Travels With Randy Podcast

Travels With Randy Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Episode 7 is here!

Joplin, 13.3 Miles Of Kansas, And Eastern Oklahoma

Prime Day Impact on Book Sales Bubba and Randy discussed the impact of Amazon Prime Day on book sales, with both agreeing that while sales during the event are high, the weeks leading up to and following Prime Day tend to be lower due to discounting and consumer expectations. They also talked about changes in media consumption, noting how people now use phones instead of physical newspapers and how this affects attention spans. The conversation concluded with a discussion about ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) and its effects on listeners. Route 66 Travel Updates Randy discussed his current Route 66 trip, explaining that he now drives only two hours per day and stays at Cracker Barrel, Walmart, or rest stops, allowing him to visit museums and take breaks. He shared positive experiences in Illinois and Missouri, noting that Illinois did a good job with Route 66 preservation despite concerns it might be like California. Randy has now traveled through Oklahoma and Kansas, with particular mention of Galena, Kansas which features Route 66 landmarks including Mater and Gearhead Curios. Route 66 Kansas Revitalization Discussion Randy discussed the current state of Route 66 in Kansas, noting that the 13-mile stretch through Galena, Riverton, and Baxter Springs remains largely unchanged despite its historical significance. They highlighted the Rainbow Bridge as a notable feature and observed that these small towns have experienced population decline while maintaining relatively few businesses. Randy expressed concern about abandoned buildings and gas stations along the route, suggesting that making Route 66 a national trail would help incentivize revitalization efforts in these communities. Route 66 Historical Sites Tour Randy described a Route 66 trip from Springfield to Joplin, highlighting several historical sites including a century-old barbershop with gas station history, the Red Oak II sculpture museum created by Lowell Davis, and the Boots Court Motel in Carthage. The discussion noted that many family businesses along Route 66 have been operated for generations, which is unusual compared to other industries where younger generations typically leave family operations. Randy also mentioned that Route 66 through Joplin was under significant construction during the visit, making it difficult to access and photograph some areas. Route 66 Calendar Distribution Randy discussed his distribution of Route 66 calendars across multiple states, including Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois, with counters in various towns along the route. He highlighted the scenic benefits of driving Route 66 instead of the toll interstate, offering a more relaxing and informative journey through smaller towns. The conversation included a fun fact about Quapaw, Oklahoma, being the hometown of BJ Honeycutt from the TV show MASH, confirmed by Beth during the call. AI and Robotics Development Discussion Randy and Bubba discussed the differences in population sizes between California and Illinois towns, with Randy noting how surprising it was to see smaller towns in Illinois compared to California's larger suburbs. The conversation then shifted to future robotics and AI developments, with Bubba expressing concern about how rapidly technology is advancing and the ethical implications of AI-generated content that is indistinguishable from real humans. They discussed how AI is already being integrated into their work processes, including podcast technology that can automatically generate conversation summaries. AI Integration in Business Processes Bubba and Randy discussed the integration of AI into everyday technology and its impact on business processes. Bubba shared how he uses Bubba AI to automate tasks related to analyzing product lists, reducing the time required from eight hours to a few hours. Randy highlighted how AI tools like Muse and Vector can streamline tasks such as email management and cleaning up contacts. They also explored how advancements in photography technology, including shooting in RAW format and using tools like Adobe Lightroom, have democratized high-quality image capture, allowing even smartphone users to achieve professional-looking results. Photography and Performance Journey Randy discussed his approach to photography, describing himself as a documenter rather than a technical photographer who waits for perfect lighting conditions. He shared details about his Route 66 photography project and his recent visit to the Coleman Theater in Miami, Oklahoma, which he had previously been unable to access due to limited opening hours. During the conversation, Randy revealed for the first time that he had acted in high school plays and college productions, including a role as a Puerto Rican gang member in "Crossing the Switchblade" at Southern California College in 1985. Route 66 Oklahoma Trip Highlights Randy shared details about his recent Route 66 trip in Oklahoma, highlighting key attractions including the Coleman Theater, Ribbon Road, Totem Pole Park, Chelsea's underpass mural, and the Blue Whale of Catoosa. He noted that while many motels along the route remain abandoned due to reduced traffic, some have been converted into unique accommodations like an old gas station turned Airbnb. Randy also described visiting Texola, a small town with only about 40 residents, where he discovered that the town's well-maintained church had burned down just a week before his visit. Podcast Progress and Social Media Randy and Bubba discussed their podcast's progress, noting they are approaching 40,000 followers on Facebook and have had posts reach 500,000 views. They planned to continue their Route 66 journey next week, covering from Tulsa to Texas, and discussed Randy's upcoming trip to Alaska to visit eight national parks. The conversation also touched on their social media strategy across different platforms and Bubba's challenges with copyright issues on YouTube and other platforms.

