Insights from recent episode analysis
Audience Interest
Podcast Focus
Publishing Consistency
Platform Reach
Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
Est. Listeners
Based on iTunes & Spotify (publisher stats).
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
10,001 - 25,000 - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
25,001 - 75,000 - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
15,001 - 40,000
Market Insights
Platform Distribution
Reach across major podcast platforms, updated hourly
Total Followers
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Total Plays
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Total Reviews
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* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
On the show
Recent episodes
Tourism Isn’t Broken—We Just Forgot It’s a People Business
May 5, 2026
38m 51s
Santiago Corrada: The Art and Heart of Tampa's Transformation
Apr 21, 2026
27m 50s
You Belong in Every Room: Leadership Lessons from Birmingham’s Dan Williams
Apr 7, 2026
22m 44s
Paradise With a Purpose: Kara Franker on Stewardship, Technology, and Transformation
Mar 17, 2026
25m 29s
Stewardship & Storytelling: Joanne Wolnik on Community-Led Tourism in Southwest Ontario
Mar 10, 2026
32m 57s
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5/26 |  Tourism Isn’t Broken—We Just Forgot It’s a People Business | Tourism is built on human connection—so why are we struggling to attract, retain, and inspire the very people who make it work? In this candid and often hilarious conversation, Stephen Ekstrom (CEO of Learn Tourism) and Carmen Bold (tourism workforce and capability expert) unpack the real challenges facing the industry—from the overlooked importance of business fundamentals to the global struggle to position tourism as a viable career. They explore: Why most tourism businesses are one b... | 38m 51s | ||||||
| 4/21/26 |  Santiago Corrada: The Art and Heart of Tampa's Transformation | Join us for a special four-year reunion episode as host Stephen Ekstrom reconnects with Santiago Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. In this engaging discussion, Santiago shares his visionary approach to marketing a vibrant city, moving beyond conventional tourism to foster sustainable community growth. Discover how Tampa Bay has transformed over the years through innovative campaigns, local engagement, and powerful collaborations. Whether you're a travel enthusiast or a city dwell... | 27m 50s | ||||||
| 4/7/26 |  You Belong in Every Room: Leadership Lessons from Birmingham’s Dan Williams | What does it take to lead a destination in today’s tourism landscape? In this episode of Business Class, Stephen sits down with Dan Williams, President & CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, for a conversation that goes far beyond marketing and metrics. Dan shares his journey from Cleveland to Columbus to Birmingham—and how a shift in perspective during COVID transformed his leadership style from performance-driven to people-centered. Today, he leads with empath... | 22m 44s | ||||||
| 3/17/26 |  Paradise With a Purpose: Kara Franker on Stewardship, Technology, and Transformation | In this episode of the Business Class podcast, Stephen Ekstrom sits down with Kara Franker, President and CEO of Visit Florida Keys & Key West, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, transformation, and the evolving role of destination organizations. Kara’s path into tourism is anything but traditional. After beginning her career as a criminal prosecutor in Miami, she transitioned into destination leadership—eventually taking on one of the most recognizable tourism brands in th... | 25m 29s | ||||||
| 3/10/26 | Stewardship & Storytelling: Joanne Wolnik on Community-Led Tourism in Southwest Ontario | Joanne Wolnik, Executive Director of Southwest Ontario Tourism, joins Stephen Ekstrom on Business Class to explore how small-place pride, thoughtful stewardship, and hands-on experiences can transform tourism into a force for local good. Joanne shares her journey from outdoor-recreation student to destination leader (and part-time horse-farm owner), and explains why “your ordinary is somebody else’s extraordinary.” Listen for practical examples—farm-to-table experiences, artisan woodworkers,... | 32m 57s | ||||||
| 3/3/26 |  Inspiring the Outer Banks: Community-First Tourism with Jeff Schwartzenberg | How do you make tourism work for residents and visitors? Jeff Schwartzenberg, Community Engagement Manager for the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, joins Stephen Ekstrom on Business Class to unpack a community-first approach to destination stewardship. Jeff walks us through the Outer Banks’ long-range tourism management plan, the importance of listening to residents and second-homeowners, and practical ideas for a scalable, hybrid training hub that serves hotels, restaurants, realtors, nonprofits... | 32m 45s | ||||||
| 2/24/26 | That’s Buffalo for You: Nimble Leadership in Uncertain Times | Three years after their first conversation, Steve reconnects with Patrick Kaler, President & CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara (now Visit Buffalo), for a candid check-in on leadership in unpredictable times Since their last episode, Buffalo has navigated political rhetoric impacting cross-border travel, a significant drop in Canadian visitation, the loss of 500 hotel rooms, shifting digital metrics, and a complete destination rebrand—dropping “Niagara” from its name and launching the b... | 29m 14s | ||||||
