We’ve had this podcast three months now, and neither of us have won ANY money racing around the world. Here to actually lend us some legitimacy is Alex Boylan, winner of the Amazing Race and host of Epic Villas on Amazon Prime. Alex is giving us an inside look at travel TV show producing, reality show casting, and what it’s like hosting a show about the world’s most luxurious villas. We’ll break down the toughest part about filming travel shows, and learn how realistic the Amazing Race actually is.

In Hot Takes, Eben and Tim debate what’s worse: having a bad cold for your whole life, or living in a neverending lockdown. Also, are donuts a dessert or a breakfast food? Our answers may surprise and infuriate you.

Chuck Thompson wrote one of the travel writing industry’s most legendary books, Smile When You’re Lying: Confessions of a Rogue Travel Writer. Chuck, Eben, and Tim go rogue together in this episode, airing all their grievances about air travel, luggage, writer’s retreats, baseball, and even the infamous Skymall (RIP). You will learn next to nothing about Chuck’s background, but you’ll walk away feeling like we all just had a round of drinks together, in adjacent aisle seats.

In Hot Takes, Eben and Tim discuss the controversy surrounding doorbells (yep, that’s a thing), the mysterious disappearance of phone operators, and whether travel podcasts are bullsh*t. Also, Eben wonders why people keep saying “hello” to him on hikes around Fort Collins.

If you’re like Eben, everything you know about Aspen, Colorado comes from Dumb & Dumber. Well, that’s about to change. Aspen is a world of ritzy A-list haunts, mini-castles, rented tuxedos, legendary ski shrines, and Lane Johnson — an Aspen ski bum turned realtor — is here to tell us all about it. We’ll learn about some of the big names who call Aspen home, how not to embarrass yourself out on the town, and explore the ski vs. snowboard rivalry. You’ll also hear phrases like “hitting cruisers”, “shredding pow” and “doing an objective”. Eben isn’t really sure what they mean, but they certainly sound legit.

In Hot Takes, Tim and Eben reveal their hottest take ever about chocolate and bacon, and discuss plans to trick the Aspen locals into believing they have a shred of class.

Meeting people in a new place, different culture, or even your hometown bar, can be tough when you don’t know what to say. Enter Gareth Jones, a dating coach who’s helped guys all over the world overcome social anxiety and make genuine connections with women, even via text. He explains why cheesy one-liners fall flat, how to have engaging conversations that build attraction, and illuminates the role of culture in male/female relationships. Guys -- you’ll learn why you get so many flakes on Tinder. Girls -- you’ll learn why guys act like morons when they approach you at the bar.

In Hot Takes Eben talks about the Quarter Game -- his favorite game to play at the bar -- and Tim reveals what happened the first time he slid into someone’s DMs (spoiler: they got married).

If your New Year’s resolution was to drink less in 2021, you should probably skip this one. Jed Lirette, a Senior Ambassador and taste tester for Jack Daniel’s is helping us ring in the new year. After Tim comes clean about being intoxicated during a Covid test, Jed joins us for some good old fashioned whisky talk. We learn what it’s like to drink whiskey for a living, explore the phenomenon of “drink shaming”, and hear Jed’s true thoughts about White Claws. The prospect of consuming toe-infused whiskey is also discussed ad nauseum.

In Hot Takes Eben describes the Strawberry Surprise, a drink he invented (yes, it’s as fruity as it sounds), and discusses his dream job of becoming a professional eater.

When you think of up-and-coming comedy scenes in America, you probably don’t think of Alaska. Well, you should. Alaska’s comedy circuit is the gold standard for some of your favorite stand-up comics, and we’re talking to the guy who makes it all happen. Fairbanks native and stand-up comedian Jerry Evans books world-famous talent to perform in remote Alaska, and he’s giving us a peek at the state’s unique comedy scene. You’ll hear all about the time the lights went out on Jamie Kennedy, how Craig Robinson puked on stage, and learn whether Alaskans actually find Sarah Palin jokes funny.

In Hot Takes, Tim and Eben bond over their love of cereal, and Tim tells his only joke (it’s a real “door slammer”)

What’s it like to experience the United States for the very first time? Austrian citizen and certified non-American Marie-Louise Deutschmann is here to tell us. She took a gap year as an au pair in the small New England town of Newburyport, Massachusetts, leaving behind friends, family, and Mozartkugeln chocolate. Now, she's being brutally honest about her thoughts on American culture. We’re talking fake IDs, après ski, the American fried-food obsession, and unpacking ALL the stereotypes. The heated rivalry between Austria and Australia is also discussed.

In Hot Takes, Tim ponders taking a midlife gap year, and Eben describes his dream job at the Tower of London.

Hotels are a tale of two worlds -- one of fluffed pillows and white smiles, and the other of the sketchy sh*t that goes on behind-the-scenes. Jacob Tomsky, author of the New York Times bestselling book “Heads in Beds”, is here to take us behind-the-scenes. Jacob has worked every hotel job imaginable, and knows how to reward his favorite guests and punish those who get on his bad side. He lifts the veil of what it’s really like to work in a hotel, including getting solicited by a prostitute and walking in on guests during their sexcapades. He also explains how to get VIP treatment without spending VIP money (it’s easier than you think).

In Hot Takes, Tim recalls his wild days in a punk band and Eben talks about accidentally breaking into a stranger’s hot tub.

Tap into your inner degenerate with this episode all about gambling, casinos, and the Las Vegas lifestyle. Derek Stevens, owner of not one, not two, but three downtown Vegas hotels/casinos joins us to discuss, quite literally, what happens in Vegas. What does the life of a Vegas casino owner actually look like? Which game really has the best odds? How has Vegas evolved over the years? Derek also gives us the inside scoop on his brand new Circa Resort & Casino that just opened in October -- Vegas’ first-ever “adult-only” casino.

In Hot Takes, Tim and Eben discuss whether gambling is for suckers, and if your friend who falls in love with the stripper is actually full of sh*t.

Learning what a flight attendant is really thinking is tougher than getting an affordable first-class upgrade. Until now. Betty the flight attendant, host of the Betty in the Sky with a Suitcase podcast, joins us to tell embarrassing, hilarious, and NSFW stories from the air. What are passengers’ most annoying habits? What’s the flight crew really doing on their breaks? How do you successfully hit on a flight attendant? All of these questions will be answered.

Tim and Eben debate the merits of street food, and Eben reveals his hack for getting extra meals on the plane. This week’s Hot Takes also features a special appearance by our friend and fellow travel writer Alex Bresler.