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 Hannon, transforming JourneyWoman into a thriving, values-driven community that promotes sustainable, ethical, and inclusive travel. From rebuilding a 25-year-old platform to navigating the pandemic and beyond, she opens up about leadership, vulnerability, and staying true to your mission even when it’s not the easy road.

https://journeywoman.com/

Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

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, navigate hospital bureaucracy, and preserve his dignity in his final days.

Together, Amy and Michael reflect on grief, compassion, and the human realities behind immigration and identity. Their conversation is a powerful reminder that storytelling can break down prejudice and help us see one another with empathy.

Through this intimate dialogue, The RISE Traveler continues its mission to promote conscious, inclusive travel — and a more just world for all.

The New York Times: Modern Love

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/06/style/modern-love-carrying-my-new-husband-across-the-threshold.html

Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

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 deep dive into how the travel industry can help rebuild—not exploit—communities emerging from conflict.

https://institutetourism.com/recovering-tourism-after-war/

Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

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 brand redefining waste and sustainability. We also dive into her reflections on immigration, diversity in study abroad, and the urgent need for human-centered policies in today’s divided world.

This is a conversation about courage, creativity, and carving new paths—proof that travel can spark both personal transformation and social change.

https://www.instagram.com/dodobazaar/?hl=en

Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

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 preservation, and face-to-face connection in building a more inclusive and resilient travel industry.

https://wanderwomxntravels.com/

Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

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 founding of Travel Unity and the need for systemic change in the travel industry
  
  
• Why privilege and identity matter when discussing travel access and safety
  
  
• The real-world effects of U.S. political policies on international tourism
  
  
• How DEI language is being quietly erased from some organizations
  
  
• Why knowing your organization’s “why” is essential in times of uncertainty
  
  
• What grassroots advocacy can look like in the tourism space
  
  
• Tips for travel professionals and students to promote inclusive travel experiences

Travel Unity Website: https://travelunity.org/

Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

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 international reach
• What responsible, impactful, sustainable, and ethical travel really looks like
• The shift from focusing on traveler experiences to prioritizing host communities
• The power of diverse, passionate volunteers in shaping RISE’s voice and impact
• Highlights from our programs, experiential journeys, and educational resources
• How universities and tourism professionals are using RISE’s free tools, including the popular Decolonial Guide to Travel

Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

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 episode offers heartfelt insights and practical frameworks to help you travel with intention.

Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute