468. Get Going, Get Smart, and Get Good with Content, with Joshua Harrell
Release Date: 03/18/2026
475. Bridging Cultures Through Scuba Diving Trips, with Melanie Marsell & Kathleen Hall
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Kathleen Hall and Melanie Marsell, founders of Dive the Americas and Explore the Americas. Kathleen, who has called Costa Rica home for over a decade, and Melanie, who has roots in both the US and Central America, share the journeys of creating two innovative travel brands: Dive the Americas and Explore the Americas. We discuss how they’re reshaping tourism by supporting local communities, collaborating with other travel professionals, and providing personalized guidance that helps travelers feel confident venturing into unfamiliar...
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474. The 100th Anniversary of Route 66, with Rhys Martin
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Rhys Martin, President of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association and Preserve Route 66 Manager for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We explore the fascinating history and ongoing cultural impact of Route 66, and how this 2,448-mile linear village has driven economic growth and inspired travelers around the world for nearly a century. As Route 66 gears up for its Centennial Celebration, Rhys shares behind-the-scenes insights on managing a celebration of this magnitude, the creative events planned along the legendary highway, and...
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473. Connecting Community, Nature, and Visitors at Cayuga Lake, with Astrid Jirka
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Astrid Jirka, Director of Tourism Initiatives at Discover Cayuga Lake. We discuss the difference between sustainable tourism and ecotourism, and Astrid shares more about the evolution of Discover Cayuga Lake from a community-focused organization into a tourism attraction. We also discuss the importance of being intentional and authentic in your messaging about your sustainable tourism goals and initiatives. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Astrid’s professional journey, from international travel to study abroad initiatives,...
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472. Events & Major Milestones as a Catalyst for Future Growth: Community Conversation
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Amir Eylon, CEO of Longwoods International; Debra Ross, author of “The Eclipse Effect” and founder of Kids Out and About; Jean Mackay, Deputy Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor; and Jennifer Miller, Domestic Tourism Manager for Visit Detroit. Our discussion is all about how events and major milestones, from sporting events and festivals to milestone anniversaries, can become catalysts for future tourism growth and regional transformation. The panel shares their perspectives on the importance of preparation,...
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471. Building a Sustainable Future for Mongolian Tourism, with Jalsa Urubshurow
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Jalsa Urubshurow, CEO and Founder of Nomadic Expeditions. Jalsa shares the story of how he co-founded one of Mongolia’s most significant cultural events, the Golden Eagle Festival, held annually in the country’s remote West. Drawing on his background as the child of Mongolian refugees and his decades of experience bridging entrepreneurship and heritage, Jalsa shares firsthand stories about partnering with local communities and creating initiatives that drive economic growth while protecting Mongolia’s unique natural and cultural...
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470. From Total Eclipse to Community Impact, with Debra Ross
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Debra Ross, author, community engagement advocate, and entrepreneur. We talk about her recent book, The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities, and how it was inspired by planning for the 2024 total solar eclipse. Drawing from her experience planning for the 2024 total solar eclipse and spearheading community engagement initiatives. Debra also shares her practical strategies for turning extraordinary events into lasting networks. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Debra transitioned from a...
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469. Empathy and Self-Awareness in Difficult Conversations, with Dayne Whitehurst
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with communication and leadership specialist Dayne Whitehurst, and author of “Empathy Impact: The Wild Effects of Kindness in Action”. She explains why communication is central to building collaborations, developing relationships, and driving sales. Dayne also explains how personal triggers can get in the way of our communications and provides strategies for identifying and pushing past those triggers. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Dayne became an expert in communication and de-escalation How recognizing and addressing...
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468. Get Going, Get Smart, and Get Good with Content, with Joshua Harrell
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, Joshua Harrell, Chief Revenue Officer at WorldVia, joins me to discuss the evolution of travel advisors in the United States in a post-pandemic world. Joshua shares his insights on how content creation can help travel advisors build their businesses, and he offers some fantastic practical tips for sharing great content with your audience. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Joshua transitioned from a background in marketing and entrepreneurship into the travel advisor industry How the travel advisor profession has evolved to provide...
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467. Can AI Improve Visitor Experience? with Dan Flores
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Dan Flores, Head of Tourism at Satisfi Labs, all about using AI in the travel industry. We discuss how conversational artificial intelligence can help drive revenue and operational efficiency, and Dan offers real examples of where this AI is being deployed and how it has had real impacts. We also talk about adoption rates of AI within the tourism industry, and Dan shares a framework for approaching this new technology in your organization. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Dan Flores transitioned from a long career in tourism...
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466. Indigenous Tourism and Community Impact at Métis Crossing, with Juanita Marois
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, Juanita Marois, CEO of Métis Crossing, shares her personal experience in developing a tourism destination tied to her roots as a Métis Indigenous person from Canada. She shares in detail how the destination engages visitors by sharing what makes them special, including the experiences Métis Crossing offers—from paddling down the North Saskatchewan River in voyageur canoes to wandering historic buffalo habitats, indulging in Indigenous cuisine, and soon, relaxing at a uniquely Métis-inspired wellness spa. We also talk about collaboration and how...
info_outlineOn this episode of Destination on the Left, Joshua Harrell, Chief Revenue Officer at WorldVia, joins me to discuss the evolution of travel advisors in the United States in a post-pandemic world. Joshua shares his insights on how content creation can help travel advisors build their businesses, and he offers some fantastic practical tips for sharing great content with your audience.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- How Joshua transitioned from a background in marketing and entrepreneurship into the travel advisor industry
- How the travel advisor profession has evolved to provide personalized value for travelers
- What content creation means for travel advisors and how becoming a content creator at any level can help build an audience and demonstrate expertise
- How Joshua encourages travel advisors to overcome the fear of content creation with his mantra: “get going, get smart, then get good”
- Why he advises advisors to align their business with personal passion and interests
- How collaboration between travel advisors and supplier partners leads to mutual business growth
- Marketing systems and foundational strategies Joshua recommends to help advisors streamline their marketing
The Modern Travel Advisor
Once upon a time, the idea of a travel agency conjured images of mall storefronts and swivel chairs. But today’s travel advisor is a totally different breed, part consultant, part marketer, and 100% expert.
Pre-2020, many Americans believed DIY online booking made travel advisors obsolete. But it was really the post-pandemic world that revealed just how valuable a travel professional can be. Whether unraveling complex travel restrictions or finding that off-the-beaten-path experience, advisors offer insider knowledge and advocacy that algorithms simply cannot replicate.
Building Authority and Community
Successful advisors aren’t just travel experts; they’re also storytellers, educators, and digital community builders, whether they do it by sending curated newsletters, going live on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, or sharing firsthand travel experiences on social channels.
Don’t be fooled into thinking only “influencers” can play the content game. Most successful travel advisors are content creators at some level. The key is helping potential clients see not just what you know, but how you think, your personality, experience, and specializations shining through. Start where you’re comfortable, learn as you go, and trust that consistency breeds improvement and audience growth. The perfect lighting or equipment can wait. What matters is showing up and sharing your expertise.
The Secret Sauce for Sustainable Growth
The real magic happens in collaboration. Joshua backs this up with real stories, discussing the power of reaching out to suppliers, account managers, and fellow advisors. Whether joining mastermind calls, exploring new product lines, or simply sharing best practices, these partnerships unlock opportunities you might never have considered.
He shares an example of an advisor who built a thriving business creating group trips for botanical societies, all sparked by a single phone conversation with a tour operator’s representative.
Resources:
- Website: https://worldviatravelnetwork.com/
- LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaharrell/
- LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldvia/
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