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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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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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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Travels With Randy Summer Of '26 Episode 3 is here!

Summertime Ramblin'! AI, Movie Reviews, The World Cup, Route 66, And Planning For Alaska

***Featuring the release of the Travels With Randy Theme Song***

AI in Book Business Evolution Bubba discussed how his book business has evolved, mentioning he's now 100% focused on travel and has hired AI tools to handle various business functions including graphic design, data analysis, and software development. He explained how AI has significantly reduced the need for expensive software and development labor that was previously required for e-commerce operations. Randy and Bubba compared how AI tools could have dramatically simplified their business operations when they were starting their companies, noting that current software solutions are still clunky and expensive despite technological advances. AI and Retirement Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed their experiences working with AI, noting how conversational AI has become and how it can help maintain mental engagement in retirement. They also talked about the physical activities they engage in to stay active, such as yard work and running a book business. The conversation shifted to discussing Elon Musk's net worth and the valuation of SpaceX, with Randy sharing insights from a discussion with Grok about SpaceX's plans for AI data centers in space. Alaska Summer Travel Planning Bubba and Randy discussed their summer travel plans and potential Alaska trip. Randy shared his research on visiting Alaska's national parks, considering flying instead of driving to reduce logistics complexity and cost. They explored options for visiting different parks, including those requiring plane access, and discussed potential itineraries that could be tailored to their availability and preferences. Alaska Winter Trip Planning Bubba and Randy discussed planning a winter trip to Alaska, with Bubba suggesting visiting during winter when there would be fewer people and colder temperatures. They explored potential locations including the Bering Strait area and discussed visiting national parks like Kobuk Valley and Gates of the Arctic. Bubba mentioned his interest in the Discovery Channel show Gold Rush and expressed hope of meeting some of the gold prospectors during the trip. The conversation concluded with Bubba hinting at an upcoming announcement about their travel plans for next year. World Cup Tourism Impact Discussion Randy and Bubba discussed the positive impact of the World Cup on Route 66 tourism, noting increased international visitors and activity along the route since its inception in February. They highlighted the unique American experiences, such as visiting Buc-ee's, and reflected on the country's 250th anniversary celebrations. The conversation also touched on potential reuse of abandoned malls and the challenges of modern retail. Spielberg Movie and Film Discussion Bubba expressed disappointment with the new Spielberg movie Disclosure Day, stating that while the director's craft was impressive, the script did not work well and the film received mostly negative reviews. He compared it unfavorably to other recent releases like Masters of the Universe and The Mandalorian And Grougu movie, while expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming Toy Story 5 film. The conversation then shifted to discussing the re-release of Cars on Route 66 and the importance of road trips for family bonding, with both participants sharing personal experiences of traveling with their children. Generational Perspectives and Future Challenges Bubba and Randy discussed generational differences in life experiences and perspectives, particularly focusing on how younger generations are approaching life differently than previous generations due to economic challenges and changing circumstances. They explored topics including the impact of COVID on children's development, the potential effects of AI on future generations, and space exploration plans including lunar missions. The conversation concluded with updates about their podcast "Travels with Randy," including the development of new theme music in different styles and their growing social media following of approximately 38,000 people on Facebook.

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Travels With Randy Summer Of '26 Episode 2 is here!

