Tech, Travel, and Twang!
Come for the thoughts, stay for the tea. The co-founders of Destination Innovate, Jennifer Barbee and Kristen Cruz brew up the latest industry tea every Tuesday - diving into simmering issues, hot trends, and special guests. Grab a cup and let’s spill the tea!
Episodes
35 episodes
2025: The Wellness Travel Era
Can wellness travel redefine how we experience our holidays? Join us on Tech, Travel and Twang as we explore the transformative trends shaping wellness tourism, promising not just relaxation but a journey to mental and physical rejuvenation. As...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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23:08
Happy Election Day! Tourism in an Election Year
Is TikTok the new frontier in political influence? Jenn Barbee and Kristen Cruz unravel the unexpected events of Election Day 2024, including the peculiar incident of Puerto Rico being the target of an unjust criticism in the political sphere. ...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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14:41
Meetings on the Rise: Navigating Demand and Innovation in Event Planning
Discover how the meetings industry is not only rebounding but thriving, as chat about Kristen's experience at the Texas Travel Alliance's 39th Annual Texas Travel Summit. Together, we uncover the stunning resurgence of the industry, which is no...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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31:18
DestiCon: Innovation Academy - Investing in Growth & Professional Development
Is professional development an optional add-on, or should it be a non-negotiable part of our careers? Join Kristen Cruz and me as we unpack this compelling question in our latest episode of Tech Travel and Twain. We've been eagerly awaiting Oct...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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8:20
Building Destination Buzz: Seasonal Events, Social Media, & Community Inclusion
Ready to discover the secrets of holiday travel in the oldest town in Texas? Join us on Tech Travel and Twang as we welcome Ashley Morgan, the Executive Director of Visit Nacogdoches. Ashley paints a vivid picture of Nacogdoches' fall charm, fr...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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31:57
Don't Miss the Mark: The LGBTQ+ Community's Impact on Tourism
Can a simple "happiness list" transform your career? Rachel Covello's journey from corporate sales to becoming a pivotal figure in LGBTQ tourism proves it can. Join us for an inspiring conversation with the publisher of OutCoast.com, as Rachel ...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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31:21
Women Leading the Way: Tech, Travel, and Transformative Journeys
Ever wondered how leaders in tech and travel navigate their careers while pushing for gender parity? Join us in this fascinating episode where we sit down with Vered Schwarz, President and COO of Guesty, who shares her inspiring journey from la...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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52:57
Tuesday Tea # 10 | You Asked For It! Part 3
Is your Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) ready to navigate the maze of digital marketing in 2023 and beyond? Today, Kristen Cruz and Jenn Barbee, uncover the key strategies that DMOs need to stay ahead of the curve. We break down how ma...
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14:37
Tuesday Tea #9 | You Asked For It! Part 2
Are DMOs missing the mark by not adopting booking engines earlier? Find out as we sit down with Jenn Barbee and Kristen Cruz in this week's episode of Tech Travel and Twang's Tuesday Tea. We delve deep into the challenges that Destination Marke...
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14:53
Tuesday Tea #8 | You Asked for It! Part 1
Ever wondered how to breathe new life into a stagnant board? In our riveting first installment of You Asked For It!, Kristen Cruz and I, Jenn Barbee, promise to enlighten you with actionable insights on revitalizing your board dynamics...
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19:23
Tuesday Tea #7 | Transforming Destination Marketing: Collaboration Over Competition
What if the key to thriving cities lies in collaboration rather than competition? In this Tuesday Tea episode of Tech Travel and Twang, we revisit the heart and soul of our family business, reminding ourselves of the joy and creativity that fue...
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28:12
Tuesday Tea #6 | Keeping It Real: In Life & In Destination Marketing
How can destination podcasts remain captivating in a rapidly changing travel industry? Join us as we sit down with Jenn Barbee, the Chief Detsruptor at Destination Innovate, and Kristen Cruz, the Chief Experience Officer and Co-Founder, to diss...
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22:38
Tuesday Tea Ep. #5 | Foodie Journeys and Financing Your Next Vacation
How does the passage of time transform our travel experiences, especially in an age of evolving educational schedules and technological shifts? Join us on Tech Travel and Twang for an insightful exploration into the rising trend of taking on de...
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33:20
Tuesday Tea Ep. #4 | Evolving Travel Trends: From Quiet Getaways to Viral Ads
Can a tourism commercial make you laugh out loud and book a flight? Tune into this episode of Tech Travel and Twang where Jenn and Kristen are back with their Tuesday Tea segment, sharing weekend updates and diving into the latest buzz in trave...
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29:58
Tuesday Tea Ep. #3 | Creating Community-Driven Startup DMOs
What does it take to build a thriving tourism hub in a small, heritage-rich community? Join our conversation with Mark Shore, CEO of Visit Bath County, Virginia, as he unveils the unique journey of establishing a Destination Marketing Organizat...
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37:00
Tuesday Tea Ep. #2 | Bringing the Online Travel Experience to Real Life
Ever wondered how a simple weekend trip can transform into a gastronomic adventure? Join us as Kristen recounts her meticulously planned couple's getaway to Dallas, filled with delicious meals and perfectly timed dining experiences. Meanwhile, ...
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44:22
Tuesday Tea Ep. #1 | Magnesium Water and Maximizing the Individual Experience
Discover the transformative power of wellness tourism and its impact on mental health to kickoff our Tuesday Tea series! We'll share our personal wellness routines, from sipping magnesium water to taking mental health days, and discuss how self...
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32:23
Monday Momentum Ep. #5 | WTAF: What's the Actual Future
Embark on a journey through the vibrant intersection of travel, technology, and innovation as we uncover the secrets to thriving in the constantly evolving landscape of hospitality. I draw from a wealth of experience to guide you in harnessing ...
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58:02
Monday Momentum Ep. #4 | Risk vs Reward AI Edition
Strap in as we navigate the cutting-edge intersection where AI meets destination marketing, reshaping the travel industry's landscape. We'll unpack the hesitation behind adopting AI, now melting away as destinations eagerly jump on the tech ban...
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34:53
Monday Momentum Ep. #3 | The Future of Destination Marketing with John Flanagan
Discover how Destination Marketing Organizations are stepping into the future with Amplify's John Flanagan as our Monday Momentum ignites a discussion that could redefine your next adventure. Amplify isn't just changing the game; they're reshap...
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17:06
Owning Owned Media
Welcome to a journey into the heart of destination marketing with industry trailblazer Josh Collins. Discover the art of captivating travelers through owned media channels, the unsung heroes in the rise and ebb of platforms like TikTok. As we u...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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38:13
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Monday Momentum Ep. #2 | Cracking the Code on Remote Collaboration Success
We're unpacking how a team can not just survive but truly excel in a remote work environment! Shedding light on the autonomy and trust required to foster creativity and productivity outside the traditional office. As we navigate through our age...
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24:37
Monday Momentum Ep. #1 | The Flow
As we usher in a fresh professional season, the spotlight turns to the exciting transformations within Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and agencies. Spring break isn't just for kids—it's a metaphor for the rejuvenation and innovation...
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22:24
Championing Travel Accessibility
Have you ever encountered a hurdle that seemed insurmountable, only to turn it into a beacon of hope for others? That's exactly what Lorraine Woodward, our esteemed guest from rentABLE, did with her personal battle with muscular dystrophy. Her ...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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28:09
Be Great in Their Face
Here's a little secret: the journey to authenticity isn't always an easy one, but oh boy, is it worth it! On our latest episode, we delve into the power of self-expression and self-love with Alethea Crimmins, a social media maven whose unapolog...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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1:00:45
