Podcast
The No BS Travel Advisor™️
Hosted by Marcie Muensterman · EN
Welcome to The No BS Travel Advisor®️ Podcast. I’m Marcie Muensterman, your no-filter, tell-it-like-it-is disrupted of the travel industry. Marcie is also a dedicated ORIGINAL course writer and coach/mentor for advisors struggling with burnout who need inspiration from someone who has been there, done that.
If you’re here, chances are you’re sick of the outdated hustle culture that’s been burning you out, the bullshit advice from “experts” or agency owners that doesn’t work, and the constant feeling of spinning your wheels with outdated 24/7 mindset.
A love letter to TAs from Marcie:
Friend, I’ve been there, and I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be this way.
I’ve spent 19+ years curating dream vacations for thousands of clients and I sell $1,000,000 every year in travel working less than 20 hours a week, setting boundaries, offering white-glove concierge care and building loyal relationships with my following. I have figured out how to make 6-figures working less than 20 hours a week.
But what really lights me up now? Helping travel advisors like you stop the bullshit, find your voice, and build a business that feels as good as it looks. This isn’t another fluff-filled podcast with tips you’ve heard a hundred times. F*ck no. Here, we get raw. We get real. We talk about the hard shit no one else wants to say out loud.
In every episode, I’ll bring you the real stories of your colleagues and my own journey, the strategies I have taught them, and straight-up truths you need to hear, whether it’s how to set boundaries, ditch toxic hosts, or finally charge what you’re worth. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and, if I do my job right, you’ll walk away ready to light your business on fire, in the best way possible, clapping from your car!
In each episode, you’ll have at least three takeaways that you can start RIGHT NOW without a dollar spent to make your business better by tomorrow! And, you’ll hear their UNPOPULAR opinions each week, because you konw my “bitter ass” likes to STIR THE FUCKING POT.
So, grab a coffee, a cocktail, or whatever keeps you going, and let’s get into it. This is The No BS Travel Advisor®️ Podcast—where we rewrite the rules, one badass travel advisor at a time.
Oh and follow me on IG for all the "bitter" pot stirring: https://www.instagram.com/nobstraveladvisormarcie?igsh=eGE4dWQ3ZHZpajBv&utm_source=qr
Or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nobstraveladvisormarcie?_r=1&_t=ZT-920CGA5VUIY
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Redrop: Rachel McDowell - Redefining what true success feels like
1w ago01:05:48Tap to summarizeMarcie Muensterman PODCAST11 saves you 11% on ALL 4 Signature Courses: www.thetraveladvisormarcie.com/courses Join Maximize Your TA Business FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/maximizeyourtravelagentbusiness _______________________________________________________________________ In this re-drop episode of The No BS Travel Advisor Podcast, Marcie sits down with Rachel McDowell, founder of The Unfiltered Traveler, a retired Army veteran, mom of twins, and travel advisor building her business around freedom rather than burnout. After spending 24 years in the military, Rachel entered the travel industry with structure, discipline, and a completely different perspective on success. And somewhere between leading women’s adventure trips, selling out a Machu Picchu group, running a business alongside her husband, and planning a move to Portugal… she realized something a lot of advisors eventually learn the hard way: Success that destroys your personal life isn’t success. This episode is an honest conversation about boundaries, balance, lifestyle design, and building a business that actually supports the life you want to live. 💥 In This Episode, We Get Into: Transitioning from the military into the travel industry Balancing motherhood, marriage, and entrepreneurship Finding freedom through niche specialization Planning and selling women’s adventure travel Behind the scenes of Rachel’s sold-out Machu Picchu group trip Creating connection and community through travel Working with your spouse inside your business Why mindset shifts improve client relationships The decision to move to Portugal for a slower, more intentional life Why not every booking has to maximize profit to have value ✨ Key Takeaways Success should feel good, not just look impressive Community creates stronger client loyalty Boundaries improve both business and relationships Niching down can reignite passion and profitability Lifestyle design matters just as much as sales numbers Sometimes the most meaningful bookings are not the most profitable ones 💬 Quotable Moments “Military taught me structure. Motherhood taught me flexibility. Travel gave me freedom.” “Success should support your real life.” “Not every booking has to maximize profit.” “Community matters more than commission sometimes.” “You can build a business around the life you actually want.” 🎯 Who This Episode Is For Advisors trying to balance family life and business growth Travel advisors craving more freedom and less chaos Entrepreneurs interested in women’s group travel Advisors struggling with boundaries or burnout Anyone rethinking what “success” actually means Travel advisors wanting to build a lifestyle-first business 🔑 Keywords Travel advisor podcast, women’s adventure travel, military veteran entrepreneur, Machu Picchu group travel, work-life balance, travel advisor success, motherhood and entrepreneurship, Portugal lifestyle, family business, travel coaching, client engagement, group travel planning, lifestyle freedom, travel advisor mindset, niche travel marketing, women travelers, entrepreneurship in travel
Transcribe →Redrop: Ciarra St. Arnold - Your business should not drain the life out of you
2w ago01:00:33Tap to summarizeMarcie Muensterman PODCAST11 saves you 11% on ALL signature courses: www.thetraveladvisormarcie.com/courses Join Maximize Your TA Business FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/maximizeyourtravelagentbusiness ________________________________________________________________________ In this re-drop episode of The No BS Travel Advisor Podcast, Marcie sits down with Ciarra St. Arnold from Hidden Gems Travel and Excursions to talk about something a LOT of travel advisors quietly struggle with: Burnout. And not years into the business either but early on. Ciarra shares what it looked like navigating the pressure of trying to do everything, be available all the time, and build a business before realizing: “This business does not have to suck the life out of us.” From finding her niche and growing on TikTok to setting boundaries and learning how to communicate authentically with clients, this conversation is packed with reminders for advisors who want success without building a business they resent. 💥 In This Episode, We Get Into: How Ciarra unexpectedly got started in the travel industry ● Burnout in the early stages of building a business ● Why finding a niche changes everything ● Using TikTok to attract and connect with clients ● Setting client expectations to protect your energy ● Charging fees to filter serious inquiries ● Calendar control and creating healthier work-life balance ● Why authenticity matters more than sounding “professional” ● Learning that not every client is the right fit ✨ Key Takeaways You do not have to work 24/7 to be successful ● Boundaries are necessary, not optional ● Niching down helps attract better-fit clients ● Authenticity builds stronger client relationships ● Burnout often comes from lack of systems and expectations ● It’s okay to refer clients elsewhere when they aren’t aligned 💬 Quotable Moments “This business does not have to suck the life out of us.” ● “You do not have to work 24/7 to have success.” ● “Just be yourself.” ● “Calendar control is such an easy change.” ● “I can happily refer you to someone else.” ● “I just want to enjoy my free time.” 🎯 Who This Episode Is For Travel advisors feeling overwhelmed or burned out ● Newer advisors trying to find their footing ● Advisors struggling with boundaries and client expectations ● Entrepreneurs trying to balance business with real life ● Advisors wanting to grow without becoming workaholics ● Anyone trying to figure out their niche in the industry 🔑 Keywords Travel advisor burnout, travel industry insights, TikTok for travel advisors, finding your travel niche, work-life balance for entrepreneurs, travel advisor success, client boundaries, calendar control, travel business strategies, social media marketing for travel advisors, growing a travel business, authentic marketing, attracting ideal clients, travel advisor coaching, avoiding burnout in entrepreneurship
Transcribe →Redrop: April Peter - Stop building your business like you’re on call 24/7
3w ago01:26:19Tap to summarizeMarcie Muensterman PODCAST11 saves you 11% on ALL signature courses: www.thetraveladvisormarcie.com/courses Join Maximize Your TA Business FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/maximizeyourtravelagentbusiness ______________________________________________________________________ In this re-drop episode of The No BS Travel Advisor Podcast, Marcie sits down with April Peter, founder of The Vacay Way LLC, who built a $600K+ travel business in under 15 months… while simultaneously working full-time as an RN, homeschooling her daughter, caring for her mom, and managing ADHD and anxiety. And no, she didn’t do it by working 24/7. April shares what it actually looked like to move from imposter syndrome into CEO mode — including the mindset shifts, systems, boundaries, and marketing strategies that completely changed her business. From charging fees and controlling her calendar to using TikTok as a luxury lead machine, this conversation is packed with practical reminders for advisors who are tired of hustle culture but still want serious growth. 💥 In This Episode, We Get Into: How April grew to $600K+ in sales in under 15 months ● Why her first luxury honeymoon booking changed everything ● The systems and boundaries that helped her manage multiple full-time roles ● How TikTok became her #1 luxury client magnet ● Why charging fees changes the client relationship ● Learning to stop being available 24/7 ● Building a business that supports your life instead of consuming it ✨ Key Takeaways Hustling harder is not the answer. ● Boundaries create better businesses. ● Charging fees helps position you as the expert. ● You do not need to be available at all hours to be successful. ● Confidence comes from implementation, not perfection. 💬 Quotable Moments “You can design a business that works for your life.” ● “Charge the fee.” ● “Control your calendar.” ● “You don’t have to be available 24/7.” ● “You just have to start acting like the CEO.” 🎯 Who This Episode Is For Advisors balancing business with real life responsibilities ● Travel advisors stuck in hustle-mode ● Entrepreneurs managing burnout, ADHD, or overwhelm ● Advisors wanting better boundaries and better clients ● Anyone ready to stop treating their business like a side hobby 🔑 Keywords Travel advisor podcast, luxury travel advisor, TikTok marketing for travel advisors, charging planning fees, travel business boundaries, ADHD entrepreneur, nurse to travel advisor, luxury travel marketing, travel advisor systems, work-life balance, travel advisor success, calendar control, scaling a travel business, imposter syndrome, CEO mindset
Transcribe →Redrop: NATASHA - From Nurse to Travel Advisor (and what she learned the hard way)
4w ago00:48:03Tap to summarizeMarcie Muensterman PODCAST11 saves you 11% on ALL signature courses: www.thetraveladvisormarcie.com/courses Join Maximize Your TA Business FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/maximizeyourtravelagentbusiness __________________________________________________________ In this episode of the No BS Travel Advisor podcast, Marcie Muensterman sits down with Natasha, the owner of Serenity Sand and Seas Travel, to talk about what it actually looks like to transition into the travel industry, without the bullshit. Natasha shares her journey from nursing to travel advising and how she built her business through relationships, intentional changes, and learning to trust herself along the way. But this isn’t just a “success story.” It’s a conversation about grief, growth, and the moments where you either stay stuck… or finally decide to do something different. ✈️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What it really looks like to transition careers into travel advising Why relationship-building still drives the most growth in this industry The small shifts that can drastically improve your client experience (hint: Zoom calls matter more than you think) How personal challenges and grief can impact your business, and how to keep moving forward Why niche specialization is key if you want to stand out How to confidently say no to the wrong clients When it’s time to hire support and stop doing everything yourself 🔥 Real Talk Moments: “I see you everywhere!” “You just have to do it.” “It’s okay to say no.” 🧠 Why This Episode Matters: If you’ve been feeling stuck… overwhelmed… or like you know what you need to do but just haven’t done it yet, this episode is your reminder: You don’t need more information. You need implementation. Natasha didn’t grow her business by doing more, she grew by doing things differently.
Transcribe →Redrop: Megan Medlin - You don’t need to sell millions to be successful
May 101:14:38Tap to summarizeMarcie Muensterman PODCAST11 saves you 11% on ALL signature courses: www.thetraveladvisormarcie.com/courses Join Maximize Your TA Business FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/maximizeyourtravelagentbusiness __________________________________________________________ In this re-drop episode of The No BS Travel Advisor Podcast, Marcie sits down with Megan Whitley Medlin, founder of Guide Girl Travel Co., mom of four, Airbnb host, and group trip leader who’s doing business her way. Megan didn’t build her travel business overnight. She built it slowly, intentionally, and around her life, not the other way around. From signing her very first group contract (with a very real fear she might end up alone in Montana 😅) to leading 11 women through national parks and witnessing unforgettable wildlife moments, Megan shares what it actually looks like to grow a sustainable, profitable business without burning out. 💥 In This Episode, We Get Into: Why you don’t need a million-dollar sales badge to be successful The power of calendar control (and why it changes everything) Saying “no” as a legitimate business strategy How niching down attracts better, easier clients Why using DMCs can simplify your workflow and increase your income What it really feels like to lead your first group trip ✨ Key Takeaways Success ≠ overworking yourself Slow growth is still growth (and often better growth) Boundaries are not optional if you want longevity You get to decide how your business operates 💬 Quotable Moments “Say no, and say it often.” “You don’t have to sell millions to be successful.” “Two words: calendar control.” “Travel advisors don’t get raises. We give them to ourselves.” “You can’t do it like everyone else. You have to do it your way.” “Moose will attack you. Please don’t try to pet them.” 🎯 Who This Episode Is For Travel advisors balancing business and real life Moms building a business in the margins of their day Advisors tired of hustle culture Anyone who wants more profit without more burnout 🔑 Keywords Travel advisor podcast, group trips, Montana travel, national parks, DMCs, niche travel, calendar control, slow business growth, work-life balance, travel advisor success, escorted trips, entrepreneurship, Guide Girl Travel Co
Transcribe →Redrop: Renee - Confidence doesn't come first, clarity does!
Apr 2401:32:03Tap to summarizeMarcie Muensterman PODCAST11 saves you 11% on ALL signature courses: www.thetraveladvisormarcie.com/courses Join Maximize Your TA Business FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/maximizeyourtravelagentbusiness __________________________________________________________ In this redrop episode of The No BS Travel Advisor Podcast, Marcie sits down with Renee, a military spouse, travel advisor, and someone who knows what it means to build a business in the middle of constant change. From navigating hurricanes to moving across countries, Renee shares how resilience and adaptability shaped not only her life, but the way she runs her travel business today. What started as a love for planning and research turned into a business built on strong client relationships, clear communication, and systems that actually support her life (not overwhelm it). 💥 In This Episode, We Get Into: What military life teaches you about flexibility and resilience The real learning curve of becoming a travel advisor Why clear communication is everything in client relationships How creating simple processes reduces stress, for you and your clients The role of community (and why doing this alone is harder than it needs to be) Balancing family life while treating your business like a real business ✨ Key Takeaways Alleviating client stress is one of your most valuable skills Confidence comes from clarity, not just experience Structured workflows make selling (and servicing) easier Strong relationships lead to repeat clients and referrals You don’t have to choose between family life and business growth 💬 Quotable Moments “Alleviating client stress is key.” “Balancing family and work takes clarity and intention.” “Collaboration over competition is how we all win.” 🎯 Who This Episode Is For Travel advisors juggling life, family, and business Advisors who feel overwhelmed or unclear in their process Anyone struggling with confidence in sales or client communication Advisors craving community and support in the industry 🔑 Keywords Travel advisor podcast, client relationships, travel business systems, communication, luxury travel, travel advisor success, military spouse business, work-life balance, travel industry coaching, niche travel, client experience
Transcribe →Redrop: Carrie - From Doing It All to Saying HELL NO
Apr 1700:55:05Tap to summarizeMarcie Muensterman PODCAST11 saves you 11% on ALL signature courses: www.thetraveladvisormarcie.com/courses Join Maximize Your TA Business FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/maximizeyourtravelagentbusiness __________________________________________________________ While I’m taking a little break from recording new podcast episodes, I wanted to bring back a conversation that’s absolutely worth another listen. In this episode, I sit down with Carrie Blackwell, a full-time nurse turned travel advisor who built her business while juggling a demanding career in healthcare. Carrie didn’t grow up traveling the world. In fact, travel wasn’t really part of her life until later on. But once she started exploring more of the U.S. with her husband, everything changed, and eventually led her to build her own travel business. Her journey is proof that you don’t need decades of travel experience to get started. What you do need is curiosity, confidence, and the willingness to figure things out as you go. Inside this episode we talk about: How Carrie went from limited travel experience to becoming a travel advisor Balancing a full-time nursing career while building a travel business The mistakes she made with her first host agency and why support and training matter How traveling more opened her eyes to the world beyond what she grew up with Working through imposter syndrome and building confidence as an advisor Why finding your niche makes your business easier and more enjoyable The power of networking, referrals, and relationship-building in this industry Why Carrie believes in ditching the intake form and having real conversations with clients The importance of being transparent with clients about availability and expectations Why travel advisors are more needed than ever, even with online booking tools and AI Carrie also shares what it looks like to build a business around the parts of travel you actually enjoy, and why you don’t have to take every client or every trip that comes your way. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can build a travel business while still working another job, or if you’ve struggled with confidence as a newer advisor, this episode is a great one to revisit. 🎧 Give it another listen.
Transcribe →Redrop: Deena - From Concerned Hubby to Her Biggest Fan
Apr 1001:14:06Tap to summarizeMarcie Muensterman PODCAST11 saves you 11% on ALL signature courses: www.thetraveladvisormarcie.com/courses Join Maximize Your TA Business FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/maximizeyourtravelagentbusiness __________________________________________________________ While I’m taking a little break from recording new podcast episodes, I wanted to bring back one that deserves another listen. This conversation with Deena Schlosser is for anyone who has ever wondered if it’s too late to start over, build something new, or take your career in a completely different direction. Deena spent nearly 30 years in the legal world as a paralegal before stepping into the travel industry at age 50. She’s also a caregiver, a mom, and now a travel advisor building a business that actually fits her life. And in this episode, she shares what it really looked like to walk away from a long career, rebuild her confidence, and create a travel business from the ground up. Inside this episode we talk about: Walking away from a 30-year legal career and starting a travel business at 50 Balancing caregiving, motherhood, and entrepreneurship without burning out The moment she almost quit the travel industry and what pulled her back Why finding the right host agency support (Trevello) completely changed her experience How commission splits of 85–100% can dramatically impact your income The mindset shift that helped her go from “booking engine” to confident business owner How calendar control improved her life at home and elevated her client experience Charging planning fees as a newer advisor and finally attracting aligned clients Deena’s unpopular opinion about the travel industry that advisors need to hear And three free things you can start doing today to grow your travel business We also talk about the real-life side of building a business, including how her husband went from being skeptical to fully protective of her business when clients don’t hire her. If you’ve ever asked yourself: Do travel advisors even exist anymore? Can I start a business in my 40s or 50s? How do I set boundaries with clients without losing them? This episode is your permission slip to go all in. 🎧 Give it another listen and hear how Deena went from overwhelmed caregiver to confident travel entrepreneur.
