"Travel Talk" featuring Edward Leos, publisher of The Hotel Guide

The Hotel Guide-Travel Podcast. TOPIC: "The Growth of Wellness Travel." Publisher, Edward R. Leos, interviews Wellness Travel veteran Andrea Dragosits about the state of wellness travel. The Hotel Guide is a digital travel magazine, website and social media network. Check it out at www.thehotelguide.com. #wellness #travel #TheHotelGuide #SHARE

Join Edward R. Leos, publisher of The Hotel Guide as he interviews world-traveler, meteorologist and great friend, Jennifer Broome. They discuss some great Fall Travel tips and destinations.

"Travel Talk" featuring Edward Leos interviewing Travis Wuest, Natural Bridge Caverns. Learn from Travis as he talks about the history of NBC and what amazing things are happening now.

"Travel Talk" featuring Edward Leos interviewing Michelle Dickerson of Visit Clarksville. They discuss what great outdoor options are available in Clarksville this Summer, new wellness venues and what the city is doing during National Travel and Tourism Week.

Our latest edition of our Travel Talk podcast has us interviewing Texas Realtor, Franchesca Duarte as she chats about "Relocation in Today's Market."

Join The Hotel Guide publisher, Edward R. Leos as he interviews entrepreneur and world traveler, Carla Pallares. They discuss how travel impacts your life positively and so much more.

In this edition, we interview travel industry leader, Marie Hernandez on the Power of Transformational Retreats. Learn how retreats have changed her life and the importance of them.

Listen in as The Hotel Guide Publisher, Edward R. Leos interviews Visit Clarksville's Marketing Director, Michelle Dickerson. They chat about Fall offerings and some of the fun things to do in this magical city in Tennessee. 

"Inspiring Humanitarianism through the Power of Travel" - Enjoy this quick 15-minute interview by The Hotel Guide publisher, Edward R. Leos as he chats with "The Edge of Adventure" founder, Adam Asher. Powerful commentary on the impact travel can have on global humanitarianism and raising awareness. 

In this episode of Travel Talk, we sit down with Scott Eddy, global travel entrepreneur and founder of Mr. Scott Eddy, to discuss the evolving travel media landscape, the creator economy, and how brands can build authentic, revenue-driving partnerships.We cover:• The future of travel media• Personal branding strategies that work• Influencers vs. creators — what’s the difference?• How hotels and destinations should approach partnerships• Why storytelling is still the most powerful marketing toolWhether you’re a travel creator, hospitality brand, destination marketer, or entrepreneur, this conversation delivers actionable insights you can use right now.👉 Watch now and subscribe for more insider conversations shaping the future of travel.🔔 Subscribe to The Hotel Guide for more Travel Talk episodes.Scott Eddy, Mr Scott Eddy, Travel Talk podcast, travel branding, travel influencers, creator economy, hospitality marketing, luxury travel media, personal branding travel, destination marketing, hotel marketing, travel entrepreneurship, travel content creation, influencer ROI, future of travel media

Luxury travel is changing — and the rules are no longer what they used to be. In this episode of Travel Talk, Edward Leos and Roxann Leos dive into the evolution of modern luxury travel, uncovering what today’s travelers truly value and where the industry is headed next.From experience-driven travel to the growing importance of authenticity, storytelling, and emotional connection, this conversation goes beyond destinations and into the mindset shaping high-end travel today. Whether you’re a luxury traveler, hospitality professional, destination marketer, or travel entrepreneur, this episode delivers insight you can actually use.🎙️ In this episode, you’ll discover:Why experience now matters more than excessHow luxury travel expectations are shiftingWhat hospitality brands must understand to stay relevantThe future of storytelling in travel and tourismIf you’re passionate about meaningful travel and want to stay ahead of industry trends, Travel Talk brings you the conversations that matter.👉 Subscribe for more insider conversations on luxury travel, hospitality, and destination storytelling.👉 Like, comment, and share if you believe travel should be felt — not just seen.luxury travel, travel talk, modern luxury travel, future of travel, luxury travel trends, high end travel, hospitality industry, luxury hospitality, travel podcast, travel media, destination marketing, travel storytelling, luxury lifestyle, travel industry insights, experiential travel, premium travel, travel experts, travel conversation, travel leadership, luxury destinations

