Podcasts about Eiffel Tower

Planning your first trip to Paris? In this episode of Vacation Mavens, Tamara and Kim talk about Kim's first visit to the City of Light — and what first-time visitors need to know before they go. From choosing the best neighborhoods to stay in and navigating the arrondissements to tips for visiting top attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame, this episode is filled with practical advice and insider tips for making the most of your Paris experience. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a girls' trip, or a mother-daughter adventure, this conversation will help you fall in love with Paris from the very start. Episode Highlights: Kim shares her first impressions of Paris and what surprised her most about the city Why five days is the ideal length for a first visit to Paris Tips for understanding Paris's arrondissements and how to choose the best neighborhood for your stay Favorite areas for first-time visitors, including Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Marais, and the Latin Quarter Why staying near the Seine makes exploring Paris so much easier French pharmacy finds — what to buy and why La Roche-Posay products in France are different from what's sold in the U.S. Eiffel Tower advice: when to book tickets, how to choose between levels, and the best viewpoints to see the tower sparkle at night River cruises in Paris — from budget-friendly sightseeing options to the luxurious Alain Ducasse dinner cruise experience Why Tamara and Kim both recommend skipping the large public boat tours and opting for a smaller or more premium experience Visiting the Louvre: how much time to plan, ticket and tour advice, and why a guided tour helps make the most of your visit Kim's favorite galleries and sculptures in the Louvre and tips for avoiding crowds around the Mona Lisa Other museum recommendations for art lovers, including the Musée d'Orsay, Musée de l'Orangerie, and Rodin Museum Updates on Notre Dame's reopening and how to reserve a free timed-entry ticket Tips for visiting Notre Dame, including how to use the free app for an audio-guided tour Why Paris lives up to its bucket-list reputation and how to balance sightseeing with time to simply enjoy being in the city

If you've ever felt your stomach drop looking down from a tall building, imagine driving across a bridge nearly twice the height of the Eiffel Tower. This is the thrilling new journey in Guizhou, turning a two-hour drive into a two-minute spectacle. It's efficient, beautiful, and challenges everything we assume about crossing a gorge. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushun

WhoAlan Henceroth, President and Chief Operating Officer of Arapahoe Basin, Colorado – Al runs the best ski area-specific executive blog in America – check it out:Recorded onMay 19, 2025About Arapahoe BasinClick here for a mountain stats overviewOwned by: Alterra Mountain Company, which also owns:Pass access* Ikon Pass: unlimited* Ikon Base Pass: unlimited access from opening day to Friday, Dec. 19, then five total days with no blackouts from Dec. 20 until closing day 2026Base elevation* 10,520 feet at bottom of Steep Gullies* 10,780 feet at main baseSummit elevation* 13,204 feet at top of Lenawee Mountain on East Wall* 12,478 feet at top of Lazy J Tow (connector between Lenawee Express six-pack and Zuma quad)Vertical drop* 1,695 feet lift-served – top of Lazy J Tow to main base* 1,955 feet lift-served, with hike back up to lifts – top of Lazy J Tow to bottom of Steep Gullies* 2,424 feet hike-to – top of Lenawee Mountain to Main BaseSkiable Acres: 1,428Average annual snowfall:* Claimed: 350 inches* Bestsnow.net: 308 inchesTrail count: 147 – approximate terrain breakdown: 24% double-black, 49% black, 20% intermediate, 7% beginnerLift count: 9 (1 six-pack, 1 high-speed quad, 3 fixed-grip quads, 1 double, 2 carpets, 1 ropetow)Why I interviewed himWe can generally splice U.S. ski centers into two categories: ski resort and ski area. I'll often use these terms interchangeably to avoid repetition, but they describe two very different things. The main distinction: ski areas rise directly from parking lots edged by a handful of bunched utilitarian structures, while ski resorts push parking lots into the next zipcode to accommodate slopeside lodging and commerce.There are a lot more ski areas than ski resorts, and a handful of the latter present like the former, with accommodations slightly off-hill (Sun Valley) or anchored in a near-enough town (Bachelor). But mostly the distinction is clear, with the defining question being this: is this a mountain that people will travel around the world to ski, or one they won't travel more than an hour to ski?Arapahoe Basin occupies a strange middle. Nothing in the mountain's statistical profile suggests that it should be anything other than a Summit County locals hang. It is the 16th-largest ski area in Colorado by skiable acres, the 18th-tallest by lift-served vertical drop, and the eighth-snowiest by average annual snowfall. The mountain runs just six chairlifts and only two detachables. Beginner terrain is limited. A-Basin has no base area lodging, and in fact not much of a base area at all. Altitude, already an issue for the Colorado ski tourist, is amplified here, where the lifts spin from nearly 11,000 feet. A-Basin should, like Bridger Bowl in Montana (upstream from Big Sky) or Red River in New Mexico (across the mountain from Taos) or Sunlight in Colorado (parked between Aspen and I-70), be mostly unknown beside its heralded big-name neighbors (Keystone, Breck, Copper).And it sort of is, but also sort of isn't. Like tiny (826-acre) Aspen Mountain, A-Basin transcends its statistical profile. Skiers know it, seek it, travel for it, cross it off their lists like a snowy Eiffel Tower. Unlike Aspen, A-Basin has no posse of support mountains, no grided downtown spilling off the lifts, no Kleenex-level brand that stands in for skiing among non-skiers. And yet Vail tried buying the bump in 1997, and Alterra finally did in 2024. Meanwhile, nearby Loveland, bigger, taller, snowier, higher, easier to access with its trip-off-the-interstate parking lots, is still ignored by tourists and conglomerates alike.Weird. What explains A-Basin's pull? Onetime and future Storm guest Jackson Hogen offers, in his Snowbird Secrets book, an anthropomorphic explanation for that Utah powder dump's aura: As it turns out, everyone has a story for how they came to discover Snowbird, but no one knows the reason. Some have the vanity to think they picked the place, but the wisest know the place picked them.That is the secret that Snowbird has slipped into our subconscious; deep down, we know we were summoned here. We just have to be reminded of it to remember, an echo of the Platonic notion that all knowledge is remembrance. In the modern world we are so divorced from our natural selves that you would think we'd have lost the power to hear a mountain call us. And indeed we have, but such is the enormous reach of this place that it can still stir the last seed within us that connects us to the energy that surrounds us every day yet we do not see. The resonance of that tiny, vibrating seed is what brings us here, to this extraordinary place, to stand in the heart of the energy flow.Yeah I don't know, Man. We're drifting into horoscope territory here. But I also can't explain why we all like to do This Dumb Thing so much that we'll wrap our whole lives around it. So if there is some universe force, what Hogen calls “vibrations” from Hidden Peak's quartz, drawing skiers to Snowbird, could there also be some proton-kryptonite-laserbeam s**t sucking us all toward A-Basin? If there's a better explanation, I haven't found it.What we talked aboutThe Beach; keeping A-Basin's whole ski footprint open into May; Alterra buys the bump – “we really liked the way Alterra was doing things… and letting the resorts retain their identity”; the legacy of former owner Dream; how hardcore, no-frills ski area A-Basin fits into an Alterra portfolio that includes high-end resorts such as Deer Valley and Steamboat; “you'd be surprised how many people from out of state ski here too”; Ikon as Colorado sampler pack (or not); local reaction to Alterra's purchase – “I think it's fair that there was anxiety”; balancing the wild ski cycle of over-the-top peak days and soft periods; parking reservations; going unlimited on the full Ikon Pass and how parking reservations play in – “we spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about it”; the huge price difference between Epic and Ikon and how that factors into the access calculus; why A-Basin still sells a single-mountain season pass; whether reciprocal partnerships with Monarch and Silverton will remain in place; “I've been amazed at how few things I've been told to do” by Alterra; A-Basin's dirt-cheap early-season pass; why early season is “a more competitive time” than it used to be; why A-Basin left Mountain Collective; Justice Department anti-trust concerns around Alterra's A-Basin purchase – “it never was clear to me what the concerns were”; breaking down A-Basin's latest U.S. Forest Service masterplan – “everything in there, we hope to do”; a parking lot pulse gondola and why that makes sense over shuttles; why A-Basin plans a two-lift system of beginner machines; why should A-Basin care about beginner terrain?; is beginner development is related to Ikon Pass membership?; what it means that the MDP designs for 700 more skiers per day; assessing the Lenawee Express sixer three seasons in; why A-Basin sold the old Lenawee lift to independent Sunlight, Colorado; A-Basin's patrol unionizing; and 100 percent renewable energy.What I got wrong* I said that A-Basin was the only mountain that had been caught up in antitrust issues, but that's inaccurate: when S-K-I and LBO Enterprises merged into American Skiing Company in 1996, the U.S. Justice Department compelled the combined company to sell Cranmore and Waterville Valley, both in New Hampshire. Waterville Valley remains independent. Cranmore stayed independent for a while, and has since 2010 been owned by Fairbank Group, which also owns Jiminy Peak in Massachusetts and operates Bromley, Vermont.* I said that A-Basin's $259 early-season pass, good for unlimited access from opening day through Dec. 25, “was like one day at Vail,” which is sort of true and sort of not. Vail Mountain's day-of lift ticket will hit $230 from Nov. 14 to Dec. 11, then increase to $307 or $335 every day through Christmas. All Resorts Epic Day passes, which would get skiers on the hill for any of those dates, currently sell for between $106 and $128 per day. Unlimited access to Vail Mountain for that full early-season period would require a full Epic Pass, currently priced at $1,121.* This doesn't contradict anything we discussed, but it's worth noting some parking reservations changes that A-Basin implemented following our conversation. Reservations will now be required on weekends only, and from Jan. 3 to May 3, a reduction from 48 dates last winter to 36 for this season. The mountain will also allow skiers to hold four reservations at once, doubling last year's limit of two.Why now was a good time for this interviewOne of the most striking attributes of modern lift-served skiing is how radically different each ski area is. Panic over corporate hegemony power-stamping each child mountain into snowy McDonald's clones rarely survives past the parking lot. Underscoring the point is neighboring ski areas, all over America, that despite the mutually intelligible languages of trail ratings and patrol uniforms and lift and snowgun furniture, and despite sharing weather patterns and geologic origins and local skier pools, feel whole-cut from different eras, cultures, and imaginations. The gates between Alta and Snowbird present like connector doors between adjoining hotel rooms but actualize as cross-dimensional Mario warpzones. The 2.4-mile gondola strung between the Alpine Meadows and Olympic sides of Palisades Tahoe may as well connect a baseball stadium with an opera house. Crossing the half mile or so between the summits of Sterling at Smugglers' Notch and Spruce Peak at Stowe is a journey of 15 minutes and five decades. And Arapahoe Basin, elder brother of next-door Keystone, resembles its larger neighbor like a bat resembles a giraffe: both mammals, but of entirely different sorts. Same with Sugarbush and Mad River Glen, Vermont; Sugar Bowl, Donner Ski Ranch, and Boreal, California; Park City and Deer Valley, Utah; Killington and Pico, Vermont; Highlands and Nub's Nob, Michigan; Canaan Valley and Timberline and Nordic-hybrid White Grass, West Virginia; Aspen's four Colorado ski areas; the three ski areas sprawling across Mt. Hood's south flank; and Alpental and its clump of Snoqualmie sisters across the Washington interstate. Proximity does not equal sameness.One of The Storm's preoccupations is with why this is so. For all their call-to-nature appeal, ski areas are profoundly human creations, more city park than wildlife preserve. They are sculpted, managed, manicured. Even the wildest-feeling among them – Mount Bohemia, Silverton, Mad River Glen – are obsessively tended to, ragged by design.A-Basin pulls an even neater trick: a brand curated for rugged appeal, scaffolded by brand-new high-speed lifts and a self-described “luxurious European-style bistro.” That the Alterra Mountain Company-owned, megapass pioneer floating in the busiest ski county in the busiest ski state in America managed to retain its rowdy rap even as the onetime fleet of bar-free double chairs toppled into the recycling bin is a triumph of branding.But also a triumph of heart. A-Basin as Colorado's Alta or Taos or Palisades is a title easily ceded to Telluride or Aspen Highlands, similarly tilted high-alpiners. But here it is, right beside buffed-out Keystone, a misunderstood mountain with its own wild side but a fair-enough rap as an approachable landing zone for first-time Rocky Mountain explorers westbound out of New York or Ohio. Why are A-Basin and Keystone so different? The blunt drama of A-Basin's hike-in terrain helps, but it's more enforcer than explainer. The real difference, I believe, is grounded in the conductor orchestrating this mad dance.Since Henceroth sat down in the COO chair 20 years ago, Keystone has had nine president-general manager equivalents. A-Basin was already 61 years old in 2005, giving it a nice branding headstart on younger Keystone, born in 1970. But both had spent nearly two decades, from 1978 to 1997, co-owned by a dogfood conglomerate that often marketed them as one resort, and the pair stayed glued together on a multimountain pass for a couple of decades afterward.Henceroth, with support and guidance from the real-estate giant that owned A-Basin in the Ralston-Purina-to-Alterra interim, had a series of choices to make. A-Basin had only recently installed snowmaking. There was no lift access to Zuma Bowl, no Beavers. The lift system consisted of three double chairs and two triples. Did this aesthetic minimalism and pseudo-independence define A-Basin? Or did the mountain, shaped by the generations of leaders before Henceroth, hold some intangible energy and pull, that thing we recognize as atmosphere, culture, vibe? Would The Legend lose its duct-taped edge if it:* Expanded 400 mostly low-angle acres into Zuma Bowl (2007)* Joined Vail Resorts' Epic Pass (2009)* Installed the mountain's first high-speed lift (Black Mountain Express in 2010)* Expand 339 additional acres into the Beavers (2018), and service that terrain with an atypical-for-Colorado 1,501-vertical-foot fixed-grip lift* Exit the Epic Pass following the 2018-19 ski season* Immediately join Mountain Collective and Ikon as a multimountain replacement (2019)* Ditch a 21-year-old triple chair for the mountain's first high-speed six-pack (2022)* Sell to Alterra Mountain Company (2024)* Require paid parking reservations on high-volume days (2024)* Go unlimited on the Ikon Pass and exit Mountain Collective (2025)* Release an updated USFS masterplan that focuses largely on the novice ski experience (2025)That's a lot of change. A skier booted through time from Y2K to October 2025 would examine that list and conclude that Rad Basin had been tamed. But ski a dozen laps and they'd say well not really. Those multimillion upgrades were leashed by something priceless, something human, something that kept them from defining what the mountain is. There's some indecipherable alchemy here, a thing maybe not quite as durable as the mountain itself, but rooted deeper than the lift towers strung along it. It takes a skilled chemist to cook this recipe, and while they'll never reveal every secret, you can visit the restaurant as many times as you'd like.Why you should ski Arapahoe BasinWe could do a million but here are nine:1) $: Two months of early-season skiing costs roughly the same as A-Basin's neighbors charge for a single day. A-Basin's $259 fall pass is unlimited from opening day through Dec. 25, cheaper than a Dec. 20 day-of lift ticket at Breck ($281), Vail ($335), Beaver Creek ($335), or Copper ($274), and not much more than Keystone ($243). 2) Pali: When A-Basin tore down the 1,329-vertical-foot, 3,520-foot-long Pallavicini double chair, a 1978 Yan, in 2020, they replaced it with a 1,325-vertical-foot, 3,512-foot-long Leitner-Poma double chair. It's one of just a handful of new doubles installed in America over the past decade, underscoring a rare-in-modern-skiing commitment to atmosphere, experience, and snow preservation over uphill capacity. 3) The newest lift fleet in the West: The oldest of A-Basin's six chairlifts, Zuma, arrived brand-new in 2007.4) Wall-to-wall: when I flew into Colorado for a May 2025 wind-down, five ski areas remained open. Despite solid snowpack, Copper, Breck, and Winter Park all spun a handful of lifts on a constrained footprint. But A-Basin and Loveland still ran every lift, even over the Monday-to-Thursday timeframe of my visit.5) The East Wall: It's like this whole extra ski area. Not my deal as even skiing downhill at 12,500 feet hurts, but some of you like this s**t:6) May pow: I mean yeah I did kinda just get lucky but damn these were some of the best turns I found all year (skiing with A-Basin Communications Manager Shayna Silverman):7) The Beach: the best ski area tailgate in North America (sorry, no pet dragons allowed - don't shoot the messenger):8) The Beavers: Just glades and glades and glades (a little crunchy on this run, but better higher up and the following day):9) It's a ski area first: In a county of ski resorts, A-Basin is a parking-lots-at-the-bottom-and-not-much-else ski area. It's spare, sparse, high, steep, and largely exposed. Skiers are better at self-selecting than we suppose, meaning the ability level of the average A-Basin skier is more Cottonwoods than Connecticut. That impacts your day in everything from how the liftlines flow to how the bumps form to how many zigzaggers you have to dodge on the down.Podcast NotesOn the dates of my visit We reference my last A-Basin visit quite a bit – for context, I skied there May 6 and 7, 2025. Both nice late-season pow days.On A-Basin's long seasonsIt's surprisingly difficult to find accurate open and close date information for most ski areas, especially before 2010 or so, but here's what I could cobble together for A-Basin - please let me know if you have a more extensive list, or if any of this is wrong:On A-Basin's ownership timelineArapahoe Basin probably gets too much credit for being some rugged indie. Ralston-Purina, then-owners of Keystone, purchased A-Basin in 1978, then added Breckenridge to the group in 1993 before selling the whole picnic basket to Vail in 1997. The U.S. Justice Department wouldn't let the Eagle County operator have all three, so Vail flipped Arapahoe to a Canadian real estate empire, then called Dundee, some months later. That company, which at some point re-named itself Dream, pumped a zillion dollars into the mountain before handing it off to Alterra last year.On A-Basin leaving Epic PassA-Basin self-ejected from Epic Pass in 2019, just after Vail maxed out Colorado by purchasing Crested Butte and before they fully invaded the East with the Peak Resorts purchase. Arapahoe Basin promptly joined Mountain Collective and Ikon, swapping unlimited-access on four varieties of Epic Pass for limited-days products. Henceroth and I talked this one out during our 2022 pod, and it's a fascinating case study in building a better business by decreasing volume.On the price difference between Ikon and Epic with A-Basin accessConcerns about A-Basin hurdling back toward the overcrowded Epic days by switching to Ikon's unlimited tier tend to overlook this crucial distinction: Vail sold a 2018-19 version of the Epic Pass that included unlimited access to Keystone and A-Basin for an early-bird rate of $349. The full 2025-26 Ikon Pass debuted at nearly four times that, retailing for $1,329, and just ramped up to $1,519.On Alterra mountains with their own season passesWhile all Alterra-owned ski areas (with the exception of Deer Valley), are unlimited on the full Ikon Pass and nine are unlimited with no blackouts on Ikon Base, seven of those sell their own unlimited season pass that costs less than Base. The sole unlimited season pass for Crystal, Mammoth, Palisades Tahoe, Steamboat, Stratton, and Sugarbush is a full Ikon Pass, and the least-expensive unlimited season pass for Solitude is the Ikon Base. Deer Valley leads the nation with its $4,100 unlimited season pass. See the Alterra chart at the top of this article for current season pass prices to all of the company's mountains.On A-Basin and Schweitzer pass partnershipsAlterra has been pretty good about permitting its owned ski areas to retain historic reciprocal partners on their single-mountain season passes. For A-Basin, this means three no-blackout days at Monarch and two unguided days at Silverton. Up at Schweitzer, passholders get three midweek days each at Whitewater, Mt. Hood Meadows, Castle Mountain, Loveland, and Whitefish. None of these ski areas are on Ikon Pass, and the benefit is only stapled to A-Basin- or Schweitzer-specific season passes.On the Mountain Collective eventI talk about Mountain Collective as skiing's most exclusive country club. Nothing better demonstrates that characterization than this podcast I recorded at the event last fall, when in around 90 minutes I had conversations with the top leaders of Boyne Resorts, Snowbird, Aspen, Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, Snowbasin, Grand Targhee, and many more.On Mountain Collective and Ikon overlapThe Mountain Collective-Ikon overlap is kinda nutso:On Pennsylvania skiingIn regards to the U.S. Justice Department grilling Alterra on its A-Basin acquisition, it's still pretty stupid that the agency allowed Vail Resorts to purchase eight of the 19 public chairlift-served ski areas in Pennsylvania without a whisper of protest. These eight ski areas almost certainly account for more than half of all skier visits in a state that typically ranks sixth nationally for attendance. Last winter, the state's 2.6 million skier visits accounted for more days than vaunted ski states New Hampshire (2.4 million), Washington (2.3), Montana (2.2), Idaho (2.1). or Oregon (2.0). Only New York (3.4), Vermont (4.2), Utah (6.5), California (6.6), and Colorado (13.9) racked up more.On A-Basin's USFS masterplanNothing on the scale of Zuma or Beavers inbound, but the proposed changes would tap novice terrain that has always existed but never offered a good access point for beginners:On pulse gondolasA-Basin's proposed pulse gondola, should it be built, would be just the sixth such lift in America, joining machines at Taos, Northstar, Steamboat, Park City, and Snowmass. Loon plans to build a pulse gondola in 2026.On mid-mountain beginner centersBig bad ski resorts have attempted to amp up family appeal in recent years with gondola-serviced mid-mountain beginner centers, which open gentle, previously hard-to-access terrain to beginners. This was the purpose of mid-stations off Jackson Hole's Sweetwater Gondola and Big Sky's new-for-this-year Explorer Gondola. A-Basin's gondy (not the parking lot pulse gondola, but the one terminating at Sawmill Flats in the masterplan image above), would provide up and down lift access allowing greenies to lap the new detach quad above it.The Storm explores the world of lift-served skiing year-round. Join us. Get full access to The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast at www.stormskiing.com/subscribe

A record gets beaten in Paris and it's a labor of love.Read more about the record and breaking it here ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

I'm officially engaged! I spill all the hilarious, chaotic, and heartfelt details—from a Paris proposal that left my finger looking like a sausage, to Luxembourg Gardens, Eiffel Tower boat rides, and the unexpected truths about dating, love, and life at 36. Plus, my hot takes on why I like Rhode Island, New Jersey and New York Italian food better than Italian food in Italy, European wine, and how my kids reacted to this big news! Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Top of the World Rescue, Bush Dynasty Reboot, Aces on Fire, Biking the Eiffel Tower & Drive-thru Drama!

