The Travel Wins

Jim “The Rookie” Morris is no longer a rookie
In this captivating episode of The Travel Wins, I had the honor of sitting down with Jim "The Rookie" Morris, whose extraordinary life story transcends the baseball diamond to inspire millions worldwide. A man who defied the odds, Jim's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the pursuit of dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.
Jim's passion for baseball began at just five years old, setting his sights on a dream of pitching in the major leagues. But life had other plans. Injuries and setbacks dashed his hopes by the age of twenty-five, with doctors delivering the crushing news that he would never play again. Yet, life has a way of writing unexpected chapters. Against all odds, at the age of thirty-five—when most athletes are stepping away from the game—Jim found himself pitching for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. His remarkable comeback was so incredible that Disney immortalized it in the beloved film *The Rookie*, starring Dennis Quaid. The movie became a box office sensation, earning accolades like the ESPY for Best Sports Movie and the CAMIE award for its uplifting message.
But Jim's story didn't end there. As an accomplished author, his latest book, *Dream Makers*, explores the untold facets of his life beyond the diamond. From navigating a tumultuous relationship with his father and battling addiction to finding solace in the wisdom of his grandfather, Jim’s memoir delves into the profound lessons he’s learned. *Dream Makers* emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with extraordinary individuals who challenge and uplift you—lessons that resonate in both personal and professional realms.
Since 2001, Jim has been sharing his inspirational story with audiences around the globe as a motivational speaker. His travels have taken him to prestigious stages like The Million Dollar Round Table, where he's spoken twice, and earned him accolades such as the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Jim’s talks are more than just speeches—they’re transformative experiences, inspiring listeners to face their own obstacles with courage and determination.
On this episode of The Travel Wins, we dive into the logistics of his life on the road, balancing his passion for inspiring others with the demands of constant travel. How does he maintain his connection with his family? What keeps him motivated as he journeys from city to city, empowering audiences with his story of redemption?
Whether you’re a fan of “The Rookie” or simply need a dose of inspiration, Jim’s incredible story will remind you that it’s never too late to chase your dreams—and that the power of perseverance can lead you to unimaginable heights. 

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In this episode of *The Travel Wins*, we dive deep with Jason Greenwood, founder of Greenwood Consulting, a visionary in the eCommerce world who's on a mission to rewrite the rules for B2B brands. With over two decades of experience, Jason realized early on that most eCommerce agencies and consultants focus their energy on trendy, high-profile retail brands, leaving behind manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors eager to make their mark in the digital marketplace. This gap inspired him to create Greenwood Consulting, a service precisely tailored to meet the needs of B2B brands yearning to harness the explosive growth potential of eCommerce.

Jason's journey began with his own frustrations as a merchant. He often felt that he needed a trusted partner to guide him, someone who understood the unique challenges B2B brands face when stepping into digital transformation. So, he built Greenwood Consulting to be *that* partner—a one-stop advisory service designed to simplify and supercharge the eCommerce journey for businesses that have been traditionally overlooked. Offering a fixed-price, all-inclusive monthly subscription, Greenwood Consulting ensures clients know exactly what they’re investing in and the value they’ll gain, creating a steady, reliable partnership that B2B companies can trust.

Jason shares how his firm taps into a powerful network of technical experts and agency partners, bringing world-class resources to every client. This approach has been a game-changer for B2B brands, who no longer have to navigate the complexities of omni-channel and digital transformation on their own. In this conversation, Jason highlights the essential strategies and key factors that help these businesses not just survive, but thrive in an increasingly digital-first economy.

Tune in as we uncover how Jason Greenwood is redefining success for the often-overlooked giants of the B2B world, helping them unlock new growth opportunities with a groundbreaking approach to eCommerce consulting.

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Jamie Mittelman voice for women athletes
In this captivating episode of The Travel Wins, I sit down with Jamie Mittelman, the dynamic founder and host of Flame Bearers, fresh from her travels to Paris for the latest Olympic and Paralympic Games. As someone dedicated to bringing the unsung stories of resilient women Olympians and Paralympians to the forefront, Jamie’s time in Paris wasn’t just about witnessing incredible athletic feats—it was about furthering her mission to amplify the voices of women who inspire change through their perseverance and achievements on and off the world stage.
Jamie’s passion for storytelling runs deep. Flame Bearers is the world’s first storytelling platform specifically designed to illuminate the lives and struggles of women athletes whose journeys often remain in the shadows. With an impressive background, including a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard and seven years of communications experience across corporate and nonprofit sectors, Jamie is uniquely equipped to drive her mission forward.
Through Flame Bearers, she has created more than just a media company—it’s a global movement where women Olympians and Paralympians share their personal stories through podcasts, video content, and live events. These stories provide an intimate look into the lives of these athletes beyond the games, revealing their trials, triumphs, and the challenges they face. Jamie’s recent trip to Paris further fueled her commitment to ensuring these voices reach the global audience they deserve.
As Jamie and I discuss in this episode, Flame Bearers is more than a media production company; it’s a global storytelling platform that sparks transformation. By bringing to light the resilience, strength, and courage of these unsung women athletes, Flame Bearers not only inspires individuals but also catalyzes change in communities around the world. Jamie’s work is a testament to the power of storytelling, and in this episode, she reveals how these stories of grit and determination can encourage all of us to take action and make meaningful connections.
Join me on The Travel Wins as we explore Jamie Mittelman’s journey, her work with Flame Bearers, and how she’s creating a brighter future by sharing the incredible stories of women athletes who have overcome the odds to inspire us all.

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Timeless Inspirations: Jeri Mae James
In this episode of The Travel Wins, Pete Kotzbach chats with Jeri Mae James, a model and actress driven by her love for classic films and her "can-do" attitude. Growing up in a small California town, Jeri Mae fell in love with Old Hollywood through vintage shows like I Love Lucy and The Andy Griffith Show. Inspired by the magic of the classics, she pursued acting and modeling, navigating the competitive world of LA while staying true to her nostalgic roots.
From local theater to self-made modeling gigs, Jeri Mae found creative ways to share her unique vision, leveraging social media as a digital stage to reach a growing audience. Her dream is to bring back the elegance of Technicolor films while connecting with fellow artists who share her passion for the Golden Age of Hollywood. She also shares tips for experiencing LA’s history, from vintage theaters to iconic hotels.
Listen in as Jeri Mae discusses embracing creativity, overcoming setbacks, and keeping the spirit of Old Hollywood alive in a modern world.

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What does it take to climb the highest mountains on Earth?
In this episode of The Travel Wins Podcast, Pete Kotzbach sits down with world-renowned mountaineer and Guinness World Record holder Viridiana Álvarez for an inspiring conversation about climbing Mount Everest, conquering some of the world's tallest peaks, overcoming adversity, and developing the mindset needed to achieve extraordinary goals.Viridiana shares stories from her expeditions, the physical and mental preparation required for high-altitude climbing, and the life lessons she's learned while traveling to some of the most remote places on Earth.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Climbing Mount Everest and the world's highest mountains
• Preparing for extreme expeditions
• Mental toughness and resilience
• Leadership under pressure
• Adventure travel and exploration
• Lessons in perseverance and goal setting

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The Travel Wins Podcast features conversations with athletes, explorers, entertainers, entrepreneurs, musicians, and business leaders who share the travel experiences and life lessons that have shaped their success.

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The Artistic Legacy: JD Shultz’s Colorful World Beyond Canvas
On this captivating episode of The Travel Wins, we dive into the vibrant world of JD (Joshua Dimitri) Shultz, an artist whose creative path was no surprise given his family’s rich artistic heritage. With both parents, Carole Shultz (a renowned sculptor and painter) and Jack Shultz (a pioneering multi-media painter), making waves in Southern California’s art scene during the '70s and '80s, JD and his siblings grew up immersed in an atmosphere where art wasn’t just a profession but a way of life.
From a young age, JD and his siblings, Adam and Rachel, channeled their creativity, shaping what would become a family legacy cherished worldwide. Today, the works of all five family members adorn homes and offices across the globe, bringing a touch of their artistic spirit to life. JD’s unique style stands out through his playful yet intense compositions—what he describes as "complexity at its most whimsical." His innovative approach includes painting on the reverse side of Plexiglas with acrylics, producing vivid, three-dimensional works that leap off the surface.
From dreamlike cityscapes to surrealistic, thought-provoking abstracts, JD’s art invites viewers into a world where imagination knows no bounds. Celebrities such as Larry King, Ryan Seacrest, Dr. Drew Pinsky, and members of the rock band Rush are among the many who have added JD’s striking creations to their private collections.
In this episode, JD shares insights into his creative process, his family’s profound influence on his work, and how he continues to evolve as an artist while navigating the business side of the art world. Tune in as we explore how JD Shultz’s work captivates the mind, soul, and inner spirit, offering an unforgettable artistic journey.

