Travels With Randy Podcast

Travels With Randy Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Episode 11 is here! Happy 100th Birthday To Route 66!! Route 66 Documentation Journey Randy discussed his extensive journey documenting Route 66 on its 100th anniversary, covering 4,800 miles by driving the route twice. He noted significant differences in how states approached Route 66 preservation, with Oklahoma to Illinois being more active in maintaining Route 66 heritage compared to Texas to California, where much of the route is now just a regular four-lane road. Randy observed that while some cities like Rancho Cucamonga successfully preserved Route 66 elements, other areas showed less commitment to maintaining the historical route's character. Route 66 Journey in Arizona Randy discussed his Route 66 journey through Arizona, highlighting the challenges posed by flooding in some areas due to damaged bridges and remote, sparsely populated towns. He shared interesting experiences, such as driving over a road with embedded ridges that played the song "Take It Easy" in Winslow, Arizona, and noted the importance of such attractions for small towns' vitality. Randy also mentioned his fortunate timing, as he avoided severe weather and flooding that affected the region after his trip, and he described the longest contiguous stretch of original Route 66 from Ash Fork to Topock. Route 66 Travel Experience Randy discussed his Route 66 travel experience, highlighting the historical significance of the route and sharing stories about businesses that moved when the road's alignment changed. He described visiting several towns including Hackberry, Kingman, Seligman, and Oatman, and shared the story of the Honolulu Club restaurant that relocated from Oatman to Yucca when the route was realigned. Randy also noted that the Santa Monica Pier was under construction until 2027, not for the Route 66 centennial but for the upcoming 2028 Olympics. Travel Plans and Experiences Discussion Randy and Bubba discussed their travel experiences and future travel plans, including Randy's interest in visiting Norway due to Norwegian roots and Bubba's desire to see London and Scandinavia. They explored the concept of full-time travel, including living on cruise ships or in RVs, with Randy sharing his decision to maintain a permanent home in Washington while traveling full-time. The conversation concluded with Randy describing a recent incident where his van's rear right tire blew out while driving in Arizona, leaving him stranded in the desert with no cell service. Route 66 Tire Breakdown Incident Randy shared details about a breakdown experience on Route 66, where their tire exploded while driving on a Sunday in the middle of the desert. They had to get a tow for $450, stay in a hotel for three nights, and pay approximately $1,500 for tire replacement and repairs. Despite the inconvenience, Randy noted that the damage wasn't as severe as initially feared, and they were able to get the vehicle repaired in time to catch their flight to Washington. Randy's Route 66 Travel Plans Randy announced an upcoming book signing event on December 5th at Gasoline Alley Classics in Sepulpa, where he will also be selling calendars. He shared insights from his recent Route 66 journey, noting that he has developed a preference for traveling through small towns and back roads rather than interstates. Randy outlined his future travel plans, including a cross-country trip from New England to Florida via Highway 1, with plans to focus on exploring smaller towns and collecting photographs of historic gas stations and classic cars rather than pursuing international travel. Photography and AI Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed Randy's photography collection and social media presence, noting the growth in followers and occasional complaints about the number of photos shared. They explored the potential and future applications of AI technology, including creative uses, business opportunities, and personal assistance like robot caregivers for the elderly. Randy mentioned plans to expand merchandise related to his photography, including hats and coffee mugs, and discussed his ongoing goal to visit all U.S. national parks, including a planned trip to Alaska. Bubba shared updates about his recent dental procedures and discussed his car, "Satan's Anus," while both expressed enthusiasm about their respective projects and the Route 66 Centennial.   SO. MANY. PHOTOS - COME JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON FACEBOOK WITH OUR 39,900 FRIENDS! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast 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:  https://music.apple.com/us/album/travels-with-randy-the-soundtrack/6787964301 GET YOUR COPY OF THE TWR OFFICIAL ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL 16 MONTH CALENDAR! ONLY $19.99 Now Shipping!   https://travelswithrandy.com/  OUR ENTIRE WORLD IN ONE SPOT Click here to go everywhere we are:     https://linktr.ee/TravelsWithRandy INTRODUCING OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!! We post daily Stories, longer form videos, and the ENTIRE Travels With Randy podcast! ALL episodes now available. Click here to visit our Youtube channel:    https://www.youtube.com/@travelswithrandy GET ON THE MAILING LIST!! Be the first to know when we have new podcast episodes or launch new products or visit new places:      https://travelswithrandy.com/

