Join me, Lisa Niver, and Kenny Dyal, aka @sweetwater_scuba, a Disney Divemaster for the last twenty years, for a behind-the-scenes conversation at EPCOT’s Living Seas Aquarium. We talk about what it’s like to scuba dive in one of Disney’s most magical underwater worlds, the incredible marine life, and the joy of sharing the experience with families watching from the other side of the glass. Perfect for divers, Disney lovers, or anyone curious about the magic beneath the surface!

Want to see us swim alongside hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and rays while sharing high-fives with kids on the other side of the glass? Watch the magic and wonder of DiveQuest at Walt Disney World in the Living Seas Exhibit:

https://youtu.be/sNvM4x48z2E

https://youtu.be/UdOg866QbZE

https://youtu.be/iUFIKysziXo

For more on Lisa’s EPCOT adventure, check out the full article here:

https://www.wesaidgotravel.com/epcot/

All of my Orlando and Dema videos:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv_jKkCiDQcSAl0mFGB4KyeZ9tGhNOJ_p

Thank you to Kenny and the entire marine team at Epcot! I loved loved love this dive experience.

EPCOT Seas Adventures – DiveQuest: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-divequest/

Recorded onboard Windstar Cruises’ Star Breeze, this episode features a lively and personal conversation with Joanna Vapor, Shore Excursion Manager, who has been with Windstar Cruises for ten years. We explore what makes small-ship sailing in French Polynesia so unforgettable, and Joanna shares her insights on both the ship and the destinations, from Tahiti and Moorea to Taha’a, Bora Bora, Huahine, and other Windstar ports around the world.

We dive into the ship’s design, daily life onboard, and culinary highlights — from the elegant Amphora to the new Basil + Bamboo fusion eatery and the classic Candles Steakhouse. Joanna explains how the crew’s warmth, professionalism, and expertise elevate every experience, from officers greeting guests on deck to line dancing evenings in the salon with a multi-generational Polynesian dance troupe that joined the ship, bringing culture, music, and energy to all ages.

We talk about the signature Marina, where guests can swim, kayak, paddleboard, or relax on floating loungers in crystal-clear waters — completely included, effortless, and unforgettable — and how access to the turquoise lagoons makes French Polynesia even more magical. Joanna also shares about the incredible destination discovery experiences, from a private Motu Mahaea lunch in Taha’a to the spectacular Feast & Fire dinner in Bora Bora, and how she helped me plan shore excursions like visiting a pearl farm and snorkeling with manta rays and spotted eagle rays. Each stop was curated yet personal, allowing time to truly immerse in the islands’ natural beauty, culture, and marine life.

My memoir, BRAVE-ish, is now part of the Star Breeze library, a symbolic reminder that travel is about new journeys, friendships, and courage — exploring both the world and oneself. With Joanna’s stories, insider tips, and the magic of small-ship sailing, this episode captures why Windstar Cruises delivers a deeply personal, intimate, and immersive way to experience French Polynesia, with every journey feeling joyful, seamless, and unforgettable.

Learn more about my journey: https://www.wesaidgotravel.com/windstarcruises-tahiti/

VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv_jKkCiDQcR6s5CZ8A_nKsA98fubnSym

Some journeys stay with you long after you leave—and my expeditions with Churchill Wild are exactly that kind of experience. I’ve had the rare privilege of visiting Churchill Wild twice, staying at both Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge and Seal River Heritage Lodge, and each trip deepened my appreciation for the Arctic and the people who guide us through it with such care and respect.

During my expedition to Seal River Heritage Lodge, I was guided by Terry Elliott, a seasoned polar bear guide whose calm presence, deep knowledge, and reverence for the land set the tone from the very first walk on the tundra. Churchill Wild’s land-based polar bear safaris are unlike anything else in the world—walking through bear country with a highly trained team of three guides, moving thoughtfully and deliberately through the landscape, always placing the welfare of the wildlife first.

Walking alongside polar bears in their natural habitat is both humbling and exhilarating, and Terry has a rare gift for making guests feel safe while also helping them truly understand what they are seeing. His insights into polar bear behavior, Arctic ecology, and life in this remote region transform each outing into something far more meaningful than wildlife viewing—it becomes a lesson in respect, patience, and presence.

In this conversation, Terry shares his remarkable journey from city life to the Arctic wilderness, what it takes to guide in polar bear country, and why these remote landscapes continue to shape everyone who experiences them. Whether you’re curious about Arctic safaris, conservation, or what it’s really like to walk in polar bear territory, this interview offers a rare and authentic glimpse into one of the world’s most extraordinary adventures.MORE: https://churchillwild.com/https://www.wesaidgotravel.com/churchill-wild-2024/https://www.wesaidgotravel.com/polar-bear-safari-churchill-wild-2024/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv_jKkCiDQcQ9eCEyLewMLRRj45jFoNi6https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv_jKkCiDQcRzCsSyzfa6MS69qxHYSN5Thttps://www.wesaidgotravel.com/tell-me-more-about-walking-with-polar-bears/https://pasadenamag.com/feature/luxury-meets-wilderness-on-this-canadian-arctic-safari/

"Ways Through Divorce" with Lisa Niver, hosted by Ilyssa Panitz

EPISODE 7 on TRAVEL and DIVORCE.

Aired Sept 2024

While a divorce may possibly impact your income and daily lifestyle, that doesn't mean you have to give-up going on a vacation with your kids when it's your parenting time.On the next episode of "Ways Thru Divorce" on Your Home TV, we are joined by Travel Journalist & Author Lisa Niver who put together an awesome itinerary that is both fun and affordable.Discover why taking a vacation during or after a divorce is just what the doctor ordered."No one prepares you for a divorce. It's often seen as just a legal process, but it affects every aspect of your life, including those you never considered. In this TV series, host Ilyssa Panitz will guide you through every step and phase of a divorce, ensuring you are prepared, educated, and empowered for the journey."

https://www.yourhometv.com/video/2169Ilyssa PanitzThe "Only" Divorce JournalistHost, "The Divorce Hour with Ilyssa Panitz" on CRN Digital Talk Radio Network - ranked by Feedspot as one of the best Podcasts on divorceHost, "Ways Thru Divorce" On Your Home TV

https://ilyssapanitz.com/

Are you looking to create a life of wonder and excitement? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Lisa Niver on her book Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents, and Feeling Fearless After Fifty.

Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET 1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk Radio Affiliate!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brave-ish-with-lisa-niver/id1263703549 First published Dec 31, 2023

⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdtuTS3YNfg⁠

Lisa Niver is an award-winning travel expert who has explored 102 countries on six continents. This University of Pennsylvania graduate sailed across the seas for seven years with Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Renaissance Cruises and spent three years backpacking across Asia. Discover her articles in publications from AARP: The Magazine and AAA Explorer to WIRED and Wharton Magazine, as well as her site WeSaidGoTravel. https://lisaniver.comFor more show information visit: www.MariannePestana.com#bookclub #readinglist #books #bookish #author #authorinterview #KMET1490AM #radioshow #booklover #mustread #readinghttps://www.wesaidgotravel.com/braveish-connections/

Thank you to the CHUM Scuba Club of Houston for inviting me to speak about my memoir, BRAVE-ish, and my adventures above and underwater!

https://www.chumclub.org/forums/threads/3rd-thursday-w-chum-september-18th-dare-to-explore.11265/Details:Topic: CHUM 3rd THURSDAY – LISA NIVERTime: Sep 18, 2025 07:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)https://lisaniver.com/event/dare-to-explore-with-chum-scuba/Lisa Niver is a Telly Award–winning travel journalist, TV host, and author of the memoir Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents, and Feeling Fearless After Fifty. After learning to scuba dive in Monterey Bay, she launched a lifelong passion that led her to work with Club Med in Colorado, the Bahamas, Sonora Bay, and Turks & Caicos, and to dive in destinations from Cozumel and Bonaire to Sipadan, Vanuatu, Cuba’s Gardens of the Queen, and beyond. She has explored over 100 countries on all seven continents and is a featured PADI speaker at the Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, and New York City Travel & Adventure Shows.

I spoke with Nikki Noya on The Jet Set TV about my incredible stay at Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort in Riviera Nayarit. From Sky Bar cabanas and whale watching to sunset hula hooping, birthday celebrations, and unforgettable dining, this adults-only, all-inclusive escape—part of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection—truly exceeded every expectation. 🌴✨

https://www.wesaidgotravel.com/secrets-bahia-mita/

In my interview on The Jet Set TV, I shared why Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort in Riviera Nayarit was such an unforgettable experience. This adults-only, all-inclusive property—part of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection—offered the perfect mix of relaxation, celebration, and adventure. My suite was extraordinary, with over 1,000 square feet of space, a plunge pool, wraparound balcony, and sweeping ocean views. One of my favorite memories was hula hooping at sunset during our private mixology class on the balcony.

Celebrating Heather’s birthday at the resort was pure joy. From songs and shots at breakfast to a surprise cake at dinner, the staff turned every moment into a celebration. Our Sky Bar cabana days were equally special: drinks delivered poolside, surprise Oreo ice cream sandwiches, whale watching from our loungers, and even a sunglass concierge to keep everything crystal clear. Team members like Regina, Angelo, Efrain, and Julio went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and cared for.

And then there was the food—fresh lunches at Olio and Sky Bar, perfect steaks at Bluewater Grill, Mediterranean flavors at Mezze, and plenty of birthday cheer everywhere we dined. Evenings brought karaoke at Koi Bar, fireworks from nearby celebrations, and whale and dolphin sightings along the coast. Secrets Bahia Mita isn’t just a resort—it’s a place where every detail adds up to a joyful, luxurious escape that I’ll never forget.

https://www.hyattinclusivecollection.com/en/resorts-hotels/secrets/mexico/bahia-mita-surf-spa-resort

More of my videos from SECRETS: https://studio.youtube.com/playlist/PLv_jKkCiDQcSSKOMIJwWpkJKsxI-9MYyi/videos?o=U