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In this episode of Treasures of Our Town, hosts Joshua and Craig explore the unique and charming towns across the USA, focusing on the oldest active geocaches. They share their experiences from the recent BamaRama mega event, discuss the significance of geocaching, and highlight the hidden gems surrounding these historical caches. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, travel tips, and insights into the geocaching community. In this conversation, Joshua and Craig explore various geocaching locations across the United States, sharing personal experiences and insights about the unique challenges and rewards of each site. They discuss the beauty of Oregon's wilderness, the historical significance of caches in Illinois, and the vibrant culture of Chicago. The conversation also delves into spooky adventures in New York and the unique charm of Kansas City, culminating in a thrilling tale of swimming in a snowy pond during a geocaching trip. In this episode, Joshua and Craig discuss their experiences with hiking, geocaching, and exploring unique roadside attractions across the United States. They share stories about high-altitude hikes, local museums, and the thrill of finding hidden caches. The conversation also delves into local legends like the Mogollon Monster, the quirky UFO Watchtower, and the impressive Bishop's Castle. Listeners are encouraged to explore these hidden gems and enjoy the beauty of nature and adventure.

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Ever wondered what makes a town truly unique? Picture yourself in the heart of America’s quirkiest festivals, from the hilariously chaotic Testicle Festival to the high-stakes North American Wife Carrying Championships. As we narrate these tales of eccentricity, we also weave in personal stories, such as Josh's emotional farewell to his loyal Ford Edge after a whopping 273,000 miles and his new adventure-ready Subaru Crosstrex, perfect for Minnesota's unforgiving winters.

Get ready to be part of our geocaching escapades as we traverse the land of winter wonders and upcoming events that promise thrill and camaraderie. Discover the world's largest ice maze in Minnesota, set to make its dazzling appearance in our next YouTube video, and join us in anticipation for BamaRama in Alabama and the legendary Texas Challenge. And don't miss out on Geowoodstock’s "giga" status celebration, where we’ll reconnect with geocaching enthusiasts and live stream the pulse-pounding excitement of finding hidden treasures.

Ever tossed a mullet fish or flaunted your worn-out sneakers for a prize? These bizarre contests across America spotlight the joy found in the unconventional. Our hometown boasts and quirky tales will have you laughing as we explore everything from the dawn of the hamburger to slides of ketchup. Don’t forget to support our quirky pursuits on Patreon, where you can indulge in extra giggles and exclusive content. Buckle up and join our zany journey through the unexpected gems and colorful festivals that make America wonderfully peculiar.

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This episode highlights the fascinating world of quirky museums across the United States, featuring ten unique destinations that offer a blend of amusement and insight. From the Museum of Bad Art to the Neon Museum, we delve into a range of unconventional choices, each offering a special charm and a story worth exploring.

• Highlighting the Museum of Bad Art in Somerville, MA
• Exploring the interactive National Video Game Museum in Frisco, TX
• Discussing the International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, ME
• Visiting the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour in Ticonderoga, NY
• Celebrating the Spam Museum in Austin, MN
• Showcasing the Oz Museum in Wamego, KS
• Introducing the Mutter Museum focusing on medical curiosities
• Taking a trip to the Dr Pepper Museum in Waco, TX
• Celebrating velvet art at Velveteria in Los Angeles, CA
• Wrapping up with the Neon Museum in Las Vegas, NV

If you enjoy discovering hidden gems like these museums, consider supporting our podcast!

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Our listeners are in for a treat as we welcome John O’Sullivan, the mastermind behind One Minute Tours. John shares his journey as a tour guide and how he transitioned this experience into compelling short-form content that highlights the hidden gems of Minnesota and beyond. We discuss his approach to storytelling, the significance of connecting with local history, and the exciting launch of his new TV show, "Hidden Middle."

• Exploring the essence of quick storytelling in travel content
• The importance of humor and connection in tours
• John’s journey to becoming a content creator
• A dive into Minnesota’s rich history
• An introduction to “Hidden Middle” and its mission
• Encouraging community support for emerging media initiatives

One Minute Tours
Hidden Middle

SMS Productions

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Ever wondered if Santa's sleigh has been replaced by drones? Join us as we explore this whimsical theory while navigating a festive road trip across the USA, uncovering hidden treasures through geocaching. Joshua unwraps his geocaching-themed Advent Calendar from Cache Craft, and Craig shares tales from his trusty van, Tuesday, on the road to New Jersey. Between holiday cheer and adventure, we reminisce about our podcast's journey to becoming the number one geocaching podcast worldwide, celebrating our 49th episode milestone and expressing gratitude for our vibrant listener community.

Get a glimpse into the future of content creation with our discussion on AI-generated podcast segments and the art behind crafting our unique episode titles. We share fond memories of our creative adventures, like recording live in Orlando and exploring quirky roadside attractions during the exhilarating Roadside Attraction March Madness. From the World's Largest Ball of Paint to the enchanting Enchanted Highway, these tales of travel continue to inspire our wanderlust and future journeys.

Unravel the joys and challenges of traveling solo versus with friends, as we dive into personality types and the balance of introversion and extroversion in our escapades. We chat about Renaissance festivals, highlight memorable moments from our trip to Fort Worth, and share insights from our popular solo travel episode. Whether it's geocaching across the USA, planning milestone achievements, or mingling with fellow adventurers at events like Geo Woodstock, this episode celebrates the spirited community and diverse experiences that fuel our passion for discovery.

Cache Craft
SMS Productions

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What happens when a mini-bank cache needs a car battery, and how does an Alaskan cruise tie into geocaching? These are just a couple of intriguing tales from our latest journey on Treasures of Our Town. Join us for a delightful conversation of our part 2 of the Potpourri series, where we answer your questions and share our travel dreams. We're buzzing with excitement about our upcoming adventure at the Texas Challenge Mega Event, a highlight in the geocaching world, and can't wait to bring you along through our stories and plans for the event.

Our exploration continues as we navigate the creative geocaching landscapes of West Virginia, marveling at the genius of West Virginia Tim's caches. From mini-banks to breathtaking views at Cache Across America, the journey is filled with adventure and surprise. We also take you on a non-geocaching tour, sharing our experiences with movie location pilgrimages and food and drink trails, all while intertwining these with our geocaching escapades. Ever thought of a geocaching-themed cruise? We brainstorm this exciting possibility and dream of sharing the adventure with you.

As we wrap up, we share the thrill of geocaching challenges that push our limits, highlighting cross-country quests and the camaraderie they inspire. Our heartfelt Thanksgiving tradition of watching "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" adds a personal touch to our episode, celebrating community pride and shared passions. Whether you're a geocaching enthusiast or love cinematic adventures, this episode promises a blend of excitement, nostalgia, and anticipation, inviting you to explore the treasures of our town and beyond.

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Ever wondered what makes a hamburger different in America versus Australia? Join us on a journey filled with cultural quirks, musical magic, and personal anecdotes as we explore the vibrant world around us. This episode celebrates musicals, with stories from the premiere of "Wicked" the movie and a nostalgic dive into classic theater favorites, creating a lively conversation about our top musical picks. Alongside our musical musings, we share heartfelt stories about selling cars, buying vans, and embracing healthier lifestyles, all while strengthening our connection with our patrons.

Travel and food enthusiasts will savor this episode as we recount culinary adventures across the globe. From the unique experience of catching "throwed rolls" at Lambert's Cafe to the bold flavors of New Jersey pizza, our tales of tasting local delicacies will inspire your next culinary exploration. We also recount our visits to iconic eateries like Chicago's Billy Goat Tavern and Dick's Last Resort, where the dining experience is just as flavorful as the food itself.

Planning a road trip soon? We've got you covered with tips and tools to enhance your journey, from essential travel apps like Road Trippers and iOverlander to quirky attractions like Denver's Casa Bonita. Our adventures don't stop there; discover the world of Thomas Dambo's trolls and the fun of geocaching with our vibrant community. As we celebrate our achievements, including being ranked as the number one geocaching podcast for 2024, we look forward to more interactive sessions with our listeners and continue to explore the treasures of our town and beyond.

