Welcome to Episode 113 of The Journey Is the Reward! 

While our inbox might be empty, that's probably because we don't constantly remind you that you are the most vital part of this show! But hey, if you've got burning questions, insights, or just want to tell us how much you adore our dulcet tones, send them to ⁠[email protected]⁠. Micah and Brian are standing by, ready to answer all your queries. And if we've managed to ruffle your feathers, feel free to air your grievances at ⁠[email protected]⁠. Yes, that's a real email address, and yes, we do read every single one – consider it our in-flight suggestion box, with slightly more turbulence.

This week, Listener Lu sent in a fascinating query about the audacious individual who reportedly impersonated flight attendants and pilots on over 120 flights. It’s a story so wild, it practically wrote itself into a sequel of Catch Me If You Can – though this particular aviator wannabe certainly didn't stick the landing and, sadly, his career has been grounded indefinitely. Listener Lu also wanted to dive into the world of travel passes, specifically how those coveted travel agent and airline "buddy passes" actually work. As always, Micah and Brian have the inside scoop for Listener Lu.

Adding to our high-flying adventures, you might have caught Micah as a guest host on WBZ Radio in Boston, chatting with Bradley Jay about travel tips and the latest news. Micah, ever the opinionated traveler, truly soared through the segment!

Our main event this episode? Brian’s recent trip to New Jersey to visit the Queen, his mom. What started as a smooth taxiing experience on public transportation quickly veered off course, thanks to the notorious summer weather patterns in Newark. While United's 787s might be operating with a minimum crew of seven flight attendants – leaving some of us to wonder if they’re playing a game of musical chairs with the galley carts – Brian was still in awe of their exceptional service. Though, we must lament Brian's un-cleared upgrades; having to sit in the back of the plane can feel like a direct descent into coach class purgatory for a seasoned traveler. Thankfully, the incredible flight attendants ensured his journey, both to and from New Jersey, was as comfortable as possible, even with the inevitable weather delays. Because, let’s be honest, flying into Newark in the summertime without a delay is about as rare as finding an empty overhead bin on a fully booked flight!

And as always, our ears are blessed by the utterly soul-stirring, goosebump-inducing sounds of the Madalitso Youth Choir! Their Welcome and Goodbye songs, recorded straight from the Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia, are pure magic.

Welcome to Episode 112 of The Journey Is the Reward! 

This week, we're cleared for an eventful flight, featuring everything from passenger triumphs to professional pilot insights.

First up, fasten your seatbelts for a trip report from listener Mark VanRamm. Despite hitting a bit of turbulence, Mark proves that a positive attitude is the best carry-on, navigating his travel woes with grace. We've all been there – sometimes the only thing we can control is our squawk code!

Then, listener Lu sends us a distress signal about the ever-dreaded flight cancellation, specifically pondering the hypothetical (or perhaps, not-so-hypothetical) scenario of Silver Airlines going belly-up. Micah and Brian, ever the voice of reason (and experience), offers some navigational guidance through these turbulent skies.

Before we land on our main interview, Micah shares a couple of pre-flight checks. He gives us an update on his friends who recently experienced the "breezy" side of travel, and recounts a chuckle-worthy tale of a family member in an exit row who, let's just say, might have been better suited for a window seat with a view of the snack cart. Remember folks, in an emergency, those doors aren't just for dramatic exits!

Finally, for our main event, we're thrilled to feature Micah's captivating interview with our favorite European aviator, Captain Al. While vacationing stateside, Captain Al, in his capacity as Chief Pilot, offers a fascinating look into his airline's acquisition of their first Airbus A321XLR. He also provides some insightful commentary on the broader airline industry – perfect for anyone who's ever wondered what goes on behind the cockpit door besides just selecting the in-flight movie.

And as always, our show is perfectly bookended by the truly soul-stirring, goosebump-inducing sounds of the Madalitso Youth Choir! Their Welcome and Goodbye songs, recorded live from the Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.

So, buckle up, relax, and enjoy the flight! Let's make some memories and genuinely enjoy the Journey, because, well, it truly is the Reward!

Welcome to Episode 111 of The Journey Is the Reward! 

On this week's show, we're absolutely thrilled to welcome a true titan of the skies, soon-to-be Lifetime Global Services member, Fozz Mahmud of the Dots, Lines, and Destinations podcast. This man has more air miles than a commercial airline, and we can't wait to pick his brain.

But before we ascend to that altitude, we've got some essential pre-flight checks. First up, we're answering a question from Listener Francis, who's curious about navigating the complexities of flying around and within closed airspace. And because we never shy away from a little turbulence, Micah and I will also be discussing the geopolitical intricacies of flying into regions like Israel and Iran. It's a topic that demands a professional pilot's precision and a diplomat's tact.

Then, Listener Lu sends in a fantastic query about converted aircraft. She wants to know if we've ever landed ourselves in a plane that's been repurposed into a house or, perhaps, dined in a fuselage-turned-restaurant. We're ready to share our airborne architectural adventures!

