Episode 104 of The Journey Is The Reward it’s time for a wild ride from pizza critiques to “Paradise” found! So buckle up, adventure junkies!

First up, we're diving headfirst into the delicious drama of Listener Mark's pizza review. Turns out, Momma Coleman's taste buds were NOT impressed… for a second time.  Ouch! Guess not all pies are created equal. 

Then, Micah drops a tech bombshell: the mythical 10-year AirTag battery! Will it survive the test of time? Brian's ready to put on his scientist hat and report back in a decade. We're holding you to that, Brian! 

For the main event, get ready for some travel tales! Brian braved the wilds of Burbank airport, where the power went on a little adventure of its own, and TSA decided to join the reboot party. We're talking United flights, car rental wizardry (learn how to snag those deals!), and a reunion with old pals in Paradise and Ukiah. 

And guess what? Brian finally conquered the Alexander Valley wine tasting quest.  Plus, there was beer. Sierra Nevada beer. 

Oh, and let's not forget the flight home where Brian became the "invisible trash guy" and the "tray table rebel." 

As always, we're serenaded by the soul-stirring sounds of the Madalitso Youth Choir! Their Welcome and Goodbye songs were recorded straight from the Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia and are pure magic. 

Feeling the FOMO? Experience this musical magic in person and join Brian on an epic group adventure to Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa in late September 2025! Reach out to him at [email protected] for all the details. Let's make some memories and enjoy the Journey as it is the Reward!

The cash back vs points rollercoaster ride is coming to an end on Episode 103!  Micah and Brian are joined again by the incredible Angie from the Award Travel 101 podcast for a deep dive into Brian's wallet!  

Angie is in agreement with Brian that points are much more valuable for people who travel over cash back. However, there are several places where Brian can improve his earning potential.

In addition, Angie also goes over some tools that will help people find these incredible redemptions.

The show opens and closes with the breathtaking sounds of the Madalitso Youth Choir! Their vibrant Welcome and Goodbye songs were recorded live at the majestic Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.

Want to experience their magic in person? Join us on an unforgettable group trip to Zambia, Botswana and South Africa in late September 2025! Contact Brian at [email protected] for all the details.

Prepare yourself for an episode packed with passion, debate, and some professional moderation. 

The rollercoaster ride on Episode 102 continues! Micah and Brian are joined again by the incredible Angie from the Award Travel 101 podcast for a deep dive into Micah’s wallet!  No, she is not going to pick pocket him but go over his credit card strategy and make recommendations on how he can improve his wallet

Sadly, this is no question from Listener Lu this week because we have so much to discuss with Micah’s wallet

For the main segment of the show, Angie tries to get Micah to give up his cash back and come over to the dark side of the points and miles game… or is it a hobby?  She goes over the features and benefits of his 11, mostly, cash back credit cards.  Angie shows Micah how a bit of change in attitude will enable him to change his altitude and fly internationally in business class for nearly free!

The show opens and closes with the breathtaking sounds of the Madalitso Youth Choir! Their vibrant Welcome and Goodbye songs were recorded live at the majestic Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.

Want to experience their magic in person? Join us on an unforgettable group trip to Zambia, Botswana and South Africa in late September 2025! Contact Brian at [email protected] for all the details.

Prepare yourself for an episode packed with passion, debate, and some professional moderation. 

Get ready for a rollercoaster ride on Episode 101! Micah and Brian are joined by the incredible Angie from the Award Travel 101 podcast for a deep dive into the travel hacking trenches!

But hold on! Listener Lu’s epic question, demanding a look back at 100 shows – the biggest surprises, Brian's legendary journeys, the highs, the lows, and what they'd change – was just TOO juicy to rush! Consider it a cliffhanger, folks, because we're promising a dedicated, in-depth answer in a future episode. Trust us, it’ll be worth the wait!

This week, the battle lines are drawn! It's Brian, the points-wielding maestro, versus Micah, the cash-hoarding strategist! Who's right? Who's wrong? Angie steps into the arena to referee this epic showdown, and let’s just say, the debate gets heated! (Spoiler alert: one episode wasn’t enough! You'll HAVE to tune in to Episode 102 to witness the ultimate verdict!)

And to set the perfect global tone, we're thrilled to feature the breathtaking sounds of the Madalitso Youth Choir! Their vibrant Welcome and Goodbye songs, recorded live at the majestic Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.