In this episode of Skip the Queue, Andy Povey sits down with Jérôme Giacomoni, co-founder and Chairman of AEROPHILE, the world leader in tethered gas balloons and immersive aerial experiences. Jérôme shares the story of how AEROPHILE began with a simple idea, to “make everybody fly” and grew into a global company operating in multiple countries, including France and the U.S.Tune in to hear about the company's signature attractions, including tethered balloon flights, the innovative Aerobar concept, and high-profile projects such as how you can experience flying the Olympic cauldron in Paris. Jérôme also shares how AEROPHILE has leveraged its unique platform to explore scientific initiatives like air-quality and climate-change monitoring and how he Integrates unique revenue streams from sponsorship and advertising.Skip the Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them increase their visitor numbers. Your host is Paul Marden, with co host Andy Povey and roving reporter Claire Furnival.If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm.If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Show references:  https://www.aerophile.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerome-giacomoni-3074b7/Jérôme Giacomoni is co-founder of Groupe AEROPHILE and Chairman of AEROPHILE SAS. Since 1993, he has led the company to become the world leader in tethered gas balloons and balloon flights, operating iconic sites in France, the U.S., and Cambodia, and flying over 500,000 passengers annually. He also pioneered “flying food-tainment” with the Aerophare and Aerobar. Jérôme is a member of IAAPA, serves on the board of SNELAC, and is a Team France Export ambassador, earning multiple awards for entrepreneurship and innovation. Plus, live from the Day 2 of the IAAPA Expo Europe show floor, we catch up with:Rheanna Sorby –Marketing & Creative Director,  The Seasonal Grouphttps://theseasonalgroup.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rheanna-sorby-seasonal/Sohret Pakis – Polin Waterparkshttps://www.polin.com.tr/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sohretpakis/Thomas Collin – Sales Manager, VEX Solutionshttps://www.vex-solutions.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-collin-18a476110/Peter Cliff – CEO // Founder, Conductr.https://conductr.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cliff/Laura Baxter – Founder, Your CMOhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-baxter-4a756466/Josh Haywood – Resort Director, Crealy Theme Park & Resorthttps://www.crealy.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-haywood-68463630/ Transcriptions:  Paul Marden: Welcome to Skip the Queue, the podcast about the world's best attractions and the people that work in them. I'm your host Paul Marden, and with my co-host Andy Povey and roving reporter Claire Furnival, we're here at IAAPA Expo Europe. In today's episode, I go on a trip on Santa's Enchanted Elevator with the Seasonal Group, and Claire meets Peter Cliff from Conductr. But before all that, let's head over to Andy.Andy Povey: Good morning, everybody. I'm joined today by Jerome Giacomoni from AEROPHILE for our French listeners. I hope I've got that right. Jerome is the chief exec of AEROPHILE and has been the co-founder and president of AEROPHILE. And AEROPHILE supply helium-based balloon observation opportunities. I probably got the marketing on that completely wrong, Jerome. So please, can you share with our listeners what AEROPHILE is all about?Jerome Giacomoni: So AEROPHILE is a company I created with Mathieu Gobbi, my partner, 32 years ago, with a very simple idea, make everybody fly, you know, and we use a balloon to fly. So we have a tethered balloon. We have a huge, big balloon inflated with helium, a gas lighter than air. And we go up to more or less 150 meters high. up to 30 passengers. So we are linked to the ground with a cable, and the cable is linked to a winch. So you have to imagine that you have a winch that— when we go up—pulls when we go down. This is the exact opposite of an elevator because the balloon wants to go higher and higher. We have a lifting force of four tons.Andy Povey:Wow.Jerome Giacomoni:Yes, it's a big one. And so we need a cable to keep it. And thanks to this lifting force, we can fight against the wind.Jerome Giacomoni: And so the balloon can swing when you have some wind because the balloon is just pulled by the cable itself.Andy Povey: And trust me, listeners, they look absolutely spectacular. Just before we started recording, I was admitting to Jerome that I'm scared of heights. So I've stood and watched. The dining balloon, Futuroscope, never managed to pluck up the courage to try it myself.Jerome Giacomoni: This is another concept, Andy. So we have built two concepts. One is a tethered balloon, a real one with helium, with a cable, with a winch, and we fly by ourselves. The balloon flies by itself, okay? We did another concept 20 years after we created our company, so 10 years before now, in 2013, which is what we call the aero bar. It's a flying bar, and you have an inflatable balloon. to cover the gondola, but it's a fake. This is a real elevator, and you have a gondola with some winches and a metallic structure, and you go up and down. So what you saw in Futuroscope is not a balloon. It's a real elevator.Jerome Giacomoni: And the one you can see in Disneyland Paris, Disney World, Orlando or San Diego Zoo are a real balloon named a tethered balloon. So I'm glad you fell down into the trick. You caught me. Yes, I'm glad about that. But we have really two different concepts.Andy Povey: But the concept, the thing that the guest is experiencing, isn't really related to whether it's a balloon or a lift.Jerome Giacomoni: No. i think it's very different okay i think the aerobar is fun and you have the feet in the sky you feel the thrill of height and everything but you stop at 35 meters it's it's quite high for a ride but it's not a real flight And I think the balloon is a real flight. We have a balloon in Paris. We have a balloon in Budapest, Berlin. And you see the city from the sky at 150 meters high, which is very high. So you really experience a flight. With the aerobar, you have a ride, okay? So both of them are related to the sky, are related to the view, but one is really a flight, the other one is really a ride.Andy Povey: That makes absolute sense.Andy Povey: It doesn't reassure me on my fear of heights anymore, that I would like to go up three times, four times taller, higher than the one I saw first. Very interesting. So, listeners, we're often talking about technology and attractions. There's a huge amount of talk about augmented reality, about AI, about motion simulators. The reason, Jerome, we asked you to come and talk to us is because you don't do any of that. No—your experience is fantastic and it's new and it's unique, but there's no technology or very little obvious technology.Jerome Giacomoni: Yes, quite little. You know, it's amazing because we do this for now 32 years, as I told you. The first balloon was inflated in 1994. We have sold 120 balloons in more than 40 countries. And each time with the balloon, you have a magical effect, you know, because the balloon itself is very nice— because the balloon itself is a show from people looking at it from the ground. And because... The flight experience is amazing because you are really in the sky. You are really looking at the ground, at the landscape. You have no noise, you know, when you take a helicopter or plane. You have a lot of noise. You are in an enclosed airplane or helicopter. Here you are outside. You are on a balcony flying at 150 meters. And wherever we are, always we have like a magical effect of the flight. And with the flying bar, we decided to do something different— where we say, 'Why drink on ground where you can drink in the sky?'Jerome Giacomoni: So we add the drink to the ride, you know. So you are on a table and you have what we say in French conviviality. So we share a drink. We go at 35 meters and you have the thrill of the view of the height and also the conviviality of drinking. So this is another concept, but both of them are universal. And wherever we do it, we have sold 20 aero bars worldwide.Jerome Giacomoni: Everybody is very happy to have this kind of ride. I would say we are on the side of the main market. You know, we have two niche products. The balloon is a niche product. And the AeroBar is a niche product where we have another experience than a normal ride, like a roller coaster or a flume or a spinning coaster.Andy Povey: You say you're a nice product, but the balloon in Paris for the Olympics, where you lifted the cauldron, had phenomenal numbers of visitors watching. That wasn't something you could go on.Jerome Giacomoni: Yes, it was an amazing opportunity. You know, sometimes life gives you some presents.Jerome Giacomoni: And imagine that we were contacted by the Olympic Organisation Committee one day, and we believed it was a joke. And they said, 'We need to talk to you.' And then we discovered that instead of flying humans, they asked us to fly a cauldron. So the Olympic cauldron. And we have like one year and a half of design and manufacturing.Jerome Giacomoni: And then, at 11 pm, 25, the balloon has to fly in front of everybody. I can tell you it was a very stressful time. But so nice and so amazing to have experiences. So, yes, the balloon suddenly was visible by everybody. And that's back now in Paris, isn't it? Yes. First of all, the balloon has to stay only twice— 15 days. You know, you have the Olympics and the Paralympics. So we were open only 30 days in total. And the success was so huge that every night, you have dozens of thousands of people coming to look at it. That's why the mayor of Paris and the French president decided to keep it.Jerome Giacomoni: And just after the deflation of the balloon, they call us back and say, 'Jerome and Mathieu, we would like to have the balloon back.' So we work again with the city of Paris and the French presidency, and we agreed to put the balloon.Jerome Giacomoni: Three times, three months. So from June 21st, in France, this is a music event, you know, the Day of Music. To September 14th, which is a day of sport. So every year until the Olympic game of LA, we will operate the balloon for three months in the summertime. Fantastic.Andy Povey: So, Jerome, you operate in lots and lots of different countries all over the world. I think it's 14 countries that you've been.Jerome Giacomoni: No, we sold, but we operate only in the US and in France.Andy Povey: Ah, okay. Interesting.Jerome Giacomoni: We own ourselves, we operate ourselves, six balloons in the 120 we have sold. So we operate three in Paris region. One, the Parc André Citroën, where we have the Generali balloon since 1999. One in Disneyland Paris since 2005. So we are in Disneyland Paris for now 20 years. Time is flying. And the last one, the Cold Run, which is a very specific event that we operate now for one year and for the next two years. And in the US, we operate Disney World Orlando in Disney Spring since 2009, and San Diego Zoo Safari Park since 2005, and Irvine. South of LA since 2007. So we operate now six balloons for a long, long time, except the cold run. And we keep selling balloons.Jerome Giacomoni: We sell more or less five to six balloons every year.Andy Povey: And how do you find the differences between the French culture and you're on either side of America, so the differences between the different coasts of America and France?Jerome Giacomoni: Yes, we... We are in the US, but we are also in Mexico, in a lot of countries in Asia. In the Middle East, we have a beautiful balloon in Dubai. We have a beautiful balloon in Seoul. So we work a lot with very different cultures. You know, it's very interesting to sell the same product to different cultures. So I would say... The main difference probably lies in the contract. It's very funny when you make the contract. I would say a 'yes' is not the same 'yes' depending on the culture. But everybody is, you know, you... You love people when you work worldwide. You learn a lot, you discover a lot. You have to learn with different cultures. And I have the chance in my professional life to experience that and to meet people from all over the world. And, you know, my job is to go on site, and discuss with someone, and see if it's possible or not to have a balloon at this place.Jerome Giacomoni: So it's always a beautiful job because I travel in a lot of countries in beautiful spots.Jerome Giacomoni: We don't succeed a lot because, if not, I would have sold thousands of balloons. We have always constraints with local authority, with food traffic, etc. But always, it's a pleasure to meet people. And once... The balloon is accepted by the local authority when the customer has a finance for it. Then start more or less a one-year work together between installation, work on site, inflation, and training of the team. And after... They fly with their own wings, even if we have no wings with our balloons.Andy Povey: Very good. And I imagine that you don't put balloons into ugly places.Jerome Giacomoni: We did, sometimes for specific contracts. Ugly, I won't use this name, but not very obvious, logical site. But it has happened. Sometimes we do for small events or for specific needs.Jerome Giacomoni: But yes, most of the time, the sites are very interesting.Andy Povey: So there are other things you're doing with the balloons. So the air quality messaging that you have above Paris. Tell us more about your opportunities to influence in other areas.Jerome Giacomoni: Yes, you know, the balloon is not only a ride, a passenger ride, but it's also an amazing opportunity for communication and for advertisement. So in the city center, like Paris, Berlin, or Seoul, the balloon is used also as a giant advertising billboard. So you have two revenues. You have the revenue of the passenger, but you have also the sponsor revenue.Jerome Giacomoni: When we started the balloon in Paris, it was extremely difficult to get the authorisation to have a balloon in Paris centre. We are two kilometres south of the Eiffel Tower. But you remember, we had the famous Millennium, the Y2K. uh and and so the mayor faris was looking for a new idea and we propose a balloon And they gave us only a one year and a half contract. And the investment was quite huge. And we told him, OK, we can do it, but we cannot do it for only one year and a half. Except if you accept that we have a name on the balloon, a naming and a sponsor on the balloon. And the mayor say yes. And we start another business where we put sponsor on the balloon. And this is a very good business because it makes a... activity immediately profitable so we did that in Paris in 1999 and in 2008 the balloon was like 10 years old because when you fly you have your the balloon is huge we talk about a 32 meters high balloon we talk about like a 12-story building.Jerome Giacomoni: So everybody knows the balloon in Paris. Everybody can see it. And so, when we fly, we have 400,000 people who immediately see us. So we decided to give citizen aspect. And we start— pour changer le couleur de la balle selon la qualité de l'air. C'était en 2008. Et parce que nous l'avons fait, nous avons des scientifiques... coming to us and say, 'Hey, this balloon is a wonderful platform to measure air quality because you make like a carrot of the air from zero to 150 meters. Jerome Giacomoni:  Can we bring some scientist instrument on the gondola? And we say yes. And then we start to make science. And then we start to make scientific publications, scientific publications. And then we start a new business where the balloon is not only a tethered gas balloon for passenger, it's only... advertising billboard and now it's only a scientific platform and so this is very interesting and the last things we have done in 2024 no this year in 2025 is to use the balloon for global climate change. As you know, we have two main gas pollutants for the climate change, CO2 and CH4. And the balloon is a perfect platform to measure evolution on CO2 and CH4. So we are working with a European group named ICOS. gathering all the best laboratories in Europe, who are making a huge study on how CO2 and CH4 how they are in each city.Jerome Giacomoni: And Paris has been chosen as a pilot city. So we are very glad to work with them. And so now the Balloon is also working on climate change. And we will have big, big, big LED screen. So we make some technology sometime, as you said, to inform people on the temperature elevation in Europe and in the world. And the news are very bad, as everybody knows.Andy Povey: But that's fascinating. I love the integration you've been able to take from this unique proposition and apply it to different markets, different problems.Jerome Giacomoni: You know, Andy, I think we have to exit from the box. My message to... all people who are listening to us.Jerome Giacomoni: Okay, passenger rides is very important. It's a key market for many of us. But sometimes we can use... another way to find new flow of revenue, like advertising, and we can be also helpful to our other citizens, like working freely for scientists to make measurements on pollutants of the air. This helps with both air quality and also climate change.Andy Povey: It's a beautiful concept, Jerome. I love it. Love it.Andy Povey: So, final question. Your experiences are obviously very unique. What advice would you have for a venue and possibly a smaller venue that doesn't have the resources to be able to build something 150 metres high or put something 150 metres into the air? What advice would you give them on how to make a compelling experience for visitors?Jerome Giacomoni: I really believe that you have to stick on your roots, okay? I mean that people want authenticity.Jerome Giacomoni: And as you know, we are very keen on balloons, as you can imagine. So we make in our, you know, Paris, it's in Paris where you have the first flight. Yeah. In 1783. Montgolfier, brothers. Yes, with the Montgolfier brothers, with Charles, the scientist. So we really stick on our roots. And I think where you are in Brittany, where you are in Japan, you have to follow your own road and your own path. By feeling what could be the good idea, but also what is your feeling inside you. You need to have something different that you feel very confident with.Andy Povey: Beautiful final thought, Jerome, I like it a lot. So listeners, stay authentic and be passionate.Jerome Giacomoni: Exactly, the right word is passionate.Paul Marden: Next up, let's get some soundbites from the show floor.Rheanna  Sorby: My name's Rheanna. I'm Marketing and Creative Director for the Seasonal Group. We are curators of Christmas magic all year round. Wow, wow.Paul Marden: So you make Christmas special?Rheanna  Sorby: We're the Christmas elves.Paul Marden: Awesome, awesome. I can see you've got such a great set of stands. What have you got here that you're exhibiting for the first time?Rheanna  Sorby: We have Santa's Enchanted Express, which is a three-minute experience that transports customers and guests from a very festive train station to the North Pole in just under three minutes. So it's quite a Christmas miracle. And it also transports on nine pallets. So it's a great return on investment for customers there if it's 24 people on. We also have our elevator experience, which went viral last year. And then we have VR, animatronics, and a lot of our famous items, like the snowman here, just dressed as a little, it's some sort of operator.Paul Marden: Yeah, yeah, yeah, absolutely. So we don't have a lot of luck with lifts at the moment because the team got stuck in a lift yesterday for about 45 minutes. Stop it. We got rescued by the... Well, I didn't get in the lift. I walked because there wasn't enough room. But two of them had to be rescued by the fire brigadeRheanna  Sorby: Okay, so this might be triggering. Well, you know.Paul Marden: Oh, no, I found it hilarious.Paul Marden: I was hugely supportive on the outside, yelling into them.Paul Marden: But Santa won't let me get stuck in a lift today, will he? Absolutely not.Rheanna  Sorby: No, there's an emergency exit. Excellent.Paul Marden: So what's new and innovative then about the Santa Express? What are you bringing to market?Rheanna  Sorby: So a lot of our clients, we sell business to business. They're struggling to get people into shopping centres and we're finding that we need to create retail theatre. So that is something I see as a massive trend moving forward. People want nostalgia. They want an experience, something memorable. But also our customers need a way to return investment as well. So they hopefully will spend something with us and then ticket the experience. So that's something that we're pivoting our business towards. Trying to create a brand new experience every year. A lot of people are struggling nowadays, cost of living.Paul Marden: Yeah, absolutely.Rheanna  Sorby: It's difficult, so we're trying to find a way that brings the Christmas magic to people's doors.Paul Marden: We are, where are we at the moment? We're in September, so we've still got a couple of months left before Christmas 2025, but that must be over for you.Rheanna  Sorby: No, the quality of the street is on the shelves. It's already happening. The install season starts literally on Monday for us. Really? Yes. When we get back, we land and then we start installing.Paul Marden: And so this is the busy time. So let's talk about Christmas 2026. What are the trends that you see coming along at that point?Rheanna  Sorby: Whimsical, whimsical. So we've got Wicked number two coming out. And we've also had all like the Whoville, that sort of style, the Grinch. So imagine pastels, furry trees, things that don't quite make sense, a lot of whimsical wonderland, I would say, trend-wise. But equally immersive experiences and how we can bring magic to you.Paul Marden: Wonderful, wonderful. Thank you ever so much. Rheanna, it's been lovely to meet you. Thank you for coming on the podcast. And let's go and visit Santa in his lift, shall we? Yeah, excellent.Paul Marden: And here it is. So we are surrounded by suites in an old-fashioned lift. And there's our doors closed.Paul Marden: Oh, how amazing is this? We're going up.Paul Marden: Ice like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The Great Glass Elevator. This is amazing. We're up over the clouds. Just stunning. There's a train there. I think we're going to follow into the tunnel after the train. Yes.Paul Marden: Got cold, now we're underground. Now we're in the tunnel.Paul Marden: And I think this might be Santa's factory.Paul Marden: Let's get ready.Paul Marden: Merry Christmas. The big man's chair as well. Can I take a seat in the big man's chair? Ho, ho, ho.Sohret Pakis: Hi, Paul. My name is Shorhet Pakis. I'm the brand ambassador for Polin Waterparks.Paul Marden: What are you launching this year at IAAPA? What's new for you?Sohret Pakis:Last year, we have won two big awards for a themed water slide, which is... Stingray it was in Nantes in France and it was something big because you know it was like Europeans best water slide number one and I have a brass ring award winner about two million number one but last night in Porta Ventura Stingray has won the second time best water slide of Europe award. But we have something new about it. Last year when I was telling about Stingray, it was an eight-person slide. This year we have something new. Now the capacity went up to 10, especially when we're talking about all these queue management issues. So that's something wonderful. And also, you ask, what is new? This year, we have something very exciting. A parrot-themed stingray. It's the same slide, but it's parrot-themed.Sohret Pakis: It's coming to Dubai by January. It's going to be open.Paul Marden: So can I ask you, what makes that innovative? What's new about that?Sohret Pakis: Actually, it's a very specifically themed waterslide. You know that POLIN has been pioneer in RTM manufacturing and U-texture. It's kind of a composite material technology which we can make waterslides look.  Look like a character, actually. We are the company who did this first because we said that storytelling is very important. Yes, but you know, slides are just slides. So we just wanted the slides look like the characters in that story. Of course, behind that, there is huge material technology, composites technology, design technologies. Actually, that's the time when we introduced King Cobra years ago. And now with Stingray, we took it much further. So actually, the team looks perfectly like a Stingray, but at the same time, it's a water slide with so many features. It has two big towers and between the towers, there's a bridge. From each tower, two slides start with a very special mist roofing and very special bridge where you can just see what's happening all over the slide.Paul Marden: So the queuing experience is enriched so it doesn't feel quite so long and boring because you can watch what everyone is doing.Sohret Pakis: It is, yes.Paul Marden: Super impressive. So we have been asking everybody to think about what are their predictions for 2026?Sohret Pakis: Everybody is talking about AI. Everybody is talking about immersive. So AI, of course, will make a huge difference in operation, especially.Paul Marden: In what way?Sohret Pakis: Actually, in guest satisfaction, because personalisation is very important in our industry. Whoever comes to the park, they are the heroes at the park. And so actually, if the park can make them feel that they are the heroes, truly— if that's their birthday, if that's their wedding anniversary, so whatever. If the park can make you feel that you're special, and thanks to technology, now it's possible.Paul Marden: Absolutely. That's so interesting. Thank you so much for your insights and for joining us on Skip the Queue. Thank you.Thomas Collin: I'm Thomas, I'm from VEX Solutions, so we are a VR company at the start, and now we're going to the arcade with mixed reality as well. Okay, so that's a nice link. What are you launching here at IAFA? So here for the first time we are introducing VEX Party Dash. The Party Dash is a mixed reality arcade machine. So automated, people can go on it, play on it. You have two huge screens that are really highly interactive. You can walk on the screen, you can touch the screen. The goal is really to make you moving. So that's what we want to do with the Dash.Paul Marden: That's amazing, isn't it? So we're watching people at the moment. You can see lights up on the floor that they're stepping on and on the wall.Thomas Collin: What is really the key aspect of this product is that it's highly attractive. People, they just go around, they stop by it, they want to try it. Actually, we can say, 'Hey, come and try it,' because we watch you, we see you. So we can say, 'Hey, come and try it.' And people stop by, they play it. It's highly immersive, but also highly active. Yes. You're just not standing on an arcade, sitting down. No, you're really moving around. So, this is really good for kids and families. Absolutely. That's what we see.Paul Marden: So, where do you see this being used? What sort of attractions will take this?Thomas Collin: Actually, with this product, it can go either in the attraction side or either at the arcade side. So, you can play it as one game, and you can play a three-minute game like an arcade, or you can actually book for 15 minutes. Since there is not a single game, but multiple games, you can play different games, you can play different levels inside the main gate. So you have a high replayability. Because we want you to come back, we want to attract the gamers, and then make them come back.Paul Marden: 15 minutes with this much activity sounds like quite a tall order. It's a workout.Thomas Collin: It's a workout. It's a workout. Yeah, yeah, yeah.Peter Cliff: Hi, my name is Pete Cliff. I'm from Conductr. We're here in Barcelona and it's so exciting to be back at IAAPA. Now, what we're super excited about this year is talking about our collaboration with Norwegian Cruise Lines on Great Stirrup Cay. It's their new water park. It's a great project. We're excited to talk to people about it. It's also lovely to be back in Barcelona. It's been, I think, about six years since we were last back here, and it's always one of my favourite European cities for IAPA. It's great to meet with people from the industry, reconnect with old colleagues and friends, and really see what's happening. There's a huge amount of innovation and special projects that are launching all over the show floor. So yeah, great to be back, and can't wait to see what the future of the themed entertainment industry has to offer.Laura Baxter: My name is Laura Baxter. You may know me as the girl with the purple jumpsuit on LinkedIn. I am the head of marketing for Black Gang Shine, but have most recently just announced that I've gone into freelancing and I've launched your CMO.Paul Marden: And I have to say, the jumpsuits work because I was about 50 metres behind you earlier on and I spotted the Your CMO logo on the back of the jumpsuit, so well done for that. We've talked to a lot of suppliers with stands that are exhibiting. From your perspective, this is your first time stepping over to the dark side and coming to an IAPA. What's the experience like for you? What are you here to get out of the show?Laura Baxter: I'd say it's twofold. Mainly it is for networking. Obviously anybody who's anyone in the industry is here. But also, it's inspiration because I want to be able to talk about new and exciting stuff with... Potential clients that I may have and ideas still for Black Gang as well. So, when you walk around show floor, which is just so vibrant and there's so much going on everywhere—you turn, you can draw inspiration from so many of the suppliers here.Paul Marden: What have you seen that's innovative?Laura Baxter: There's a huge amount of stuff being done with tech and it's very interesting because I think that's where a lot of people are going to think that they need to go, because that's the way of the world now, and the next generation don't know life off of a screen and they're expecting to have these incredible digital experiences.Laura Baxter: I'm not convinced that is the way to go. But yes, it's still impressive tech. So for me, there are things that I stand back out and look at and I'm like, 'Whoa, that's really, really cool.'Laura Baxter: I'm not so sure it's potentially what consumers want, though, controversially.Paul Marden: It's really hard, isn't it? Because as a parent of young kids, you want them off the tech as much as you possibly can. But you need a hook. To be able to attract them, don't you? So there's been some amazing stuff here that bridges that gap between the real world and the tech world. So, summer season 2025 is over. What are your predictions about summer 26 and what operators should be thinking about right now?Laura Baxter: It's a really tough market, we all know that. Budgets are tight for households, so there is an awful lot more thought going into their spending and what they're doing and where they're choosing to take that little bit of disposable money that they do have. Therefore actually I don't think next year operators should be thinking about huge innovations or new attractions. I think they need to strip back to basics and nail their customer service. I think guest expectations now are so high. because they're parting with money that is a little bit more precious to them than perhaps if they don't leave at the end of that day having had a good experience they feel ripped off they're going to go straight to review platforms they're going to let it all out and actually you need to be focusing on making sure that every single touch point with that customer is bang on and we're talking pre-visit as well from the your website journey to buying it to the follow-up emails to the pre-visit emails to that first person they meet on front of house to the ride operators to the events team if you have that kind of entertainment on park if you are not nailing your experienceLaura Baxter: You are going to lose out well.Paul Marden: I think we should end it right there. That there is a nugget of gold.Paul Marden: So I am here with co-host Andy Povey and our good friend Josh Haywood from Crealy down in Devon.Josh Haywood: Hello.Paul Marden: It's the end of day two. What have you seen, Josh? What's blown your socks off?Josh Haywood: Good couple of days so far. We're probably into 40,000 steps, which is great. I think technology is the thing that struck me this week so far. Just the small changes that some of the operators and some of the manufacturers are putting into their existing kits. So, for example, I attended a seminar this morning about bowling. and normally temping bowling is temping bowling. Yeah, yeah, yeah. But now there's augmented reality, and they've got features on the lanes, and it's not about just taking all the pins down, it's taking pin one and six out, and all those things they're trying to do to reinvent older, more traditional attractions, which I think I find really interesting. Yeah. I think some of the seasonality stuff, the Christmas and Halloween stuff has been really good. We sat on a train and went on a journey and the seats rumbled and the sound and the visual effects, they were great.Paul Marden: I saw that. There was no room for me to go and sit on that train. It was amazing.Josh Haywood: I thought that was really good. And, you know, I've been really impressed with generally the show. I think you can get around it all as well. It feels really friendly. I think the sun shining always helps as well. It's not too tough, is it?Paul Marden: I mean, the last time we were in Barcelona, we were all wearing face masks. Absolutely, yes. So it's really refreshing to be back here. And not have that.Josh Haywood: Absolutely. And not have to queue to get in as well. I think that was interesting on the first day.Paul Marden: Oh, did they see you and then just wave you through?Josh Haywood: Red carpet was up for, of course, award-winning theme park and resort. Paul Marden: Mr. Hayward. Did you say award? Winnie and obviously you're on the back of your two awards in the theme park awards last week. How was that? And then we've got some really exciting news from Creeley.Josh Haywood: I saw it at the press this morning. Yes, so a couple of things happened last week. So first of all, we had our anniversary 25 years of Maximus the Coaster. The Vekoma Coaster, 25 years. The first coaster in Devon. It was Devon's first coaster, over half a million riders later. It's done 2 million miles around the track. It's great. So we did a sort of event for that, and we used it to sort of make some announcements about future attractions, which I'll tell you about in a minute. But then we went to the Theme Park Awards last week at Wickste Park, where... We've been the recipients of a few bronze and silvers, and we go being little old us and hope for the best. And then the award I really wanted to win was one of two: the best for families and the best for value. And when the family award came up, they said, 'In bronze is such and such, in silver.' And I was like, 'Well, there you go.' That's all that's left for another year. And then when they said the win at gold was cruelly for best for families, we were delighted. I got a bit emotional about it. I think we would just work so hard over the years to be the best in the Southwest, certainly. And certainly since we put Sootyland in as well. We won the award for Toddlers.Josh Haywood: So it was a double wham. And within 10 minutes as well. It wasn't separated. Within 10 minutes, I just got my breath back from the first one. And then we were up on stage again taking that second award. Oh, it's tough, isn't it? Which was great, yeah. Multi-award winning. Multi-award winning theme parking resort. Devon's finest. Most right in Devon. We're just going to... absolutely bleep the hell out of this for the next 12 months because who knows we may not win it again so we'll just shout from the treetops about this and then we also won thanks to martin rose and rose events uh silver for best entertainment event for the city show It's still very popular, the legacy brand. People love the Sooty show. And as I said at the awards, we sell loads of those puppets. People love a Sooty and a Sweep. So it's been a really good collaboration for us.Paul Marden: We were at our first away day for our Merak team back a few months ago down at Creeley, and I found a little sooty puppet underneath the lectern. I was absolutely chuffed to bits. And there he was, just sitting at the front of the away day, watching everything going on with Sue next to him.Josh Haywood: He's still popular. We understood when we put Cityland in, it wasn't going to be Peppa Pig. world and we didn't think for a minute we'd even sort of get to those heights of Thomas Land at Drayton Manor but it certainly hit a chord with the older market certainly the nannies and the granddads who remember such from when they were kids and you know it's a legacy brand and it works but what we have done really well is sort of corner that market for younger children and toddlers and we Sort of took some comments over the last 12 to 18 months that we may be missing the mark when it comes to the 8 to 12-year-olds, which we were pretty good at five or six years ago. So we've decided this year that we're going to invest in some thrill attractions. So we've just launched news that we've got two new rides going in next year. One, I can't tell you exactly because we're still going under. Got some planning issues, but we're going to have the Southwest tallest ride and the Southwest first inverted ride. So a multi-million pound investment going in and hopefully that will give us another boost that we need to kick on again. We've still got new accommodation going in. We'll still be doing new events and shows for next year.Josh Haywood: So it's going to be a bumper year for Crealy. Absolutely.  I really look forward to that.Paul Marden: I look forward to you being on the launch ride.Paul Marden: Me down on the ground watching and videoing.Josh Haywood: What they have said, which is really interesting, we spoke to an operator, there's only one other ride like it in the UK, and that operator said, whatever you do, make sure when you put the ride in, you fit a hose pipe and a tap right in. Because you may be washing the seats down more than you would usually on your current ride. So, yeah, it certainly will add that next level of ride experience to our family market.Paul Marden: Yeah, I think that's super important, isn't it? Mr. Povey, what have you seen today that has blown your socks off?Andy Povey: I'm really looking for the place to go and get some more soft, comfortable socks. I've walked so much. I've stood around and listened to so many fantastic talks, had so many brilliant conversations. I'm done. My feet hurt. I need to sit down and have a beer.Paul Marden: Well, I hate to break it to you, but there's another day left. And there's still more interviews to do. Still more opportunities for us to get some interesting stories on Skip the Queue.Andy Povey: Look forward to that.Paul Marden: Gentlemen, I think we're about done. So thank you ever so much. It has been a joy. And Mr. Povey, see you back here tomorrow. Josh, wonderful as always.Josh Haywood: Maybe see you at OrlandoPaul Marden: Oh. Absolutely, yeah.Josh Haywood: We'll do it againPaul Marden: Thanks for listening to today's episode. If you liked it, leave a comment in Spotify or Apple Podcasts. If you didn't, let us know on hello@skipthequeue.fm. Today's episode was a team effort for Sami and Emily from Plaster, Steve from Folland Co., as well as Claire and Wenalyn from Skip the Queue HQ. We're back again tomorrow for more fun from IAAPA, including Andreas Andersen from Liseberg, one of Scandinavia's most visited parks. See you all tomorrow. The 2025 Visitor Attraction Website Survey is now LIVE! Dive into groundbreaking benchmarks for the industryGain a better understanding of how to achieve the highest conversion ratesExplore the "why" behind visitor attraction site performanceLearn the impact of website optimisation and visitor engagement on conversion ratesUncover key steps to enhance user experience for greater conversionsTake the Rubber Cheese Visitor Attraction Website Survey Report

