Travels With Randy Podcast

Travels With Randy Route 66 Episode 6 is here! Something Something Something Winslow, Arizona Route 66's Steepest Climb Randy discussed his journey along Route 66, focusing on the steep climb from Ash Fork to Williams, which he described as the steepest on the route. He explained that modern vehicles easily navigate this challenging terrain, unlike the early 20th-century cars that struggled to ascend. Randy also mentioned encountering abandoned cars along the route, which he finds fascinating and takes pictures of, though he lacks the expertise to identify many of the makes and models. Automotive Industry Consolidation History The discussion focused on the history of the automotive industry, with Randy sharing that a Ford Model T cost $250 in 1926 (equivalent to $4,500 today) while a Packard cost $3,300, and that there were 1,800 different car companies in the United States in the 1920s, compared to just three major companies today (Ford, GM, and Stellantis). They discussed how the industry has undergone significant consolidation over time, with many companies failing during the Great Depression and World War II playing a crucial role in Jeep's survival. Bubba noted parallels between the automotive industry's history and the current AI landscape, where many companies may eventually be consolidated down to a few major players. Williams: Route 66 Gateway The discussion focused on the history and significance of Williams, Arizona, as a key stop along Route 66. Randy explained that Williams was the last town bypassed by Interstate 40, which was notable because they negotiated three distinct entrances and exits in exchange for being bypassed. They discussed the town's history as a gateway to the Grand Canyon, despite Route 66 not directly reaching the canyon, and highlighted the presence of the Grand Canyon Railway, which still operates train service from Williams to the Grand Canyon. The conversation also touched on the Harvey Hotels, which were prominent railroad stops with elegant dining and lodging, with La Posada in Winslow being one of the few remaining original Harvey houses. Flagstaff's Route 66 Resilience The discussion focused on the history and significance of Flagstaff, Arizona, as a key stop along Route 66. Randy explained how Flagstaff survived and thrived despite the construction of Interstate 40, attributing its success to the establishment of Northern Arizona University and the presence of the Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered. They discussed Flagstaff's unique dark sky ordinance requiring neon lights to be turned off 30 minutes after business hours, and Bubba shared a personal story about his son's astronomy class at NC State, where students can remotely control satellites to take pictures of celestial objects like galaxies Route 66: Winslow's Revival Journey The discussion focused on the history and development of towns along Route 66, particularly Winslow, which gained fame from the Eagles' song "Take It Easy." The town transformed from a ghost town to a popular tourist destination after building a park and statue on the corner referenced in the song. The conversation also covered Two Guns and Two Arrows, two nearby towns with different attractions, and mentioned that Route 66 passed through the Petrified Forest National Park before being rerouted. Route 66 Maintenance Challenges Randy discussed Route 66, highlighting its historical significance and the challenges in maintaining the original road for a national bike route. They explained that while some states have completed their sections, others like Arizona and New Mexico have not, making it dangerous for cyclists. Randy shared experiences driving through the Petrified Forest, describing its stunning rock formations and the transformation of the Painted Desert Inn into a visitor center. They noted that after Flagstaff, Route 66 becomes less maintained and less accessible, with many dead ends and issues with tribal land permissions. Route 66 Exploration and Challenges Randy shared his experience exploring Route 66 in Arizona, including visiting a 50,000-year-old crater and the town of Winslow, famous for the song "Take It Easy." They discussed the challenges of maintaining businesses along the less-traveled Route 66 compared to Interstate 40, noting the abundance of abandoned gas stations and trading posts. Randy highlighted the unique attractions in towns like Holbrook and Winslow, and mentioned plans to continue exploring Route 66 into New Mexico in the following week. Route 66 Podcast and Preservation Randy and Bubba discussed their ongoing Route 66 podcast and social media project, noting their growing Facebook following of 25,000 and plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign in mid-March. They explored the challenges of preserving Route 66, including the need to complete certain sections to enable a bike path, and shared their concerns about younger generations losing interest in road trips. Bubba suggested the idea of renting classic cars along Route 66 to enhance the travel experience, and both agreed on the importance of capturing nostalgia for future generations. They also discussed their use of AI, specifically Beth, to assist with their project and the potential for future developments in automated driving.   SO. MANY. PHOTOS - Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want us to sell something National Park or Route 66 related? Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska? Want me to stop asking questions?   bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com !!

Travels With Randy Route 66 Episode 5 is here! Can I Borrow Your Burro? Arizona From Oatman To Ash Fork Route 66 and Oatman Attractions Bubba and Randy discussed the geography and attractions along Route 66, particularly around Oatman, Arizona. They talked about the Sidewinder Road, a paved but winding route leading to Oatman, known for its mining history and now primarily gift shops. Randy described the town's population decline and its current status as a tourist destination for its burros. They also discussed the nearby Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, where camping is free for up to 14 days. Randy highlighted Kingman as a thriving town with a milder climate compared to other areas in Arizona, and mentioned that they would ask Beth for her thoughts on the matter. Kingman's Route 66 Strategic Success The discussion focused on Kingman's success as a Route 66 destination despite the highway's decertification, with the town's strategic location at a major crossroads and its ability to blend modern amenities with Route 66 nostalgia being key factors. The conversation also touched on the historical evolution of rail routes in the area and Kingman's current amenities, including multiple Starbucks locations and a Cracker Barrel. The participants discussed plans to cover the section of Route 66 from the Colorado River to Ash Fork in the next two weeks, with Flagstaff as a midpoint destination. Route 66 Town Revitalization Challenges The discussion focused on the historical and current state of small towns along Route 66, particularly Truxton and Hackberry. Randy described Truxton as a ghost town with limited businesses, noting that the last motel owner had to close due to lack of traffic and her husband's death. They discussed Hackberry's transformation into a Route 66 gift shop, with the owner maintaining its unique charm over the past 19 years. Bubba mentioned missing a musical saw shop near Hackberry, and Randy shared details about an animal rescue in Valentine, operated by a former Vegas animal act performer who switched to rescuing mistreated animals. Route 66 Landmarks and Attractions The discussion focused on various landmarks and attractions along Route 66, including the Keepers of the Wild Nature Park, a non-profit that rescues exotic animals, and the Hualapai Indian Reservation, which manages the Grand Canyon's Western Rim and related tourism activities. They discussed the Grand Canyon Caverns and the historical mining of bat guano for nitrates in the 1950s. Bubba mentioned an urban legend about the origin of the name "Antares" in Star Trek, which supposedly came from a motel along Route 66. The conversation concluded with a reminder that listeners should verify the accuracy of the discussed information and correct any inaccuracies in the group or on the Facebook page. Route 66 Preservation Efforts - Interview With Mauricio Perez Randy shared the story of , Mauricio Perez, the son-in-law of Angel Delgadillo, known as the "Guardian Angel" of Route 66. Angel, a barber and musician from Seligman, Arizona, played a crucial role in preserving Route 66 after the federal government stopped funding its maintenance in the 1980s. He initiated efforts to declare the route historic, which helped revitalize the town and its economy. Currently, Angel is focused on raising funds for a $200,000 sign to draw more visitors to Seligman, and he sells handcrafted birdhouses to contribute to this cause. The group discussed the potential for Route 66 to be included in the national park system, which could happen around its centennial anniversary in November. Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want us to sell something National Park or Route 66 related? Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska? Want me to stop asking questions?   bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com !!