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What happens when two avid explorers set their sights on uncovering hidden gems across the USA? Join us as we embark on a journey to the top 10 Adventure Lab locations, where our passion for geocaching transforms ordinary towns into extraordinary experiences. From the vibrant French Quarter in New Orleans to the iconic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, we promise you'll learn how to turn any trip into an unforgettable adventure. Alongside our travel tales, Craig shares personal stories about enjoying premium class on his trip to the UK and the hilarious frustrations of dealing with online scams while selling a car. 

The excitement continues as Josh celebrates his birthday with a special shout-out and share his competitive escapade at the Putt Shack in Minneapolis. Here, mini-golf meets technology with a unique scoring system that left no room for cheating, especially in his friendly rivalry with Tim Larson. Our conversation shifts to the art of crafting Adventure Labs, focusing on creating engaging and educational experiences that teach participants about the history and culture of their surroundings. Non-sequential exploration takes the spotlight, highlighting the joy of wandering without a predetermined path.

Our tour wouldn't be complete without a stop in San Francisco, where walking through the city's rich history and landmarks reveals stories of yesteryear. Our adventure unfolds further in Memphis, delving into civil rights history and music legends. We also explore geocaching in bustling tourist hubs like Seattle and Las Vegas, showing how virtual geocaches pave the way for adventure in crowded spaces. To wrap it up, we share how you can connect with us and join the fun as we uncover the treasures of our town, one Adventure Lab at a time.
Josh’s Florida Video 

Josh’s Groundhog Day Video

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Join us as we celebrate Josh's 47th birthday with our special guest, Emmaline Childs, a dynamic TikToker and Instagram personality from Minnesota. Emmaline captivates us with her vibrant stories and reflections on travel, from the adrenaline rush of a Minnesota Lynx basketball game to the serene beauty of a fall-themed Munzee event. We chat about our shared enthusiasm for location-based games and travel, all while enjoying a unique mix of real and digital birthday cake.

Our conversation takes us on a whirlwind tour of travel plans and destinations, starting with Jeremy Clarkson's humorous leap from Top Gear to Diddly Squat Farm. We ponder our own itinerary with stops at iconic London sites and the world's oldest whiskey distillery in Northern Ireland. The age-old debate about whether to include Stonehenge adds a dose of humour to our travel plans. Emmaline’s upcoming journey to Australia and New Zealand promises more exciting adventures, including New Year's Eve in Sydney Harbour and snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef.

Reflecting on the impact of social media, we celebrate reaching a quarter of a million followers and the fascinating path to social media success. Emmaline shares her strategies for balancing work and travel, emphasising the importance of authenticity in a world often filtered through social media. From the hidden charms of cities like Madison to the glitz of Las Vegas, our conversation traverses both the expected and the unexpected, offering a genuine look at the joys and challenges of travel content creation. Whether you're looking for travel inspiration or insights into the behind-the-scenes of social media, this episode has something for everyone.

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Have you ever wondered how stepping out of your comfort zone on a solo journey could reshape your life? Join us on "Treasures of Our Town" as we uncover the empowering transformation that comes with solo travel. By sharing our personal stories and adventures, we reveal how embracing solitude can lead to unexpected human connections and enrich personal growth. You'll hear insights into the delicate dance of communicating with partners about solo adventures and how these journeys can infuse relationships with newfound energy and perspective.

Prepare to be enchanted by Thomas Dambo's giant trolls, crafted from recycled materials and scattered throughout scenic locations like Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. These whimsical installations are not just art—they're part of a thrilling geocaching adventure, thanks to an exciting collaboration with Geocaching HQ. We share the magic of these trolls, the joy of exploring geocaching hotspots in Seattle and Detroit Lakes, and the vibrant experience of solo exploration in places like Rome, Georgia. Our anecdotes highlight the significance of local tips and the charm of discovering hidden gems.

From the court to the road, we celebrate the Minnesota Lynx's journey in the WNBA and savor the simple pleasures of life. Whether it's logging new beers on Untappd or indulging in caramel apples, our passion for sports and travel shines through. We reflect on the joys of self-care, the liberation of solo travel, and the unexpected adventures that arise when spontaneity meets exploration. Join us for an episode brimming with inspiration, where the beauty of human connection meets the thrill of the open road.

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