Marty talks about the announcements related to new immersive video coming for Apple Vision ProApple previews new immersive films for Apple Vision Pro https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/09/apple-previews-new-immersive-films-for-apple-vision-pro/Seven new Apple Immersive films let Apple Vision Pro users explore sports, music, and culturehttps://appleinsider.com/articles/25/09/22/seven-new-apple-immersive-films-let-apple-vision-pro-users-explore-sports-music-and-culture?utm_source=rssA New MotoGP Immersive Video Documentary Just Debuted on Apple Vision Pro Todayhttps://www.redmondpie.com/a-new-motogp-immersive-video-documentary-just-debuted-on-apple-vision-pro-today/Tour De Force — from MotoGP and CANAL+, available now.Follows Johann Zarco's rain-soaked win at the French Grand Prix.Shot on Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive with ambisonic audio.Finished in DaVinci Resolve Studio.Free in the Apple TV app on Vision Pro.Extended in-store preview at select Apple Stores in October.World of Red Bull (series)First episode Backcountry Skiing (Revelstoke) in December 2025.Big-Wave Surfing episode slated for 2026.A Night at the BBC Proms — Fall 2025.Pianist Lukas Sternath performing Grieg's Piano Concerto.With BBC Symphony Orchestra at Royal Albert Hall.First classical concert in Apple Immersive.Journey to Antarctica to Find Emperor Penguins — Spring 2026.CNN's Bill Weir joins scientists on Snow Hill IslandFocuses on penguins and climate change challenges.Julaymba — October 2025.Immersive documentary with Eastern Kuku Yalanji in Daintree Rainforest.Recaptured on URSA Cine Immersive.Experience Paris — immersive cultural tour.From French kitchens to Eiffel Tower and Montmartre.CORTIS (Color Outside The Lines) — Fall 2025.HYBE's newest K-pop group.Rare access to practice sessions for their song GO!.YouTube: YouTube.com/@VisionProfilesWebsite: ThePodTalk.NetEmail: ThePodTalkNetwork@gmail.com 

Episode Description: Max and Molly are sent to Nazi-occupied Paris in 1941, where they team up with legendary entertainer and undercover spy Josephine Baker. Together, they climb the Eiffel Tower, use trigonometry to calculate distances, and smuggle secrets hidden in sheet music. Along the way, they learn how “hiding in plain sight” can be the most powerful disguise of all. Math Concepts: Subtraction with years (1941 – 1889 = 52 years since the Eiffel Tower was built); Division; Basic Trigonometry: (tangent ratio) to calculate the distance from the Eiffel Tower to Gare du Nord. History/Geography Concepts:  Nazi occupation of Paris during World War II; Famous jazz singer/dancer Josephine Baker's role as a performer and spy for the French Resistance; The Eiffel Tower: built for the 1889 World's Fair, height of 330 meters, and its use as a lookout point; Gare du Nord railway station and train travel during the war;Espionage techniques, including invisible ink and hiding intelligence in sheet music

Episode 321 Humans live a lot longer than other primates - and much of that is down to our immune system. But there's a price we pay for the capacity to fight off infections: inflammation. Chronic inflammation is to blame for a range of health issues, especially those related to older age. And now research has revealed exactly why inflammation is good for longevity but bad for health. Find out how proteins called death-fold domains often malfunction - and what this could mean for the future of drug development. Bigger than the Eiffel Tower and closer than the moon - the asteroid Apophis will skim past Earth in 2029 and will be visible to the naked eye. Don't worry, astronomers assure us it will NOT hit us. But it could be a good testbed for NASA's asteroid deflection technology, helping us to prepare for more dangerous space rocks in the future. With two major space agencies due to visit Apophis - what will we find? If you thought there was nothing new to learn about the extinction of the dinosaurs, think again. Something we hadn't yet considered was the impact dinosaurs had on the ecosystem. Given they were so massive, dinosaurs made wide-ranging changes to the planet's landscapes, such as shifting rivers. So when they were wiped out, there were huge knock-on effects, which researchers have now been examining.  Chapters: (00:00) Intro (00:41) The evolutionary price we pay for longer lives (13:47) The asteroid coming very close to Earth (26:42) How dinosaurs shaped their ecosystem Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Alison George, Alex Wilkins, Sam Wong and Richard Binzel. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/Get your ticket for New Scientist Live here: https://live.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dedenne.From the tippy top of the Eiffel Tower, to nuzzled under a child's pillow.Get in touch!bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastpodcast.bsky.socialCheck out other podcasts I make at https://podcastiopodcastius.orgMonster Mash https://monstermash.transistor.fm/Films and Filth. https://filmsandfilth.transistor.fm/Game Game Show. https://gamegameshow.transistor.fm/Support the show!https://patreon.com/PodcastioPodcastius ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Pack your bags, because the Coven is taking you on their wild ride through Europe. From Rome's sweltering heat and karaoke nights to a Vatican pit stop, nothing was off limits. They dive into Milan's gritty, industrial vibe and Strasbourg's charm—complete with powering through a brutal fever just to sample local eats and marvel at the Cologne Cathedral.The adventure ramps up in Cologne with a brush-up against the German mafia before hitting Amsterdam for a tour of the red-light district and a sex museum. Paris brought the Eiffel Tower, major security headaches, and pure exhaustion—but they pushed through. And of course, no trip is complete without travel drama: flight cancellations, rebooked seats, and somehow losing weight after living on nothing but junk food.Along the way, the Coven gets real about the grind of winning over new audiences abroad, the culture shocks (hello, grocery store translation apps), and the difference between being known at home versus starting fresh overseas.Watch Full Episodes & More:www.dumbblondeunrated.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What's it really like to explore Paris, Bayeux and Normandy on points with three kids in tow? In this episode, Mary Ellen picks up the next chapter of her European adventure and shares the highlights (and surprises!) from her family's time in France. From climbing to a free Parisian viewpoint with stunning Eiffel Tower views to staying in a charming chateau in Bayeux booked with her Venture X credit, this leg of the trip was unforgettable.We dive into her day trip to the beaches of Normandy, including Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery, with a guided tour that brought history to life. Mary Ellen opens up about the emotional impact of visiting these sites, why it was worth the splurge, and how she made it work with kids — even with a toddler in tow.If Paris, Bayeux, or a D-Day tour has ever been on your bucket list, this episode will give you practical tips, inspiration, and a peek behind the scenes of family travel on points.EPISODE SPONSOR30% off the CardPointers subscription!Find Us On OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate LinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsComfrt Hoodie 15% OFF!Our Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

The 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is here! Running from August 28 to November 17, 2025, this year's festival is bigger, tastier, and more entertaining than ever before.

My guest this week is Jean-Michel Jarre, a true icon and pioneer of electronic musicWith a career spanning over 52 years in music, he is one of the most successful electronic artists ever, selling over 85 million albums and singles. Known for his large scale, elaborate live shows, Jarre has performed concerts at the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids in Egypt and even the Sahara Desert. He's also a UNESCO ambassador for education, science and culture and in 2017 was awarded the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science CommunicationWe discuss the making of his new album and concert film ‘Live in Bratislava - an audio-visual record of his historic open-air concert-event 'Bridge From The Future', performed on May 12, 2024 in Slovakia. A truly spectacular live event that features all that you'd expect from a Jean-Michel Jarre concert - elaborate sets, stunning visuals, fireworks and for the first time, a drone display For more information or to pre-order the album, visit: https://www.jeanmicheljarre.com/live-in-bratislavaSynthetic Dreams is presented and produced by Scott ZverblisFollow Synthetic Dreams on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Synthetic Dreams on ⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠Follow Synthetic Dreams on ⁠⁠⁠Twitter / X⁠⁠⁠Synthetic Dreams title music by Chris Ibbott

Dennis crafts the Eiffel Tower out of popsicle sticks... kind of. Plus an encore episode, "Ducks and Bread!" If you have a question for Dennis, leave him a voicemail at 1-888-7WOW-WOW. Your question might just end up on WeWow on the Weekend! For more WeWow visit https://bit.ly/3nkbEuo. Originally aired 7/16/23.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dennis crafts the Eiffel Tower out of popsicle sticks... kind of. Plus an encore episode, "Ducks and Bread!" If you have a question for Dennis, leave him a voicemail at 1-888-7WOW-WOW. Your question might just end up on WeWow on the Weekend! For more WeWow visit https://bit.ly/3nkbEuo. Originally aired 7/16/23.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What Happened to the Secret Bunker beneath the Eiffel Tower? https://www.messynessychic.com/2021/10/06/what-happened-to-the-secret-bunker-beneath-the-eiffel-tower/ Trump signals Chicago deportations in parody ‘Chipocalypse Now' social media post https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/trump-signals-chicago-deportations-in-parody-chipocalypse-now-social-media-post/3820395/ Governor JB Pritzker The President of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city. This is not a joke. This is not normal. Donald Trump isn't a ... Read more The post imagine um mundo sem bilionários! papas abençoaram a escravidão? appeared first on radinho de pilha.

Ep. 94: "Typical Friday Shenanigans" - Alex, Tron, Big-D and Chris gettin' deep into their usual, typical nonsense, just for fun. Ribbing, razzing, poking and joking their way through just another Friday, with a lot of laughs, some bits, a touch of in-studio live music and previews of Jest shows.Theories about Alex's tardy arrivalPreviewing Shenanigans for upcoming Love Wolf appearanceMorkin' my Mindy, etc.Shannon Sharpe controversyFootball referencesTaylor SwiftMusical tastes and opinionsPersonal experiences influenced by musicJoke BaneMaster BatesEditing evolutionInternet democracyTONY'S FLACCID PIZZA - IMPROVISED SKETCHRIDERLESS HORSERACE - IMPROVISED SKETCHChris had a Birthday and went to the giant redwoodsSTAR WARS Detours discussionDawn's stand-up routines discussionStand-Up Showcase happenedAlex references SouthParkDawn says "Big Fella" and Tron takes offense"What's your go-to movie candy?"Popcorn and candyBig Boy StuffRed Vines - staleGrape flavored Red VinesAnd much more!     Thank you for listening. LIke what you hear? Want to hear something more? Drop us a comment at https://www.jestimprov.com/podcast Let us know if you want a mention in our episode, we'll do our best to give you a shout-out.Visit us anytime at https://www.jestimprov.com to find out more about us in Ventura, CA - including when to drop-in for classes and shows!

On this episode of The Nikki & Brie Show, the twins reflect on their time in England, Paris, and beyond—soaking up the magic, the memories, and the meaningful moments that made this the perfect ending to an incredible Summer. From Brie's slow mornings in the City of Love to Nikki's empowering in-ring return in front of a rowdy Paris crowd, this episode is all about romanticizing your life, wherever you are and whatever chapter you're in.Brie opens up about getting lost in art, wine, and wanderlust, while Nikki shares her love for the English countryside, her recovery spa obsession, and what it meant to have a title match in her 40s—doing it solo, strong, and so ready. They talk about memories, twin reflections, the energy of doing things just for you, and why even the little things (like an Airbnb coffee maker or a little red light therapy) can feel like magic when you're aligned with your purpose.This was more than just a trip, it was a reminder to own your story, show up fully, and say yes to the things that make your heart smile, now THAT'S romance! Call Nikki & Brie at 833-GARCIA2 and leave a voicemail! Follow Nikki & Brie on Instagram, follow the show on Instagram and TikTok and send Nikki & Brie a message on Threads! Follow Bonita Bonita on Instagram Book a reservation at the Bonita Bonita Speakeasy To watch exclusive videos of this week's episode, follow The Nikki & Brie Show on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok! You can also catch The Nikki & Brie Show on SiriusXM Stars 109!

Dive into the shadows of life's rawest moments with The Mortals. In this gripping episode, we uncover the haunting true stories of two men—Franz Reichelt and Walter Griggs—who faced death in extraordinary ways. In 1912 Paris, Franz, a grief-driven tailor, leaps from the Eiffel Tower with a self-made parachute suit, desperate to defy gravity and honor a lost brother, only to meet a tragic fate. Decades later, in 1991 Miami, Walter, a lonely data clerk, survives a deadly inferno in the DuPont Building, guided by a mysterious voice no one else hears. These chilling tales explore the razor-thin line between life and death, the unseen forces that might intervene, and the relentless human spirit in the face of despair.Join host Nathan Morris as we unravel these stories of ambition, loss, and survival. Have you ever felt a whisper in your darkest moment? Share your story with us. Hit that subscribe button, turn on notifications, and step into the unknown with The Mortals.The Mortals Podcast is sponsored by Descript:⁠⁠ https://get.descript.com/mortals ⁠⁠Try POPPY AI: ⁠⁠https://tr.ee/EIaE14⁠⁠______________________________

