Shows
Work + WanderEpisode 11: A Holiday Travel SpecialIn this special holiday episode of Work + Wander, Jay and Jessica trade career stories for cozy conversations about holiday travel. From Christmas markets and winter wonderlands to warm-weather escapes and unexpected destinations, they share what’s trending — and what’s personally inspiring — this season. It’s festive, fun, and full of wanderlust to close out the year.
2025-12-2220 min
Work + WanderEpisode 10: From Valet to Vice President with Petru BinzariCareers, like travel, aren’t about shortcuts. In this episode of Work + Wander, Petru Binzari shares lessons on leadership, growth, and the experiences — both on the job and along the way — that help you see further than your current role and think differently about what comes next.
2025-12-1835 min
Work + WanderEpisode 9: Talent, Travel & Leadership with Christine AllenIn this episode of Work + Wander, Jay and Jessica sit down with Christine Allen, Senior Vice President of Talent Acquisition & Corporate HR at Travel + Leisure Co. Christine shares her 11-year journey with the organization, from her early days in HR and recruiting to leading enterprise-wide talent strategy. They discuss leadership, building strong teams, how travel shapes perspective, and what it really takes to grow a meaningful career. Plus, a fun rapid-fire segment and Christine’s take on what it means to help people experience the joy of travel.
2025-12-0433 minWork + WanderEpisode 8: Culture, Curiosity, and Career Growth with Lisbeny DuranIn this inspiring episode of Work + Wander, Jay and Jessica sit down with Lisbeny Duran, Manager of Learning & Development at Travel + Leisure Co. Lisbeny shares her path to becoming a leader in Learning & Development and how her passion for helping others grow has shaped her career. She talks about finding purpose in learning, the power of empathy in leadership, and why taking initiative is often the first step toward success.Plus, the team swaps travel stories — from Smoky Mountain getaways to cultural adventures and relaxing escapes. Whether you’re looking for career inspiration or just love h...
2025-11-1731 min
Work + WanderEpisode 7: Windy City Wins with Matt TaylorFrom deep dish debates to dream destinations, Jay and Jessica head to the Windy City to chat with Matt Taylor, the opening General Manager of the new Sports Illustrated Resort Chicago. Matt shares his journey from aspiring professor to hospitality leader, his Disney roots, and what it’s like to launch an entirely new resort brand in one of America’s most iconic cities.Along the way, we talk leadership lessons, Chicago favorites, and his wandering win—a day spent among redwoods and vineyards that proves the best trips mix a little nature and a little Napa.
2025-11-0621 min
Work + WanderEpisode 6: Travel Nightmares with Jay + JessicaEven the best trips have their never-again moments. In this episode, Jay and Jess share some hilariously horrifying travel stories — from being escorted off a plane like fugitives, to bears outside the tent, to squid-related airport chaos, and ER trips gone wrong.Buckle up, tray tables up… and enjoy the misadventures that make us laugh only after a strong drink and a few years have passed. 🧳😬Where career stories meet dream destinations — and sometimes, absolute chaos.🎧 Listen now, if you dare.
2025-10-2917 min
Work + WanderEpisode 5: Internships + Maximizing Fun with Lillian BakerIn this episode of Work + Wander, Jay and Jess chat with Lillian Baker, Corporate Responsibility Performance Analyst at Travel + Leisure Co., who turned her internship into a full-time career. Lillian shares her journey from masters graduate to full-time associate, what it’s like to make an impact through corporate responsibility, and her advice for anyone looking to turn an internship into a launchpad. Plus, she takes us along on a dream trip through the South of France — complete with great food, wine, and a heatwave.
2025-10-1625 min
Work + WanderEpisode 4: Making Dreams Come True with Edwin Pierre-LouisJoin us as we sit down with Edwin Pierre-Louis, multi-site General Manager for Club Wyndham National Harbor and Club Wyndham Old Town Alexandria. Edwin shares his journey from starting at La Belle Maison in New Orleans to leading teams that create unforgettable guest experiences in the D.C. area. He dives into his philosophy of leadership, how he develops his team, and the small details that make a big difference in hospitality. Plus, Edwin takes us along on his personal adventures—from a dream anniversary trip to Costa Rica to his favorite city escapes—while sharing travel tips, guilty plea...
2025-10-0226 min
Work + WanderEpisode 3: Leadership, Mentorship & Irish Lambs with Caitlyn LeddenIn this episode of Work + Wander, Jay Cocorullo and Jessica Badlam sit down with Caitlyn Ledden, Assistant General Manager at Club Wyndham Kingsgate. Caitlyn shares how the Leadership Development Program kickstarted her career, the mentors who guided her along the way, and what drives her as she works toward her dream of becoming a General Manager. She also takes us beyond the resort with stories of travel adventures — including an unforgettable stop to pet lambs on the side of an Irish road.
2025-09-1924 min
Work + WanderEpisode 2: The Island Hustle with Jonathan TopoloskyIn this episode of Work + Wander, hosts Jay Cocorullo and Jessica Badlam chat with Jonathan Topolosky, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Margaritaville Vacation Club. Jonathan shares how he got his start in real estate and construction, grew his career, starting at National Harbor before moving down to Clearwater Beach, FL, and ultimately found his most recent role at Travel + Leisure Co.’s corporate headquarters in Orlando. He reflects on a family trip to Hawaii that sparked his passion for the power of leisure travel, and how that experience continues to shape his leadership today.
2025-08-2821 minWork + WanderEpisode 1: Our Journey BeginsOur journey begins! Meet Jay and Jessica as they launch Work + Wander — the podcast where career stories meet dream destinations.Full Description:In our very first episode of Work + Wander, hosts Jay Cocorullo and Jessica Badlam introduce the podcast, share the story behind its creation, and give you a sneak peek at what’s to come. You’ll hear about our mission to connect career journeys with dream destinations, and how conversations with inspiring colleagues will bring Travel + Leisure Co.’s “Put the World on Vacation” vision to life.From personal stories to professional insights — and...
2025-08-1515 min
The Spirited EnthusiastEpisode 4 - Jay Cocorullo of the Florida Rum SocietyWe are so excited to welcome to the podcast Jay Cocorullo, a Founder and President of the Florida Rum Society, a community group with over 2,500 members worldwide (open to everyone, not just Florida residents) committed to the education and experience of rum and bringing high quality rums to the state of Florida. This episode is a can't miss, whether you are a rum lover, rum curious or you think you (heaven forbid) hate rum! Jay's passion is infectious, he taught us SO much - including that rum is so much more than the general public thinks it is...
2025-05-291h 06
To The Rum!Shortie #2 - A New Recurring Guest & The State of RumTune in as Bryan and Constantine introduce a new recurring guest to the show: Jay Cocorullo from Florida Rum Society!
We also discuss our favorite brands, bottles, and the state of rum.
2025-02-0147 min
The RumcastHow to Start a Rum Society with Jay Cocorullo, Florida Rum Society FounderSocieties, groups, collectives—whatever you want to call them, communities that bring rum enthusiasts together, whether in person or online, are a big part of furthering rum education and driving conversations across the category. But what goes into actually starting one? How do you find people interested in participating and sustain excitement and involvement? And wait—how do you get to do all that cool stuff like private barrel picks from beloved rum makers around the world? As founder of the Florida Rum Society, Jay Cocorullo has experience with all of the above. We brought him on the podcast to s...
2020-11-061h 19