Beyond the Handbooks
Welcome to Beyond the Handbooks — practical insight from the minds behind the manuals.
This is the podcast for travel advisors who want to think deeper, sell smarter, and build stronger businesses — beyond what fits on the page.
Hosted by the authors of the best-selling Travel Advisor Handbooks series - CLIA Hall of Famers Michael Akana and Christopher Grum, Elite Cruise Counsellor Scott McAlister, and Accredited Cruise Counsellor Danielle Gonyea.
Each episode, we take the concepts you know, the challenges you face, and the questions you don’t always get clear answers to — and talk through what actually works in the real world.
Because our handbooks are just the beginning.
Let’s go beyond.
Episodes
18 episodes
2026 Seminar at Sea - A Look Back
What did you miss if you skipped our 2026 Seminar at Sea? Michael, Chris,
Setting Boundaries
Work time vs. personal time. Emergency vs. non-emergency. Michael, Chris, and
On Sale Today: The Travel Advisor's Cruise Line Handbook
Our newest work is now available! Michael, Chris, and
Why Should I Book with You - Our Answers
Every travel advisor has been asked this question: "Why should I book with you?" Michael, Chris, and <...
When World Events Cause Customer Concern
The war with Iran is just the latest in a series of events around that world that cause worry for travelers. Michael,
Working with Difficult Clients
Every travel advisor has experienced a difficult client. But WHY are they being difficult? Is it a legitimate concern, or are they just hard to work with? Michael,
Don't Upsell (and Here's Why)
Every sales course will tell you to always upsell. Michael, Chris, and
A Deep Dive into Our Second Book - The Travel Advisor's Cruise Handbook
Michael, Chris, and Scott break down w...
A Deep Dive Into Our First Book: The Travel Advisor's Handbook
For those who may not have read it or are unfamiliar, Michael, Chris, and
Getting to Know Us: Meet Chris Grum, ECC
In our second "get to know our team" episode, Michael and Scott interview their co-author
Is Your Voicemail Helping or Hurting Your Business?
When customers or suppliers call and miss you, what are they hearing and how does that message (or lack of message) affect what they think of your business? Michael,