The Travel Wins

What is it really like to move to Nashville and try to build a career in the music business?
In this episode of The Travel Wins Podcast, Pete Kotzbach sits down with Nashville-based singer-songwriter Erica Whitney to talk about leaving South Dakota, relocating to Music City, and discovering firsthand what it takes to pursue a career as a professional artist.Erica shares her experiences in Nashville so far, what she's learning about the music industry, the challenges facing emerging artists, and why chasing a dream sometimes means leaving the familiar behind and betting on yourself.

We also...

Campbell McLaren Is Still Breaking the Rules
Some people build a legacy and spend the rest of their careers talking about it.
Campbell McLaren isn't one of those people. While many fans know him as one of the visionaries who helped launch the UFC and introduce mixed martial arts to the mainstream, Campbell's focus today is firmly on the future. As the founder and CEO of Combate Global, he continues to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and find new ways to connect sports and entertainment with audiences around the world. That same mindset is what inspired his...

What happens after the spotlight fades?
In this episode of The Travel Wins Podcast, Pete Kotzbach sits down with former NFL offensive lineman, entrepreneur, photographer, and author Tony Mandarich for a powerful conversation about football, overcoming adversity, addiction recovery, personal growth, and building a meaningful life after professional sports.
Tony shares honest reflections on the pressures of playing in the NFL, the challenges he faced off the field, and how resilience, accountability, and purpose helped him create a remarkable second chapter.In this episode you'll discover:
Tony's NFL journeyLife after professional footballOvercoming adversity and rebuildingEntrepreneurship and creative...

On this episode of The Travel Wins Podcast, host Pete Kotzbach sits down with rising Texas-based country rock band Dear Iris for an honest conversation about music, travel, sacrifice, and chasing a dream while managing real-life responsibilities.

Forged in the heart of East Texas, Dear Iris delivers a powerful blend of Texas country music and alternative rock grit. From the driving energy of “Kylie’s Song” to the emotional depth of “Restless On You,” the band’s sound is rooted in authentic storytelling and shaped by the miles they’ve logged on the road. Their music reflects both...

Country singer-songwriter Mark Mackay joins The Travel Wins Podcast to share his journey through thousands of shows, iconic venues, and endless miles on the road.

In this episode, Mark talks about:
·         How travel influences his songwriting
·         Staying authentic in today’s music industry
·         The stories behind songs like “Old Songs and Old Trucks”
·         Balancing creative growth with staying true to your roots

If you love American roots music, country-rock, and real conversations about life on the road, this episode delivers.

🎸🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with musicians, entrepreneurs, and high performers who travel for a living.

Become a sup...

Shepherding a Healthier Future for Pets — A Conversation with Shepherd Boy Farms CEO Ashton Hood
When passion for animals meets generations of farm-bred expertise, something remarkable happens. That’s exactly the story behind Shepherd Boy Farms — and in my latest episode of The Travel Wins, I sit down with the company’s CEO, Ashton Hood, to explore how a Midwest family farm transformed itself into one of the most trusted names in premium pet nutrition.
What started as a leading American meat supplier has evolved into a mission-driven brand redefining how we nourish our four-legged family members. Ashton shares h...

In this episode of The Travel Wins, I sit down with Gale Bird, one of Charleston, South Carolina’s most compelling rising bands—known for their harmony-rich intimacy, electrifying stage energy, and storytelling rooted in Lowcountry life. If you’re a fan of southern Americana, indie rock warmth, and authentic artistry, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Gale Bird is a trio with a rare balance: powerful enough to lift a roof with full-band rock-and-roll, yet intentional enough to quiet a packed room with soft, layered harmonies. Their performances feel big and cinematic one moment, and then...

🎧 The Travel Wins Podcast – Episode with Presley Aronson 🎧
In this episode, California country singer/songwriter Presley Aronson joins me to talk about his life on the road, his creative process, and his vision for the future of country music.

🌎 Highlights:
• Recent tour experiences and fan connections
• Sneak peek into his new music (including “Broke Heart” ft. Russell Hitchcock!)
• His business insights as an independent artist
• What “Cali Country” really means to him

Presley’s blend of artistry, independence, and entrepreneurial drive makes this a can’t-miss episode for anyone chasing their creative dream.

👉 Do...

In this inspiring episode of The Travel Wins Podcast, host Pete Kotzbach sits down with Luke Schneider, CEO and co-founder of Fire Department Coffee, to explore how a mission-driven company grew from the firehouse to Walmart shelves across America.

A U.S. Navy veteran and firefighter, Luke’s story is one of purpose, perseverance, and leadership. What began as a small-batch coffee roasting operation has become a nationally recognized brand — one that not only delivers great coffee but also gives back through the Fire Dept. Coffee Foundation, supporting injured and ill first responders.

☕ What You’ll Hear in...

🌟 Unlocking Total Body Optimization with Dr. Ryan Nordell 💪✈️
In the latest episode of The Travel Wins, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Ryan Nordell, a true innovator in the world of total body optimization, longevity, and functional wellness. Based in Dallas, TX, Dr. Nordell has made a name for himself as a trusted expert for professional athletes, celebrities, CEOs, and thought leaders worldwide. His mission? To help people achieve peak physical performance and lasting well-being—without relying on surgery or pharmaceuticals.

A Leader in Longevity, Biohacking & Wellness Dr. Nordell’s expertise spans a wide range of cuttin...

Some artists are defined by a television competition.Crystal Bowersox chose to define herself by the music.When Crystal joined me on The Travel Wins Podcast, our conversation quickly moved beyond her memorable run as the runner-up on American Idol. Instead, we explored the experiences that have shaped her into the respected singer-songwriter, performer, and storyteller she is today.Known for her soulful voice, heartfelt songwriting, and authentic approach to music, Crystal has built a career that reflects artistic integrity rather than simply following industry trends. Our conversation focused on the realities of touring, staying true to your creative vision...

In this inspiring new episode of The Travel Wins, I sit down with the incredible Autumn Adele, who recently took a bold leap and relocated to France!

We dive deep into her journey of embracing change — from the challenges of adapting to a brand-new culture and lifestyle, to the exciting opportunities that come with career flexibility. Autumn opens up about the highs and lows of expat life, offering honest reflections and valuable takeaways for anyone curious about starting a new chapter abroad.

Whether you're dreaming of moving overseas or simply love hearing real stories of reinvention, th...

🌍🎶 Travel, Stages, and Songs: The Global Music Journey of Chris Erasmus 🎶🌍
For Chris Erasmus, music has always been more than a passion — it’s been his passport. From the quiet beginnings of his childhood in Zimbabwe to stages across South Africa, Cape Town, New York, Australia, and now London, Chris has carried his voice and stories to audiences around the globe.
At just 18, Chris left Africa to chase his musical dreams. That journey took him from classical halls to musical theatre stages, and ultimately to venues where his powerful Americana-Country sound now connects deeply wi...

Meet Michael J. Wistock: The Executive by Day, Rockstar by Night
What does it take to thrive in two drastically different worlds—corporate boardrooms and rock stages—while still managing to keep your feet on the ground (and your heart full)? My guest, Michael J. Wistock, is the definition of a modern renaissance man who proves that passion and professionalism don’t have to live in separate lanes.
By title, Michael holds a high-powered position in the corporate world as Senior Vice President of Global Sales in the telecom space. His work takes hi...

Between the Waves of Family, Work & Travel | Mike Love Jr. on The Travel Wins
This week’s episode of The Travel Wins brings a powerful and heartfelt conversation with Mike Love Jr., whose life story is beautifully captured in his newly authored book, Between The Waves.
More than just a memoir, Between The Waves dives deep into Mike’s personal journey—his relationship with his mom and his famous father, and the lessons learned in the spaces between family, work, and the open road. It’s a story of love, resilience, and self-discovery that resonates far beyond the spotligh...

Get ready for a wild ride 🎯 as I sit down for a second time with the multi-talented Lucas Hoge — a Billboard No.1-charting country artist, globe-trotting TV host, and passionate conservationist! 🌟 Whether he's casting a fishing line in New Zealand 🐟, calling in a turkey in North America 🦃, or performing his heart out on stage 🎤, Lucas does it all with charm, grit, and authenticity.
As the host of the hit show Hoge Wild on Sportsman Channel, Heartland Network, and ACN 📺, Lucas brings adventure to over 155 million households — and Season 6 is already racking up millions of minutes viewed! From South Africa to Bolivia...

Meet the “Worm Queen” – Kim Rogers
This week on The Travel Wins, I’m thrilled to welcome Kim Rogers — a seasoned wellness professional turned holistic health pioneer with over two decades of experience in Western medicine.
After facing her own health challenges in 2019, Kim shifted her focus from conventional medicine to natural healing. Her personal journey led her to found RogersHood Apothecary in December 2021, and to create the globally recognized 🧪 ParaFy Cleanse kit — a best-selling herbal solution targeting parasites, candida, heavy metals, and toxins.
Kim’s bold approach and transparency struck...

🎙️🎶 Velvet Rodeo Saddles Up for Stardom on The Travel Wins!🤠🌟
Hold on tight, y’all — my next guests on The Travel Wins podcast are the unstoppable country music duo Velvet Rodeo 🎤🔥! Get ready to meet Leah and Bryan, a powerhouse pair who blend the sweet twang of classic country with fresh, soulful vibes that’ll stick with you like Carolina honey 🍯🎸.
From their chance meeting just four years ago to making waves in the heart of Nashville 🎶🪕, Velvet Rodeo has been writing their own musical fairytale. Their harmonies have lit up legendary stages like Nudie’s, Second Fiddle...