Podcast
We’ve officially launched Where We Goin? – the brand-new One West Tourism Podcast, produced in partnership with the sound wizards at Brand Revolt! This podcast is your go-to source for real stories, sharp strategies, and straight talk from the people shaping the future of tourism across the West.
Hosted by One West CEO Melyssa Reeves, Where We Goin? is your backstage pass to the world of destination marketing and travel partnerships. From big-city festivals to hidden gem attractions, we’ll dive into the magic that happens when creativity and collaboration collide. Hear from DMO leaders and partners who are making tourism thrive—sharing behind-the-scenes stories, industry insights, and maybe even a few travel mishaps along the way.
Whether you're on the road, at your desk, or between meetings, this podcast delivers candid conversations, partner perspectives, and expert advice you can actually use.
So... Where We Goin? Subscribe, tune in, and find out. 🚀🎧✨
Episode 1 - Digital First - Tourism Leaders Who Move Fast and Win Big
In this episode of Where We Goin’?, we’re diving into the power, and the pressure, of early technology adoption in tourism marketing. Melyssa Reeves sits down with Wes Rhea, CEO of Visit Lodi, and Seth Chalmers, founder of Search Party, for a candid conversation on what it really means to be a first mover in a legacy-driven industry. Apple podcast link and to Spotify.
Episode 2 - F*ck the Head Pat - Real Partnership Starts Here
In this episode, we’re calling out a familiar dynamic in our industry: the way small DMOs are often talked down to, underestimated, or dismissed simply because their budgets aren’t massive. A limited budget does not equal limited impact—and it’s time we stop pretending otherwise.
We’re pushing back on the patronizing “head pat” treatment and spotlighting why equitable collaboration matters. If you’re building tools, products, or partnerships in tourism, this is your invitation to think bigger—and build for the full spectrum of destinations, not just the biggest ones in the room.
It’s honest, energized, and packed with perspective about respect, resources, and what true partnership should look like.
Featuring: Wendy Haase- Roberts, Travel Santa Ana and Sarah Leahman, Zartico
Episode 3 - From Planning to Impact: Sports Tourism in Southern Oregon
In 2013, a bold strategic planning process set the stage for a regional transformation: the launch of the Southern Oregon Sports Commission. More than a decade later, the Commission is driving national conversations on sportsmanship, facility development, and the economic power of sports tourism.
This episode features:
Jon Schmieder, Founder & CEO, Huddle Up Group
Darren Van Lehn, Director of Sports Development, Travel Medford
TJ Holmes, Senior Vice President, Travel Medford
Together, they reflect on how vision turned into reality—and what’s next for sports tourism in Southern Oregon.
From pioneering sportsmanship programs adopted nationwide, to cutting-edge venues like Rogue X and Lithia & Driveway Fields, to new facilities currently under construction, this is a powerful case study in how strategy, leadership, and persistence reshape communities.