The Journey Is The Reward (dot) ORG

On episode 76, Micah and I talk with Ed Pizzarella of the Miles to Go Podcast.   But first, we hear from Listener Clair who is wondering if we are losing our minds because we continue to mention things in the past as though they are in the future. Listener John writes in asking if I miss traveling as much as I have in the past. And he wants to know if Micah will get in a airplane anytime soon? Then, Listener Lu wants to know if we have had any bad hotel experiences. During the main topic, we have a great conversation with Ed about his background, backing the wrong horse and a bit about his Miles to Go Podcast. 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 75, Micah and I discuss my trip to Baltimore. United and Hilton really took care of me when some unexpected things came up.   But first, we hear from Grant from the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast. He talks about all the vintage aircraft he has had the opportunity to fly on. Then, Listener Lu wants to know if I'll be at the Pacific Airshow to see the very last performance of the A-10 Warthog Demonstration Team at Huntington Beach. Although I won't be there, I let Micah know that I'll be attending the Pacific Airshow at Surfers Paradise in Australia! A good trade of venues I believe! 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 74, I get to interview Micah again. He did a road trip up to northern Maine to watch the solar eclipse. Something I missed this year and I haven't seen one since I was in grade school in New Jersey.   But first, Listener Lu joins us again with a question. She wants to know if I'll be flying on the newly refurbished Lufthansa A-380s. In Additions, Corrections and Shoutouts, Micah might have found a home for Shreenand's Stearman. And I finally look of the names of our Patrion supporters. I'm so sorry this has taken me so long and I'm so pathetic at keeping track of these very valuable listeners. Currently, our supporters include, Alan, Vincent, Phillip, Hendrik and Kathleen. I know there have been others in the past and if you aren't on this list now, please let me know! Lastly, please send in a list of your favorite aviation museum and why it's your favorite. We will go over these on Episode 76! 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 73, Micah and I continue our conversation about my extended Singapore trip with neighbor Shelley.   These was no listener mail and we are still wondering where Listener Lu is. We want to know! On this episode, Micah and I discuss the 8 days of adventure in Singapore and Malaysia. We also talk about the flight home and the United Club at LAX being closed. We hope you enjoy the 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. We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 72, Micah and I talk about my trip to Singapore with my neighbor Shelley.   Listener Claire writes in and tells us how she can relate to Matt Smiths fear of flying as she talks about her experience with a Go Around in Denver. And sadly, there isn't a question this week from Listener Lu. Hey Listener Lu, we want to know where you are??? :-) In Additions, Corrections and Shoutouts, Listener Hendric updates us on European Compensation, EU261. I ask for help with the project I'm working on at the California Science Center. We are looking for anyone with experience in the field of aviation to make a donation of time, talent or funds to support a program for disadvantaged students. Micah and I then talk about my trip with neighbor Shelley to Singapore. She was surprised to learn we got upgraded to Polaris... which was very nice. 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 71, Micah and I talk about my trip to Medford Oregon with my neighbors to drink wine.   But first, we have some Listener Mail from Listener Todd. Todd reminisces about his time in Lodi, CA and not his son is working in the wine industry there. Then we answer a question from Listener Leslie. She wants to know about our oldest airplane we have flown on. And as usual, it's a difficult question to answer. Listener Lu wants to know if we see anything wrong with the new American Airlines pilots’ contracts? In Additions, Corrections and Shoutouts, I ask for help with the project I'm working on at the California Science Center. We are looking for anyone with experience in the field of aviation to make a donation of time, talent or funds to support a program for disadvantaged students. Micah and I also share our heartfelt condolences to Listener Matt and his family. Matt lost his mom who was 96 years young and just an incredible woman who I had the pleasure of meeting. Micah and I lighten up the conversation and talk about my experiences on Avelo. Sadly, they are no longer the airline I want to love. Then we conclude the show with a mention of the Singapore meetup at LeVeL33 on Friday April 19 at 7:00PM. LeVeL33 is located at the Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1 on the 33rd floor. I hope to meet you there! 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 70, Micah and I talk with Eric the Mapmaker about his trip on Alaska Airlines. He flew from JFK to Palm Springs to Seattle to Newark and has some interesting comments about his trips.   But first, we have some Listener Mail from Chef Kathy, who tells Micah about the U2 song he likes. Then we hear from Listener Ron who wants to know if we feel safe flying these days. And then we close the segment with an email from a United flight attendant explaining why planes might be serviced to the level of customer expectations. Listener Lu wants to know if pilots can fly for free? In Additions, Corrections and Shoutouts, I get to apologize to Listener Dag for forgetting it was Easter when he planned a visit and I had to cancel. :-(  We are reminding our listeners to send in a list of your favorite aviation museum and why it's your favorite. 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 69, Micah and I talk about my surprise trip to Tampa to visit with Momma Coleman.   But first, Listener Lu wants to know about tracking Taylor Swift's plane. Micah and I talk about Jack Sweeny and Ground Control, ⁠https://grndcntrl.net/⁠ There is also an addition about Maps from Listener Grant and an update from Mapmaker Eric. Micah and I then talk about my surprise trip to visit with Momma Coleman and my two wonderful flights with United. Even though I couldn't get my Bluetooth headset to work with the IFE system, I had a great time with the Purser and other flight attendants. I even received a very nice note from the Captain and learned a bit more about my United Challenge Coins!  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 68, Micah and I talk with Chef Kathy about my road trip to Vegas, and her return flight, to see U2 at The Sphere. Sadly, we did not attend the same concert date.   But first, we answer questions from Listener Sue and Henry. Sue askes about how much Micah would pay to fly a non-US based airline for a better experience and Listener Henry asks about the features / benefits of United Global Services. Listener Lu wants to know about a diverted flight to Bangor, Maine and if passengers get banned from future flights or have to pay a fine when they cause the disruption. Oh, and during the show, we find out that Micah actually likes a U2 song. Maybe we can get him to the next U2 stalking event or concert? 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 67, Micah and I talk about my trip to Lodi, California where I helped a friend to start a website that reviews the wines and vineyards of the area. (For those unfamiliar with Lodi, CA, it's a pretty amazing place and nothing like the one horse town it used to be 20 or more years ago.)  But first, we have a few additions, corrections and shout outs. 1) A friend passes along some advice about flying United to Hong Kong 2) Eric the Mapmaker corrects himself and tells us which way is up. 3) Micah gives an update on Breeze. And before we get into the main topic, Micah and I pose a question to you, our listeners, which was asked by Listener Lu who asked us about our most favorite aviation museums. Before we answer that question, we want to hear from you. What’s your favorite aviation museum anywhere in the world, and why? Please wite in to brian@TheJourneyIsTheReward.org and let us know 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 66, Micah and I talk with Matt Smith, cohost of the Plane Talking UK podcast. He joins us to share his unlikely journey from aviation newbie to podcast co-host, all while battling a fear of flying.  Matt was kind enough to talk with us about his fear of flying. But first, Micah and I confirm Listener Tanya was at the United Club at gate C-123. And Listener Jonathan tells us about the origins of the United 1K designator.  Then we answer Listener Lu's question about Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, being inducted into the Living Legends Hall of Fame. Matt, being British, gets to comment as well! Then we get to talk with Matt, an aviation podcast host, about his fear of flying. It's a great conversation and we also get to plug Capt Al's service, Flight Fear Solutions. More information can be found at: ⁠http://www.flightfearsolutions.co.uk/⁠ 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 65, Micah and I talk about my trip to Seattle, Washington on Alaska Airlines. But first, Micah and I answer Listener Rudy's question about the the difference between being a mapmaker and a cartographer. Well, actually, Mapmaker Eric answers that questions as he is the mapmaker / cartographer. Then we answer Listener Lu's question about our reservations of flying on the Boeing 737 Max 9. We also, inadvertently, didn't answer her question on international carrieers and the Max 9. Sorry Listener Lu! Then we get into the flight from Burbank to Seattle on Alaska. We talk about some of the differences in the airline over the years and what service is like today. 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 64, Micah and I talk with Julie Osborne, Curatorial Director at the Yankee Air Museum. But first, Micah and I answer Listener Ben's question about the future direction of the show. Then we answer Listener Lu's question about me interviewing Micah on episode 58. This is the episode where Micah flew on Breeze Airways to Tampa Florida. After that, we played an interview Micah and I conducted a few months back with Julie Osborne of the Yankee Air Museum. We learned what it's like to be the Curatorial Director and how to recover from a devastating fire of their collection. 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 63, Micah and I talk with Chef Kathy and another high school friend, Adele. The girls did a roadtrip to Las Vegas to stalk U2... I mean see them in concert at The Sphere. But first, Micah and I answer listener questions. We hear from Listener Sandra who asks about meetups and new destinations. Then we play an audio file that was sent in by Listener Tanya. And oddly enough, she talks about U2 and episode 45, which featured Chef Kathy! Then we answer Listener Lu's question about how I was fired by my mother. Shoutouts to Patreon members… in no particular order, Hendrik, Kathleen, Alan, Vincent, Phillip, Claire, Sarah, and Antonio. We also talk about how Flightly summarized my 2023 and informed me that I spend 13 days and 6 hours in the air! I also visited 22 airports in 8 countries. The main event is all about the girls trip to Vegas and what it was like to attend the U2 concert at The Sphere. They share a lot of tips and tricks about Las Vegas. 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 62, Micah and I talk with Eric Riback, President of Franko Maps and CEO of Bella Terra Maps, about his trip to France on an airline I've never flown. But first, Micah and I answer Listener Lu's question about what I ask all the flight crews I fly with. Then we talked with Eric the Mapmaker about a correction from episode 58 and The Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel. After we make our corrections, we talk with Eric about his experiences on French Bee... an airline I've never flown on. And honestly, it was fun getting his perspective on his flight to France. Thanks once again to all of our global listeners.  Please write in and let us know how you found the show, we’d also love to know what you like about it as well as what we might be able to do to improve it.  We love hearing from you!!! 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 61, Micah and I talk with Thom Richards of War Bird Adventures. But first, Micah and I answer Listener Carole's question about why our show with Captain Jeff of the Airline Pilot Guy podcast was so long. Then Listener Lu's wants to know when is the best time to give out gifts to the flight crews. After that, we talked with Thom about his company War Bird Adventures where you can learn to fly a tail dragger and other war birds. We also discussed the event he held, and hopefully, it will become an annual event, where he had 3 P-40s in the air and did a spectacular photo shoot. Thanks once again to all of our global listeners.  Please write in and let us know how you found the show, we’d also love to know what you like about it as well as what we might be able to do to improve it.  We love hearing from you!!! 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 60, Micah and I talk with Capt Jeff, a former Delta Airlines pilot who has been producing the Airline Pilot Guy podcast for the past 15 years!  Because APG is 3 hours, and this episode ended up being nearly that long, we don't have any listener feedback nor Listener Lu question this episode. Sit back, relax and enjoy the podcast.  Thanks once again to all of our global listeners.  Please write in and let us know how you found the show, we’d also love to know what you like about it as well as what we might be able to do to improve it.  We love hearing from you!!! 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 59, we continue with our trip report on our visit to Tampa.  But first, we answer Listener Lu's question about our promotion of certain products. She wants to know if we are receiving compensation for our mentions... and the answer is NO! Then Micah and I talk about my trip to Tampa, the surprise of Momma Coleman and the meetup at Your Pizza Place. We also talk with Listener Linda about her trip to South Africa!  Thanks once again to all of our global listeners.  Please write in and let us know how you found the show, we’d also love to know what you like about it as well as what we might be able to do to improve it.  We love hearing from you!!! 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 58, we turn the tables and I get to interview Micah about his trip on Breeze Airways. But first, Micah and I continue our discussion about pizza along with listener John. Listener John wrote in on IMReallyOffended@Yahoo.com to share his views on Chicago Deep Dish Pizza and I had to correct him on some of the reasons why it's not Pizza. Then we answer Listener Lu's question about flying with the same flight crews. I then get to interview Micah and learn all about his flight to Tampa on Breeze Airways. It was a lot of fun having him on the hot seat!  We also talked about the Meetup we at at Your Pizza Place in Largo FL and we share an interview with Momma Coleman. Thanks once again to all of our global listeners.  Please write in and let us know how you found the show, we’d also love to know what you like about it as well as what we might be able to do to improve it.  We love hearing from you!!! 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 57, Micah and I discuss my trip to Manhattan where I met with my nephew George, whose family expanded with a new daughter. But first, Micah and I answer Listener Lu's question about United benefits and upgrades, now that I've had some time after reaching Lifetime 1K status. Then talk about my flight experiences to Newark and getting into the City. We also discussed all the places Nephew George took me to eat. Then we talked about my trip back home where I was able to check out the newly remodeled Club at gate 75. Thanks once again to all of our global listeners.  Please write in and let us know how you found the show, we’d also love to know what you like about it as well as what we might be able to do to improve it.  We love hearing from you!!! 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!