Transcribe →Redrop: Chasity - How Travel Sales Is Just Like Dating
Apr 301:48:24Tap to summarizeMarcie Muensterman PODCAST11 saves you 11% on ALL signature courses: www.thetraveladvisormarcie.com/courses Join Maximize Your TA Business FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/maximizeyourtravelagentbusiness __________________________________________________________ Real Talk About Sales, Clients, and Running a Travel Business with Chasity Munn While I’m taking a little hiatus from recording new podcast episodes, I wanted to bring back one that is absolutely worth another listen. This conversation with Chasity Munn is one of my favorites because it’s honest, practical, and packed with lessons for advisors who want to build a profitable travel business without burning themselves out. Chasity is a single mom, accountant, and thriving travel advisor who built her business to six figures while working roughly 20 hours a week. She’s also taken every one of my courses and used them to completely reshape how she runs her business. Even though we’ve never met in person, Chas and I talk constantly about life, kids, business, and everything in between. Sometimes we even have “DoorDash dates” where we order food and send each other voice notes while we eat. That’s the exact vibe of this episode: two friends having a real conversation about what it actually takes to build a travel business that supports your life. Inside this episode we talk about: How single moms can build a six-figure travel business working about 20 hours a week The real reason clients ghost and why selling travel is a lot like dating Why charging a planning fee (even something like $250) can completely change your income How Chasity built confidence as a romance travel and destination wedding specialist The truth about switching host agencies and how commission splits like 70% vs. 90% actually impact your income How building relationships with BDMs can open doors to partnerships and FAM trips Why you can’t run a legitimate travel business without money in the bank and real travel experience What many MLM-style travel agents get wrong, and how to avoid those same mistakes The mindset shift from treating this like a hobby to running it like a profitable travel CEO And three free things you can start doing today to grow your travel business If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s actually possible to make real money in this industry without working nonstop, this episode will change how you look at your business. 🎧 Give it another listen.
Transcribe →Redrop: Farrin's No BS Story - Imposter Syndrome Be Damned
Mar 2701:11:12Tap to summarizeMarcie Muensterman PODCAST11 saves you 11% on ALL signature courses: www.thetraveladvisormarcie.com/courses Join Maximize Your TA Business FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/maximizeyourtravelagentbusiness __________________________________________________________ Re‑listen with your contract, calculator, and notebook—then write down one way you’ll start advocating for your worth the way you advocate for your clients. Summary In this episode of The No BS Travel Advisor, Marcie Muensterman talks with Disney and autism travel specialist Farrin Gustafson of Vacations Worth Melting For about what it really looks like to build a business while your brain keeps whispering “who do you think you are?”. They dig into imposter syndrome, pandemic‑era curveballs, and why planning a vacation should feel joyful for families, especially those navigating autism and food allergies. Farrin shares how she carved out her niche, found the right host agency, and learned to advocate for fair compensation instead of accepting confusing commission structures and low pay. You’ll hear how she uses community over competition, coaching, and her own lived experience as a special‑needs parent ally to create inclusive, autism‑informed vacations that actually work in real life. On a re‑listen, this episode hits especially hard if you’re questioning your worth, craving a more aligned host, or wanting to lean into a niche like autism or special‑needs travel without waiting to “feel ready.” SEO Keywords p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Disney travel advisor for autism families p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> certified autism travel specialist Disney p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> stress‑free Disney vacation planning p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> autism‑friendly Disney travel tips p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> overcoming imposter syndrome as a travel advisor p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> special needs family vacation planning p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> choosing the right host agency as a travel agent p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> fair commission and compensation for travel advisors p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> community over competition in the travel industry p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> travel advisor pandemic lessons p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> inclusive travel planning for autism and food allergies p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Disney trip planning for sensory‑sensitive kids p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> coaching for travel entrepreneurs with imposter syndrome p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> how to grow a profitable Disney travel business Key Phrases p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Six years of Disney and autism‑focused travel planning (and why that niche chose her) p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> What imposter syndrome looks like behind the scenes of a travel business p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How coaching and community helped Farrin trust that she deserved to be here p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why families with autistic kids often skip travel—and how tailored planning changes everything p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> <p class="my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&...
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