Founder/Author
Strategic eMarketing

Emanuel Rose was born and raised on the West Coast of the United States. He has spent over three decades earning a reputation in cutting edge marketing. As an author and expert in the field, Emanuel specializes in direct response advertising, and content marketing at his digital agency, Strategic eMarketing.

His passion lies in helping companies achieve business success with authentic storytelling. Emanuel’s unique approach to marketing strategies has resulted in countless clients reaching their goals.

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins interviews Emanuel Rose, founder of Strategic eMarketing and author, discussing his journey from a working-class background to entrepreneurship. Emanuel shares insights on the importance of embracing change, the role of AI in marketing, and the value of self-learning. He also emphasizes the significance of emotional intelligence for young entrepreneurs and the power of podcasting for networking and mentorship. The conversation touches on Emanuel's passion for the outdoors and his efforts to promote children's books that encourage outdoor activities.

takeaways

• Emanuel Rose founded Strategic eMarketing after being fired from a previous job.
• AI is transforming marketing and can enhance productivity.
• Embracing change is essential for entrepreneurs.
• Job security concerns in the age of AI are valid but can be navigated with adaptability.
• Self-learning is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.
• Emotional intelligence is crucial for young entrepreneurs.
• Networking and mentorship can be facilitated through platforms like LinkedIn.
• Podcasting can serve as a valuable tool for building relationships and sharing knowledge.
• Emanuel's passion for the outdoors drives his podcast, Nature Bound.
• Promoting children's books encourages families to engage with nature.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Edward Lyimo
Founder & CEO
Pristine Trails

As the founder of Pristine Trails, Edward brings 20 years of experience in the tourism industry, backed by a degree in African Wildlife Management. His commitment to ethical travel, team development and personal growth for his staff sets a unique standard in the local tour industry. Edward’s vision for Pristine Trails is clear: to stand out by embodying ethical travel practices while crafting tailor-made East Africa tours that provide unforgettable tourist experiences. Residing between Los Angeles and Tanzania with his family, Edward thrives on connecting with new and returning travelers.

summary
In this episode, Jason Elkins interviews Edward Lyimo, founder and CEO of Pristine Trails in Tanzania. Edward shares his journey from being a local volunteer liaison for international projects to starting his own adventure travel company. He discusses the challenges he faced as a young entrepreneur, the evolution of his business model towards conservation, and the importance of marketing and client engagement in the tourism industry. In this conversation, Jason Elkins and Edward Lyimo discuss the intricacies of relationships in the tourism industry, the importance of sustainability, and how to choose the right tour company. Edward shares insights from his experience in the travel business, emphasizing the need for openness in relationships and the significance of treating local porters fairly. They also explore the unique offerings of East Africa, including its rich wildlife and cultural experiences, while encouraging travelers to do their research and communicate effectively with tour operators.

takeaways

• Pristine Trails specializes in safaris and trekking experiences in Tanzania.
• Edward started working with international volunteers at 18.
• He transitioned from a volunteer liaison to a tour operator.
• Building trust with clients was a challenge due to his age.
• Word of mouth played a crucial role in growing his business.
• He emphasizes the importance of environmental awareness in tourism.
• Edward encourages aspiring tour operators to gain experience through internships.
• The business evolved from budget volunteer trips to upscale safari experiences.
• Marketing strategies have shifted from paper flyers to digital marketing.
• Networking and building relationships are key to success in tourism. Relationships in tourism can be challenging due to differing passions.
• Openness and curiosity are essential in partnerships.
• Sustainability should be a genuine commitment, not just a marketing tactic.
• Fair treatment of local porters is crucial in trekking operations.
• Travelers should research companies to ensure they align with their values.
• Choosing a reputable company may involve a slight cost increase, but it's worth it.
• Effective communication is key in travel planning.
• East Africa offers unique wildlife experiences and cultural richness.
• Travelers should not overthink their destination choices in Africa.
• Building a network of trusted partners enhances service quality.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Founder and Co-Owner
LivTours

Angelo Carotenuto, founder of LivTours, has been transforming travel since 2009 by creating intimate, unforgettable experiences across Europe. Starting as a tour guide and performer in his hometown of Rome, Angelo saw the demand for authentic, small-group and private tours and launched LivTours (formerly LivItaly Tours). A hands-on leader, he forges partnerships, trains expert guides, and supports a global team dedicated to delivering top-rated, hand-crafted travel moments.