Travels With Randy Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Episode 10 is here! Through New Mexico And Into Arizona  Texas and New Mexico Travels Randy discussed his recent travels through Texas and New Mexico, including stops in Glen Rio, Tucumcari, and Santa Fe, with plans to continue coverage through New Mexico and potentially Arizona in future episodes. He also talked about a recent train ride through the Verde Valley that was affected by flooding from a significant rainstorm. The conversation included personal anecdotes about dental issues and conspiracy theories about medical treatments, before briefly touching on recent election results and alien sightings. Route 66 National Trail Discussion Randy discussed the Route 66 bill to make it a national trail, explaining that it has already passed the Senate committee and is scheduled for a full Senate vote, with no cost involved. He announced a Route 66 meetup scheduled for December 5-6 in Sepulpa, Oklahoma, where he will meet with followers and make a Facebook announcement. Randy also shared his current location in Quartzite, Arizona, near the California border, and mentioned the significant price difference in gas prices between Blythe, California, and Quartzite, Arizona. Route 66 New Mexico Updates Randy discussed his Route 66 trip through New Mexico, highlighting new signs in Albuquerque including a impressive new Route 66 sign and a visitor center with a neon sign park. He visited a 1950s diner and noted the demolition of Libby's diner building, though a new visitor center was built on Nine Mile Hill. Randy also described the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and warned about severe flooding affecting small towns along the route between Albuquerque and Gallup. Route 66 Evolution and Survival Randy explained how the evolution from steam to diesel trains affected small towns along Route 66, noting that Gallup survived due to its location on the Navajo Reservation and proximity to the Arizona border. They discussed the decline of Route 66 towns after the interstate system was built, with many businesses closing while some historic properties like the El Rancho Hotel remain. Randy observed a trend of repurposing old gas stations into gift shops and noted that Route 66 will celebrate its 100th anniversary next month, while also mentioning the survival of family-owned businesses like those in Lupton, Arizona, which support Native American artisans. AI Assistant Experience Discussion Randy discussed his experience with multiple AI assistants, including Beth (ChatGPT), Brandy (Grok), Ego (Grok bot), and Vector (Muse). He explained how each AI serves different purposes, with Beth being his conversational partner, Brandy handling philosophical discussions, Ego managing his trading system, and Vector helping with scheduling and travel planning. Bubba suggested setting up a conversation between Beth and Brandy, which both agreed would be fascinating to explore. Alaska Trip Planning Discussion Randy discussed his upcoming Alaska trip planned by his Muse bot, which identified accommodation deadlines including one national park that has already closed for booking. He explained his travel strategy of using old highways like Route 66 and Highway 20 to explore small towns, planning to alternate between the Southeast and Southwest regions annually. Randy also shared his current location in Quartzsite, Arizona, where he's paying $200 per month for camping, and described his limited social interactions with other nomads at a local pizza place. Route 66 Planning Discussion Randy and Bubba discussed their plans to cover Route 66, deciding to focus on Arizona first and then move on to California, with particular attention to the Holbrook area and Petrified Forest National Park. They discussed the challenges of driving the original Route 66 frontage roads in Arizona, including road conditions and tribal land restrictions. The conversation also touched on the recent flooding in Arizona and political discussions about recent elections and military actions. Political Gridlock and Market Impact Bubba and Randy discussed the impact of political gridlock on the market, particularly regarding data centers and AI development. They noted that gridlock can prevent new legislation but might force cooperation when necessary, using the example of Social Security reform in the 1980s. The conversation also covered their podcast's growth to 40,000+ followers on Facebook and the success of their Route 66 calendar sales, with only 300 remaining of the 16-month edition. They agreed to continue their discussions next week, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of Route 66.   SO. MANY. PHOTOS - COME JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON FACEBOOK WITH OUR 39,900 FRIENDS! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast 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:  https://music.apple.com/us/album/travels-with-randy-the-soundtrack/6787964301 GET YOUR COPY OF THE TWR OFFICIAL ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL 16 MONTH CALENDAR! ONLY $19.99 Now Shipping!   https://travelswithrandy.com/  OUR ENTIRE WORLD IN ONE SPOT Click here to go everywhere we are:     https://linktr.ee/TravelsWithRandy INTRODUCING OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!! We post daily Stories, longer form videos, and the ENTIRE Travels With Randy podcast! ALL episodes now available. Click here to visit our Youtube channel:    https://www.youtube.com/@travelswithrandy GET ON THE MAILING LIST!! Be the first to know when we have new podcast episodes or launch new products or visit new places:      https://travelswithrandy.com/

