Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis

🍁✨ New season, new vibes, and a new episode of Fact Up! This week, we’re taking you to one of Canada’s most underrated fall destinations — Thunder Bay, Ontario — with none other than Paul Pepe from Thunder Bay Tourism.

Think you know fall? Think again. 🍂 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 c...

In this episode of “Thunder Bay — On Land, On Water, and On Your Plate,” 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 Thu...

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:

• What makes Thunder Bay an ideal 4-season destination.
• Why Thunder Bay should be on your Travel Radar.
• Thunder Bay's endless outdoor adventures, culinary offerings, and cultural richness.
• Finnish Pancakes @ the Sauna?? 

The Fact Up Podcast with Jim B...

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:

• Completing the Pacific Crest Trail, solo.
• Rewards & challenges traveling the world, solo.
• Passion for the land, and a nomadic-inspired lifestyle. 
• Traveling while looking at the world with scientific eyes, as much as adventurous ones. 

The Fact ...

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 importance of booking a trip well in advance.
• Whether last-minute deals are actually good deals.
• Flight Centre Canada's human touch. 
• Getting more value for your travel buck with off-season trav...

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:

• Wanuskewin itself, and its cultural, social, and geographic importance in the span of human history. 
• Experiences visitors can expect to have at Wanus...

Episode #50 of the Fact Up Podcast features Adina Bercowicz, Founder & Executive Director @ LymeTV.org. In this episode, we talk about:

• What is Lyme Disease, and efforts being made to teach kids prevention methods in school.
• Detecting, diagnosing, and treating Lyme Disease.
• Steps you can take to protect yourself and your pets from Lyme Disease.
• Does celebrity raise further awareness about Lyme Disease?

The Fact Up Podcast...

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:

• How Canada's largest hotel managed to persevere through the pandemic.
• What it takes to manage and operate a hotel of that size.
• Experiences Guests can expect to have, and renovations underway that will make it better.
• Activities in-house, including the unforgettable 130 f...

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:

• Destroying comfort zones, professionally and personally.
• Why Canadian Geographic continues to be a media standout after nearly 100 years.
• The culture of smart content creation, and shifts in the media landscape.
• Why People play an important, central role in published content. 
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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:

• Why New Brunswick is a must see destination.
• Culinary experiences to be had, including Ballet on the Ocean. 
• Experiencing the largest tides on Earth, and the warmest ocean waters north of the Carolinas. 
• Cultural experiences, including immersive Acadian, and Indigenous gems. 

The F...

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:

• What Lynx Air is all about and why travellers should be paying attention.
• Voids Lynx Air fills that other airlines lack.
• Establishing trust with travellers, and the challenges of being at the helm of a new airline, especially post-covid.
• Amount travellers can expect to save...

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:

• Experiences to be had in Philly, including the World Premiere of the Harry Potter Exhibit.
• The Heartbeat of Philly.
• The city's Cultural Soul.
• Philly's history of celebrating diversity and inclusiv...

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:

• A recent survey conducted by CheapOair about the new Ontario Staycation Tax Credit.
• The surprising results from that survey.
• Whether Ontario Residents, for whom the Staycation ...

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:

• Dispelling travel myths for those eager to travel to the Florida Keys + Key West.
• What measures are in place to ensure visitor safety.
• The importance of getting to kno...

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 brand new tourism campaign that features the inclusive and poignant O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge - and where you can sign up -> thekawarthas.ca/pledge
• Why Respect plays a central role wh...

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:

• How her kids inspired her ca...

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:

• Where his passion for flight started.
• What steps he took to realize his dream of flying.
• How he started FlyGTA and what impact its made in the airline ...

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:

• Why her book, '110 Nature Hot Spots in Manitoba + Saskatchewan' is a must-read.
• The appeal of the Canadian Prairies and Prairie life.
• Where she's...

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:

• Why Thunder Bay's is an ideal vacation spot, especially post Covid.
• The dynamic and exciting food scene making the rounds across the country.
• Local delights, including 'The Persian'.
• The region's incredible attractions ...