Podcast appearances and mentions of Richard Arnold

Uncertainty about whether Donald Trump's claims of progress in Iran talks have any credibility. The US President has called off today's planned strikes, despite earlier vowing to drop even bigger bombs. He now claims both sides have agreed to the final points of a deal – something Iran's not confirming. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Heather du Plessis-Allan Trump is calling it a “transaction” as opposed to a deal, and no details, nor the time or place of signing, have been announced. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nasa has named the astronauts who'll blast off in the next Artemis mission, with a view to eventually returning humans to the Moon. The crew of four will launch on the Orion spacecraft next year from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Originally a crewed Moon landing, Artemis III will instead fly in low Earth orbit and test special manoeuvres and dock with prototype lunar landers. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Heather du Plessis-Allan the first crewed lunar landing is now the Artemis IV, set for 2028. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump stormed out of an interview with Kristen Welker on NBC's Meet The Press after he was challenged about his claims of election fraud in the California primaries saying the journalist must be “crooked or stupid” as he became visibly frustrated by her questions. Democratic candidate for Maine, Graham Platner, is facing more allegations of violence against women and a tattoo of a Nazi symbol. US Correspondent Richard Arnold discusses these events, and updates on the Iran war, with Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A star-studded musical celebration is in the works for the United States' 250th birthday, but more big acts have been backing away. Trump's administration had publicised multiple headliners for a 'Freedom 250' concert series between 25 June and 10 July, but Bret Michaels, Martina McBride, Young MC and the Commodores all confirmed they were pulling out. This leaves Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli, and Flo Rida in the lineup, but Trump is reportedly considering cancelling the musical performances altogether. US correspondent Richard Arnold says Trump is considering hosting a 'Make America Great Again rally' instead. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's yet to sign-off on a tentative agreement between the US and Iran. US sources report negotiators from both sides have reached a deal to extend the ceasefire for 60 days, begin nuclear talks, and open the Strait of Hormuz. It's understood neither of the nation's leaders have approved the agreement. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that according to both Trump and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the President's not going to take a bad deal. Bessent says there are several red lines, including Iran turning over its highly enriched uranium, and allowing free transit through the Strait. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran's claiming the ceasefire's been violated by US strikes. The US military says it's hit Iranian missile launch sites and boats in the Strait of Hormuz to protect its own troops. Peace talks appear on thin ice, with Iran's nuclear programme remaining a sticking point. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Iran's claiming they're holding all the cards. He says Iran's Supreme Leader has issued a statement threatening US bases in the region, saying the hand of time doesn't turn back. President Donald Trump's meanwhile due to hold a full-Cabinet meeting at Camp David. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The backlash to Donald Trump's ‘anti-weaponisation' slush fund continues. Earlier this week the Justice Department announced the creation of a $1.8 billion fund to compensate allies who claim they were unfairly targeted by previous administrations. Some of those eager to tap into the fund are convicted January 6th rioters, who stormed the capital after a rally with Donald Trump, as well as prominent election deniers. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking a number of Republicans are opposing the fund, such as Senator Thom Tillis, who says it's “stupid on stilts”. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's warning further attacks on Iran are still possible, despite backing down this week. The US President called off the strikes after requests from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. He says officials are still locked in negotiations with Iran, and he claims Democrats are trying to stop him. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking this is the sixth time Trump has been on the verge of initiating military strikes and has pulled back. He says it comes amid word Iran's Foreign Minister met with Pakistan's Interior Minister and they claim there's diplomatic progress. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Krikler is starring as Richard in the world premiere of Redcliffe at the Southwark Playhouse.Written by Jordan Luke Gage, this new musical is based on the true story of William Critchard and Richard Arnold in 18th-century Bristol. It follows the dangerous, forbidden passion between a man of humble beginnings and a visiting sailor as they navigate a world of intense persecution.Daniel's early credits include Charlie in Loserville (Garrick Theatre & West Yorkshire Playhouse), Rory in Bare: A Pop Opera (Union Theatre), Eddie in Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre) and Jersey Boys (UK Tour). He then returned to drama school to do an MA at Central School of Speech and Drama, and forged a hugely diverse career with his credits including: Arthur in Pink Mist (Bristol Old Vic/UK Tour), Dan in Homos, Or Everyone In America (Finborough Theatre), Keith Douglas in Unicorns, Almost (Bristol Old Vic), Understudy: Joe, Roland & Fred in Present Laughter (The Old Vic), Malcolm/Witch in Macbeth (Guildford Shakespeare Company), Understudy: Leo in 4000 Miles (The Old Vic), Charlemagne in Pippin (Charing Cross Theatre), Ensemble in The Normal Heart (National Theatre), Martin McGough in Fighting Irish (Belgrade Theatre), Caliban in The Tempest (Guildford Shakespeare Company), Mr Lacy in The Secret Life of Bees (Almeida Theatre), Max Vandenberg in The Book Thief (Leicester Curve) and Dillon Evans in The Motive and The Cue (National Theatre Productions).Daniel's most recent work includes: Fedya Dolokhov in Natatsha, Pierre & The Great Comet (Donmar Warehouse), Martin in Austenland (Savoy Theatre), Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof (Regents Park Open Air / Barbican), Peter Pan in Wendy and Peter Pan (Barbican / RSC) and Man in All Is But Fantasy (RSC).Redcliffe runs at the Southwark Playhouse Borough 22nd May – 4th July. Visit www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk for info and tickets. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The leaders of the world's two most powerful countries haven't been able to agree on many things during their face-to-face talks in Beijing. US President Donald Trump says Chinese President Xi Jinping is offering to help in some way with America's war in Iran, without providing military assistance. But Xi's warned Trump the US and China could clash over Taiwan if they're not on the same page. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has responded, saying US policy on the issue of Taiwan is unchanged. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's on his way to Beijing for the first visit by a US President to China in almost a decade. It will include a face-to-face meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The US President's travelling with the bosses of Boeing and Apple, and Tesla's Elon Musk. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Trump will be trying to convince China to put more pressure on Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump aide Karoline Leavitt has denied claims that the ceasefire has been shattered by Iranian forces seizing two cargo ships, because the ships did not belong to the US or Israel. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking two former national security advisors had weighed in, with one calling Leavitt's claim “utterly incoherent” and another saying it was “very concerning” Iran could still seize ships after six weeks of intensive conflict. Meanwhile the New York Times was reporting Iran was being run by a group made up mostly of generals, with the Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, still not seen on camera or heard from directly since the initial strikes, Arnold said. According to the Times, “written messages to and from the younger Khamenei are delivered through a chain of human couriers who take a convoluted path to his hideout. He appears to rely heavily on the advice of the generals now running the country”, Arnold said. Meanwhile Trump was getting “antsy” over Washington politics, with talk of a cabinet shakeup as midterms approached. New polling favoured Democrats on the economy for the first time since 2010, while Trump's approval rating was at 32% – the same as George W. Bush's approval rating when he left office. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stationen in den USA und Brüssel, Aussichten auf eine diplomatische Karriere: Trotzdem hat sich Richard Arnold für seine Heimat entschieden. Als Oberbürgermeister von Schwäbisch Gmünd sorgt er mit unkonventionellen Ideen für Aufsehen. Timm, Ulrike www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de, Im Gespräch

Donald Trump says Iran either needs to agree to negotiate or prepare for bombing to begin again. Iran still hasn't decided whether to take part in the next round of peace talks with the US in Pakistan and says it will only start negotiations when the US is ready to end its port blockade. The US President has told CNBC he's prepared to relaunch military action if the talks don't proceed. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking we rarely see war and peace negotiations play out in public this way, and it's chaotic. He says there are mixed messages coming from Trump and some Iranians are suggesting some of his statements are causing delays. Trump has since extended the ceasefire deal, hours before it was due to expire, and it will remain in place until Iran submits a proposal for discussion. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Removal of Iran's enriched uranium will be a “very, very complex assignment” that would take many months – and that's if Iran has actually agreed to its removal. US President Donald Trump told reporters this morning that Iran had agreed to give up its enriched uranium, but that had raised plenty of questions, US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking. The 444.9kg of uranium, enriched up to 60% purity, was left over after US and Israeli airstrikes last March, despite Trump's claim at the time that Iran's nuclear stocks were totally obliterated, Arnold pointed out. “Has Iran really agreed to this? We're yet to hear from, you know, the Iranians. No deal until, and unless, there's a deal.” A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon had also been announced, but Trump was “covering all bases” by sending another 10,000 US troops to the Middle East, Arnold said. One political science expert —Professor Robert Pape of the University of Chicago— had put the chances of renewed US military action at about 70%. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump is suggesting talks with Iran could resume within the next two days. Despite the US blockading the Strait of Hormuz, a ceasefire between the sides remains in effect – but that's set to expire in a week. Donald Trump is hinting "something could be happening" shortly in Pakistan, where negotiations over the weekend broke down. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking US Vice President JD Vance says the ball is in Iran's court, as the US has out a lot on the table. He says that instead of a permanent ban on nuclear enrichment by Iran, the US has instead proposed a 20 year suspension of all nuclear activity – Iran's counter proposal would see nuclear activity halted for just five years. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has ordered the US Navy to block the Strait of Hormuz after failed peace talks in Pakistan. Although, Trump said on Saturday whether the talks were successful or not made 'no difference to me'. "That breakdown in Pakistan came as, I guess, a little surprise, with Trump saying whether or not there was a deal made no difference to him," US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking. "Of course the key issues do matter. They matter greatly." Meanwhile, a top democratic California governor candidate has been the subject of allegations of sexual misconduct. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home-base preparations ahead of Artemis II's crew splash down off California's coast on Saturday afternoon. The four astronauts are on the return trip to Earth after their historic lunar flyby. NASA landing and recovery director, Liliana Villarreal says a ship's heading towards the capsule landing zone. The crew will then be helicoptered to dry land, for post-flight medical checks. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the ship will pierce the Earth's atmosphere at a speed of just over 40,000 kilometres an hour – seven times the speed of sound. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Time's ticking, with Donald Trump threatening the end of Iran if a deal isn't reached in the next few hours. The US President's giving Tehran until midday before he orders the complete demolition of the country's bridges and power infrastructure. He's posted on social media a 'whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again'. However, he appears to be weighing up a plea from mediator Pakistan to extend the deadline by two weeks. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Trump's threats have drawn sharp responses even from his former allies. He says Piers Morgan has referred to the threats as “brazen pre-admission of genocide”, Marjorie Taylor Greene has called for Trump to be removed from office, and Tucker Carlson has called the US President's message “vile on every level”. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a Truth Social post Donald Trump announced the successful rescue of a missing crew member of a fighter jet that was shot down over Iran. Although Iran's military claims the US operation was "completely foiled." Meanwhile, the historic Artemis 2 mission enters it's fifth day. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several Trump aides have reportedly told the Wall Street Journal the US President is privately suggesting he's willing to end the war in Iran, even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely shut down. Petrol prices in the USA are at a four-year high with warnings they will go significantly higher, and “people are feeling it”, US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking. Trump has threatened to destroy Iran's water and energy infrastructure if a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz is not done soon, while the Gulf states are urging him to press on with the US military operation, Arnold said. Those states warn if Iran gets to control the flow of oil, there will soon be ripple effects in many other areas including spiralling food and transport costs, Arnold said. But a ground war would be risky, and a “huge liability” for Donald Trump, whose favourability numbers have hit a historic low of 33% in the latest opinion poll. Trump posted to Truth Social overnight telling other countries they should reopen the Strait of Hormuz themselves, saying “Go get your own oil”. That sentiment was echoed in a briefing from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who said the US used the international waterway “dramatically less than most”. “The world ought to pay attention and be prepared to stand up. President Trump's been willing to do the heavy lifting on behalf of the free world,” Hegseth said. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US President says it's up to Iranian leaders to convince him to halt the war, or they'll be Iran's "worst nightmare." Attacks on Israel, Iran, and Lebanon continue, with the Israeli military stating it's killed an Iranian navy chief overseeing the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The US claims it's presented a 15-point plan to Iran and negotiations are taking place –which Tehran has denied. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Iran has publicly stated that there are no negotiations but say any ceasefire would require reparations. He says the war and diplomacy are once again at an impasse. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump says negotiations with Iran are already underway and Iranian officials are very keen to make a deal. Pakistan's offering to hold talks and Iranian officials have told CBS its mediators are involved in a potential precursor to discussions. The US President delayed the Strait of Hormuz reopening deadline after what he says were positive talks with Iran. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that while multiple countries are offering to host peace talks, there is currently no confirmation anyone from Iran would be attending. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ICE had been deployed to American airports amidst a partial government shutdown resulting in airport workers going without pay for weeks. US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking, "it's because of the partial government shutdown as Dems and Republicans fight over rules for ICE immigration agents in the future." "Should they wear those awful masks, unlike regular police? Should they have badges so people know who the hell they are? Should they be able to barge into people's houses without any court warrants?" LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Differing accounts on the US' level of involvement in Israel's attack on Iran's gas fields. The tit for tat between the two is continuing with gas and oil infrastructure becoming the latest targets, Iran retaliating by hitting Israel's Haifa oil refinery. Global oil prices are continuing to surge. Donald Trump says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's been instructed not to attack these energy sites. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that Axios is reporting that one source told them the attack was coordinated between Israeli officials and the White House, whilst another says the US knew of the attack, but was not part of it. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Correspondent Richard Arnold joined Mike Hosking to chat the latest in US news including the US attack of Kharg Island and the increased security measures at today's Oscars. "They have police dogs and SWAT teams, anti-drone technology, even sharpshooters on patrol," he said. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Members of the International Energy Agency have unanimously agree to release 400 million barrels of oil reserves to help combat steep oil prices arising from the conflict in the Middle East. It equates to about four-days' worth and is the largest ever release of reserves in the agency's history. The US is releasing 172 million barrels from their Strategic Petroleum Reserve, beginning next week. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the move will result in a 40% decrease in the US' oil backstop. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White House says the conflict with Iran will end when Donald Trump decides it will end. The US President says the mission is almost complete, but the US is "going to go further". US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says US strikes are ramping up today, the Iranian regime is "totally and decisively defeated", and Iran's leaders are "desperate and scrambling". US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that Trump's giving mixed messages about the timeline of the conflict. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has told a US news outlet he wants to be involved in picking Iran's next leader. He's told Axios that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son is a lightweight and unacceptable to him. Meanwhile, the death toll in Iran has risen to 1200, multiple Gulf countries are continuing to intercept missiles, and in Azerbaijan, an airport and a school were hit by Iranian drones. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that Iran is firing fewer drones and missiles as the US and Israeli forces expand their control of the air and sea. He says the Pentagon says they're finding and destroying Iran's mobile missile launchers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump says "just about everything" in Iran has "been knocked out". He's spoken from the White House alongside the German Chancellor who is visiting. New strikes have been targeting Iranian leadership after claims the first wave killed 48 of its highest ranking officials, including the Supreme Leader. Trump says Iran now has no navy, air force, or air detection. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Trump has yet to make a formal statement to the American people, or the rest of the world, about what's happening. But, he says, the US President continues to indicate this could go on for weeks. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Progress towards a nuclear deal between the US and Iran remains murky with all-out war still a potential outcome. A third round of indirect talks has just concluded in Geneva, with further discussions to take place in Vienna next week. The pressure's on Iran, with the US deploying its biggest military build-up to the Middle East in decades. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the debate about whether an attack is viable is spilling out into the public now. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reverend Jesse Jackson is being remembered as a leader who served the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world. The famed US civil rights campaigner has died aged 84. In a statement posted to social media his family say he died peacefully surrounded by family. After being mentored by Martin Luther King Junior he went on to become one of the most influential African-American leaders. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Jackson was a singularly powerful speaker. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US correspondent Richard Arnold caught up with Andrew Dickens to chat about the biggest news in America. Microsoft founder Bill Gates is facing backlash following a number of mentions in the most recent Epstein file release. Among the release was an email allegedly written by Epstein about Gates which claimed he hid a sexually transmitted disease from his wife after contact with “Russian girls”. Meanwhile, a search is underway in Arizona for the mother of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie, Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing since January. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has called for the Republican Party to nationalise elections. He made the statement during his appearance on the podcast of former deputy FBI director Dan Bongino, saying the Party should seek to take over voting in at least 15 places. Elections are primarily run by state law, with voting administrated by local officials across the United States. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that nationalising the election would go against the Constitution, which says elections are governed by state law, not by any party in power. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's border chief is working on an eventual draw-down plan of immigration agents in Minneapolis. The US President sent Tom Homan to the city after two protestors, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were shot dead by federal officials in Minneapolis. He's told a news conference he wants to see common sense co-operation, which allows the number of ICE officers in the city to reduce. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking details for the wind-down plan are scarce, but it would involve having ICE agents seek more access in jails. This would mean they're rounding up criminals, instead of people on the streets or in front of home supply stores, he says. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump says his administration is reviewing the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis nurse by immigration agents. Alex Pretti was fatally shot while protesting against the immigration crackdown in the city this weekend, three weeks after mother Renee Good met the same fate. The facts around the incident including whether he was wielding a gun have been hotly contested, setting up a fresh confrontation between state and federal officials. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that while Pretti was carrying a concealed weapon, legally, the only thing he had in his hands at the time was his phone. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greenland's been kept in the dark over discussions between Donald Trump and NATO about its future. The US President claims he's laid the groundwork for a potential deal involving the Arctic island, while also backing down on proposed tariffs on NATO countries. Greenland Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen says nothing can proceed without Greenland's clear support. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that Denmark is open to Greenland being used as part of the Golden Dome anti-missile system and an extension of US-controlled military bases. However, he says, the US has had basing rights in Greenland under an agreement reached in 1951, so there's a question of if this is anything other than the status quo. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cryptic answers from Donald Trump around what his next steps will be to achieve his goal of buying Greenland. World leaders are meeting in Switzerland for the World Economic Forum and using the platform to unite against Trump's tariff threats. The US President has spoken at a stand up for almost two hours, talking about his claimed achievements on the first anniversary of him taking office. To questions about how far he'll go to acquire Greenland, he's responded with 'you'll find out'. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking some of his latest statements have directly linked his failure to get a Nobel Peace Prize to his demand for Greenland. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has unveiled a new Presidential Walk of Fame in The White House. It includes portraits of all the previous presidents and corresponding descriptions, written in the style of social media posts. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Heather du Plessis-Allan Trump has helped write some of them. The one for Joe Biden refers to him as Sleepy Joe, the worst President in the history of America. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I'm at the NTA Travel Exchange in Ottawa to speak with eight leading professionals shaping the future of group travel, tourism, and hospitality. You'll hear insights from leaders who share the latest market trends, traveler behaviors, innovative approaches, and what's ahead for 2026. The conversations explore the strong resurgence of group tours, the rise of small group and multi-generational travel, and a growing demand for immersive, meaningful experiences—from stargazing in Utah to luxury train journeys. You'll discover how industry partnerships and collaborations, such as inter-association alliances and joint destination marketing efforts, are helping operators adapt to challenges and seize new opportunities. In this episode, you'll hear from these knowledgeable tourism leaders: Vince Accardi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-accardi-cae-15890033/ Wendy Dobrzynski: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-dobrzynski-9604851/ Chad Ellis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-ellis-8227611b0/ Jeff Bont: linkedin.com/in/jeff-bont-832a7513 Richard Arnold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-arnold-597ab536/ Brenna Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennamoore Jason Murray: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-murray-585426219/ Brent Dalrymple: https://www.travelsunrise.com/about/team/brent-dalrymple What You Will Learn in This Episode: How group tours are evolving, including the rise of small-group and multi-generational travel Why immersive and experiential travel is in high demand, with travelers seeking story-rich, active adventures What industry leaders are seeing in terms of major market trends, including a resurgence in demand and travelers' changing expectations How partnerships and collaborations between associations, DMOs, and attractions are strengthening the group travel industry and opening new markets Why upcoming events like the Route 66 Centennial and America's 250th anniversary are shaping new itineraries and driving tour planning for 2026 What challenges operators are facing, such as shifting consumer sentiment and border issues How technology, data, and consumer insights are being used to track travel sentiment and inform future business decisions across the travel sector A New Wave of Group Travelers At this year's NTA Travel Exchange in Ottawa, we bring together a great lineup of industry leaders to discuss key trends, challenges, and innovations set to shape group tourism into 2026 and 2027. From new tour models and demographic shifts to major anniversaries and the rise of experiential itineraries, these insights reveal an industry that's not only recovering but thriving. It's an exciting time for group travel. Both Vince Accardi and Wendy Dobrzynski explain why the "senior" market is no longer a monolithic group—retirees are younger, wealthier, more adventurous, and more interested in curated, comfortable experiences. Buses are once again filling up, often with multi-generational families and smaller groups seeking meaningful, shared adventures. Richard Arnold highlights that small group tours remain in demand, with 2026 departures already selling out. Flexible departure sizes, customized itineraries, and a willingness to split larger busloads into more intimate cohorts are key strategies for operators catering to evolving traveler preferences. Experiential and Immersive Travel Takes Center Stage Today's groups are looking for more than sightseeing, they're after immersive, story-rich experiences. Chad Ellis from Boda Borg Boston shares how activity-based attractions built around collaboration and problem-solving are striking a chord with groups large and small, from school trips to team-building getaways. Jason Murray of Southwest Adventure Tours reports a boom in experiential travel, especially among families booking private adventures to explore the outdoors and the night sky together. His new focus on "astro tourism" with Dark Sky Adventures reflects a growing appetite for education, enrichment, and unique moments under rare night skies. The Power of Partnership If there's one recurring theme, it's the transformative power of partnership. From national associations banding together in support of their members, to innovative cross-state collaborations like Wendy Dobrzynski's Dynamic Destinations, cooperation is helping travel businesses and DMOs expand reach, cut costs, and deliver even better value for travelers. Jeff Bont from Rocky Mountaineer and Canyon Spirit illustrates another kind of collaboration, working closely with tour operators and travel agencies to create sell-out trips, leveraging iconic anniversaries like America's 250th and Route 66's centennial for compelling, themed itineraries. We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

The son of Hollywood director and actor Rob Reiner is being held on suspicion of the murder of his parents. Police say 32-year-old Nick Reiner's been booked for murder after Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in their Los Angeles home. They say he's a suspect in the case and is being held on a US$4 million bail. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Heather du Plessis-Allan that Reiner and his wife had apparently taken their son to a holiday party, where he had apparently been disruptive, the day before their bodies were found. He says it allegedly led to a shouting match between the father and son. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US has escalated tensions with Venezuela and seized a tanker off its coast, described by Donald Trump as the largest ever seized. He's otherwise keeping tight lipped, saying it was done for 'a very good reason'. CNN reports it intensifies Trump's pressure campaign aimed at forcing the leader Nicolas Maduro out of power. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Heather du Plessis-Allan that while US officials are saying the seizure does not signal a broad scale war, Trump doesn't want to rule an American ground invasion in or out. He says the US has now carried out 22 attacks on Venezuelan drug boats, Trump saying that every drug boat leads to the deaths of some 25,000 Americans, but it's unknown where he pulled that figure from. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has waded into the battle to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. Paramount Skydance has launched a hostile bid for company in a last ditch effort to outbid Netflix. The offer would be worth about NZ$188 billion compared to the $125 billion Netflix has been offering. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Heather du Plessis-Allan that this level of presidential involvement is new, with Trump saying he'll look at both proposals. He says Trump has said that neither company are particularly great friends of his, so it's unknown as to what his approval will hinge on. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth will not confirm whether the video footage of a strike on a Venezuelan boat will be released. Critics have called the strike a war crime. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering the replacement of long-time ally and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. And, self driving car company Waymo has recalled software after its cars repeatedly failed to stop for school buses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Defence Secretary seems to be in hot water. A Department of Defence report concluded that Pete Hegseth put military personnel at risk when he shared information of a planned airstrike over Signal. The incident came to light when a journalist for the Atlantic was accidently added to the chat in which sensitive details of the strike on Houthi fighters in Yemen back in March. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Hegseth refused to take part in interviews for the investigation, claiming he has the power to declassify material mentally. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Secretary of Defence is facing scrutiny for potentially having committed a war crime. Pete Hegseth is facing scrutiny over a strike he ordered on a boat in the Caribbean Sea suspected of smuggling drugs. The Washington Post reported last week that Hegseth authorised a highly unusual second strike to kill all survivors on the boat – reports Hegseth has denied. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that Hegseth has previously railed against the Geneva Convention and the legal rules of engagement. In his book, Arnold says, Hegseth shares an anecdote in which he tells the soldiers in his platoon to ignore such legal advice. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More details are emerging around the background of the Afghan national who allegedly shot two National Guard soldiers in Washington DC. Both soldiers remain critically injured after yesterday's shooting, while the suspect's in custody. The FBI says the shooter had worked with the CIA in Afghanistan and had immigrated to the US in 2021. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the suspect was reportedly troubled by his work with a CIA paramilitary force in Afghanistan. Arnold says the group was also accused of civilian killings. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine and the US are signalling they're nearing a proposal to end the war as Russia maintains its uncompromising position. Ukrainian and US officials have negotiated details of a proposed 28-point peace plan in Switzerland. A US official's told reporters Ukraine has agreed to a peace deal, but there were still some minor details to be sorted out. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking it appears several key issues have still been set aside, including the new territorial boundaries, the size of an ongoing Ukrainian military, and the proposed ban on NATO troops inside Ukraine. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George W. Bush has paid a fond farewell to his friend and former Vice President, Dick Cheney. The former Republican President has spoken at Cheney's funeral at Washington's National Cathedral. He was a divisive figure in American politics, both for his role as the driving force behind the Iraq War, and his scathing criticism of Donald Trump. But Bush has told Cheney's family, many Americans are grieving Cheney's death. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Trump did not take part in the funeral, and wasn't invited. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Government is business as usual after the longest shutdown in US history – but only till January. US President Donald Trump's signed a bill to end the shutdown and fund the government, while providing back-pay to federal workers. It's caused a divide among Democrats, as it doesn't ensure access to Affordable Care subsidies. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the shutdown costs are estimated to be around NZ$24.6 billion per week, or as much as 1.5% of the GDP. He says the National Economic Council is estimating that 60,000 non-federal workers lost their jobs during the period. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.