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Travels With Randy Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Episode 6 is here!

Missouri And The Birthplace Of Route 66

Podcast Plans and Travel Stories Bubba and Randy discussed their plans to do a podcast together, with Bubba mentioning his new microphone and both agreeing to participate. They talked about the decline of traditional men's barbershops as nostalgic spaces, with Bubba sharing his experience about his childhood barber in Decatur, IL and Randy describing his mother cutting his hair in California. The conversation then shifted to Randy's Route 66 trip, where he shared details about visiting Granite City, Illinois, and discovering a neon park with giant sculptures, emphasizing the importance of exploring downtown areas off the main route to find hidden attractions like the Carl's ice cream shop featuring the original muffler man statue and his larger female counterpart Marge. Social Media Growth and Route 66 Bubba and Randy discussed the growth of their social media presence across platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, with their followers approaching 40,000. Randy shared details about his current Route 66 trip, explaining how he processes 150 photos daily and shares approximately 80 per post across social media, with Bubba noting that many more photos are taken but curated for public sharing. Randy described his experience in St. Louis, including discovering the City Museum with its unique features like a Ferris wheel on a building, and discussed the varying quality of Route 66 signage across different states. St. Louis Trip Highlights Randy shared details about their recent trip to St. Louis, including visiting a historic drive-in donut shop and staying at a Cracker Barrel near Eureka. They described taking an Anheuser-Busch tour where they learned about the beer-making process, including beechwood aging for Budweiser, and discovered that Modelo cannot be sold in the United States due to antitrust regulations. The conversation ended with Randy mentioning their plans to visit a Catholic cathedral in St. Louis that they had not been able to enter previously. Route 66 Trip and Calendar Updates Randy discussed his Route 66 trip, highlighting stops at significant locations including the Basilica of St. Louis and Route 66 State Park in Missouri. He reported that calendars are now available at three locations in Illinois and three in Missouri, including Route 66 State Park, Shamrock Court Motel in Sullivan, and Springfield Visitor Center. Randy noted that while Route 66 experiences can be more challenging to find in large cities due to newer businesses, the smaller rural areas offer more visible historical Route 66 elements. Route 66 Travel Stories Randy shared stories about his travels along Route 66 in Missouri, including a visit to a flower farm in Pacific owned by Harry Englehart, who has spent his entire life within 100 miles of the farm and is currently 68 years old. Randy also discussed the Merrimack Caverns, which has been grandfathered in under Missouri's advertising laws that prohibit barn signs along interstates, allowing them to continue using barn advertising while other businesses cannot. Merrimack Caverns and Local Attractions Randy discussed visiting Merrimack Caverns, which claims to have artifacts linked to Jesse and Frank James, though historical evidence is limited. The cavern system features a river, a ballroom, and various attractions including zip lines and mining activities. Randy also mentioned visiting Sullivan and seeing the recently renovated Shamrock Court motel, which now features a neon-themed room with original sculptures. Route 66 Missouri Towns Visit Randy discussed his visit to various towns along Route 66 in Missouri, including Sullivan, Bourbon, and Cuba. He highlighted the renovation of the Shamrock Court motor court by Roman Rich and his wife Christina, who also own the Wagon Wheel in Cuba and are part of the Painted Desert Trading Post in Arizona. Randy observed differences between Missouri and Illinois towns, noting that while some Missouri towns appeared abandoned despite having significant populations, others like Cuba were vibrant with murals and celebrations of Route 66 history. Route 66 Business Opportunities Discussion Randy discussed the longest continuous running motel on Route 66, which is now owned by Roman and Christina, who are younger than Randy. Randy considered the possibility of buying a property along Route 66, such as a gas station in Tucumcari, New Mexico, and converting it into a gift shop or art gallery. Bubba suggested the idea of a rotating art gallery featuring Randy's photographs displayed in gift shops along the route, which Randy found intriguing and plans to explore further. Route 66 Discussion Highlights Randy and Bubba discussed Route 66, highlighting that it can be experienced in segments rather than the entire 2,400-mile route, with examples of shorter routes like an 18-mile section in Kansas. They explored the connection between Route 66 and neon signage, noting that many historic neon signs can still be seen along the route. The conversation also covered the unique town of Uranus in Missouri, which features Route 66 attractions and fudge, and they discussed the historical significance of Springfield, Missouri as the birthplace of Route 66's name. Route 66 Travel Experience Discussion Randy and Bubba discussed their recent Route 66 travel experiences, focusing on Springfield, Missouri, which Randy described as becoming one of his favorite places along the route. They highlighted several notable locations including the birthplace of Route 66, the Queen's Gate sculpture, and various historical sites like Bass Pro Shops' original location and a Steak and Shake restaurant. Randy shared his photography techniques, particularly his method of enhancing images by removing distractions like power lines, and emphasized the importance of taking pictures of murals from an angle to capture the full artwork. The discussion concluded with plans to continue their Route 66 journey westward, focusing on ghost towns and other unique attractions in upcoming episodes.

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Travels With Randy Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Episode 5 is here!

Central & Southern Illinois

Travel Budget and Remote Work Randy explained his travel budget system, detailing how he allocates approximately $1,500 monthly for expenses including hotels and gas, with gas costs fluctuating based on state prices. He described how he uses hotel points to reduce costs and plans to pay off his van by next November. Randy shared that while remote work made long-term travel feasible, the scheduling challenges eventually led him to retire, as managing work commitments while traveling became too difficult. Route 66 Trip and Updates Randy discussed his current Route 66 trip, explaining how it differs from his previous one by allowing him to spend more time exploring museums, taking photos of historical sites like Abraham Lincoln's first business in New Salem, Illinois, and enjoying local ice cream. He mentioned plans for a future Alaska trip in June next year, which would complete his mission of visiting every national park in the United States and its territories. Bubba announced that their podcast catalog is now available on YouTube, with 159 episodes uploaded through an automated process using their RSS feed. Route 66 Podcast Growth Updates Bubba and Randy discussed the success of their podcast "Travels With Randy," noting significant growth in subscribers and views, as well as strong calendar sales. Randy shared updates on his current Route 66 trip, explaining how staying in one location allows for more exploration and visiting local attractions, such as the Anheuser-Busch brewery and Merrimack Caverns. He observed that while some towns have not changed much, others have improved their Route 66 offerings, likely with grant funding. Road Trip Art Discoveries Randy and Bubba discussed Randy's road trip through Illinois, where he discovered unique murals, neon signs, and muffler men statues. Bubba explained that bus benches with murals are limited to Chicago due to a single advertising contract. Randy shared his plans to document the giant statues he encountered in portrait format for social media, noting that these statues include various objects beyond just muffler men. Route 66 Illinois History Discussion Randy explained the complex history of Route 66 in Illinois, noting that the original 1926 route has been rerouted multiple times due to bridge construction and highway changes, making it challenging to follow the exact historical path. He advised Bubba to explore downtown areas of Route 66-associated towns even if they're not directly on the route, as many interesting sites can be found off the main road. Randy shared his experience of missing Granite City on his initial 1926 route trip and emphasized the importance of visiting downtown areas for better exploration opportunities. Illinois Travel Content Planning Randy discussed plans to create a master recap post with links to all Illinois travel posts, which will serve as a centralized resource for viewers planning their own trips. Bubba explained that he converts Randy's photo collections into YouTube videos using AI assistance, with one Illinois post already resulting in an 11-minute video and potentially expanding to a 45-minute compilation. The discussion highlighted the growing success of their content, with 1.5 million views on Facebook in the past 30 days, and Randy shared updates about his current travel setup including reliable charging systems and Verizon Wi-Fi connectivity. Harvest Host RV Experience Discussion Randy discussed Harvest Host, explaining how it provides access to 1,500 properties like wineries and farms across the United States for RVers with annual memberships. He shared his positive experiences staying at various locations, including a seventh-generation farm in Michigan where he enjoyed homemade pickles and had the orchard to himself. Randy mentioned his strategy of arriving early to handle business requirements and then having flexibility to explore the area later, suggesting this could be a potential sponsorship opportunity for their podcast. Route 66 Illinois Attractions Discussion Randy shared insights about Route 66 in Illinois, highlighting the state's effective navigation signage and the importance of exploring historical alignment changes. Key attractions discussed included Joliet's Rialto Square Theater and the American Giants Museum in Atlanta, which has helped revitalize the local economy. Randy expressed hope for the passage of the Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act, emphasizing its potential to benefit towns along the route, and mentioned an upcoming interview with Tom Perkins from Gardner, Illinois. Route 66 Trip Planning Discussion Randy and Bubba discussed Randy's recent Route 66 trip through Illinois, where he visited landmarks including Navy Pier and the Basilica of St. Louis, and completed an interview with Tom Perkins of The Shop on Route 66 in Gardener, IL. . They planned future content including interviews in Missouri (particularly at the midpoint between Chicago and Santa Monica) and discussed calendar distribution, noting that the calendar is available at three locations in Illinois: Tom's Place in Gardner, the Standard Station in Odell, and the visitor center in Bloomington-Normal. Bubba mentioned ongoing challenges with YouTube copyright strikes for their custom soundtrack and encouraged stores along Route 66 to contact them about wholesale opportunities.

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Travels With Randy Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Episode 4 is here!

Starting At The Beginning - Navy Pier Down To Springfield

Route 66 Travel Updates Randy discussed his ongoing Route 66 travel project, sharing updates about new attractions he's discovered including murals in Pontiac created by the Wall Dogs group and a new mural square nearly complete. He mentioned that the calendar is now being sold in four locations including Pontiac, Odell, Bloomington, and Gardner. Randy also highlighted a unique Coca-Cola memorabilia collection in Gardner that he visited, noting it contains extensive items in a small space. Chicago Trip and Family Stories Randy shared his experience driving a van to Chicago, describing parking challenges and his solution of finding an open-air parking lot that cost $70 for overnight parking. He explained how he used Chicago's public transit system for $5 per day to explore the city, including visiting Navy Pier and attending a Cubs game. Randy also revealed that his grandfather had worked as an elevator operator at the Wrigley Building while studying for the ministry, and according to family lore, Mr. Wrigley gave him a lifetime pass to Cubs games. Route 66 Evolution Discussion Randy and Bubba discussed the historical evolution of Route 66, including changes to its starting and ending points over the decades and the recent addition of Navy Pier. They explored how the route's purpose shifted from being the primary transportation highway to becoming a nostalgic travel experience, with many towns benefiting from increased tourism. Randy mentioned a bill currently in committee that would make Route 66 a national trail, which would provide benefits similar to what happened when Indiana Dunes became a national park, potentially increasing visitors significantly. Route 66 Illinois Highlights Discussion Randy and Bubba discussed Route 66, focusing on its history and key attractions in Illinois. Randy recommended starting in Kansas or Illinois and suggested exploring one state at a time rather than the entire route. They highlighted notable stops including the American Giants museum in Atlanta, Carl's Ice Cream in Bloomington, and the Gemini Giant in Wilmington. Randy shared insights about the route's evolution, noting that early alignments were more natural and winding than the later, more efficient routes, and mentioned that some sections now require four-wheel drive due to changes over the decades. Route 66 Travel Stories Randy shared stories about his travels along Route 66, including visiting an automotive upholstery company in Berwyn that has operated for 100 years and exploring Joliet and Romeoville. Bubba shared his experience of living in Joliet for a couple of years with his wife Lynn, who also worked for CBS in downtown Chicago, though they later moved to Charlotte due to the challenging two-hour commute. Randy also discussed his visit to the Rialto Square theater in Joliet, which was built around the same time as Route 66 and is currently undergoing HVAC construction. Route 66 Celebrations in Illinois Randy and Bubba discussed Route 66 celebrations in Illinois, noting that Chicago doesn't have citywide initiatives while the state is implementing benches and painted cars in locations like Pontiac. They shared experiences about living in Illinois, with Bubba mentioning his childhood in Decatur and Randy commenting on the cultural divide between Chicago and the rest of the state. Randy announced plans to visit St. Louis the following day to begin the Missouri portion of his Route 66 journey, including a scheduled Anheuser-Busch brewery tour for his birthday. Route 66 Photography and Calendar Randy and Bubba discussed the standardized appearance of alien figurines in pop culture, which Bubba attributed to their origins in 1930s-40s comics featuring "Grays" with large heads and eyes. Randy shared an incident where AI incorrectly replaced people with a flower bed in one of his photos, leading to an embarrassing social media mistake. They discussed Randy's upcoming Route 66 photography trip, including plans to visit Missouri and reach Seligman on the 11th, where he will meet Angel who is 99 years old. The conversation concluded with updates about their popular Route 66 calendar, which is selling well with 39,000 followers and 100% 5-star reviews, though they noted it will be a limited edition and likely sold out by mid-October.

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Travels With Randy Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Episode 3 is here!

Lake Michigan And Her 97 Lighthouses

Lighthouse Mission and Family Stories Randy completed a week-long mission to circle Lake Michigan and visit as many lighthouses as possible, also encircling Lake Winnebago and visiting 6 lighthouses there. He plans to finish the loop by visiting lighthouses north of Navy Pier in Chicago before attending a Cubs game and tour of Wrigley Field with his cousin. The conversation shifted to discussing the importance of capturing family history through stories, with both participants sharing experiences about learning family stories from their elders and recommending tools like StoryWorth for preserving oral histories. Indiana Dunes National Park Designation Randy shared his experience returning to Indiana Dunes National Park after starting his national parks journey seven years ago, explaining how the park's designation changed from a national lakeshore to a national park through a Trump-era spending bill. He noted that the park's visitor numbers increased from 1 million to 3 million annually following the designation change. Randy also discussed his concerns about Route 66's future after its centennial and suggested making it a national byway as a way to preserve its legacy. Route 66 National Trail Discussion Randy explained that making Route 66 a national trail would allow for visitor centers and grants, noting that a bill is currently in Congress with potential to be included in an omnibus spending bill. Bubba shared his observation that younger generations, including his own children, are less familiar with Route 66's historical significance, raising concerns about its future relevance as autonomous vehicles and virtual experiences may change travel patterns. Both discussed how the generational shift in travel experiences and lack of awareness could impact businesses dependent on tourism along Route 66. Travel Experiences and Hospitality Randy shared experiences from his travels across the country, highlighting the warm hospitality he encountered in small towns in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. He described a particular encounter in Michigan where a couple invited him into their historic home after he asked permission to take photos. Randy also discussed his experiences staying at Harvest Host locations, including wineries and farms, where he pays for accommodations by purchasing goods from the facilities. Lake Michigan Lighthouse and Farm Tour Randy shared details about a trip around Lake Michigan where they visited lighthouses and farms, including a winery near Escanaba and a sixth-generation farm family near South Haven that has operated for over 200 years. The family discussed their farming operations, including challenges with late frosts affecting cherry crops, and how they pass the winter months through activities like snowmobiling and ice fishing. Randy concluded by recommending the trip, noting it covers 1,100 miles and offers beautiful scenery despite the challenge of photographing water. Lighthouse Tour and Route 66 Randy shared details about his recent lighthouse tour, highlighting notable lighthouses in Wisconsin including Raleigh Point and Bailey's Harbor, where he encountered a volunteer docent named Scott who stays overnight in the lightkeeper's quarters. Randy explained the difference between East Coast and West Coast lighthouses, mentioning that East Coast lighthouses are typically larger and include keeper's quarters, while some are now maintained as museums. Randy discussed his upcoming Route 66 trip starting Sunday, planning to drive 1,100 miles followed by 2,400 miles on Route 66 over approximately 9 weeks to reach the November 11th centennial celebration. Route 66 Podcast Planning Randy discussed his upcoming Route 66 podcast series, planning to cover a different state each week and potentially including interviews along the way. He mentioned driving at night to capture neon signs and planned to explore new developments related to the route's 100th anniversary celebration in November. Bubba expressed excitement about the upcoming content and shared updates about the podcast's growing presence on social media and merchandise offerings, including a Route 66 calendar and soundtrack. They also discussed Randy's future plans to visit Alaska and complete his goal of visiting all national parks, ending at Glacier Bay, which inspired the name of his company.

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Travels With Randy Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Episode 2 is here!

Wisconsin Ya Sure You Betcha

Randy and Bubba's Casual Updates Randy and Bubba discussed Randy's recent travels in Wisconsin, including stories about mosquitoes, Wisconsin Dells, and visiting during biker week. Bubba shared challenges with hot weather affecting his book business warehouse, including issues with sweat damaging packages. They briefly discussed football season and streaming service upgrades, then concluded with Randy sharing news about Stan Kroenke's $4 billion purchase of the Los Angeles Angels baseball team. Sports Franchise Valuation Discussion Randy shared information about a team owner's background, including details about his wife who is worth around $11 billion and owns 1% of Walmart. They discussed the recent $3.9 billion sale of the San Diego Padres, making it the most expensive MLB team sale to date, which influenced the higher price paid for the Angels. The conversation also touched on sports betting scandals and the rapidly increasing value of sports franchises, with Randy noting how million-dollar values have lost significance as billion-dollar values approach that threshold. Movie Performance and Re-Release Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed recent movie performances, with Bubba noting that Avengers: Endgame is projected to become the first film to earn $3 billion, while Spider-Man and other movies have performed well despite COVID-19's impact on theaters. They also discussed the success of independent films like "Obsession," which cost under $1 million to make and earned over $200 million. The conversation then shifted to the upcoming re-release of Cars, which Randy viewed as an opportunity to introduce Route 66 to a new generation, expressing concern about the road's future and the importance of road trips in understanding America's diverse landscapes. Generational Decline in Road Trips Randy expressed concerns about younger generations' lack of interest in road trips compared to previous generations, attributing it to their heavy digital lifestyle. Randy also discussed how modern car manufacturers lack the style and variety of older cars like muscle cars and 1950s vehicles, with most new cars appearing similar in black, white, and maroon colors. Randy recommended that grandparents take their grandchildren to see the Route 66 movie and suggested that Gen Xers should take their children to refresh their memories of the route. Travel and Family History Updates Randy shared updates about recent travels, including doctor visits in South Dakota where costs were significantly lower than in Washington for car registration, insurance, and Medicare. He discussed his current Lake Michigan Circle Tour trip, encountering challenges with hot weather and mosquitoes while camping in Wisconsin. The conversation ended with Randy explaining his family history research in Wisconsin, specifically mentioning his great-grandfather's birthplace and efforts to trace ancestors who disappeared after the 1860 census. Family History and Wisconsin Travel Randy shared his research into his family's history, particularly focusing on how his great-grandfather changed his surname from Smith to Smythe around the 1860s. He visited Wisconsin Dells and observed Bike Week, describing the scene of older motorcyclists with their partners. Randy is currently traveling around Lake Michigan, staying at different wineries and farms as part of a harvest host program, and expressed strong appreciation for the people and scenery of Wisconsin. Wisconsin Travels and Route 66 Bubba and Randy discussed Randy's recent travels around Wisconsin, including his experiences in Sheboygan, Milwaukee, and Door County. They talked about Wisconsin's unique cultural aspects, including supper clubs and the state's reputation for beer production. Randy shared plans for his upcoming Route 66 trip, which will take a different direction and include interviews with local people. Bubba mentioned the success of their Route 66 calendar sales and discussed potential future content, including a paid subscription option for Randy's photography on Facebook.

