Riley from Chasing Cetaceans guest interview

James returns after a trip to Paris, joined by longtime guest Branden to discuss Amex tightening Platinum/Business Platinum credits. Have we actually reached "peak coupon book?" I review the Park Hyatt Paris, losing my bags with Air France, and what it was like to be in Paris during the riots.

Paul from Empty Nester Miles joins me to break down the big news of Hyatt ending its partnership with American Airlines and seemingly jumping into bed with Delta — we share our realistic (and skeptical) expectations as Atlanta-based flyers. Paul then counts down his top nine first class and top ten business class seats. We also dive into his Japan trip report, covering a fantastic stay at the Conrad Osaka on Hilton points and the Hyatt Centric Ginza in Tokyo.

I sit down with Andrew, a manufactured spending and award travel veteran, to trace his journey from a simple $100 college credit card bonus to eventually earning millions of points. We swap stories on our biggest wins and losses, dead plays and the ethics of mentoring new churners and why getting shut down by a bank might be the best thing that ever happens to you.

First-time couples guests Judd and Jill join the show for an epic 10-day+ Kenya and Tanzania safari trip report. They cover Qsuites and Etihad Apartment flights, Park Hyatt stays in Doha and Zanzibar, safaris across Nairobi National Park, Amboseli, Ngorongoro Crater, and a splurge stay at the ultra-luxe Marriott Bonvoy Mapito Safari Lodge in the Serengeti — plus honest takes on Qatar, American, and Etihad service, points math, and lessons learned for planning your own bucket-list safari.

John and I discuss the MS life of a teacher, as well as the past, present, and future of manufactured spending and some of the psychology behind probing and finding new plays. Check out John's channel: https://www.youtube.com/BankAccountBonusCentral

Danielle returns to the pod and details her experience attending the Fêtes Galantes at Versailles and gives a surprisingly "okay" review of the Waldorf Versailles. She also reviews several Paris luxury points properties and gives her opinion on Condor Business class. Follow Danielle online: https://www.instagram.com/thepointpilot/

It's nothing but Disney on this episode, and non-Disney lovers need to apply as I go over my family trip to Disneyland and give an update on my decision to go all in on Walt Disney World Annual passes this year at the 6 month mark. Did I make a huge mistake like Job from Arrested Development? Or is there always money in the Dole Whip stand?

Branden and his friend Dyllon join the pod to discuss how they took advantage of the infamous Calala Island Wire Transfer deal with some Hilton Free Night Certs. Me and Branden discuss what we'd want to see in a new Hyatt Premium card from Chase and where we think the program is headed after the recent deval.

Riley and I discuss the state of the MS union and many other Churn and Burn related topics in one of my most "hot take" packed episodes yet. If you're a fan of churning blogs that cut the fat and get to the point without all the ads and referral links, like Miles Earn and Burn, you're really missing out if you don't follow Rileys blog:https://chasingcetaceans.com/

Paul gives Churn and Burn its first ever New Zealand trip report, and we discuss recent (and potential) airline mergers abound. https://www.instagram.com/churnandburnpodcast