This week on Bridges and Beaches we get into some frustrating modern-day battles, starting with Spotify’s music licensing insanity. Jordan reveals that despite having a valid license and confirmation from the original composer, the platform still blocked new episodes of his other show. The solution that ended up working was not what he expected. Sometimes, being a little aggressive is the only way to win customer service wars... This frustration with modern businesses extends to small local spots, as Doriel vents about a new coffee shop whose unreliability highlights the importance of consistency, which they argue is the true secret to long-term small business success. 🤣

The conversation then shifts to more travel and fun, with Jordan sharing his preferred, low-key NYC travel style—less rushing and more relaxing at a classic Irish pub. This inspires a new segment idea: the Bridges and Beaches Geography Corner, where they kick things off by exploring the surprising facts and political intrigue of the African kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). They wrap up the episode by pondering global currencies and giving a big, well-deserved shout-out to Jordan's dog who was perfectly behaved during the recording. 🌍