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Cultivating Connections in Agriculture: A Conversation with Jessie Jarvis
In this episode of The Travel Wins, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jessie Jarvis, a woman who wears many hats — wife, mother, third-generation rancher, podcast host, and the Founder and CEO of Of The West. Jessie’s roots run deep in the American West, having grown up on her family’s cattle ranch in Southern Idaho. From an early age, she developed a profound appreciation for the land and the legacy of ranching, a passion that now drives her mission to connect others in the agricultural and western industries.
Jessie’s superpower? Connecting people. And it’s this remarkable gift that led her to create Of The West, a job platform tailored specifically to the agriculture and western sectors. Since its inception in 2021, Of The West has helped hundreds of companies find their next perfect hire. Recognized as the "Official Job Platform" of prestigious organizations like the American Quarter Horse Association, the National Cutting Horse Association, and Miss Rodeo America Inc., Jessie's platform has revolutionized the hiring landscape for industries that are often underserved in the digital job market.
But Jessie didn’t stop there. She expanded her vision with Directory Of The West, a sister platform that connects businesses with freelancers, creatives, and industry experts who understand the nuances of agriculture and western culture because they live it, too. Whether it’s helping a company bring their next big idea to life or connecting them with a speaker who can inspire their audience, Jessie’s platforms are designed to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity in the industries she holds dear.
Jessie is also the voice behind Leaders Of The West, a top-ranked podcast that shines a spotlight on pioneers, innovators, and game-changers within the agriculture and western communities. Her podcast has climbed the charts, reaching as high as #3 on Apple Podcasts’ Careers list and securing spots in the Top 50 on both Apple Podcasts and Spotify’s Business charts. With Leaders Of The West, Jessie continues her mission to create meaningful conversations that inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Jessie, alongside her husband Justin, is working to preserve the family’s ranching legacy while raising their two children, Jhett and Jaxyn. While they are proud beef advocates, the Jarvis family firmly believes in the importance of food choices, advocating for the variety of production methods that agriculture provides.
In this episode, we dive deep into Jessie’s journey — from her ranching roots to becoming a leader in the agriculture and western industries, her commitment to fostering meaningful connections, and her take on living the rural lifestyle. Whether you’re an industry insider or simply someone who appreciates the importance of agriculture, this conversation will leave you inspired by Jessie’s passion, drive, and dedication to ensuring these industries thrive for generations to come.
Tune in to hear Jessie’s incredible story and learn how she’s changing the game, one connection at a time.

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How do you build successful businesses across completely different industries?
In this episode of The Travel Wins Podcast, Pete Kotzbach sits down with entrepreneur and Tequila Comisario co-founder Gavin Maloof for an engaging conversation about entrepreneurship, branding, leadership, travel, and launching a premium tequila company after years of success in professional sports and hospitality.
Gavin shares the mindset behind building lasting brands, why customer experience is everything, and how leadership principles remain consistent regardless of the industry.In this episode you'll discover:

• The story behind Tequila Comisario
• Gavin Maloof's entrepreneurial journey
• Leadership and business strategy
• Building premium brands
• Travel and relationship building
• Lessons in innovation and long-term success

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The Travel Wins Podcast features conversations with athletes, entertainers, entrepreneurs, musicians, and business leaders who share the travel experiences and life lessons that have shaped their success.

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Malachi Gagnon: Rising Star in Music
In this exciting episode of The Travel Wins, I sit down with emerging pop-country artist Malachi Gagnon. With a deep passion for music, Malachi opens up about his journey from discovering his talent to navigating the challenges of the music industry. He shares the thrill of live performances, discussing the emotional connection he builds with his audience and how authenticity drives his artistry.
Malachi also talks about the ups and downs of pursuing a music career at a young age, stressing the importance of staying positive and resilient. He provides insight into his songwriting process, including a tribute piece that holds personal significance, and reflects on his transition from pop beginnings to a more mature singer-songwriter style.
 For aspiring musicians, Malachi offers valuable advice: embrace risks and build a supportive community. Beyond music, he shares how he balances his personal life with his rising career and hints at exciting touring plans.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with a young artist whose star is quickly rising.

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In this captivating episode of The Travel Wins, we dive deep into the exhilarating world of live entertainment with Erik Himel, founder of Himel Entertainment Group. From Los Angeles to Paris, London to Moscow, Erik's company provides unmatched solutions for live events, offering services that range from consulting and musical direction to staffing and creating tailored programming for luxury parties, weddings, corporate events, and more. Each event is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience that stands apart from the rest. With everything managed in-house, Himel Entertainment delivers excellence at every stage, from concept to execution, making them the go-to choice for elite events worldwide.
Erik Himel's journey is as impressive as his company's success. Originally from Pennsylvania, Erik developed a passion for business and entrepreneurship early on, earning a degree in business management from Robert Morris University. After relocating to Los Angeles, he quickly proved his prowess in management and sales, helping companies achieve millions in revenue while leading a sales force of over 50 employees. Yet, his heart always lay in music and entertainment, which led him to pivot toward a full-time career in the industry.
Join us on The Travel Wins as Erik Himel takes us behind the scenes, sharing how his deep-rooted passion for music and entertainment, coupled with his business acumen, continues to elevate live entertainment to new heights. If you’re looking to learn from someone who has truly mastered the art of creating unforgettable events, this episode is a must-listen!

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