The Elite Road Warrior Podcast

Welcome to the monumental 100th episode of the Elite Road Warrior Podcast! This episode we celebrate and celebrate with past guests, the Buck Fam appearances, and giveaway announcements. This is quite the episode and here's the line-up.

• BpB 100th episode intro
• BuckFam intro segment 
• Jerome Wade special appearance 
• Jeff Civilico
• Scott Mawdesley
• Alan Stein, Jr.
• Giveaway #1 - Kole Buckley appearance
• Jon Vroman
• Marcey Radar
• Wayne Lee
• Giveaway #2 - Trey Buckley appearance
• Garland Vance
• Beckie Farrant
• Jeff McMahon
• Jeff Brown
• Giveaway #3 - Susan Buckley appearance
• Jeff Feldman
• Megan Bearce 
• Jake Thompson
• Brant Menswar
• Giveaway #4 - Kaleb Buckley appearance
• Sara Quiricino
• John DiDominico
• David Vasquez
• David McGlennon
• Giveaway #5 - Special appearance
• Mridu Parikh
• Dan Cockerell 
• Keith Giaquinto
• Nick Howard
• Giveaway #6 - Kaitlyn Buckley appearance
• Treva special co-host appearance
• BpB 100th episode outro

To watch the video celebration of all the above guests CLICK HERE

Rent or Rideshare? It's one of the most common decisions every road warrior makes — and the wrong one costs you time, money, and energy. Bryan Buckley breaks down exactly how to decide, every trip, every city.

The 5 Key Factors: Rent vs. Rideshare

1. Cost — Rideshare isn't always cheaper. Factor in surge pricing, parking, gas, and insurance before assuming either way.
2. Hassle — Rentals come with upsells and return inspections. Rideshare is simple pickup and drop-off. Pro tip: grab rental car damage protection through Alliance Global Assistance for $9/day.
3. Destination — Research traffic and transit before you land. NYC is a rideshare city. Other destinations demand a car.
4. Danger — Uber carries $1 million liability coverage in the US. Background checks exist, but so do reported incidents. An important factor, especially for solo travelers.
5. Freedom — Rentals give you spontaneity. Rideshare means a 10–15 minute wait. Know your travel style.

Uber vs. Lyft 84% of drivers work both platforms — so choose based on availability. International travelers: Uber only outside the US.

Rental Car Company Rankings Based on a survey of 10,000 road warriors — and only 31 points separate first from last. Pickup time matters most.

• Hertz — Best airport locations
• Enterprise — Most US locations, best for avoiding fees
• Alamo — Best for unlimited miles, millennial favorite
• National — Skip-the-line Emerald Club, choose your own car
• Avis — Best for international rentals
• Thrifty — Best value and online check-in
• Dollar — Best rewards program, no blackout dates
• Budget — Cheapest in the industry

Bryan's Personal Strategy

Rideshare when: Leaving from home, downtown big cities, single-destination trips.

Rental when: Multi-city routes, hauling colleagues, last day of the trip with luggage in tow.

Bryan's go-to: National Car as an Executive Elite member — pick any car on the lot, including access to the newest vehicles.

Twenty years on the road leaves a mark — and Bryan Buckley isn't hiding it. In this episode built specifically for the Seasoned Road Warrior, Bryan gets honest about what business travel looks like at 56, what's changed across all six energy habits, and two personal disclosures that reshaped everything.

The Six Energy Habits — Seasoned Road Warrior Edition:

1. Move — It's no longer about peak performance. It's "do something, anything — not just nothing." Intentional movement, fitness center or not, every day.
2. Fuel — Whole Foods, grocery stores, and a simple four-word mantra: Make The Healthiest Choice. The road doesn't make you eat poorly — your choices do.
3. Rest — Bryan switched hotel chains for better sleep. That's how seriously rest is taken now. Rested means sharper, more effective, and more present in every area.
4. Perform — Smarter, not harder. The Big 3 planning principle keeps priorities clear and performance high — even on the road.
5. Develop — Reading on flights, an iPad mini loaded with books, and a growing spiritual practice that now anchors every road trip.
6. Connect — Five kids at five different life stages. FaceTime, daily texts, and three consistent questions: What was your boom, your bummer, and your blessing?

My Biggest Road Change — Alcohol Bryan spent a career justifying his drinking. Corporate dinners, happy hours, company cards. After honest conversations with his wife and a counselor, he made a complete change — on the road and at home. Coming up on five years of sobriety, he shares the truth behind the decision.