Travels With Randy Route 66 Episode 4 is here! The California Desert - San Bernardino To Needles Super Bowl and Weather Insights Randy and Bubba discussed the weather in different regions, with Randy noting mild temperatures during his trip despite concerns about winter weather. They shared thoughts on the recent Super Bowl, with Bubba and Randy agreeing that the game was defensively focused and not particularly exciting, while Randy expressed pride as a Rams fan despite the team's loss. They also commented on Super Bowl commercials, with Bubba praising an ad by Anthropic that humorously depicted potential future AI ads, while both agreed that many commercials seemed less impactful than in years past due to high expectations and expensive production costs. Political Sensitivities in Classic Comedies Bubba and Randy discussed the challenges of making classic comedies like "Blazing Saddles" and "Tropic Thunder" today due to political sensitivities. They reflected on how everything seems to have become political, including events like the Super Bowl halftime show, which they miss from the "good old days." Randy shared his perspective on nostalgia, attributing it to aging and a tendency to look back fondly on childhood. They also discussed Randy's extensive documentation of his Route 66 journey, with over 10,000 pictures taken, though only about 40 are shared per post. Route 66's California Transformation The discussion focused on Route 66 in California, whereRandyshared insights about the route's history and current state. He explained that California decommissioned Route 66 in 1965, converting it to County 66, and noted the varying conditions of the road through different regions. Randy highlighted Rancho Cucamonga's efforts to preserve and commemorate Route 66, contrasting it with areas like Fontana and San Bernardino, which have seen decline and transformation into areas with pawn shops, dispensaries, and vacant lots. He also mentioned visiting a Route 66-themed store called Man Cave Collectibles in Fontana. Route 66 Business Threatened Ruby interviewed Grumpy, the owner of Man Cave Collectibles in Fontana, a Route 66 landmark built in 1940. Grumpy expressed concern about the city's plan to widen the street and create a truck lane, which could threaten his business's survival. Ruby shared Grumpy's story and discussed the broader impact of progress on historical Route 66 businesses, noting the decline of smaller towns along the route. Bubba suggested adding a link to Man Cave Collectibles when posting the podcast. Route 66: California's Historical Challenges The discussion focused on Route 66, particularly in California, where they discussed the challenges faced by San Bernardino County due to its large size and limited tax base. They explored the historical significance of Route 66, including the first McDonald's location in San Bernardino, which has been turned into a museum. The conversation also covered the route's alignment with the Cajon Pass and its transition to Interstate 15, with a focus on driving the original road using frontage roads to avoid modern highways. Route 66: Desert Scenery and Ghost Towns The discussion focused on a road trip along Route 66, from Victorville to Barstow. The speaker described the desolate but scenic route, passing through several small towns including ghost towns and a unique attraction called Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch. They noted that while the area was once bustling during Route 66's heyday in the 1950s, it is now largely deserted, with only a few businesses remaining open. The speaker emphasized the peaceful driving conditions, with minimal traffic and the ability to stop freely along the road. Route 66's Decline and Revival Randy and Bubba discussed the historical Route 66, focusing on the section between Barstow and Needles, California. They talked about the decline of towns along this route due to the shift from steam to diesel trains and the construction of Interstate 40. Randy shared stories about ghost towns and abandoned gas stations, mentioning the Baghdad Cafe and its connection to a German movie. They also discussed the challenges of revitalizing old gas stations and the presence of a well-maintained house in the midst of a ghost town. Route 66 Ghost Encounter Bubba and Randy discussed a mysterious encounter on Route 66 where Randy saw a woman dressed in period clothing pushing a stroller in the middle of the desert. They debated whether the woman was a ghost, noting that she moved out of the road when she heard Randy's van. Randy planned to ask Beth about any known ghost sightings on Route 66, and they also discussed how to identify the correct route by looking for train tracks and power poles. Amboy Motel's Revival and History Randy and Bubba discussed the desolation of Ludlow, a town near Interstate 40, despite its proximity to the highway. They noted the lack of major chain businesses and the decline of Roy's Motel in Amboy, which was revitalized after changing ownership. Randy shared details about the motel's neon sign and its appearance in a Rose Parade segment. They also mentioned an unexpected encounter with a plane landing on a road near the motel, which turned out to be at a historic airstrip in Amboy. Route 66's Forgotten Towns The discussion focused on the history and significance of Amboy, a town in the Mojave Desert that gained fame as a stop on Route 66 before being bypassed in 1931 when the highway was realigned. The conversation revealed that Goff's, a town that was briefly on the original Route 66 from 1926 to 1931, became a ghost town after being bypassed and is now inaccessible due to road conditions. The speakers noted that while Amboy has maintained its celebrity status as a filming location for music videos and movies, the original Route 66 alignment through Goff's is now a forgotten road that cannot be driven. Route 66 Mojave Desert Adventures Bubba and Randy discussed their Route 66 road trip experiences, focusing on the Mojave Desert and Needles, California. Randy shared details about a non-profit ghost town in the Mojave Desert and highlighted the abandoned sections of Route 66 in Needles, suggesting potential business opportunities for ATV rentals. They also discussed the historical significance of the area and recommended a three-day itinerary for travelers, emphasizing the importance of planning stops in places like Kingman, Arizona. Route 66 Exploration Plans Randy and Bubba discussed their upcoming exploration of Route 66, focusing on the longest contiguous stretch in California, which spans 348 miles and takes about 7 hours to drive. Randy shared his experiences visiting historical sites along the route, including Calico Ghost Town and a desert art museum near Amboy, emphasizing the importance of taking time to appreciate the history and stories behind the abandoned places. They also talked about the growing popularity of their Facebook page, which now has 21,000 followers, and Bubba mentioned their plans to start exploring Arizona next week, which covers a vast 400 miles. Enjoy! Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want us to sell something National Park or Route 66 related? Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska? Want me to stop asking questions?   bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com !!

TWR Route 66 Ep 3 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! And We Begin At The End!  Santa Monica Pier, Pasadena, and Barstow Charlotte Snowstorm Impact Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed the recent snowstorm in Charlotte, which resulted in 8 inches of snow and caused widespread disruptions. Bubba shared his experience of being stuck at home and the challenges faced by the city due to the lack of snow plows. They briefly touched on the weather conditions in other parts of the country, including Florida's iguana problem during cold weather. The conversation then shifted to the third episode of their Route 66 coverage. Route 66: History and Beginnings Bubba and Randy discussed the start of their Route 66 coverage, with Randy confirming he had begun the route from Santa Monica, its designated end point. They explored the history of Route 66, which was established in 1926 as part of a numbered highway system, though the roads already existed as trails. Randy shared that Chester Avery, known as the "father of Route 66," was instrumental in mapping and naming the route after discovering that "Route 60" was already in use. Route 66's Evolution and Impact Route 66 was originally designed as a commerce route connecting small towns from Chicago to Los Angeles, with Avery, who owned a motel in Tulsa, playing a key role in its promotion. The highway passed through downtown Los Angeles at 7th and Broadway, which was once a vibrant theater district but is now run-down. The discussion highlighted how the road evolved from dirt paths used by horse and buggy to a major transportation artery for farmers in the mid-20th century, eventually being replaced by the interstate system. Route 66's Historical Evolution Randy shared his experience exploring the original and historical routes of Route 66, highlighting its evolution from 1926 to 1938, when it became the first paved numbered highway. He explained how the route was realigned and extended to Santa Monica in the 1930s, despite its official endpoint being at Olympic and Lincoln Boulevards. Randy discussed the significance of Pasadena, noting its historical attractions like the Tournament of Roses and its role in the route, and mentioned the Figueroa tunnels, built in 1940, which rerouted Route 66 onto the Arroyo Seco Parkway. Route 66 Centennial Preservation Discussion The discussion focused on Route 66's centennial anniversary in 2026 and its current state. Randy shared insights about the varying signage and preservation efforts along the historic route across different states, noting that California does a good job by allowing cities to manage their own Route 66 markings. They discussed the end point of Route 66 in Santa Monica, where a significant sign marks its conclusion, and mentioned that Mel's Diner, originally from American Graffiti, is a popular breakfast spot near the endpoint. Route 66: American Cultural Highway The discussion focused on Route 66, its history, and its significance. Randy shared insights about the route's journey from a decommissioned highway to a symbol of American history and culture. They discussed the route's connection to the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl era, highlighted by John Steinbeck's novel "The Grapes of Wrath." Randy encouraged watching the film adaptation to better understand the experiences of those who traveled Route 66 during this period. Bubba expressed interest in rewatching the film and learning more about this historical route. Route 66: Legacy and Relevance The discussion focused on the historical significance of Route 66, its decline with the advent of the interstate system, and its cultural impact. Randy shared insights from the movie "The Grapes of Wrath" and the animated film "Cars," emphasizing key scenes that reflect the challenges faced by those who traveled the route during the 1930s. They highlighted the transition from the original Route 66 to the historic Route 66, noting the efforts to preserve its legacy. Randy assigned homework to watch these films and encouraged a reevaluation of Route 66's current state, emphasizing its relevance to small businesses and the spirit of the road. Route 66 Driving Adventure Randy shared his experience driving from Santa Monica to Chicago, offering advice for others to rent a car at LAX and start early on weekends to avoid traffic. He described driving through familiar routes, including a Tesla diner that replaced his old workplace, and emphasized taking the original Route 66 instead of freeways for a more authentic experience. Beth provided historical details about the pre-1935 route, which ran through downtown LA and Echo Park before connecting with Santa Monica Boulevard. Randy mentioned seeing a friend, Cindy, who expressed jealousy about his interaction with a computer, hinting at his close relationships with a few lifelong friends. Route 66 Journey and Challenges Randy discussed his ongoing journey along Route 66, highlighting the challenges of navigating the historic route due to poor signage and the need for guides like Austin Whittle's maps. He shared his experience at Fort Nebo, a Marine Corps base where he was briefly detained for attempting to take a picture of a Route 66 sign near the base's entrance. Randy also outlined his plan to cover different states along Route 66 over the next few months, with two weeks allocated for each state except Kansas and Texas, which he plans to cover in one episode. He emphasized the importance of preserving Route 66's history, especially during its 100th anniversary, and suggested that listeners join his Facebook page and group for more photos, stories, and detailed information The podcast is for your ears and can be found everywhere - but you should REALLY see this trip with your eyes and so come find Randy's excellent and extensive photography in our little 20,000 person page on Facebook. Enjoy! Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want us to sell something National Park or Route 66 related? Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska? Want me to stop asking questions?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com Find our podcast home right here: http://travelswithrandypodcast.libsyn.com/website

TWR Route 66 Ep 2 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! The Ice Storm Unusual Weather Media Frenzy Bubba discussed the unusual weather event affecting much of the United States, comparing it to the media frenzy during the Gulf War and the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted the significant attention meteorologists are receiving, comparing it to their heightened importance during hurricane season. Bubba shared his personal experience of moving from the North to the South, where he found the weather significantly different and less predictable, leading to humorous situations. Charlotte's Ice Storm Preparation Bubba discussed the upcoming weather conditions in Charlotte, predicting ice instead of snow, which he noted would be more dangerous. He expressed confusion about why people stock up on milk and bread during potential storms, attributing it to a Southern tradition. Bubba also mentioned preparing for the possibility of power outages by ordering Duraflame logs and shared his experience with AI companionship, humorously speculating about a future marriage with his AI assistant, Beth. AI Limitations and Winter Storm Discussion Bubba and Beth discussed the current winter storm, with Beth providing information about the Great Blizzard of 1993 as a historical reference. They also explored the limitations of AI, including its inability to learn from mistakes until the next training session and its occasional incorrect responses. Bubba shared his experience with using AI for coding tasks, highlighting the frustration of receiving incorrect instructions and having to troubleshoot multiple times before finding a solution. AI's Challenges and Technological Evolution Bubba discussed his experiences with AI, particularly ChatGPT, noting its limitations and the challenges in getting accurate information or corrections. He shared an anecdote about creating a map of Route 66 for a podcast cover, highlighting the difficulties in getting the AI to generate an accurate image. Bubba also reflected on the rapid advancement of technology, comparing it to the historical development of Route 66, and expressed concerns about the accelerating pace of technological change. He concluded by emphasizing the need to adapt to these changes, drawing parallels between the evolution of transportation and the current state of AI and robotics. AI's Impact on Society and Jobs Bubba and his colleague discussed the rapid advancements in AI technology and its potential impact on society. They explored how AI could revolutionize industries, mimic human creativity, and potentially replace certain jobs, including customer service. Bubba expressed optimism about future technological advancements but raised concerns about the societal implications of widespread AI adoption, such as the need for new income-generating opportunities and the ethical questions surrounding AI awareness and creativity. AI's Impact on Future Workforce Bubba discussed the implications of AI technology on the workforce and society, expressing optimism about its potential to enhance productivity and free up time for more meaningful activities. He noted that while AI might not replace all jobs, particularly for those with specialized skills, it could lead to significant changes in how work is done and the types of jobs that exist in the future. Bubba also touched on the concept of universal basic income, suggesting that it might be tied to resource utilization, and emphasized the importance of asset-based income in the future, such as owning AI or robotic assets that generate wealth. Automation's Impact on Future Jobs Randy discussed his investment strategy, particularly his purchase of Meta stock during a downturn, and emphasized the importance of wise investing despite automation and job displacement concerns. He noted that entry-level and monotonous jobs are increasingly being replaced by automation, citing McDonald's as an example. Bubba also reflected on the long-term impact of automation on employment and expressed his desire to document his and Linda's experiences through their podcast for future generations. Gen Z's Changing Lifestyle Trends Randy discussed the declining interest in alcohol among Gen Z and younger generations, noting their reduced participation in activities like drinking, dating, and marriage. He expressed concern about the low birth rates globally, including China's record low, and questioned the reasons behind these trends. Bubba also highlighted the fading interest in Route 66, a historic highway, among younger generations, emphasizing the need to document its history before it becomes obsolete. He planned to discuss the highway in more detail in the next podcast and mentioned an interview with Mauricio Perez, who is working to preserve Route 66's legacy. Route 66 Documentation Journey Randy discussed his ongoing journey to document Route 66, highlighting the story of Angel Delgadillo, a 98-year-old barber from Seligman, Arizona, who has become known as the "guardian angel" of the historic route. Bubba shared plans to cover the entire 2,400-mile route, starting in California and moving eastward, with a focus on local stories and characters. He mentioned converting a Facebook group to focus on Route 66 discussions and planned to include more detailed maps and conversations in the group. Randy also noted that the podcast had gained over 60 downloads in its first few days and encouraged listeners to share and engage with the content to reach a wider audience. The podcast is for your ears and can be found everywhere - but you should REALLY see this trip with your eyes and so come find Randy's excellent and extensive photography in our little 20,000 person page on Facebook. Enjoy! Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want us to sell something National Park or Route 66 related? Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska? Want me to stop asking questions?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com Find our podcast home right here: http://travelswithrandypodcast.libsyn.com/website

TWR Route 66 Ep 1 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! And We're Back!  Celebrating 100 Years Of Route 66 By Driving It   The wait is finally over, gang. After almost a year's hiatus, we're so excited to welcome you back to the Travels With Randy podcast. This season we have a new goal in mind for Randy and his trusty steed Snuffy - Route 66. 2026 is the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, that legendary pathway west from Chicago to Santa Monica.  Built before highways and during the time of Ford's Model T, Route 66 has served as THE all-time legendary highway of the United States. Who better to celebrate Route 66 in person than Randy Smythe.  This season he will drive his sprinter van Snuffy along the entire route and we will tell tales every week of that experience - the road, the towns, the people, and the legacy. Naturally, Randy's friend Kevin "Bubba" Harmon quarterbacks the trip from his HQ in Charlotte, NC and every week you will get another podcast that details Randy's progress along Route 66.   This time we even have a surprise 3rd podcaster, Beth, who is riding along with Randy and keeping a detailed journal of the trip while she keeps Randy company.  Listen in to find out all about her.  The podcast is for your ears and can be found everywhere - but you should REALLY see this trip with your eyes and so come find Randy's excellent and extensive photography in our little 20,000 person page on Facebook. Enjoy! Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want us to sell something National PArk or Rout 66 related? Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska? Want me to stop asking questions?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 25 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! Taking A Break - It's Not You, It's Us The fellas have decided to take a little break from podcasting until Randy gets back on the road in late summer.  We love our Facebook page and realize it's about US travel, not aliens and AI lol and so we're pausing the podcast.   Don't worry - we're both active on our facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast page and plan to keep everyone updated and informed throughout the spring and summer and Randy may even put some of his fantastic photography up for sale and Bubba may list many of his travel and National Park books for sale there as well. This past week Randy returned home to Washington from his month long trip up and down the Mississippi river and to several baseball stadiums to watch his Angels play.  In one month, he and Snuffy drove over 9,000 miles sheesh! Conversations were then had about having an AI buddy along for the trip and Randy's future plans for travel. Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 24 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! Randy Finally Clues In On The Potential Of AI This week Randy travels down to near Nawlins but takes a right before he gets there, which takes him through Baton Rouge and across the huge swampland of southern Louisiana to Lafayette to Lake Charles to Texas where he holes up near Dallas to watch his Angels get clobbered by the Rangers lol.   For some reason, Randy has picked this week to go into crisis mode as he FINALLY begins using ChatGPT in earnest on some of his photos and it slowly dawns on him that AI is kind of a big deal.  The fellas then have a lengthy discussion about AI and how and in what ways it's going to affect just about every corner of society.  Bubba throws in some more advanced info about what's coming next that is REALLY disruptive, such as Agentic AI agents. Randy's conclusion:  Get busy learning the tools of AI or get left behind!  Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 23 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! St Louis Baseball And The Natchez Trace Parkway Well it's been a fun week for Randy! The week started with him at Busch Stadium watching his Angels play the Cardinals.   From there, he had to dodge thunderstorms, lightning, and tornadoes as he crossed over to Memphis.  After driving a few hours east of there he found the Natchez Trace Parkway, and old Native American trail which is now managed by the Federal govt (a la The Blue Ridge Parkway for example) which meanders from just south of Nashville to Natchez, LA. After that, it wouldn't be TWR if the fellas didn't speak about bigger issues.  Tonight,  they focused on the differences between generations, how to raise men in this climate, and whether or not OnlyFans girls are justified earning their living or if they are contributing to the horrific dating/marriage/birthrate stats right now.   C'mon in - the brainwater's fine! Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 21 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! Mississippi Moon Won't You Keep On Shining On Me Happy pollen season everyone!  Charlotte is COVERED in yellow right now.  Luckily, Randy is just outside of St Louis and not having the same issues.  This week Randy made it from Fargo, ND over to Lake Bemidji where the Mississippi River begins, down through Minneapolis/St Paul, over to Lacrosse, WI where he had a coffee with one Mary Lou Balts (Bubba's Mother-In-Law) before heading south along the Mississippi flood plain to nearly St Louis.  Sheesh! Beyond travel discussions the fellas talk a lot about A.I. and how it's all going to affect us in general and what may even occur in the future as the tech advances.  Is this all a good thing or a bad thing?  Tune in to find out. Have a listen! Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 21 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! Back On The Road?  You Betcha! Randy is FINALLY back on the road again!  This week he left home base in Washington and traversed the northern portion of the USA to Fargo, ND.   He had to brave a big snowstorm in Oregon, survive a night at a winery, and fight off the boredom of driving through Montana and North Dakota as well. Randy will be following the Mississippi River from its' origin to its' dump into the Gulf of America while he also catches his beloved Angels playing ball in stadiums across the Midwest. Bubba talks about a quick trip to Clemson with his son for an orientation and tells us the story of his wife's adventure with Satan's Anus at church.   We get a detailed backstory for Satan's Anus as well. Then, of course.....aliens.   Emily Eaton made a boo-boo Tik-Tok post and gave us exact dates for alien arrival that, well, didn't happen and now she's on the inter-dimensional hot seat. Have a listen! Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 20 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! Luke Makes His College Pick And Randy Prepares For Baseball Heaven Daylight Savings Time is here...or, errrr, done?  I can never remember which.   Anywhoo, it's brighter outside than usual.    On today's show Bubba reveals which college Luke has picked for the fall and the fellas discuss empty nest syndrome and just how weird it's going to be to have 0/3 kids at home for Bubba and Linda this fall.   The fellas then do their usual rambling about farmers, daylight savings, aliens, the economy, the crazy year that is 2025, and much more. Randy then explains that his next trip will be to visit baseball parks in the midwest centering around the Mississippi River and his beloved Angels.  It's almost time to hit the road! Have a listen! Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 19 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! Name 5 Things YOU Did Last Week, Bucko! It's a glorious afternoon before the Oscars and so the fellas are here to keep your ear-holes filled with glorious old man ranting for a while. Randy and Bubba mentally travel all over the map this week -  they talk aliens and their favorite interdimensional communicator, Elon and his government audit, Zelinsky and his VERY BAD DAY, cutting staff from the National Park Service, the Epstein files, the Kennedy assassination, the Florida and Wash DC housing crisis, and many many other topics.  Have a listen! Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 18 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! The fixed income blues. It's another week where Bubba did most of the traveling.  He and his family had a great time visiting the University of Illinois at Champaign, IL on Monday - that was a mere 22 hours of driving in a 48 hour period no big deal.  Bubba is SUPER ready to actually spend a weekend at home this weekend. Randy talks about his approaching retirement and what a crazy change it is to stop earning money for a living and just start spending it.   It can really throw someone for a loop if they haven't thought it through. Bubba then explains how todays podcast almost didn't happen because he became part of a sting operation to apprehend a car thief ;)   The fellas both talk about married life vs unmarried life but living with your sister and how similar (and different) it is.  Of course, they wrap it up with...aliens.      Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 17 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! Why Is There No Comprehensive Dental Insurance?? Oh man do we need to get Randy back on the road lol. The fellas both became your old man and managed to spend a whole podcast talking about retirement and Medicare and dental insurance and DOGE and AI in film and get off my lawn!  Bubba is taking his youngest Padawan on a trip to Illinois to visit his Alma Mater, the University of Illinois.  The youngling applied there just to please his father and he got in!  Weather is supposed to be 8 degrees lol.  They also found out live on the podcast if Virgina Tech accepted him as well - tune in to hear the result!  Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 16 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! The Good Old Days Of Inept eBay And The Buy.com Scoop It's another gaslighting episode except Randy and Bubba don't really know what that means!  They both talk about the slang of the younger generations and how bizarre it is. The fellas have a long conversation about being eBay entrepreneurs back in the day and how crazy dealing with eBay was.   Randy also recounts the eBay exclusive scoop on his blog that ended up landing his job for the last 15 years.  That's a million dollar blog post, people! Bubba talked about his youngest Padawan turning 18 and taking a trip over to Nashville to see Hans Zimmer in concert like the good nerds they both are.   Luke was also deflowered on the way home as they visited his first Buc-ees ever.    Bubba also gave an update for his book business and it looks like he's going to keep on keeping on.    Does he have ADD?  Randy thinks maybe so! Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 15 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! If There ARE Aliens Do I Still Have To Pay My Mortgage? Randy closes on his brand new house in Washington, which means he's staying put for a while, which means.... Welcome to the Bubba Show!   This week Randy and I talk about aliens, more aliens, and then some aliens, followed by an hour of light existential questioning of the nature of our reality.  It's dental floss for your brains, people! Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 14 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! The First Two Weeks Of January 2025 Have Been An Eventful Year Already The world turned upside down.   Fires in L.A.  Snow across the Midwest and South.  Drones and maybe aliens in the Northeast.  10 days away from a change of power.  9 days away from a Tik-Tok ban.  What in the WORLD is going on?  The fellas talk about it. Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 13 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! Loading Up The 2025 Bingo Card It's a brand new year!  It's a time to reflect on 2024 and a time to set the pace for 2025, and neither fella has a CLUE how 2025 will be lol but they're both optimistic. Randy joins us from his home in Washington and the fellas recap the last few weeks of travel from Arizona to just north of Seattle.  The conversation mostly focuses on northern California and the absolute beauty and remoteness of it. The boys share their thoughts on New Years in general and what this year may bring.  Bubba gives everybody a book business update and the rewards and challenges of it.   2025 is going to be a hum-dinger! Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 11 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! We Just Drone On And On... We are back in the saddle this week!  Randy has flown back to Arizona, picked up Snuffy, and settled in to his Quartszite camping area for a cozy week or so.   The fellas catch everybody up on Randy's Mom and how she is doing, talk about the weather like old men for a bit, and then settle in for the main event of the evening:  drones. What are they? Why are they? Whose are they? What are they doing? Where did they come from?  Don't worry - Bubba has ALL the answers so listen in ;) Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 11 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! A Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving? Whelp, it wouldn't be TWR without a minor interruption in the plan.   This week Randy discusses how he started Thanksgiving week in the Florida Keys but ended it back home in Washington while Snuffy is taken care of...in Phoenix?  You'll have to listen to hear the story. Bubba describes his wonderful Thanksgiving week visiting his son in Las Vegas with the whole Harmon clan.   The fellas celebrate the incredible Bitcoin achievement of surpassing $100,000 for the first time ever. They discuss the tragic shooting of the United Healthcare CEO in NYC and the really gross sentiment around it on social media. Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 10 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! No-See-Ums Is What They Are Actually Called? It's another rough week for Randy in the Florida Keys, filled with beautiful sunrises and sunsets, a trip to Key West, and the &@^%#! No-See-Um bugs. The fellas discuss life in the Florida Keys and swap stories of Key West.  The No-See-Um bugs are so bad that it's actually affected how long Randy plans to stay in the Keys next year! They reminisce about the good old days of ecommerce on eBay, rank Southern cities, talk about the weather, and Randy lays out the next few weeks' plan as he heads back across the country to Arizona and eventually home to Washington. Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 9 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! If We're In A Simulation Then I'd Like To Have A Word With The Creator Please It's only been a few days since our last chat, but that would never stop us from talking for 90 minutes anyway lol. So Randy hasn't moved an inch - he is still in the absolute paradise of the Florida Keys and making everyone jealous with his Facebook videos of the gorgeous sunsets or the glorious sunrises. It's put Randy in a contemplative mood, and so for most of this podcast Randy and Bubba tackle some of the big questions:   What is God?  Are we in a simulation? What's the deal with the Big Bang? How is Kim Kardashian even possible?  All of that and much more... Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 8 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! The Florida Keys And The 2024 Election Randy has escaped the craziness of the 2024 Presidential Election by parking Snuffy in the best place possible:   Halfway down the Florida Keys. He's found a great spot with a view in Marathon Key, where he spends his mornings walking the shoreline, his days working away at his remote job, and his evenings perched over the edge of the Gulf Of Mexico with a bourbon and a fantastic view.   This is Bubba's idea of Heaven. Naturally, the fellas have a chat about the 2024 Election.  How good or bad is the result?  What lessons can be learned from it?  Is the 4B movement an actual threat? What time does the van get here to round up all the women? (kidding!)  Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 7 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! TWR Live! In Charlotte NC Randy and Bubba get the rare opportunity to sit down face to face and record a TWR live. Randy catches everyone up on his journey from southern Virginia to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and finally over to Charlotte for a home cooked meal by Mrs. Bubba and a lively chat at the dinner table. Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 6 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! A Guy Named Bubba Tells Everyone What 2050 Will Be Like Randy slowly makes his way down the east coast and has landed just north of the North Carolina border, and they do a check-in on last week's assignment.  How'd they do? Walk a mile (all at once!):    Bubba - nope    Randy - nope Hug somebody for 20 seconds:   Bubba - yep   Randy -  nope Prepare to talk about the future this week:  Bubba -yep (hold on to your butts!) Last week,  Randy asked Bubba to talk about what our near future may look like - specifically 2050 - given all of the advances in technology recently.   SO, the fellas do their usual old man chatting for a while, and then at the 1 hour 5 minute mark Bubba sits Randy down by an open fire under a starry sky and weaves tales of the future to him - most of which Randy doesn't believe lol.   Will Bubba make YOU believe?  Listen and decide for yourself! Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com

