In this heartfelt episode of The RISE Traveler, host Amy Hager speaks with writer and academic Michael Luongo again to explore the moving true story behind his New York Times Modern Love essay.

Michael opens up about his late husband, Wing-Ho “Harry” Chow, an undocumented and closeted gay man who lived with him in New York for over two decades. When Harry was diagnosed with late-stage cancer, their decision to marry became an act of both love and necessity — allowing Michael to care for him, navigate hospital bureaucracy, and preserve his dignity in his final days.

Together, Amy and Michael reflect on grief, compassion, and the human realities behind immigration and identity. Their conversation is a powerful reminder that storytelling can break down prejudice and help us see one another with empathy.

Through this intimate dialogue, The RISE Traveler continues its mission to promote conscious, inclusive travel — and a more just world for all.

The New York Times: Modern Love

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/06/style/modern-love-carrying-my-new-husband-across-the-threshold.html

Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

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In this powerful conversation, Amy Hager sits down with journalist and academic Michael Luongo to explore how tourism can become a tool for recovery, peace, and rebuilding after war and conflict. From Ground Zero to Gaza, Iraq, Rwanda, and Ukraine, Michael shares firsthand stories of resilience, research, and the human capacity to heal through travel.

If you care about ethical travel, social justice, and the transformative power of tourism, this episode will challenge and inspire you. It’s a deep dive into how the travel industry can help rebuild—not exploit—communities emerging from conflict.

https://institutetourism.com/recovering-tourism-after-war/

Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

In this episode of The RISE Traveler, we sit down with Montreal-based entrepreneur Laëtitia Damonsing to explore how her global experiences shaped her identity, worldview, and business. From volunteering in Brazilian communities during the World Cup to working in international diplomacy in Paris and Australia, Laëtitia shares how travel transformed her perspective on privilege, resilience, and representation as a woman of color.

Her journey led her to launch DoDo Bazaar, a circular fashion brand redefining waste and sustainability. We also dive into her reflections on immigration, diversity in study abroad, and the urgent need for human-centered policies in today’s divided world.

This is a conversation about courage, creativity, and carving new paths—proof that travel can spark both personal transformation and social change.

https://www.instagram.com/dodobazaar/?hl=en

Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute