The Journey Is The Reward (dot) ORG

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 agree that it's a good idea, just not very convenient in most US cities.  Listener Lu wants to know our thoughts on people who stand up as soon as the plane lands and the flight attendant turns off the seatbelt sign.  For the main segment, Brian and Micah talk with Mapmaker Eric about his trip on Neos to Italy.  Well, there was so much to talk about, we had to break this up into two episodes... so check out the second part of the conversation on episode 97. The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at Brian@TheJourneyIsTheReward.ORG to learn about the group trip we are planning in late September or October, 2025. We hope you enjoy the show!

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 forgotten Central Valley wine from the Klinker Brick winery. The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at Brian@TheJourneyIsTheReward.ORG to learn about the group trip we are planning in late September or October, 2025. We hope you enjoy the show!

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 does not stop him from expressing his views on the flight and service.  As he will say… it’s all about the Passenger Experience. In addition to reviewing the flight, Brian was also able to interview Liz Mazzei, Head of Marketing, and Mikael Pelet, Chief Operating Officer at Aero. The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at Brian@TheJourneyIsTheReward.ORG to learn about the group trip we are planning in late September or October, 2025. We hope you enjoy the show!

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 Thunderbirds, the Chief Commercial Officer of Clay Lacy Aviation and a member of the Civil Air Patrol. Brian was also able to add in two interviews he conducted at the ground breaking ceremony of the new Clay Lacy Aviation FBO / MRO at the John Wayne Airport in Orange County, CA. He was able to rerecord some questions with Joe Barber and he was able to talk with the current CEO's mom, Sharron, who has an interesting aviation story of her own. The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at Brian@TheJourneyIsTheReward.ORG to learn about the group trip we are planning in late September or October, 2025. We hope you enjoy the show!

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. The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at Brian@TheJourneyIsTheReward.ORG to learn about the the group trip we are planning in late September or October, 2025. We hope you enjoy the 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 return flights home. They also discuss another visit to a National Park and a side trip to Jeju Island and how Listener Matt provided some additional activities for the Korean adventure.  There is also a mini review of the three Asiana and Singapore Airlines lounges at Inchon airport. The show closes with some lessons learned and a not so surprising flight / schedule change by United.  The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at Brian@TheJourneyIsTheReward.ORG to learn about the the group trip we are planning in late September or October, 2025. We hope you enjoy the show!

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 tracking flights in applications. Listener Lu asks about canned wine and if Brian had any on his trip to Korea? Micah and Brian then talk about the first part of his trip to Korea. They also start a list of lessons learned because not everything went according to plan. The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome Song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at Brian@TheJourneyIsTheReward.ORG to learn about the the group trip we are planning in late September or October, 2025. We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 89, Micah and I talk about my road trip to some of the National Parks in the Western United States. But first, we hear from Listener Shannon, who is offended that she isn't offended??? There isn’t a Listener Lu segment this show so this gives us more time to jump into the main topic, my National Parks road trip. I call it a road trip but I was able to fly into Sioux Falls and meet up with John Mollison, the producer of Old Guys and Their Airplanes. In addition, I got to learn about his podcast called, The Linebackers II Libraries, which is a series of shows dedicated to the B-52 pilots and crews that supported the Linebacker campaign of the Vietnam war. They are an amazing collection of interviews so please check them out! As for my trip, I got to see The Corn Palace, Wall Drug, The Badlands, Yellowstone National Park, The Grand Tetons and a whole bunch more.  Oh, and I get to fly home from Salt Lake City on Southwest airlines. The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome Song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at Brian@TheJourneyIsTheReward.ORG to learn about the the group trip we are planning in late September or October, 2025. We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 88, Micah and I talk with Kate Kuykendall, Public Affairs Officer, at the Long Beach Airport. But first, Listener Lu wants to know why I don't think I'll get to fly 4 million miles with United? Because we didn't have any listener mail, we go right into our conversation with Kate about her job and the Long Beach Airport. Founded in 1923, the Long Beach Airport is the oldest municipal airport in California. It sits on 1,166 acres and has three runways, in addition to a diverse portfolio of Class A office buildings, retail space, industrial facilities, a hotel, and a municipal golf course! The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome Song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 87, Micah and I talk with Julian Kheel of Points Path. But first, Listener Lu wants to know if I've ever been on a flight that had a mechanical issue or if I was ever concerned about safely landing? Then Micah and I get right into our conversation with Julian. Points Path is a unique browser extension that will tell users if it's better to book a flight with points or money. We also discuss some of their challenges and future product features. The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome Song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 86, Micah and I discuss the interviews I conducted at Cranky Dorkfest 2024. Sadly, on this show there was no listener mail nor a question from Listener Lu. However, Micah was able to interview his Physical Therapist about his trip to Europe on Jet Blue and Air France. At Dorkfest I was able to interview: Melissa, Benny, Jvan, Matt, Ben and Heather, Ian and Mr. Cranky himself, Brett. And I was also able to start the promotion of a spectacular trip I'll be leading to Africa in early October 2025. If you are interested in participating, please send me an email indicating your desire to participate. (In addition to all the special things I have planned, you will also be able to meet the singers of our opening and closing music. The opening and closing music for The Journey Is The Reward podcast is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir, recorded live in the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 85, Micah and I finally wrap up my trip to Australia. But first, we hear from Listener Bill who wants to know why Micah loves his cash back instead of going for points. Had Micah spent on the right cards, he would have had enough miles for a free business class ticket to Australia. Instead, he only received $240 in cash. We also had the opportunity to share our thoughts on Listener Lu's question about Southwest charging for seats. Both Micah and I believe this will not work out well for Southwest. During the main segment, we get to play the episode that was recorded in Australia at the PCDU home studio of Steve, and was supposed to be played when I was still in country. We then get to hear Steve do a Pacific Airshow Gold Coast radio promo. The Oz Desk, episode 813, which is played on the Airplane Geeks, was played next. Then we get to hear the recording from the meetup with Grant, ATC Ben, Evan and Leighton. A great time was had by all. Special thanks once again to Steve, Grant, their wives, the guys at the meetup, and all the guests we had on the show.  I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them… and you too Micah!!! And if anyone is interested in joining me on a trip to Africa in September or October, 2025, please let me know so I can get you more information. Opening and closing music for The Journey Is The Reward podcast is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir, recorded live in the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 84, Micah and I continue my coverage of the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast at Surfers Paradise, Australia. But first, we hear from Chef Kathy about her return trip from Las Vegas... and she really was lucky because she won the lottery! Listener Lu wants to know about flight attendants and if they have preferred routes. Then I get to comment on how United still isn't being helpful on the ground.  We learn why I decided to fly home early before we play some interviews from the airshow. The first interview is with Angela (not Emma) and Mark of the Freedom Formation. They are part of the team that makes up the largest flying collection of Vans aircraft. I also get to talk with Mandy Hentschel and Nathan Blackberry of Westpac, the rescue / lifesaving service of Australia. I conclude my interviews with Angus Ashcroft from the Gold Coast Training and Flight School, a unique flight instructor program located at the Gold Coast airport. And if anyone is interested in joining me on a trip to Africa in September or October, 2025, please let me know so I can get you more information. Opening and closing music for The Journey Is The Reward podcast is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir, recorded live in the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 83, Micah and I continue our discussion about my trip to Surfers Paradise, Australia for the Pacific Air Show Gold Coast. We get to play some of the interviews I conducted. But first, Purser Scott writes in saying he was sorry he didn't have a chance to get a photo with me. Wow, someone wanted a picture of Mr. October of the Hemisphere Magazine. Due to the length of the show, we didn't play any other listener feedback or our Listener Lu Wants To Know segment. Micah and I dive right into the Interviews with Kevin Elliott, founder of the Pacific Air Show, Tom Tait, the Mayor of Gold Coast, Craig Hobart, President of the Southport Flying Club, Air Commodore Mika Gray of the RAAF and we close with an interview with Garry Cooper, a RAAF pilot who was awarded two USAF Crosses. Please make sure to check out the more extensive interview Steve and Grant conducted with Garry Cooper on their Plane Crazy Down Under podcast. https://www.planecrazydownunder.com Episode 20. Opening and closing music for The Journey Is The Reward podcast is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir, recorded live in the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. We hope you enjoy the show!

On this Bonus episode Micah and I talk with U2 stalker Chef Kathy. Chef Kathy won a pair of Golden Tickets to see the Premier showing of the U2 Movie, V-U2 An Immersive Concert Film, at The Sphere in Las Vegas. We talk about her flight out to Las Vegas, my drive there from Pasadena, and the premier showing of V-U2 An Immersive Concert Film. Opening and closing music for The Journey Is The Reward podcast is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir, recorded live in the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 82, Micah and I talk about my trip getting to Surfers Paradise, Australia for the Pacific Air Show Gold Coast. But first, Listener Uli writes in asking how to leave a review from an Android Device. Then Chef Kathy asks Capt Dana for some tips in using the Big Green Egg. Listener Lu wants to know if we know what all the flight attendents are looking out for when we board their aircraft. During the main segment, Micah and I talk about how United is letting me down again on the ground and how LAX catering is trying to compete with Newark for the worst food service on the planet. We also talk about my execelent service on Virgin Australia on my flight from Sydney up to the Gold Coast. The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome Song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 81, Micah and I have the privilege of interviewing the Flight Team interns from the California Science Center. But first, Listener Paul writes in to let us know he wasn't happy with our production quality / sound levels. Through a bunch of emails, thinks get pretty hysterical. Then I talk with Micah about not having any regrets... but he still won't upgrade his ancient PC to a Mac... at least not until Microsoft stops support for Windows 10. Listener Lu wants to know if we have ever witnessed any physical violence on a airplane. This question stems from the incident where a United Airlines flight attendant has part of his shirt bitten off by a human passenger. We then play the recorded interviews we conducted with the Summer Flight Team Interns from the California Science Center. And I can not stress enough how great these kids are and how lucky we were to be able to interview them. They are very special people and it was great to be able to help inspire them during the 8 week program. We hope you enjoy the interviews! The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome Song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 80, Micah and I talk food and aviation with Captain Dana of Acme Airlines. But first, Listener Shawn wants to know if we have ever encountered / been stuck away from home during an operational meltdown? Listener Lu wants to know if we would ever order the Mick Jagger Sandwich from the Tick Tock Diner in Clifton NJ? Micah then talks about the US Interstate highway system and the numbering scheme behind it. We then interview Captain Dana on his not so traditional career in becoming an airline Captain for a major US airline. He did a lot of different jobs to get into the left seat. And, of course, we end us talking about food as both Capt. Dana and Micah are foodies! The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome Song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 79, Micah and I don't have a guest or subject matter expert but as usual, we find something to talk about. Oh, and we finally get around to discussing our faboriate aviation museums. But first, Listener Paul talks about his issues with meetups. Than, Listener Hendrik talks about Lufthansa bringing back the A-380... and where to score the best economy seats. United First Officer Dell writes in with a thank you for the sky hook and card that I give out to crew. Thanks Dell for thanking me! :-) And then Listener Lu wants to know the origin of my signature closing, Fly Safely. Micah than talks about the Best Western, an often overlooked hotel property and a great experience with his Discover credit card. During the main topic, Micah had his recorder with him when Capt. Steven Ivy came to visit Portland, ME. It was great to hear about his roll as a Charter Pilot. Next we talk about our favorite aviation museums and read our listner submissions. Thank you everyone for writing in and Uli, thank you for sending in the pictures!!! The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome Song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. We hope you enjoy the show!

On this episode, we hear from Steve and Grant of the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast... and promote our participation in the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast. We are looking forward to seeing everyone on the beach at Surfers Paradise, August 16 - 18. Please look for a Tweet from us and or send an email to me, Steve and or Grant if you plan on attending the event. We are looking forward to seeing everyone Down Under! The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome Song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. We hope you enjoy the show!