For many investors, they start their journey by connecting with a real estate agent who doesn't match their values or understand their goals.  In this episode of the #DoorGrowShow, property management growth expert Jason Hull sits down with Andrew Rhatigan from Rhatigan Real Estate to go deep into the intersection of strategy and psychology and property investment, from navigating relocations and high-value deals to uncovering the mindset shifts that drive success in real estate. You'll Learn [04:21] Using Psychology to Figure out Investors' Motivations [09:07] The New Model of Selling: Empathy [13:16] The Property Management Industry in Ireland [21:09] Saving Investors 80 Hours Per Month and Retaining Value Quotables “Most people's end goal is not to have rental property. There's a reason why.” “If the investment vehicle isn't going to help them achieve their why or their purpose, then it's probably not a good idea.” “I think that's really the crux of actual, valuable, true selling. It's not about trying to force people or convince people to buy a product or a service or to get into something. It's about figuring out, do they even need what maybe I could offer them?” Resources DoorGrow and Scale Mastermind DoorGrow Academy DoorGrow on YouTube DoorGrowClub DoorGrowLive Transcript Andrew Rhatigan (00:00) instead of just being sold something for the sake of transacting,   Jason Hull (00:00) And instead of just being sold something for the sake of transacting,   Andrew Rhatigan (00:03) they've been guided to something that's going to suit their risk tolerance, their life now, and also the future if they chose to rent it in time to come.   Jason Hull (00:03) they've been guided to something that's gonna suit their risk tolerance, their life now, and also the future if they chose to invest in the   All right, I am Jason Hull, the founder and CEO of DoorGrow, the world's leading and most comprehensive coaching and consulting firm for long-term residential property management entrepreneurs. For over a decade and a half, we have brought innovative strategies and optimization to the property management industry. At DoorGrow, we have spoken to thousands of property management business owners, coached, consulted, and cleaned up hundreds of businesses, helping them add doors, improve pricing, increase profit, simplify operations, and build and replace teams.   We are like bar rescue for property managers. In fact, we have cleaned up and rebranded over 300 businesses and we run the leading property management mastermind with more video testimonials and reviews than any other coach or consultant in the industry. At DoorGrow, we believe that good property managers can change the world and that property management is the ultimate high trust gateway to real estate deals, relationships, and residual income. At DoorGrow, we are on a mission to transform property management business owners   and their businesses, we want to transform the industry, eliminate the BS, build awareness, change perception, expand the market, and help the best property management entrepreneurs win. Now, let's get into the show. And today, my guest is Andrew Rhatigan Welcome, Andrew.   Andrew Rhatigan (01:24) Pleasure to be here, thanks for having us.   Jason Hull (01:26) It's good to have you. So Andrew, we're going to go deep into the intersection of strategy and psychology and property investment from navigating relocations and high value deals to uncovering the mindset shifts that drive success in real estate and business and learn how your innovative approach helps investors save over 80 hours a month and retain up to 10 % more value in their property transactions. All right, so   Hopefully that's got some people ears perked up and their attention peaked and they're interested. So Andrew, give us a little background on you and how you kind of got into business and entrepreneurism and started into real estate investing and all of this stuff.   Andrew Rhatigan (02:09) So firstly, great to be here. And even from your introduction, it made me want to get involved in what you're doing. So it was a fabulous insight into the value you drive for your clients and potential clientele. So essentially, I suppose I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit and by virtue of life's experience, I've gone from every different avenue. And I suppose the backdrop to my life was that my family are and were in property in a very variety of ways. My late father was a developer and I have other family members that are still in development to this day. And   I suppose as I grew up, I was always interested in people and sales, but I ran away a little bit from the property side of things to go forge my own path and explore what I felt, you know, my version of winning was. And I originally studied psychology because at the time I thought it would sound good at a dinner party. I'm happy to say that now at the age of 40, that at the age of 18, guess what? Mic drop. I had no idea what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. So I studied what I thought would sound good at a party.   Jason Hull (02:47) explore what I felt my version of winning was. And I originally studied psychology because at the time I thought it would sound good at a dinner party. I'm happy to say that now at the age of 40, that at the age of 18, guess what? Mic drop. I had no idea what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. So I studied what I thought would sound good at a   party.   Andrew Rhatigan (03:06) But how it benefited me was that I understood more about myself, my inner workings, my drivers. And as I grew, I had different businesses throughout my life, but it all centered around two things, sales and people. And I suppose that was built on a foundation of authenticity, trust, and really seeking to build relationships for the long term rather than transactions. And I was in property, been in property for the last 10 years. And when COVID hit, I saw an opportunity to build a business.   Jason Hull (03:07) But how it benefited me was that I understood more about myself, my inner workings, my drivers. And as I grew, I had different businesses throughout my life, but it all centered around two things, sales and people. And I thought that was built on a foundation of authenticity, trust, and really seeking to build relationships for the long term rather than transactions. And I was in property, been in property for the last 10 years. And when COVID hit, I saw an opportunity to build a business   based on my   Andrew Rhatigan (03:36) based on my personality   Jason Hull (03:37) personality type and a niche in the market that was booking the trend of generic real estate agency. So as opposed to simply transacting, charging a simple fee and of rowing in with the rest of the property agency around the world, I decided to create a consultative business that was client first. I advocate for clients and independent. And I suppose I add that layer of   Andrew Rhatigan (03:37) type and a niche in the market that was booking the trend of generic real estate agency. So as opposed to simply transacting, charging a simple fee and kind of rowing in with the rest of property agency around the world, I decided to create a consultative business that was client first. I advocate for clients. I'm independent. And I suppose I add that layer of   Almost sports management to it, you know, so a big part of what we do is we were a fixer for a lot of our clients that come to us with almost a plastic bag full of a jumbled mixture of receipts at account season. And they come to us with a problem or an idea, and then they ask us to fix it or find a solution. And essentially we've become that advisor or that advocate for people who are looking to either put their money to work or who are looking to source a property in Ireland as a base for an investment or for supporting family or themselves going forward.   Jason Hull (04:02) almost sports management to it. know, so a big part of what we do is we're a fixer for a lot of our clients that come to us with almost a plastic bag full of a jumbled mixture of receipts at account season. And they come to us with a problem or an idea and then they ask us to fix it or find a solution. And essentially we've become that advisor or that advocate for people who are looking to either put their money to work or who are looking to source a property in Ireland as a base for an investment or for supporting family or themselves going forward.   Well, let's get into the topic at hand then so how How have you sort of applied this psychology background that sounded cool at a party You know to you know what you're doing now with real estate investing   Andrew Rhatigan (04:46) I think the best way to describe it   is life. You'll often have that you have a different, let's say a room of people at a variety of age brackets and they all have a different view on the world by virtue of what they've experienced, the way they see the world now and obviously their disposition to what they want from life. So I suppose what we do when we're assessing a potential client is instead of me taking Jason's budget and just finding something for the sake of it, I front load the conversation by asking what is it Jason wants from life?   Jason Hull (04:58) I've decided.   So I suppose what we do...   of me taking Jason's budget and just finding something for the sake of it, I front load the conversation by asking what is it Jason wants from life?   Andrew Rhatigan (05:15) What is his appetite to risk? What does he think he wants in a property? And what would that mean if we were to work through that hypothetical? And I suppose what I found quite unique is the way we work with people is I'm quite challenging to what people want to do because I'm asking the question before they've had to buy it because   Jason Hull (05:15) What is his appetite to risk? What does he think he wants in a property? And what would that mean if we were to work through that hypothetical? And what I found quite unique is the way we work with people is I'm quite challenging what people want to do because I'm asking the question before they're fired. ⁓   Andrew Rhatigan (05:32) that advisory piece needs to come into play. So I'm quite like an parent. So if Jason said, let's say if we looked at it from a car point of view, I need a two door sports car that goes from zero to one hundred.   Jason Hull (05:33) advisory piece needs to commit to play. So I'm like a parent. So if Jason said, let's say if we looked at it from a cardboard view, I needed two doors sports card that goes from zero to   100, know, lickety split. I just wanted because I wanted. And I said, okay, but do you have, and I know each other before, do you have dogs? Do you like to play them out a lot? Do you have kids? Do you play golf? Right. asking those questions.   Andrew Rhatigan (05:43) You know, lickety split and I just wanted because I want it. And I say, okay, you know, do you have, and I know we chatted before it. Do you have dogs? Do you like to take them out a lot? Do you have kids? Do you play golf? Am I asking those questions?   We're then essentially creating a foundation where I've challenged someone before they've spent money at that level to really understand what their motivations are. So property, when we're working on it, it's probably 90 % mental and then 10 % execution.   Jason Hull (05:56) We're then essentially creating a foundation for our challenge, some before they spent money at that level to really understand what their motivations are. So property, what we're working on is probably 90 % mental and then 10 % execution.   Yeah, got it. So I love that you're kind of asking them what they want out of life first, because I mean, most people's end goal is not to have rental property. There's a reason why behind, you know,   these decisions and why they have these things. And if the investment vehicle isn't gonna help them achieve their why or their purpose, then it's probably not a good idea. So, cool. So this is kind of how you start with people.   Andrew Rhatigan (06:31) Yeah, people are paying for it right   now. Yeah.   Jason Hull (06:35) So then what do feel like would be the next step?   Andrew Rhatigan (06:38) So essentially when someone has either referred to us or reaches out to us through our various websites or offerings, a big part of what I try and understand is someone's potential profile. So I could have someone that's abroad and let's say they've had a windfall from maybe a bereavement or a financial award. There may be something in that where they maybe need an hour of my time so I can guide them through why they shouldn't be making an investment, especially in the Irish market, because it is quite contentious. Supply is a challenge.   Jason Hull (06:55) something   especially in the Irish market because it is quite contentious, supply is   a challenge. ⁓   Andrew Rhatigan (07:06) And when people are looking   at Ireland from an international stage, they probably don't understand the nuances of it. But a big part of what I lean into with people is I will often tell people no, because I'm coming from a place that I want to make them, I want them to go away from meeting us and having that conversation, knowing that we've given the best advice for what they want from life rather than a paint by numbers that everyone can do.   Jason Hull (07:09) they probably don't understand the nuances of it. But a big part of what I lean into with people is I will often tell people no, because I'm coming from a place that I want to make them, I want them to go away from meeting us and having that conversation knowing that we've given the best advice for what they want from life rather than a paint by numbers that everyone can   do. It's everyone's version. I go back to everyone, version of winning is different. And I originally got it from Gary Vaynerchuk about 10 years ago, which was   Andrew Rhatigan (07:29) because everyone's version, I go back to everyone's version of winning is different and I originally got it from Gary Vaynerchuk about 10 years ago, which was one   person wants to work a 30 hour work week, they want to play video games at night and take two holidays a year. Another person wants to have every door in an apartment block and they want to build a special purpose vehicle and build for the next three to five generations, let's say. What drives both of those is inherently different. There's only one Jeff Bezos for a reason.   Jason Hull (07:38) One person wants to work a 30 hour work week, they want to play video games at night and take two holidays a year. Another person wants to have every door in the apartment block and they want to build a special purpose vehicle and build for the next three to five generations, let's say. What drives both of those is inherently different. There's no jet-flazed off for a   reason. So when we're working with people or potentially working with people, we really want to understand what it is they want. So by asking key questions, we understand...   Andrew Rhatigan (07:58) So when we're working with people or potentially working with people, we really want to understand what it is they want. So by asking key questions, we understand   their background, their motivators, their appetite to risk their life cycle as well. Because if someone makes a lot of money, they maybe want to put it to work rather than leave it in a bank. But if someone is not equipped to have, I suppose, the wherewithal to understand when you're putting money into, into real estate, what the implications are, they maybe need someone to tell them not to do it.   Jason Hull (08:06) their background, their motivators, their appetite to risk, their life cycle as well, because if someone makes a lot of money, they maybe want to put it to work rather than leave it in the bank. But if someone is not equipped to have, I suppose, the wherewithal to understand when you're putting money into real estate, what the implications are, they maybe need someone to tell them not to   do it, to put the money somewhere safe and to take a percentage of it and maybe go into some sort of a fractional ownership scheme.   Andrew Rhatigan (08:26) to put the money somewhere safe and to take a percentage of it and maybe go into some sort of a fractional ownership scheme. So   someone who may be able to invest in a larger fund that they can weather the cost and they get a more nominal return in the long term. So I suppose a big part of how I look at it is giving people the advice they need. And then I also have a lot of people who are looking at Ireland now as a place to build a lifestyle. So we have a lot of people who are international looking at Ireland because of the lifestyle, the language and the location.   Jason Hull (08:32) So somebody may be able to invest in a larger fund that they could weather the cost and they get more normal return in long term. So I suppose a big part of how I look at it is giving people the advice they need. And then I also have a lot of people who are looking at Ireland now as a place to build a lifestyle. So we have a lot of people who are international looking at Ireland because of the lifestyle, the language and the location.   Andrew Rhatigan (08:56) So lifestyle because it's quite a relaxed setting, language because English is the first language   Jason Hull (08:56) So lifestyle because it's quite a relaxed selling language because English is the first language.   Andrew Rhatigan (09:01) and location being a jumping off point for the rest of Europe. So we see a lot of ⁓ entrepreneurs, expats, musicians, sports people who are looking at Ireland as a base even for themselves from a personal perspective as well.   Jason Hull (09:01) and location being a jumping-on point for the rest of Europe. So we see a lot of entrepreneurs, ec-pats, musicians, people who are looking at Ireland as a face, even from themselves from a personal perspective   as well. Yeah, I like it. Well, I love what you said about the sales process, that you're not trying to shove them or push them into a particular vehicle. You're trying to figure out what would be best for them. And I think that's really the crux of actual   valuable, true selling. It's not about trying to force people or convince people to buy a product or a service or to get into something. It's about figuring out, do they even need what maybe I could offer them? And if they do need it, do they want it from me? Instead of trying to push them. And I think there's been a huge shift I've noticed in the last, I guess since COVID, we're kind of in this post trust era.   Everybody got kind of burned by COVID because they realized, hey, we were kind of all duped and tricked to some degree. then we're like, especially in the States here in the U.S., we're figuring out, well, voting sort of been fake and food's been fake and everything politically we're lied to and medical stuff is all this stuff is coming out as fake. And right now it seems like now the stuff talked about on the news is the weather's fake. so.   We're like, we feel so manipulated and we feel like we've been lied to in so many ways that trust is at this all time low. The one thing that I've noticed that people trust though, is they trust themselves. And so I think that there's a new model of selling that's really come about as a result of this. If you're trying to be effective and that's being more empathetic, it's allowing them to figure out what they want and what they need rather than just pitching and pushing.   like the old school strategies that you've gotten from all these sales gurus and trainers that have existed for the last decade or two.   Andrew Rhatigan (10:51) Absolutely. I couldn't agree   more. And I think another side of it when you're in property or real estate is you are already a level below general viewpoints on selling because I was in the car business and in the car business, people are anxious. They're wondering if they're going to be sold something that doesn't suit. Are you telling them the truth? And I suppose some great lessons I learned from a wonderful book by Chris Voss called Never Split the Difference. I'm sure anyone in properties read it or listen to it is   Jason Hull (11:04) anxious.   I'm telling them the truth. And I suppose some great lessons I learned from a wonderful book by Chris Voss called Never Split the Difference. I hear anyone in properties register or listen to it.   Andrew Rhatigan (11:17) I really lean into all the fears that people have and I don't use them as a tool to sell them. I use them as a tool to say, look, I know what you're thinking. And, you know, a real estate agent is going to sell you any deal under the sun just to get a deal. So I suppose how I actually booked the trend of that,   Jason Hull (11:17) I really lean into all the fears that people have and I don't use them as a tool to sell them. I use them as a tool to say, look, I know what you're thinking. then, know, I read a sad agent just going to sell you any deal under the sun just to get a deal. So I suppose how I actually booked the trend of that.   Andrew Rhatigan (11:33) the way we price things and our fee is actually you pay us upfront. And the reason you do that is it turns the volume down on the opinions of others around you. rather than me doing a deal for a potentially high fee,   Jason Hull (11:34) the way we price things that our fee is actually you pay us upfront. And the reason you do that is it turns the volume down on the opinions of others around you. So rather than me doing a deal for a potentially high fee   and frantically searching for something to shoehorn you into, I understand what your needs are. We price the package up from day one. It's fixed and you either can pay it all upfront or pay it in monthly installments. But two things that does, it enables.   Andrew Rhatigan (11:45) and frantically searching for something to shoehorn you into. I understand what your needs are. We price a package from day one. It's fixed and you either can pay it all upfront or pay it in monthly installments. two things that does, it enables and empowers   me to say, look, Jason, we found you three deals. I actually don't like two of them because they don't make sense. One here is interesting, but I don't think it's for you just yet. There's no incentive for me not to put you into it. But by paying me upfront,   Jason Hull (12:01) Yeah   Andrew Rhatigan (12:13) you're paying me to tell you no. And I suppose I'm trying to really lean into that trust factor with people, which is trust me enough to pay me, but then you're going to benefit because I'm going to see you right rather than see you do a deal for the sake of closing a fee and a hope for moving on and you lose   my number. No interest. I prefer long-term relationships. And I would prefer, especially in this world now, I mean, if you gave me what 13 hours, I could be sitting in that cool room of yours talking to you. So the world is so small that   Jason Hull (12:29) No interest. prefer long-term relationships and I would prefer, especially in this world now, mean, if you gave me what, 13 hours, I could be sitting in that cool room of yours talking to the world is so small,   Andrew Rhatigan (12:42) build a relationship for the long term. And it means that it then lives beyond our interaction for other people to be referred to, to enjoy, to get some value from. And I love that. It just goes back to the old school way of building trust.   Jason Hull (12:43) but build a relationship for the long-term. And it means that it then lives beyond our interaction for other people to be referred to, to enjoy, to get some value from. And I love that. It just goes back to the old school way of building trust. Yeah, I love it. I think that's a unique model to have them pay you upfront.   then you said it turns down the volume around you. Yeah, because the challenge is a lot of people's first starting point, they will go to real estate agents, which they have a very strong incentive to get a commission out of any sort of investment or real estate deal. And they're usually not really well versed in giving you good investment advice anyway, and let alone having an incentive to do so. And so this is why a lot of   Smart investors will actually usually start by talking to a property manager first, like what properties, what areas are good to have, what sort of property would be a good investment, because they're actually living in it, you know, they're actually living with that property and managing it, making sure that it can cash flow and is effective. And they're doing this for lots of different properties in that market. And so finding a good property manager is a resource. With the stuff that you do over there in Ireland,   property manager's piece of the puzzle.   Andrew Rhatigan (13:59) Yes, so I think we're probably in the grand scheme of how Ireland works. We're probably about 15 to 20 years behind the states in a number of ways. So I suppose you're still going to have a mixture of localized property managers who are very, you know, it's a hobbyist, it's a lifestyle piece where they get, let's say up to maybe 80 to a hundred doors and they can manage it themselves with a certain level of admin, but it becomes more of a practical lifestyle piece for them. But I suppose the other side of it is   Jason Hull (14:25) I suppose the other side   of it is you can then suddenly become a busy fool and you're not able to continue building relationships with people. Servicing clients becomes a challenge. So we're seeing a layer of both technology and I suppose a need for those who want to support larger funds. you have a lot of the investment funds coming in from all over the world and they're looking at Ireland or they're working at Ireland as a good base to be able to buy or build.   Andrew Rhatigan (14:27) you can then suddenly become a busy fool and you're not able to continue building relationships with people. ⁓ Servicing clients becomes a challenge. So we are seeing a layer of both technology and I suppose a need for those who want to support larger funds. So you have a lot of the I-Res, know, the investment funds coming in from all over the world and they're looking at Ireland or they were looking at Ireland as a good base to be able to buy or build purpose-built   Jason Hull (14:52) purpose-built rental facilities. So when you look at Ireland   Andrew Rhatigan (14:52) rental facilities. So when you look at Ireland now,   Jason Hull (14:56) now, you are seeing a prominence of people seeing value in having that layered system of a service you can log an issue in, a ⁓ one-tier contact system where you don't have to forget that Mary looks after accounts, but she doesn't look after facilities, and John looks after X and not Y. And I think people are looking   Andrew Rhatigan (14:56) you are seeing a prominence of people seeing value in having that layered system of, know, a service you can log an issue with. I suppose a one tier contact system where you don't have to forget that Mary looks after accounts, but she doesn't look after facilities and John looks after X and not Y. And I think people are looking at that   as an opportunity to streamline a service for people. But I suppose to be honest with you as well, the challenge for us historically is   Jason Hull (15:17) to streamline the service for people. And I suppose to be honest with you as well, the challenge for us historically   is those who want property managed, understanding the value involved and having someone, like you said, who does it every day, knows exactly how to deal with people, who understand the nuances of it, and paying them to do so on an ongoing basis so they can outsource that whole process and that support going forward. Got it. All right, we're gonna have a quick word from our sponsor, which is Blanket. So Blanket,   Andrew Rhatigan (15:24) those who want property managed understanding the value involved in having someone like you said, who does it every day, who knows exactly how to deal with people, who understands the nuances of it and paying them to do so on an ongoing basis so they can outsource that thought process and that support going forward.   Jason Hull (15:47) is a property retention and growth platform that helps property managers stop losing doors and add more revenue and increase the number of properties they manage while your clients with a branded investor dashboard and an off-market marketplace, while your team gets all the tools they need to identify owners at risk of churning and powerful systems to help you add more doors. So check out Blanket, I think it's a really cool platform. So, all right, back to you, Andrew. So Andrew, what?   Do you feel like you would like the rest of the United States investment world and property managers to know about Ireland? Like what, what don't we know about it? Cause we're kind of in our bubble here in the unit US a lot of times. So.   Andrew Rhatigan (16:28) You know, I think it's   probably amazing when you look at the history of Ireland's role in the world. We're quite a new country in the grand scheme of the value we've driven internationally. And I suppose we've got obviously a very long standing historic and positive relationship with the states generally by virtue of, I suppose, our connections with the United States and that history that we have obviously going over there for a long time. But I suppose what's happening now in the last two decades is we have a lot of companies that have really shown their muster. We've had a lot of   Jason Hull (16:49) street.   But I suppose what's happening now in last two decades is we have a lot of companies that have really shown their muster. We've had a lot   of growth from an economic perspective and we have companies and people that are probably making the most money they've ever made and they're going to put it to work. I suppose another challenge or I see challenges as opportunities as well is the Irish market at the moment is in dire need of more supply and we have some stringent planning laws that are going through.   Andrew Rhatigan (16:58) growth from an economic perspective. And we have companies and people that are probably making the most money they've ever made and they're looking to put it to work. But I suppose another challenge or I see challenges as opportunities as well is the Irish market at the moment is in in dire need of more supply. And we have some stringent planning laws that are going through.   I suppose that they're going through the ringer at the moment because you have developers who want to build and they want to grow.   Jason Hull (17:20) I suppose that they're going through the ringer at the moment because you have to have developers who want to build and they want to   grow and they've been stymied by a system that it can be clunky and quite slow. But I suppose when I look at Ireland from the perspective of an international platform, it's very easy to overlook everything we have that we don't have extreme heat, don't have extreme...   Andrew Rhatigan (17:26) and they've been stymied by a system that it can be clunky and quite slow. But I suppose when I look at Ireland from the perspective of an international platform, it's very easy to overlook everything we have that we don't have extreme heat. We don't have extreme climate   events. I suppose when it comes to being central, a lot of companies have chosen Ireland because it's a good HQ for their employee base. You're going to get great talent, but you can also travel around Europe. But when people look at Ireland from an international point of view, we still have so much land.   Jason Hull (17:40) I think there   is scope in the future to take a longer term view as to what Ireland could become from a development point of view. I think internationally there's a lot of points we could take from   Andrew Rhatigan (17:55) that is undeveloped, that I think there is scope in the future to take a longer term view as to what Ireland could become from a development point of view. And I think internationally, there's a lot of points we could take from   clever use of building, repurposing commercial developments, repurposing commercial buildings into residential, and also taking a view to exponential growth of these large companies that will need somewhere to grow and adapt and obviously as the population grows.   Jason Hull (18:08) Clever use of building, repurposing commercial developments, repurposing commercial buildings into residential and also taking a view to exponential growth of these large companies that will need somewhere to grow and adapt and obviously if the population   grows. But I think the opportunity for international people is to take a view as to unique building practices, potentially the next iteration of life at let's say data centers. At the moment they're in flux in Ireland, but I also   Andrew Rhatigan (18:23) But I think the opportunity for international people is to take a view as to unique building practices, potentially the next iteration of the likes of let's say data centers. At the moment they're in flux in Ireland, but I also think that people   Jason Hull (18:38) think that people can sometimes be overwhelmed by the concept of the perceived challenges and not seek out the unique opportunities. It's often like many business people who set up in the recession would say that was the best time to set up because it gave them the most opportunity.   Andrew Rhatigan (18:38) can sometimes be overwhelmed by the concept of the perceived challenges and not seek out the unique opportunities. And it's often like many business people who set up in the recession would say that was the best time to set up because it gave them the most opportunity.   I think this unique position Ireland is in is we have all this space, we haven't used it, building is in flux, but I do think if someone came in with a long term view, there is great scope for growth, but it's just about taking an outside eye and having the patience and the determination to see it through.   Jason Hull (18:53) I think this unique position our own disease we have all this space we haven't used it building is in flux but I do think if someone came in with a long-term view there is great scope for growth but it's just about taking an outside eye and having the patience and the determination to see it through.   Okay, so maybe some listening will have that long-term vision. there's no extreme client, good talent, people speak English there, which is great for us Americans, right? Europe travel hub, there's plenty of undeveloped land, so there's investment opportunities and maybe some potential data centers being built there, stuff like this. So it sounds like there's a lot of good things that could be potentially happening in Ireland.   So this is a really dumb random question, but how do the Irish in Ireland view the state celebrating St. Patrick's Day and kiss me I'm Irish and drinking green beer and all that?   Andrew Rhatigan (19:48) Well, I can, I can only speak for myself and those I know. I suppose the, one of the things that's very profound as an Irish person is you can overlook everything we have when you're here all the time. So the exact example, let's say someone who lives in New York, Times Square is just there and they just assume it's, always going to be there. The, know, if you're in Paris, the Eiffel Tower, et cetera. When you think of the impact and the relationships Ireland has with so many countries, much like the States, it can actually   Jason Hull (20:14) it can   actually, it puts manners on you quite quickly when you take a good grant because you realise...   Andrew Rhatigan (20:14) It puts manners on you quite quickly when you take it for granted, because you realize that this large   country that isn't Ireland, that doesn't have to love us the way it does, or doesn't have to embrace it the way it does, I suppose, engineers a wonderful experience for people to appreciate all things Irish, whether that be the connection to Ireland, the appreciation of having been here on holidays. And I suppose one of the things that is amazing every year is seeing that, I suppose, collection of nations that come together for a day that   Jason Hull (20:19) that isn't Ireland, that doesn't have to lovus the way it does, or doesn't have to embrace it the way it does, really, I suppose, engineers a wonderful experience for people to appreciate all the things Irish, whether that be the connection to Ireland, the appreciation of having been here on holidays. And I suppose one of the things that is amazing every year is seeing that, I suppose, collection of nations that come together for   a day that oftentimes people might overlook in general terms by virtue of holidays. But I think probably what it stands for is more that   Andrew Rhatigan (20:42) Oftentimes people might overlook in general terms by virtue of holidays, but I think it's probably what it stands for is more that camaraderie   openness. You know, Ireland has changed a lot in the last number of years. ⁓ And I suppose there is like everything there's always going to be the cheesy factor of people who, you know, do the kiss me I'm Irish and whatever else. But I would rather people embrace what it is we are as a very small country and they appreciate that. Like that's that's a phenomenal thing to me. And the fact that it just continues to grow each year and it's still quite amazing.   Jason Hull (20:49) I mean it's a popular thing. We wear green just to celebrate your   country.   You know, really kind of. So, help me understand this idea of this innovative approach that's saving investors 80 hours a month and retaining 10 % or more value in their property transactions. So, explain this to   Andrew Rhatigan (21:32) So oftentimes in Ireland, just to give you a backdrop as to how real estate agency works here, we have a very small number of buying agents. So let's say we're one of only, I would say between three and five buying agents in the entirety of Ireland. There may be more that I'm not aware of, but ones that would be more prominent. And when you look at how people tend to view a real estate transaction, it tends to be very DIY. So people in a residential setting, it's not a standard practice to...   Jason Hull (21:54) So people in a residential setting, it's not a standard practice   to hire a buying agent and then the buying agent splits the fee with the selling agent. Oftentimes you'd have someone that meets, let's say us, and they could say, oh, I have to pay you upfront before you buy me a house. I could just do it myself, much like some partners. Right. when we're working with people and the structure we've put together is we want people, especially at the level we work with, you know, they're investors, they're C-suite executives, they're ex-paths, high net worth.   Andrew Rhatigan (21:58) hire a buying agent and then the buying agent splits the fee with the selling agent. Oftentimes you could have someone that meets, let's say us, and they could say, I have to pay you upfront before you buy me a house. I can just do it myself, much like someone deciding to paint the garden gate. So when we're working with people and the structure we've put together is we want people, especially at the level we work with, know, they're investors, they're C-suite executives, they're ex-paths, high net worth.   They're busy building their own lives and their own, ⁓ their own vision of what they want in a different area of life. So essentially by understanding what people want, we then set about and do everything else for them. So we're searching on the ground. We're sending them deals. We're putting together an overview of what life and business and property potential is like on the ground while they're living life. And the idea being that they don't have to spend time communicating with eight or nine different agents to understand an area.   Jason Hull (22:23) They're busy building their own lives and their own vision of what they want in a different area of life. So essentially by understanding what people want, we then set it out and do everything else for them. So we're searching on the ground, we're sending them deals, we're putting together an overview of what life and business and property potential is like on the ground or their living life. And the idea being that they don't have to spend time communicating with eight or nine different agents to understand an area.   Andrew Rhatigan (22:51) we are the one single point of contact. So when   Jason Hull (22:51) We are the one single point of contact.   Andrew Rhatigan (22:53) someone signs with us, part of the deal they have to agree to is, and the reason we do it is we become the one person, the one conduit that they can ask a question to. And much like you said with your St. Patrick's Day question, there's no such thing as a dumb question. So when you have one person that's advocating for you, you could say to me, Jason, let's say, I've heard that such and such is this big issue in this part of the country. You ask us the question and then we find you the answer rather than.   Jason Hull (22:53) So when someone signs with us, part of the deal they have to agree to is, and the reason we do it is, we become the one person, the one conduit, that they can ask a question to. And much like you said with your St. Patrick's Day question, there's no such thing as a dumb question. So we have one person that's advocating for you. You can say to me, Jason, let's say, I've heard that such and such is this big issue in this part of the country. You ask us the question and then we find you the answer, rather than   Andrew Rhatigan (23:19) you asking someone else who maybe doesn't understand your situation, doesn't   Jason Hull (23:19) you asking someone else who maybe doesn't understand your situation.   Andrew Rhatigan (23:22) care enough to do the due diligence that you require. And a big part of why we do that is it simplifies the process for people. It provides one simple channel of communication, but it also buffers them from the market itself. Because if I'm looking at different deals, I might have 10 or 15 clients at any given time. And the agents who see me, they know me, they see me coming.   Jason Hull (23:22) doesn't care enough to do the due diligence that you require. And a big part of why we do that is it simplifies the process for people. It provides one simple channel of communication, but it also buffers them from the market itself. Because if I'm looking at different deals, I might have 10 or 15 clients at any given time. And the agents who see me, they know me, they see me   coming, and they know that I'm acting on behalf of someone who, as Bonafides, owns in place.   Andrew Rhatigan (23:44) and they know that I'm acting on behalf of someone who has a bona fides funds in place.   And it means that you're not going to get marketed to, you're not going to have someone that goes around me to contact Jason to try and do a deal. But it also means that when you're working with us, you've paid us to do what matters most for you and not try and do and deal with any agents. So we don't split fees with agents. No one can incentivize me to make it interesting. And I suppose where that freedom is for other people. And I suppose the education for people internationally is   Jason Hull (23:50) And it means that you're not going to get marketed to, you're not going to have someone that goes around me to contact Jason to try and do a deal. But it also means that when you're working with us, you paid us to do what matters most for you and not try and do a deal with any agent. So we don't split fees with agents. No one can incentivize me to make it interesting. And I suppose where that freedom is for other people and I suppose the education for people internationally   is they're paying me like a consultant in a surgery in a doctor's suite that's advocating for them.   Andrew Rhatigan (24:13) They're paying me like a consultant in a surgery or in a doctor's suite that's advocating for them and   not what they can get along the way. who can incentive, you know, make me the best offer and I'll throw them your way. No interest. And then when it comes to savings, what we do is the Irish property market is also very nuanced. So we don't have, you know, seven day closings or escrow accounts that have a binding contract in the space of a couple of days. Ireland's sales process can be very protracted.   Jason Hull (24:20) and not what they can get along the way. who can incentive, know, make me the best offer and I'll throw them your way. No interest. And then when it comes to savings, what we do is the Irish property market is also very nuanced. So we don't have, you know, seven day closings or escrow accounts that have a binding contract in the space of a couple of days. Ireland's sales process can be very protracted.   Andrew Rhatigan (24:42) So when we're involved and we understand the nuances of a sale, we can save people time and money because the seller has different motivations. One   Jason Hull (24:42) So when we're involved and we understand the nuances of the sale, we can save people time and money because the seller has different motivations.   Andrew Rhatigan (24:49) person may need time, so they may want less money, but more time in a property. Another person may have financial commitments that they have to adhere to, and we might be able to put something together. Other people, could be a bereavement where they have to offload a part of their property portfolio for tax reasons or for personal reasons. So because we can understand and get to the crux of a sale background quite quickly,   Jason Hull (24:50) One person may need time, so they may want less money but more time on the property. Another person may have financial commitments that they have to adhere to and might be able to put something together. Other people it could be a bereavement where they have to offload a part of their property portfolio for tax reasons or personal reasons.   So because we can understand and get the crux of the sale background quite quickly,   Andrew Rhatigan (25:10) I can save people time by telling them there's no point engaging in this because it's an illegal battle. It's going to take time. Or I might say, look, they're asking X, but they'll take Y. They just want Christmas in the house until we take over the sale. And by understanding that you can find that sweet spot and capitalize and save them the money where it matters most.   Jason Hull (25:10) I can save people time by telling them there's no point engaging in this because it's an illegal battle. It's going to take time. Or I might say, look, they're asking X, but they'll take Y. They just want Christmas in the house until they take off the sale. And by understanding that, you can find that sweet spot and capitalize and save them the money where it matters most. Got it. Yeah. So you're this advocate that helps them kind of balance the negotiation between time.   money, all the needs of the buyer and the seller and make sure that this is working. You're advocating for them. You're advocating for them. So what else would you like to share before we wrap up? And then how can people connect with you if they're interested in maybe hearing more about investing in this in Ireland market?   Andrew Rhatigan (25:57) Yeah, so first and foremost,   suppose one of the challenges when you're coming from abroad is when you're not on the ground, it's very difficult to be heard. And I think oftentimes people will be SEO and Googled within an inch of their life, looking at properties or looking at areas that are sold as a particular dream to them via this lovely screen that's curated through carefully utilized marketing platforms. And I suppose when people, if they're looking from the States, one big thing I would say is an agent in Ireland, if you, if you   Jason Hull (26:15) that's curated through carefully utilized marketing platforms. Right. Because when people, they're looking from the States, one big thing I would say is an agent in Ireland, if you   request details from an ad, isn't going to tell you it's not going to suit your needs. They're just going to sell you what they have for sale. Yeah. But oftentimes, when I encourage anyone when they're assessing Ireland, even if you're only paying a small fee to understand whether this is a market that's going to suit your needs or not, it's important to reach out to someone. It doesn't have to be me.   Andrew Rhatigan (26:25) request details from an ad isn't going to tell you it's not going to suit your needs. They're just going to sell you what they have for sale. And oftentimes, when I encourage anyone when they're assessing Ireland, even if you're only paying a small fee to understand whether this is this is a market that's going to suit your needs or not, it's important to reach out to someone. It doesn't have to be me. That   will give you a practical on the ground look at what your money is going to do for you and if Ireland is going to suit. And a prime example would be today we had an American client   Jason Hull (26:45) that would give you a practical on the ground look at what your money is going to do for you and if Ireland is going to suit and a prime example would be today we had an American client   Andrew Rhatigan (26:54) very successful and they went through an ad to find a property in a certain part of Ireland that was absolutely not going to suit their needs. And it was a very high value property, all things considered. And by spending time with us, we showed them what they could have without skin in the game. And   Jason Hull (26:55) very successful and they went through an ad to find a property in a certain part of Ireland that was absolutely not going to suit their needs and was very high value property all considered and by spending time with us we showed them what they could have without getting the game   Andrew Rhatigan (27:10) we completely changed the narrative. So they would have been buying in a very industrial area. It would have been very imposing. They wouldn't have been getting what Ireland is all about. And then   Jason Hull (27:11) and we completely changed the narrative. So they would have been buying in a very industrial area. It would have been very imposing. They wouldn't have been getting what Ireland is all about. Wow.   Andrew Rhatigan (27:20) by showing them this and giving them the time they needed to kind of transition almost like, you know what, if you're up a mountain to acclimatize, we've now agreed them a property as of today that saved them 450,000 on their budget and has totally flipped the script on where they thought they wanted to buy. So instead of buying industrial, they're   Jason Hull (27:21) By showing them this and giving them the time they needed to kind of transition, almost like, you know what, if you're going up a mountain to acclimatise, we've now agreed them a property as of today that saved them 450,000 on their budget and is totally fit to script on where they thought they wanted to buy. So instead of buying industrial.   Andrew Rhatigan (27:39) buying by the ocean. And instead of buying something that's brand new, that looks great today, they're buying something that's got great pedigree. And instead of just being sold something for the sake of transacting,   Jason Hull (27:39) they're buying by the ocean and instead of buying something brand new that looks great today, they're buying something that's got great pedigree. And instead of just being sold something for the sake of transacting,   Andrew Rhatigan (27:48) they've been guided to something that's going to suit their risk tolerance, their life now, and also the future if they chose to rent it in time to come. So that's just a simple example of what we do regularly.   Jason Hull (27:49) they've been guided to something that's gonna suit their risk tolerance, their life now, and also the future if they chose to invest in the time to come. So that's just a simple example of what we do regularly. Nice, yeah. So instead of being manipulated by marketing, thinking you're buying some beautiful Irish property in Ireland,   and you end up in an industrial area with something shiny and new that maybe isn't going to really suit your needs, then it'd be better to have a conversation with somebody that's real solid boots on the ground that are going to take a look at things and help you figure out what's actually going to help you reach your goals. Exactly. And people tend to reach out to   Andrew Rhatigan (28:23) Exactly. And people tend to reach out to me through   either RRE.ie that's our website. And we also, I'm very active on LinkedIn. So anyone that wants to connect or ask questions or book a zoom or a virtual coffee is more than happy to do so. I suppose a big part of what I love about my business and it's, it's, suppose as an entrepreneur as well, as much like meeting people like you is I love interesting conversation and meeting people with dynamic outlooks and personalities. And that kind of layers in what I do in property. But first and foremost, I love meeting people as well.   Jason Hull (28:28) and we'll.   It's, I suppose it's.   Fantastic. What's ⁓   the website again?   Andrew Rhatigan (28:54) It's RRE.ie   so R if I'm putting an American twang on it, it would be RRE.ie.   Jason Hull (28:58) Yeah.   R R E dot I E.   Andrew Rhatigan (29:01) IE so Rhatigan real estate and the dot IE is the Irish   domain version of dot com.   Jason Hull (29:08) IE, okay,   got it, okay. It couldn't get IR, I guess, so.   Andrew Rhatigan (29:12) No, it   was IE. We also have Rhatiganrealestate.com, but RRE would be the original website that we had.   Jason Hull (29:16) Okay.   Got it. Okay. All right. Thank you. All right. Cool. Andrew, great having you on the show. Very interesting to hear what's going on across the pond, as they say, and appreciate you being here and sharing your insight and your wisdom with us. right. Cool. So for those of you that maybe felt stuck or stagnant in your property management business, reach out to us at doorgroot.com. We would love to see if we could help you out. You can also join our free   Andrew Rhatigan (29:32) Absolute pleasure, delighted to be here.   Jason Hull (29:45) Facebook community just for property management business owners at doorgrowclub.com. And if you found this even a little bit helpful, don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review. We'd really appreciate it. And until next time, remember the slowest path to growth is to do it alone. So let's grow together. Bye everyone.  