My Biggest Road Challenge — Migraines Gallbladder surgery. Rotator cuff. Prostate cancer. All hard. None of it compares to living with severe neurological migraines on the road — averaging two to three injections per day. Bryan gets raw about flexibility, reliance, and the perspective chronic pain forces on you.

📚 Resources mentioned:

Elite Road Warrior 

Elite Business Travel Boss 

The Road Warrior After God's Own Heart 

All available on Amazon now

In this episode, host Bryan Buckley shares his hard-won wisdom about one of the most critical decisions for any business traveler: choosing the right hotel. Drawing from his own rookie mistakes (including a first business trip that nearly had him eating plain bologna sandwiches with stolen condiments), Brian breaks down the seven essential factors that can make or break your hotel stay.

What You'll Learn

The 3 Primary Hotel Selection Drivers:

• Budget Driven
  • Making decisions based solely on allocated spending (with tips on how to navigate this challenging approach)
• Chain Driven
  • Loyalty to a specific hotel brand like Marriott or Hilton
• Rewards Driven
  • Maximizing points and benefits through credit cards or booking sites

The 7 Key Factors for Choosing Business Travel Hotels:

1. Hotel Location
   • Proximity to clients, customers, or conference venues
2. Hotel Amenities
   • Four critical amenities to enhance your stay: 
     • Restaurant
       • On-site dining convenience
     • Bar
       • Social meeting space (with cautions about overindulgence)
     • Fitness Center
       • Essential for maintaining Energy Habit #1: Move
     • Kitchen
       • Control your nutrition and save money

Pro Tips Shared in This Episode:

• Check restaurant menus immediately after check-in to avoid reactive food choices
• Apply the 1:1 drink-to-water ratio at hotel bars
• Visit the fitness center before going to your room to plan your workouts
• Stay at hotels with kitchens to maximize control over your nutrition (Brian lost 10 pounds in one month using this strategy!)

Special Announcement

Episode 100 is coming! Register for free giveaways and celebration content from past subject matter experts at eliteroadwarrior.com/097

Resources Mentioned:

• Episode 15: Maximizing Your Home Away From Home
• Free Resource: Top 10 Business Travel Hacks Guide
• Hotel booking comparison site (link in show notes)

Connect with Bryan:

• LinkedIn: Bryan Buckley
• Website: Elite Road Warrior
• Instagram: @EliteRoadWarrior

The Six Energy Habits Framework:

• Physical: Move, Fuel, Rest
• Mental: Perform, Develop, Connect

Episode Takeaway: The longer you travel, the more these seven factors matter. Take control of your hotel stays and make choices that support your physical and mental energy, allowing you to eliminate burnout and exceed results as an elite road warrior.

Welcome to the ERW podcast, I’m your host, BpB, fellow road warrior, husband of one, father of five, author, and  (yeah five), and on a mission to help business travelers eliminate burnout and exceed results.

Nick Howard is a seasoned psychologist and leadership coach. For over 15 years, Nick has  helped leaders perform at higher levels while   Intentionally treasuring  their most important relationships.  Nick has traveled nationally and internationally providing trainings to help strengthen leaders. He knows personally and professionally the joys and challenges of business travel as he is flies regularly

• What does freedom and isolation create in a road warrior?
• What is the double-edged sword of experimenting on the road?
• How do you know when you’ve crossed the line between a habit and an addiction?
• What’s the long term consequences of bad road habits?
• What do you do when you feel guilt, shame and hopelessness?

Question: (freedom / isolation)

What does freedom and isolation create in a road warrior?

 Question : (experimenting)

What is the double-edge sword of experimentation on the road?

Question: (bad habits)

What’s the long term consequences of bad road habits?

Question: (addictions)

Question: (moral behavior)

Question Seven:

Question Eight: 

Question: Road Warrior Lightning Round

• Preferred Airlines 
• Window or Aisle
• One thing you always do on a flight
• Preferred Hotel Chain
• Rental Car or RideShare / Preferred Vendor
• Least Favorite Airport
• Favorite City to Frequent
• Biggest Road Pet Peeve

Question:

How can we find out more about you?

You can find the transcript and everything referenced in this interview in the show notes at www.EliteRoadWarrior.com/096

Along with the free resource: 10 Business Travel Hacks Guide in the show notes at  http://EliteRoadWarrior.com/096

I’d love to hear from you so connect with me on my primary social media sources:

• LinkedIn - Bryan Paul Buckley
• Instagram - EliteRoadWarrior

Welcome to the ERW podcast, I’m your host, BpB, fellow road warrior, husband of one, father of five, author, and and on a mission to help business travelers eliminate burnout and exceed results.

