Dan The Road Trip Guy

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A grocery headline about AI pilots and fulfillment shifts sparked a very different memory: a gravel parking lot in Pine Knot, Kentucky, and a family store that delivered more than food. We trace a line from free deliveries and house accounts to algorithmic substitutions and online baskets, and we ask a simple question with a complicated answer: what happens to community when convenience wins?

I share how Anderson’s Grocery ran on trust you could feel—orders taken by phone, notes on a pegboard, the exact brand a cu...

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What if the moment you feared most became the doorway to a life you actually want? John Stewart Hill takes us from a performance-driven faith and a string of personal losses to a 2 a.m. heart attack that forced a choice: go or stay. He chose to stay—and built a movement that protects homeowners and elevates honest tradespeople through The Good Contractors List, where every job is backed by a $25,000 guarantee.

We dig into the origin story that started with a yellow legal pad and zero sa...

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What if a car isn’t just a car, but a turning point? I sat down with Changing Gears founders and leaders Joel Bokelman and Amanda Sinclair to unpack how a “Habitat for Cars” model turns reliable transportation into access to jobs, better pay, safer schedules, and the freedom to plan a future. It’s a practical, human approach to poverty that blends restored donated vehicles, half-price repairs, and a four-week technician training program into lasting mobility.

Joel shares the spark: a love of cars, a heart for empo...

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The plan was simple: Tampa to Cincinnati with a quick hop through Charlotte. Then came the cascade—late pushback, mysterious reroutes, a gate occupied, and a connection that closed two minutes early. What followed wasn’t just a scramble for rebooking; it was a reminder that travel is made of people as much as planes.

I walk you through the airport chain reaction every traveler knows: the long customer service line, the gamble between an all night drive and a dawn departure, and the consolation prize of a ho...

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The conversation starts with trucks and detours into a story about a lost lottery ticket, but the road quickly opens into something bigger: how a musician-turned-writer used story, humor, and a cross-country drive to make sense of loss and build a life that fits. Sean Dietrich—author, columnist, storyteller, and host of Sean of the South—joins us to talk about growing up near the Alabama line, singing hymns before he could drive, and the porch routine that keeps his words honest at sunrise. He shares the pivotal return to P...

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Have you ever had a childhood dream dramatically change when confronted with reality? That moment when what seemed glamorous from afar revealed its true complexity up close?

Today, I'm sharing a deeply personal story about my lifelong fascination with truck driving. Growing up as the son of a long-haul trucker, I idolized my father's profession. The massive Kenworth cab-over, the open road, the independence – it all seemed like the perfect life. My childhood was punctuated by small thrills like moving Dad's truck around parking lots and learning to...

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What happens when your job becomes your identity? JT Harp's story of transformation from corporate executive to entrepreneurial business broker reveals powerful insights about purpose, meaning, and reinvention.

After 30 years climbing the corporate ladder at Kroger, JT reached a turning point when he realized his title had become his identity. "I was silently suffering inside," he reveals, describing the paradox of being excellent at work he no longer loved. This awakening led him to Transworld Business Advisors, where he now helps small business owners confidentially sell their...

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What's the secret to 43 years of marriage? It's a question I found myself reflecting on this week as Linda and I celebrated another year together. Time seems to accelerate with each passing anniversary, prompting me to revisit a story I wrote for my StoryWorth collection about relationship advice.

The foundation of our enduring marriage isn't just mutual attraction – though I'm still drawn to Linda's beauty just as I was at 17. What's sustained us through four decades is our commitment to shared experiences. From teaching Sunday school together in...

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What happens when life's detours become your destination? Stephen Dawson's journey from the corporate world to purpose-driven entrepreneur reveals how unexpected challenges can shape our greatest callings.

Stephen's path took its first major turn during the 2008 recession when, just eight months into his first job after college, he found himself unemployed,  and questioning his purpose. This crisis moment sparked a passion for personal finance that would simmer quietly during his subsequent fourteen-year corporate career at Macy's and Amazon. Though professionally successful, Stephen gradually recognized the growing disconnect b...

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A chance discovery in an old box of cassette tapes leads Dan down memory lane to 1978. This special episode transports listeners to a packed gymnasium where rival schools McCreary County and Pine Knot faced off in what would be their last matchup before consolidating into a single school.

The recording captures more than just a basketball game; it preserves the atmosphere of small-town Kentucky life where high school sports served as the heartbeat of the community. Through crackling play-by-play commentary and crowd reactions, listeners experience the intensity...