Luxury travel is evolving — and the brands shaping the future are built on purpose, cultural integrity, and authentic connection.In this episode, we sit down with Semra Hunter, Founder of SAHARAÏ, to explore how conscious, culturally rooted travel is redefining what luxury truly means. Semra shares her journey of building a globally recognized travel brand while staying deeply connected to heritage, intention, and impact.🎙️ In this conversation, we discuss:• The new definition of luxury in today’s travel industry• Why purpose-driven brands are winning long-term• How cultural respect and authenticity elevate guest experiences• Lessons for founders, entrepreneurs, and creatives• The future of conscious and experiential travelWhether you’re a travel enthusiast, hospitality professional, or entrepreneur, this episode offers powerful insights you can apply beyond travel.👉 Subscribe for more conversations with industry leaders shaping the future of travel.⏱️ CHAPTERS (Boost Watch Time + SEO)00:00 – Why luxury travel is changing01:42 – Semra Hunter’s vision behind SAHARAÏ05:10 – Culture as the foundation of luxury09:28 – Purpose vs. marketing in brand building13:45 – Conscious travel and guest expectations18:30 – Leadership lessons for founders22:40 – The future of luxury travelluxury travel podcast, semra hunter, saharai, conscious travel, purpose driven brands, luxury travel trends, hospitality leadership, women in business, founder stories, travel entrepreneurship, experiential travel, the future of travel, luxury hospitality, travel industry insights

Join us for an inspiring episode of Travel Talk as we sit down with Allie Evangelista, President of Hard Rock Casino Bristol, to explore her remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Brazil to leading one of Virginia’s most exciting hospitality and entertainment destinations. In this interview, Allie shares how her passion for hospitality began with a life-changing internship at Walt Disney World and evolved into a thriving career that took her across seven states and into the world of gaming. Her story highlights the power of perseverance, learning, and embracing every opportunity — no matter where you start.We also dive into the rapid growth of Hard Rock Casino Bristol, including:🎸 The property's first year successes and major milestones🏨 What makes Hard Rock Bristol’s hotel, entertainment venue, and gaming floor a must-visit🎰 How the team built a brand-new gaming market in Virginia🎤 Expanding national entertainment acts and plans for the year ahead🌍 Allie’s favorite travel destinations and her upcoming bucket-list tripsWhether you're passionate about hospitality, travel, leadership, or simply love the Hard Rock brand, this episode delivers valuable insights and inspiration.How a Disney internship launched a global hospitality careerThe challenges & triumphs of opening a new casino in a new gaming marketWhy Bristol, VA is becoming a rising travel destinationThe importance of team culture, learning, and professional growthAllie’s travel philosophy: “I work to travel.”Offering 303 hotel rooms, nationally recognized entertainment acts, 24-hour dining, gaming, spa, indoor/outdoor pools, and year-round experiences, Hard Rock Casino Bristol is redefining hospitality in the region. Follow them on social media for upcoming shows, giveaways, and events. 👉 Hard Rock Casino Bristol – Facebook & Instagram👉 The Hotel Guide – thehotelguide.com👉 Subscribe for more Travel Talk episodes!If you enjoy stories of leadership, travel, and hospitality excellence, make sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🌟 About Hard Rock Casino Bristol📲 Connect & Follow

