In this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, Tracy is joined by Katie Conley, a luxury travel advisor and hospitality professional. Katie joins Tracy to discuss one of her 12 favorite problems, “how might we activate human potential” through the lens of travel.

Katie shares her journey as a travel advisor and the importance of creating personalized, immersive travel experiences. They discuss the role of human experience in travel, the challenges of information overload, and the positive impacts of travel on neuroplasticity and mental health. The conversation emphasizes the significance of openness to new experiences and how transformative travel can enhance creativity and personal growth.

Tracy and Katie discuss the value of intentional travel planning, the joy of sharing experiences with loved ones, and the significance of understanding the purpose behind each trip. The dialogue highlights how travel can deepen connections and enhance cultural awareness, ultimately leading to a richer, more fulfilling life.

Key Takeaways:

• Travel can activate human potential in many ways.

• Openness to new experiences is crucial for personal growth.

• Travel can improve neuroplasticity and cognitive function.

• Travel doesn't have to be expensive to be meaningful.

• Transformative travel experiences can happen at any age.

• Openness to experiences fosters intellectual curiosity and independence.

• Experiencing new cultures broadens perspectives and enriches lives.

  
  

Katie’s Recommendations:

Books:

Setting the Table by Danny Meyer: https://amzn.to/41la3Ge

Travel TV Shows:

Somebody Feed Phil: https://www.netflix.com/ae-en/title/80146601

Anthony Bourdain: https://www.amazon.com/Anthony-Bourdain-No-Reservations-Season/dp/B09229BZ67

Searching for Italy with Stanley Tucci: https://edition.cnn.com/shows/stanley-tucci-searching-for-italy

Connect with Katie:

Katie Conley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieconley623/

https://culturedconcierge.travel/

https://www.instagram.com/culturedconcierge

k.conley@dreamvacations.com

In this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, Tracy interviews Dr. Gina Sipley to discuss one of her twelve favorite problems: "How might we create space for mindset shifts in learning experiences?" Dr. Sipley is a community college professor and first-generation college graduate who fosters inclusive spaces where individuals from diverse backgrounds can explore how their relationship with both online and offline texts shapes their identities.

They delve into the concept of lurking in online spaces, examining its impact on learning and participation, and exploring strategies for fostering meaningful engagement in digital environments. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding lurking as a common practice, the benefits and harms associated with it, and strategies for curating diverse perspectives on social media. The conversation also touches on the role of perfectionism in online participation and the need for protective curation.

The episode emphasizes the significance of mindful social media engagement and the value of diverse voices in broadening our worldview.

Key Takeaways:

• Lurking has become the dominant way we interact online

• Curating diverse perspectives on social media is crucial

• Protective curation helps individuals navigate online spaces

• Engagement with social media should be mindful and intentional

  
  

Gina’s Recommendations:

Book Recommendations:

https://amzn.to/48uTXva

Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Bias by Safiya Umoja Noble https://amzn.to/48uy7Ie

Country of the Blind: A Memoir At The End of Sight by Andrew Leland

https://amzn.to/3YLj3Tb

Trolling Ourselves to Death: Democracy in the Age of Social Media by Jason Hannan

https://amzn.to/40uCl0G

Podcast Recommendations:

You’re Wrong About https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/youre-wrong-about/id1380008439

The Measure of Everyday Life https://measureradio.net/

Transforming Society https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/transforming-society-podcast/

Connect with Gina:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsipley/

You can subscribe to my newsletter, Words. by hitting the subscribe link on https://www.ginasipley.com/

I am a great resource for lurking and social media strategy, all things community college and the K-16 pipeline. I particularly love supporting first generation college students.

I am interested in problem solving at scale and I welcome speaking and consulting opportunities.

I would love to connect with other folks who bridge scholarly and creative pursuits for social good.