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Ever wonder what makes someone dedicate their entire life to teaching kids in a small Kentucky town? In this heartwarming continuation of my conversation with Mr. Howard Jones, we dive deeper into the life and wisdom of a man who shaped generations through four decades of teaching.

Coach Jones shares powerful stories that reveal his character-building approach to coaching basketball. When a player lost his uniform, Coach made him earn the money for a replacement by picking up trash around town. When his star player attempted to...

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Have you ever wondered how an ordinary rock in a cardboard box could make someone a millionaire? In this nostalgic trip back to 1975, we explore the bizarre phenomenon of the Pet Rock, perhaps the strangest fad that swept America during the mid-seventies.

As a 14-year-old when this craze hit, I share what I remember and what my Google search returned.  What began as a bar conversation about the hassles of pet ownership evolved into a cultural touchstone that perfectly captured America's sense of humor and consumer habits. T...

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Some holidays mark the calendar, but others define our fondest memories. In this heartwarming episode, I take you on a nostalgic journey through my favorite holiday, Independence Day.

July 4th has held a special place in my heart since childhood, when the carnival would bring magic and excitement to our little Kentucky town for one amazing week. I vividly recall the thrill of carnival rides like the ferris wheel and tilt-a-whirl, the frustration of trying to knock over those suspiciously heavy milk bottles, and the excitement when...

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From a road trip sleeping in the trunk of a car during a Florida road trip to the helm of a 20-year cornhole business, Frank Geers shares the remarkable journey that transformed a simple backyard game into an international competitive sport. As founder of the American Cornhole Organization (ACO), Frank's entrepreneurial spirit and creative vision have literally changed how millions play and experience cornhole.

Frank's story begins with a marketing insight while working at his company Harris Hawk—seeing cornhole boards as potential billboards for brand promotion. Wh...

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My guest today is Howard Jones—though to me, and many others, he’s best known as Mr. Jones or Coach Jones. He played a significant role in my childhood while I was growing up in the small Kentucky town of Pine Knot. As an educator, Coach impacted countless lives throughout the county. He also served our country with time in the Army and cultivated a thriving garden over the years. And, as you'll hear at the end of this episode, he shares some truly meaningful life advice.

...

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Every father leaves an imprint on their child's life, but some teach us lessons we carry for decades without even realizing it. This Father's Day, I'm sharing a deeply personal story from my StoryWorth collection about the man who shaped not only my love for the open road but my approach to life itself.

My dad wasn't just any trucker—he was a mechanical wizard who could fix anything with his hands and preferred the quiet charm of America's back roads to the efficient monotony of interstates. Th...

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What does it take to go from a 12-year-old Irish boy with a dream to racing against the world's greatest drivers in Formula One? Derek Daly's journey reveals the answer, and it's a masterclass in commitment, resilience, and finding your path.

Growing up in Dublin when Ireland had no racing circuits, Derek's life changed forever when his father took him to watch a race in a small village. "I told him right there and then I wanted to become a professional racing driver," Derek recalls with the...

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Racing bonds friendships in unexpected ways. For years, my friend Jeff Zurcher and I have shared our Indianapolis 500 experiences through hundreds of text messages, creating our own personal commentary regardless of where we're watching from. After this year's 109th running, we finally sat down to capture that friendship and passion in podcast form.

This post-race conversation takes you through the complete Indy 500 experience—from the unseasonably cool 63-degree weather and sellout crowd of 300,000+ fans to the historic performances that defined this year's race. We dissect Team Penske's qu...

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Have you ever caught yourself thinking about your mother's wisdom years after she shared it? That moment when her practical advice suddenly makes perfect sense in your adult life?

Mother's Day provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on the incredible women who shape us, and in this heartfelt episode, I open up about my own mother's profound influence. Growing up with a truck-driving father who was frequently on the road, my mother essentially raised two boys single-handedly during the week. Her overprotective nature wasn't just caution—it wa...

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Reconnecting after 35 years, Dan sits down with Thom Mariner for a fascinating conversation about musical journeys, unexpected career paths, and finding success in Cincinnati's nonprofit publishing world.

Thom opens up about his "confused and twisted life" that began with opera training and has taken him through retail management, B2B sales, music direction, marketing research, and finally to his current role in publishing. With disarming honesty, he shares how a pivotal conversation with his father before ninth grade – "You're not going to be a football star, we th...

