Connor Daly country road less traveled

🎙️ Crystal Bowersox: From American Idol to Life on the RoadIn the latest episode of The Travel Wins, we sit down with the incredibly talented Crystal Bowersox — a singer, songwriter, and storyteller whose journey has been anything but ordinary. 🌟 From her breakout moment as the runner-up on Season 9 of American Idol to her current life crisscrossing the country in a self-built touring van, Crystal embodies the true spirit of independence, resilience, and creativity on the road.🚐✨ 🛣️ Hitting the Highway in Her Own Way While many musicians rely on tour buses and teams to navigate their travel, Crystal took a different route — literally. She designed and built her own touring van, turning it into a home-on-wheels that allows her to bring her music to fans across the nation while staying connected to nature, freedom, and simplicity. Whether parked under the stars or driving through winding highways, Crystal’s van life reflects her deep commitment to authentic living. Her recent travels have taken her to intimate venues and festival stages alike, proving that meaningful music doesn’t need a massive entourage — just heart, grit, and a good engine. 🔧🌟 American Idol & A Star Is Born Crystal first captured America’s attention with her soulful voice and heartfelt performances during American Idol 2010, where she was voted the season’s runner-up. Her raw talent and unwavering authenticity resonated with millions, launching a music career that has continued to evolve well beyond the spotlight of television. From powerful original songs to moving live performances, Crystal has carved out a space in the Americana, folk, and country-rock scenes — staying true to herself every step of the way. 🎤💉 Touring with Type 1 Diabetes Behind the music and travel adventures lies another powerful story — Crystal’s journey of living with Type 1 diabetes while maintaining a demanding touring schedule. Managing her health on the road requires constant vigilance, careful planning, and resilience. In our conversation, she opens up about the unique challenges of being a touring musician with diabetes: from keeping insulin at the right temperature while traveling in different climates to ensuring proper care between performances. Her honesty and determination are both inspiring and deeply relatable to anyone balancing health with ambition. 💪❤️🎧 Listen Now This episode is a beautiful blend of music, travel, health, and heart — an intimate look at the life of an artist who continues to pave her own path with courage and creativity. 👉 Tune in to The Travel Wins Podcast to hear Crystal’s full story — from her van adventures to her Idol days and everything in between.

In this inspiring new episode of The Travel Wins, I sit down with the incredible Autumn Adele, who recently took a bold leap and relocated to France!We dive deep into her journey of embracing change — from the challenges of adapting to a brand-new culture and lifestyle, to the exciting opportunities that come with career flexibility. Autumn opens up about the highs and lows of expat life, offering honest reflections and valuable takeaways for anyone curious about starting a new chapter abroad.Whether you're dreaming of moving overseas or simply love hearing real stories of reinvention, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and heart.

🌍🎶 Travel, Stages, and Songs: The Global Music Journey of Chris Erasmus 🎶🌍For Chris Erasmus, music has always been more than a passion — it’s been his passport. From the quiet beginnings of his childhood in Zimbabwe to stages across South Africa, Cape Town, New York, Australia, and now London, Chris has carried his voice and stories to audiences around the globe.At just 18, Chris left Africa to chase his musical dreams. That journey took him from classical halls to musical theatre stages, and ultimately to venues where his powerful Americana-Country sound now connects deeply with fans. Whether performing in the vibrant streets of New York, the cultural hubs of Cape Town, or the diverse music scene in London, Chris has proven that his voice transcends borders and genres. 🎸✨Though his path has carried him across continents, at heart Chris still calls himself a “country boy.” With memories of guitars around campfires, riding horses, and the wild backdrops of Zimbabwe and South Africa, his latest music brings him back to those roots. His songs, filled with authenticity and emotion, resonate with the traveling spirit — perfect for long road trips, late-night conversations, and the quiet reflection that comes between adventures.From Zimbabwe to South Africa, Cape Town to New York, Australia to London, Chris Erasmus has lived the truth of being a global musician. And yet, it’s the Country stage where he now finds his spotlight — channeling all of those journeys into music that is as real and raw as the road itself. 🌎🎶🎧 Join me on The Travel Wins as Chris shares the stories behind his travels, his performances, and how his music continues to grow with every stop on the map.