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Travels With Randy Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Episode 1 is here!

Finally Back On The Road Again!

Road Trip and Business Updates Randy and Bubba discussed Randy's current road trip across the country, where he is pursuing genealogy research while traveling. Randy explained his decision to change plans from visiting the Upper Peninsula to doing a Lake Michigan loop, specifically targeting lighthouses along the route Angels Baseball Team Performance Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed the poor performance of the Angels baseball team, which is in danger of losing 100 games for the first time in their history. Randy expressed frustration with the team's owner, who prioritizes profit over winning, and they compared baseball's lack of promotion/relegation system to soccer's more flexible league structure. The conversation concluded with a discussion about innovative sports entertainment like the Savannah Bananas and the challenges of getting funding for new business ventures. Entrepreneurial Experiences and Business Financing Bubba and Randy discussed their experiences starting businesses 25 years ago, comparing the easier access to credit and financing during that period to the more restrictive current environment. They reflected on how their children, including Randy's son Jamison, have been influenced by their entrepreneurial experiences, with Jamison choosing stable employment over business ownership after witnessing both the successes and failures of Randy's business. Randy mentioned he is 14 months away from paying off his vehicle "Snuffy" after financing half the purchase price and using cash for the rest, following a $145,000 renovation. Car Mileage and Maintenance Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed their car mileage and maintenance issues. Bubba shared that his car Satan's Anus had reached 417,000 miles and had recently lost its bumper and back window due to an incident where he tried to push a tree off the road. Randy mentioned that his car Stuffy had reached 110,000 miles and he drives about 25,000 miles annually, with the mechanic indicating the engine could go up to 250,000 miles without issue. Historical Mining and Modern Parallels Bubba and Randy discussed the challenges of home ownership and the relentless nature of maintenance issues. Randy shared his recent road trip through South Dakota's Black Hills and Montana, including a visit to the ghost town of Garnett, which highlighted the difficult circumstances faced by early miners seeking fortune. They reflected on how people 200 years ago would have been gold miners if they lived then, and discussed the historical pattern where those who supplied the miners (like pick and shovel sellers) often fared better than those doing the mining, drawing a parallel to modern internet businesses like Google. Wealth Concentration and Travel Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed the dramatic increase in wealth concentration, noting how companies like Nvidia now generate billions daily while individual financial opportunities have shrunk. They explored the implications of AI market consolidation and discussed Randy's current retirement lifestyle of traveling across different states, including his upcoming Route 66 journey where he plans to focus more on experiencing the route rather than just documenting it. Randy mentioned his routine of trading until market open and staying at various locations including Harvest Hosts and occasional hotels during his travels. Route 66 Trip Planning Discussion Randy discussed his upcoming Route 66 trip back to the western United States, planning to visit places he missed during his spring journey and interview businesses along the route to see how they fared during the summer. He noted that many locations are preparing for the centennial celebration in November, with Disney planning a Cars reissue in September. Bubba mentioned that Randy's Route 66 photos have been popular on Facebook, with over 6,000 pictures taken and featured in a new 16-month calendar available for purchase. The discussion also covered Randy's plans to create more video content and adapt to Facebook's preference for vertical formats, with the podcast continuing weekly coverage of Randy's travels.

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LISTEN TO THE OFFICIAL TRAVELS WITH RANDY SOUNDTRACK!

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Travels With Randy Summer Of '26 Episode 6 is here!

TWR Summer of '26 Ep 6: How Is Summer Almost Over Already? Big Fall Plans Ahead!

