In this episode of Tickets to Travel, Mario is joined by Ian Chen, CEO & co-founder of Discotech, the platform that lets users “save money, party smarter.” Ian shares the story behind Discotech’s rise from a frustrating Vegas club experience to becoming a powerhouse for nightlife, festivals, and travel experiences—now with over 1.9 million app downloads.

They explore how Discotech has evolved from VIP table bookings to a full-service nightlife and festival marketplace, including affiliate travel deals, guest lists, and even $50,000 tables. Ian also reveals trends shaping nightlife today—from Gen Z’s shifting habits to the lasting impact of pandemic-era “revenge partying”—and explains how data, affiliate partnerships, and tech are driving their growth into music festivals, travel, and potentially even sports.

If you’re in nightlife, events, or travel—or just love a great entrepreneurial story—this episode is packed with insight.

Download the Discotech app to save money and discover nightlife and festival experiences:
https://www.discotech.me

Subscribe to Tickets to Travel at www.tttpod.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode 44 – Travel Media Reinvented: Inside Lost In Travel’s Strategy with Jon Skogmo

What happens when the mind behind viral sensations like Pizza Rat and FailArmy turns his attention to travel media? In this episode, we sit down with Jon Skogmo, founder of Lost In Travel and former CEO of viral media powerhouse Jukin Media, to explore how he’s shaking up the travel publishing world.

Jon shares his journey from clearing VHS tapes for clip shows to building a 300-person media empire—and why he’s now focused on reinventing travel content for a digital-first, community-driven audience. We dig into how Lost In Travelgoes beyond tourist traps, highlighting hidden gems, subcultures, and local creators to inspire today’s “premium economy traveler.”

We also get candid about the challenges of influencer culture, the future of SEO in travel, and why legacy travel publishers are missing the mark. Plus, Jon opens up about Lost In Travel’s multi-platform approach—from physical guidebooks and live events to neighborhood-focused editions and global collaborations.

If you care about where travel media is headed—or how to build an authentic, loyal audience in a crowded space—this is a must-listen conversation.

In this episode:

• The surprising link between viral videos and travel

• Why authenticity beats clickbait in today’s travel media

• The evolution of Lost In Travel and its unique editorial strategy

• How they’re building real-world travel communities through books and events

• Jon’s take on the future of digital content, influencers, and travel demand

Follow Lost In Travel, Travelgram, and View From My Window to see more from Jon’s team.

https://lostin.com/

Subscribe to Tickets to Travel: The Business of Travel Experiences at www.tttpod.com and follow @Tix2TravelPod on social media.

Booked & Busy Abroad: SuaveSki’s Blueprint for Going Global

What happens when your biggest fans aren’t in your backyard, but across the ocean?

In this episode of Tickets to Travel: The Business of Travel Experiences, we sit down with SuaveSki — a rising independent hip-hop artist and touring entrepreneur — who’s turned his U.S.-based hustle into an international movement. From Romania to Rome, and Zurich to South by Southwest, SuaveSki shares how he built a loyal fanbase abroad, booked venues without a major label, and financed it all while mentoring the next generation of creatives.

We talk strategy, mistakes, merch, booking hacks, sponsorships, and why international fans sometimes show more love than local ones. If you’re an artist, agent, venue operator, or anyone trying to crack the code on global fan engagement — this is the blueprint.

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For more, visit www.tttpod.com
Follow SuaveSki at @suaveskimusic and @suavemob

www.suaveski.com