The inaugural episode of Kickback Travel kicks off with No Brakes Nu' and special guest Heidi B as she takes us through her solo adventures across Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Istanbul, Milan, Florence, Pisa, Venice, Versailles, and Paris.From the party life of Mykonos to the postcard beauty of Santorini, Heidi paints the perfect picture of Greece. We explore the culture of Turkey—spice racks, castles, shisha flavors, and the art of bartering—and dive into the romance (and grit) of Paris, where a dinner cruise with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop is the ultimate date. Along the way, we accidentally discover that “The Eiffel Tower” is also a wild sex position

Forget the Eiffel Tower, kids—we're climbing the recruitment rollercoaster instead. Upwork's shopping spree in Holland (Bupty? Buptie? Bupkis?), Denmark's going full Face/Off to keep Nic Cage off Viggo's jawline, and the UK is suddenly allergic to Fridays. Joel's out dropping Cole at college, so Chad is joined by Belgium's royal pain Lieven and Scotland's deep-fried-pizza poet Stephen McGrath. Loud Americans, entitled tourists, and the four-day work week—this one's got more punch than a Glasgow nightclub at 2 a.m.

Chris Cooke joins Steven Scott and Shaun Preece to share her real-world experience with the Monarch multi-line braille display from APH and HumanWare. The hosts also discuss the future of tactile graphics, Glide's $4M funding boost, and the growing ecosystem of NVDA add-ons.This episode dives deep into the evolving world of tactile technology. Long-time listener and rehabilitation specialist Chris Cooke brings her hands-on perspective of the Monarch, exploring how multi-line braille and tactile graphics are reshaping accessibility in education, employment, and daily life.The conversation highlights how tools like the Monarch open up new ways for blind users to understand spatial concepts, icons, music notation, and even perspectives like the scale of buildings. Chris shares her practical use cases—from teaching fractions to exploring the Eiffel Tower—illustrating how tactile graphics extend far beyond textbooks.Steven and Shaun also react to Glide's latest $4 million funding round, noting the impact of high-profile backers from OpenAI and SpaceX. They discuss the phased rollout of the mobility device, its beta testing, and the newly announced name “Rover.” The hosts also chat about NVDA add-ons, showing how tools like Audio Manager are giving blind users greater flexibility with audio and system control.Chapters0:00 – Intro14:40 – Glide raises $4M and rollout plans28:50 – NVDA add-ons and customization37:10 – Chris Cooke joins the show41:00 – The evolution of tactile graphics52:15 – Real-world impact of the Monarch1:05:30 – Multi-line braille and spreadsheets1:15:00 – Accessibility, libraries, and the futureRelevant LinksAmerican Printing House (APH) Monarch: https://www.aph.orgHumanWare: https://www.humanware.comGlide Mobility: https://www.glide.aiNVDA Add-ons: https://addons.nvda-project.org Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

Fluent Fiction - French: Wind-Tossed Adventures: Luc's Unforgettable Parisian Snapshot Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/fr/episode/2025-08-24-22-34-00-fr Story Transcript:Fr: Le soleil brille sur la ville de Paris.En: The sun shines on the city of Paris.Fr: L'air est doux, mais le vent est capricieux.En: The air is mild, but the wind is unpredictable.Fr: Aujourd'hui, Luc est à Paris pour la première fois, et il veut prendre une belle photo devant la Tour Eiffel.En: Today, Luc is in Paris for the first time, and he wants to take a beautiful photo in front of the Eiffel Tower.Fr: Il est prêt, son téléphone à la main, avec son chapeau élégant posé sur la tête.En: He is ready, with his phone in hand, and his stylish hat perched on his head.Fr: La Tour Eiffel, majestueuse et grandiose, s'élève derrière lui.En: The Eiffel Tower, majestic and grand, rises behind him.Fr: Partout, on entend des gens parler différentes langues.En: Everywhere, one can hear people speaking different languages.Fr: Les touristes, tout comme Luc, cherchent à immortaliser ce moment unique.En: The tourists, just like Luc, seek to capture this unique moment.Fr: Mais pour Luc, ce moment n'est pas aussi simple.En: But for Luc, this moment is not so simple.Fr: Dès qu'il se met en place, le vent souffle fort et emporte son chapeau.En: As soon as he gets in place, the wind blows hard and takes his hat away.Fr: "D'accord, essayons encore," pense Luc.En: "Okay, let's try again," thinks Luc.Fr: Mais chaque fois qu'il se prépare, le chapeau s'envole.En: But each time he gets ready, the hat flies away.Fr: Luc ajuste sa posture, corrige ses cheveux, et attend que le vent se calme.En: Luc adjusts his posture, fixes his hair, and waits for the wind to calm down.Fr: Rien à faire, le vent persiste.En: Nothing to do, the wind persists.Fr: Il commence à s'impatienter.En: He begins to get impatient.Fr: "Comment faire une photo parfaite dans ces conditions?"En: "How to take a perfect photo in these conditions?"Fr: se demande-t-il.En: he wonders.Fr: Alors que Luc hésite entre abandonner le chapeau ou trouver une autre solution, il aperçoit Marie et Henri, deux autres touristes qui regardent la scène avec amusement.En: While Luc hesitates between abandoning the hat or finding another solution, he sees Marie and Henri, two other tourists who are watching the scene with amusement.Fr: Luc rit de la situation.En: Luc laughs at the situation.Fr: Il a une idée.En: He has an idea.Fr: Il s'approche de Marie et Henri.En: He approaches Marie and Henri.Fr: "Pourriez-vous m'aider?"En: "Could you help me?"Fr: demande-t-il.En: he asks.Fr: "Pouvez-vous tenir mon chapeau juste hors du cadre?"En: "Can you hold my hat just out of the frame?"Fr: Marie et Henri sourient et acceptent.En: Marie and Henri smile and agree.Fr: Ils se placent hors champ, tenant le chapeau exactement comme Luc le souhaite.En: They stand out of the shot, holding the hat exactly as Luc wants.Fr: Luc leur fait confiance et prépare son téléphone.En: Luc trusts them and prepares his phone.Fr: Puis, avec un décompte bref, il prend la photo.En: Then, with a brief countdown, he takes the photo.Fr: Avec Marie et Henri se cachant habilement hors cadre, la photo est parfaite.En: With Marie and Henri skillfully hiding off-frame, the photo is perfect.Fr: Luc la regarde et sourit.En: Luc looks at it and smiles.Fr: Elle est mieux que ce qu'il espérait.En: It's better than he hoped.Fr: "Merci beaucoup!"En: "Thank you very much!"Fr: dit Luc, ravi.En: says Luc, delighted.Fr: "Sans vous, je n'aurais jamais réussi."En: "Without you, I would never have succeeded."Fr: Marie et Henri sourient à leur tour.En: Marie and Henri smile in turn.Fr: "C'était amusant!"En: "It was fun!"Fr: dit Marie.En: says Marie.Fr: "Parfois, il faut être créatif," ajoute Henri.En: "Sometimes you have to be creative," adds Henri.Fr: Luc retrouve son chapeau et remercie ses nouveaux amis.En: Luc retrieves his hat and thanks his new friends.Fr: Pendant le reste de la journée, ils explorent Paris ensemble.En: For the rest of the day, they explore Paris together.Fr: Luc comprend alors que même si la photo était importante, c'est le voyage et les nouvelles amitiés qui l'ont enrichi.En: Luc then understands that even though the photo was important, it is the journey and the new friendships that enriched him.Fr: Il a appris que l'imperfection peut donner des résultats inattendus et merveilleux.En: He learned that imperfection can lead to unexpected and wonderful results.Fr: Sa photo montre certes la Tour Eiffel, mais elle lui rappelle surtout un moment partagé et un jour où il a choisi de rire et de s'adapter.En: His photo certainly shows the Eiffel Tower, but it mainly reminds him of a shared moment and a day when he chose to laugh and adapt.Fr: Ainsi, Luc revient chez lui non seulement avec une photo comme souvenir, mais aussi avec l'idée que la vraie beauté de ses voyages réside dans la spontanéité et les liens créés en chemin.En: Thus, Luc returns home not only with a photo as a souvenir but also with the idea that the true beauty of his travels lies in the spontaneity and the connections created along the way.Fr: Fin.En: The End. Vocabulary Words:sun: le soleilcity: la villewind: le ventunpredictable: capricieuxmajestic: majestueusegrandiose: grandioselanguage: la languetourist: le touristeunique: uniqueposture: la postureconditions: les conditionssolution: la solutionframe: le cadrecountdown: le décompteimpatient: impatientamusement: l'amusementcreative: créatiffriendship: l'amitiéimperfection: l'imperfectionresult: le résultatspontaneity: la spontanéitéconnection: le lienjourney: le voyagehair: les cheveuxmoment: le momentidea: l'idéetrust: la confiancesmile: le sourirehead: la têtephone: le téléphone

Family Travel to France: Paris, Provence, and a Trip of a Lifetime Thinking about family travel to France? In this episode, host Annie Sargent talks with Lori Belinski about planning — and enjoying — a dream trip for six people, from grandparents to kids. Listen to this episode ad-free They share the highlights of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and hidden gems you might miss. Then they head south to Provence for lavender fields, hilltop villages, and unforgettable markets. Along the way, Lori reveals how they balanced everyone's interests, managed transportation, and found great places to stay. You'll hear tips on traveling with a multi-generational group, making the most of your time in France, and avoiding common travel pitfalls. Whether you're dreaming of Paris cafés or Provencal sunsets, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration. Subscribe to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast so you don't miss future episodes full of travel stories, tips, and cultural insights. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:00] Introduction [00:00:30] Today on the podcast [00:01:01] Podcast supporters [00:02:18] Annie, Lori and James [00:02:45] Family Trip Overview [00:03:03] Olympic Adventures [00:06:20] Exploring the South of France [00:06:32] Fly Fishing Excursion [00:08:53] Driving in France [00:10:46] Driving in France is Easy [00:12:36] Lavender Fields and Local Guides [00:16:12] Monaco Aquarium Visit [00:17:44] Accommodation Experiences [00:20:39] Health Snags [00:21:49] Boat Tour in Nice [00:22:53] Exploring the Wooden Playground [00:23:41] Monaco: The Drink of the Trip [00:24:30] Dog Sled Adventure in Fontainebleau [00:28:42] Journey to Normandy [00:33:28] Navigating Paris with a Group [00:33:40] Trip of a Lifetime on a Budget [00:40:18] Marker [00:42:02] Travel Tips and Reflections [00:42:38] AIRALO, virtual SIM APP [00:43:54] The Podcast and VoiceMap Tours Are a Great Jumping Off Point [00:46:40] Thank you Patrons [00:47:10] Carl's Review [00:48:49] La Rentrée and Forum des Associations [00:51:24] Next Week on the Podcast [00:51:48] Copyright More episodes about family travel in France #FamilyTravelFrance, #ParisWithKids, #ProvenceTravel, #TravelPodcast, #JoinUsInFrance, #ParisTravel, #ProvenceFrance, #TravelTips, #FamilyVacation, #TravelFrance, #PodcastLife, #TravelWithKids, #ExploreFrance, #FrenchCulture, #TravelInspiration, #TravelStories, #PodcastRecommendations, #SlowTravel, #FamilyAdventure, #ParisProvence

Joey Vitale joins the program to discuss his upcoming European vacation and gives us all a history lesson about the Eiffel Tower. Following that, Joey discusses his former teammate, Sidney Crosby, and the superstitions that take place in pro sports. Finally, Joey talks about the kids going back to school and updates us on all of his wildlife. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(00:00-31:30) Blues broadcaster, Joey Vitale joins us. Not in Paris just yet. Waiting to go until the kids go back to school. Gonna try and call in from the EIffel Tower next week. Crumbly croissants. A little history and science lesson. A story about Sidney Crosby and Ryan Reaves. Crosby's routine. Aesop's Fables. Kirkwood Youth Hockey. Can you call someone's spouse their "better half?"(31:38-44:56) Doug's what's going on right now? Take 2. It's all ruined. Jackson ruined Friday. Apocalypse Now. Drops of the Week. Gabe tweeted that he thinks the anthracite was one of the best Mizzou uniforms ever. We really need the uniform reveal videos to come back. Wolverines are scary.(45:06-57:42) Put $100 on the Cards to make the playoffs, win $1260. NCAA Tournament in October. I wasn't paying attention. Welcome to ROI season. MLB television situation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this Coaches Corner episode, Brian and Robin Joy tackle a truth that every Amazon seller, and every business owner, needs to hear: success doesn't start out looking like success.   Drawing on stories from their early days (including apartment prep chaos, failed inspections, and a very confused schnauzer named Rudy), they unpack why disorder is not a sign of failure; it's proof you're building.   Using analogies from the Eiffel Tower to busy restaurant kitchens, they show you how to navigate setbacks without losing momentum, create systems in real time, and turn clunky repetitions into smooth, repeatable habits.   Whether you're facing your first IP complaint or just struggling to keep your prep space organized, this episode will remind you: the mess is part of the plan, and consistency will beat perfection every time.   Special guest at the conclusion of today's show, Jeff Schick of JeffSchick.com answers the question: "What are the realities of Amazon suspensions and reinstatements?"   Watch this episode on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/nP9Qhng-UUU   Show note LINKS:   SilentSalesMachine.com - Text the word “free” to 507-800-0090 to get a free copy of Jim's latest book in audio about building multiple income streams online (US only) or visit https://silentjim.com/free11   SilentJim.com/bookacall - Schedule a FREE, customized and insightful consultation with my team or me (Jim) to discuss your e-commerce goals and options.   My Silent Team Facebook group. 100% FREE! https://www.facebook.com/groups/mysilentteam - Join 82,000 + Facebook members from around the world who are using the internet creatively every day to launch and grow multiple income streams through our exciting PROVEN strategies! There's no support community like this one anywhere else in the world!   ProvenAmazonCourse.com - The comprehensive course that contains ALL our Amazon training modules, recorded events and a steady stream of latest cutting edge training including of course the most popular starting point, the REPLENS selling model. The PAC is updated free for life!   SilentJim.com/keepa - The service we use to help interpret all of the selling data. Keepa is discussed in depth on episode 369 at https://silentjim.com/podcast   Keepa Product Finder - Learn more about Keepa at SilentJim.com/360 (Note: This module has  been added to the ProvenAmazonCourse.com library along with all our other incredible Keepa training!)    