| 2/10/26 | Tourism & Transformation: Jennifer Vigil's Panama City Vision | In this episode, we dive into the captivating journey of Jennifer Vigil, the dynamic President and CEO of Destination Panama City. From her beginnings in New York to her role as a transformative leader in Florida, Jennifer shares her story of resilience, innovation, and the power of tourism to unite communities. Discover how she rebuilt Panama City post-hurricane, her dedication to preserving its cultural charm, and her strategies for leveraging data in the tourism industry. Join us for an in... | 25m 00s | ||||||
| 11/4/25 |  From Waves to Work: Joanna Bear's Inspired Life in Tourism | Join us for an inspiring conversation with Joanna Bear, President and CEO of Visit Laguna Beach, as she shares her passion for travel, hospitality, and community stewardship. In this episode, Joanna discusses her journey from growing up in San Pedro to leading efforts in preserving the natural beauty and vibrant arts scene of Laguna Beach. Discover her insights on building genuine connections with visitors, the challenge of balancing tourism with community quality of life, and her own travel ... | 16m 11s | ||||||
| 10/21/25 |  On Life and Leadership with Visit Orlando's Casandra Matej | In this enlightening episode titled "On Life and Leadership," we sit down with Casandra Matej, the accomplished President and CEO of Visit Orlando. With over three decades of experience in the travel and tourism industry, Casandra shares the pivotal moments and lessons learned throughout her dynamic career. From her early days to leading through challenges such as the global pandemic, she opens up about the importance of collaboration, compassion, and authenticity in leadership. Discover how ... | 26m 41s | ||||||
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| 10/14/25 |  A Vibrant New Chapter for Discover Puerto Rico: A Conversation with Jorge L. Pérez | In this episode of Business Class: The Learn Tourism Podcast, host Stephen Ekstrom welcomes Jorge L. Pérez, the newly appointed CEO of Discover Puerto Rico. With a career that spans venue management, entertainment, and major cultural events—including overseeing Bad Bunny’s historic 31-night residency—Pérez shares how these experiences shaped his vision for destination marketing. From addressing misconceptions about Puerto Rico’s accessibility, to uniting the island’s tourism ecosystem, to ens... | 20m 54s | ||||||
| 10/7/25 | Real Fun, Real Leadership: Dan Rowe of Visit Panama City Beach | Few destinations embody fun quite like Panama City Beach, and few leaders embody resilience, creativity, and vision quite like Dan Rowe, President & CEO of Visit Panama City Beach. In the latest episode of the Business Class podcast, I had the chance to sit down with Dan to explore his nearly two decades of leadership, his approach to fostering innovation, and what keeps him motivated through some of the toughest challenges any destination could face. Business Class is brought to you... | 22m 59s | ||||||
| 9/22/25 |  Leading with Trust and Vision: Daniel Kuperschmid on the Business Class Podcast | After three decades in the hotel world, Daniel Kuperschmid took the leap from corporate hospitality to destination leadership—becoming President & CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority. In this episode of the Business Class podcast, Daniel shares how trust shapes his leadership style, why leaving Hyatt was his biggest career risk, and how he’s working to showcase San Diego beyond its sunshine and beaches. From rediscovering the city as a “tourist in his own town” to championing culture, ... | 22m 03s | ||||||
| 9/16/25 | Embrace the Adventure: Lessons in Passion, People, and Change | In this episode, special guest host John Percy (President & CEO, Niagara Falls USA) turns the tables on Learn Tourism founder Stephen Ekstrom. Stephen shares his journey from small-town New Hampshire to global traveler and nonprofit leader, revealing how passion, resilience, and kindness have shaped his career in tourism education. Hear how Stephen turned pandemic setbacks into opportunities, what it means to build a culture of learning, and why every adventure—personal or professio... | 36m 58s | ||||||
| 9/9/25 | Mastering the Tourism Terrain: Strategic Growth and Real Relationships with Adam Stoker and Stephen Ekstrom | Adam Stoker, CEO of Brand Revolt and founder of Tourism IQ, joins Stephen Ekstrom, CEO and co-founder of Learn Tourism, for an open conversation about growth, innovation, and authenticity in the tourism industry. They reflect on their recent journeys, from time spent on a Michigan farm to speaking at industry conferences, and how these experiences shape their approach to leadership and learning. Adam and Stephen explore what it means to build intentional communities in tourism, sharing storie... | 17m 12s | ||||||
| 8/19/25 | 🎙 From Underdog to Record-Breaker: Mike Testa’s Sacramento Story | 🎙 From Underdog to Record-Breaker: Mike Testa’s Sacramento Story In this episode of Business Class, Stephen Ekstrom sits down with Mike Testa, CEO of Visit Sacramento, to explore how a city often overlooked on California’s tourism map is rewriting its story. Mike shares how 25 years with the organization—working in every department—prepared him to lead bold, risk-taking initiatives that fueled an 80% rise in visitation, from world-class music festivals to hosting Europe’s largest food confer... | 25m 38s | ||||||