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Turning 64 recently prompted me to reflect on the birthdays that have left lasting impressions throughout my life. After a young DMV clerk kindly informed me this would be my last eight-year license renewal (apparently, I'll need more frequent eye checks going forward), I found myself diving into birthday memories sparked by a StoryWorth question from my daughter.

My 40th birthday stands out vividly – when friends crowded into our small family room to watch a surprise VHS montage my wife had created from photos of my life. That ni...

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The seemingly mundane task of sorting pop bottles at my Uncle Earl's grocery store became my entry point into the world of work—at just nine years old. When my uncle looked at me one day and declared "you need a job," little did I know how those simple responsibilities would shape my character for decades to come.

Working at Anderson's Grocery in Pine Knot, Kentucky during the 1970s meant organizing returnable soda bottles by brand, sweeping the store porch every evening, and picking up trash from th...

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Embark on an unforgettable journey with me as I explore the inspiring story of Sarah Shyers, who fulfilled her lifelong dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Stretching over 2,194 miles from Georgia to Maine, the AT serves as not just a physical challenge but a profound journey of self-discovery and resilience. Sarah shares her heartwarming experiences, from setting out with her sister to overcoming injuries, and learning invaluable life lessons about flexibility and perseverance along the way.

In this episode, we delve into Sarah's motivations, which stemmed from...

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Join me as I welcome Philip Peters, a music industry veteran whose journey from Indiana to Franklin, Tennessee, has been anything but ordinary. Philip shares stories of being on the road with big name stars, his PR support of Indy Car Driver Stingray Robb. He shares stories about his first cars including a 1990 Celica with a manual transmission, and his trusty 95 Jeep Wrangler named Jackson. These tales paint a picture of a man who embraces life’s journeys with an adventurous spirit and a fondness for creating lasting memories.

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What if you found yourself trapped in a collapsing building, the ground trembling violently beneath you, with chaos erupting all around? That's the terrifying reality that my friend Roger Carole faced on January 12, 2010, when a massive earthquake devastated Haiti. Join me, Dan the Road Trip Guy, as Roger paints a vivid picture of that fateful day from his perspective inside a theology school in Port-au-Prince. His story brings to life the immediate aftermath—the haunting silence, cries of anguish, and the struggle for survival in a city turned to ru...

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Reflect on the power of fleeting encounters as I recount an unforgettable meeting with the late racing legend John Andretti in this week's road trip episode. Picture an unexpected pairing at Bertel Roos Racing School, where our son Henry found himself teamed up with John's son, Jarett. This chance encounter with John revealed not just his legacy on the track but his genuine character off it. Learn how his humility and kindness left a lasting impact, showcasing that the true measure of success isn't just accolades and titles, but...

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Remember the thrill of snow days as a kid? When the world seemed to stop, and a blanket of white transformed the everyday into a wonderland of adventure? Join me, Dan, the Road Trip Guy, as I nostalgically recount my snow-filled days in Kentucky back in 1979. Relive the unexpected joy of school closures, impromptu basketball practices in a snow-buried gymnasium, and the camaraderie that only a snow day could bring. Whether it's the childlike excitement or the daunting adult tasks that snow days now bring, there's a spot of...

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What happens when a spontaneous decision leads to an unexpected adventure across international borders? Our guest, Lauren, my firstborn, shares her thrilling experience of traveling from Cincinnati to Tijuana, Mexico, to meet up with a friend from Haiti. The stories of their journey, the challenges of crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, and the stark differences between entering Mexico and returning to the U.S. will keep you on the edge of your seat. 

Lauren paints a vivid picture of camaraderie at the U.S.-Mexico border, s...

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 Imagine this: A man restoring a 1946 Chevrolet pickup, his hands meticulously bringing it back to life. Join me, Dan Neal, as I bring these vivid memories to life, recounting my dad's passion for classic automobiles and the stories embedded within each vintage car he owned. There were Chevys, Fords, Plymouths, and more. These tales echo the importance of preserving family stories. Reflect on the nostalgia of a bygone era and perhaps find a piece of your own history along the way. 

Step into the cab of a 1967 Ke...

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How does leaving a stable tech career to hike over 2,600 miles across rugged terrain sound to you? Meet Miranda Cocca, whose journey on the Pacific Crest Trail offers an inspiring lesson in embracing life's unpredictable adventures. Trading her desk job in Cincinnati for the trail's breathtaking mountain views and unexpected challenges, Miranda shares how each step transformed her outlook on life. From a snowy Easter drive through the Badlands in her RAV4 to navigating the strategic intricacies of long-distance hiking, Miranda’s story is a testament to resilience and th...