The Oregon Coast

Randy's Travel and Health Routine Randy and Bubba discussed Randy's routine while traveling in Washington, including his daily visits to Starbucks and his property maintenance activities. Randy shared that he has lost nearly 20 pounds by eating only twice daily (at 9 AM and 2 PM) with under 1,500 calories, and his goal is to live to at least 90 years old to match his father's age at death. The conversation touched on health and aging, including discussions about maintaining mental faculties and the appearance of older actors in media. Aging, Stunts, and Road Trip Bubba and Randy discussed memory lapses associated with aging, followed by a conversation about Tom Cruise's physical stunts at his age. The discussion then shifted to Randy's current road trip along Highway 101, where he shared his observations about the Oregon coast, including its long beaches and sand dunes, particularly in the Bandon area. Highway 101 Coastal Route Challenges Randy discussed the historical context of Highway 101, which was built in the 1920s-1930s around the same time as Route 66, and described how sand dunes are encroaching on the road in some sections. He explained the challenges of driving along the Oregon coast, including erosion, rockslides, and rough road conditions that require careful driving at lower speeds. Randy shared that this was his first successful attempt at completing the entire coastal route in four years, as previous attempts were hampered by storms and road closures. Oregon Travel Exploration Highlights Randy shared details about their recent trip through Oregon, describing how they slowed down their typical fast travel style to explore small towns and experience local attractions. They visited several lighthouses including Heiseta Head Lighthouse, stayed at a Harvest Host location at a cheese farm in Tillamook, and tried sparkling Chardonnay wine for the first time. Randy explained their approach of using meal times as a guide to find popular local restaurants and making use of free overnight stays at businesses like wineries through the Harvest Host program. Oregon Coast Travel and Photography Randy discussed his recent trip along the Oregon coast, describing the distinctive characteristics of West Coast beaches including rocky terrain, driftwood, and tide pools. He compared the coastal development to Route 66, noting that the Oregon coast road has consistent demand due to its proximity to major population centers like Portland and Salem, resulting in more homes for rent rather than the motel-heavy development seen on Route 66. Randy also shared his approach to photography, explaining how they use AI to remove unwanted elements from photos, particularly power lines and people, while emphasizing the ethical importance of disclosing when AI modifications are made to images. AI Tools and Travel Discussion The participants discussed their use of AI tools, particularly Beth (an AI assistant) and ChatGPT, with Randy explaining he primarily uses Beth for questions while traveling and recently started using ChatGPT's image editing features. They had an extended conversation about Route 66, including details about Ted Drewes custard shop in St. Louis and the history of Highway 101 in Oregon, which was completed in 1936. The discussion concluded with Randy sharing his positive experiences visiting Newport on the Oregon coast, describing its various attractions including lighthouses, wildlife, and restaurants. US Road Trip Recommendations Randy shared recommendations for road trips in the United States, highlighting the Pacific coast route as their top choice due to its beauty, while Route 66 holds personal significance. He discussed driving conditions along the coast, including winding roads and the need for flat terrain for data center construction. The conversation also touched on recent stock market gains in AI-related companies like Dell and AMD, with Randy noting that while consumer AI applications may not generate significant revenue, the technology is creating efficiency and job opportunities rather than replacing them. Future Travel Planning Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed their recent travels and plans for future trips. Randy shared details about his upcoming road trips, including a planned journey along Highway 2 and a potential ferry trip to Alaska. They also talked about the upcoming centennial celebration of Route 66 and Randy's plans to travel it again in September. The conversation included recommendations for visiting the Oregon coast and the Columbia River area.

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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] !!

Travels With Randy Summer Of '26 Episode 1 is here!