| 8/5/25 | Leadership and Opportunity in Property Management | Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Sebastian Torres Calderon, a true exemplar of resilience and adaptability in the dynamic world of property management. From his humble beginnings in Lima, Peru, to leading a top company in Barcelona, Sebastian shares his transformative journey. Listen as he talks about his early dreams of being a soccer player, his shift to the culinary arts, and his eventual rise in the hospitality industry. Sebastian opens up about the challenges ... | 18m 37s | ||||||
| 6/17/25 | Unexpected Role Reversal: Stephen Ekstrom on Life as a Digital Nomad | In this special episode of Business Class, the mic flips as Cagdas, a PhD candidate researching digital nomadism and global mobility, interviews our usual host, Stephen Ekstrom. The result is a deeply personal, reflective, and often humorous journey into Stephen’s life on the road. What started as a temporary escape from a too-large Florida house turned into a transformative lifestyle spanning three and a half years, two dogs, and an RV that's more home than vehicle. Stephen shares how his li... | 21m 46s | ||||||
| 6/17/25 |  Donuts, Detours & DIY: Building Better Tourism Through Education | What do donuts in Amish country, curious bison in Wyoming, and 30,000 learners have in common? A passionate conversation about the evolution of tourism marketing and the power of education. In this episode, Stephen Ekstrom is joined by Chris Cavanaugh, founder of Magellan Strategy Group, to explore a winding career path from brand management to quirky consulting—and the birth of the DIY Tourism Marketing movement. Together, they unpack the importance of curiosity, the need for accessible and ... | 40m 04s | ||||||
| 6/9/25 |  From Cleveland, With Soul: David Gilbert on Leading with Purpose | In this heartfelt and insightful interview, David Gilbert, President and CEO of Destination Cleveland and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, shares the unique journey that led him to lead two separate but complementary civic organizations. A Cleveland native, David talks about how his deep roots in the community have shaped his approach to tourism and destination leadership. He explores Cleveland's soul—its gritty history, vibrant community, and the pride that defines its people—and how... | 27m 00s | ||||||
| 6/5/25 |  Toronto's Superpower: Diversity, Design, and Destination Strategy with Andrew Weir | In this candid and thought-provoking episode of Business Class, Stephen Ekstrom interviews Andrew Weir, President & CEO of Destination Toronto, about the evolution of destination leadership, the power of curiosity, and what it takes to build a world-class visitor economy. Andrew reflects on his accidental entry into tourism, shares wisdom from two decades of experience, and explains how Toronto’s unmatched cultural diversity and global perspective are key to its success. With humor, humil... | 21m 07s | ||||||
| 5/20/25 |  Exploring the Future of Tourism with Philip Jones | In this episode of Learning Tourism's Business Class podcast, host Stephen shares his experiences waking up by Lake Erie and traveling across the U.S. before introducing the distinguished guest, Philip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer for the Royal Commission for AlUla. With a rich career spanning leadership roles at Visit Dallas and Louisiana's Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, Jones dives into his journey of transforming AlUla into a globally recognized tourism destination. They d... | 20m 16s | ||||||
| 5/6/25 |  Hungry, Humble, and Leading the Way: Brad Dean on Tourism, Teamwork & Telling St. Louis' Story | In this episode of Business Class, I sit down with Brad Dean, President & CEO of Explore St. Louis, to explore what it really means to lead with heart in the tourism industry. From his unexpected leap from finance to hospitality, to his people-first leadership philosophy, Brad shares what makes a great team, why humility matters, and how St. Louis is rewriting its narrative with sports, arts, and authenticity. We also dive into the evolving role of AI, the future of destination marketing,... | 25m 46s | ||||||
| 3/25/25 |  The Business of Making Memories: NYC Tourism CEO Julie Coker on Leadership, Travel, and Connection | In the fast-paced world of tourism, where destinations evolve and trends shift constantly, the heart of the industry remains unchanged: the ability to evoke emotion, passion, and excitement. "We are in the memory-making business," says Julie Coker, President and CEO of NYC Tourism and Conventions, in a recent interview with Learn Tourism CEO Stephen Ekstrom. Business Class is brought to you by Learn Tourism, the nonprofit academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adul... | 23m 56s | ||||||
| 1/21/25 |  From Kansas to Oregon: A Journey Through Hospitality and Tourism with Jeff Knapp | In a recent conversation on the Learn Tourism podcast, Stephen Ekstrom, CEO of Learn Tourism, spoke with Jeff Knapp, President and CEO of Visit Bend, about his journey to Bend, Oregon, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Business Class is brought to you by Learn Tourism, the nonprofit academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable economies. Learn how to engage your community, win over stakeholde... | 28m 23s | ||||||
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