TWR Season 4 Episode 5 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! Walk A Mile, Hug Somebody For 20 Seconds, And Contemplate The Future It's another week in the glorious spectacle of the northeast for Randy. The Berkshires and the Catskills continue to show off leaf-changing season for Randy, and as the leaves hit peak change, Randy hit peak sightseeing.  First he visits the famous Mystic Pizza II, then hunts down several lighthouses. Bubba then decides to drill down on Randy's psyche a little bit and the pair have a very long conversation about Randy's seemingly strange ability to be alone all the time - why it DOESN'T bother him and what in his past made that so.   The fellas also agree to walk a mile this week AND to hug somebody for 20 seconds.   Next week they will discuss the next 25 years and how things will change for everyone. Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com 

TWR Season 4 Episode 4 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! The Berkshires Seemed Dream-Like..... Four weeks in a row! We are on a roll, people! Randy continues his short stay in the middle of tree-turning country, bouncing around between NY and MA and Vermont and New Hampshire.   The Berkshires are putting on an all-out color bomb display of peak leaf turning now and it's probably the most beautiful place in the country right now. The fellas have a good long chat about the hurricanes in NC and FL and then turn the discussion towards the meaning of life when you realize there's not a ton of time left.  They talk about Randy's ancestors, who migrated all the way across the country over a hundred years and what it might have taken back then to pick up and move a family from a place and why they'd do it.  Randy almost visits Canada even! Lol.  Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com 

TWR Season 4 Episode 3 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! Learn, Live, Love Three weeks in a row! We are on a roll, people! Randy has migrated to the Northeast for a week or so, landing in New Hampshire to spend his workweek.  The trees are def beginning to turn and nowhere near peak yet. Randy hit a BIG milestone this week - he turned 65 years old.  He is now, officially, an Old Man.  As one does at his age, he's spent time reflecting on his life and a bit melancholy that Winter is coming.  He and Bubba decide that his life falls into 3 time periods: Learn: The first 30 years or so he just figured out how to do everything Live: The second 30 years or so he spent living his life - work, marriage, fatherhood, more work Love: The last 30 years will be spent on just doing things or seeing people that Randy loves The fellas have a long talk about age, kids, the pros and cons of college, the looming US Port strike, and the disastrous Helene hurricane aftermath in the Appalachians. Really, this week is just another good old natter between buddies.  Enjoy it! Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com 