Title: Travel Like a Billionaire: The 90% Off Secret to a First-Class Lifestyle with Eli Facenda In this conversation, Eli Facenda shares insights on maximizing travel experiences through strategic use of points and credit cards. He discusses his nomadic lifestyle, the entrepreneurial journey that led him to travel hacking, and the importance of understanding the value of different points systems. Eli emphasizes the need for a structured approach to travel, focusing on maximizing points, optimizing travel upgrades, and effectively using credit cards to enhance travel experiences. The discussion also touches on the significance of having a clear strategy for business owners and how to navigate the complexities of travel rewards. In this conversation, Eli Facenda shares his expertise on maximizing travel experiences through strategic use of points and credit cards. He discusses the importance of community in travel planning, innovative solutions for entrepreneurs, and his personal journey in the travel industry. Eli emphasizes the significance of experiential wealth and actionable steps listeners can take to enhance their travel experiences. Links to Watch and Subscribe: https://youtu.be/c7QqSscsajc Bullet Point Highlights: Seth and Eli kick off with casual banter about van life, audio gear, and the nomad lifestyle. Eli shares his background going from broke entrepreneur to travel-hacking expert. He explains how he got obsessed with using points after a free trip to Thailand changed his mindset. Eli now helps entrepreneurs take $20K–$50K luxury trips for 90% off using credit card points. His 3-part system includes maximizing points, optimizing travel perks, and redeeming for bucket-list trips. He gives a real-world example of booking a $20K ANA business class flight to Japan for just $12. Seth dives into a real-life org structure and Eli explains how points flow to the guarantor, not the LLC. Best practice: 2–3 business cards and 2–3 personal cards tailored to your biggest spend categories. Eli introduces his new “DreamTrip Alert System” that delivers full trip itineraries at massive discounts. In the Million Dollar Monday segment, Eli shares how he made, lost, and remade his first million. His next million will come from scalable digital products and a wider reach through content and community. What makes Eli top 1%: He walks the walk, traveling the world and running a business around it. His #1 tip: Pick your dream trip, put it on the calendar, and commit, then let the how figure itself out. Transcript: Eli Facenda (00:00.059) What's up, Seth?   Seth Bradley, Esq. (00:01.43) Yo, what's going on, brother?   Eli Facenda (00:03.237) How we doing, man? How we doing?   Seth Bradley, Esq. (00:05.141) Excellent man, what's happening?   Eli Facenda (00:06.893) Not much. you, how's the audio coming through here?   Seth Bradley, Esq. (00:11.032) Sounds good, sounds good.   Eli Facenda (00:12.547) it clean? Okay, because I'm, it's basically we're in the middle of a Nomad trip here, so I normally have like a, like a shirt mic like you have, but on the road I haven't had, so I haven't had to test this yet, but I figured the DJI's are pretty solid, so I wanna make sure it's actually coming through decent.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (00:16.962) Okay.   Yeah.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (00:26.732) Nice. Yeah, no, it sounds good. Sounds good, man.   Eli Facenda (00:29.425) Okay, cool, awesome. Awesome Dave, we'll get to connect with you.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (00:33.802) Yeah, brother definitely, so I don't butcher it. How do you pronounce your last name? Facenda, okay, cool. Cool Awesome, man. Yeah, we've we've crossed paths on social media. I think or maybe our va's have crossed paths who knows   Eli Facenda (00:39.077) for sender. Yep, yep.   Eli Facenda (00:47.663) Yeah, think that was where, yeah, think we were initially connecting, yeah, totally. Instagram, I think, was the place. Yeah. Because you're out in California, right? Nice, I'm in West Palm right now. And I mean, normally based in Austin, but we're in the middle of a like, six to eight month nomad adventure. And so we are, we're on the road here, and we go to Europe in a few weeks for like the next several months.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (00:53.42) Yeah, nice, nice, where you at right now? Yep, San Diego.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (01:10.446) Sweet dude.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (01:17.166) That's awesome dude, awesome, awesome. Love it man, that's a long time. So we did last May we did, man it's been like a year, geez. We did like 30, 33 days in a van trip. So we took our van up through Wyoming into Montana and into Canada. That was a long time for us, but 68 months. Right, yeah.   Eli Facenda (01:18.117) Yeah. Yeah. Thank you, man.   Eli Facenda (01:33.455) Nice.   Eli Facenda (01:37.465) sick. Yeah, well vans are intense too. You know, I haven't done van life but my fiance, she did that before and it was like a lot for her. But yeah, so totally depends on the way you're traveling as well. Yeah.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (01:47.266) Yeah.   Nice, nice. Cool, man. Just give you a quick rundown. our audience, my audience is typically, so it used to be passive investors, right? So it used to be the passive income attorney podcast. I think when we might've tried to schedule before and that was for investors. So accredited investors trying to get them to invest in my commercial real estate deals, that sort of thing. But now I've rebranded to raising the bar, which is more geared towards active investors and entrepreneurs and folks like that. So still,   Eli Facenda (02:10.619) Mm-hmm.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (02:19.982) Still, I'm sure your clients, wealthy folks that are starting businesses, that have businesses, that are raising capital for real estate or private equity or other types of businesses, that sort of thing. And then we'll do about, we'll do it a little on the shorter side. So we'll do about 30 minute interview, probably at the longest. And then we'll kind of just close that out. And then I do two little smaller sections that I break down into like little five minute episodes. One is a million dollar.   Eli Facenda (02:25.403) Totally.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (02:49.622) Monday I put that in the notes and it's basically just like real quick, like how you made your first million dollars, how you made your last million, how you plan on making your next million. then, yeah, and then the last one is the top 1%. Basically just kind of what separates you and makes you the top 1 % in what you do.   Eli Facenda (02:59.675) Cool. Yeah, I love it. It's great.   Eli Facenda (03:08.699) Okay, beautiful. And then as far as, is there any place you want me to point people that is connected to you or do you care if you're asking about that? I don't have any hard call to action kind of pitch thing, but it's more just like.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (03:19.916) No, man, whatever, it's up to you, man, whatever you want to do, whatever you, whatever call it action you want to use, if want to send it to your website or social media, whatever you want to do,   Eli Facenda (03:26.577) Cause you know what we do have, I can do this. We have a pretty cool playbook that's normally 150 bucks and I'm happy to give it to your listeners for free. So I could give them a code, just say what would be the best code for that?   Seth Bradley, Esq. (03:37.175) Okay, awesome.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (03:43.429) Um, just raise would probably be good. use that a lot for like call to action, like DME raise. So you could use a raise.   Eli Facenda (03:46.161) Cool. All right, so yeah, so I'll just say go to the website and just DM or just put in the code RAYS and you'll get it for free. But it's like a whole playbook on how to maximize points for trips. I've act like legitimately I've had someone buy it and within 48 hours he texted me a screenshot. was like, dude, I just saved 20 grand on a trip from your ebook. And I was like, wow, okay, it works. So it's good. Yeah.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (03:57.07) Sweet.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (04:09.366) Nice, Cool. All right, man, well, we're already recording, so I'll just jump right in, and then if I need to add anything to the beginning, I'll do that later. And cool, man, yeah, we'll just jump right in.   Eli Facenda (04:14.129) Sweet. You're welcome.   Eli Facenda (04:20.27) Awesome.   Eli Facenda (04:24.913) Let's do it.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (04:27.444) Eli, what's going on, brother? Welcome to the show.   Eli Facenda (04:30.181) Thank you man, excited to be here and I we're going coast to coast today so this will be good.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (04:34.382) Absolutely, man. So we chatted beforehand, but I think you're tuning in on a road trip right now. So you're living proof of what you do, right?   Eli Facenda (04:44.065) Yeah, totally. are, well this part's kind of like a road trip. We're in West Palm Beach right now, but this is basically leg number two out of, we'll end up being probably an eight month nomadic adventure with me and my fiance and our little puppy. And so we're in West Palm Beach right now in Florida. We head to Europe in less than a month and we'll be bouncing around different parts of Europe for about four months roughly before we decide where we're gonna go next, which we're not exactly sure.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (04:58.904) Nice.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (05:12.28) That's awesome, man. Are you using all your hacks and secrets and travel tips that you put out there?   Eli Facenda (05:18.449) Absolutely, yeah, 100%. I mean, we just got back from a crazy trip to Japan. This was really cool. I run an entrepreneur mastermind. So we integrated our own trip around Japan around this mastermind event. So I had 53 people come out for like eight days. We went snowboarding in the mountains in Niseko in the Northern Park. And then we went down to Tokyo for the cherry blossoms. But for myself personally, to get there and back and do a lot of the hotels, we used points. We saved over 50 grand just on that portion of the trip. We then...   know, flew down to West Palm on points and then going over to Europe and a lot of the stays over there will also be leveraging the point strategies that I help clients use and then I talk about on social media and the stuff that we'll dive into today. But yeah, I like to be living proof of it because it's pretty awesome. It's something that's really impacted my life. I love doing it. And when I do it, I get to share it too. So has like a multiple benefit for everybody.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (06:06.648) That's awesome, man. I'm excited, dude. I'm excited to dig in here, because it's just for my own personal benefit and education, because I'm super stoked about this stuff, and I travel a lot with my fiance, or my fiance, my wife, and it's something I'm personally interested in as well. We've had past conversations too, so it's great to have you on, man. So just to start off, man, if somebody, you meet somebody in the street, they ask you what you do, how do you explain that?   in a sentence, right? Like without going into some crazy like tangent about all the awesome things that you do. Like what, how do you answer that question?   Eli Facenda (06:36.453) Yeah.   Eli Facenda (06:41.329) Sure, sure, Yeah, it really does depend on the situation, but I oftentimes will ask a couple questions because it makes it easier for people to understand. So usually it's like, do you have any big dream bucket list trip you've ever wanted to take? And they'll be like, oh yeah, Greece. I'm like, well, what we do is we help you get to Greece in business or first class, stay in five star hotels, have the trip of your dreams at about 90 % off. So that's kind of the tagline is take the trip of your dreams for about 90 % off.   I'll get into the whole point side of things, but some people don't know what points are, or some are really well studied in that world. So I just leave with the trip because that's usually what people want. They want to have the experience where it's you and your wife flying first class, sipping champagne on the way to Paris to go see the Eiffel Tower and the points and the credit cards. That's really the mechanism. That's how we make the experience happen. But at end of the day, what we want is the amazing memories, the beautiful experience, all that stuff. So I leave with the trip when I talk about it.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (07:37.848) That's awesome, man. Yeah, I mean, you're literally selling the dream, right? Like in marketing, you sell the dream or hit on a pain point. Like you are like the quintessential selling the dream. Like that's what everybody thinks about. So.   Eli Facenda (07:42.969) Yeah, exactly.   Yeah, Right. Well, it's funny because, you know, in marketing, they'll say like, sell the destination, not the vehicle, right? They'll be like, sell the outcome, not how you get there. And so we do that in our marketing. But then when you think about it, when people are taking a trip, what we are helping them do is make the vehicle to get to the destination part of the destination. Because really, when you travel well, and you do it in style, the flight becomes a part of the trip that you're excited for.   I can't wait to see the the drinks and the champagne and the food they're gonna have and how awesome the seat is and the movie selection, how big's the screen. At least for people that love to travel, it becomes a fascination of the trip, not just getting there. So that's a big difference maker when people start to go on these flights, and this is what a lot of our clients will say, and for me, it goes from flying economy to like, I'm counting down the hours to get off this freaking plane.   to like, we do another lap around the city? Cause like, I'd love to just hang out here longer, right? And like the flight attendants treat you really well. So yeah, it's a whole experience.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (08:49.314) That's awesome, man. Yeah, that's great. Was there a trip that you went on personally where you just kind of thought, man, I can turn this into a business, right? Like you're just enjoying it so much that you just were like, like the light bulb went off or how did this business spawn?   Eli Facenda (09:04.515) Yeah, there wasn't one trip that I made the connection between like, trip is awesome, let me start a business. But there was one trip that gave me the light bulb of, my God, I am obsessed with this, I need to learn everything I can. There was zero intention or thought about business that when it first started. And that'll take you back about 10 years. So was around 22 years old and I'm just coming out of college. And basically I'm in my mom's basement and I remember this really...   like heavy feeling because I went to a good university near New York City and all my friends went to Wall Street and they were making like six figures plus right out of school. And I had this like entrepreneurial bug. I was like, that's not for me. I don't want to sit in an office. I don't care if I can make a lot of money. I want to like play life on my terms, even if it means I'm making less. So at this point I have friends that are making tons of money, know, lots of disposable income and I'm making like 20 grand a year. I'm working four side jobs. I was trying to build a company. I remember getting this text.   And my stomach just dropped, because I was like, shit, I'm going to miss out on this incredible experience. was friends inviting me to go to Thailand. And I was like, if I don't figure out a better strategy of either how to make more money or figure something out, I'm not going be able to go on this trip. And I was like, damn, this is going to be just a life of missing out on experiences. Is that what it means to follow my dreams with entrepreneurship? It's like, I have to forego everything that my other friends are doing. And so was like, let me think about this differently. And I had a mentor that told me, you don't need more money, you need a better strategy. And he was talking about growing a business.   But for me, I was like, oh wait, there's this credit card point thing. What if I could figure that out? So I ended up piecing it together. I got a trip to Thailand for free. I had this amazing experience with some of my best friends. It's like still, you know, 13 friends in Thailand at age like 22, 23. Memories you don't get back. So was really grateful to have that. And then I came back from that trip and I got another flight a few, probably a year later to Europe in business class where it was a $6,000 ticket that I paid $6 for. Now after that one,   I came off that flight and I was like, I will read every blog, I will watch every YouTube video, I will learn everything about this because it meant I could travel the world and have this incredible lifestyle without having to go take a corporate job. So was like, I get to have my entrepreneurial dream and the travel I want without any trade-offs and I was like, this is amazing. So that was my first time I got hooked. It took me years of researching and reading blogs and websites and doing stuff for myself before I even had the thought of helping anyone else. I just became obsessed with it on my own.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (11:27.086) I love that you recognize you had the entrepreneurial bug early on, right? Before you got drugged down into the corporate ladder and then you got the golden handcuffs, we like to call it, and that sort of thing where it gets much, much harder to escape that gravity. I know for myself, it took a really long time. ended up going to, I went to med school, then I got my MBA, and then I went to law school, and then I worked in a big law firm, and it just took me all this time to figure out like, I don't want this.   Eli Facenda (11:38.405) Yeah.   Eli Facenda (11:49.201) Mm.   Eli Facenda (11:56.763) Right, well the social pressure alone of like everyone year round is going one way, it takes a lot of guts for you to zig when everyone else is zagging, like it's not easy to do. Yeah.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (11:57.015) And I think it's.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (12:06.648) For sure, for sure. Yeah, it's tough. It's tough, right? And especially when you see your friends making six figures right out of college, you're like, man, I could do that right now if I wanted to do it, but I don't want that. So it takes guts to be able to go out there and do your own thing.   Eli Facenda (12:21.873) Totally. And I think everyone has their own version of that still. There's even vert flavors of that today that are still existing for me where it's like, everyone's kinda going this way, but when I really get quiet and listen to myself, I'm like, yeah, you could do that, but you actually, what your soul or your heart really wants is to go over here. And so I've always just tried to listen to that more because I think about one of my North stars is, at the end of my life, I'm 80, 90 years old, I do the rocking chair test and look back, it's like,   What regret would I rather not have when I'm 90? I'd always rather be like I bet on myself than like I took the sure, you know, the well-paid path, which is the old cliche, but I think it's really true.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (13:01.004) Totally, I love that North Star, man. Have you ever asked ChatGBT to give you advice as your 80 or 90 year old self on your deathbed? It's great. Yeah. I love it, man. I love it. Yeah, it's great. It you great insight. You start reading, you're like, this is good.   Eli Facenda (13:07.409) Yeah, yeah, I actually created a custom GPT and it's my future me that coaches current me. yeah, exactly. Yeah. Yeah.   Right. Exactly. Yeah, totally.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (13:21.326) Awesome man, well let's get back kind of on the business of travel, right? So somebody comes to you, they do that introduction that we talked about, you get in a deeper conversation, they're super interested in it, they wanna learn more about these travel hacks and strategies, like where do they start? Where do you point them?   Eli Facenda (13:42.447) Yeah, so in terms of the process, I like to chunk it into three main buckets.   And it's important to have context around this game because if you don't, it just starts to feel like there's so many moving pieces and who has time for that and it's too confusing and then it becomes overwhelming and overwhelm just basically leads to an action. And then that is the person who's like, well, I just don't wanna do that, I'll just take a cash back card or I'll just stick to my Delta card, right? And so when you have the right context, you can start to understand the highest leverage moves to make and then you know really how to get the result you want with the least amount of effort. So that's what we focus on and specifically like I've worked with   probably over a thousand business owners now. And with business owners, investors and entrepreneurs, it's a different, the points game takes on a different context, right? Because usually the constraint we have to solve for is time and complexity. And if you work a nine to five, you know, after five o'clock, you've got hours for your night. But entrepreneurs, it's like every hour is kind of an asset that you can use. So it's a little bit different. So the three buckets are, the first one is to maximize the points that you earn. So this happens from getting the right cards and the right expenses.   because all of these different points are like currency, so you wanna earn the right type of points and then you wanna maximize the amount of them by getting the right cards and the right expenses. So that's the first piece and that's really, really key, because nothing else happens if you don't get that right. The second bucket is gonna be to upgrade and optimize your travel. So you've got domestic trips for a conference, are you getting TSA pre-check and clear, are you getting the best lounges, are you getting first class upgrades and free bags and hotel suite upgrades and free breakfast at the hotels and free wifi. Really it's just like,   There's all these opportunities available for people that are traveling domestically for work, for family events, you know, your kind of ordinary traveling might have. And what we want to do is we just want to enhance the quality of all of that and reduce all the headaches and annoyances by maximizing benefits on cards and status perks and all the kind of like little tactics that you can play. So that's the second thing that just makes your travel more comfortable. And then the third bucket, which is really the most important in terms of impact in your life and the most meaningful piece is to take your dream bucket list trips for 70 to 90 % off.   Eli Facenda (15:45.775) And so that's where you're gonna take the points you've accumulated. You're gonna use some strategies that I can break down here around transferring these points from the banks to the airlines and hotels, and you're gonna get these dream trips for literally a fraction of what they should cost if you're paying cash, or compared to if you were using your points through a site like Amex Travel or Capital & Travel or Chase Travel. Okay, so that's a mouthful, but those are the three. So maximize your points, get the best possible upgrades, and then take your dream trips for 90 % off.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (16:13.934) Yeah, dive into one of those little those connecting strategies there that you mentioned.   Eli Facenda (16:19.183) Yeah. Yeah. So I'll talk first about the cards. That's the order. This is the first mistake that most business owners and individuals are making is they're just getting random cards. They're like, well, I live in Dallas. Let me get the American card or live in Atlanta. So I'll get the Delta card or, whatever it may be. Or live in San Diego and I fly domestic. So I'll just get the Southwest card. Well, they don't realize is that again, these points, these points like currencies. And so if I told you, Hey, do you want 150 Mexican pesos or 150 us dollars for your couch that you're selling on Facebook marketplace?   you're obviously gonna take the US dollars, right? Because the currency is much higher. But with points, people don't realize that. So they might be racking up Hilton points or Delta miles or other points and miles that just aren't as valuable as other ones out there. And then they burn through them quick or they don't go as far. And they end up just basically sitting there being like, I feel like I should be getting more. This is the common thing I hear. I feel like this should be taking me further, but like it's not doing much. And so what we wanna focus on is bank points that are transferable. So certain banks,   have this ability to convert the points to the airline hotel loyalty programs. And what happens is the banks have a different way of pricing than the airlines do. And certain airlines and certain hotels have really good what we call sweet spots or opportunities for you to get the best possible deals. Okay, so when you earn these effective points, which the top ones I recommend are generally Amex, Chase, and Capital One, and there's a new program built actually is out where you can put your rent on a card with no fees and earn points, it's really cool. But when you get those right,   And then you look through your expenses and you say, what do I spend the most on? Is it groceries and dining and the personal side? Cool. There's a card like the Amex Gold that is specifically really good for those types of expenses. Then you look at your business. What do I spend a lot on? Is it ads and software and taking clients out for dinners? Great. The Amex Business Gold earns four points per dollar on those categories, but maybe it's you're spending a lot on flights for company travel, or maybe you have inventory you're buying, or you're paying a lot of contractors, or you have a lot of payroll. You want to assess where you're spending the most money.   and make sure you have the optimal card lined up for that type of expense. So I'll pause there, but that's kind of the first bucket. The other one is on using the points effectively, which I can talk about too, is pretty powerful. But that first one is really the linchpin. Because if you have a bunch of Delta miles and you want to go to Europe, I'll give an example actually one more before I kind of pause. There was an example recently I saw of a client and they wanted to go to Europe and we're looking at different options. This was from JFK to Amsterdam. If you have Delta miles,   Eli Facenda (18:43.547) The ticket for Delta One, this big awesome Delta Suite, was 320,000 miles. That's what Delta was charging to go from JFK to Amsterdam. It's really expensive amount of miles. But the same exact flight, like same flight number, same aircraft, everything, if you booked it through Virgin Atlantic, it was 50,000 miles. One seventh of the amount almost. It's really, really big difference. And so here's the kicker, right? If you have a Delta card, you only earn Delta miles, so you have to pay the 320,000.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (18:46.765) Mm-hmm.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (19:02.124) Hmm.   Eli Facenda (19:12.497) but if you had an Amex card that earned Amex points, so like the Amex gold or business gold, you could actually convert those points into Virgin to book the Delta flight because Virgin and Delta are partners, and you'd pay 50,000 points instead of 320,000. So this is the part where like, for people that kind of get this, they're like, whoa, and the other people are like, what did you just say? So I get it can be, it can be tricky for some people that are just getting to grasp it, but I want to make sure to lay out the whole game so people can understand really what's possible for them.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (19:34.764) Yeah   Seth Bradley, Esq. (19:42.329) Totally, totally. Yeah, it's just, mean, I'm sure people out there listening, it's both, right? Some people know these things exist, but they don't know the extent of it. And you're opening up their minds regardless, right? Like all the possibilities. I think most people are just like, sure, I need to find a great car that has a welcome offer of some sort. That's usually what people look at. And then they just try to pick, perhaps they take it a step further and they're looking to see like what they spend money on the most and they'll...   Eli Facenda (19:54.139) Tour then.   Eli Facenda (20:04.443) Mm-hmm.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (20:11.128) calibrate that card to that. But you're taking it step further because you know, it's kind of just opening yourself up to knowing all the possibilities, right? All these different connections, where to spend the points, where you can earn the points, those sorts of things. How thick is your wallet, man? Do you have, is your wallet like this and it's got 25 cards in it or what?   Eli Facenda (20:19.419) Totally.   Right. Yeah.   Eli Facenda (20:28.123) Haha   Yeah. Yeah.   Well, caveat this first by saying when we work with clients and we might do recommendations for people, I always recommend if you have a business, two to three personal cards and two to three business cards. That is a simple way to set this up. That's only four to six cards across both things. That's enough where you're really gonna get some serious ROI, but it's not so much that's really complicated. Some people are kind of curmudgeoned about it, like I only want one card. And I'm like, that's fine. There's no right or wrong in this. It's really preferential, but you should just know if you do that, you're gonna be leaving for most business owners that spend at least a few thousand a month.   that's gonna cost you tens of thousands of dollars of free trips a year. So I'm like, is your simplicity of having one card worth that much? If it is, great, but maybe having a second or third card doesn't add that much complexity. But if you get an extra $30,000 a year trip out of it, probably worth it, right? So that's the first thing. But to answer your actual question, so I have an entire thing called the Credit Man purse. It's like this portfolio binder, and it's just stacked with cards. I mean, I have over 40 credit cards, but I've been doing this for a long time, right? And there's like, here's the thing also with credit.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (21:28.28) Hahaha   Eli Facenda (21:34.041) A big question, a lot of investors, specifically people that are doing real estate or business owners, really want to their credit clean and we're huge advocates of actually not just keeping your credit score the same but improving it over time. And when you get business cards, they don't show up on your personal credit report. Okay, the vast majority. The inquiry will, but the actual card won't. And some banks, you can actually get multiple cards with no additional inquiries. So like when we do a custom card plan for someone or when we're just recommending it, we're always saying like, make sure to look at which banks you already have relationships with.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (21:48.142) Mm-hmm.   Eli Facenda (22:02.373) which ones you can get a soft pull from, the order matters of these card applications. But at end of the day, you just want a couple of specific cards that are really gonna be custom built for you, and you don't have to go crazy with it. If you get excited and you're like passionate about it, you can get 10, 15, 20 cards over the course of several years, and if you do it right underneath your businesses, it's not gonna drop your personal credit score. Your personal credit score will actually go up over time.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (22:26.314) Mm-hmm. That's a good hack, man. I'll get I'm put you on a spot a little bit. I'm gonna explain like what what I see a lot of the people that are probably listen to this show have in place structured wise like organizational structure and it's kind of similar to mine. Mine's probably a lot more complicated, but just to keep it simple, you know, there might be a parent company, right? Like this overhead parent company that owns everything. So let's let's call it parent company, right? And then below the parent company, the parent company owns, let's say a management company.   This management company probably manages funds, manages properties, manages equity for investors, that sort of thing. And then they also might have these other businesses, right? Like it just depends on the person. Like for instance, I own gyms and some other, my law firm, things like that. So they might have these own individual operating companies that owns a gym or owns another business or does these other things. you know.   Eli Facenda (22:55.889) Mm-hmm.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (23:20.066) Based on that structure, so you've got a parent company, you've got a, let's call it an equity management or fund management or property management company, and then you've got kind of this other operating business. How would you structure, what credit cards I guess would you kind of recommend? Not necessarily specific ones, but like, do they need one for all three or, yeah, how would you think about that?   Eli Facenda (23:27.301) Mm-hmm.   Eli Facenda (23:36.593) Yeah, yeah, but how would you think about that? Yeah, totally. I mean, it's a super common question. Like this is exactly the kind of clientele that we work with all the time where they're like, are you sure this is gonna work for me? I have four rental properties, two companies, one holding company. I have an investment thing. I have this thing over here. It's like, yeah, it all works. So simple is the key. So it's always a spectrum too. Like some people are, again, really minimalist with like what they want. we always, like when we're doing this for a client, we custom build it. But.   The real recommendation there is we wanna, again, assess which of these companies are actually generating the highest amount of spend. And those are the ones we wanna start with first in terms of cards and really optimizing. Now, if you have a bunch of different companies and they all have a bunch of spend, the first key thing to know is that the points will go to the business owner, the person who personally guaranteed the card, not to the business. So there's no business points account. It's underneath your name, even if it's underneath the LLC.   So the points go to you. So if you have like six different companies and you have like three Chase cards and three Amex cards, all of those three Chase cards and all of those three Amex cards are gonna basically funnel up to your account, okay? So that keeps it simple in terms of how you can think about accruing these points. They're not gonna be scattered everywhere where you can't use them. So that's good to know. Same with the airlines, right? doesn't matter if it's an airline or a bank card. So that's the first thing. For these management companies, usually lot of them don't have much spend.   So what we'll tend to do is just get one card that is like a catch-all card. And so this would be a card that we want to have earn around 1.5 to two points per dollar spent. Because what we've done is we've taken the floor of what you're gonna earn on your everyday spend and we just increase it by 50 to 100%. Okay, so like let's say a parent company is used for some client meetings and some basic legal and admin stuff and it's like 1,500 bucks a month just to do upkeep and normal stuff like that.   and it's not a crazy amount of different categories to spend. You're not running ads, you don't have that much software, there's not really a lot travel happening with it. But if that's the case, then what we wanna do is get a card, maybe like the Chase Inc. Unlimited, which earns 1.5x on everything, and we'll say, look, we're gonna keep this simple. That holding company doesn't have a lot of points earning power, so let's make sure we get a card on it just to earn, but we don't wanna like go crazy and get a bunch of cards and try to maximize every dollar. But this company that owns four different gyms and spends...   Eli Facenda (25:52.369) 50K a month on equipment and advertising and payroll and all this stuff, that's the company where we wanna look to get maybe two or three cards that are specifically aligned with that business to spend because that is where you as an entrepreneur, as an owner, are gonna be generating the most return. It's gonna be from that one entity. So I hope that breaks it down in a way that makes sense, but this is also where, again, having your cards across two to three main banks will keep it relatively simple because even if you have four different entities, if it's under one Amex login, that makes it nice and easy too.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (26:22.53) Totally, totally. Awesome, man. I knew you could handle that. Easy, easy peasy. Cool, man. Let's go to number two, right? Using the points effectively. You kind of touched on a little bit of that strategy, but let's jump into that.   Eli Facenda (26:26.682) Easy basic.   Eli Facenda (26:32.709) Yeah, yeah, so the second thing was optimizing the upgrades and all that. I'll cover that one really quick. If you're going through the airport and you don't have TSA PreCheck and clear and lounge access, you're missing out on some really easy perks that will just make your life way more enjoyable. So that's the first thing. There's a lot you can do with hotel upgrades and status. So like when I travel and go to Miami tonight for a conference, I have status at Hyatt. I'm staying at Hyatt for two of the nights down here.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (26:39.628) Okay.   Eli Facenda (27:02.225) I probably would get upgraded to a suite that's worth like thousand to 1500 bucks a night because I know how to use the suite and I certificate, it's my globalist status, I know how to message the hotel the right way. So there's some strategies there where if you do that, whenever you're traveling, you just get a much better experience. You get early check-in, late check-out, the free suite upgrade, much more spacious room. A lot of times they have lounges at the property like when we were in Tokyo, a bunch of us stayed at the Grand Hyatt there. They had a beautiful lounge overlooking the city. They had breakfast every morning.   They had drinks all day. They had a great lounge area. We actually had a mastermind session in there and they like a 15 person breakout room for us to go to. It cost us $0 to use it. They had afternoon drinks and stuff like that. So these are just the things that make your travel much better. So small tweaks that over time just again, make it a much more enjoyable experience. But that bucket on how you use your points, this is one of the most critical pieces. And I've already kind of alluded to it with that Delta One example, but   I'll share another one. So on the way to Japan, right, we flew ANA business class. This is all Nippon. It's one of the premier airlines in the world for international business class travel. They actually have a seat called The Room because it's so spacious and big, your own big sliding door. They have like an omakase menu. You've got ramen, champagne. It's like really, really good. Amazing sake and green tea and all this good stuff.   It was like an incredible way to fly and you know, it's an 11 hour flight and I didn't sleep a wink because I was just eating the whole time. But here's the deal, right? So that flight for my fiance and I, it would have been $20,000 for the two of us. It's 10,000 a piece. Okay, San Francisco to Tokyo. We're going in peak season, mind you. So I have three options to book that flight. I pay cash for it, which you know, I do decent in business, but I'm not dropping 20 grand on flights.   just to get to Japan, like that's out, that's way out of my bucket of what I would ever want to do. The second option, I go to the bank site. Okay, so again, if you have AMEX points, a lot of people have AMEX cards, like the platinum or the gold card, and this is a good start, but when you go to the bank site, each point is worth one penny. Okay, this is the baseline value of a point. So what happens is if you go to AMEX travel, they'll say, okay, this flight would cost, let's call it 20 grand. So 20 grand times one cent for each point equals 2 million points.   Eli Facenda (29:20.977) So my second option would have been to go to Amex's site and pay two million points, which I don't even have. Okay, so I'm like, that wouldn't have even worked, but that's what most people are doing at use points. They're going directly to the bank site and they're booking using Amex travel and they're getting absolutely screwed. Okay. There's kind of, and then there's a third option, which is to go through the airline site. So there's like three A and three B. Three A would be like, again, you only have Delta miles and you're kind of screwed going just to Delta. I don't recommend that. But the last option is what we did.   which is where we had Amex points and Chase points, and I looked at my different options and I said, okay, what are the best partner airlines I can book through to get to Japan? Well, it turns out, ANA is a part of the Star Alliance, okay? United is also part of that alliance. Chase and United have a partnership where I could convert my Chase points into United miles. When I looked that up, I ended up finding the deal and there's ways you have to kind of search this and track it, but that same flight that would have cost me two million points,   through Amex or Chase travel directly cost me 220,000 points to transfer from Chase to United. And I paid $12 out of Okay, so $20,000 flight, I paid 12 bucks. But how did I do it? I had the right points first. I had enough of them because I had the right cards and the right expenses. I knew how to search for this flight. And then I was able to transfer these points from Chase into the airline. So the hardest part of this entire process   Seth Bradley, Esq. (30:30.402) Hmm.   Eli Facenda (30:49.413) is figuring out the points transfers and which partners are the right ones for certain airlines. That gets very nuanced and complicated. It's kind of like, you know, if you were talking to a CPA and someone's trying to explain how like the Augusta rule works, whatever, and like the CPA pulls up like the tax code and is like unveiling this long list of tax jargon. The average person is just like, what, just like tell me how to do it, right? That's kind of the same thing here. There's a lot of different like angles and transfer partners and bonuses and.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (31:12.43) Right.   Eli Facenda (31:17.689) alliances and partnerships and it gets kind of complicated but that's how it works.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (31:22.434) Totally, totally. So let's talk about that. how do you help people keep track of that or learn that or execute, I guess, on these strategies?   Eli Facenda (31:32.241) Sure, yeah, so for us, our company really has two main levels to it. So we have a community-based level where it's like you're just getting the fast track, you're getting help from experts. So I'm really good at this, but I'm more of an entrepreneur than a points nerd. So as I built this, initially I was the one on the phone with all the clients, walking everyone through it, and then I built a team. So I found basically some of the other points nerds in the world that I was mind blown by. I knew them from social media and just seeing their stuff, and I was like, that person has their stuff. So I brought them onto the team.   And so our clients will interact with both me and them inside of our community, but it's not just points. We're also providing really cool travel experiences. So for example, I posted this, but I'm going kiteboarding in Egypt in June on this epic like entrepreneur kiteboard trip where it's 40 entrepreneurs going to learn how to kiteboard together and masterminding on one. And so I'm attending, I sent it out to our clients and I said, Hey, if you want to come on this, our team will help you plan the flights out there on your point so you can get business class on the way out.   So I like to, because ultimately I wanna help people, my mission is to help people create more experiential wealth in their life. There's financial wealth, and a lot of people accumulate dollars, but they're not turning it into experiences. So I'm like, let's create more experiential wealth, and the points are the way to justify it. So we have that community level where you get access to our team, there's calls you can jump on, ways we help you plan trips, and then we have the done for you services, where we basically just handle it for you. That's more like, think of like a travel agency on points for entrepreneurs.   That's more of what that is. And in there we'll do the custom card planning and map out what cards you need based off of what your specific spends are and stuff like that. So we do some pretty deep intake. And we kind of are almost like a travel agent. It's a little bit different in some ways, but that's basically the two levels in how we help people.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (33:12.29) Great, man. I love how you build in the experience, right? Like that's part of it. Like that's what you're teaching anyway. So it's like, it's not like, hey, join this, join this group and then we'll talk about all these things. You're actually doing it. You're actually inviting them to execute on what you're teaching so that they can see it in motion and then they can continue to do it and experience life at a different level.   Eli Facenda (33:32.497) Absolutely. Yeah, I mean, like, I really love it too. like, I'm like, everyone that works with us is really, usually a pretty cool person. Like, if you're an entrepreneur and you have the guts to build your own business, and then you wanna travel the world, like by nature of that, you're already probably a pretty cool person. Like the majority of people that are doing that, I think well-traveled people are some of the most interesting people. If you want the best stories in life, like, someone who's traveled the world is gonna have some stories for you. And so when you combine those two, it's like, these are people I wanna hang out with anyways. So like, I'm going on a trip to Egypt. I'm like, come with, like.   Whoever in the community wants to come, let's have a party, let's go do it. So it's great thing.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (34:04.994) That's great. Awesome, man. How are you raising the bar in your life and your business right now? Like what are you doing to build your business further, building off of some of the things that you're offering right now? Where are you taking it to the next level?   Eli Facenda (34:18.833) Yeah, so we have a new project we're rolling out inside of our community, which I'm really excited about, which is even just in our lower tier membership, and it's called our DreamTrip Alert System. So what this is, is when people come in, this has never been done before in the world of points and miles or travel at all. So we're the first to do this, which I'm really excited about. So let's say you were to sign up. You're gonna come in and give us your DreamTrip destinations, the seasons or windows that you could go, the points you have, your home airport, all this stuff.   and our team is going through and we're not just finding you like a flight, because there are different alerts out there that'll be like, hey, we found a flight. And it's like, cool, one way from LA to London, but like, what am I gonna do when I'm there? Where am gonna stay? How am getting back? Right, it's like part of the puzzle, but it leaves a lot on you to figure out. And for our clients, most business owners and entrepreneurs, investors, they're too busy to piece all that together. So they're like, well, cool, that doesn't really help me. So we decided to do, we said, what if we...   just basically sent people like a mystery subscription box of their dream trips. And so when you come in and you fill that out, we gather it. And then a couple times a month, we're gonna send out alerts where it's like a 30, 40 or $50,000 type trip, somewhere incredible in the world. We're talking Greek islands, Amalfi Coast, Japan, New Zealand, African safaris, Maldives, Bora Bora, places like that, business and first class flights, five star hotels, four pennies on the dollar. So these are like, we get $40,000 trips where people will end up paying a thousand bucks, 1500 bucks, two grand out of pocket.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (35:25.389) Mm-hmm.   Eli Facenda (35:44.337) And so we're gonna send the entire trip to you. So it's like the flights, the hotels, the entire step-by-step booking, the recommendations on the ground, the entire experience. And so we're sending those out so people come in, they tell us when, where, like the things they wanna do, and then they're just gonna get these alerts where it's like every month they're gonna be like, you you're sitting there with your wife, hey babe, you wanna go to Bora Bora in like June? It's gonna cost us like 800 bucks and it would be a $30,000 trip. It's like that's what I want. That's what I wanna create. So that's us raising the bar in the industry and in our business.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (36:06.35) you   Eli Facenda (36:13.615) I'm very excited, it's brand new for us, so I'm just pumped to see that continue to roll out, because it's, for me the mission is to help people live with experiential wealth in the form of travel. And so, usually there's some barriers that get in the way. There's time, there's planning, and then there's cost. And what we're trying to do is eliminate as many of those barriers as we can to make it just easier to say yes to the trip.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (36:34.252) Yeah, man, sign me up, dude. Sign me up. I feel like you've got to get both significant others on your list, right? So they both see it and whoever's like the person is like, we've got to do this, you hit both of them and then they convince the other one to do it.   Eli Facenda (36:36.625) All right.   Eli Facenda (36:49.477) Yeah, right. Yeah, exactly. There's usually one. There's usually like sometimes it's the husband's on the call and he's like, dude, I don't know where we ever travel. Like I'm gonna pay for this, my wife's gonna do everything or it's the opposite where the guy's like, you know, she just shows up and I tell her where we're going. And so like that's my relationship. I'll be like, you know, it's my industry, my passion. I'm like, we're going here and then here. And she's like, tell me where to be. And she just has no idea where we are and she just loves it. And I'm like, I like planning. So, you know, but it's different for everybody.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (37:11.736) Yeah.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (37:17.144) For sure, for sure, man. All right, brother, this has been incredible. Tell our audience where they can find out more about you, where they can get involved with all the things, all the incredible things that they've heard on this show. Throw it out there,   Eli Facenda (37:28.859) Totally. Yeah, a couple of main places. So the first thing I'll share is that we have what I call the CEO Points Playbook. This is something I custom built. Took me a long time, and this was not a Chad TBT prompt. Like, I really built this on my own. And it is like a 30 to 40 page playbook that any business owner or entrepreneur can use to really maximize their travel experiences, get better bucket list trips, figure out the right cards for them. And it's normally 150 bucks, but if you go to freedomtravelsystems.com   forward slash playbook and you put in the code RAYS, you're gonna get it for free. Okay, so anyone listening, it is free for you. And so that's gonna be freedomtravelsystems.com forward slash playbook and then use the code RAYS, maybe we can put it in the show notes. And so that'll be the first thing. Second place is if you're like just want done for you services, just take off that forward slash and go to freedomtravelsystems.com. can talk to myself and one of the team members. And the last place, I hang out on Instagram and post a lot there, that's where we connected.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (38:14.049) Absolutely.   Eli Facenda (38:27.595) And that's where I'm sharing the most like behind the scenes and as I'm booking this stuff, as I'm planning it, as I'm showing like what our clients are doing, you get to see more of the visuals and the fun and come along for the ride. And so I love engaging on Instagram as well.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (38:40.27) Great. Thanks Eli. I really appreciate you coming on the show,   Eli Facenda (38:43.973) Thanks Seth, appreciate you having me on.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (38:45.806) All right, brother, talk soon.   All right, sweet dude. Nice. Yeah, right around 30 minutes. Let's see. Yeah, we'll just jump into these last few questions here.   Eli Facenda (38:51.748) Awesome.   Eli Facenda (38:55.205) Perfect.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (39:03.862) Welcome to Million Dollar Monday with Eli Fisenda. Let's just jump right in. Hey brother. Yeah, how did you make your first million?   Eli Facenda (39:09.243) Let's do it.   Eli Facenda (39:13.499) So I actually made my first million in a tour company. Now I made the first million, I didn't get to keep the first million, but what we were doing, we were running sports trips all over the world. This is actually part of how I fell in love with the travel industry and the work that I now do with points. And ultimately what we were doing, we were creating these international tour packages for youth sports teams and families to go on these international tours. think of like a 14 year old baseball team in your, you're in San Diego. We'd like do a selection of kids.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (39:19.694) Sure.   Eli Facenda (39:41.329) from that area and the families would come and they would go to Japan or Italy or wherever and travel for 10 days, experience the culture, have an educational tour and also play the local teams. So we did that in a variety of sports, ice hockey and baseball and lacrosse and all these different sports. And we were growing a lot and then that was ramping right until COVID and that just decimated the entire business. we took us about two years to get to a million and then we started to double almost every year for a few years and that was like.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (40:02.432) Mm.   Eli Facenda (40:09.399) Really, really tough break at COVID, but that was the first million.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (40:11.63) COVID man. Nobody saw that coming. mean.   Eli Facenda (40:13.881) No, definitely, you know, group, large, large group sports international travel was like the worst potential. Like you can't go overseas and you definitely can't do it with 60 people. So was, was a brutal industry to be in.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (40:25.506) Right? Yeah, there were certain sectors that just, I mean, there was nothing you could do. We opened up our first gym actually two weeks before COVID hit in 2020. we had our, us like two years to open and then our grand opening. And then we had a bunch of free clients in those first two weeks. And then they ended up being free clients for about a year because we couldn't charge them. Cause we couldn't get them back in the gym. We're doing online workouts and all that kind of stuff is insane.   Eli Facenda (40:36.817) Ugh.   Eli Facenda (40:47.696) Wow.   Eli Facenda (40:53.337) And that's like where the true entrepreneurial muscles are definitely strengthened in times like that though. mean, like the people that bounce back and figure it out, like you just have a new sense of confidence of like, you know, I can handle anything.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (40:54.22) But hey, we adapt,   Seth Bradley, Esq. (41:06.764) Yeah, man. I mean, you pivot, right? Like I actually ended up launching my first podcast during during COVID because I was stuck inside and it was like, all right, let's let's do this. Let's get on Zoom and interview people and all that kind of stuff, man. So that leads us right to the next question. And how do you make your last million? How do you make that transition?   Eli Facenda (41:12.859) Cool.   Nice. Cool. I'll it.   Eli Facenda (41:24.143) Yeah, so the last million that I made was in the current business that I have. so essentially what we've been doing there for about four years now is helping entrepreneurs maximize their travel on credit card points. So helping them get their dream bucket list trips, these 30, 40, $50,000 trips all over the world for about 90 % off by leveraging credit card points. And we've traditionally had some pretty high ticket services. I mean, not crazy expensive, but like, you five, 10, 15 K and that range has been the main main service. And so,   We cracked our first million about two years in, so that was 2020, 2024 actually was the first year we made a million there.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (42:00.526) Awesome man, awesome. How about your next million? Where are you scaling to?   Eli Facenda (42:04.305) Yeah, so the next million I wanna make is the same business. love what I do, I really enjoy it. And what I wanna do is do it in a more community oriented and lower ticket way. So I wanna have bigger reach, more digital products, more of the community, more affiliate services and stuff like that. And I'm really excited about kind of cracking the code on that, because we've done it decently with the higher ticket stuff, more agency level, service level stuff, which is great. And we're still cranking on that, we're gonna keep growing it. But I really wanna see what we can do with...   So the lower ticket stuff, creating awesome stuff on YouTube that leads to different channels and distributions there. So that's the next million and same business, just different type of money.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (42:41.57) I love it man, yeah, that's kind of opposite of how some people approach it, right? You usually start with a lower ticket and then you have to build up that base before anybody will give you, you know, higher, pay for that higher ticket product, but you're kind of working backwards because you want to help more people.   Eli Facenda (42:56.677) Totally, exactly, yeah, and there's a limit. mean, what we do in the high ticket is incredible, but it really is a specialized skill. Like you think about like a bookkeeper or an accounting firm or something, like there's like a million bookkeepers. There's like 50 people that know points and travel to the level that I need them to know it to really serve clients with the highest level. So there's a real limit on the ability to scale that. And so it's also just like, we wanna be able to do really quality work for less people, but then serve more people with the other stuff too.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (43:25.368) Totally, totally.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (43:29.518) Cool, let's jump into the next one dude and we'll wrap up. Eli, you're clearly in the top 1 % of what you do. I don't even know if there's that many people out there that do what you do at all, period. So clearly in the top 0.0001%, what is it about you that separates you from the rest of the field?   Eli Facenda (43:49.701) I think it's our ability to actually live what we preach. This is something where, you know, there are other fantastic people that talk about credit card points, but very few of them are actually business owners, like that's who we serve, and very few of them are actually traveling in the way that they're trying to help people travel. So we've done both. I've built multiple businesses, so I understand the psychology and the relatability of how you wanna think about travel and points and the various stresses in your life, the limitations on time and complexity. And I also,   Seth Bradley, Esq. (44:06.062) Hmm.   Eli Facenda (44:20.636) What just happened?   Seth Bradley, Esq. (44:22.998) I'm not sure. We can splice it together, but let's see. Lost the video.   Eli Facenda (44:26.748) Let me see here. Did my camera die or something?   Bizarre. second.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (44:36.076) Yeah, weird. Never had that happen.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (44:42.038) Not a big deal, we can splice it together, but let's see if we can get your camera working again.   Eli Facenda (44:46.992) Don't see my camera get help. Is the audio coming through okay? Did it switch over there to my MacBook from the other one? Or it sounds the same.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (44:51.564) Yeah, I can hear the audio.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (44:57.806) I don't know. All I see is like a car. It's like I don't know. It's a card with a symbol on it I wonder what that is that riverside or is that your symbol? I can't be your symbol   Eli Facenda (45:06.556) weird. Get help.   Eli Facenda (45:12.006) Let me see.   trying to check this out.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (45:19.458) We can also just finish it with audio.   Eli Facenda (45:23.556) Is it, Dude, I don't know what's going on. Sorry about that. I've never seen...   Seth Bradley, Esq. (45:28.654) no worries, dude. We can just finish it with audio anyways.   Eli Facenda (45:31.63) New recording track created the participants have been recorded.   Issue device struggling to record. High load on your device. Try closing all other apps. Give me one second. I don't have any apps open. That's really weird.   Eli Facenda (45:53.126) Yeah, I don't know man. I apologize. I Okay, well yeah   Seth Bradley, Esq. (45:57.219) you're good, We'll just finish an audio and then I'll pull up for the video. I'll just black screen to a logo or something. So all good. I don't exactly know where you're at. If you want to start that sentence over.   Eli Facenda (46:04.048) Okay, cool.   Eli Facenda (46:07.866) Yeah, I'll just, I'll say, I'll just start. So yeah, so not only have we really walked the walk with actually living what we preach, but we also understand that psychology of what it's like to be a business owner, your limitations on time and complexity and all that stuff. And because we're talking about travel, people also want to know like what's actually in store for me in this destination. I've been to 50 countries now and my business partner has been to almost 100.   We have other team members who are all over 30, 40, 50 countries. So we've been to a lot of the destinations around the world that we're advising people to go to. So we know the ins and outs, best places to stay, hidden gems, top restaurants, stuff like that, that really add another layer of personalization and true experience into the service. So I think those are the things that really make us most credible in this space.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (46:57.506) Dude, it's so important, right? Like there's so many, you know, there's so much content out there now. There's gurus and coaches and mentors, whatever you want to call them. Like the ones that are truly valuable and that people should pay attention to are the ones that are actually practicing what they preach, right? The ones that aren't just selling you education or aren't just selling you a product. Like they're actually, they've done what they're selling and they continue to   enjoy or do what they're selling.   Eli Facenda (47:28.635) 100%, yeah, if you're a living embodiment of what you do, it makes it that much easier to communicate it and sell it because you just are the thing you're selling.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (47:38.764) Yeah, absolutely. What's one thing someone listening could do today to get 1 % closer to their dream life?   Eli Facenda (47:45.089) One thing that would be the easiest is to spend 30 minutes, go on Instagram, go on your favorite social media site, go on some travel blog site, look for your dream destination, then pull up your calendar and put a time on the calendar where you're committing to go. One of my favorite quotes is from Tim Ferriss, I forget the exact quote, but basically the idea is that if you don't schedule your fun first, it won't happen.   because your business and your life will take up as much space as you allow it to. So most people find that I'll take the trip when it's convenient. I'll take the trip when I have more time. That time is never coming until you make it a priority. So the one thing they can do to get closer to their dream life is to just make a more bold commitment to putting the time on the calendar and be like, I am going and make some sort of investment, whether you're telling someone, whether you're putting some money down, whether you're learn the point stuff, that's gonna be the biggest leverage you can make.   to make sure that you actually follow through on taking these trips and then you'll find how to get there on points if you need to from there.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (48:50.766) 100 % man, gotta put it, people, entrepreneurs, people like us, we work in all the time, you've gotta put it, put it in your schedule. You've gotta block it out, commit to it.   Eli Facenda (48:59.821) Absolutely, 100%.   Seth Bradley, Esq. (49:04.554) Alright dude, I think we got it wrapped up, man.   Eli Facenda (49:05.743) Beautiful. Awesome, Dan. Well, this was super fun and I apologize agai

