those planning their first trip abroad.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RIS
A DEI Approach to Sustainability: Creating a more just and equitable future through travel
In this episode of The RISE Traveler, Amy sits down with Justine Abigail Yu, Senior Advisor at RISE Travel Institute. Justine advises RISE on its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategy and has devoted her career to creating a more just and equitable world for all. She shares her positive outlook on the future of travel, thoughts on how to incorporate a DEI mindset in order to truly achieve
Questions for Reflection: Exploring Our Impact on Travel Destinations
Dr. Vincie Ho recounts some of her most sustainable travel experiences and opens up about her missteps from her travels in the past, as well as moments when she had to check her privilege. She shares a few questions we all can ask ourselves in order to be more mindful travelers. This interview shines a light on the power of sustainable tourism and challenges us to think about the positive or negat
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