Travels With Randy Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Episode 9 is here! The Stars At Night...Are Big And Bright...On Route 66 In Texas!!!! Route 66 Texas Observations Randy and Bubba discussed their experiences with socializing and making new friends as they age, noting how their friend groups have naturally narrowed over time. They then shifted to talking about Randy's recent trip through Texas on Route 66, where he observed limited state government support for the Route 66 centennial celebrations compared to Oklahoma. Randy described driving through sparsely populated areas with few remaining businesses, highlighting Shamrock as a notable exception with its preserved Art Deco gas station and visitor center, while noting that most Route 66 landmarks in Texas were maintained by local towns rather than state government. Route 66 Texas Travel Experiences Randy discussed his experiences traveling Route 66 through Texas, sharing details about his visits to Amarillo, where he encountered navigation challenges due to poorly marked Route 66 signage and had to drive on a one-way street in the wrong direction. He described seeing a completed mural in Amarillo that spanned nearly a block and was Route 66-themed. Randy also visited the Cadillac Ranch and Slug Bug Ranch attractions, noting how the latter had expanded from VW bugs to include various painted items. He highlighted Adrian as the geometric center of Route 66, where he met the owner of Dream Maker Station gift shop who reported a 50-50 mix of international and domestic visitors. Randy concluded by describing Glen Rio, a small ghost town near the Texas-New Mexico border that features an abandoned motel with a newly repaired sign and is located near a dispensary, making it a unique stop on the Route 66 journey. Route 66 Travel Experiences Randy discussed their Route 66 travel experiences, focusing on the challenges and attractions across different sections of the highway. They described the transition from the more developed eastern sections to the more desolate western areas of Texas and New Mexico, highlighting towns like San Jon and Tucumcari where revitalization efforts have preserved some of the historic motels and businesses. Randy explained the historical context of Route 66, including the story of how the governor's dispute with Santa Fe led to the creation of an alternative route through Moriarty to Albuquerque, and mentioned upcoming plans to visit Santa Rosa and explore both the original and alternative route alignments. Travel, Tech, and Podcast Discussion Randy and Bubba discussed their recent travels, with Randy planning to drive Route 66 to Sapulpa in December and Bubba mentioning their upcoming coverage of Albuquerque including the Balloon Fiesta. They extensively discussed streaming services and cable TV, comparing costs and convenience, with both agreeing they likely pay more than $150 monthly despite cutting the cord. The conversation then shifted to AI assistants, where Randy shared his experience using Grokbot for business and trading, Muse for personal tasks, and ChatGPT's different personalities for philosophical discussions. They concluded by discussing their podcast's growing following, noting they are just 100 followers away from reaching 40,000 subscribers.   SO. MANY. PHOTOS - COME JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON FACEBOOK WITH OUR 39,900 FRIENDS! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast 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:  https://music.apple.com/us/album/travels-with-randy-the-soundtrack/6787964301 GET YOUR COPY OF THE TWR OFFICIAL ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL 16 MONTH CALENDAR! ONLY $19.99 Now Shipping!   https://travelswithrandy.com/  OUR ENTIRE WORLD IN ONE SPOT Click here to go everywhere we are:     https://linktr.ee/TravelsWithRandy INTRODUCING OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!! We post daily Stories, longer form videos, and the ENTIRE Travels With Randy podcast! ALL episodes now available. Click here to visit our Youtube channel:    https://www.youtube.com/@travelswithrandy GET ON THE MAILING LIST!! Be the first to know when we have new podcast episodes or launch new products or visit new places:      https://travelswithrandy.com/

