So You Want to Be a Traveler Writer? Greater Palm Springs’ ‘Meet the Mentors’ Program Might Be Your Ticket

January 3, 2025

If you’ve seen traditional journalists and influencers filling your social feeds with travel content and wondered how they do it, the folks at Visit Greater Palm Springs want to help.

The city’s tourism bureau is back with its third annual Meet the Mentors program, which was created to help aspiring travel journalists jumpstart their journalism careers.

This coming April, selected participants will receive mentorship from real world travel journalists (like yours truly), visit Greater Palm Springs, and gain priceless tips and information that will help catapult their travel writing endeavors. What’s more, they’ll also work with their mentor to publish their very own piece on the Visit Greater Palm Springs blog.

Time’s running out so act fast!

Now through January 6, 2025, newbie writers are invited to submit for a chance to participate in the program, which will take place in Greater Palm Springs from April 14-17, 2025. Click here to enter.

Good luck and see you there!

Photo Courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs

Have you ever visited Palm Springs? If so, what did you enjoy the most?

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New Victory Theater Pulls the Curtain Back with New Walking Tour

September 9, 2024

If you're a mom living in New York City like me, chances are you've taken your kids to The New Victory Theater. Over the years, I've hopped on the subway and whisked both of my children ages 10 and 14 off to Times Square at the first and only theater entirely dedicated to year-round programming for kids and families. From awe-inspiring circus acts to mind-boggling magic shows, we've seen countless performances at the acclaimed theater. So, when I was offered the opportunity to tag along on a tour of the 100-year-old theater responsible for sparking kids' imaginations and opening their worlds to the wonder of live theater, I jumped at the chance. Offered through Broadway Up Close, the 90-minute tour is a theater lover's dream come true. For the first time, visitors can get a sneak … Keep Reading

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Interview: Comedian Zainab Johnson On Who Makes Her Laugh, Moms Mabley and More

September 9, 2024
Zainab-Johnson-Interview

Laughter is universal. Whether you’re Black or white, young, or old, Catholic or atheist – none of those things matter when it comes to the things that we find funny. Zainab Johnson, a former teacher-turned-stand-up-comedian, actor, and writer, knows firsthand the power of laughter and how it’s one of the common threads that ties society together. Growing up in Harlem, as one of 13 siblings in a Black Muslim family, Johnson shares her unique perspective and experiences through a humorous lens. In fact, she debuted her first one-hour comedy special, Hijabs Off, on Amazon Prime last fall. To say she’s been booked and busy would be an understatement. Johnson is a regular on Amazon’s original series, Upload, and has made appearances on popular late night TV shows, Late Night with Seth … Keep Reading

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Things to See in NYC: ‘Aanika’s Elephants’ At New Victory Theater

March 31, 2024

When it comes to imaginative storytelling with powerful messaging, shows at New Victory Theater in New York City always deliver. Their latest production, Aanika’s Elephants is no exception.  Through masterful puppetry and artful set design, the story beautifully captures the bond between an orphan girl named Aanika (Jimmica Collins) and her beloved baby elephant “Little.”  Directed by Pam Arciero and written by Annie Evans, the touching performance centers around the unusual pair’s mutual love as they navigate their new worlds.  Educating audiences on the horrors of poachers, the plight of elephants, and the importance of honoring all living creatures, the production tackles tough issues that little minds can understand and appreciate. The lessons are delicately woven … Keep Reading

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What to Do in NYC This Weekend: Visit Spike Lee: Creative Sources Exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum 

February 10, 2024

It’s not every day that you meet a living legend — but that’s exactly what happened when my son and I visited the Brooklyn Museum to see the Spike Lee: Creative Sources exhibition earlier this week.    Believe it or not, shortly after entering, we spotted Spike Lee. Yes, the man behind the exhibit. What’s more, the prolific director was giving Jeffrey Wright, the Academy Award-nominated actor, a private tour. When I approached the accomplished pair, I was hesitant because I didn’t want to disturb them. However, I also didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to introduce them to my son who is already an aspiring director at the tender age of 10. They graciously obliged and offered to take photos and imparted kind and wise words before returning to their tour. Spike … Keep Reading

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Interview: Celebrity Chef Carla Hall Dishes On Quaker Partnership and New Max Series ‘Chasing Flavor’  

February 1, 2024

Carla Hall may not have won season five of Bravo’s Top Chef, but she’s been winning ever since. In fact, the effervescent Nashville native’s star has continued to rise. Her culinary talents have taken her to unimaginable heights.  From sought-after caterer and restaurateur to author and network TV personality, Hall has been cooking up a variety of ways to whet the appetites of those who crave her delectable dishes, southern charm and on-screen charisma. Now, she’s teaming up with Quaker to donate $250,000 to GenYouth, a nationally recognized youth health and wellness nonprofit, to help tackle food insecurity among children. She’s also working with the brand to bring an unparalleled culinary, sports, entertainment and philanthropic experience at Taste of the NFL, presented by … Keep Reading

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Interview: HBO’s ‘Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project’ Filmmakers

January 5, 2024

Courtesy of Rada Studio/HBO Nikki Giovanni is arguably one of the greatest poets to ever live. Now, her inspiring life story, prolific poems and literary gifts are being showcased in HBO’s new documentary, “Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project.”  Produced and directed by Michèle Stephenson and Joe Brewster, the critically-acclaimed film takes viewers on an imaginative out-of-this-world journey that transcends space and time to uncover her enduring impact and undeniable influence on American culture.  Peppered with captivating archival footage and creative visual treatments of her work, the 104-minute project is a poignant expression of love and reverence. What's more, it highlights Giovanni's dedication to justice, featuring poems from pivotal moments in … Keep Reading

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