There are two major elements to business travel packing:

1. Luggage - aka: Carry On

In episode 091, I listed myself preferred carry-on called the Genius Pack G4 22" Carry On Spinner Luggage and I’ll put the link in the show notes as well.

It’s designed for the business traveler from the durability to the packing compartments. It’s costly, around $250 but worth every penny for me since I take it everywhere on every trip.

https://www.amazon.com/Genius-Pack-Carry-Spinner-Luggage/dp/B07JQ61D3R/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=genius+pack+g4+carry+on+spinner+black&qid=1604075216&sr=8-5

1. Work Bag

Typical elements:

• Laptop
• Tablet
• Chargers
• Anything paper-related such as presentations, files, etc.
• Headphones
• Pens / Highlighters

Back Pack

Traditional Computer Bag

Create a Packing List especially when you’re starting out for two reasons:

1. Not forget anything
2. Determine what you need and don’t need

Toiletries

• Liquids
• Medications & Vitamins
• Tech & Office
• Casual Clothes
• Business Clothes
• Sleep
• Fitness
• Pool or Beach Trips
• International Trips
• Special Events

You can pick up a copy of my packing list in the show notes at EliteRoadWarrior.com/095

Key Accessories

• Headphones - you may be a Bose or Beats fan. You may prefer in-ear or over the ear. No matter what you choose, don’t skimp in this area. I highly recommend Noise-Canceling Technology as well.
• Power strip - this may seem unusual or even a luxury but I’ve had many a time where I’ve needed to charge at the airport, restaurant, or hotel lobby and the one outlet within a mile is already in use. A power strip that “shares the wealth” is the perfect solution. I found one called the NtonPower Travel Power Strip that has 2 Outlets, and 3 USB Ports. It's a 15 inches Wrapped Short Extension Cord for only $17 on Amazon. I’ll put the link in the show notes. I find this ideal for a hotel room as well.  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072N854DK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
• Water bottle- I’m not a fan of plastic and waste so 

Key ERW Accessories

• Flat Kiddos - an absolute must in my work computer bag that I can pull out at any point on my trip to take a picture of my Flat Kiddos. This has made a MAJOR
•  Difference staying connected with my kids in a creative way on the road
• Frame the Fam Pics - I have two 5x7 frames in my carry-on and I pull them out when I unpack in my hotel. One is of me and my wife, the 2nd is a fam pic. I put them in two places in my hotel room to remind me of what is important at all times. Quick tip: take the glass out of the frame. #BadPersonalExperience 
• Not Forgotten Journal - if there’s one choice that I made on the road was to take just 2 minutes a day to write something, anything, just not nothing to my wife to let her know she’s not forgotten while I’m on the road. I put this NFJ in my carry-on so even on a busy day, I can pull it out on the plane and wr

Welcome to the ERW podcast, I’m your host, BpB, fellow road warrior, husband of one, father of five, author, and and on a mission to help business travelers eliminate burnout and exceed results.

This episode will be unusual for a few reasons:

1. It discussed my off road life
2. It’s personal 
3. It’s something I’ve never experienced and challenging the six energy habits

Exposed Struggle #1st  - I’m getting little to no movement
Word to Myself: Walk Away - I need to increase my walk time every chance I get every single day and no matter what the weather 

Exposed Struggle #2 - I’m un-structured and unproductive

Word to Myself: Get a Plan - I need to start with my morning routine to begin my day with structure and then choose one major thing I can accomplish every single day. 

Exposed Struggle #3 - I’m a night owl again 

Word to Myself: Sleep with your wife! I need to go to bed with my wife no matter what even if it takes me forever to crash. I need to put a “kibosh” on this loose bed time which is never good.

Exposed Struggle #4 - I’m lazy on my eating

Word to Myself: MTHC - I need to continually hydrate more along with eat cleaner and greener

Exposed Struggle #5 - I’m not sleeping

Word to Myself: Don’t make it worse - I need to make the best of the rest I get knowing it will eventually get better

Exposed Struggle #6 - I’m drinking at home like I’m entertaining on the road

Word to Myself: Lay off the Sauce - I need to “be dried out” during the week. No excuses.

Frustration - I can’t move like I’ve always done. I literally cannot move my arm and it’s paralyzing and frustrating to need so much help and struggle on so many simple tasks like taking a shower, getting dressed, really anything that requires to hands

Anxiety - I’ve never had a limb so damaged and affect my life and it’s created this rare emotion in me. I’m anxious around people. I feel trapped in the sling especially at night and it’s revealed a level of anxiousness that is concerning to me.

