Episodes

Saturday Oct 26, 2024
Dia de los Muertos Santa Fe - Raymond Sandoval
Saturday Oct 26, 2024
Saturday Oct 26, 2024
Ready to dive into the world of Día de los Muertos? Join me on this episode of Event Explorer as we explore Santa Fe’s rapidly growing Día de los Muertos celebration with Ray Sandoval, the visionary behind this beautiful event. 🎶✨
Discover why Santa Fe, known for its rich history of festivals like the 100-year-old Zozobra, is becoming a must-see destination for honoring the dead. From vibrant ofrendas to glow-in-the-dark parades, this celebration has its unique flair you don’t want to miss!
#DiaDeLosMuertos #SantaFe #EventExplorer #Podcast #CelebrateLife #Festival

Friday Oct 11, 2024
Burning Man - Rachel Bowditch, Whitney Hancock, Chris Furste
Friday Oct 11, 2024
Friday Oct 11, 2024
In this special episode of Event Explorer, host Daniel Roth delves into the enigmatic world of Burning Man—a festival that transcends definition and challenges the norms of art and community. Joined by author and historian Rachel Bowditch, Daniel explores the rich history and cultural impact of this extraordinary event.
We also hear firsthand experiences from two first-time Burners:
Whitney Hancock of Move True Dance shares her journey of self-expression and the transformative power of dance on the playa.
Chris Fürste of @amansmemories recounts his adventures as a content creator, capturing the essence of Burning Man through his lens.
Together, they discuss the event's unique gifting economy, the sense of community, and the personal growth that emerges from participating in such a groundbreaking festival.
Join us as we unravel the magic of Burning Man and discover how it continues to inspire creativity and redefine cultural boundaries.
Subscribe to Event Explorer for more insights into events that shape our world.

Thursday Sep 26, 2024
Big Texas Comicon - John Hernandez
Thursday Sep 26, 2024
Thursday Sep 26, 2024
In this episode of Event Explorer, we dive into the world of comic cons with John Hernandez, President of Big Texas Comic Con.
John shares the story behind the rapid growth of this San Antonio pop culture staple, from securing major celebrity guests like Jon Bernthal and Charlie Cox to creating a must-attend event for fans of all ages.
We also explore how Big Texas Comic Con connects with the local community and supports charities, making a lasting impact beyond the convention floor.
Whether you’re a comic con veteran or new to the scene, this episode offers a fascinating look at what it takes to run a successful, fan-centered event.
Tune in for insights, fun stories, and what to expect from this year’s show.

Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
Great American Beer Festival - Ann Obenchain
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
In this episode of Event Explorer, we dive into the world of beer festivals and the incredible role they play in the craft beer industry. We focus on the iconic Great American Beer Festival (GABF), the largest beer festival in the U.S. and a key event for both brewers and beer enthusiasts. Join us as we chat with Ann Obenchain, Vice President of Marketing & Communications for the Brewers Association, about the evolution of GABF, what it takes to organize such a massive event, and how festivals like this shape the future of craft brewing. Whether you're a seasoned beer lover or curious about the craft beer scene, this episode is for you! Cheers!

Monday Aug 26, 2024
Yellowstone Songwriter Festival - Mike Booth
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Monday Aug 26, 2024
In this episode of Event Explorer, I sit down with Mike Booth, the executive director of the Rocky Mountain Songwriter Festivals. Since 2016, Mike has been at the forefront of creating three unique festivals that celebrate the art of songwriting while making a significant impact on local communities and music education.
We dive into the origins of these festivals, the importance of storytelling in songwriting, and the delicate balance of growing an event while maintaining its intimate feel. Mike also shares insights into the logistical challenges of running festivals across multiple venues, the role of digital marketing in attracting audiences, and the importance of supporting the next generation of musicians through education and mental wellness initiatives.
Whether you’re an event professional, a music enthusiast, or someone interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of festivals, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on how to create events that resonate deeply with both artists and audiences.
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and follow us on social media for more great content!

Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
San Diego Food + Wine Festival - Michelle Metter
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Join us for an enriching episode of Event Explorer as we dive into the world of culinary excellence with Michelle Metter, the visionary founder of Fast Forward Events and the driving force behind the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival. Michelle shares her inspiring journey from her early days in event production to creating one of the most celebrated culinary festivals in the country.
In this episode, we explore how Michelle has advanced the traditional festival format through innovative educational components and cultural collaborations. Discover the significant impact that food and wine festivals can have on the industry, local economies, and the culinary identity of a region. Michelle's festival is a prime example of how these events can go beyond indulgence to promote learning, sustainability, and cultural appreciation.
Highlights include:
Michelle's journey into the events industry and the founding of Fast Forward Events
The evolution and unique aspects of the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival
Educational partnerships with the James Beard Foundation and Food Tank
The festival's multicultural programming and collaboration with the Baja Board of Tourism and the Consulate of Mexico
Inspiring stories of chefs, winemakers, and small producers who have been transformed by the festival
Tune in to hear Michelle's passion for creating unforgettable experiences and her vision for the future of food and wine festivals. Whether you're a foodie, wine enthusiast, or event professional, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

Sunday Jul 07, 2024
The Fair - Nick Morgan
Sunday Jul 07, 2024
Sunday Jul 07, 2024
Dive into the heart of the UK festival scene with Nick Morgan on Event Explorer! 🚀 Join us for a riveting conversation with the man reshaping how we party and celebrate across the UK. 🇬🇧
Nick isn’t just a CEO; he's a pioneer steering the future of festivals with his roles at We Are Placemaking and The Fair. From the thumping grounds of Glastonbury to your local town fest, discover the trends, challenges, and innovations making waves in the festival world. 🎶
Don't miss this exclusive insight into the vibrant world of UK festivals. Tap the link to tune in and turn up your festival know-how! 🎧👇
#EventExplorer #UKFestivals #NickMorgan #FestivalCulture #PartyWithPurpose

Tuesday Jun 11, 2024
Bass Camp with Paul Reder and Nick Rodgers
Tuesday Jun 11, 2024
Tuesday Jun 11, 2024
Join us on Event Explorer as we chat with Paul Reder and Nick Rogers, the founders of Bass Camp. Learn how they turned their passion for electronic music into one of Reno's standout festivals. Discover the challenges, highlights, and what's next for Bass Camp, including exciting plans for future events. Whether you're a festival enthusiast or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of event creation, this episode offers a look at what makes Bass Camp a must-visit festival set in the stunning landscape of the Lake Tahoe region. Tune in for insights, stories, and a peek at what makes Bass Camp truly special.

Tuesday May 28, 2024
National Cherry Festival with Kat Paye
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Tuesday May 28, 2024
🎉 Dive into the vibrant world of Traverse City at the National Cherry Festival with Kat Paye! 🍒
On this episode of Event Explorer, host Daniel Roth chats with Kat about how this jubilant tradition celebrates the spirit and heritage of the community. From June 29th through July 6th, 2024, Traverse City transforms into a hub of excitement, and we're giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this festival a can't-miss event.
Tune in to discover how the National Cherry Festival continues to captivate and charm with its rich festivities. 🌟 Subscribe and join us to explore how festivals like this reflect the heart of their communities.
#EventExplorer #CherryFestival #TravelPodcast #TraverseCity #Festivals #Events #EventManagement #NationalCherryFestival

Tuesday May 14, 2024
The Chicago Humanities Festival with Phillip Bahar
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Join us on this episode as we sit down with Phillip Bahar, the visionary Executive Director of the Chicago Humanities Festival. We'll dive into Phillip's inspiring journey through the arts and humanities, exploring how his leadership has expanded and enriched one of Chicago's most significant cultural events. Discover the behind-the-scenes magic of the festival, from hosting renowned figures to innovating community engagement across the city's diverse neighborhoods. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with insights into the power of culture, community, and creativity! 🎭📚🎨 #Podcast #ChicagoHumanitiesFestival #ArtsAndHumanity #Events #Festivals #EventManagement

Our Host
Meet Daniel Roth, your friendly guide and interviewer on the "Event Explorer" podcast.
With over two decades of production experience, Daniel has been behind the scenes of major festivals and events across. A seasoned globetrotter and published author, Daniel shares his relatable experiences, and his love for culture, music, food, and travel adds a genuine touch to each episode
Join him as he chats with guests, drawing out great stories from a diverse roster of colleagues, and discovering the heart and soul behind the world's most captivating events and festivals.