There are a lot of destinations where there is just that “one thing” that people plan their trip around. With Peru, it's Machu Picchu, with France, it's the Eiffel Tower. But what is something we'd plan a trip around when it comes to every country we've visited? We dive into every country we've visited together and list out something we'd plan a trip around (I.e. we haven't done yet) or something we recommend planning a trip around that we think is the best thing to do in the country (hint: it isn't Machu Picchu in Peru-although you should see that too!).   Relevant Links (may contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission-at no additional cost to you!): -Galapagos Itinerary: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/7-day-galapagos-itinerary/ -Trip to Galapagos Cost: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/galapagos-trip-cost/ -Most trips discussed can be found on the blog: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com   Check us out on Substack: Follow for updates, free and paid posts, and exclusive podcast episodes! Subscribe here to get this exclusive content now! Traveling to France? Check out our Facebook Group called France Travel Tips to ask/answer questions and learn more! Don't forget to follow along! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldwidehoneymoon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldwidehoneymoon TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidehoneymoon World Wide Honeymoon Blog: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com France Voyager Blog: https://francevoyager.com Subscribe to the World Wide Honeymoon blog here for monthly updates and tips + get our FREE trip planning guide: https://www.subscribepage.com/o4e5c2

Pictures keep not only our memories but also document the whole world's history. These 20 wonderful shots show some truly fascinating things going on before we were here. TIMESTAMPS A zoo keeper and tiger cubs, 1937 ⁠0:14⁠ Girls getting changed on a public beach, 1929 ⁠0:28⁠ Charlie Chaplin and his wife Una, United States, 1944 ⁠0:43⁠ Dubai, 1965 ⁠1:00⁠ Dolph Lundgren and Grace Jones, 1980s ⁠1:12⁠ Mata Hari in the 1900's ⁠1:27⁠ A woman driving a car, 1900s ⁠1:41⁠ Halloween, Florida, United States, 1954 ⁠1:54⁠ Kissing for Dummies, LIFE Magazine, 1942 ⁠2:09⁠ Albert Einstein and his wife Elsa among the Hopi tribe, Grand Canyon, USA, 19312:23 Arnold Schwarzenegger walking in Munich wearing nothing but swim trunks, promoting bodybuilding and attracting people to the gym. November, 1967 ⁠2:36⁠ The tallest man in world history, Fyodor Makhnov. He was 2.85 m (9.25 ft) tall and weighed about 182 kg (401.24 lb). 1900s ⁠2:50⁠ A tourist holding an ice cream cone by the Eiffel Tower, 1950 ⁠3:00⁠ The muffin man, London, 1910 ⁠3:10⁠ The first version of a mobile radio telephone being used in 1924 ⁠3:22⁠ A model in a bikini presents a LADA at a motor show in New York, 1973 ⁠3:38⁠ Cambridge graduates, 1926 ⁠3:46⁠ Children washing a meerkat, South Africa, 1950 ⁠3:58⁠ The first tattoo parlors, 1928 ⁠4:12⁠ Princess Diana dancing with John Travolta during a reception at the White House, 1985 ⁠4:24⁠ ⁠#rarephotos⁠ ⁠#historicalphotos⁠ ⁠#photostosee⁠ Subscribe to Bright Side : ⁠https://goo.gl/rQTJZz⁠ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Social Media: Facebook: ⁠  / brightside  ⁠ Instagram: ⁠  / brightgram  ⁠ 5-Minute Crafts Youtube: ⁠https://www.goo.gl/8JVmuC ⁠ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more videos and articles visit: ⁠http://www.brightside.me/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever dreamed of owning a home in France? In From Paris to Saumur: Real Estate Dreams and Travel Tips for France Lovers, host Annie Sargent sits down with guest David Palachek to talk about making that dream a reality—and all the adventures along the way. David shares how he and his partner fell in love with Saumur, right in the heart of the Loire Valley. They bought a home in the center of town, surrounded by history, wine culture, and beautiful châteaux. Annie and David swap tips for exploring the region, including visits to Candes-Saint-Martin, Montsoreau, Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, the Château of Langeais, and the gardens of Villandry. Before heading to Saumur, David spent time in Paris and stayed at the Off Paris Seine, a floating hotel he loved for its unique design and great location. They also talk about the Cadre Noir, France's prestigious equestrian school, and why it's a must-visit for horse lovers. This episode blends personal stories, travel recommendations, and cultural insights for anyone dreaming about French life or planning a Loire Valley trip. Subscribe to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast for weekly inspiration, practical tips, and authentic stories that will help you explore France like a local. Whether you're a traveler, a future expat, or just curious about French culture, this episode will make you want to pack your bags. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:15] Introduction and Welcome [00:00:30] Today on the podcast [00:00:54] Podcast supporters [00:01:25] Magazine segment [00:02:09] Welcome, David Palacheck [00:02:18] David's Previous Appearances [00:02:46] Business Trip to Paris [00:03:55] Exploring Real Estate in the Loire Valley [00:04:45] Traveling with Family [00:05:31] Frequent Visits to France and Making a Plan to Move to France [00:06:33] Dreaming of Moving to France [00:10:40] First Trip on the Metro and How to Get Around Using Trains in France [00:13:12] Why Saumur? [00:17:48] Showing Paris to a Newcomer [00:24:55] Ticket Troubles in Paris [00:28:41] Navigating the Paris Metro [00:31:48] Exploring Montparnasse and the Eiffel Tower [00:33:05] Art and Architecture in Paris [00:38:14] Things learned about France [00:39:37] Hotel on a barge [00:44:39] Exploring the Loire Valley [00:46:24] Final Thoughts and Farewell [00:46:49] Thank you Patrons [00:47:23] Video for Patrons [00:48:42] Personal Update: Listing my Spain Apartment on Home Exchange [00:50:08] Annie's Services [00:51:03] The Eiffel Tower's Secret Engine [00:53:39] The Statues of Notre Dame Return [00:56:25] Copyright More episodes about the Loire Valley

How Tariffs Could Strain Water Supplies. That story and more on H2O Radio's weekly news report. Headlines: A judge says construction must temporarily stop at “Alligator Alcatraz” to review its environmental impacts on the Florida Everglades. The Trump administration wants to revise the National Climate Assessment, the foundation of U.S. climate science. Tariffs are being used as a tool to grow the U.S. semiconductor industry. Is there enough water to support making more chips? Why the Eiffel Tower gets taller and leans in the summer.

Send us a textIn this special revisit episode of Fabulously Delicious: The French Food Podcast, we return to one of our most loved series — the A to Z of French Herbs — to rediscover a plant that's as intriguing as it is bold: Absinthe, also known as wormwood. Far more than just the legendary green spirit, this herb has a rich history in French cuisine, medicine, and folklore. From ancient Greece to the cafés of Paris, absinthe has left its unmistakable mark on culture and gastronomy.We'll explore wormwood's origins, from its growth in North Africa and Eurasia to its medicinal use dating back to 1552 B.C. Discover how it found its way into drinks like vermouth and bitters, spiced mead in the Middle Ages, and even became a natural pesticide in organic gardens. Along the way, we'll uncover its myths, its medicinal risks, and its reputation as both a healing tonic and a dangerous indulgence.Absinthe's influence in French cuisine is equally fascinating. You'll hear how chefs have used it to season meats, fish, oysters, and escargot, as well as in a striking 1889 creation — Absinthe Sorbet — served to celebrate the unveiling of the Eiffel Tower. We'll also discuss its place in art and literature, from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to its infamous association with bohemian Paris.So pour yourself a glass of wine, slice some baguette, and join me for this deep dive into the bitter, aromatic world of absinthe. Whether you're a longtime listener or discovering the A to Z of French Herbs for the first time, this episode is a journey into the flavours, stories, and culinary magic that make French food so endlessly captivating.Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World's Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine. Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World's Most Delicious City and explore more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.andrewpriorfabulously.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support the show If you are planning a trip to France then why not come join me for a cooking experience in Montmorillon or a small group food tour in Lyon and/or Cote D'Azur. Don't want to do a tour or class but want a fabulous holiday here in France, Paris, Nice, Lyon or so many other places then I can help you plan it. Click the link below to book your call now. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/andrewprior/e/123498 Subscribe to my newsletter for updates on new episodes, cooking in France, travel around the French countryside, and recipes from my fab French kitchen via the link here. http://eepurl.com/hj-zFf...

Get ready to uncover the hidden side of the world's most famous landmarks! This video spills the beans on secrets tour guides conveniently skip over. Did you know there's a secret apartment in the Eiffel Tower? Or that Mount Rushmore has a hidden vault with historical documents? From underground tunnels to mysterious symbols, these landmarks are hiding way more than meets the eye. If you love juicy secrets and unexpected surprises, this is a must-watch! Prepare to see these iconic spots in a whole new light. Credit: Rick88888888 / YouTube Jack The Ripper Tour / YouTube Discovery UK / YouTube Josephovych / YouTube HISTORY / YouTube Animation is created by Bright Side. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Music from TheSoul Sound: https://thesoul-sound.com/ Check our Bright Side podcast on Spotify and leave a positive review! https://open.spotify.com/show/0hUkPxD... Subscribe to Bright Side: https://goo.gl/rQTJZz ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Social Media: Facebook: / brightside Instagram: / brightside.official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brightside.of... Telegram: https://t.me/bright_side_official Stock materials (photos, footages and other): https://www.depositphotos.com https://www.shutterstock.com https://www.eastnews.ru ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more videos and articles visit: http://www.brightside.me ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This video is made for entertainment purposes. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, safety and reliability. Any action you take upon the information in this video is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any damages or losses. It is the viewer's responsibility to use judgement, care and precaution if you plan to replicate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this fun episode, we dive into the Statue of Liberty. Check out our Eiffel Tower episode for more fun!Website: kidslearninglab.comPatreon: patreon.kidslearninglab.com

How tall is the Eiffel Tower? How was the Eiffel Tower built? What is at the top of the Eiffel Tower? Have you started your FREE TRIAL of Who Smarted?+ for AD FREE listening, an EXTRA episode every week & bonus content? Sign up right in the Apple app, or directly at WhoSmarted.com and find out why more than 1,000 families are LOVING their subscription! Get official Who Smarted? Merch: tee-shirts, mugs, hoodies and more, at Who Smarted?

How was George Eiffel of the Eiffel Tower involved in a huge corruption scandal associated with the Panama Canal? How many workers died during the French attempt to build the canal? And who was Bunau-Varilla and how did this smooth-talking moustache-wielding French engineer manage to sweet talk the US government to back his plan? Anita and William are joined once again by Matthew Parker, author of Hell's Gorge: The Battle To Build The Panama Canal, to discuss how French dreams were dashed when the project came crumbling down, and how one man climbed out of the rubble and charmed his way to the White House…  Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, our exclusive newsletter, and access to our members' chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Assistant Producer: Becki Hills Producer: Anouska Lewis Executive Producer: Neil Fearn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

July 28, 2025Have you had your dose of The Daily MoJo today? Download our app HERE"Ep 072825: Finally Some Justice! - The Daily MoJo"The content explores sound issues in the medical community, historical discussions about pyramids and the Eiffel Tower, and the innovative applications of aerogel. It contrasts childhood experiences from the 1970s with modern parenting, includes humorous exchanges about aliens, and reflects on pop culture. Political accusations involving Trump and Obama are discussed, emphasizing the need for transparency. The narrative also covers legal challenges, personal reflections, and the future of space exploration under NASA and private companies.Phil Bell's Morning Update - What can Jurassic Park teach us about drugs?:  HEREDouglass Mackey joins the program to detail his successful appeal on the ridculous conviction for the Hillary meme in the 2016 election.Doug's Legal Fund: HERERon Phillips Wonky Perspective On Life -Laugh Tracks & Partisan Comedy! : HEREOur affiliate partners:Be prepared! Not scared. Need some Ivermection? Some Hydroxychloroquine? Don't have a doctor who fancies your crazy ideas? We have good news - Dr. Stella Immanuel has teamed up with The Daily MoJo to keep you healthy and happy all year long! Not only can she provide you with those necessary prophylactics, but StellasMoJo.com has plenty of other things to keep you and your body in tip-top shape. Use Promo Code: DailyMoJo to save $$Take care of your body - it's the only one you'll get and it's your temple! We've partnered with Sugar Creek Goods to help you care for yourself in an all-natural way. And in this case, "all natural" doesn't mean it doesn't work! Save 15% on your order with promo code "DailyMojo" at SmellMyMoJo.comCBD is almost everywhere you look these days, so the answer isn't so much where can you get it, it's more about - where can you get the CBD products that actually work!? Certainly, NOT at the gas station! Patriots Relief says it all in the name, and you can save an incredible 40% with the promo code "DailyMojo" at GetMoJoCBD.com!Romika Designs is an awesome American small business that specializes in creating laser-engraved gifts and awards for you, your family, and your employees. Want something special for someone special? Find exactly what you want at MoJoLaserPros.com  There have been a lot of imitators, but there's only OG – American Pride Roasters Coffee. It was first and remains the best roaster of fine coffee beans from around the world. You like coffee? You'll love American Pride – from the heart of the heartland – Des Moines, Iowa. AmericanPrideRoasters.com   Find great deals on American-made products at MoJoMyPillow.com. Mike Lindell – a true patriot in our eyes – puts his money where his mouth (and products) is/are. Find tremendous deals at MoJoMyPillow.com – Promo Code: MoJo50  Life gets messy – sometimes really messy. Be ready for the next mess with survival food and tools from My Patriot Supply. A 25 year shelf life and fantastic variety are just the beginning of the long list of reasons to get your emergency rations at PrepareWithMoJo50.comStay ConnectedWATCH The Daily Mojo LIVE 7-9a CT: www.TheDailyMojo.com (RECOMMEDED)Rumble: HEREFacebook: HEREMojo 5-0 TV: HEREFreedomsquare: HEREOr just LISTEN:The Daily MoJo Channel Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-daily-mojo-with-brad-staggs--3085897/support.

This week we scale the Eiffel Tower with its managing director Patrick Branco-Ruivo.  What are his tips for visiting? His favourite view? And what would he ask if he had Gustave Eiffel himself on the telephone? Join us on this exciting opportunity to explore one of the world's most iconic landmarks with the maestro behind it all. And hang around - we'll get some exclusive access to the underground section at the end.  Find the video version of this chat (in short and long form) on this link soon: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheEarfulTower Music by Pres Maxson. *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter  Walking Tours

The Coldplay affair has united every corner of the internet. But there's more to the story then meets the eye with strangers profiting, fake statements, and AI generated content. Mia's feeling conflicted to say the least, and she needs to talk about it. And newsflash: Holly's back from her European Grand Tour—and just in the nick of time. An exclusive look at Gwyneth Paltrow: The Biography has dropped with strange details about her early life and career that our Gwyneth correspondent is desperate to fill us in on. Plus, main character energy is ruining our public spaces. People are pooing in public pools and Jessie is demanding more information about it while Holly reports on her firsthand experience with over-tourism in 2025—and how this might all be our new norm. What To Listen To Next: Listen to our latest episode: The Salt Path Scandal That Blew Up Listen: The Lies That We're Allowed To Tell Listen: The Missing Minute & The Missing Body Listen: What Is Going On With Justin Bieber? Listen: Microefficiencies & The Politics Of A Mean Group Chat Listen: Should Your Family Divorce Your Ex Too? Listen: The Sex Chat No Woman Wants To Have Parenting Out Loud: Sleep Divorce, 'Hopeless' Dads & Goodnight To The Bedtime Story Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts Watch Mamamia Out Loud: Mamamia Out Loud on YouTube What to read: HOLLY WAINWRIGHT: Winona Ryder and Gwyneth Paltrow's brutal friendship break-up is the stuff of Hollywood legend. The truth about Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow's breakup is out. It was the 'affair' tens of millions of us watched. Now there's been an update. 'Like the woman we’re thinking about after the "affair" video, I was the wife who was left behind.' 'As a travel writer, this is how you can see Europe on a budget.' THE END BITS: Check out our merch at MamamiaOutLoud.com Mamamia studios are styled with furniture from Fenton and Fenton GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening. Send us an email at outloud@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message. Join our Facebook group Mamamia Outlouders to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamiaoutloud and on Tiktok @mamamiaoutloud Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you compiled a list of all the things you'd like to see but haven't, it would be quite long. Consider the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower, or even the end of war or a cure for cancer. But you might be surprised to know that there's one thing that God hasn't seen.

Host Meg Wolitzer presents a quartet of summer stories.  Umberto Eco endures trial by mini bar in “How to Travel with a Salmon,” read by Jin Hah.  A scenic getaway turns eerie in Elizabeth Spencer's “The Weekend Travelers,” read by Campbell Scott.  Life looks up—way up—for an overworked restaurant owner in “The Man, The Restaurant, and the Eiffel Tower,” by Ben Loory, read by Stana Katic.  And upper-class “frenemies” have a reckoning in Edith Wharton's “Roman Fever,” read by Maria Tucci. 

Today we're stepping into the world of understated glamour, playful elegance, and celebrating 100 years of Parisian magic at Le Bristol Paris. Opened in 1925 during the Roaring Twenties, this legendary Palace hotel has quietly hosted history— from movie stars to fashion icons and modern-day royals. And through it all, Le Bristol has remained a joyful, ever-evolving symbol of true French hospitality. Joining me is Managing Director Luca Allegri, and we're diving into what makes this icon so beloved—from rooftop swims and hidden ateliers to heartwarming guest stories and the subtle magic of waking up in a suite above the City of Light. So grab a glass of champagne—or maybe a croissant—and enjoy this très chic episode of Luxury Travel Insider. Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/ Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

Sid Rosenberg, Host of Sid & Friends in the Morning, calls into his own program while away on vacation in Europe, reflecting on his visits to historical sites like Versailles and the Eiffel Tower, observing France's Bastille Day celebrations, and confronting the European heat wave without air conditioning. Sid shares encounters with tourists and locals, most notably their opinions on various political figures, including Curtis Sliwa and French President Emmanuel Macron. Rosenberg also addresses his daughter's experiences facing anti-Semitism while attending university in Wales, discussing her upcoming graduation, for which the Rosenberg family traveled to the U.K. to attend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bible Reading: Hebrews 11:13-16Kenzie snapped one last picture of the Eiffel Tower. "It's so beautiful against the sunset!" She sighed. "I can't believe this is our last night here." "I know," Mom said. "Though I'm actually excited to be going home." "But this has been the best vacation ever," said Kenzie's sister, Aubrey. "I'm going to miss Paris." "All right, everyone," Dad said. "It's getting late. We'd better head back to the hotel to eat our last dinner here in France." Kenzie turned to follow him and accidentally bumped into a man with a touring cap and backpack. "Oh, I'm so sorry!" she said. The man glanced at her, said something in French, and moved past them. Kenzie giggled quietly. "You know what I'm looking forward to about going home? Being able to speak the language. I can't understand what French people say--and they can't understand me!" "Yeah," Aubrey said. "We really don't fit in here, do we?" "I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed again," Mom said. "And not living out of a suitcase anymore," Dad chimed in. "Sounds like we all agree," said Aubrey. "Paris is great, but it's not home." When they reached their hotel, they got a table at the restaurant downstairs. "You know what?" Dad said. "Our conversation earlier reminded me of something. Just like we're visitors here in France, the Bible says that Christians are visitors in the world. Our real citizenship is in heaven, not here on earth." "That makes sense," Aubrey said. "We don't always fit in here on earth because we're living for a different world," Dad went on. "We have different values and priorities because we're citizens of God's kingdom.""And someday He'll bring us there, right?" asked Kenzie. Dad nodded. "When Jesus returns and makes everything new, we'll live with Him in His heavenly kingdom forever. But we're also living as citizens of His kingdom now. Jesus saved us from sin and made us His people so we can experience the joy of knowing Him and let others know they can have an eternal home with Him too." Kenzie nodded. "I'm excited to go home to America, but I'm even more excited for my eternal home!" –Lucy AlessioHow About You?Do you ever feel like you don't fit in here in this world? Do you find the things that other people think are most important are not what bring joy and meaning to your life? The Bible tells us that, as Christians, we're just travelers here on earth. Our citizenship--our true home--is with Jesus. Don't be afraid to live differently in this world, knowing that heaven is where you truly belong. Today's Key Verse:But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV) (Philippians 3:20)Today's Key Thought:Christians are citizens of heaven

Dave and Chuck the Freak talk about why someone lived with a dead family member’s body, OnlyFarts, a couple who was filmed banging in their Airbnb rental, your strange cultural tradition, a couple caught sleeping in the Eiffel Tower, a man runs from a rat, the couple who was crushed by a Denny’s sign, embracing your cringe, a woman who claims the best sex of her life is happening at the age of 65, a badass who got stabbed by an intruder but then stabbed them back with the same knife and more!

Trump visits migrant detention center dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" in Florida. The summit of Paris' iconic Eiffel Tower was closed to visitors and hundreds of French schools closed on Tuesday as much of Europe faces its first major heat wave of the summer. Eye on America - Minnesota's Amara's Law is the nation's strictest measure regulating PFAS, or “forever chemicals.” Found in everyday products, the compounds have been linked to cancer and other health issues. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices