The Guru Learns

In this episode, I had an engaging conversation with Steve Shulman, president of Shulman Company Incorporated, for an in-depth discussion on scrap processing and recycling in the United States.

We talked about the real state of the scrap business today — from regulatory challenges to the critical role recyclers play in conserving and reusing our nation’s resources. It’s an industry that does essential work every day, yet rarely gets the credit it deserves.

As the logo says, “Because even the guru can learn a thing or two” — and this was definitely one of those conversation...

Tom Drake, “The Guru of Seas,” sits down with author Len Carmada to explore what it really takes to write a book. After retiring from a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry—and after completing several short stories—Len decided to take on his next big challenge: writing a novel.

What began as a single goal quickly turned into a remarkable achievement. Len didn’t just complete one novel—he finished three, with more possibly on the way.

This podcast is an honest, insightful conversation between someone who has always wanted to write a novel and someone...

In this episode, Tom Drake of The Guru of the Seas sits down for a memorable conversation with Verne Lundquist, the legendary CBS Sports Hall of Fame broadcaster.

Throughout the discussion, Tom and Verne reflect on some of his most iconic moments in sports broadcasting history, including Tiger Woods’ unforgettable chip-in at the 16th hole at the Masters, Auburn’s “answered prayer,” Jack Nicklaus’ classic “Yes sir,” and many more legendary calls.

They also revisit Verne’s coverage of the U.S. Olympics during the Tonya Harding–Nancy Kerrigan controversy—an event that remains one of the most-watched...

The Guru dives headfirst into the worlds of magic, séances, and the paranormal with legendary comedy magician John Ferrentino. With a career that includes ten years opening for Crosby, Stills & Nash, over 55 television appearances, and headline performances at every major comedy club and on cruise ships around the globe, John has seen it all. A captivating storyteller with razor-sharp wit, he delivers a wildly entertaining conversation on the timeless allure of magic and the explosive resurgence of interest in paranormal phenomena. This is a fun, fascinating, and eye-opening episode you won’t want to miss.

Join Tom Drake for a lively and insightful conversation with John Dull, the former Executive Vice President of Sales at Kravet Inc. In this fun and info-packed episode, John pulls back the curtain on the fascinating world of high-end fabrics — from the surprisingly strict maritime fire-safety regulations that govern fabrics on cruise ships, to the exciting new brands that have recently joined the Kravet family. Whether you’re a design junkie, in the hospitality industry, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is for you!

Tom Drake, host of The Daily Cruise & Travel News Podcast, reconnects with his friend of 30 years, BJ Odom, for a wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation.

In this candid chat, BJ shares his remarkable journey through two life-saving organ transplants, the challenges of living with a heart that doctors once warned had a limited lifespan, and the new chapter he’s carved out as both a podcaster and an author.

It’s honest, humorous, inspiring—and full of the kind of storytelling only old friends can deliver.

An entertaining and informative episode you won’t w...

In this episode, the Guru of the Seas, Tom Drake, sits down with Marnie Whipple, Regional Sales Director for Crystal Cruises, to explore her fascinating career journey.

It began sailing the Inside Passage of Alaska and has evolved into a remarkable path, where Marnie now leads sales training and supports travel advisors across the western United States — all on behalf of one of the world's most prestigious luxury cruise lines.

Sandals tells travel agents to sell Jamaica. It will soon be better than it was!

 UN panel of experts claims that sanctions and bombs have not stopped the Houthis!

FAA says air traffic controllers are tired and flights have to be reduced!

The Guru's visit to Cruise World was a success!

The Guru learns with Ryan Joseph, a Doctor of Music at Belmont University, who has spent the last 14 years touring with country superstar Alan Jackson. 

In this episode, you'll hear some backstage stories about life in Music City USA.

About his move from McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to Nashville, Tennessee, and his amazing career!!

From building furniture in Dublin to starring in Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and many more West End productions, David Shannon's story is fascinating. 

He sits down with the Guru in between cocktails in Horizons so the Guru can learn what really happens backstage in the theater world.

Here are some of the topics we covered in this podcast.

How has cruising changed since you began 38 years ago?

What does a Cruise Director need to do to be successful?

How difficult was it to get hired in the cruising industry years ago?

Today’s podcast takeaway: thread count doesn’t determine sheet quality if you are buying flannel— weight does.

Choose durable sheets that maintain their feel and structure beyond a few washes instead of focusing on high thread counts.

Listen to this podcast to learn how to choose the right sheets for you!