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Join us for an exciting journey with Kevin Rains as he shares his transformation from a pastor to a successful business owner to retirement and then back to business. Discover how he scaled and sold his family's auto collision repair business and hear about his so-called "failure" at retirement, which led him to new ventures like writing his book "Profits and Purpose" and becoming an EOS implementer. Kevin opens up about the entrepreneurial lessons he's eager to pass on to his children, showcasing how the core principles of entrepreneurship...

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Step into the shoes of a World War II veteran as he brings to life the raw and riveting experiences from Utah Beach on D-Day. You'll feel the adrenaline as he recounts navigating the perilous waters on a motorcycle amidst enemy fire, and the poignant moments that followed, like forming an unexpected bond with a stray dog in war-torn Germany. Through his vivid storytelling, you'll grasp the chaos, the courage, and the camaraderie that defined that fateful day and the days that followed. His tales offer a window into...

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What happens when a childhood surrounded by the roar of go-karts turns into a career in Indy Lights racing? Join us for an exciting conversation with Travis Gregg as he shares his journey from Camden, Ohio, to the fast-paced world of race car driving. Travis recounts unforgettable stories from his family's go-kart track, a beloved gathering spot in the racing community. Discover the unexpected challenges and thrilling victories that marked his racing career, along with his pivotal role as a spotter for IndyCar drivers, which proved just as thrilling...

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What if your path to success wasn't what everyone expected? We sit down with Theo Ribbs, professional sporting clay shooter and son of the legendary race car driver Willie T. Ribbs. Theo shares how his father's off-season hobby turned into his full-time passion. Through personal stories of his high school escapades with a Jeep Grand Cherokee and his decision to step away from the racing legacy, Theo provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of competitive shooting.

Mastering the art of sporting clays requires more than just...

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Rev up your engines and join us for an electrifying chat with IndyCar sensation Stingray Robb, who races from Idaho's quiet roads to the tracks of IndyCar Racing. Stingray opens up about his incredible journey as a sophomore IndyCar driver, leading the prestigious Indianapolis 500 for 23 thrilling laps, and capturing a career-high at the Bomberito 500. Beyond the track, Stingray shares the quirky and delightful story of meeting his fiancée, Molly, in a city where he initially knew no one, and how their relationship blossomed from a funny case of m...

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What were the secrets to resilience during the Great Depression, and how can we apply those lessons to our lives today? Join us as we explore the incredible life of George Buhler, a World War II veteran who reached the age of 105. Through captivating stories recorded by his grandson, Jeff Zurcher, George's vivid recollections paint a poignant picture of growing up during one of America's toughest eras. From the low cost of living at that the time to the ingenuity of building scooters from orange boxes and metal wheels...

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Have you ever wondered how a retired Marine can transition from the battlefield to the race track? Meet Liam Dwyer, our extraordinary guest, who has done just that. Liam's journey from Iraq and Afghanistan, where he faced life-threatening injuries, to becoming a professional race car driver is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, we not only talk about his military service and the adversity he overcame but also his lifelong love for cars, ignited by his father's 1987 Mustang GT, and his thrilling experiences drifting in Okinawa with a...

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Join me as I take a ride with Bill Hayes, an environmental attorney and car enthusiast originally from upstate New York. Bill takes us down memory lane with stories of his first car, a 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco, and the adventures it brought him. You won't want to miss his fascinating tales of owning a classic 1972 BMW 3.0 CS, complete with unforgettable modifications. Bill also shares an adrenaline-pumping sea kayaking expedition in Baja, culminating in a pulse-quickening encounter with local authorities.

We then shift gears to explore the future of...

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Curious about how a car enthusiast transitioned from architecture to managing large-scale projects, and then to a life brimming with travel and sailing? Buckle up as Robin Sparrow, takes us on a ride through his life's journey. From his teenage adventures in a 1972 Volkswagen Squareback to an epic 34-day road trip with his 85-year-old mother in a BMW M3, Robin's stories are a testament to the thrills and wisdom gained along the open road. Hear how he navigated career shifts and embraced an adventurous retirement, filled with national parks...

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Ever wondered what it's like to maintain a lifelong friendship from kindergarten to present day? Join me and my dear friend Hap Strunk as we take a virtual drive. Hap opens up about the origins of his name. We talk about his first car, a 1972 Monte Carlo.

Next, we journey into the rich legacy of the funeral home that Hap and his wife Tracy have operated since 1987. We talk about how the computer has impacted the funeral business.  We talk about the importance of building trusting relationships e...