Branden and his friend Dyllon join the pod to discuss how they took advantage of the infamous Calala Island Wire Transfer deal with some Hilton Free Night Certs. Me and Branden discuss what we'd want to see in a new Hyatt Premium card from Chase and where we think the program is headed after the recent deval.

Riley and I discuss the state of the MS union and many other Churn and Burn related topics in one of my most "hot take" packed episodes yet. If you're a fan of churning blogs that cut the fat and get to the point without all the ads and referral links, like Miles Earn and Burn, you're really missing out if you don't follow Rileys blog:

https://chasingcetaceans.com/

Paul gives Churn and Burn its first ever New Zealand trip report, and we discuss recent (and potential) airline mergers abound.

https://www.instagram.com/churnandburnpodcast

Thomas rejoins the show to give his full review of the Park Hyatt Niseko from a skiers perspective. We debate the grail status of JAL First and Business class as industry leading products. We also discuss the recent trend of US Airlines shifting their award programs to become more credit card focused and what the future landscape looks like after united revamped their credit card and award program in that same vein.

I'm joined by Branden and Brian, who have returned from an absolutely amazing trip to Kurdistan, Iraq, Kazakhstan and finally Kyrgyzstan. This is one guest trip you CANNOT miss.

https://www.instagram.com/churnandburnpodcast

On this episode, I lay out my 2026 plan to erase 100% of the fees attached to Disney World annual passes, included all hotel, flight, and even rental car costs. I also give a short "state of the podcast" explaining why I rarely discuss anything outside of award travel and what I think is the role of the average churning podcast after everything that transpired last year.

https://www.instagram.com/churnandburnpodcast

I interview Justin about the 8 comped cruises he took in 2025 and how people can try to replicate what he did for themselves. We also play a game of "Roast it or Toast it" with the new Bilt card rollout, and Justin tries to convince me to go on the Dave Ramsey Cruise in 2026. Will I take my first "baby steps" into Dave's open arms, or will I turn heel and run into a portal straight to hell?!

We revisit the absolute quagmire that was 2025 in points and miles and share our hopes and predictions for 2026. We also hear from several of last year's guests about what they see on the horizon next year.

I do a deep dive into the "iprefer" hotel program and why I think it's an underrated destination for Citi TYP transfers over cashing out or American Airlines. Sometimes the value is sitting right under your nose! I also review the Haven Riviera Cancun All Inclusive resort and explain why I've ditched Hyatt All Inclusives in favor of going back.

Susan and I play a spooky game of Guess The Deval, where we place our bets on Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt and IHG and what some of these hotels used to cost 10 years ago versus today.  Which programs have had a visit from the points reaper and which ones are more treat than trick after 10 years of slow devaluations??? We find out together.  The answers may surprise and scare you!

Find me on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/churnandburnpodcast/