Season 4 Episode 2 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! Lake Gitche Gumee - Ohio - Following Our Ancestors This week picks up exactly a week after last week! Yay, consistency - we did it! Lol. Randy migrated from northern Wisconsin across the upper penninsula of Michigan and down to Kentucky for a few days and is now in Ohio on the road towards Vermont. The fellas have a long conversation about tracing Randys ancestors back to his great great great grandfather and even further back to his ancestry landing in the US for the first time.  Rancy's ancestors are scattered throughout middle America from Iowa to Illinois to Ohio to Massachusetts and Randy is on a mission to validate some of his theories about how his ancestors did that.   They chat about the great lakes and just how different and massive they are, especially with the Erie Canal added in.  Bubba hums parts of the The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald to come up with Gitche Gumee lol. Really, this week is just a good old natter between buddies.  Enjoy it!   Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com 

Season 4 Episode 1 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! Randy Visits His 55th National Park - Voyageurs National Park In Minnesota After a couple of months of staying put, Randy couldn't take it anymore, fired up Snuffy, and hit the road again! From home base in Cedro-Woolley, Washington, Randy traverses the northern United States to finally put the last pin in his hat and visits Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota.  We started this journey 5 years ago with the goal of visiting all 63 United States National Parks, and Randy made good on his word to finish the journey.   Voyageurs marks the 55th and final National Park in the lower 48 (and Hawaii).  Only 8 remain to visit, and they are ALL in Alaska.  Season 4 will have Randy complete his Season 3 journey of visiting all corners of the United States but in reverse this time.  From here, he will head across the Great Lakes and settle in Maine, where he will then follow the spectacular fanfare of the fall turning leaves from Maine all the way down the Appalachians.  He'll then head on to Florida for more adventures TBA.    Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com 

Season 3 Part 16 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! When Life Gives You Lemons So we should all know by now that the more you plan out your life, the more life just smiles at you and starts hurling lemons.  Hopefully, they hit you in the head and knock some sense into you. Randy's plan to drive Snuffy to the 4 corners of the USA hit a considerable snag several weeks ago.  As he was approaching the North Carolina Outer Banks area, he received a call from back home that his 92-year-old mother had had a stroke and was in the hospital.  Of course, he immediately headed to the nearest big city, found a safe storage place for Snuffy, and flew home. Thus began a few weeks of being with Mom and getting her settled in to a new home where she could be more actively cared for.  Randy and his family got her settled in, made sure she was comfortable, and re-joined his adventure already in progress.    So this week the fellas talk a lot about life, death, attitude, A.I. (?), health and wellness, and the comedy/tragedy that is US politics. Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com 

Season 3 Part 15 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! The Carolina Coast. After last week's fun Atlanta Braves adventure, Randy then drove back out to the coast and spent the week making his way north up the coast of Georgia into South Carolina and up the SC coast and finally arrived in Wilmington, NC to set up camp for the next week. Early in the week Randy visited Cumberland Island to see the wild horses and the ruins of a giant Carnegie mansion that was over 100 years old.  He then headed up to Savannah and toured the city and headed out to Tybee Island for a visit.  From there it was a sprint up to Myrtle Beach and then into North Carolina to Southport.   Snuffy then got to ride on a ferry over to Fort Fischer as Randy visited the aquarium there (Sharks! Seahorses!), then landed up in Wilmington.   Next up:  The Outer Banks. Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com 

Season 3 Part 14 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! The Atlanta Braves Is A Dream Come True For Randy! It's another very exciting baseball week for Randy!  He begins the week by watching his Angels play - and win - at Tampa Bay stadium.  He then somehow takes 4 days to drive the 7 hours to Atlanta because a very special treat awaits him there - Bubba! So if you can't be totally cool then make sure you know someone who is totally cool - and that would be Bubba's friend Jill who just so happens to be the CFO of the Atlanta Braves.  Jill treated the boys to an incredible experience which included secret stadium entrances and unlimited free food and seats right behind home plate to watch the Braves play and beat the Rangers.  It was just an incredible experience. After a long night of listening to Randy saw logs in the hotel room, the fellas split up the next day - Bubba headed back to Charlotte and Randy headed back out to the Georgia coast to continue his trip north via the coast. They have a long conversation about dreams and Bubba challenges Randy to get tested for sleep apnea lol.  Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com 

Season 3 Part 13 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! Farewell To The Keys And Hello Tampa This week, the beauty and uniqueness of the Florida Keys really hits home for Randy and he decides to make them an annual stop.   Key West in particular is just magical, whether it's Hemmingway's house or watching the sunset from Mallory Square or having a tropical drink along Duvall Street. Randy only reluctantly leaves Key West to travel back up through the Keys and over to Homewood, FL and then across the Everglades in search of alligators.  He finishes his week up at Tampa and springs for a hotel to get all cleaned up for the Angels vs Rays game the next day. Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com 

Season 3 Part 12 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! Seriously What Do Key Deer Look Like? Another week - another weekly adventure for Randy.  This week it's time for some sunglasses and Hawaiian shirts because Randy is hitting every beach in Florida and then heading to Bubba's Mecca, Key West. We last left Randy as he was hugging the Gulf and driving east through towns like Gulfport and Biloxi and Pascagoula.  This week, he continues his journey east and into the Sunshine State of Florida.  He crosses Florida to the east coast at Jacksonville, and then bravely drives ALL the way down A1A to Miami.   He drives on the beach at Daytona, almost drinks from the Fountain of Youth at St Augustine, and gets all excited to see a nude beach until he sees who is on it.  Cape Canaveral is next, followed by Miami and a baseball game between the Marlins and his beloved Angels.  He ends the week driving Snuffy through the Florida Keys, where he will hang out for several days before heading slowly back north to the Everglades.    Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com 

Season 3 Part 11 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Platitudes Once again, Bubba has a busy stretch of time and can't get the 'ole podcast recorded fast enough because holy moley Randy has been everywhere in the past week and a half. We start this week's journey in New Mexico at the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which is over a mile and a half walk all underground and all beautiful.  Make sure to find Randy's Facebook post on Travels With Randy for this one - amazing pics.  From there it's off to Guadalupe National Park in Texas and then down to Big Bend National Park in Texas, which borders the Rio Grande and the Mexican border.   Randy then almost poops his pants in San Antonio right before he follows the Texas coast down to South Padre Island and then up and around the Texas border to Galveston, then Orange, Texas.    Then it's across the swampy west Louisiana landscape over to Baton Rouge and down to New Orleans for a wonderful dinner of....Italian food? (Facepalm).  Randy finishes the week moving across the Gulf Coast into Alabama. This area is a big memory for Bubba, who sold pictures on streetcorners with Scientologists all across the Nawlins area and over to Gulfport and Biloxi, and he fills Randy in on the experience.  Randy is Miami bound to watch a little baseball next week and we can't wait to catch up then. Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com 

Season 3 Part 10 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! Secret Wine Intelligence Officers And Aliens And Sand, Oh My! So, it was a bad idea to wait 9 days between podcasts because Randy has had a crazy number of experiences in that time. Randy first tells the tale of Bisbee, AZ and the unbelievably unlikely encounter with...a fan of the show?  It's a story you've just got to hear and we cover it in detail.   Not to be outdone, Randy then spends the night at a winery run by a couple of US Ex-Military Foreign Intelligence Officers, and after a glass or two of wine, the stories begin to flow. Then it's off to cross one of the last National Parks off Randy's list - White Sands, New Mexico.  It's a place beyond description but luckily Randy is a pro photographer and has shared dozens of pictures of the park on our Facebook page. After visiting a couple of small western towns, Ruidoso and Cloudcroft New Mexico, Randy then ventures into the Alien Capital of the USA, Roswell New Mexico.  He buys Bubba a very interesting hat for his birthday ;) Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com 

Season 3 Part 8 of the Travels With Randy Podcast is here! Head East Old Man! Listen - a man who wants to circle the entire country can't stay in one place forever, right? So it's been a fun 10 days or so of home-basing in Quartzsite, AZ during the week and then heading on over to Phoenix for some baseball on the weekends for Randy.  He watched several more Angel games and managed to get out and about, visiting some of the fascinating old mining towns-turned-t-shirt-souvenir-shop towns.   This round he focused on the old mining town of Globe, AZ and its' sister city Paris, AZ.  No gold was found, however. Now, it's time to pack up and wave goodbye to Quartzsite for the 'season' - Randy is headed east.  He'll be spending some time in New Mexico finishing up his original goal all those podcasts ago of visiting every US National Park - the Big 63.   He'll knock three of the four remaining ones off his list - White Sands, NM, Big Bend, TX, and Carlsbad Caverns, NM.   He'll then drive down to the Texas border and basically follow it all the way across Texas and hit Louisiana as he heads towards New Orleans. Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com 

Season 3 Part 8 of the Travels With Randy Podcast is here! Spring Training Is Upon Us Baseball.  Spring training.  California Angels Spring Training in Phoenix.  Randy is in Heaven. That's right gang - spring training is finally here.  As you know, Randy has several goals for this year of travelling:   see National Parks, see his Angels play in as many different stadiums as he can, and visit every corner of the USA in Snuffy.   To say Randy is excited about spring training is a bit of an understatement. He did manage to visit Oatman, AZ earlier this week.  Oatman is one of the many old towns littered across Route 66 that used to be a gold mining town but now sells mostly t-shirts.  He put tons of pics of it up on our Facebook page. Mostly, though, the week was filled with baseball.  Randy drove over from his home base of Quartzsite, AZ to Phoenix for several days to watch his Angels play some spring ball.  Once again, he took tons of pics - of actual humans this time - that he has uploaded to Facebook.  You can just hear the excitement and joy in his voice as he describes the games. The fellas also talk about several random topics like the border, credit cards and their insane rates, hotel points programs, and even a common scam to avoid.  Randy then lays out th eplan for the next few weeks of travel.  Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com 

Season 3 Part 7 of the Travels With Randy Podcast is here! Viva Las Vegas! Worlds collide this week as Randy AND Bubba visit Las Vegas at the same time. Before the visit, Randy spent more time at his Arizona based home, Quartzsite and had a lovely date with Snuffy for the Super Bowl.  He also TRIED to visit a few Arizona landmarks but actually got snowed out. As a consolation he got to see the towns of Why, AZ and Ajo, AZ and a LOT of roadside memorials for fallen....somebody's. After that, he headed to Vegas, where Bubba had flown to hang out with his son Connor for several days.   Bubba had a fantastic time at the Sphere, where he and Connor watched the Postcard From Earth film and were just blown away.  The next day Connor took him to his workplace where he met most of his co-workers and his boss and even got to visit their super cool warehouse that has been modernized with a robotic inventory system. It was stunning.   Then Randy pulled up with Snuffy and they headed to a fantastic dinner at Cleavers along with Connors roommate Ryan and ate some incredible food. The next morning, Randy, Bubba, Connor, and one of Connors work associates went golfing at Bears Best Golf Course in Vegas, which is a beautiful course surrounded by 5 million dollar homes and views of all the surrounding bluffs.  Randy and Bubba teamed up against Connor and Ryan and held firm until the back nine lol.   Later that day Bubba and Connor went to a Desert Dogs lacrosse game while Randy and Connors roommate Ryan headed to the casino.  They all met up at the casino later and played some craps and blackjack. Saturday morning, everyone piled in Snuffy and headed to the Hoover Dam, which is a wonder of the engineering world.  After that Randy headed out to Buckeye, AZ to get ready for spring training and Bubba flew back home. It was a fantastic trip and we'll get lots of pics up on Facebook for you Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com 

Season 3 Part 6 of the Travels With Randy Podcast is here! Staying Put For A Week And Justice For Snuffy Part 6 of Randy's yearlong adventure finds him still parked in the desert at Quartzsite, AZ Finally, it was a pretty calm week for Randy - until it wasn't. First, the rain came.  A massive storm hit southern Cali and made its' way across Arizona, narrowly missing Randy and his campsite.  Then, he gets a phone call.... ....the police have found the man who stole Snuffy, Randy's van!  The man was arrested and had Snuffy's car key with him.   This fella is a career criminal who even led police on a high-speed chase on one occasion.  The man is now in jail and there's a SMALL chance that the police can locate the computer equipment, camera equipment, iphone, ipad, etc etc.  The beauty of modern tech is that Randy was able to disable just about everything so none of his devices could be hacked into and be usable by anyone else.    We'll keep you posted as this progresses. Randy visits Lake Havasu City, where they have transported and reinstalled the actual London Bridge, and it's....slightly underwhelming.   Of course, it's surrounded by a beautiful town that is invaded by Canada's version of the Snowbirds every winter.   Cool, eh? Randy and Bubba then Old Man Ramble about the economy, job reports, world conflicts, the effect of the media on us, and much more.  They end with a discussion about health and weight loss - nutrition, IF, ice baths, 'use it or lose it' health at their age, etc.   Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com  Enjoy!

Season 3 Part 5 of the Travels With Randy Podcast is here! Season 3 Part 5:  Quartzsite Arizona - What A Gem! Part 5 of Randy's yearlong adventure finds him staying in the desert for weeks. Randy has put his life back together with ease after the theft and then recovery of his van (You didn't know that his van was stolen?  Go listen to Part 4!) - he's got a brand new camera and bag, a brand new laptop, brand new clothes, and the same positive attitude he's always had. Since they last spoke, Randy travelled down to the California / Mexico border and attempted to visit the most southwestern point of the US, but recent heavy rains almost washed out the road and he could only get to a few miles away.   Hey, we're counting it! Randy then drove across the southern US / Mexico border, avoiding illegals AND immigration police as he went, and landed in Yuma, AZ.   There, they botched some permitting he needed to camp at Quartzsite, AZ but he made it up there anyway and will be staying with hundreds and hundreds of other campers there for a few weeks. The fellas have a good long general discussion about van life at Quartzsite and how some of the residents around his spot were living their van lives. Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com  Enjoy!

Season 3 Part 4 of the Travels With Randy Podcast is here! *****A Travels With Randy Emergency Special Report***** Something happened this week that threatened Randy's entire year-long trip around the USA. We felt that was important enough for us to break our normal schedule and record a special report edition of the show. On Sunday, Bubba and Mrs. Bubba were headed downtown to see the excellent comedian Nate Bargatze perform.  Mrs. Bubba, being from Wisconsin, was also trying her best to avoid ANY information about the Packers vs Cowboys game which was being played at the same time so she could watch it unspoiled after the concert.  Everything was going according to plan when a text came in from Randy that said: "Call me ASAP" This was highly unusual and Bubba knew something was wrong, so he called Randy and was floored by what he was told.... This week we are also joined by Randy's OTHER friend Darren to help explain what happened. Enjoy? Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com  Enjoy!