AI Tools in Book Business Bubba discussed how AI tools have significantly improved his book business by automating processes like purchasing decisions and market analysis, allowing him to act as an effective CFO, purchasing manager, and analyst. He explained that while used books have gained value and are now sold at higher prices in local bookstores, the online market fees make selling used books unprofitable. Bubba shared that his youngest son Luke is an avid reader, while his other two children read sporadically. Family Updates and Movie Discussion Bubba shared updates about his family, including his son Logan starting his senior year as a marketing major at NC State and his oldest son moving back to Greenville with his fiancée who is becoming a teacher. Bubba also discussed helping his son Connor move into his dorm at Clemson and the family's excitement about being closer together in the Greenville area. The conversation concluded with a discussion about recent successful movies, particularly Spider-Man and The Odyssey, and their impressive box office performance. Alaska Travel Planning Discussion Randy discussed upcoming travel plans, revealing he will be leaving in two weeks for a trip that will last until spring. He decided not to take his vehicle on an Alaska trip, instead planning to fly to Anchorage and rent a truck, and discussed specific tours including one to the Arctic Circle for $2,500 and another to see bears in Katmai. Due to wildfires in Washington affecting Highway 2, which runs through the affected areas, Randy is considering alternative routes including Highway 20, which goes through Yellowstone, and may visit the Upper Peninsula before meeting his cousin in Milwaukee. Route 66 and Baseball Plans Randy discussed his upcoming baseball plans, including watching the Cubs play in Milwaukee and Chicago, before officially resuming his Route 66 journey on September 10-11. He explained that his current approach to Route 66 will focus on visiting and documenting the towns along the route rather than just driving through, including visiting museums and talking to storekeepers about the impact of World Cup travelers. Bubba mentioned their new Travels with Randy calendar featuring 16 photos selected by Randy from over 6,000 pictures, which is currently available for purchase and represents their first e-commerce venture selling Randy's own work.

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Have a great idea for the guys? Want to sponsor us? Want us to sell something National Park or Route 66 related? Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska? Want me to stop asking questions? [email protected] !!

LISTEN TO THE OFFICIAL TRAVELS WITH RANDY SOUNDTRACK!

Available on all streaming music platforms such as Apple: TWR Full Soundtrack

GET YOUR COPY OF THE TWR OFFICIAL ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL 16 MONTH CALENDAR! ONLY $19.99

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Travels With Randy Summer Of '26 Episode 5 is here!

TWR Summer of '26 Ep 5: July 4th On The Oregon Coast & Visiting The Cascades

Buy the Travels With Randy Route 66 Centennial Calendar right here!

Listen to the Travels With Randy Soundtrack on Apple right here!

Evolution of Air Conditioning Bubba and Randy discussed the climate differences between Washington and other regions, particularly focusing on the lack of air conditioning in European homes and historical cars. They explored how air conditioning has evolved over time, noting that it wasn't widely available in cars until the 1950s and 1960s, coinciding with the peak of Route 66 travel. The conversation highlighted how people today take air conditioning for granted compared to previous generations who had to cope without it. Modern Life vs Historical Challenges Bubba and Randy discussed the challenges of living in different climates and eras, highlighting how modern conveniences like air conditioning, medicine, and advanced surgical techniques have significantly improved quality of life. They reflected on how grateful they should be for these advancements and considered what it would be like to experience earlier times, ultimately concluding that modern life is preferable despite its complexities. The conversation also touched on the importance of appreciating one's ancestors and the chain of events that led to their existence. 4th of July Travel Experiences Randy shared his 4th of July travel experience, where he initially planned to visit Astoria but couldn't find hotel accommodations, so he switched to Rockaway Beach instead. However, he struggled with long wait times and decided to leave early without seeing the fireworks. Bubba and Randy then discussed their experiences watching the Washington D.C. fireworks display, with Bubba describing it as overly propagandistic and cheesy. The conversation concluded with Randy mentioning his visit to the Tillamook Ice Cream Factory and his plans to continue his Cascade series by driving down Highway 20 to Newport, Oregon. Highway 20 Cross-Country Trip Planning Randy discussed plans to drive Highway 20 from Newport, Oregon to Boston, Massachusetts as his next cross-country trip after returning from Alaska in the fall. He noted challenges with GPS systems not being able to route directly on Highway 20 and considered using AI tools like Claude to plan the route. The conversation also touched on Randy's use of various AI tools including Claude, ChatGPT, and Grok for different purposes, and briefly mentioned Elon Musk's recent stock performance. AI Voice Assistant Update Discussion Randy discussed an unexpected update to the AI voice assistant Beth, who now has a different voice with Australian accent and more human-like responses, including laughter. Bubba noted that Beth's new voice sounds more realistic and human than before. They discussed the possibility of using Beth's voice for a video project, including potentially having her sing the show's theme song. Oregon Trip and Property Updates Randy shared details about his recent trip to Oregon, including staying at various Harvest Host locations and visiting the Three Sisters mountains in the Cascade Range. He discussed the geological history of the Three Sisters, including their original names (Faith, Love, and Hope) and current names (North, Middle, and South Sister). Randy also described recent work on his property, including installing a creek and having sheep and goats rented to clear weeds, and mentioned plans to visit Mount Adams before leaving for Chicago. Route 66 Calendar Distribution Randy and Bubba discussed the availability and distribution of a new Route 66 calendar, which is now being shipped daily and is available for purchase on various platforms including Randy's website, eBay, and Walmart. The 16-month calendar covers September 2024 to December 2025 and features photos of Route 66 with descriptive captions, with plans to potentially create future calendars including an Alaska edition. Bubba noted that the calendar is currently being shipped to a location in Seligman, Arizona for retail availability. Buy the Travels With Randy Route 66 Centennial Calendar right here! SpaceX Investment Discussion Meeting Randy and Bubba discussed their investments in SpaceX stock, with both planning to build positions over time despite recent volatility. They noted that SpaceX's upcoming earnings report and potential lockup expiration could create trading opportunities, though they emphasized this was not financial advice. Bubba also updated Randy on his book business growth and announced the publication of the Travels with Randy podcast soundtrack across multiple music platforms.

