Best Arival Podcasts (2025)

1
What Sam Altman's Code Red Says About The Future of AI 24:56

7d ago24:56

24:56

In this episode of the Experience Strategy podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss the recent developments in AI leadership, particularly focusing on Sam Altman's 'code red' declaration regarding OpenAI's competition with Google. They explore the importance of experience in AI development, the frameworks that should guide AI…

1
Popups, Pinkmas and Planning Ahead: One New York Attraction’s Approach to Special Events 57:53

20d ago57:53

57:53

In this episode of The Best Part of Travel, your hosts Janelle Visser and Stephen Joyce sit down with Haley Ward, VP of Sales at Hudson Yards Experiences, to unpack how one of New York City’s most iconic attractions—Edge NYC—drives demand, delivers exceptional moments, and keeps guests coming back. Haley shares how her team uses seasonal activation…

1
Safaris, Climate Strategy & Small Group Tours: Intrepid Travel’s Journey from Small Groups to Global Brand 59:57

1M ago59:57

59:57

In this episode of The Best Part of Travel, we sit down with James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel, to explore why multi-day tours are taking off, and how authentic small group experiences, people-first leadership and a thoughtfully integrated climate strategy have been essential to Intrepid’s success. 🗺️ Topics we cover: The rise of multi-day tou…

1
The Ultra-Rich No Longer Want Luxury Goods, They Want Purpose 21:52

1M ago21:52

21:52

The conversation explores the evolving perception of wealth and meaning, highlighting a shift towards purpose-driven initiatives among wealthy individuals like Musk and Gates. Taken from the article in the Economist, entitled the Ultra-rich Are Giving Up on Luxury Assets, it discusses how traditional symbols of wealth are losing significance as peo…

1
Remaking the Premium Movie Experience 24:29

2M ago24:29

24:29

Two articles caught our attention. The first was in The Hollywood Reporter about a new movie theater concepts with private rooms and high end food in New York. The second was a story about the power of IMAX in the movie industry, per the Wall Street Journal. In this episode, Joe Pine, Aransas Savas, and Dave Norton discuss the evolving landscape of…

1
Moments, Moola & Multi-Day Tours: Booking Tech & Distribution for Multi-Day Operators 57:17

2M ago57:17

57:17

The world of multi-day tours is changing fast — and the technology powering it is evolving just as quickly. In this episode, your podcast co-hosts Janelle Visser and Stephen Joyce dive into the tech side of the increasingly popular world of multi-day travel, exploring how distribution and booking tech are evolving to move multi-day forward. First u…

1
The Amusement Episode: Can Travis Kelce Save Six Flags? 23:02

2M ago23:02

23:02

In a recent WSJ article entitled "Travis Kelce Is Jumping In to Save Six Flags Just When It Needed It Most", the author notes that all theme parks are down, and Six Flags needs a rescue. So, we decided to unpack the why, the how, and the what to do to reenergize theme parks. The conversation goes from Travis' desire for more thrilling roller coaste…

1
High Point University, The Transformational Education Example for Schools of the Future 25:09

2M ago25:09

25:09

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss an article from the Wall Street Journal about High Point University in North Carolina, which has become a magnet for wealthy students. They explore how the university's focus on creating transformational experiences and life skills prepares st…

1
Strategies, Secrets & Sea Urchin: One Food Tour Company’s Recipe to Rapid Growth 54:36

2M ago54:36

54:36

What’s the secret behind Secret Food Tours — one of the fastest-growing culinary experience brands in the world? Co-founders Oliver Mernick-Levene and Nico Jacquart join The Best Part of Travel co-hosts Janelle Visser and Stephen Joyce to share how they scaled from one city to over 100, all while keeping each experience personal, local, and delicio…

1
Is PWC Redefining Customer Experience/CX ? We Hope So 23:18

2M ago23:18

23:18

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Joe Pine, Dave Norton, and Aransas Savas discuss PwC's recent report on growth through experience. They explore the evolving definitions of customer experience, emphasizing the importance of trust and meaningful interactions. The conversation delves into PwC's four dimensions of exceptional …

1
What's Your Point of View: Insights from Arival 25 and The Collaboratives 21:19

3M ago21:19

21:19

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Joe Pine, Dave Norton, and Aransas Savas discuss their recent experiences at the Arival Conference and The Collaboratives, focusing on the evolving landscape of travel experiences and the impact of AI on search and social proof. They emphasize the importance of human connection in the age of…

1
Lessons About Customers and Experiences from Uber's New Advertising Campaign 24:35

3M ago24:35

24:35

Adweek just did a write up on Uber's new ad campaign and we found reasons to concur with the article and take what Uber is doing farther. In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aranzas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss Uber's new advertising campaign, focusing on its storytelling approach and the importance of experiences …

1
Private, Personalized & Global: Behind Context Travel's OTA-free Expansion 57:48

3M ago57:48

57:48

Can tour operators grow without relying on OTAs? In this episode of The Best Part of Travel podcast, we explore how private tours and personalized experiences are reshaping the future of travel. Context Travel’s CEO June Chin shares why private, personalized experiences are the key to long-term growth and loyal customers. Discover: ✅ Why personaliz…

1
Pop Mart: A Case Study in Consumer Engagement 23:34

3M ago23:34

23:34

In a recent HBR article, Yang Li shares his theory for how Pop Mart won young customers. But we think that fragmented attention is not what Pop Mart has mastered. Instead, they have mastered markets within/situational markets. In this conversation, the speakers delve into emphasizing the importance of customer engagement and customization. They dis…

1
What Can Lil' Miquela and Mia Zelu Teach Experience Strategists About Trust? 28:42

4M ago28:42

28:42

Lil' Miquela and Mia Zelu have millions of followers and generate serious income, despite being created with artificial intelligence. A recent article in the NY Times caught our attention and we just had to weigh in on how AI influencers are changing the way customers think about what they can trust. In this episode of the Experience Strategy podca…

1
The Price of Magic: Disney's Tiered System and the Middle Class 25:12

4M ago25:12

25:12

In The New York Times article written by Daniel Currell, the author/consultant contents that Disney's tiered system is designed to target affluent guests, not middle class people. In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Joe Pine, Dave Norton, and Aransas Savas discuss the article about Disney's transformation from an egalitarian e…

1
Experiences, Economy, Evolution: The Rise of The Transformation Economy | 44:16

4M ago44:16

44:16

People are choosing experiences over things — but what happens when even experiences risk becoming commodities? In this episode of the Best Part of Travel podcast, Joe Pine, co-author of The Experience Economy and author of the forthcoming book on The Transformation Economy, joins hosts Janelle Visser and Stephen Joyce to talk about experience desi…

1
Did Saks Global Make a $600 Million Mistake With It's Personalization Platform? 26:40

4M ago26:40

26:40

In an August 14th Vogue Business article by Madeleine Schultz , Saks Global, the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, discussed its personalisation strategy and an investment of $600 million for it's new platform. The only problem is: based on the article, we think they got it wrong. In this episode of the Experi…

1
Is the Movie Theater Industry About to Rebound? Why Yes, and its Because of Movies 22:20

5M ago22:20

22:20

Q2 of the US economy was very kind to movie theaters who are still recovering from the pandemic. AMC's financial performance and the evolving landscape of cinema experiences suggests a rebirth for badly bitten sector. Thanks to A Minecraft Movie and other blockbusters, we are finally seeing the repurposing of movie theater. The hosts explore the im…

1
The Next 15 Years Will NOT Be Hell and Experience Strategists Can Lead the Way 29:16

5M ago29:16

29:16

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss a recent episode of the Diary of a CEO featuring Mo Gawdot, who predicts a dystopian future driven by technology and AI. The conversation explores themes of transformation, the value of work, and the implications of AI on jobs and society. The…

1
Admissions and Subscriptions: Navigating the Future of Travel in Italy 27:44

5M ago27:44

27:44

The Experience Strategy Podcast is available on all major podcast platforms for free. In this episode, the hosts discuss the complexities of tourism in Italy, particularly focusing on the balance between local experiences and tourist demands. They explore the impact of consumer behavior on travel, the need for sustainable tourism practices, and the…

1
From Department Stores to Apartment Stores: Printemp Shows Up in Manhattan 27:03

5M ago27:03

27:03

This episode builds on Dave Norton's article on Substack about Kate King's report in the Wall Street Journal: Can the French Reinvent America's Broken Department Store Model. Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss the evolving landscape of retail, particularly focusing on the experiential model as exemplified by the French department stor…

1
The New Profit Model in Sports: The Atlanta Braves' Experience Strategy 24:39

6M ago24:39

24:39

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss the economic power of experience strategy in various industries, focusing on an article in the Wall Street Journal on the Atlanta Braves and their innovative approach to sports business through the Battery Atlanta. They explore the concept of …

1
What Integration Therapies in Silicon Valley Have to Do with the Transformation Economy 27:43

6M ago27:43

27:43

In this episode, we dive into the intriguing world of integration therapies within Silicon Valley's tech culture. Inspired by a Wall Street Journal article, we discuss how psychedelics are becoming mainstream among tech workers, leading to the rise of integration therapists. These professionals help individuals process their experiences with substa…