Get ready for a high-energy conversation with Tim Morrow, the forward-thinking CEO of the San Antonio Zoo—one of the fastest-growing and most innovative zoological destinations in the United States. In this episode of Travel Talk with Edward Leos, we explore how the Zoo is redefining wildlife conservation, elevating family travel experiences, and creating unforgettable eco-tourism adventures in the heart of Texas.Tim shares insider stories, bold ideas, and the Zoo’s mission to protect species, inspire visitors, and transform the way people connect with wildlife. Whether you're planning a trip to San Antonio, passionate about conservation, or love powerful leadership stories, this episode is full of high-value insights and must-know travel tips.How the San Antonio Zoo became a national leader in conservation and guest experienceInnovative wildlife and habitat projects shaping the future of zoological parksThe Zoo’s approach to animal care, education, and environmental stewardshipNew attractions and immersive experiences for families, travelers, and nature loversTim Morrow’s leadership philosophy and vision for sustainable tourismWildlife conservation & endangered speciesSan Antonio travel guides and Texas attractionsFamily-friendly destinations & zoo adventuresEco-tourism and sustainable travelLeadership, innovation, and organizational transformationDiscover how one of America’s most historic zoos is creating a dynamic, modern, conservation-focused experience that inspires millions.WATCH THE FULL EPISODE → Your next adventure starts here.🔥 What You’ll Discover in This Episode:🐾 Perfect for Viewers Interested In:🎧 Tune In Now

In this episode, host Edward Leos sits down with Laura Penney, CEO of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation about leadership, culture, community, and the remarkable evolution of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most unique destinations.Laura shares:✨ The story of opening the resort’s doors in 1993✨ How tribal values & heritage shape every aspect of the property✨ What makes the Coeur d’Alene experience truly unforgettable✨ The power of people-first leadership in hospitality✨ Her journey as a CEO in the gaming & resort industryIf you’re passionate about travel, hospitality, business leadership, or culturally driven destinations, this episode delivers insight and heart at every turn.📌 Subscribe to Travel Talk for more interviews with leaders, creators, and innovators shaping the world of travel.🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & Amazon Music.#CoeurdAleneCasino #TravelTalk #TheHotelGuide #HospitalityLeadership #NativeOwnedBusiness #ResortLife #WomenInLeadership #TravelPodcast #PacificNorthwestTravel #CasinoResort #LeadershipStories

From bellman to VP of Marketing — Andrew Ladd’s journey is a masterclass in passion, perseverance, and people-first leadership.In this inspiring episode of Travel Talk, host Edward Leos, publisher of The Hotel Guide, sits down with Andrew Ladd, VP of Marketing for Noble House Hotels & Resorts, to explore how one of hospitality’s most respected brands continues to redefine luxury and authenticity across its properties.✨ Listen in as Andrew shares:His incredible rise through the ranks of hospitality — and what he learned along the wayThe art of creating unforgettable guest experiences that build lifelong loyaltyHow Noble House blends boutique luxury with authentic storytellingLeadership lessons that inspire growth, creativity, and connectionWhether you’re in the travel industry, a marketing professional, or just love a good success story — this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration for anyone passionate about people, purpose, and hospitality that makes a difference.🎙️ Hosted by Edward Leos — Publisher of The Hotel Guide🌍 Subscribe to Travel Talk for more behind-the-scenes stories, leadership lessons, and insider perspectives from the world of travel.#TravelTalk #TheHotelGuide #AndrewLadd #NobleHouseHotels #HospitalityLeadership #LuxuryTravel #TravelPodcast #EdwardLeos #BoutiqueHotels #CustomerExperience #HotelMarketing

What if every destination could make the planet better—one guest at a time? 🌎In this episode of Travel Talk, host Edward Leos sits down with Christine Kane, CEO of Audubon International, to explore how sustainability, hospitality, and leadership are reshaping the travel experience.Christine shares powerful insights into:How hotels, resorts, and golf destinations are embracing green certificationWhat it really means to run an eco-conscious businessHow travelers can make smarter, more sustainable choicesWhy sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for business growth💡 Watch now to discover how visionaries like Christine are driving change across the hospitality and tourism world.🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring travel stories, industry insights, and exclusive interviews: @TheHotelGuide#TravelTalk #TheHotelGuide #SustainableTravel #HospitalityLeadership #ChristineKane #AudubonInternational #EcoTravel #HotelManagement #TravelIndustry #Leadership #TravelPodcast #EcoFriendlyHotels #GreenTouris

