Épisodes

  • Finding Balance, Purpose & True Hospitality: Fitz Spencer on Something to Say Podcast

    Finding Balance, Purpose & True Hospitality: Fitz Spencer on Something to Say Podcast
    Jan 24 2026
    Join me, Greg DeShields, on this episode of Something to Say, as I sit down with Fitz Spencer, co-owner of Honkytonk Wine Library in Devon, England. Fitz is an entrepreneur, mentor, and business leader with over two decades of experience in hospitality and entrepreneurship.
    From his beginnings as a chef across the UK and Europe to building community-focused bars and leading ethical income ventures with Zinzino, Fitz shares his journey of resilience, faith, and purposeful success. We dive deep into hospitality, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the lessons hes learned from failure, family, and lifes toughest moments.
    Discover insights on:
    • Building income and life with purpose
    • True hospitality and challenging common industry misconceptions
    • Navigating entrepreneurship without losing yourself
    • The evolving role of technology in hospitality
    • Lessons from life, faith, and personal growth

    Whether youre passionate about hospitality, entrepreneurship, or personal development, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories to guide your journey.
    Listen, learn, and find your own path to balance, purpose, and long-term success.
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    49 min
  • Before 1776: Whose America Are We Still Telling?. A Conversation with Greg DeShields on Power, Place, and Inclusion

    Before 1776: Whose America Are We Still Telling?. A Conversation with Greg DeShields on Power, Place, and Inclusion
    Jan 19 2026
    As America approaches its 250th anniversary, America Unfiltered asks a vital question: Whose America are we still telling?In this powerful conversation, host Karin Aaron is joined by nationally respected DEI leader, cultural strategist, and Something to Say podcast host Greg DeShields to explore power, place, and inclusion in the American story - long before 1776 and far beyond it.
    Together, they examine how history is remembered, taught, and marketed, especially in tourism, education, and cultural storytelling. From overlooked voices and suppressed narratives to the responsibility institutions carry as America reflects on its next 250 years, this episode challenges listeners to think more deeply about who is included, who is missing, and why it matters.
    Greg shares insights from over two decades of leadership in diversity-centered workforce development, hospitality, and education - highlighting the importance of authentic storytelling, meaningful inclusion (not checkbox gestures), and the role podcasts and digital platforms play in shaping a more honest, inclusive America.
    This episode is an invitation to listen differently, reflect critically, and recognize that Americas story has always been broader, richer, and more complex than the version many of us were taught.
    America Unfiltered - honoring the past by telling the whole story.
    #americaunfiltered #americaunfilteredpodcast #before1776 #inclusivehistory #culturalstorytelling #dei #untoldstories #americanhistory #publichistory #equityandinclusion #podcastconversation #travelandculture #alivepodcastnetwork
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    28 min
  • Something to Say Launches New Spin-off: America's 250 Plus (A250 Plus) with Karin Aaron

    Something to Say Launches New Spin-off: America's 250 Plus (A250 Plus) with Karin Aaron
    Dec 2 2025
    Greg DeShields announces the official launch of the new America's 250 Plus (A250 Plus) spin-off podcast!
    In this special episode, we welcome back Karin Aaron of the Green Book Institute to discuss major milestones, including achieving official 501(c)(3) status and their impactful work in cultural tourism and authentic travel experiences.
    The biggest reveal is the vision for the A250 Plus series: a deep dive into the cultural stories, historic destinations, and trailblazers defining the USAs 250th anniversary.
    Stay tuned and subscribe to the Something to Say network for more details on the upcoming America's 250 Plus podcast!
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    10 min
  • Harnessing the Power of AI Responsibly - A Conversation with Ary Aranguiz | Something to Say Podcast

    Harnessing the Power of AI Responsibly - A Conversation with Ary Aranguiz | Something to Say Podcast
    Nov 7 2025
    In this episode of Something to Say, I sit down with Ary Aranguiz, founder of Future-Ready AI Group, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we work, learn, and build businesses.With over 25 years in education, learning, and development - including roles at Google Fiber, Morgan Stanley, and NYU - Ary brings a wealth of experience in making AI practical, accessible, and human-centered.
    We dive into some of todays most pressing questions: How can AI empower professionals instead of replacing them? What role will AI play in transforming education and workforce training? How can businesses and individuals use AI responsibly?
    Join me as we uncover actionable insights and real-world strategies to navigate the future with confidence.
    Hosted by Greg DeShields Season 2 of Something to Say Podcast
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    42 min
  • Championing Autism-Friendly Travel with Becky Large | Building Inclusive Communities