Depression - I’ve not been one to stay discouraged or depressed for long but with all of the financial and health blows my family and I have suffered this year has put me in a place where I’m fighting this demon. It’s also feeding some of these struggles such as not eating well, not wanting to go for a walk, not caring if I’m structured or productive and definitely drinking too often.

You can find everything reference in this episode in the show notes at www.EliteRoadWarrior.com/093

Along with the free resource: 10 Business Travel Hacks Guide in the show notes at  www.EliteRoadWarrior.com/0

I’d love to hear from you so connect with me on my primary social media sources:

• LinkedIn - Bryan Paul Buckley
• Instagram - EliteRoadWarrior

Welcome to the ERW podcast, I’m your host, BpB, fellow road warrior, husband of one, father of five, author, and  (yeah five), and on a mission to help business travelers eliminate burnout and exceed results.

TRACY TIMM is the founder of The Nth Degree® Career Academy, the proven career clarity system that helps high-potential professionals discover, define, and drive careers they love. She has a degree in behavioral psychology from Yale University and studied design thinking with the founder of the d.school at Stanford University. 

 In a moment I’ll be asking Tracy the following questions:

• What is a current and reverse life audit?
• What are the benefits of behavioral assessments?
• What is a “nothing is wasted mindset?”
• What is the Four-part Career Pitch and why is it important?

Question One: 

Can you give us the backstory of your new book, Unstoppable: Discover Your True Value, Define Your Genius Zone, and Drive Your Dream Career..?

Question Two:

What is the Nth Degree Framework at a 30K foot view? (FYI: further questions will get into the details of your framework)

Question Three:

In the DISCOVER Phase, you work us through a Current Life Audit. What is it and why is it important?

Question Four:

You're big on behavioral assessments - what are the benefits of taking the time to work through these assessments? (Measure strengths / personalities / motivations and drive)

Question Five:

What is a “nothing is wasted mindset?” - learned / earned - what did I learn and what can I bring with m?e

Question Six:

The four areas ( Ikigai) = passion / skill / paid for / contribution (what you love / what you’re good at / what the world needs / what you can get paid for 

Question Seven:

What are “ninja skills”?

Question Eight:

What is the Four-part Career Pitch and why is it important?

Question Nine: Road Warrior Lightning Round

• Preferred Airlines 
• Window or Aisle
• One thing you always do on a flight
• Preferred Hotel Chain
• Rental Car or RideShare / Preferred Vendor
• Least Favorite Airport
• Favorite City to Frequent
• Biggest Road Pet Peeve

Question Ten

Anything from the book that we didn’t discuss that you’d like to highlight or emphasize? (Or just a closing thought or comment to summarize everything)

Question Eleven

How can we find out more about you?

You can find the transcript and everything referenced in this interview in the show notes at www.EliteRoadWarrior.com/092

Along with the free resource: 10 Business Travel Hacks Guide in the show notes at  www.EliteRoadWarrior.com/092

I’d love to hear from you so connect with me on my primary social media sources:

• LinkedIn - Bryan Paul Buckley
• Instagram - EliteRoadWarrior

1. DISCOVER - 

• Now - explore your current circumstances, core values, and commitments
• Nature - access your personality, behaviors, gifts, and aptitudes
• Nurture - dive into your cumulative knowledge, skills, and expertise

1. DEFINE - 

• Niche - create your Olympic-gold-medal-level career sweet spot

1. DRIVE - 

• Network - strategically empower and leverage career advocates
• Navigate - test drive your career ideas before going all in 
• Nourish - commitment to consistent re-evaluation and career evolution 

Welcome to the ERW podcast, I’m your host, BpB, fellow road warrior, husband of one, father of five, author, and  (yeah five), and on a mission to help business travelers eliminate burnout and exceed results.

BRANT MENSWAR is one of the country’s “Top 10 Motivational Speakers,” a critically acclaimed author, award-winning musician, podcast host, and the CEO and founder of Rock Star Impact, a boutique agency that teaches people and organizations how to cultivate values-based leadership. His innovative work has changed what’s possible for industry-leading organizations like Netflix, Verizon, SunTrust, Microsoft, ESPN, Hilton, Sony Pictures, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and dozens more.

 In a moment I’ll be asking Brant the following questions:

• What is a Black Sheep and why is it important?
• What is the biggest lie about purpose?
• What was the catastrophic event in your life that forced you to discover your values?
• How do we program our values to appear on demand especially on the road?
• Where are you and how are you?

