The Fact Up Podcast features conversations with industry leaders in the travel and food industries who inspire, unite and motivate the global community.
đď¸ Podcast Episode SummaryTitle: Why Thunder Bay is Canada's Ultimate Bleisure Destination | Wellness, Solo Travel @ Adventure
Guest: Paul Pepe, Thunder Bay Tourism
Host: Jim Bamboulis @travelmammal
Episode Overview:In this episode, we head to Thunder Bay, Ontario, where business travel naturally blends with outdoor adventure, wellness, and authentic Northern hospitality. Paul Pepe of Thunder Bay Tourism, shares why the city is emerging as one of Canada's most compelling bleisure destinationsâoffering professionals, solo travellers, and leisure visitors the opportunity to extend their stay and discover a destination that feels both invigorating and welcoming.
What You'll Discover:* Why Thunder Bay is redefining bleisure travel, making it easy to balance business commitments with unforgettable outdoor experiences. * How the region's breathtaking landscapes, hiking trails, paddling opportunities, and wellness-focused activities encourage visitors to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with nature. * What makes Thunder Bay especially appealing for solo travellers, where a welcoming community and genuine Northern hospitality help visitors feel connected, even when travelling alone. * How Indigenous culture, local cuisine, and outdoor adventure combine to create experiences that are both authentic and deeply memorable. * Why extending a business trip by just a day or two can transform a work visit into a meaningful travel experience. * Paul's perspective on the future of tourism in Thunder Bay and why the city continues to attract travellers seeking purpose, wellness, and adventure.
Personal Touches:Paul also shares some of his favourite places to unwind in Thunder Bay, the local experiences he never tires of recommending, and why he believes visitors often arrive for workâbut leave planning their return for pleasure.
Why Listen:Whether you're a frequent business traveller, a wellness enthusiast, or someone planning your next solo adventure, this episode reveals why Thunder Bay offers far more than meets the eye. It's an inspiring conversation about finding balance, embracing nature, and discovering a destination where work and play come together seamlessly.
Follow the journey:đď¸ @thunderbaytourism | đ @travelmammal
đď¸ Podcast Episode SummaryTitle: Cultivating Connection: Agritourism Along New Yorkâs Adirondack Coast
Guest: Kristy Kennedy, Vice President of Marketing, North Country Chamber of Commerce
Host: Jim Bamboulis @travelmammal
Episode Overview:
In this episode, we journey to the Adirondack Coast of New Yorkâwhere fertile farmlands meet the shores of Lake Champlainâto explore how agritourism is revitalizing rural communities and celebrating local heritage. Our Guest, Kristy Kennedy, VP of Marketing for the North Country Chamber of Commerce, discusses how the regionâs farms are blending tradition, innovation, and sustainability to create meaningful visitor experiences.
What Youâll Discover:
Personal Touches:
Listeners also get a glimpse of Kristyâs personal favoritesâfrom her go-to fall traditions on the Coast to the local flavors she believes best capture the regionâs spirit.
Why Listen:
This episode is a heartfelt celebration of community, collaboration, and creativity in rural tourism. Itâs an inspiring listen for anyone who believes in the power of local experiences to sustain both land and livelihood.
Follow the journey:
đž @adirondackcoast | đ @travelmammal
đ⨠New season, new vibes, and a new episode of Fact Up! This week, weâre taking you to one of Canadaâs most underrated fall destinations â Thunder Bay, Ontario â with none other than Paul Pepe from Thunder Bay Tourism.
Think you know fall? Think again. đ Thunder Bay turns autumn into an experience. From the jaw-dropping views of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park to cozying up at the Thunder Bay Country Market, from epic Indigenous cultural connections to food festivals that turn your sweater weather into sweater-stretched weather⌠this city has everything your fall-loving heart could ever want. đ
Hereâs what youâll discover in this episode:
đ˝ Why fall in Thunder Bay is a literal feast â markets, harvest events, and festivals that celebrate local food and culture.
đĽ Indigenous experiences that connect you to the land, traditions, and stories that make the region unique.
𼞠Hiking trails and scenic lookouts that will make your Instagram pop harder than a pumpkin spice latte.
đś Local events and cultural happenings that prove Thunder Bay isnât just a pit stop â itâs a destination.
So if youâre wondering where to get your fall fix without the clichĂŠ, Thunder Bay is calling. đ
đ Question for YOU: Have you ever visited Thunder Bay in the fall? Whatâs the first thing youâd do â hit the markets, hike the trails, or dive straight into the butter tarts? Drop your answer in the comments â we LOVE hearing your travel goals.
Hit that LIKE button if youâre ready to pack your bags, and donât forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes that make you say, âWhy didnât I travel there sooner?â đ
In this episode of âThunder Bay â On Land, On Water, and On Your Plate,â we sat down with Paul Pepe from Tourism Thunder Bay to explore everything that makes this Northern Ontario gem a must-visit summer destination. From scenic hikes and paddling adventures on Lake Superior to vibrant cultural festivals and a dynamic food scene blending tradition with trend, Paul gave us the inside scoop on how to make the most of your time in Thunder Bay. We also dug into some classic local eats, new restaurant buzz, and even his dream âeat your way through the cityâ food day. Whether a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, this episode is your bite-sized guide to the ultimate Thunder Bay summer.
đ§ Topics Covered:* What summer in Thunder Bay really feels like * Top outdoor activities: hiking, biking, paddling, and exploring * Best water-based adventures on Lake Superior and surrounding areas * Signature summer festivals and hidden gem events * Celebrating Finnish and Indigenous culture in Thunder Bay * Iconic restaurants and Thunder Bay food classics * New restaurants and emerging culinary trends * Paulâs dream âeat your way through the cityâ itinerary * What makes the people and spirit of Thunder Bay so unique * Tips for first-time summer visitors
đ Connect with Thunder Bay Tourism:
đ Follow Travel Mammal:
đŠ Share this episode with someone looking for a unique Canadian summer getawayâand don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an adventure.
See you on the trail (or at the next food truck). Cheers!
Jim Bamboulis
Host, Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis
It's a pleasure to present Episode #54 of the Fact Up Podcast featuring Paul Pepe, Manager of Thunder Bay Tourism in northwest Ontario, Canada. In this episode, we talk about:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
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I'm delighted to present Episode #53 of the Fact Up Podcast featuring Isabel Hilgendag, Scientist, Explorer & CEO @ Pursuit of Exploration. In this episode, we talk about:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
Connect with me on Social:
I'm delighted to present Episode #52 of the Fact Up Podcast featuring Amra Durakovic, Head of Communications @ Flight Centre Canada, one of the country's premier travel agencies dating back 30 years. In this episode, we talk about:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
Connect with me on Social:
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I'm delighted to present Episode #51 of the Fact Up Podcast featuring Andrew McDonald, Director of Marketing and Communications @ Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a future UNESCO World Heritage Site, located just north of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. In this episode, we talk about:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
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Connect with Andrew @ Wanuskewin on Social:
Episode #50 of the Fact Up Podcast features Adina Bercowicz, Founder & Executive Director @ LymeTV.org. In this episode, we talk about:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
Connect with me on Social:
Connect with Adina & LymeTV.org on Social:
Episode #49 of the Fact Up Podcast features Tracy Ford, Director of Public Relations at the Chelsea Hotel in Toronto, Canada. In this episode, we talk about:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
Connect with me on Social:
Connect with the Chelsea on Social:
Episode #48 of the Fact Up Podcast features Alex Pope, Editor-in-Chief @ Canadian Geographic, based in Ottawa, Canada. In this episode, we talk about:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
Connect with me on Social:
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Episode #47 of the Fact Up Podcast features Neil Hodge, Travel Media Rep from New Brunswick Tourism in Canada. In this episode, we talk about:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
Connect with me on Social:
Connect with New Brunswick Tourism on Social:
Episode #46 of the Fact Up Podcast features Merren McArthur, President and CEO of Lynx Air, one of Canada's newest airlines. In this episode, we talk about:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
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Episode #45 of the Fact Up Podcast features Rachel Ferguson - Chief Innovation and Global Diversity Officer @ Visit Philadelphia - THE source for everything City of Brotherly Love + Sisterly Affection! In this episode, we talk about:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
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Episode #44 of the Fact Up Podcast features Daniel Hayter, Senior Product Manager at CheapOair - a travel organization that prides itself on exceptional customer service, dedicated to making the travel experience seamless! In this episode, we talk about:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
Connect with me on Social:
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Episode #43 of the Fact Up Podcast features Ashley Serrate, Media Relations Manager at Florida Keys + Key West Tourism - a piece of paradise filled with beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, exceptional cuisine and a rich history. In this episode, we talk about:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
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Episode #42 of the Fact Up Podcast features Tracie Bertrand, Director of Tourism at Peterborough and the Kawarthas Tourism in Southern Ontario, Canada - an exceptional area rich in nature, culture, and tradition. In this episode, we talk about:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
Connect on Social:
Connect with Tourism Peterborough and the Kawarthas on Social
Episode #41 of the Fact Up Podcast features Heather Greenwood Davis, award-winning and internationally renowned freelance travel writer, on-air personality and the woman behind GlobeTrottingMama.com. A lawyer in her previous life, Heather's work can been seen in various publications including, National Geographic and The Globe and Mail, a national Canadian daily. In this epic episode, we talk about:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
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Episode #40 of the Fact Up Podcast features Chris Nowrouzi, CEO of FlyGTA, Visit Canada and VidaJet. Chris started having an interest in everything flight at age 5. He knew what he wanted, worked hard, and earned his wings, in a matter of speaking. In this episode we chat about:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
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Connect with FlyGTA on Social
Episode #39 of the Fact Up Podcast features Jenn Smith Nelson, Travel Writer, Photographer, Author and the woman behind Travel + Happiness, a site dedicated to experiences that promote gratitude, the beauty of wildlife and the importance of conservation. In this episode we chat about:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
Connect on Social:
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Episode #22 of the Fact Up Podcast features Stephanie Reid, Digital superstar @ Tourism Thunder Bay, Ontario, a widely underrated and energetically emerging city in Northern Ontario. In this episode, we discuss:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
Connect on Social:
Episode #38 of the Fact Up Podcast features Kevin Wagar, Family Travel Writer and Photographer @ The Wandering Wagars, the travel site dedicated to sharing family travel tips and inspiring parents to travel with kids and exploring the benefits of family travel. In this episode we chat about:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
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Connect with Kevin + The Wandering Wagars on Social:
Episode #37 of the Fact Up Podcast features Tamara Soroka, Media Content Specialist @ Travel Manitoba, the site to visit when planning a trip to Manitoba. In this episode we chat about:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
Connect on Social:
Episode #24 of the Fact Up Podcast features Yashy Murphy, Founder and Editor @ Parenting To Go, a website that explores how to do family travel the smart way. In this episode we chat about:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
Connect on Social:
Episode #30 of the Fact Up Podcast features Agatha Podgorski, Director, Community Engagement at Culinary Tourism Alliance, a national Canadian organization dedicated to supporting the food and restaurant industry. Passionate about travel, food, local and sustainability, we talk about:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
Connect on Social:
Episode #36 of the Fact Up Podcast features Maryam Siddiqi, Lifestyle Editor at The Globe & Mail, a national Canadian daily newspaper. A natural storyteller, we discussed various topics, including:Â
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
Connect on Social:
Episode #35 of the Fact Up Podcast features Johnny Jet. Considered to be the first 'travel influencer', Johnny is a Travel Publisher and Founder of JohnnyJet.com. In this podcast, we talk:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
Connect on Social:
Episode #34 of the Fact Up Podcast features Jami Savage, Founder @ AdventureAwaits.ca. In this podcast, we talk:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
Episode #12 of the Fact Up Podcast features Jodi Holliday, Travel Influencer + Brand Advocate Specialist @ Tourism Saskatchewan. In this podcast, we talk:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
Episode #10 of the Fact Up Podcast features accomplished Travel Writer @Â Trip Jaunt and Chief Community Officer at Genius 100 Visions. In this podcast, we talk about these topics and many others:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
Episode #33 of the Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features Shanny Hill, Marketing Manager at TDA Global Cycling.
An internationally recognized and awarded cycling tour company, TDA Global Cycling offers spectacular cycling experiences worldwide, including the 5-month long Tour d'Afrique. In this episode, we discuss everything cycling, including:
The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.
Fact Up Podcast, episode #16 features Jantine Van Kregten, Director of Communications @ Ottawa Tourism.
In this episode, we talk everything tourism in Ottawa, including:
About the Fact Up Podcast: The Fact Up Podcast features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
Fact Up Podcast, episode #32 features Brad Long, Chef and Owner of Cafe Belong and Belong Catering in Toronto.Â
In this episode, we talk everything restaurants, including:
About the Fact Up Podcast: The Fact Up Podcast features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!
Episode #25 features Guest Jerry Grymek, VP of Client Relations at LMA Communications.
In his role, Jerry works with both travel brands and influencers worldwide. In this episode, we discuss many topics, including:
Fact Up Podcast - Episode #31 features Kathryn Munro, the Director of International Sales + Marketing at CanaDream.
In this episode, we talk everything RV's and CanaDream including:
Tom Hall is the VP of Experience at Lonely Planet. We discuss various topics including: