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Welcome to episode 128 of The Journey Is the Reward!

On this episode, Brian and Micah discuss the trek to the Singapore Airshow 2026, but first, the guys have some listener feedback to clear from the runway. Listener Eric writes in about his luggage choices and why "Team Carry-On" sometimes hits maximum capacity for his lifestyle, while Listener Mark issues a "correction notice" to Brian regarding the Auto Train. We also hear from Listener Tanya, who gives us a nice climb in altitude with a compliment on our last episode featuring Carlos of Plane Talking UK.

As we...

Welcome to episode 127 of The Journey Is the Reward!

On this episode, Brian and Micah are joined by Carlos, the founder of Plane Talking UK, for a deep dive into the world of aviation podcasting from a UK perspective. 

Before the guys get to the main event, they start with some essential ground handling from listener Marc. He checks in to discuss the legendary durability of Kirkland Signature luggage and gives us the lowdown on the new location for Geno’s Steaks in Hampton, Virginia—a destination definitely worth the detour.

The conversation then moves t...

Welcome to episode 126 of The Journey Is the Reward!

On this show, Micah has an interview with Eric The Mapmaker.

We are kicking off this week’s podcast by celebrating the heartbeat of the show—our listeners. 

We first hear from Mark in Largo, FL, who shares his recent biking adventures. Mark was also one of our winners of Brian Kelly’s book, How to Win at Travel, and it’s inspiring to see him putting those strategies to use on his own local trails. 

We also welcome back Listener Lu, who asks a t...

Welcome to episode 125 of The Journey Is the Reward!

On this show, Micah and Brian get to talk about one of our most favorite aviation TV shows... well, the planes of our move favorite TV show.

But first, we heard from one of our listeners—truly, the best part of the show!

No Listener Lu question this week. Hopefully, she is on vacation to someplace warm and that’s preventing her from sending in a question.

On today’s show Brian and Micah get to talk about dramatic fiction, but dramatic fiction...

Welcome to episode 124 of The Journey Is the Reward!

Although the Government might have been shut down, that didn't stop Brian from hitting the throttle, braving the airports, and executing a cross-country flight plan to see Mama Coleman. He performed a masterful landing right on her doorstep!

But before we get into Brian's unscheduled government-shutdown-defying mission, we heard from some of our listeners—truly, the best part of the show!

·       Listener Martha wrote in, asking why I give out gifts to the flight crews. Someone's never heard of the importance of crew resource management!

· ...

Welcome to episode 123 of The Journey Is the Reward!

We're back to our regularly scheduled programming—or, as we like to call it, our regularly scheduled flight plan—as we track Brian's recent trip to the frigid but fabulous state of Minnesota. His itinerary was packed: he attended an unforgettable concert by the legendary Sir Paul McCartney and spent time performing essential Uncle Duties with his niece in St. Paul.

But first, let's check the cargo hold for some listener mail!

·       Listener Sharon wrote in, asking us to rewind the tape and explain how we got into thi...

Welcome to episode 122 of The Journey Is the Reward!

Hold onto your tray tables, folks, because in this episode, we're not just flying—we're doing a full 180-degree turn on our usual format! We've deployed the flaps for a fresh introduction, and Brian takes the controls to interrogate (er, interview) Micah about his recent aerial journey from Portland, Maine, all the way to Philadelphia for a very important mission: attending his niece's wedding. 

But first, we're diving into the mailbag! 

Listener Murilo sent in an audio message wanting the full story behind why your host refuses...

Welcome to episode 121 of The Journey Is the Reward!

All good flights must come to an end, and sadly, the incredible 15-day Southern Africa adventure of a lifetime is concluding! 

Join Brian and crew as their journey wraps up and they depart Botswana.  

Fortunately, he remembers to pull out the microphone at the airport lounge to capture a fantastic conversation with the rest of the crew: Barb, Jim, Gerrit, and Malin. 

It's a bittersweet moment as the group parts ways, with Gerrit and Malin flying off to Windhoek, Namibia, while Barb, Jim, and Bri...

Welcome to episode 120 of The Journey Is the Reward!

Prepare for the continuing high-flying stories and adventures across Southern Africa.

The episode begins with Ground Control Howie taxiing the group to the Cape Town International (CPT) for the next leg of their journey, a flight to Victoria Falls. Immediately, they encountered turbulence with Brian's Priority Pass access, resulting in a temporary grounding. However, quick thinking from either Gerrit or Jim bypassed the holding pattern. They successfully executed a rescue mission, allowing Brian to join the crew in the lounge closer to the departure gate, ensuring smooth sail...

Welcome to episode 119 of The Journey Is the Reward!

Get ready to ascend to cruising altitude, because this episode is a first-class ticket straight into the culinary and cocktail world of the skies! Brian takes you along as he walks the Airline Passenger Experience trade show—an entire show dedicated to what fills those little metal carts... and Brian ate and drank everything he could.

We kick off with some listener correspondence from Listener Aavi who asks if we've ever requested a special meal. Did we navigate the complexities of "low-sodium" or "kosher," or are we happy...

Welcome to episode 118 of The Journey Is the Reward!

We want to dive right into the main topic this week, but first, let's address the elephant in the control tower.

We have zero listener feedback, the best part of the show when you write in. No questions from Listener Lu, the second-best part of the show. So it seems like the digital winds are calm, or maybe everyone is too busy packing their bags for our next adventure.  Who knows…

While the feedback section is experiencing a bit of radio silence, our listener audience i...

Welcome to episode 117 of The Journey Is the Reward!

We've got a full manifest for this episode. First up, we're taking on some listener feedback from Terrific Tanya. She's been listening to Chris Hutchins on the Tim Ferriss Show and says we're both right about points versus cash back. Sorry, Tanya, you can't be a straddler on this one! Just like you can't say you love both Airbus and Boeing equally, you've got to pick a side—Team Points or Team Cash Back.

As always, our listeners are the real experts on this crew, so keep...

Welcome to episode 116 of The Journey Is the Reward!

We're cleared for takeoff on a great episode today. First, we're hitting the skies with some feedback from Listener Barbara. She’s asking about Clear Air Turbulence.  She is also curious if Brian is ever concerned about it while he's busy socializing with the flight crew in the back of the plane.

As always, our listeners are the real experts on this show, so keep those questions coming to: brian@TheJourneyIsTheReward.org.

Then, Listener Lu wants to know about the person in Italy who threw...

Welcome to episode 115 of The Journey Is the Reward!

We're getting right to the main event today. There's no listener feedback on the flight plan for this episode, and for a good reason. We’ve got an extended interview with our guest, Captain Armando, and his First Officer that you won’t want to miss. But as always, we want to hear from you, so keep those questions coming to: brian@TheJourneyIsTheReward.org.

We did, however, manage to squeeze in a quick flight-deck discussion. Our listener Lu wants to know about passengers bringing smelly foods onto...

Welcome to episode 114 of The Journey Is the Reward.

We're cleared for a jam-packed flight today. First, we've got some listener feedback from Mike, who's got the scoop on a new bus service for getting into Manhattan from the three NYC airports. He’s giving us a new approach to ground transportation. Our listeners are the real experts on this crew.

Next, Listener Jessie is asking about the real-world situation with the fire recovery in SoCal—it’s a topic the news has been ignoring. Brian is on the ground and will give you an honest...

Welcome to Episode 113 of The Journey Is the Reward! 

While our inbox might be empty, that's probably because we don't constantly remind you that you are the most vital part of this show! But hey, if you've got burning questions, insights, or just want to tell us how much you adore our dulcet tones, send them to ⁠brian@TheJourneyIsTheReward.org⁠. Micah and Brian are standing by, ready to answer all your queries. And if we've managed to ruffle your feathers, feel free to air your grievances at ⁠IAmReallyOffended@yahoo.com⁠. Yes, that's a real email address, and yes, we do read...

Welcome to Episode 112 of The Journey Is the Reward! 

This week, we're cleared for an eventful flight, featuring everything from passenger triumphs to professional pilot insights.

First up, fasten your seatbelts for a trip report from listener Mark VanRamm. Despite hitting a bit of turbulence, Mark proves that a positive attitude is the best carry-on, navigating his travel woes with grace. We've all been there – sometimes the only thing we can control is our squawk code!

Then, listener Lu sends us a distress signal about the ever-dreaded flight cancellation, specifically pondering the hypothetical (or perhap...

Welcome to Episode 111 of The Journey Is the Reward! 

On this week's show, we're absolutely thrilled to welcome a true titan of the skies, soon-to-be Lifetime Global Services member, Fozz Mahmud of the Dots, Lines, and Destinations podcast. This man has more air miles than a commercial airline, and we can't wait to pick his brain.

But before we ascend to that altitude, we've got some essential pre-flight checks. First up, we're answering a question from Listener Francis, who's curious about navigating the complexities of flying around and within closed airspace. And because we never shy away...

Welcome to Episode 110 of The Journey Is the Reward! This week, Brian and Micah have a great show lined up for you, featuring an insightful interview Micah recorded with our good friend, Steven Ivey, a corporate pilot, plus a few other interesting tidbits.

First up, Listener Sarah wrote in asking about the show’s updated introduction where Brian mentions flying over 6 million miles. She wants to know how that's possible when he is still just a bit over 3 million with United. And Brian is excited to finally pull back the curtain and share the full story behind that...

Welcome to Episode 109 of The Journey Is The Reward!  We are generally much less offended than our email inbox suggests! This week are thrilled to welcome back the cartographic genius himself, Eric the Mapmaker.

But before we dive into Eric's latest adventures, we had to address a burning question from the email account – emphatically named Imreallyoffended@yahoo.com.

Then, Listener Mike hit us up with a real puzzler about gifting flight crews, because apparently, Reddit has decided that kindness gets you fired. Who knew?! 

And speaking of flight decks, Listener Lu drops a fantastic q...

Welcome to Episode 108 of The Journey Is The Reward! This week, we're navigating some significant changes at United, shooting the Breeze with Micah, and as always, hearing from our incredible listeners.

First up, Listener Melissa is asking for a much-anticipated health update from Micah – and yes, she might have playfully accused Brian of being a pain in Micah's butt! 

Plus, Micah continues to unpack the ever-popular packing segment with some invaluable additional advice.

Listener Lu returns with another intriguing question about spotting famous people on planes. 

Then, buckle up as Brian gives us...

On Episode 107 of The Journey Is The Reward, we once again get to talk with Momma Coleman, thanks to the limo services provided by Chef Kathy.   Sure, it doesn’t sound right at this point but it will make sense as you listen to the episode.   But before we get to the main event, Listener Matt has a follow-on question to my packing skills.

Listener Lu wants to know about the $100 hamburger, as it relates to flight.  Although calling it a $300 hamburger is probably more accurate these days.

Then it’s time for the main segment, Bri...

On Episode 106 of The Journey Is The Reward, our favorite aviation aficionados, Micah and Brian, are back, ready to pack for a trip and navigate the turbulent skies of memory lane. 

First up, we've got a burning question from Listener, Lu! Did Qatar handle the unfortunate dead passenger situation with the grace and dignity they should have or were there areas for improvement.

Then, it's time for some serious travel talk! Micah, clearly envious of Brian's ninja-like packing skills, grills him on how he manages to jet-set for weeks without the dreaded checked baggage. Prepare for...

On Episode 105 of The Journey Is The Reward, Prepare for liftoff!  Your intrepid co-pilots, Brian and Micah, chart a course from the tarmac of Burbank to the stratosphere of Seattle. The mission of Brian? To attend the Seattle Aviation and Aerospace Bash, orchestrated by the stellar Isaac Alexander!

But before achieving orbit, our flight crew tackles a query beamed in by Listener Lu. She wondered about a passenger who was confused about why airlines don’t fly in a straight line. Brian and Micah address some decidedly off-course information about the flight, transmitted by none other than Elon M...

Episode 104 of The Journey Is The Reward it’s time for a wild ride from pizza critiques to “Paradise” found! So buckle up, adventure junkies!

First up, we're diving headfirst into the delicious drama of Listener Mark's pizza review. Turns out, Momma Coleman's taste buds were NOT impressed… for a second time.  Ouch! Guess not all pies are created equal. 

Then, Micah drops a tech bombshell: the mythical 10-year AirTag battery! Will it survive the test of time? Brian's ready to put on his scientist hat and report back in a decade. We're holding you to that, Br...

The cash back vs points rollercoaster ride is coming to an end on Episode 103!  Micah and Brian are joined again by the incredible Angie from the Award Travel 101 podcast for a deep dive into Brian's wallet!  

Angie is in agreement with Brian that points are much more valuable for people who travel over cash back. However, there are several places where Brian can improve his earning potential.

In addition, Angie also goes over some tools that will help people find these incredible redemptions.

The show opens and closes with the breathtaking sounds of the...

The rollercoaster ride on Episode 102 continues! Micah and Brian are joined again by the incredible Angie from the Award Travel 101 podcast for a deep dive into Micah’s wallet!  No, she is not going to pick pocket him but go over his credit card strategy and make recommendations on how he can improve his wallet

Sadly, this is no question from Listener Lu this week because we have so much to discuss with Micah’s wallet

For the main segment of the show, Angie tries to get Micah to give up his cash back and come ov...

Get ready for a rollercoaster ride on Episode 101! Micah and Brian are joined by the incredible Angie from the Award Travel 101 podcast for a deep dive into the travel hacking trenches!

But hold on! Listener Lu’s epic question, demanding a look back at 100 shows – the biggest surprises, Brian's legendary journeys, the highs, the lows, and what they'd change – was just TOO juicy to rush! Consider it a cliffhanger, folks, because we're promising a dedicated, in-depth answer in a future episode. Trust us, it’ll be worth the wait!

This week, the battle lines are drawn! It...

On episode 100.5, Micah and Brian continue to play a bunch of recordings and read some listener feedback in the form of congratulations on reaching our 100th episode. There were simply too many for the 100th show.

Then we get to hear from my former co-worker, Robert as he has an interesting quesiton about status and benefits.

We play a poem written by Listener Melissa.

We hear from a Plane Crazy Down Under guy, Grant.

Uli wites in with a very nice birthday wish for me and we hear from Listener Matt...

On episode 100, Micah and Brian play a bunch of recordings and read some listener feedback in the form of congratulations on reaching our 100th episode.

But first, we hear from Listener Lu as she wants to know about our thoughts on Shake Shack being served on some Delta Airlines flights. 

We keep the food conversation going with feedback from Mark van Raam as he provides more pizza suggestions in Largo FL.

Then the good stuff starts as we hear from Chef Kathy, Pilot Pip, Eric the Map Maker, Listener Clair and Judy, Listener H...

On episode 99, Micah and Brian take the time to answer one listener question.  Yes, it was that good of a question and it took us an entire show to answer it.

But first, we hear from Listener Lu as she wants to know about our plans to visit with Steve and Grant in the Land Down Under from the podcast, Plane Crazy Down Under. 

We also provide the correct date for the Sydney Marathon, August 31st. And Brian gets to correct his math and clarify his pricing threshold for international upgrades.

Then we ge...

On episode 98, Micah and Brian talk about the decision making process in booking his trip to Africa in September. 

But first, we hear from Listener Hendrik. He comments on our "whining" about American's having to pay a fee to visit Europe.

Then Listener Lu wants to know if we have heard about the Pan Am Experience and the extensive aviation collection of Anthony Toth. 

For the main segment, Brian and Micah talk about flight planning. First Brian talks about the decisions and choices made for his trip to Africa, along with some of th...

On episode 97, Micah and Brian continue our talk with Eric the Mapmaker about his recent trip to Italy on a new airline, Neos. Well, a new airline to us even though they have been in business since 2001.

As there was so much to talk about, we dive right into the continuation of episode 96 and learn more about Eric and Bella's trip to Italy. Therefore, there is no listener mail or Listener Lu question.

The opening and closing songs are provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By...

On episode 96, Micah and Brian talk with Eric the Mapmaker about his receint trip to Italy on a new airline, Neon. Well, a new airline to us even though they have been in business for a while.

But first, we hear from Listener Mike who joins us from the Airplane Geeks podcast. Mike writes in and wants to know about Premium Economy seating and how they differ between airlines. (Check out this article for more information. ⁠https://www.businesstraveller.com/features/which-airlines-have-the-best-premium-economy/⁠) 

Listener subway Mark writes in about taking public transportation to the airport. Micah and I...

On episode 95, Micah and Brian talk about Brian's flight up to the capital of California, Sacramento. Well, actually the town of Lodi, but close enough. 

But first, we hear from Eric the Mapmaker. Eric tells us about a translation app called DeepL.

Sadly, there was no question from Listener Lu this episode. 

For the main segment, Brian and Micah talk about flying out of Burbank airport. He was also able to check out a new long term parking lot. Then it's all about unpacking his friend’s apartment and picking up some long lost...

On episode 94, Micah and Brian talk about Brian's media review flight on Aero from the Van Nuys, CA airport to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  

But first, we hear from Listener Mike who tells us his tips on having a second wallet when he travels and what cards, including duplicates, he packs with him.

Sadly, there was no question from Listener Lu this episode. 

For the main segment, Brian and Micah talk about the incredible flight he was able to experience on Aero.  Yes, the flight was provided free of charge to Brian.  However, this d...

On episode 93, Micah and Brian talk about the Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach that didn't really happen. 

Sadly, there was not any listener feedback or questions this episode. However, we did hear from Listener Lu.

Listener Lu wants to know if we heard about the brawl on a Ryanair flight. Micah and I ask which one and talk about how some people don't know how to behave on flights. 

Micah and Brian then talk about the Pacific Airshow that didn't really happen. However, I was able to talk with the PIO of the USAF Th...

On episode 92, Micah and Brian talk about Brian's participation in the APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Expo) in Long Beach, California.  

But first, we hear from Listener Eric who tells us that we were wrong about where the Flintstones visited. But Yogi Bear comes to the rescue.

Then Listener Lu wants to know about gate lice and our thoughts on how American Airlines is introducing some new technology to deal with it. 

For the main segment, Brian plays some pre-recorded interviews he conducted at the Food and Beverage section of the APEX show.

...

On episode 91, Micah and Brian continue their discussion of Brian's trip to Korea and return home via San Francisco. 

But first, we hear from Listener Rich who writes to IAmReallyOffended@Yahoo.com. However, it turns out he really isn't offended.

Listener Ernie also writes in and talks about the golf course at Pease Air Force Base.

Then Listener Lu wants to know our thoughts on JetBlue's decision to stop serving hot food on transatlantic flights. 

Micah and Brian then talk about the rest of Brian’s trip to Korea and the retu...

On episode 90, Brian seems to disagree with Micah on several items before they get into the main topic of the show... Brian's trip to Korea.

But first, we hear from Listener Grant of the Plane Crazy Downunder Podcast as he talks about golf courses on air bases.

Then Listener Caroline asks how she can make a onetime contribution to the show. (Brian replied to her but his email bounced! Sorry Caroline, but he really did reply.)

Then Listener Hendrik sends in some audio feedback talking about public transportation to airport, international VISAs, and...