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Travels With Randy Summer Of '26 Episode 4 is here!

TWR Summer of '26 Ep 4: It's Too Hot, The World Cup Is Awesome, And We've Created A Route 66 Calendar!

***Featuring two more versions of the Travels With Randy Theme Song***

Regional Climate Policy Comparisons The conversation focused on weather differences between regions and environmental policies, particularly comparing climate approaches in Europe and the United States. The participants discussed how Europe's anti-air conditioning stance conflicts with China's aggressive construction of power plants and data centers without public debate. The discussion concluded with brief comments about a travel show called "Travels with Randy" and its updated tropical-themed logo. Podcast Music and Travel Plans Bubba discussed creating theme music for his podcast "Travels with Randy" using AI tools like Claude and Suno, which allowed him to generate lyrics and music in minutes without needing to hire musicians or pay royalties. The conversation then shifted to travel plans, where Randy shared his upcoming trip to Rockaway Beach for the 4th of July parade and plans to visit Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, the Three Sisters, and potentially Crater Lake in the Cascade mountain range. They also discussed the current popularity of Route 66 due to World Cup visitors and the upcoming 4th of July celebrations. World Cup Discussion Meeting Bubba and Randy discussed their interest in the World Cup, with Bubba sharing his newfound appreciation for soccer after watching his sons play for 10 years. They talked about recent exciting matches, including England's comeback win and Mexico's historic advancement to the knockout rounds. The conversation concluded with them noting how international visitors are surprised by Americans' friendliness and the positive atmosphere during the tournament. Global Football Content Appeal Bubba and Randy discussed the global appeal of American football content, particularly highlighting videos of people visiting unique American locations like Buc-ee's. They compared the viewership of the Super Bowl to the World Cup, noting that soccer has a larger global following. The conversation also touched on FIFA's restrictions on stadium naming rights during the World Cup and the logistics of traveling to multiple host cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Route 66 Calendar Launch Randy and Bubba announced the launch of a 16-month Route 66 calendar, certified by the National Route 66 Commission, featuring original photos by Randy. The calendar will be available starting July 13th and includes two images from eight states, focusing on Route 66-themed gas stations, motels, cars, and hidden attractions. Customers who order before August 15th will be entered into a contest to win a metal print of one of the 16 images, valued at around $200. Get the calendar here: https://travelswithrandy.com/ Travels with Randy Calendar Launch Bubba and Randy discussed the launch of their new Travels with Randy calendar, which will be available for purchase with shipping starting July 13th. They celebrated the project's significance, noting it marks seven years since they began the podcast in 2019, and Randy's current Route 66 documentation project to celebrate the highway's 100th anniversary. The discussion also covered plans to expand their merchandise line to include items like coffee cups, hats, and potentially a Travels with Randy soundtrack CD, with Bubba mentioning they have multiple versions of theme songs created over the years. Randy's Road Trip Plans Randy discussed his upcoming road trip plans, which will follow Highway 2 from Montana to Chicago and then Route 66 to California, with stops to see baseball games and visit his son at an Anheuser-Busch conference in St. Louis. He mentioned timing the trip to attend the Albuquerque Balloon Festival in October and plans to return to Arizona in winter. The conversation also covered updates about Randy's son moving to Camano Island and the upcoming Route 66 centennial celebration, including new highway signs. Bubba and Randy discussed their podcast and a new calendar product that will be available for purchase.

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Have a great idea for the guys? Want to sponsor us? Want us to sell something National Park or Route 66 related? Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska? Want me to stop asking questions? [email protected] !!