Backyard Road Trips

After years of travel stories and mishaps, Zack and Jim share their personal travel tips. Hear how Jim avoids getting stuck in traffic, how he deals with poor cell service while traveling, and his preference for renting a car. Special guests Danny Lamothe and Ken Lamothe join the conversation.

Special HOST Ian Cheney interviews typical co-hosts, Zack and Jim, about the origins of Backyard Road Trips: The Podcast. The duo is approaching their 100th episode (as this is the 95th), so they reminisce about the show's journey. Ian helps them reflect on the different stages of this show and the fun they've had along the way. Tune in to hear them talk about their fondest and most wacky memories.

Please welcome Fran Kefalas and Regan Miner to the show! Fran is the executive director of The Last Green Valley, and Regan is the Development Director. TLGV is a national heritage corridor located in northeastern Connecticut and south-central Massachusetts. The duo speaks to us about the latest goings-on, including the opening of their new headquarters. Fran and Regan explain what The Last Green Valley has to offer and what events to look forward to in the upcoming year.

For National Stroke Awareness Month, we shine a spotlight on Lana Wilhelm—a nurse, author, caregiver, and advocate. After her husband suffered a sudden, major stroke, Lana's life shifted from medical professional to full-time caregiver, a role she found arduous and lonely.Lana, founder of the Stroke Caregiver Connection, runs support groups and has met with over 2,000 caregivers, offering understanding for the tumultuous path of providing constant care. She’ll speak about navigating burnout, the emotional journey from anger and grief, and the key mindset shift that allows caregivers and survivors to focus on what they can still do.In this inspiring conversation, Lana shares how she and her husband have adapted their lives as travelers, providing actionable tips for planning trips after a major medical event, and proving that enjoyable adventures are still possible. Tune in for an honest look at life after a stroke and how fellowship, humor, and a change in perspective can transform the quality of life for both survivors and caregivers

Jim and Zack chat with photographer Cade Martin. From photographing Mother Theresa and Johnny Cash to assignments all over the world, Cade's story is an interesting one for sure. Cade delves into one project that has been especially important to him. The Wheelchair Mafia, a group of 44 dogs that are fitted with wheelchairs and are part of the larger The Man Who Rescues Dogs, a sanctuary for stray and disabled dogs in Thailand. Cade worked with his whole family to make this film about the Wheelchair Mafia.