Discover how The Hotel Guide selects its Publishers’ Picks—now expanded to 15 categories—and what’s new in our 2025 Awards Edition (publishing November 25, 2025). Hosts Edward Leos and Roxann Leos take you behind the scenes of the hospitality industry: how winners stand out, which hotels, resorts, destinations, and experiences rise to the top, and what trends will shape 2026.Why watch:The exact criteria that separate award-winning hotels from the packNew Awards categories + what they mean for properties and destinationsInsider look at our Board of Advisors, media partnerships, and trade show plansHow brands can partner, pitch, or get featured across print, digital, and the Travel Talk podcastIf you’re a traveler or hospitality pro, you’ll get actionable insights on hotel marketing, guest experience, and destination storytelling—plus how to be on our radar for future features.Chapters00:00 Intro & milestone01:02 What’s new in the 2025 Awards03:15 How we evaluate hotels & destinations06:10 Publishers’ Picks: category expansion09:25 Media partnerships & trade shows12:40 How to get featured with The Hotel Guide14:30 2026 trends to watch17:00 Final takeawaysWork with us / Get featured:• Pitch your property or destination: erleos@thehotelguide.com• Follow for more: @officialthehotelguide• Listen to Travel Talk on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Amazon MusicKeywords: The Hotel Guide, Travel Talk, hotel awards 2025, Publishers’ Picks, best hotels and resorts, hospitality trends 2026, destination marketing, hotel marketing, travel media, board of advisors, trade show hospitality, tourism awards, guest experience, boutique hotels, luxury resorts

What if travel could change the world — and you along with it?In this moving episode of Travel Talk, host Edward Leos sits down with Adam Asher, the visionary behind Rugged Compass and the Humanitarian News Feed, to explore how adventure, faith, and compassion intersect to create purpose-driven journeys. 🌍✨Adam shares powerful stories from the road — moments that reveal the heart of humanity and remind us that true travel isn’t just about where you go, but how you give back.Whether you’re a traveler, leader, or storyteller, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to see the world — and your impact — in a whole new way.💡 In This Episode:The story behind Rugged Compass and its humanitarian missionHow the Humanitarian News Feed connects people doing good around the globeThe role of faith and courage in meaningful travelTurning compassion into action through storytellingWhy giving back is the true destination#TravelTalkPodcast, #TheHotelGuide, #RuggedCompass, #HumanitarianNewsFeed, #Purpose-DrivenTravel, #FaithandAdventure, #HumanitarianStorytelling, #TravelwithMeaning, #GlobalGood, #AdventureThatMatters, #TravelandCompassion, #GivingBackThroughTravel, #LuxuryTravelwithPurpose, #EdwardLeos, #AdamAsher

🎯 What defines true boutique luxury—and how do independent hotels stay authentic in a world of big brands?In this episode of The Travel Talk Podcast, host Edward Leos, CEO of The Hotel Guide, sits down with Frances Kiradjian, visionary Founder of the Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA), to explore the movement redefining hospitality around individuality, creativity, and soul.From intimate design to heartfelt service, Frances shares the philosophy behind boutique hospitality—and how it continues to inspire travelers and hoteliers worldwide.🎟️ Discover why boutique hotels aren’t just places to stay—they’re stories brought to life.🎤 In This Episode:✅ The evolution of boutique and luxury lodging✅ How authenticity fuels traveler connection✅ Why independent hotels are thriving post-pandemic✅ The impact of BLLA on innovation and community✅ Frances’s insight on leadership, legacy, and the art of storytelling💡 Key Takeaways:🏨 Authenticity is the New Luxury• Boutique hospitality is built on originality and heart.• Travelers crave experiences that reflect local culture and creativity.💬 Connection Creates Loyalty• Personal touches turn stays into stories.• Purpose and personality are what set boutique properties apart.🌟 About Frances Kiradjian:As Founder of BLLA, Frances has championed independent hospitality for over a decade—empowering boutique hoteliers and thought leaders to shape the industry’s most creative, inclusive, and forward-thinking community.📲 CONNECT WITH THE HOTEL GUIDEInstagram: @officialthehotelguideLinkedIn: The Hotel GuideYouTube: The Hotel Guide PodcastWebsite: www.thehotelguide.com🛎️ Subscribe to The Travel Talk Podcast for inspiring stories, travel insights, and conversations redefining the art of hospitality.