Shows
Kusa CastNomads, Networks & New Tech: Danny Waine from Travel NomadsRecorded in March of 2025, on this episode of Kusa Cast host Graeme Watson sits down with Danny Waine, the founder of Travel Nomads and a seasoned leader in the travel industry. Danny shares his journey, reflecting on how his childhood passion for travel led him through a diverse career spanning commercial roles, tour operations, and sales both in the UK and internationally. He recounts the challenges and rewards of joining ABTA as Head of Memberships at the onset of the pandemic, a period that ultimately inspired him to launch Travel Nomads in early 2025—a consultancy dedicated to supporting travel en...
2025-10-1525 minKusa CastBeyond The Labels: Gabrielle Claiborne on Transforming Travel Through Acceptance and InclusionIn this episode of Kusa Cast, host Graeme Watson welcomes Gabrielle Claiborne, founder and CEO of Transformation Journeys Worldwide, to discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the global travel industry. Gabrielle shares her powerful personal journey of authenticity and how it inspired her mission to foster inclusive cultures across various sectors, including tourism.Throughout the conversation, Gabrielle emphasises the importance of acceptance, understanding, and creating equitable environments before diversity can truly thrive. She addresses common misconceptions around DEI.Gabrielle also confronts challenging topics such as restroom accessibility, transgender athletes in sports, and...
2025-03-2947 minKusa CastA Journey with the CEO of Travel Counsellors, Steve ByrneIn this episode of Kusa Cast, host Graeme Watson sits down with Steve Byrne, CEO of Travel Counsellors, to discuss the company's remarkable achievement of reaching £1 billion in revenue and their vision for the future. With over 20 years at the company, Steve shares the journey of how Travel Counsellors has grown into a community of 2,000+ travel entrepreneurs while maintaining its core values of personalised service and human connection.Key highlights include:The evolution of Travel Counsellors over its 30-year historyInsights from their recent record-breaking conferenceLessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and its i...
2024-12-0429 minKusa CastReimagining African Travel: ATTA's Kgomotso Ramothea on Tourism's Next FrontierIn this episode of Kusa Cast, host Graeme Watson sits down with Kgomotso Ramothea, CEO of Memberships at ATTA (African Travel and Tourism Association). After an impressive tenure at South African Tourism where she served as Acting Head and Marketing Communications Manager for the UK and Ireland markets, Kgomotso brings fresh perspectives to her new role at ATTA.Kgomotso shares her vision for ATTA memberships, comparing it to a gym membership - it's all about active participation and making the most of available resources. Just two months into her role, she's already implementing a "listening roadshow,"...
2024-11-1337 minKusa CastCharting New Horizons: TTG CEO Dan Pearce's Vision for Smarter, Better, Fairer TravelIn this episode of Kusa Cast, host Graeme Watson sits down with Dan Pearce, CEO of TTG Media, for an insightful journey through the world of travel journalism and industry resilience.Dan shares his fascinating career path, from aspiring actor to English teacher in Italy, before finding his true calling in journalism. His story of acquiring TTG and steering it through the tumultuous waters of the COVID-19 pandemic is both inspiring and enlightening.Listeners will be intrigued by Dan's perspectives on:The enduring value of travel agents in the digital ageTTG's evolution...
2024-10-1737 minKusa CastUniting Africa's Tourism: A Conversation with Jillian Blackbeard of Africa's EdenIn this episode of Kusa Cast, host Graeme Watson interviews Jillian Blackbeard, the CEO and founder of Africa's Eden. Jillian is based in Gaborone and has an extensive background in tourism, having worked for Peermont Hotels, Botswana Tourism, and as the Africa director for the World Travel and Tourism Council. She founded Africa's Eden with the vision of improving destination marketing by focusing on the needs of travellers and promoting regional collaboration.Africa's Eden was established in early 2020 with the aim of improving regional tourism marketing. The organisation was created to address the lack of consumer-focused...
2024-06-1856 minKusa CastTshifhiwa Tshivhengwa: Navigating Tourism's New Era - Insights from the CEO of the TBCSAIn this episode of Kusa Cast, host Graeme Watson sits down with Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, the CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA). Tshifhiwa shares his extensive journey in the tourism industry, from his studies at the University of Johannesburg to his diverse roles in travel marketing and tourism management across the globe, including stints in Los Angeles and New York.The discussion delves into the significant changes in the tourism industry over the past 25 years, highlighting the pivotal role of technology and the rise of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs). Tshifhiwa reflects on...
2024-06-1045 minKusa CastRevitalising Southern Africa's MICE Industry: An Insider's Perspective with Brad GlennIn this episode of Kusa Cast, we have a conversation with Brad Glenn, Managing Director of The Inside Edge, a DMC specialising in incentives in South Africa. Hosted by Graeme Watson, the episode delves into the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) industry in Southern Africa.Brad shared his journey from working in the hotel industry, including stints at Sun International and Southern Sun, to leading The Inside Edge. He highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, describing it as a brutal period that necessitated a complete business reinvention. Despite the challenges, Brad noted positive outcomes...
2024-06-0437 minKusa CastTourism Triumphs and Trials: A Deep Dive with David Frost, the CEO of SATSAIn this episode of Kusa Cast, host Graeme Watson interviews David Frost, the CEO of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA). The discussion revolves around the current state of tourism in South Africa, the challenges faced by the industry, and the efforts made to overcome these obstacles.About The Guest:David Frost is the Chief Executive Officer of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA). He has a rich background in economics and extensive experience in the tourism sector. His significant contributions focus on job creation through tourism. Before joining SATSA, Frost worked...
2024-05-2855 minKusa CastAccess Africa: Bridging Travel Gaps with Claire Minchin - Vumbua AfricaClaire Minchin, co-founder of Vumbua Africa, joins Graeme Watson on Kusa Cast to discuss accessible travel in Africa. The podcast also feature input from Keith Johnston, co-founder of Vumbua Africa.Claire shares her personal experiences as a social worker and as a traveler with a daughter who required a wheelchair. She highlights the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities or limited mobility when it comes to planning and enjoying a holiday. Claire and Keith have developed Vumbua Africa to address these challenges and provide inclusive travel experiences in Africa. They work closely with...
2023-10-3028 minKusa CastTurning Plastic Pollution into Purposeful DesignIn this episode of Kusa Cast, host Graeme Watson had the privilege of interviewing Alexis Cronin, the co-founder of Dunia Designs. Dunia Designs is a remarkable company driven by a powerful mission inspired by the global plastic crisis.The company was born out of a shared concern between Alexis and Evanna Cronin, who were deeply troubled by the sight of their community's streets and rivers being increasingly polluted by plastic waste. Dunia Designs uses recycled plastic and creates furniture and building materials.They aimed to clean up not just their own community but...
2023-09-2921 min
Kusa CastA Conversation with Priscilla Plummer and Guests - Global SojournsIn this episode of Kusa Cast, Graeme Watson interviews Priscilla Plummer, the founder of Global Sojourns, a responsible travel company that focuses on uplifting communities around wildlife areas. Priscilla shares her journey from working in small and startup businesses in the US to traveling to Africa to better understand the situation that girls and women face in the region. She talks about her passion for travel and culture and how it led her to start Global Sojourns and the Global Sojourns Giving Circle, which focuses on empowering girls and being locally led.Global Sojourns is a...
2023-06-1431 minKusa CastA Conversation with Melissa Foley - All About Africa ConsultingIn the latest episode of Kusa Cast, Graeme Watson sits down with Melissa Foley, the passionate founder of All About Africa Consulting.Melissa's mission is to promote social and environmental sustainability in the tourism industry throughout Africa, with a particular focus on ethical climbing on Kilimanjaro. As a board member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), based in Moshi and Arusha, she works tirelessly to raise public awareness about the challenges faced by mountain crew members.KPAP, an organization with a 20-year history, has created a monitoring program to ensure that local...
2023-06-0423 minKusa CastA Conversation with Robyn Whaley - Off The Track ExpeditionsIn this episode of Kusa Cast, Graeme Watson interviews Robyn Whaley, the director of Off The Track Expeditions, a Zimbabwe-based tour operator specialising in tailor made and adventure travel to Zimbabwe. Robyn shares her experience and insights on how her business started and how it has grown over the years.Robyn begins by discussing her journey in the tourism industry, highlighting her previous roles at Wilderness Safaris. She emphasises the importance of her personal experiences in visiting and exploring the camps, lodges, and safari destinations that Off The Track offers. Robyn's deep knowledge and firsthand encounters...
2023-05-1933 minKusa CastA Conversation with Stanley Edwards - Platypus DigitalIn this podcast episode, Graeme Watson speaks with Stanley Edwards, director of Platypus Digital, about how virtual reality (VR) can be used as a marketing tool for tourism businesses. They stress the importance of focusing on content objectives when using VR, rather than just admiring the technology. They discuss the different ways VR can be used, such as 360 images and videos, virtual guided tours, and interactive and immersive experiences. They highlight how VR has changed the way people view and experience travel and real estate, and how it can be an ideal tool for selling destinations...
2023-05-1428 min
The Sow to Speak Podcast with Kristy MandourEp. 36 - The Power of Male Friendships with Graeme Watson"Guys are notorious for, myself included, for... you don't want to be the one - ' I don't want to call this guy 'cause if he doesn't pick up, what am I going to say? Do I leave a message? Do I leave a text message?' But you got to get over it. You got to take the step and say I'm gonna be the one."
We're diving straight into the power and necessity of male friendships. This goes so under the radar, and being in the thick of seasonal affective disorder time along with the growing rate of...
2023-03-1259 minKusa CastA Conversation with Marion Renk-Rosenthal - International Production and Project ManagementExplore the world of tourism with leaders from all corners of the globe. Join Graeme Watson and his guest, German-born traveller Marion Renk-Rosenthal, as they discuss the current climate of the travel industry, Marion's plans for future trips and how the travel industry is shifting towards more in-depth local experiences. Learn about the staff shortage in the hospitality industry, how people are starting to consider their carbon footprint and local economy when travelling, and get insider tips on the longest stretch of Route 66. If you're looking for the latest travel information, this is the podcast for...
2023-02-2237 minKusa CastA Conversation with Sam Chatham - Somewhere SOUTHSam Chatham, the founder of Somewhere SOUTH, is a very experienced professional in the tourism industry. She began her career as an apprentice hairdresser, and then ended up taking a job as a chambermaid in a hotel. From there, she worked her way up in the food and beverage department, front of house, and other departments of the 128 bedroom, four star hotel in Jersey.However, the most surprising move that Sam made was to South Africa in 1994. She worked in the Peninsula Hotel in Sea Point and the Winchester Mansions Hotel and thereafter founded Somewhere South...
2023-02-0852 minKusa CastA Conversation with Martina Barth - IGLTAMartina Barth, Group Sales Manager of the Liz McGrath Collection, and Graeme Watson explore the world of hospitality and tourism discussing the impressive collection of five-star, boutique hotels in the Western Cape that Martina represents. From the ways in which the pandemic has impacted the industry, to the importance of providing a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ travellers, this podcast dives into the nuances of global hospitality and the importance of being inclusive and understanding different cultures. Whether you're an industry insider or just looking to get a better understanding of the hospitality industry, this podcast is sure...
2023-02-0154 minKusa CastA Conversation with Jacqui Reynolds - On Show SolutionsJacqui Reynolds of On Show Solutions and Kusa Cast host, Graeme Watson, discuss the challenges and opportunities of the tourism industry in an insightful and engaging conversation.An organiser at heart, Jacqui thrives with the adrenaline of the highly-pressurised events industry. As co-owner of On Show Solutions, she plays an instrumental role in expanding Africa’s tourism trade through the Africa Showcase roadshows. With a Master’s Degree in Tourism and 26 years’ experience in exhibition and event management (22 years of this time in the tourism space), Jacqui’s strategic thinking gives her an in-depth understanding of the tour...
2023-01-2636 minKusa CastA Conversation with Mandisa Magwaxaza - Formerly of SATSAMandisa Magwaxaza is the Founder of Molo Mhambi Relations, and she shares her inspiring story of how she started in the tourism industry and leveraged her experience to build her own successful enterprise. From her humble beginnings in a rural farming community to her current work in South Africa, Mandisa recounts her journey of resilience and creativity. Get an inside look into the African travel industry, learn strategies to grow a business, and hear about Mandisa’s amazing work to make tourism accessible to all. Discover the power of tenacity and indigenous knowledge in an enlightening ep...
2023-01-251h 00Kusa CastA Conversation with Kevin Watson - First Equity GroupKevin Watson, the COO of First Equity Group and a director at SATIB, the tourism insurance brokers, reveals how businesses can navigate the challenges of the pandemic. Learn his tips on looking after staff, getting customer referrals, working smarter with technology, and staying motivated during these tough times. With his expert advice, you can put yourself in the best possible position to succeed in the 'new normal'. This podcast gives you the knowledge and confidence to lead your business through the pandemic and come out stronger than ever on the other side. In this episode of our podcast, we...
2023-01-2415 min
In Ya FaceAlbanese's HIV/AIDS Funding, Monkey Pox, Darryl O'Donnell, AFAO; Out In Perth's 20th Birthday, Graeme Watson, Trans Sociologist & Bent TV Presenter Ricki SpencerInterviews with Darryl O'Donnell, Graeme Watson & Ricki Spencer. AFAO CEO Darryl O'Donnell discusses Australia's HIV response and the new Government's funding. And he provides information about Monkeypox. Home - Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (afao.org.au) Out In Perth has celebrated its 20th birthday. Managing Editor Graeme Watson chats about the LGBTIQ+ publication. OUTInPerth | LGBTQIA+ News and Culture | Keeping independent queer media alive in Western Australia We catch up with trans sociologist and community activist and facilitator Ricki Spencer and hear about all she's been up to, including her new Bent TV show Quests By Community. Bent TV - YouTube Sovere...
2022-06-1000 min
Straight From The OffStraight From The Off - With Graeme ‘Basher’ PorterStraight From The Off welcomes Graeme ‘Basher’ Porter to the Podcast. Bash was one of the stand out players at his age group playing for Merton Villa when his father was manager. He was selected to play for Bootle Boys ‘B’ team but not deemed good enough for the ‘A’ Team. After working on his game and impressing during matches he was selected to play for Sefton Boys and it was at that level he excelled and was asked to go for a trial at Leeds United. During that trial Basher scored a hat-trick and was asked to join the club permane...
2022-01-061h 59
Marion Travels - Travel Tips and Fun ActivitiesHakuna Matata! Travel Africa with Guest: Graeme Watson, Kusa Travel Africa Travel ServicesIn our first episode we travel to the other side of the world, Durban, South Africa, to chat with Graeme Watson, founder and owner of Kusa Africa Travel Services.
At the time of the recording South Africa is open to international visitors. Despite negative headlines in international media the Covid-19 infection numbers are actually low, hovering around a few hundred to around 1000 cases reported a day.
Strict pandemic safety measures like mask wearing, available sanitizer stations and social distancing are enforced.
Hotels, restaurants and bars are all open and - as Graeme notes: a private trip to a safari lodge wi...