Up The West Coast On Hwy 1

West Coast Travel and Real Estate Bubba and Randy discussed Randy's recent travels along the West Coast after completing a 17-podcast series about Route 66. They compared weather patterns between different regions, with Randy noting the benefits of spring weather in Washington compared to tornado season in the Midwest. The conversation also covered real estate price increases in California, with Randy sharing how his childhood home in Placentia appreciated from $37,000 in 1967 to $1.3 million currently, and they discussed future housing needs as they approach retirement age. US Road Trip Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed Randy's recent road trip across the United States, including his journey from Route 66 to California and his decision to take the scenic coastal route along Highway 1. They talked about the significant difference in gas prices between California and other states, with Randy noting prices reached $7.50 per gallon in some areas of California. Randy shared interesting facts about Highway 101 being created on the same day as Route 66's centennial, making it one of only a few highways still celebrated from that original group of over 180 numbered highways. Recent Road Trip and Adventures Randy shared details about his recent road trip, including a golf game where he lost by one stroke due to a poor final hole performance. He described visiting Albuquerque and having dinner with his girlfriend Cindy in California for her 60th birthday. The conversation also covered Randy's car brake issues, which required a $1,300 repair after hearing squeaking noises, and his enjoyment of driving along Highway 1 and Highway 101, particularly appreciating the scenic ocean views during early morning drives. Road Trip from Oxnard to Lompoc Randy described a road trip from Oxnard to Lompoc, explaining the route options along highways 1 and 101, and shared details about visiting Channel Islands National Park and Hearst Castle. He noted challenges with morning fog during the trip and recommended allocating time for both Channel Islands and Hearst Castle visits. The conversation ended with a discussion about national parks, particularly questioning how some sites like Gateway Arch and New River Gorge became national parks. National Park Designation Discussion Randy and Bubba discussed the process of national park designations, with Randy expressing disappointment about Indiana Dunes and speculating that Channel Islands became a national park due to favors or political reasons. They discussed the challenges with Route 66, with Randy advocating for it to be managed as a national park or byway to ensure consistent signage and routing. The conversation shifted to Randy's current trip following Highway 1 in California, including his visit to Hearst Castle, and they briefly discussed the location's history and the challenges of accessing Big Sur due to road damage. TV Pilot Script Discussion Randy shared details about a TV pilot script he wrote during an internship at MTM, inspired by the Newhart show and set at Big Sur Inn, which he struggled to get produced despite trying to interest Lindsey Wagner's agent. He reflected on how persistence and timing rather than overnight success determine career outcomes, particularly noting how AI tools would have significantly changed his college film production experience. The conversation concluded with Bubba sharing a personal connection to the Little River Inn in Mendocino, which Randy had previously visited and planned to post photos of later that week. Highway 1 Driving Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed driving on Highway 1, comparing the experience of driving versus being a passenger due to the road's challenging hairpin turns and lack of guardrails. Randy shared a story about encountering aggressive motorcycle riders on the same road, leading to an accident with another motorist. They also discussed the scenic route from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco, including the view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the option to visit Alcatraz Island. Alcatraz and Infrastructure Discussions Bubba and Randy discussed their visits to Alcatraz in San Francisco, sharing memories of the self-guided tours and the historical context of the island. They also talked about the constant maintenance required for the Golden Gate Bridge and compared it to other infrastructure projects. The conversation shifted to challenges in modern construction, particularly the difficulties in building data centers and bullet trains, and they briefly discussed the potential for building data centers in space. Space Data Center Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed the benefits of placing data centers in space, particularly on the moon, due to reduced cooling requirements and other advantages. They reflected on the rapid pace of technological advancement, comparing it to historical innovations like the personal computer and internet, and highlighted how AI technologies like ChatGPT are being adopted quickly and are already integral to daily workflows, as demonstrated by Randy's use of AI in photo processing. They also noted that while technological change can be unsettling, especially regarding job impacts, the current pace of innovation is unprecedented and continues to evolve rapidly. AI Tools for Work Efficiency Randy and Bubba discussed their experiences using AI tools like Gemini and ChatGPT to improve efficiency in their work. Randy shared how he uses Gemini to proofread and fact-check his social media posts, while Bubba described how he leverages AI to manage his book business, including analyzing inventory and making purchasing decisions. They also discussed the challenges some people face when retiring early, noting that staying mentally and socially active is important for overall well-being. Travel Content Planning Discussion Randy and Bubba discussed their upcoming travel content plans, with Randy planning to visit San Francisco and Alcatraz next week before covering northern California up to the Oregon border. They agreed to continue their weekly podcast discussions throughout the summer, focusing on travel topics including the Oregon coast and Northern California's wine regions. Bubba mentioned their Facebook page has grown to 37,000 followers and suggested exploring Hearst Castle during future West Coast trips.

SO. MANY. PHOTOS - Come join the conversation on Facebook with our 33,000 friends!

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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] !!