1
AI, Androids & Destination Experiences: Janette Roush, Chief AI Officer at Brand USA 48:48

6M ago48:48

48:48

In this episode of the Best Part of Travel podcast, hosts Janelle Visser and Stephen Joyce discuss the current state of AI in the travel experiences sector (and their favourite androids). Joined by special guest Janette Roush, Chief AI Officer at Brand USA, they delve into the opportunities and applications of AI in travel, both practical and creat…

1
Robert Fabricant on AI and Design for Cognitive Decline 26:08

6M ago26:08

26:08

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss the intersection of aging and technology, particularly focusing on how technology can be designed to support cognitive health as we age. They reflect on a personal article by Robert Fabricant in Fast Company that challenges the current approac…

1
New Release Shows that Airbnb is Serious About In-Destination Experiences 29:24

6M ago29:24

29:24

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss Airbnb's recent rebranding and its shift from a focus solely on home bookings to a more holistic approach that includes services and experiences. They explore the implications of this transformation for the travel industry, emphasizing the imp…

1
Fashion Group Zara is Introducing Travel Mode 28:06

6M ago28:06

28:06

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Dave Norton, and Joe Pine discuss fashion group Zara's innovative travel mode, which allows users to shop for products while traveling. They explore the concept of 'modes'—temporary mindsets and behaviors that influence customer experiences—and how Zara's travel mode can enhan…

1
What's Next in Booking Tech with FareHarbor CEO Andrea Carini 53:32

7M ago53:32

53:32

In this episode of the Best Part of Travel podcast, hosted by Janelle Visser and Stephen Joyce, we discuss the evolution of online booking systems, or "restech platforms" in the tours, activities and attractions sector of travel, and listen in on a conversation between Andrea Carini, CEO of FareHarbor, the largest restech in the travel experiences …

1
The Wall Street Journal on the Value of Getting People to Spend More Time with Your Brand 24:52

7M ago24:52

24:52

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss a Wall Street Journal article written by Jennifer Williams about retail, focusing on how major brands are intentionally slowing down the shopping experience to enhance customer engagement. They explore the importance of creating meaningful exp…

1
Free Advice for Tony Bates at Genesys on Empathy and AI 24:59

7M ago24:59

24:59

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss Tony Bates article in Fortune Magazine on the intersection of empathy, AI, and customer experience. They explore how empathy is often seen as a critical component in business interactions, especially in the context of AI's role in enhancing cu…

1
The Transformation Economy Book is Final! 29:52

7M ago29:52

29:52

Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the upcoming book 'The Transformation Economy' by Joe Pine, exploring the readiness of the world for transformation, the role of technology, and the importance of creating experiences that lead to lasting change. They delve into the nuances of transformation, including the distinction between temporary and…

1
What HBR Missed About Taylor Swift's Genius 24:54

7M ago24:54

24:54

Summary In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton delve into the strategic genius of Taylor Swift, exploring how her approach transcends music to embody principles of experience strategy. They discuss her emotional connection with fans, authenticity, and the aspirational roles she plays for h…

1
Koalas, Collaboration & Cultural Attractions: How Australian Attractions Work Together to Deliver Elevated Experiences 50:23

8M ago50:23

50:23

In this episode of the Best Part of Travel podcast, hosted by Janelle Visser and Stephen Joyce, we travel Down Under to delve into Australia's unique approach to cultural attractions tourism and visitor experiences. Featuring guest interviews with: Annabel Sullivan, Executive Officer of Cultural Attractions of Australia; Catherine Hughes, Business …

1
Weight Watchers is in the New York Times 25:43

8M ago25:43

25:43

Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the recent bankruptcy of Weight Watchers and explore the implications for the company's future. They analyze the shift from a focus on human interaction to technology, the importance of understanding customer aspirations, and the need for a strong brand identity. The conversation emphasizes the necessity f…

1
Cracker Barrel is in the Wall Street Journal | May 6, 2025 20:58

8M ago20:58

20:58

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Joe Pine, Aransas Savas, and Dave Norton discuss the Wall Street Journal article about Cracker Barrel's recent transformation efforts aimed at attracting younger customers while retaining their core base. They explore the challenges and opportunities of modernizing a legacy brand, emphasizin…

1
Scheels is in the Washington Post 26:02

8M ago26:02

26:02

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Dave Norton, and Joe Pine discuss the evolution of the podcast, introduce new co-hosts, and explore the concept of experiential retail through the lens of Scheels, a successful retail store. You might have seen in The Washington Post that Scheels is conquering middle America. …

1
Top 5 Travel Trends in 2025 47:06

8M ago47:06

47:06

We’re kicking off the new season of our (re-named and re-launched) Best Part of Travel podcast with an exploration of travel trends in 2025. In this first episode of season two, your podcast hosts Janelle Visser, Managing Editor of Arival, and industry veteran Stephen Joyce are joined by special guest Dan Christian from the Travel Trends podcast to…