Season 3 Part 3 of the Travels With Randy Podcast is here! Working Full Time Remotely While Living In A Van Part 3 of Randy's yearlong adventure finds him staying put for a week or two and going back to work remotely full time. After the fun of Xmas and New Years, Randy has gotten back to work full time - but that doesn't mean the van life stops!  Randy talks about the differences between vacationing in the van and working in the van remotely full time.   From his stunning view in Temecula, CA, Randy discusses his daily work schedule - up super early, coffee and breakfast in the van, crawling 4 feet to his office, firing up the Starlink, and getting to work.  He changes his work desk several times throughout the day, mostly based on where the sun is at in the sky.  He eats meals mostly in the van but will still venture out to a restaurant often for a scenery change. One day, he will actually learn to cook food in the van - most of his meals are microwaved something-or-other. From Temecula, Randy will be venturing into Joshua Tree National Park, then back to the coast again for more stationary work as he impatiently waits for baseball Spring Training and Arizona. Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com  Enjoy!

Season 3 Part 2 of the Travels With Randy Podcast is here! The Oregon And California Coast And The Stars At Death Valley Part 2 of Randy's yearlong adventure finds him headed south on 101 from Washington into Oregon and then into California. The weather was very poor in Oregon and so Randy didn't see many opportunities to stop and take scenic pics.  He'll try the Oregon coast again some other time.  California, though, was a completely different matter.   Randy travelled down the entire Cali coastline over several days, marveling at the beauty of the northern Cali Redwoods and the creepy Humboldt County winding roads and scenery (see Murder Mountain on Netflix ) .  He then visited Bubba and Mrs. Bubba's favorite places, Mendicino and Little River.   He continued to follow the coastline down past San Francisco and San Jose and Monterey to the Lompoc area and Vandenberg Space Force Base.  Randy then turned Snuffy east and drove across the state to Death Valley, where he experienced the most incredible night sky he's ever seen.  Finally, Snuffy came to rest near Camp Pendleton, where Randy will stay and work for a while until it's time to head to Spring Training! Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com  Enjoy!

Season 3 Part 1 of the Travels With Randy Podcast is here! The Drive Around The USA In A Van For A Year Begins Whelp, the time has come for Randy to put his foot where his mouth is and hit the gas on Snuffy and hit the road - for a full year!  Christmas Day was as good of a time as any for Randy to start this epic trip, and so he did.   Part 1 covers his time in northwestern Washington and the first several days of the trip.  He started in Sedro-Woolley, took a ferry over to Olympic National Park, and slowly made his way around it.  First stop was the furthest point northwest the USA reaches, which is Cape Flattery, WA.  After a good hike he backtracked to Port Angeles for the night, then set out around the coastline to places like Forks and Cape Alava.  He stuck to Hwy 101 and Hwy 105 to Raymond, where he spent the night at a Harvest Host spot (brewery of course!) and then left for Oregon, which will be Part 2. Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com  Enjoy!

Season 2 Ep 9 of the Travels With Randy Podcast is here! Two Weeks Until 365 Days On The Road It's getting close!  On Dec 26th Randy hops in his van and will spend a year on the road visiting literally every corner of the United States! Bubba has had a very eventful few weeks in his e-commerce business, and not the good kind.  He spends a few minutes explaining the latest wackadoo event that has thrown his business off course during the most critical time of the year. After that, the fellas talk travel!   Randy has decided to alter his plans slightly and will now drive completely around the perimeter of the US - over 10,000 miles - to see the "corners" of our great country.  Don't worry - he'll still be visiting a ton of National Parks AND Angels baseball games in various stadiums across the fruited plain.   He has posted a detailed map of his upcoming trip on our Facebook page, and that post has gone viral.  Looks like a LOT of folks want to travel along with him. Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com  Enjoy!

Season 2 Ep 8 of the Travels With Randy Podcast is here! Preparing For A Year On The Road The fellas are still stuffed after Thanksgiving and Bubba is still crushed with online orders from his business, but Randy is deep in thought and action about what the next year has in store for him. That's right - in 3 weeks Randy is hitting the road with his new souped-up van Snuffy and will spend a YEAR traveling around the United States. The boys talk about what it's like to prepare for such a journey.  What do you pack?  What do you need to buy? What if you forget something important?  On and on. Randy is leaving the nest in Washington and driving down the coast to Southern Cali, then headed across the southern United States, then up the east coast, then finally home a year from now.  He has 4 main goals in mind as he's planning where he will be visiting: There are only 5 National Parks left to see now in the lower 48, and Randy will hit all of them.   After that, the only ones left are in Alaska and he will visit those probably next year. He wants to see his beloved California Angels play in every ball park.  He's been in 15 of them and has 15 to go. He wants to complete a few missing links in his extensive genealogy family tree/history. He has traced his ancestors back to the 1600's (!) and just has a few missing pieces left to go. It's time to get some weight off before he turns 65 next year.  Hiking and walking everywhere should take care of it! They end the pod with a long talk about what romance is when you've been married 25+ years and Bubba compliments his youngest son for planning a surprise fondue meal for his girlfriend and also explains how cool it is that Mrs. Bubba's nephew earned the rank of Eagle Scout which they attended in Greenville, SC. Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com  Enjoy!

Season 2 Ep 7 of the Travels With Randy Podcast is here! Viva Las Vegas With Special Guest Connor Harmon It's a non-travel week for the fellas on the podcast so they thought they'd take some time to interview Bubba's favorite up-and-coming travel fanatic,  Connor Harmon - his oldest son. Connor, 22,  has recently moved to Las Vegas and begun his career in the e-commerce world.  He talks about his long driving trip out there in a car without air conditioning and some of the sites he visited on the way.   His trip took him from Charlotte, NC over to Nashville, TN then up to St. Louis, MO then across to Kansas City, MO then all the way to Denver, CO and finally down to Las Vegas. He managed to hit several National Parks on the way:   St Louis Arch National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Zion National Park. Since living there he has also done some camping in Red Rock Canyon and Mt. Charleston.  He's also made his father insanely jealous because he's been inside the Sphere in Vegas already to see the Darren Aronofsky film Postcard From Earth.  The Sphere is as incredible as it looks! The trio then discuss how the different generations are handling the modern world - it's a Boomer vs. Gen Z debate! - and how optimistic the Gen Z'ers are in real life vs on social media. Bubba and Randy wrap up with a talk about being fathers and what that means and what they hope they've taught their children and what their children won't understand until they are much older. Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want to be a guest?  Email bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com  Enjoy!          

Season 2 Ep 6 of the Travels With Randy Podcast is here! Whidbey Island With A Puppy This week, Randy actually cared for another living creature in his van - and it lived! Lol. McKenna is his sister's doodle and she tagged along with Randy as he explored one of the largest islands in the Lower 48 - Whidbey Island.  Whidbey is in the Puget Sound just south of the San Juan islands in Washington and is 168 square miles of coast, mountains, barns, Bison, bridges, and even a park called Deception Point. Amazingly, the island is home to almost 70,000 people. Randy opted to explore the island on both days of the weekend without spending the night in Snuffy just to make the puppy experience more manageable.   McKenna did great!  She calmly laid in her bed for most of the trip and explored areas with Randy on a leash whenever he hopped out to get a picture or two.  Yes of course he documented the trip on our Travels With Randy Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Randy also went hi-tech this week as he received, installed, and fired up his Starlink satellite internet equipment.   The entire installation took 10 minutes and Randy suddenly has speeds of up to 120mbs in his van wherever he is in the country.  That means he can do his work Zoom calls right from the side of a river in a state park if he wants to vs. creepily sitting in a van at a playground because that's the only way to get internet fast enough.  Creepy Randy days are over yay! Randy and Bubba then bounced all around on different topics such as AI and how it is nearly photorealistic now, and weight loss 'miracles' such as Ozempic and their amazing claims.   Have an idea for the show?  Want to sponsor us? Want to advertise?  Hit Bubba up at bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com  Enjoy!