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, Jason Elkins interviews Angelo Carotenuto, founder & Co-owner of LivTours. They discuss the vision behind LivTours, which aims to provide unique and memorable travel experiences in Italy and throughout Europe. Angelo shares his journey into the tourism industry, the art of tour guiding, and the connection between performance and guiding. They also touch on hiring practices in the tourism industry, memorable tour experiences, common tourist questions, sustainability in tourism, and advice for aspiring tour guides. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding oneself in the tourism industry and the challenges of mass tourism.

takeaways

• LivTours aims to exceed travelers' expectations.
• Angelo's background in performing arts enhances his guiding skills.
• Tour guiding is similar to performing arts in connecting with audiences.
• Hiring in tourism values experience in performance and problem-solving.
• Sustainability is crucial in the tourism industry.
• Mass tourism presents both challenges and opportunities.
• Local businesses must adapt to tourism influx for sustainability.
• Understanding client expectations is key to successful tours.
• Technology proficiency is essential for modern tour guides.
• The tourism industry is driven by people and their stories.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Chief Enthusiast
The Orvis Company

Tom Rosenbauer has been with the Orvis Company since 1976, and while there has been a fishing school instructor, copywriter, public relations director, merchandise manager, and was editor of The Orvis News for 10 years. He is currently their chief marketing enthusiast, which is what they call people when they don’t know what else to do with them.

He has fished extensively across North America and has also fished on Christmas Island, the Bahamas, Belize, in Kamchatka, Chile, and on the fabled English chalk streams .

His podcast, The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast, is one of the top outdoor podcasts on ITunes and has had over 25 million downloads since its inception. He lives with his wife and son in southern Vermont on the banks of his favorite trout stream.

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins welcomes Tom Rosenbauer, the Chief Enthusiast of Orvis, to discuss his extensive journey in the fly fishing industry. They explore Tom's early experiences with fishing, the evolution of fly fishing, and how it has become more accessible to newcomers. Tom shares memorable adventures, the importance of passion in sustaining a long career, and how technology has changed the way they connect with the fishing community. The conversation wraps up with insights on future travel aspirations and demystifying fly fishing for beginners.

takeaways

• Tom Rosenbauer has been with Orvis for 49 years.
• The title 'Chief Enthusiast' reflects a long career with Orvis.
• Starting in retail is a common path for those in the fly fishing industry.
• Fly fishing can be accessible and affordable for beginners.
• Technology has transformed how fly fishing is taught and shared.
• Traveling for fishing can lead to unforgettable experiences.
• Passion is key to longevity in the fly fishing business.
• Fly fishing is not just about trout; there are many species to target.
• Independent fly shops are crucial for the fishing community.
• Learning to fly fish has never been easier with online resources.

Learn about Tom's trip to Iceland.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Author & President
Tela Coral

Marine invertebrates stole my heart on my first snorkel in the Red Sea during college. Hoping to study the ocean forever, I spent seven years building mathematical algorithms to interpret satellite imagery of the ocean, receiving my Ph.D. in ocean science.

My husband stole my heart next, and I drifted away from the ocean to Austin, Texas to be with him. Over the years, we added two children and a couple of dogs to our family.

Landlocked, I began writing textbooks and popular science articles for National Geographic Magazine, The New York Times, Nature, Science, The Wall Street Journal, Discover, The Smithsonian, and Texas Monthly among others. Eventually, the story of jellyfish led me back to the sea. Once there, I stayed, writing a book about corals as well.

One day I received a message from a reader in Tela, Honduras who told me that the coral reef he co-managed was healthy. Impossible, I thought. But when I visited I discovered a dozen endangered species thriving. To help understand why, I co-founded Tela Coral, a non-profit whose aim is to understand the mysteries of this unexpected beacon of hope, a place nicknamed the Rebel Reef.

Juli’s Website

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Juli Berwald, an author and marine biologist, about her journey from a childhood spent rockhounding in the U.S. to her current work with Tela Coral in Honduras. Juli shares her transformative experiences with marine life, the importance of coral reefs, and the challenges they face due to climate change. She discusses her books, the connection between personal growth and marine conservation, and the exciting developments in Tela, where a unique marine conservation effort is underway. Juli emphasizes the need for awareness and action regarding ocean health and invites listeners to support her work.

takeaways

• Juli's childhood experiences shaped her love for nature.
• The ocean can be a transformative experience for many.
• Coral reefs are vital to marine biodiversity.
• Climate change significantly impacts coral health.
• Juli transitioned from math to marine biology after a life-changing experience.
• Writing became a way for Juli to share her passion for marine life.
• Jellyfish can teach us about efficient movement in water.
• Coral bleaching is a critical issue for ocean health.
• There are hopeful restoration efforts for coral reefs.
• Awareness and action are essential for ocean conservation.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Founder
Guest Focus

Kelsey Tonner is the founder of Guest Focus Tour Business Coaching and for two decades he’s been helping tour business owners as a mentor, consultant, speaker, experience designer, guide trainer, and award-winning tour leader.

Since 2015, their programs have helped over 2,000 tour operators from 75+ countries around the world and Kelsey has been a regular speaker at over 35 industry events and conferences.

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, Jason Elkins interviews Kelsey Tonner, founder of Guest Focus, a coaching service for tour and activity businesses. Kelsey shares his journey from being a dog sledding guide to leading multi-day tours around the world. He discusses the importance of creating memorable experiences for travelers, the challenges faced by tour operators, and the significance of relationships in the adventure travel industry. Kelsey also delves into the coaching process, the need for effective marketing strategies, and the optimization of sales pages to drive bookings. The conversation highlights the value of understanding guests' needs and the importance of providing practical resources for tour operators.

takeaways

• Kelsey Tonner is the founder of Guest Focus, helping tour businesses thrive.
• Creating memorable experiences is key to successful tourism.
• Relationships in the adventure travel industry are crucial.
• Coaching differs from consulting in its approach and focus.
• Understanding guests' needs is essential for tour operators.
• Sales pages should effectively communicate offerings to potential customers.
• Optimizing marketing strategies can significantly impact bookings.
• Practical resources can help tour operators improve their businesses.
• The importance of community and shared experiences in travel.
• Kelsey emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the tourism industry.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Owner
The Ultimate Adventure Travel Company

My Name is Jake and I am the founder and owner of The Ultimate Adventure Travel Company. I have been working in the travel industry for the past 7 years and after leading many trips abroad to places like Everest base camp and Kilimanjaro i set out to pursue my dream of being a business owner and helping as many people as possible travel the world and experience their bucket list.

summary
In this episode, Jason Elkins interviews Jake Field, the owner of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Company. They discuss Jake's journey from a childhood spent outdoors to establishing his own adventure travel business. Jake shares insights on the challenges of entering the travel industry, the importance of networking, and the realities of being an expedition leader. He emphasizes the need for personal growth, the value of experience, and the significance of community in the travel sector. The conversation also touches on the skills required to succeed in guiding and running a travel business, as well as advice for aspiring adventure guides.

takeaways

• Jake's journey into adventure travel began with family outings in nature.
• The decision to pursue a career in adventure travel was influenced by his uncle.
• Training in Costa Rica was a pivotal experience for Jake.
• The reality of expedition leading includes challenges not often seen in promotional materials.
• Networking is crucial in the travel industry, especially for young professionals.
• Experience gained from bartending helped Jake develop essential people skills.
• Running a trip to Kilimanjaro boosted Jake's confidence and credibility.
• The travel industry is a close-knit community where relationships matter.
• Aspiring guides should seek opportunities to gain experience before starting their own businesses.
• It's important to understand the realities of the travel industry before diving in.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Brian Schon

Co-Founder and President

True Colombia Travel and Cannúa

With ten years of experience leading travelers around Colombia, Brian is an expert in Colombian tourism and hospitality. He is focused on True Colombia Travel’s commercial and administrative departments, and is also one of a small number of internationally certified rummeliers (rum sommeliers) in Colombia. Brian grew up in the United States and earned an MBA and an MPP from Brandeis University.

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Brian Schon, co-founder and president of True Colombia Travel and Cannua. They discuss the beauty and diversity of Colombia, the importance of authentic travel experiences, and the challenges and opportunities in the Colombian tourism industry. Brian shares insights on the role of destination management companies (DMCs), the significance of building trust with travel agents, and the mission of promoting sustainable tourism in Colombia. The conversation highlights the cultural richness of Colombia and the need for travelers to embrace the local experience while navigating the complexities of the travel industry.

takeaways

• Colombia is a biodiverse country with unique travel experiences.
• True Colombia Travel focuses on authentic and custom travel itineraries.
• Building trust with travel agents is crucial for success in the travel industry.
• Sustainable tourism can be luxurious and responsible at the same time.
• Cannua is Colombia's first high-end sustainable ecolodge.
• Travelers should be open to cultural differences and expectations.
• The Colombian countryside is integral to understanding the culture.
• Cooperation among travel operators can enhance the tourism experience.
• Travelers should explore beyond major cities to truly experience Colombia.
• The perception of Colombia has changed significantly over the years.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.