Meet Michael J. Wistock: The Executive by Day, Rockstar by NightWhat does it take to thrive in two drastically different worlds—corporate boardrooms and rock stages—while still managing to keep your feet on the ground (and your heart full)? My guest, Michael J. Wistock, is the definition of a modern renaissance man who proves that passion and professionalism don’t have to live in separate lanes.By title, Michael holds a high-powered position in the corporate world as Senior Vice President of Global Sales in the telecom space. His work takes him around the globe, navigating strategic partnerships, closing multimillion-dollar deals, and leading teams in high-stakes environments. But what truly sets Michael apart is that once the blazer comes off, the mic comes on.That’s right—Michael is also the frontman and creative heartbeat behind The Sunset Riot, a rock band that blends gritty soul, explosive guitar riffs, and raw emotion into a sound that stays with you long after the lights go down. Whether it’s writing lyrics in hotel rooms between meetings or flying straight from a client dinner to a soundcheck, Michael juggles it all with a rare kind of grace and grit.And just when you think his plate couldn’t get any fuller—he recently stepped into another lifelong role: husband. Michael is newly married to the beautiful Red, his partner, muse, and biggest supporter. Her influence is woven into much of his music and decision-making, offering him both grounding and inspiration in equal measure.It’s not just about balance for Michael—it’s about integration. He doesn’t compartmentalize his life; he blends it. Each role fuels the other. His corporate mindset brings structure and drive to the band, while the creative spark from music adds color and emotional depth to his business strategies.In our conversation, we dive into how Michael manages the constant travel, the secret to switching gears between boardrooms and backstage, and how love, music, and leadership all play into his ever-evolving journey. Trust me—you don’t want to miss this one.

Between the Waves of Family, Work & Travel | Mike Love Jr. on The Travel WinsThis week’s episode of The Travel Wins brings a powerful and heartfelt conversation with Mike Love Jr., whose life story is beautifully captured in his newly authored book, Between The Waves.More than just a memoir, Between The Waves dives deep into Mike’s personal journey—his relationship with his mom and his famous father, and the lessons learned in the spaces between family, work, and the open road. It’s a story of love, resilience, and self-discovery that resonates far beyond the spotlight.📖 Between The Waves – A Story of Family At the core of Mike’s journey is his family. In our discussion, he reflects on how his mother’s grounding influence and his father’s legendary presence shaped his path, both personally and professionally. His book gives readers an intimate glimpse into those dynamics—how the highs and lows of family life prepared him for the challenges of the world.✈️ A Passion for Travel Mike’s love of travel goes hand in hand with his pursuit of meaning. Whether it’s work-related or personal, every trip is an opportunity to reflect, connect, and grow. On the podcast, he opens up about how hitting the road provides clarity, perspective, and even a way to better appreciate the bonds of family back home.💼 Balancing Work & Legacy Carrying the Love family name is no small task, but Mike has carved his own path while honoring his roots. His story reveals how he’s learned to balance the weight of legacy with his own ambitions, navigating work and life with authenticity.🌊 Key Lessons From the Conversation ·         Family shapes the journey – the influence of both parents leaves a lifelong impact. ·         Travel brings clarity – movement creates space for growth and reflection. ·         Balance matters – finding harmony between personal identity and professional life.🎧 Join me for this insightful episode with Mike Love Jr., where we explore the waves of travel, family, and legacy—and dive deeper into the inspiration behind his new book, Between The Waves.

Get ready for a wild ride 🎯 as I sit down for a second time with the multi-talented Lucas Hoge — a Billboard No.1-charting country artist, globe-trotting TV host, and passionate conservationist! 🌟 Whether he's casting a fishing line in New Zealand 🐟, calling in a turkey in North America 🦃, or performing his heart out on stage 🎤, Lucas does it all with charm, grit, and authenticity.As the host of the hit show Hoge Wild on Sportsman Channel, Heartland Network, and ACN 📺, Lucas brings adventure to over 155 million households — and Season 6 is already racking up millions of minutes viewed! From South Africa to Bolivia and beyond, Lucas travels the globe 🌏 with a guitar in one hand 🎸 and a bow in the other 🏹.🎶 But at his core, Lucas is still that humble singer-songwriter from Hubbell, Nebraska (population 44!) 🌾. As co-founder of the Belize Songwriter Festival 🇧🇿, he’s spreading the love of country music under the Caribbean sun ☀️.Beyond the stage and screen, Lucas is a proud supporter of our U.S. troops, having performed for military personnel across the globe for over 13 years as part of the Wrangler National Patriot Tour 🎖️💙.Now, he recently released his latest album Book About Me, his most personal project yet. Featuring the faith-driven lead single "When A Cowboy Prays" — with Yellowstone’s Forrie Smith 🎬 — Lucas dives deep into his roots with heartfelt lyrics, pedal steel melodies 🎵, and that signature baritone voice that’s touched hearts everywhere 💫.Don’t miss this powerful, globe-spanning conversation with a country star who travels with purpose — only on The Travel Wins! 🎧🌎

Meet the “Worm Queen” – Kim RogersThis week on The Travel Wins, I’m thrilled to welcome Kim Rogers — a seasoned wellness professional turned holistic health pioneer with over two decades of experience in Western medicine.After facing her own health challenges in 2019, Kim shifted her focus from conventional medicine to natural healing. Her personal journey led her to found RogersHood Apothecary in December 2021, and to create the globally recognized 🧪 ParaFy Cleanse kit — a best-selling herbal solution targeting parasites, candida, heavy metals, and toxins.Kim’s bold approach and transparency struck a nerve online — her parasite cleanse results went viral on TikTok and Instagram, earning her the unforgettable title of “The Worm Queen” with millions of followers tuning in for health tips, gut talk, and all things detox.From contributing to national medical boards and publications to helping people reclaim their well-being from the inside out, Kim is redefining what it means to be your own health advocate.Tune in to hear how Kim balances entrepreneurship, wellness advocacy, and the realities of business travel — all while helping others cleanse and thrive from anywhere in the world.