Want to experience their magic in person? Join us on an unforgettable group trip to Zambia, Botswana and South Africa in late September 2025! Contact Brian at [email protected] for all the details.

Prepare yourself for an episode packed with passion, debate, and some professional moderation. 

On episode 100.5, Micah and Brian continue to play a bunch of recordings and read some listener feedback in the form of congratulations on reaching our 100th episode. There were simply too many for the 100th show.

Then we get to hear from my former co-worker, Robert as he has an interesting quesiton about status and benefits.

We play a poem written by Listener Melissa.

We hear from a Plane Crazy Down Under guy, Grant.

Uli wites in with a very nice birthday wish for me and we hear from Listener Matt in Singapore.

We close out the show with an update on my ever changing flights to South Africa and invite everyone to come along.

The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.

And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at [email protected] to learn about the group trip we are planning in late September, 2025.

We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 100, Micah and Brian play a bunch of recordings and read some listener feedback in the form of congratulations on reaching our 100th episode.

But first, we hear from Listener Lu as she wants to know about our thoughts on Shake Shack being served on some Delta Airlines flights. 

We keep the food conversation going with feedback from Mark van Raam as he provides more pizza suggestions in Largo FL.

Then the good stuff starts as we hear from Chef Kathy, Pilot Pip, Eric the Map Maker, Listener Clair and Judy, Listener Hendric and we wrap up with a great note from Listener Shreenand.

Oh, there is a final discussion about Electronic Hotel tipping. As usual, Micah, Map maker Eric and I don't exactly see eye to eye on this new concept.

The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.

And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at [email protected] to learn about the group trip we are planning in late September, 2025.

We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 99, Micah and Brian take the time to answer one listener question.  Yes, it was that good of a question and it took us an entire show to answer it.

But first, we hear from Listener Lu as she wants to know about our plans to visit with Steve and Grant in the Land Down Under from the podcast, Plane Crazy Down Under. 

We also provide the correct date for the Sydney Marathon, August 31st. And Brian gets to correct his math and clarify his pricing threshold for international upgrades.

Then we get to answer the question from Listener Paul, "What is our most favorite airplane movie?"

Hint: Just like naming your favorite airplane, naming your favorite airplane movie proved to be just as difficult for Micah!

The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.

And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at [email protected] to learn about the group trip we are planning in late September, 2025.

We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 98, Micah and Brian talk about the decision making process in booking his trip to Africa in September. 

But first, we hear from Listener Hendrik. He comments on our "whining" about American's having to pay a fee to visit Europe.

Then Listener Lu wants to know if we have heard about the Pan Am Experience and the extensive aviation collection of Anthony Toth. 

For the main segment, Brian and Micah talk about flight planning. First Brian talks about the decisions and choices made for his trip to Africa, along with some of the tools he used. Then Micah talks about his process and decisions he had to make for the ticket he is getting for his brother Rick.

The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.

And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at [email protected] to learn about the group trip we are planning in late September, 2025.

We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 97, Micah and Brian continue our talk with Eric the Mapmaker about his recent trip to Italy on a new airline, Neos. Well, a new airline to us even though they have been in business since 2001.

As there was so much to talk about, we dive right into the continuation of episode 96 and learn more about Eric and Bella's trip to Italy. Therefore, there is no listener mail or Listener Lu question.

The opening and closing songs are provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.

And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at [email protected] to learn about the group trip we are planning in late September or October, 2025.

We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 96, Micah and Brian talk with Eric the Mapmaker about his receint trip to Italy on a new airline, Neon. Well, a new airline to us even though they have been in business for a while.

But first, we hear from Listener Mike who joins us from the Airplane Geeks podcast. Mike writes in and wants to know about Premium Economy seating and how they differ between airlines. (Check out this article for more information. ⁠https://www.businesstraveller.com/features/which-airlines-have-the-best-premium-economy/⁠) 

Listener subway Mark writes in about taking public transportation to the airport. Micah and I agree that it's a good idea, just not very convenient in most US cities. 

Listener Lu wants to know our thoughts on people who stand up as soon as the plane lands and the flight attendant turns off the seatbelt sign. 

For the main segment, Brian and Micah talk with Mapmaker Eric about his trip on Neos to Italy. 

Well, there was so much to talk about, we had to break this up into two episodes... so check out the second part of the conversation on episode 97.

The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.

And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at [email protected] to learn about the group trip we are planning in late September or October, 2025.

We hope you enjoy the show!