And, as always, we've got a few shout-outs and detours to cover. The Journey Is the Reward recently received a wonderful mention on the Plane Crazy Downunder podcast– a true feather in our cap! We'll also be touching down on the important topic of fish tacos at Rubio's in San Diego (because even aviators need good fuel!) and Brian's masterful use of the $200 Hilton resort credit from his Hilton Aspire credit card. Sometimes, even when you're not in the air, you're still strategically navigating the travel landscape.

After all that vital housekeeping, Brian and Micah are absolutely delighted to share a recorded conversation with our esteemed guest, Fozz Mahmud, fellow co-host of the truly exceptional travel industry podcast, Dots, Lines, and Destinations. Fozz is on the cusp of achieving the legendary status of Lifetime 4 Million Mile status with United Airlines – a feat that makes most frequent flyers feel like they're still in the holding pattern. Brian's certainly been working towards it, though he's not sure he'll ever reach that altitude now that his full-time business travel days are somewhat grounded.

It's a truly engaging conversation with Fozz, where we explore his preferred flying experiences, aircraft, and destinations, as well as the ever-evolving, sometimes turbulent, world of points and miles.

And as always, our show is perfectly bookended by the truly soul-stirring, goosebump-inducing sounds of the Madalitso Youth Choir! Their Welcome and Goodbye songs, recorded live from the Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia, are pure magic – they'll have you feeling like you're floating on cloud nine.

So, buckle up, relax, and enjoy the flight! Let's make some memories and genuinely enjoy the Journey, because, well, it truly is the Reward!

Welcome to Episode 110 of The Journey Is the Reward! This week, Brian and Micah have a great show lined up for you, featuring an insightful interview Micah recorded with our good friend, Steven Ivey, a corporate pilot, plus a few other interesting tidbits.

First up, Listener Sarah wrote in asking about the show’s updated introduction where Brian mentions flying over 6 million miles. She wants to know how that's possible when he is still just a bit over 3 million with United. And Brian is excited to finally pull back the curtain and share the full story behind that!

Then, listener Lu wants our take on United's new check-in cutoff times. You might be surprised to hear that Micah and Brian have slightly different opinions on this one, so get ready for a lively discussion.

After that, the guys dive into some fascinating statistics about you, our amazing listeners!  Brian shares details on how many of you there are, your age brackets, geographic locations, and the platforms you use to tune in and he’ll also reveal the most popular episodes. It's awesome to see that Chef Kathy's episode is still in the top 10, though she's got some ground to cover to catch up with Captain Jeff!

And as always, our show is bookended by the truly soul-stirring, goosebump-inducing sounds of the Madalitso Youth Choir! Their Welcome and Goodbye songs, recorded live from the Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia, are pure magic.

Want to experience that magic in person? Join Brian on an epic group adventure to Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa in late September 2025! Seriously, it's going to be an incredible experience. Reach out to him at [email protected] for all the details. Let's make some memories and genuinely enjoy the Journey, because, well, it is the Reward!

Welcome to Episode 109 of The Journey Is The Reward!  We are generally much less offended than our email inbox suggests! This week are thrilled to welcome back the cartographic genius himself, Eric the Mapmaker.

But before we dive into Eric's latest adventures, we had to address a burning question from the email account – emphatically named [email protected].

Then, Listener Mike hit us up with a real puzzler about gifting flight crews, because apparently, Reddit has decided that kindness gets you fired. Who knew?! 

And speaking of flight decks, Listener Lu drops a fantastic question about single pilot operations and whether we really need two humans up front at all times. We've got thoughts, and we're not afraid to share them.

Our main event today is a truly special chat with Eric The Mapmaker. He embarked on a domestic airline odyssey, hitting up a bunch of different cities, and proving that sometimes, the best laid travel plans are the ones you throw out the window halfway through. 

And as always, our ears are blessed by the utterly soul-stirring, goosebump-inducing sounds of the Madalitso Youth Choir! Their Welcome and Goodbye songs, recorded straight from the Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia, are pure magic.

Want to experience that magic in person? Join Brian on an epic group adventure to Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa in late September 2025! Seriously, it's going to be incredible. Reach out to him at [email protected] for all the details. Let's make some memories and genuinely enjoy the Journey, because, well, it really is the Reward!

Welcome to Episode 108 of The Journey Is The Reward! This week, we're navigating some significant changes at United, shooting the Breeze with Micah, and as always, hearing from our incredible listeners.

First up, Listener Melissa is asking for a much-anticipated health update from Micah – and yes, she might have playfully accused Brian of being a pain in Micah's butt! 

Plus, Micah continues to unpack the ever-popular packing segment with some invaluable additional advice.

Listener Lu returns with another intriguing question about spotting famous people on planes. 

Then, buckle up as Brian gives us the lowdown on several recent changes at United Airlines. We'll cover the good (think exciting new global destinations), and the not-so-good (specifically, how frequent flyer miles for upgrades have shifted, and updates to Club and Lounge access). Brian also shares the exciting news that Starlink will be installed on United's entire fleet by the end of 2026!

After sorting through the United updates, Micah shares the experiences of his friends who recently flew on Breeze Airways. They encountered some issues, and we discuss how Breeze handled the situation – good on resolution, but with room for improvement in communication.

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

Ready to experience this musical magic in person and create your own unforgettable memories? 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 truly enjoy the Journey as it is the Reward!

On Episode 107 of The Journey Is The Reward, we once again get to talk with Momma Coleman, thanks to the limo services provided by Chef Kathy.   Sure, it doesn’t sound right at this point but it will make sense as you listen to the episode.   But before we get to the main event, Listener Matt has a follow-on question to my packing skills.

Listener Lu wants to know about the $100 hamburger, as it relates to flight.  Although calling it a $300 hamburger is probably more accurate these days.

Then it’s time for the main segment, Brian’s trip to NJ to surprise Momma Coleman on her 90th birthday and Mother’s Day.

Yes, Momma Coleman had done a reverse commute from living in Florida and returned to her birth state to be closer to her oldest son.  Brian decided he couldn’t stay away and had to help her unpack.

Chef Kathy was there to help… and provide an incredible 90th Birthday carrot cake.

We then get to learn all about Brian’s 9 hour delay getting back home to Los Angeles.   However, as far as delays go, this one worked out OK for our intrepid traveler.

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. 

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!

On Episode 106 of The Journey Is The Reward, our favorite aviation aficionados, Micah and Brian, are back, ready to pack for a trip and navigate the turbulent skies of memory lane. 

First up, we've got a burning question from Listener, Lu! Did Qatar handle the unfortunate dead passenger situation with the grace and dignity they should have or were there areas for improvement.

Then, it's time for some serious travel talk! Micah, clearly envious of Brian's ninja-like packing skills, grills him on how he manages to jet-set for weeks without the dreaded checked baggage. Prepare for the reveal of Brian's mysterious suitcase (ooh, the suspense!) and his coveted tips and tricks. Spoiler alert: apparently, most packing gadgets are dead weight for our seasoned traveler, but he does have some secret weapons in his arsenal for staying fresh as a daisy on those long hauls. 

But wait, there's more turbulence! Our dynamic duo then throws it back to a classic segment from the legendary Airplane Geeks Podcast, Episode 269. The one and only Max Flight wanted to hear how listeners first caught the aviation bug. Brian, ever the enthusiast, penned his story, but a written word wasn't enough for Max! He wanted audio. And who did Brian tap for this crucial mission while under the weather? Our very own Micah, of course! Apparently, Brian's been enjoying Micah's dulcet tones on his previous submissions. High praise indeed!

So, prepare your ears for a heartwarming tale as Micah channels his inner Brian and recounts the pivotal moment his father ignited his passion for all things aviation. But hold on tight, because the journey takes a detour when a certain "pinhead" at the Civil Air Patrol clipped Brian's wings before he even took flight! This leads to a powerful message from Brian himself: don't let anyone ground your dreams!

So, grab your beverage of choice, settle into your favorite ejection seat (just kidding… mostly!), and get ready for another episode packed with listener love, packing prowess, nostalgic narratives, and a healthy dose of "don't let the naysayers win!" It's Episode 106 of The Journey Is The Reward – you won't want to miss it!

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. 

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!

On Episode 105 of The Journey Is The Reward, Prepare for liftoff!  Your intrepid co-pilots, Brian and Micah, chart a course from the tarmac of Burbank to the stratosphere of Seattle. The mission of Brian? To attend the Seattle Aviation and Aerospace Bash, orchestrated by the stellar Isaac Alexander!

But before achieving orbit, our flight crew tackles a query beamed in by Listener Lu. She wondered about a passenger who was confused about why airlines don’t fly in a straight line. Brian and Micah address some decidedly off-course information about the flight, transmitted by none other than Elon Musk. Both Brian and Micah feel he should stick to navigating his own launch vehicles!

Next, Brian asks a question to the listeners: Should purchase a confirmed First-Class ticket on Spirit Airlines, or take a calculated risk on a United flight, hoping for an upgrade to First? 

For the main stage of our journey, Micah and Brian recount the epic trek to Burbank airport – a long walk from a new parking lot without shuttle busses! Then they detail the ascent to Seattle, with a strategic refueling stop in Sacramento. Once again, the flight crews of Southwest provided top-notch service.

Upon landing at the Seattle Bash, Brian engaged in some interviews. In one daring encounter, he gently confronted organizer Isaac Alexander about a slight deviation from the promised mission parameters – a BBQ promised, but Mediterranean seafood deployed!

Despite this minor anomaly, Isaac's event was a great evening for Pacific Northwest Aviation and Space aficionados. Featuring captivating speakers, a treasure trove of aviation SWAG at the freebie table, and a lucky draw where every participant was a winner, it was a truly stellar evening.

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.

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!