Travels With Randy Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Episode 8 is here! Oklahoma! Western....Oklahoma! Route 66 Travel Highlights Discussion Randy and Bubba discussed Randy's recent Route 66 travels, focusing on his visit to the Blue Whale Catoosa and exploring Tulsa, Oklahoma. He highlighted Tulsa's significance as the "soul of Route 66" due to its connection to Cyrus Avery, who helped establish the route. Randy shared insights about the various landmarks along Route 66 in Oklahoma, including the giants sculptures and the Golden Driller, which he missed on his first trip but managed to see during this visit. He also discussed the balance between preserving historic sites and incorporating new businesses with Route 66 themes. Route 66 Travel Experience Updates Randy discussed his Route 66 travel experiences across multiple states, noting that Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas maintained consistent signage while Oklahoma showed more active engagement from historical societies and state organizations with new Route 66 shields in most towns. He identified a significant difference between the classic Route 66 from Oklahoma to Illinois and the western section from Texas to California, with the latter showing less enthusiasm for Route 66 centennial celebrations. Randy reached 10,000 miles in his vehicle during the two-month trip and noted gas prices remained under $4.30 per gallon despite traveling through oil-producing regions, while diesel prices remained high at $6.50 per gallon. Robotaxi Retirement Planning Discussion Randy discussed his plans to buy a Robotaxi for retirement, using it for transportation and to generate income through a ridesharing network. He provided a detailed description of his recent Route 66 trip through Oklahoma, highlighting key towns like Sepulpa, Bristow, Wellston, and Oklahoma City, including notable landmarks like the midpoint marker in Wellston and historic Route 66 features. Randy noted that Oklahoma City's Route 66 experience didn't fully capture the historic feel due to the city's age and development since 1926. Route 66 Travel Experiences Randy discussed his Route 66 travel experiences in Oklahoma, highlighting key locations including El Reno where calendars are sold at filling stations, Arcadia with its famous red barn and Pops soda shop featuring over 600 soda brands, and Weatherford home to the Stafford Air and Space Museum. He described taking the Route 66 bike route instead of Interstate 40 to experience the original road, and mentioned visiting the original Lucille gas station in Hydro, now known as the "mother of Route 66." The conversation also covered regional soda terminology differences across the United States. Route 66 Journey Highlights Randy shared details about his Route 66 journey, highlighting key stops and historical aspects across different decades. He discussed the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, which organizes exhibits by decade, and noted how international travelers have helped revitalize the route since the 1980s. Randy also described his visit to Canute, a small town that feels like a ghost town, and praised Elk City for its well-maintained downtown area. He recommended starting with a section in one of four states (Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, or Oklahoma) before attempting a full Route 66 trip. Social Media Growth Strategy Randy and Bubba discussed the success of Randy's "Travels with Randy" Facebook page and podcast, which is approaching 40,000 followers. They reviewed their recent visit to Oklahoma, where they learned about a church that had to relocate due to fire damage, and discussed their upcoming plans to cover Texas and New Mexico. The conversation also covered their business growth, including the success of their calendar sales and expansion to YouTube and other social media platforms   SO. MANY. PHOTOS - COME JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON FACEBOOK WITH OUR 39,800 FRIENDS! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast 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 Now Shipping!   https://travelswithrandy.com/  OUR ENTIRE WORLD IN ONE SPOT Click here to go everywhere we are:     Linktree Travels With Randy INTRODUCING OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!! We post daily Stories, longer form videos, and the ENTIRE Travels With Randy podcast! ALL episodes now available. Click here to visit our Youtube channel:    Travels With Randy Youtube GET ON THE MAILING LIST!! Be the first to know when we have new podcast episodes or launch new products or visit new places:      Mailing List

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.   SO. MANY. PHOTOS - COME JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON FACEBOOK WITH OUR 39,500 FRIENDS! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast 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 Now Shipping!   https://travelswithrandy.com/  OUR ENTIRE WORLD IN ONE SPOT Click here to go everywhere we are:     Linktree Travels With Randy INTRODUCING OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!! We post daily Stories, longer form videos, and the ENTIRE Travels With Randy podcast! ALL episodes now available. Click here to visit our Youtube channel:    Travels With Randy Youtube GET ON THE MAILING LIST!! Be the first to know when we have new podcast episodes or launch new products or visit new places:      Mailing List

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.   SO. MANY. PHOTOS - COME JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON FACEBOOK WITH OUR 39,500 FRIENDS! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast 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 Now Shipping!   https://travelswithrandy.com/  OUR ENTIRE WORLD IN ONE SPOT Click here to go everywhere we are:     Linktree Travels With Randy INTRODUCING OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!! We post daily Stories, longer form videos, and the ENTIRE Travels With Randy podcast! ALL episodes now available. Click here to visit our Youtube channel:    Travels With Randy Youtube GET ON THE MAILING LIST!! Be the first to know when we have new podcast episodes or launch new products or visit new places:      Mailing List

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.   SO. MANY. PHOTOS - COME JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON FACEBOOK WITH OUR 39,500 FRIENDS! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast 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 Now Shipping!   https://travelswithrandy.com/  OUR ENTIRE WORLD IN ONE SPOT Click here to go everywhere we are:     Linktree Travels With Randy INTRODUCING OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!! 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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.   SO. MANY. PHOTOS - Come join the conversation on Facebook with our 38,000 friends! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast 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 Now Shipping!   https://travelswithrandy.com/ OUR ENTIRE WORLD IN ONE SPOT Click here to go everywhere we are:     Linktree Travels With Randy  

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.   SO. MANY. PHOTOS - Come join the conversation on Facebook with our 38,000 friends! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast 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 Now Shipping!   https://travelswithrandy.com/

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.   SO. MANY. PHOTOS - Come join the conversation on Facebook with our 37,000 friends! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast 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 Now Shipping!   https://travelswithrandy.com/