🎙️🎶 Velvet Rodeo Saddles Up for Stardom on The Travel Wins!🤠🌟Hold on tight, y’all — my next guests on The Travel Wins podcast are the unstoppable country music duo Velvet Rodeo 🎤🔥! Get ready to meet Leah and Bryan, a powerhouse pair who blend the sweet twang of classic country with fresh, soulful vibes that’ll stick with you like Carolina honey 🍯🎸.From their chance meeting just four years ago to making waves in the heart of Nashville 🎶🪕, Velvet Rodeo has been writing their own musical fairytale. Their harmonies have lit up legendary stages like Nudie’s, Second Fiddle, The Stage, and Legends, winning hearts and turning heads across Music City. ❤️🎵They’ve collaborated with Nashville royalty like Lance Carpenter, Jon Mullins, and Matt Wynn, and shared the spotlight with stars like Jelly Roll, Trailer Choir, and Drew Baldridge 🌟🎤. Their story is a celebration of grit, grace, and the magic that happens when passion meets purpose. 💫💪 🎬But wait—there’s more! Velvet Rodeo is bringing their music and story to the screen with their brand new TV show “Heartstrings” premiering on the ACN Channel July 3rd! 📺💖 Don’t miss this next chapter in their incredible journey from North Carolina roots to Nashville dreams, all while touring in their beloved bus “Stagecoach” 🚍🎶.👇 Tune in to hear:✨ How they balance life on the road✨ The magic behind their creative process✨ What it takes to build a music career as a duo✨ Behind-the-scenes stories from the making of Heartstrings

🎬 Unveiling The Truth: Nathan Apffel on The Travel Wins Podcast 🌍This week on The Travel Wins, I’m joined by award-winning filmmaker and global explorer Nathan Apffel 🎥✈️. Nathan’s latest project, A Religion Business, takes viewers on a powerful journey around the world 🌎, uncovering the intersection of faith, money, and power. From ancient temples to modern mega-churches, Nathan investigates how religious institutions operate as businesses—raising big questions and sparking critical conversations.With a career decorated by Emmy wins 🏆, international festival awards 🎟️, and high-profile commercial campaigns (think Park Hyatt Hotels, Absolut Vodka, and Oakley), Nathan is no stranger to ambitious storytelling. His work combines breathtaking visuals with bold narratives, and A Religion Business is no exception.A passionate outdoorsman 🏕️, bow hunter 🎯, and devoted father 💕, Nathan’s mission extends beyond filmmaking—he’s driven to create a better world for the next generation through truth-telling and action-oriented solutions.Don’t miss this deep dive into global faith systems, media, and what it really means to seek truth on the road 🌐. 🚀🎧 Tune in for insights on:Behind-the-scenes of A Religion BusinessTraveling the world to document religion as an industry 🌏The balance between parenthood and passion projects 👨‍👧How storytelling can inspire change 💬A heartfelt thank you to the incredible business partners I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with over the years—your support has played a vital role in helping The Travel Wins grow and thrive. These partnerships go far beyond simple sponsorships; they’re rooted in trust, shared values, and a mutual commitment to excellence.To all the loyal listeners and fans of the show: if you’ve enjoyed the conversations and insights we bring you each week, I’d be truly grateful if you’d consider supporting the outstanding businesses that help make it all possible. Partners like Tycoon Payments, Bausele Watches, Ocean Breeze Cleaners, and Legacy Nutrition are dedicated to delivering top-tier products and services, and they exemplify the spirit of quality and innovation.

🌍✈️ Gut Health on the Go with Dr. Cynthia BarrettWhen you’re constantly on the road, your gut can take a serious hit — and that’s where Dr. Cynthia Barrett steps in! 💥 Known as The Gut Health Guru, Dr. Cynthia is a powerhouse in the world of functional medicine and gut microbiome health, especially for business travelers looking to stay energized, focused, and resilient while juggling a demanding travel lifestyle.As the Founder & CEO of Wellness Couture NYC, Dr. Cynthia holds an impressive list of credentials (PT, DPT, CSCS, CNS) and received her Doctorate from NYU. 🏛️ Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, Business Insider, and Yahoo! — and now, she joins The Travel Wins podcast to share her journey and insights with us.💡 From battling her own health struggles after losing her mother to Lupus at just 17, to discovering the power of nutrition and functional medicine when conventional solutions failed her — Dr. Cynthia’s mission is clear: Heal the gut, transform the life. 🌱✨Whether it’s migraines, skin issues, digestive discomfort, or travel-induced fatigue, Dr. Cynthia explains why gut health is at the core of it all — and how business travelers can protect and optimize their wellness on the go. 🚀💼🎧 Tune in to hear how The Gut Health Guru helps people across the globe feel better, live better, and travel smarter.