2021-04-2729 min
2021-04-2226 minCheviotChurchesEaster3As Jesus comes to the disciples,offering peace and forgiveness, so God comes to us.
2021-04-1528 min2021-04-0825 min2021-04-0130 minCheviotChurchesMaundy Thursday 2021A service remembering the events of the Thursday of Holy Week and a sharing of communion.
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The Fasting HighwayEpisode 45 Andy Watson. An amazing weight loss journey with intermittent fasting losing 40 Kg 88 pounds.By Andy Watson- From London in the United Kingdom.
At the age of 46, and with the UK in lockdown I was watching my already large frame rapidly gain weight, reduced exercise and easy access to the fridge were beginning to take their toll. Having had some reasonable success switching to a plant-based diet a few years previously I was still too heavy and wasn’t losing anymore. I had resigned myself to the fact I was always going to be big and was resigned to the health issues that were related to this.
I have alw...
2021-02-141h 01
In Ya FaceWA Election and LGBTIQ News, Graeme Watson, Out In Perth; Conversion Practices and the Religious Discrimination Bill, Rodney Croome; TransForum, Florin Douglas, Transgender VictoriaInterviews with Graeme Watson, Rodney Croome & Florin Douglas. Graeme Watson discusses the WA election campaign and LGBTIQ news from Out In Perth. Rodney Croome discusses Conversion Practices legislation in Australia and the need for federal legislation. He highlights the Australian Government plans to move its Religious Discrimination Bill into Parliament soon and discusses the political machinations for the Government and Labor Opposition. Florin Douglas from Transgender Victoria discusses the free virtual TransForum on February 17 and 18 and the community building issues it will explore. TransForum (tgv.org.au) 3CR broadcasts from the stolen lands of the Kulin Nation. Sovereignty was never ceded.
2021-02-1200 minCheviotChurchesTransfiguration SundayAfter the mountaintop experience, Jesus and the disciples come down the mountain to engage with suffering humanity.
2021-02-1128 min2021-02-0526 min2021-01-2924 min2021-01-2223 min2021-01-1525 min2021-01-0822 min2020-12-3127 minCheviotChurches1st Sunday after ChristmasWe remember the story of Anna and Simeon, encountering Jesus in the Temple.
2020-12-2528 min2020-12-1829 min2020-12-1126 min2020-12-0426 min
Lessons Learnt with the GreatsGraeme Swann on defying coaching, slips catching and his UFODuring his five-year Test career, nobody took more wickets than this week's guest on Lessons Learnt with the Greats, former England spinner Graeme Swann. Swanny was a master of his craft, spinning his country to memorable wins in Australia and India and playing a huge part in England becoming the No.1 Test team in the world. What really impressed me was Swanny's simple yet beautiful perspective on cricket and life and how he mastered off-spin bowling by trusting his gut and learning a secret weapon from an Australian great. It's a wonderful chat with my old Ashes foe and as...
2020-12-041h 12CheviotChurches1st Sunday of AdventAn encouragement to be awake to what is happening in society and to be ready for Christ's coming.
2020-11-2724 minCheviotChurchesChrist the King SundayThe Kingship of Christ means reaching out to those on the margins of society.
2020-11-2024 minCheviotChurches6th Sunday before ChristmasGod calls us to be faithful in using our gifts and resources for God's Kingdom of love and justice.
2020-11-1326 minCheviotChurchesRemembrance SundayA service remembering the sacrifices of war and offering a commitment to peace.
2020-11-0627 minCheviotChurchesAll SaintsA communion service, in which we are reminded that we are connected with the saints who have gone before us, but also those, around us today.
2020-10-3030 min2020-10-2325 min
In Ya FaceApril, One Nation's Education Bill and Sydney Protest; Ghassan Kassisieh, Campaign to Abolish the Gay Panic Defence in South Australia; Graeme Watson, Out in Perth, LGBTIQ NewsInterviews with April, Ghassan Kassisieh and Graeme Watson. April from Community Action For Rainbow Rights talks about their protest in Sydney last weekend against One Nation's Education Bill. Ghassan Kassisieh from Equality Australia discusses their campaign to abolish the Gay Panic Defence in South Australia. Graeme Watson chats with James about the latest LGBTIQ news in Out In Perth. 3CR broadcasts from the stolen lands of the Kulin Nation. Sovereignty was never ceded. https://www.facebook.com/sydneyCAAH https://www.outinperth.com/ https://www.change.org/p/protect-lgbtiq-people-from-hate-crimes?recruiter=63550206&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_in...
2020-10-1600 min2020-10-1422 min2020-10-0924 minCheviotChurchesPentecost 18+We need determination to finish the race, following the example of Christ.
2020-10-0225 min2020-09-2523 minCheviotChurchesPentecost 16+A service focusing on the parable of the workers in the vineyard and the generosity of God's grace.
2020-09-1823 min2020-09-1126 min2020-09-0426 min2020-08-2826 min2020-08-2125 min2020-08-1424 minCheviotChurches10th Sunday after PentecostAn encouragement to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and follow his example.
2020-08-0724 minCheviotChurches9th Sunday after PentecostA service reflecting on Jacob's wrestling match and the Feeding of the 5000.
2020-07-2921 min2020-07-2425 minCheviotChurches7th Sunday after PentecostA service reflecting on the parable of the wheat and the weeds.
2020-07-1726 min2020-07-1027 min2020-07-0322 minCheviotChurches4th Sunday after PentecostA service reflecting on the value of the simple things of life.
2020-06-2624 min2020-06-1925 min2020-06-1225 min2020-06-0525 minCheviotChurchesPentecostA service to remember how the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, transforming them to be the Church in the world.
2020-05-2927 minCheviotChurches7th Sunday of EasterWe remember the Ascension of Jesus and the breadth of God's vision for the whole of creation.
2020-05-2224 minCheviotChurches6th Sunday of EasterA service of Praise and reflection on the Holy Spirit as Advocate.
2020-05-1525 min2020-05-0829 min2020-05-0127 min
Instant Feedback23. Give Larne a Chance with Graeme WatsonTake an audio trip to Larne and the surrounding environs! In November 2019, Marcus was shown around the greater Larne area by comedian, promoter and Glynn native, Graeme Watson. Graeme's favourite Larne locations include cemeteries, Glenoe Waterfall, Ballygalley, and more!You can find specially recorded footage of some of these locations along with segments of the interview on Instant Feedback's Twitter and Facebook page - links below.Remember to check us out on Twitter at @IF_Pod, and Facebook, and @MarcusKeeley on Twitter.Support Instant Feedback by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips...
2020-04-2947 min2020-04-2425 min2020-04-1721 min2020-04-1023 min2020-04-0733 min2020-04-0713 min2020-04-0405 min2020-04-0405 min2020-04-0405 min2020-04-0116 min2020-03-2610 min
Atletico SpudlandThe Comedy Cast Interview with Graeme WatsonToday we have a very special Comedy Cast interview. A few weeks ago while researching potential guests I came across a Facebook post about a stand-up comedy course being held in Belfast; and with Belfast being such a hotbed of comedic activity in recent years I had to find out more.
Graeme Watson runs the course and just by sheer luck on my part it turned out that Graeme is one of the guiding hands behind Belfast and Northern Irish comedy, for shame I hadn't heard of him before, but in my defense, I'm still new at this comedy game.
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2016-10-3100 min
Seven2Ten5 - Graeme WatsonIn this week's Seven 2 Ten, Christian talks to Belfast based comedian, broadcaster and promoter Graeme Watson about how he started in the Belfast comedy scene, Find Me the Funny and the importance of being allowed to fail.
2012-06-061h 16
2006-05-0926 min