    Championing Autism-Friendly Travel with Becky Large | Building Inclusive Communities
    Oct 24 2025
    In this episode of Something To Say, I sit down with Becky Large, founder and executive director of Champion Autism Network and Autism Travel Club - organizations that have transformed Surfside Beach, South Carolina, into the worlds first autism-friendly travel destination.
    Becky shares her inspiring journey as an advocate, social entrepreneur, and autism mom whose work has trained thousands, created hundreds of sensory-friendly events, and built national partnerships to make travel more inclusive. Featured in the Emmy-nominated docuseries Traveling the Spectrum, Becky opens up about her personal challenges, lessons from her heart surgery, and how her mission continues to drive awareness, accessibility, and community connection.
    Join me as we explore how autism inclusion goes beyond advocacy - its a movement that empowers families, transforms hospitality, and fuels economic growth.
    Tune in and be inspired to see how travel can truly be for everyone.
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    38 min
  • Hospitality, Education & Belonging with Anne Turpin | Something to Say Podcast

    Hospitality, Education & Belonging with Anne Turpin | Something to Say Podcast
    Oct 10 2025
    In this episode of Something to Say Podcast, I sit down with Anne Turpin, Clinical Assistant Professor of Hospitality at The Ohio State University, who brings nearly two decades of experience from Marriott and Starwood into the classroom.
    Anne shares her journey from leading hotel operations to shaping the next generation of hospitality leaders through teaching, global programs, and her forthcoming textbook Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Management: A Contemporary Approach.
    We explore the evolving landscape of hospitality, the importance of cultural competence, leadership lessons, sustainability, belonging, and the role of AI in shaping the industrys future. Annes story is a powerful reminder of resilience, innovation, and purpose in both education and hospitality.
    Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends industry insight with academic wisdomperfect for hospitality professionals, students, and leaders seeking meaningful impact.
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    32 min
  • Davonne Reaves: Turning Career Failure Into a Hotel Ownership Empire | Something to Say Podcast

    Davonne Reaves: Turning Career Failure Into a Hotel Ownership Empire | Something to Say Podcast
    Sep 26 2025
    Welcome to Something to Say Podcast, Season Two!
    Host Greg DeShields sits down with Davonne Reaves, Founder of The Vonne Group and Chief Hospitality Strategist. Davonne is a renowned travel trailblazer, award-winning consultant, and asset manager who previously managed $1 billion in hotel assets.
    Davonne is leading a powerful movement to increase diversity in the lodging industry. She uses her signature "Roadmap to Hotel Ownership" to teach thousands how to become successful hotel investors and owners.
    In this episode, Davonne shares:
    The story of her biggest career "failure" at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, and how that devastating moment was actually the catalyst that launched her into entrepreneurship and a successful national mission.
    Why the pineapple is the premier symbol of hospitality, and what drives her work.
    Which historical figures (from Coretta Scott King and Malcolm X to the hotel titans, Hilton and Marriott) she would invite to a relaxed, seafood, and soul food dinner to pick their brains.
    Davonne Reaves is a proven leader, trusted advisor, and dedicated alumna of Georgia State University. Her commitment to sustainable strategies and her journey of turning setbacks into a successful mission are truly inspiring. Don't miss this conversation on overcoming obstacles and capitalizing on opportunities in the hotel industry!
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    44 min
  • Exploring Life, Travel, and Legacy with Denella Ri'chard | Something to Say Podcast

    Exploring Life, Travel, and Legacy with Denella Ri'chard | Something to Say Podcast
    Sep 12 2025

    Welcome to Season 2 of Something to Say Podcast! Im your host, Greg DeShields, and in this episode Im joined by the incredible Denella Ri'chard Executive Producer and Host of the award-winning show Traveling with Denella Ri'chard.


    Denella is more than a travel expert; shes a world traveler, TV personality, lifestyle influencer, and one of the 100 Most Influential People in the U.S. Hospitality and Travel. From her Louisiana roots to her global adventures, she shares inspiring stories of resilience, forgiveness, and the transformative power of travel.


    We dive into her childhood memories, lessons from failure, her admiration for Nelson Mandela, and the legacy of storytelling through her two new books: Traveling Around the World with Denella (coloring book) and Traveling Grace (travel and prayer journal).


    This episode is filled with warmth, wisdom, and the reminder that travel is not just about destinations its about connection, culture, and creating lasting memories.


    Dont miss this powerful conversation that blends charm, humor, and life-changing perspective.
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    51 min