1
How to Stay Customer-Centric During Economic Downturns with Blake Morgan 33:35

1y ago33:35

33:35

In this episode, experience strategists Dave Norton and Aransas Savas speak with Blake Morgan, the "Queen of CX" and a leading futurist in customer experience, about her latest book and insights on the future of customer service. Blake explains why customer service levels are at historic lows despite post-COVID digital transformations and emphasize…

1
Integrating Experience into Corporate Vision with George Barnett of the Strategy Toolkit 30:43

1y ago30:43

30:43

In this episode of The Experience Strategy Podcast, we're joined by George Barnett, strategy expert and author of The Strategy Toolkit, a newsletter that includes excerpts from his books on strategy, plus insights, analysis and strategy for the 21st century. We look at how business strategy has changed over the last 20 years and why customer experi…

1
Creating Time Well Spent in Communities with Feverbee Founder and Enterprise Community Strategist, Richard Millington 33:44

1+ y ago33:44

33:44

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, podcast hosts, Dave Norton and Aransas Savas explore the rapidly evolving landscape of enterprise community building with Rich Millington, founder of FeverBee and a leading expert in community strategy. With nearly two decades of experience helping organizations build thriving communities for memb…

1
Creating Purpose-Driven Experiences with Sarah Dusek 31:32

1+ y ago31:32

31:32

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, Sarah Dusek, an entrepreneur, venture capitalist and author, takes listeners on a journey through her remarkable career in experience-driven business. From founding the pioneering glamping company Under Canvas to her current venture in global regenerative travel, Sarah demonstrates how aligning pe…

1
Leveraging Transformational Travel to Drive Relevance and Impact at Sierra Club 36:45

1+ y ago36:45

36:45

In this episode, Experience Strategy Podcast hosts Aransas Savas and Dave Norton sit down with Brian Anderson, Director of National Outings at the legendary Sierra Club. With over 130 years of advocating for people, places, and the planet, Sierra Club has mastered the art of crafting transformational travel experiences that drive personal growth an…

1
The Power of Situational Markets in Experience Strategy 34:20

1+ y ago34:20

34:20

In the latest episode of The Experience Strategy Podcast, we're dismantling traditional market segmentation and rebuilding it with the revolutionary concept of situational markets. Dave Norton, our experience futurist, gives us a sneak peak into his upcoming book that's set to redefine how we create value. Joined by industry veteran John Gusiff, we…

1
The VoE Grand Finale: Highlights & Top Five from Season One 58:27

1+ y ago58:27

58:27

In this episode, Stephen Joyce and Janelle Visser recap the first season of the Arival Voice of Experiences podcast. They discuss their favourite episodes, the variety of content they covered, as well as the top five episodes from Season One by listener ranking. The top five episodes mentioned feature the following guests: 5) Peter Brown from Big B…

1
Enhancing Customer Experiences with Driving Business Value with AR/VR 35:12

1+ y ago35:12

35:12

In this episode of The Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Dave Norton and Aransas Savas sit down with AR/VR trailblazers Spencer Cook from Continuum, and Bryan Searing of Stone Mantel to explore the transformative power of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in crafting captivating customer experiences. Fresh off the Experience Strategy Collabora…

1
Exploring Multi-Attraction Passes with Jon Owen, CEO of Go City 51:06

1+ y ago51:06

51:06

In this conversation, Jon Owen, CEO of Go City, and Douglas Quinby, CEO of Arival, discuss the multi-attraction pass. They explore the size and scope of the pass market, the structure of the pass model, and the range of attractions and experiences offered. They also discuss the evolving trends in the market, such as the shift towards more experient…

1
Get Your Distribution Ducks in a Row with Martin Harlow 57:33

1+ y ago57:33

57:33

In this episode, Martin Harlow discusses the importance of having a distribution strategy and online travel agencies (OTAs) for tour and activity operators and attractions. He emphasizes the need for a basic strategy to get products to market and highlights that OTAs are often the first point of contact for consumers during the research phase. Mart…

1
Situational Markets and Employee Experiences with Steve Usher of The Experience Designers Podcast 48:18

1+ y ago48:18

48:18

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, we are joined by special guest Steve Usher, founder and host of The Experience Designers Podcast. We go deep into the core principles that drive success in experience strategy across both customer and employee offers. We challenge the status quo, pushing beyond played-out persona-based segmentatio…

1
The Keys to Employee Engagement with the RecogNATION Podcast 41:20

1+ y ago41:20

41:20

In this episode, we jam with Neely Adkins and Kailey Savona from the RecogNATION Podcast. As fellow experience nerds focused on the employee side, we discuss the importance of celebrating milestones and micro-moments in the employee journey, emphasizing how vital it is to make every employee feel valued, connected, and heard. The key takeaway? In a…

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