Question One: 

Can you give us a 30K foot overview of your new book, Black Sheep - Unleash the Extraordinary, Awe-Inspiring Undiscovered You (further questions will get into the details of what / why/ how

Question Two:

(You’re challenging today’s thought leaders in not starting with your why, aka your purpose) and You have a specific process in a specific order: What / Why / How when most people start with their why. Why the change of order?

What is the biggest lie about purpose?

Question Three:

What was the catastrophic event in your life that forced you to discover your black sheep Values?

Question Four:

How do we find our black sheep core values that will guide our lives?

• Worksheet link (http://worksheet.findyourblacksheep.com/selected)

Question Five:

How do we find or choose or define our purpose?

Question Six:

How do we program our values to appear on demand especially on the road?

Question Seven:

Anything from the book that we didn’t discuss that you’d like to highlight or emphasize? (Or just a closing thought or comment to summarize everything)

Question Eight:

Road Warrior Road Life Lightning Round...

• Preferred Airlines 
• Window or Aisle
• One thing you always do on a flight
• Preferred Hotel Chain
• Rental Car or RideShare / Preferred Vendor
• Least Favorite Airport
• Favorite City to Frequent
• Biggest Road Pet Peeve

Question Nine:

How can we find out more about you / buy the book / hire you to speak?

[email protected]

You can find the transcript and everything referenced in this interview in the show notes at www.EliteRoadWarrior.com/090

Along with the free resource: 10 Business Travel Hacks Guide in the show notes at  www.EliteRoadWarrior.com/090

I’d love to hear from you so connect with me on my primary social media sources:

• LinkedIn - Bryan Paul Buckley
• LinkedIn Company Page - Elite Road Warrior
• Instagram - EliteRoadWarrior

Welcome to the ERW podcast, I’m your host, BpB, fellow road warrior, husband of one, father of five, author, and on a mission to help business travelers eliminate burnout and exceed results.
Seven Mistakes New Business Travelers Do Wrong and How to Avoid Them

Mistake #1 - Not signing up for TSA PreCheck

These situations happen often and TSA PreCheck will save you over and over. 

(For the podcast: I’ll put the link for TSA PreCheck in the show notes). Simply go HERE to apply. (https://www.tsa.gov/precheck)

ERW Tip: If you travel across the US borders, (north eh to Oh Canada or south, no espanol to Mexico) consider Global Entry. (For the podcast: I’ll put the link for Global Entry in the show notes). (https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/how-apply)

Mistake #2 - Not getting your passport now

Quick Tip: Don’t leave your passport at home but always carry it with you in case you need it for another proof of identification.

Mistake #3 - Not using a packing list

These first three rookie road warrior mistakes are all before your trip:

1. Not signing up for TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry
2. Not getting your passport now
3. Not using a packing list

Mistake #4- Checking a bag

Personally, I’m using the Genius Pack G4 22" Carry On Spinner Luggage

https://www.amazon.com/Genius-Pack-Carry-Spinner-Luggage/dp/B07QL926MX/ref=sr_1_11?crid=3VV2Y43SXN6OQ&dchild=1&keywords=genius+pack+g4+carry+on+spinner&qid=1601046147&sprefix=Genuis+pack%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-11

ERW Tip: Use packing cubes to maximize space. You’d be surprised how much you can get in a carry-on bag if you pack properly. 

(I’ll put a link in the show notes for options:  https://www.amazon.com/s?k=packing+cubes+for+travel&crid=1LDM7DALES8RN&sprefix=packing+cubes%2Caps%2C194&ref=nb_sb_ss_midas-iss-sm_2_13 )

Mistake #5 - Drinking too much at business events

Busy = Can’t Stop Now and I feel hurried

Beatdown = Can’t Take This and I feel stress

Burnout = Can’t Keep Going and I feel done

Mistake #7 - Not maximizing your destination

These 1st three are pre-trip...

1. Not signing up for TSA PreCheck
2. Not getting a Passport now
3. Not using a Packing List

These last four are during a trip…

1. Checking a bag
2. Drinking too much at business events
3. Working all the time on a business trip
4. Not maximizing your destination

You can find everything reference in this episode in the show notes at www.EliteRoadWarrior.com/091

Along with the free resource: 10 Business Travel Hacks Guide in the show notes at  www.EliteRoadWarrior.com/091

I’d love to hear from you so connect with me on my primary social media sources:

• LinkedIn - Bryan Paul Buckley
• LinkedIn Company Page - Elite Road Warrior
• Instagram - EliteRoadWarrior