Best Stephen Ekstrom Podcasts (2025)

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Mastering the Tourism Terrain: Strategic Growth and Real Relationships with Adam Stoker and Stephen Ekstrom 17:12

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27d ago17:12

17:12

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 …

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403: Building a Brand from the Ground Up with Catherine Jenkins 42:16

6d ago42:16

42:16

In this episode, Adam talks with Catherine Jenkins, the Marketing and Communications Manager for Visit Central Delaware, about how to successfully rebrand a destination with a limited budget. Listen to learn the significance of targeted branding and community engagement for destination marketing professionals, especially during a time of change. Ca…

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402: Modern Research with Camden Bernatz 48:04

13d ago48:04

48:04

In this episode, Adam is joined by Brand Revolt’s creative director, Camden Bernatz, to discuss modern research—an approach that focuses on observing consumer behavior rather than relying on traditional surveys or focus groups. Because behavior is the most reliable indicator of a visitor's true intent, Adam argues that it has proven to be much more…

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Leading with Trust and Vision: Daniel Kuperschmid on the Business Class Podcast 22:03

14d ago22:03

22:03

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 wor…

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401: Live at ESTO: Are DMO Websites Doomed? AI, Paid vs. Owned, and the Fight for Relevance 49:24

20d ago49:24

49:24

In this episode, Stuart and Adam take the stage live at ESTO to tackle two provocative topics: whether DMO websites will be irrelevant in five years and if the ROI of paid media will continue to decline. With live audience polling, spirited debate, and plenty of humor, they explore how AI, better metrics, and smarter creative can keep destinations …

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Embrace the Adventure: Lessons in Passion, People, and Change 36:58

21d ago36:58

36:58

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…

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400: A Live AMA Celebration of the Destination Marketing Podcast 1:41:18

28d ago1:41:18

1:41:18

For our 400th episode, host Adam Stoker went live on LinkedIn for the first time to reflect on the evolution of destination marketing and answer listener questions in real time. From the shift back to branding, to the impact of AI on travel planning, to the importance of risk-taking, Adam shares key lessons learned from 400 episodes and offers a ca…

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399: Where Marketing Meets Advocacy with Kristen Adamo 37:41

1M ago37:41

37:41

In this episode, Adam gets a masterclass in tourism leadership from Kristen Adamo, President and CEO of Go Providence. Kristen shares how her unique background in journalism and politics gives her a competitive edge, teaching her the importance of effective communication and building relationships with everyone she interacts with. Discover how she …

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398: MatPra, CMO Jam, ESTO and Our 400th Episode 30:58

1M ago30:58

30:58

In this solo episode, Adam recaps a whirlwind couple of weeks of events and shares valuable lessons for the destination marketing industry. From keynote speaking at MatPra to moderating the inaugural CMO Jam, Adam’s had a busy couple of weeks connecting and learning from others in the industry. Also, tune in for a sneak peek at the 400th episode of…

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397: Expanding Destination Education with Stephen Ekstrom 48:28

2M ago48:28

48:28

In this episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam is joined by Stephen Ekstrom, the co-founder and CEO of Learn Tourism. Stephen, a self-described "professional tourist" and digital nomad, shares his unique perspective on the travel industry and continuing education for DMO professionals. He talks about the origins of Learn Tourism, a nonp…

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🎙 From Underdog to Record-Breaker: Mike Testa’s Sacramento Story 25:38

2M ago25:38

25:38

🎙 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 …

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396: Peeling Back the Layers of Visit Mesa's Viral Banana Week with Cameron Molloy and Alison Brooks 45:30

2M ago45:30

45:30

In this episode, Adam talks with Allison Brooks and Cameron Molloy from Visit Mesa about a campaign that secured national media attention and numerous awards with a budget of only $20. The team discusses how they leveraged the arrival of the wildly popular Savannah Bananas baseball team to create Banana Week, a community-wide event that went far be…

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395: How Strategic Planning Drives Success with Danielle Hollander 50:14

2M ago50:14

50:14

In this episode, join host Adam Stoker and guest Danielle Hollander, Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Orlando, as they explore the importance of strategic planning for destinations of all sizes. Danielle shares how her agency background prepared her for her role as CMO and how Visit Orlando used the challenges of a leadership change during COVID-19…

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Leadership and Opportunity in Property Management 18:37

2M ago18:37

18:37

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 …

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394: Building a Brand That Lasts with Deana Ivey 41:28

2M ago41:28

41:28

In this episode, Adam chats with Deana Ivey, President of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation. Deana shares pivotal moments in her career, including taking on roles outside her job description, and her philosophy on promoting growth and embracing creativity within her team. She also tells how Nashville balances its iconic "Music City"…

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393: Fixing the RFP Mess: A Special Episode Featuring Destination Discourse 57:59

3M ago57:59

57:59

In this episode, Adam sits down with Stuart Butler, CMO at Visit Myrtle Beach, for a candid conversation about the broken state of RFPs in destination marketing. They unpack the structural flaws in the traditional procurement process, highlighting how outdated formats and misaligned incentives often lead to failed partnerships. Together, they explo…

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392: How To Secure Permanent Funding For Your Destination with Rochelle Hicks 45:06

3M ago45:06

45:06

In this episode, Adam sits down with Rochelle Hicks, director of tourism at Visit Mississippi, to uncover the secrets of securing permanent destination marketing funding. Rochelle shares her valuable insights and hands-on strategies for building sustainable financial models that transformed Visit Mississippi's budget from $2 million to $17 million.…

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391: A Sneak Peek Of Stakeholder Studio 5:01

3M ago5:01

5:01

Adam introduces his latest innovation, a technology designed to solve the disconnect between destinations and their stakeholders. Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! The ⁠⁠⁠⁠Destination Marketing Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ is a part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Destination Marketing Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Brand Revolt. If you are interest…

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390: Mastering Your Market: Identifying Personas and Tailoring Content with Eric Knopsnyder 39:58

3M ago39:58

39:58

In this episode, Adam sits down with Eric Knopsnyder, the Director of Public Relations and Community Outreach at Go Laurel Highlands. They discuss the changing world of PR, where the roles of journalists and content creators increasingly overlap, emphasizing the significance of relationship capital in building strong community partnerships. Gain in…

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389: Redefining a City Through Culinary, Culture, and Strategic Risk-Taking with Mike Testa 41:29

3M ago41:29

41:29

In this episode, Adam sits down with Mike Testa, President and CEO of Visit Sacramento, to explore how a challenger destination can evolve into a national tourism leader. Mike reveals how Sacramento transitioned from a convention-reliant city into a vibrant, multifaceted destination through bold strategic moves—like establishing the first Tourism I…

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388: Improving Partnerships between State and Local DMOs with Ryan French and Charity Toombs 53:02

3M ago53:02

53:02

In this episode, Adam sits down with Ryan French of the South Central Tennessee Tourism Association and Charity Toombs of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail to uncover powerful strategies for state-level organizations and local DMOs to work together. This episode reveals how statewide initiatives, like the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, can serve as significant…

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Unexpected Role Reversal: Stephen Ekstrom on Life as a Digital Nomad 21:46

4M ago21:46

21:46

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 t…

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Donuts, Detours & DIY: Building Better Tourism Through Education 40:04

4M ago40:04

40:04

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 qui…

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387: Why Playing It Safe in Destination Marketing Is Riskier Than You Think 56:29

4M ago56:29

56:29

In this special episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast, we're bringing you Adam's live keynote from the 2025 PRSA Conference.This talk tackles one of the industry’s toughest truths: playing it safe might be the biggest risk of all. Adam dives into what it really means to evolve as a destination marketer, drawing lessons from icons like Kodak …

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386: Choreographing The Perfect Destination Experience with Kevin Boyle 40:01

4M ago40:01

40:01

In this episode, Adam welcomes Kevin Boyle, General Manager of Seaside, Florida, to discuss creating unparalleled destination experiences through authentic lifestyle brands. Kevin shares his unique journey from college comedian to destination expert, and how his experience has helped him understand what visitors truly want from their stay. He also …

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From Cleveland, With Soul: David Gilbert on Leading with Purpose 27:00

4M ago27:00

27:00

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 to…

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Toronto's Superpower: Diversity, Design, and Destination Strategy with Andrew Weir 21:07

4M ago21:07

21:07

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 …

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385: How DMOs and Sports Facilities Can Build a Winning Team with Matt Libber 31:50

4M ago31:50

31:50

In this week’s episode, Adam talks with Matt Libber, Executive Director of the Maryland SoccerPlex, about the impact of sports tourism on destinations. Matt shares his journey and offers DMOs advice on building strong partnerships with facilities and event operators, navigating challenges, and maximizing sports' economic and community benefits. He …

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384: One Mistake That Could End DMOs 28:26

4M ago28:26

28:26

In this episode, Adam sits down for a solo episode packed with insights on the key trends shaping destination marketing today. From the accelerating adoption of AI and its impact on the industry to the growing importance of stakeholder communication and innovative content strategies, this episode provides a roadmap for DMOs in 2025. Explore the nec…

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383: An Inside-Out Approach to Destination Marketing with Matt Henson 36:09

5M ago36:09

36:09

In this episode, Adam joins Brand Revolt Production Manager, Matt Henson, to discuss Matt’s background in destination marketing and content production. Matt shares his insights on the importance of high-quality content creation, his experience working with destinations like Wrangell, Alaska, and his transition to the agency world. Learn practical t…

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Exploring the Future of Tourism with Philip Jones 20:16

5M ago20:16

20:16

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 Depart…

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382: Perfecting Your Pitch with Liza Graves 47:09

5M ago47:09

47:09

In this episode, Adam sits down with Liza Graves, CEO of Style Blueprint, to redefine how destinations should approach media and content. They challenge the traditional view of paid advertising, advocating for storytelling and collaboration with publications to create engaging campaigns. Liza provides actionable insights on crafting effective pitch…

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Hungry, Humble, and Leading the Way: Brad Dean on Tourism, Teamwork & Telling St. Louis' Story 25:46

5M ago25:46

25:46

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 …

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381: Challenging the Status Quo with Stuart Butler 46:15

5M ago46:15

46:15

In this episode, Adam sits down with Stuart Butler, Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Myrtle Beach and co-host of Destination Discourse. They discuss critical issues facing DMOs, including the impact of AI on travel planning, the importance of personalized experiences, and the evolution of website engagement. Stuart challenges the industry to confro…

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380: Discovering Destination Heritage with Josh Rudlebach 13:39

5M ago13:39

13:39

In this episode, Adam sits down with Josh Rudelbach, destination marketing and data strategist at Carson Valley, Nevada. Josh and Adam dive into how historical storytelling can set your messaging apart from the crowd. From pioneer settlements to local legends, this episode provides actionable insights for destination marketers looking to leverage t…

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379: Pushing Past The Comfort Zone with Brent DeRaad 17:02

6M ago17:02

17:02

In this episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam Stoker dives into risk-taking in destination marketing with guest Brent DeRaad, President and CEO of the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau. Brent shares his philosophy on embracing calculated chances to achieve impressive results. They explore the importance of investing in a destina…

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378: Embracing Regional Partnerships with Mark Thompson 21:10

6M ago21:10

21:10

In this episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam is joined by Mark Thompson, Executive Director of Visit Plano. Mark shares his insights on destination marketing, focusing on Plano's unique position as a corporate and youth sports destination within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. They discuss the importance of regional collaboration, th…

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377: Bonus Episode: Adam's Keynote Presentation at the One West Tech Summit 50:52

6M ago50:52

50:52

Today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast is a full-length look at Adam's keynote presentation at the One West Tourism Alliance's Tech Summit. In this key note, Adam explores the value of taking risks and how to navigate risk taking as a DMO. He also brings up a few examples of creators Brand Revolt looks to for inspiration as well as a …

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376: Destination Marketing Insights From a Colorblind Tulip Farmer with Andrew Miller 43:38

6M ago43:38

43:38

On today's episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam sits down with Andrew Miller, the founder, farmer and CEO of Tulip Valley Farms in Washington State. Andrew discusses his varied background that took him worldwide via the military and what led him to settle down and become a tulip farmer. The conversation then shifts to an in-depth look…

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375: Navigating the Current Earned Media Landscape with Birgitt Vaughan 36:32

6M ago36:32

36:32

Birgitt Vaughan, the Director of Public Relations for Sonoma County Tourism, joins Adam on today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast to talk all things earned media. Birgitt touches on her background and how building relationships with journalists drove her to want to work in public relations. She underscores the importance of building t…

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374: The Paid vs. Owned Media Debate: A Special Episode Featuring Destination Discourse 57:29

7M ago57:29

57:29

Today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast is a special collaboration with Destination Discourse, Adam’s other podcast with Stuart Butler from Visit Myrtle Beach. Adam and Stuart sit down with Katie Briscoe, CEO of MMGY Global, for a spirited discussion about the merits and challenges of paid and owned media strategies in destination mark…

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The Business of Making Memories: NYC Tourism CEO Julie Coker on Leadership, Travel, and Connection 23:56

7M ago23:56

23:56

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 Stephe…

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373: A New Spin on Sustainability Messaging with Natalie Wallon 31:42

7M ago31:42

31:42

Joining Adam on today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast is Natalie Wallon, the Marketing and Communications Manager at Discover Kalispell, Montana. Natalie shares her background and journey into destination marketing, with stops as a lacrosse coach in Montana and at an SEO agency along the way. Natalie and Adam then discuss Discover Ka…

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372: Leveraging Owned Events to Promote Your Destination with Christine Flohr 43:43

7M ago43:43

43:43

As a small destination surrounded by large cities like Chicago and Indianapolis, Wabash County, Indiana needed to find a way to stand out when marketing its DMO in those cities. Christine Flohr, the Executive Director of Visit Wabash County, joins Adam on today's episode to talk about how she utilized different athletic events, such as the Dam to D…

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371: Bonus Episode: A Webinar on Leveraging Owned Content For Destinations 54:04

7M ago54:04

54:04

Today’s special episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast is a webinar hosted by the One West Tourism Alliance that Adam took part in alongside some familiar faces who you might have heard from on previous podcast episodes. Joining Adam on this webinar is Robb Wells from Visit Beaufort, Port Royal and the Sea Islands, Melea Hames from Visit Nort…

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370: Downtown Spruce Pine's Recovery From Hurricane Helene with Spencer Bost 36:37

7M ago36:37

36:37

In September of last year, Hurricane Helene devastated many parts of the world, with one of the most severely affected areas being the Southeastern United States. Spencer Bost, the executive director of Downtown Spruce Pine, joins Adam on today’s episode to share how he first experienced Spruce Pine as a park ranger and how that eventually led him …

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369: Promoting Accessible Travel for People with Autism with Becky Large 28:28

7M ago28:28

28:28

Becky Large, the Executive Director of the Champion Autism Network and the CEO of the Autism Travel Club, joins Adam on today’s episode to share her insights on autism-friendly travel and the strides she has made in making destinations more inclusive for autistic travelers. She showcases the initiatives she’s led for Visit Myrtle Beach, including t…

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368: Using Pop Culture for Great Success with Kairat Sadvakassov 44:36

7M ago44:36

44:36

The satirical mockumentary "Borat" was released in 2006 to worldwide critical acclaim but in Kazakhstan, where the titular character hailed from, the film was more controversial. For the Borat sequel in 2020, Kairat Sadvakassov from Kazakh Tourism wanted to do things differently, so he capitalized on the character to increase awareness of Kazakhsta…

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367: A Social Media Lesson from "The Golden Girls" with Kaitlyn Johnson 42:26

8M ago42:26

42:26

The popular mid-80s sitcom "The Golden Girls" taught its viewers many lessons about friendship and relationships but according to Kaitlyn Johnson, the Marketing and CRM Coordinator of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, the show also provided advice on having a great social media presence. Kaitlyn joins Adam on today’s episode to go over what eac…

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366: Understanding Indigenous Tourism with Juanita Marois 39:00

8M ago39:00

39:00

Métis Crossing is Alberta’s first major Métis cultural destination, offering visitors an immersive experience into Métis heritage, traditions, and ways of life. In this episode, Adam sits down with Juanita Marois, CEO of Métis Crossing, to discuss her journey in building this unique destination from the ground up. Juanita shares insights into the i…