The Layover

<p>In this episode of <em>The Layover</em>, we sit down with <strong>D’Andra Duggans</strong>, Chief Brand Officer of the <strong>Las Vegas Aces</strong>, to explore how women’s sports, destination marketing, and live entertainment are reshaping Las Vegas into a global sports travel powerhouse. From championship culture to marquee partnerships, D’Andra shares how the Aces are designing experiences that draw fans far beyond the arena.</p><p>As sports tourism surges toward a projected <strong>$2 trillion global market</strong>, the Aces are emerging as a must-see stop on the Las Vegas itinerary—proving that women’s basketball can drive travel, culture, and economic impact at scale.</p><p>D’Andra breaks down how the Aces are:</p><ul><li>Turning championship success into a <strong>destination-worthy game-day experience</strong></li><li>Partnering with MGM and the LVCVA to integrate Aces games into broader Vegas travel itineraries</li><li>Taking a <strong>quality-over-quantity</strong> approach to brand partnerships and sponsorships</li><li>Building player-led storytelling that empowers athletes as creators and media brands</li><li>Positioning the Aces as a cornerstone franchise in both the WNBA and Las Vegas’ sports ecosystem</li><li>Using CES as a platform for inspiration, innovation, and future-facing fan engagement</li></ul><p>Whether you’re a sports marketer, brand strategist, or traveler planning your next Vegas trip, this episode offers a compelling look at how the Las Vegas Aces are redefining sports entertainment—and why women’s sports are becoming a powerful engine for tourism and culture.</p><p>🏀 <strong>Learn More </strong>Follow the Las Vegas Aces and their upcoming season to see how championship basketball meets destination-driven storytelling in Las Vegas: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://aces.wnba.com/">https://aces.wnba.com/</a> </p>

<p>In this episode of <em>The Layover</em>, we sit down with <strong>Tom Marchant</strong>, co-founder of <strong>Black Tomato</strong>, the award-winning luxury travel company known for designing deeply immersive, emotionally driven journeys around the world. From backpacking through the Philippines and Brazil to building one of the most influential brands in experiential travel, Tom shares how curiosity, not comfort, has always been the compass.</p><p>Tom unpacks how Black Tomato has helped pioneer the rise of <strong>transformational travel</strong>, creating trips that prioritize how travelers want to <em>feel</em>, not just where they want to go.</p><p>In this conversation, Tom explores:</p><ul><li>Why luxury today is defined by <strong>thoughtfulness, access, and emotion</strong>, not just five-star amenities</li><li>How Black Tomato finds meaningful experiences beyond overtouristed destinations</li><li>The role of <strong>local fixers</strong> and human relationships in creating truly personal journeys</li><li>Designing family and multi-generational travel that brings people together—without friction</li><li>Why AI can support travel planning but will never replace human intuition and trust</li></ul><p></p><p>Whether you’re fascinated by the psychology of travel, seeking deeper experiences beyond the bucket list, or curious how luxury brands stay human in an AI-driven world, this episode offers a thoughtful look at why the most powerful journeys don’t just change where you go—they change how you see the world.</p><p></p><p>🌍 Discover more about Black Tomato and their approach to transformational travel at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://blacktomato.com"><strong>blacktomato.com</strong></a>.</p><ul><li>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.blacktomato.com/">https://www.blacktomato.com/</a></li><li>Instagram: @<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/blacktomatotravel">blacktomatotravel</a></li><li>Tom Marchant on Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/tommymarchant10/?hl=en">@tommymarchant10</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.blacktomato.com/boredom/">Gift of Boredom</a> (mentioned in conversation)</li></ul><p></p><p>Destinations and itineraries mentioned:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.blacktomato.com/us/destinations/iceland/our-hip-icelandic-snorkelling-weekend/">Iceland: Snorkel and dive between tectonic plates</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.blacktomato.com/destinations/mongolia/a-journey-into-mongolia/">A Journey into Mongolia</a> (for campfire cookouts, eagle hunting, and mountain monasteries)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.blacktomato.com/destinations/bhutan/luxury-holiday-in-bhutan/">Ultimate Bhutan: A Luxurious &amp; Cultural Retreat</a> (spiritually enlightening and as remote as they come)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.blacktomato.com/destinations/iceland/an-adventure-across-iceland/">An Adventure Across Iceland</a> (for magma chambers, trolls, and geothermal tomato farms)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.blacktomato.com/us/destinations/italy/luxury-alps-lakes-coast/">Switzerland &amp; Italy</a> (a luxury vacation in the Alps, lakes, and coast)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.blacktomato.com/us/inspirations/insiders-guide-to-amalfi-coast/">An insiders guide to the Amalfi Coast</a>: Limoncello, sweeping vistas and storied villas</li></ul>

<p>In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer for the State of Michigan, to explore how the state is future-proofing travel through bold infrastructure projects, clean energy innovation, and cross-border connectivity. </p><p>From America’s first public wireless-charging road to an EV-friendly Lake Michigan Circuit designed to keep charging stops within reach, Justine breaks down how Michigan is making road trips more seamless for the next generation of travelers.</p><p>Ever wonder what a city is like beyond the tourist traps? LOST iN is a travel company built on curiosity...dedicated to the food, fashion, people, and stories that show what a place actually feels like. At LOST iN we explore travel culture in all its forms through hidden restaurants, shops, and local spots far from the typical tourist path. </p><p>Follow along to stay connected wherever you roam. For travelers craving deeper, more authentic experiences check out travel guides, destination videos, and our membership that unlocks exclusive travel deals, cultural insights, curated city guides, and members-only events.</p><p></p><p>—Connect with us— </p><p>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://lostin.com/">https://lostin.com/</a></p>

<p>In this episode of <em>The Layover</em>, we sit down with <strong>Mike Richter and Erica Fieldman of Unplugged Collective</strong> to unpack how modern travel storytelling is evolving—and what it really takes to build trust, scale audiences, and create content that actually moves people.</p><p>From navigating brand partnerships and audience growth to balancing creativity with commercial realities, Mike and Erica share an insider’s perspective on building a media platform rooted in authenticity, intention, and community.</p><p>Together, they explore:</p><ul><li>How Unplugged Collective approaches <strong>travel storytelling with purpose</strong>, not just reach</li><li>Why depth, perspective, and credibility matter more than ever in a crowded media landscape</li><li>What brands misunderstand about creator partnerships—and how to get them right</li><li>How audience trust is built through consistent point of view and lived experience</li><li>Where travel media is headed as platforms, formats, and consumer behavior continue to shift</li></ul><p>Whether you’re a creator, brand marketer, tourism board, or simply passionate about thoughtful travel, this episode offers a grounded look at how Unplugged Collective is shaping the future of travel media—one story at a time.</p><p>Ever wonder what a city is like beyond the tourist traps? LOST iN is a travel company built on curiosity...dedicated to the food, fashion, people, and stories that show what a place actually feels like. </p><p>At LOST iN we explore travel culture in all its forms through hidden restaurants, shops, and local spots far from the typical tourist path. Follow along to stay connected wherever you roam. For travelers craving deeper, more authentic experiences check out travel guides, destination videos, and our membership that unlocks exclusive travel deals, cultural insights, curated city guides, and members-only events. </p><p>Connect with us</p><p>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://lostin.com/">https://lostin.com/</a></p><p>Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/lost_in_travel/">https://www.instagram.com/lost_in_travel/</a> </p><p>Facebook: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/lostintravelguide">https://www.facebook.com/lostintravelguide</a> </p><p>Tiktok: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lostin_travel">https://www.tiktok.com/@lostin_travel</a> </p>

<p>In this episode of <em>The Layover</em>, we sit down with <strong>Gediminas Varvuolis</strong>, Ambassador of Lithuania to the United States, live from CES, to explore why this Baltic nation is quietly becoming one of Europe’s most intriguing travel destinations.</p><p>From medieval old towns and Baroque architecture to lakeside castles, comfort-driven cuisine, and a booming innovation ecosystem, Lithuania blends deep history with modern momentum in a way most American travelers haven’t discovered yet.</p><p>Ambassador Varvuolis shares how Lithuania is:</p><ul><li>Showcasing its <strong>700-year-old capital Vilnius</strong>, a UNESCO-listed city rich in Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture</li><li>Offering nature-forward travel with <strong>2,000+ lakes</strong>, outdoor adventures, and slow-travel appeal</li><li>Serving up hearty, soulful cuisine—from potato-based <em>cepelinai</em> to refreshing pink beet soup</li><li>Positioning itself as a rising hub for <strong>fintech, startups, and digital nomads</strong></li><li>Leveraging CES to attract global entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators</li><li>Investing in AI infrastructure, renewable energy, and human capital for the future</li></ul><p>Whether you’re a curious traveler looking beyond Western Europe, a foodie chasing regional flavors, or a founder scouting your next international base, this episode offers a compelling introduction to Lithuania—where old-world charm meets next-generation ambition.</p><p>🇱🇹 <strong>Learn More &amp; Plan a Visit</strong> Explore Lithuania through the Lithuanian Embassy or connect with local consulates in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles—and if you’re craving Lithuanian food stateside, Chicago is your first stop.</p>