Travels With Randy Podcast

Randy Smythe and Kevin Harmon
  • 4.6 (9)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Randy Smythe has retired and now spends his time travelling all over the United States, visiting National Parks, baseball stadiums, and this year - ALL of Route 66 Our weekly podcast will follow Randy and get weekly updates on where he's been, what he's seen, and who he's met - as well as sprinkle in some retirement planning advice, income stream ideas, and e-commerce news and discussion with his good friend Kevin "Bubba" Harmon.

  1. 3d ago

    TWR Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Ep 6: Missouri And The Birthplace Of Route 66

    Travels With Randy Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Episode 6 is here! Missouri And The Birthplace Of Route 66 Podcast Plans and Travel Stories Bubba and Randy discussed their plans to do a podcast together, with Bubba mentioning his new microphone and both agreeing to participate. They talked about the decline of traditional men's barbershops as nostalgic spaces, with Bubba sharing his experience about his childhood barber in Decatur, IL and Randy describing his mother cutting his hair in California. The conversation then shifted to Randy's Route 66 trip, where he shared details about visiting Granite City, Illinois, and discovering a neon park with giant sculptures, emphasizing the importance of exploring downtown areas off the main route to find hidden attractions like the Carl's ice cream shop featuring the original muffler man statue and his larger female counterpart Marge. Social Media Growth and Route 66 Bubba and Randy discussed the growth of their social media presence across platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, with their followers approaching 40,000. Randy shared details about his current Route 66 trip, explaining how he processes 150 photos daily and shares approximately 80 per post across social media, with Bubba noting that many more photos are taken but curated for public sharing. Randy described his experience in St. Louis, including discovering the City Museum with its unique features like a Ferris wheel on a building, and discussed the varying quality of Route 66 signage across different states. St. Louis Trip Highlights Randy shared details about their recent trip to St. Louis, including visiting a historic drive-in donut shop and staying at a Cracker Barrel near Eureka. They described taking an Anheuser-Busch tour where they learned about the beer-making process, including beechwood aging for Budweiser, and discovered that Modelo cannot be sold in the United States due to antitrust regulations. The conversation ended with Randy mentioning their plans to visit a Catholic cathedral in St. Louis that they had not been able to enter previously. Route 66 Trip and Calendar Updates Randy discussed his Route 66 trip, highlighting stops at significant locations including the Basilica of St. Louis and Route 66 State Park in Missouri. He reported that calendars are now available at three locations in Illinois and three in Missouri, including Route 66 State Park, Shamrock Court Motel in Sullivan, and Springfield Visitor Center. Randy noted that while Route 66 experiences can be more challenging to find in large cities due to newer businesses, the smaller rural areas offer more visible historical Route 66 elements. Route 66 Travel Stories Randy shared stories about his travels along Route 66 in Missouri, including a visit to a flower farm in Pacific owned by Harry Englehart, who has spent his entire life within 100 miles of the farm and is currently 68 years old. Randy also discussed the Merrimack Caverns, which has been grandfathered in under Missouri's advertising laws that prohibit barn signs along interstates, allowing them to continue using barn advertising while other businesses cannot. Merrimack Caverns and Local Attractions Randy discussed visiting Merrimack Caverns, which claims to have artifacts linked to Jesse and Frank James, though historical evidence is limited. The cavern system features a river, a ballroom, and various attractions including zip lines and mining activities. Randy also mentioned visiting Sullivan and seeing the recently renovated Shamrock Court motel, which now features a neon-themed room with original sculptures. Route 66 Missouri Towns Visit Randy discussed his visit to various towns along Route 66 in Missouri, including Sullivan, Bourbon, and Cuba. He highlighted the renovation of the Shamrock Court motor court by Roman Rich and his wife Christina, who also own the Wagon Wheel in Cuba and are part of the Painted Desert Trading Post in Arizona. Randy observed differences between Missouri and Illinois towns, noting that while some Missouri towns appeared abandoned despite having significant populations, others like Cuba were vibrant with murals and celebrations of Route 66 history. Route 66 Business Opportunities Discussion Randy discussed the longest continuous running motel on Route 66, which is now owned by Roman and Christina, who are younger than Randy. Randy considered the possibility of buying a property along Route 66, such as a gas station in Tucumcari, New Mexico, and converting it into a gift shop or art gallery. Bubba suggested the idea of a rotating art gallery featuring Randy's photographs displayed in gift shops along the route, which Randy found intriguing and plans to explore further. Route 66 Discussion Highlights Randy and Bubba discussed Route 66, highlighting that it can be experienced in segments rather than the entire 2,400-mile route, with examples of shorter routes like an 18-mile section in Kansas. They explored the connection between Route 66 and neon signage, noting that many historic neon signs can still be seen along the route. The conversation also covered the unique town of Uranus in Missouri, which features Route 66 attractions and fudge, and they discussed the historical significance of Springfield, Missouri as the birthplace of Route 66's name. Route 66 Travel Experience Discussion Randy and Bubba discussed their recent Route 66 travel experiences, focusing on Springfield, Missouri, which Randy described as becoming one of his favorite places along the route. They highlighted several notable locations including the birthplace of Route 66, the Queen's Gate sculpture, and various historical sites like Bass Pro Shops' original location and a Steak and Shake restaurant. Randy shared his photography techniques, particularly his method of enhancing images by removing distractions like power lines, and emphasized the importance of taking pictures of murals from an angle to capture the full artwork. The discussion concluded with plans to continue their Route 66 journey westward, focusing on ghost towns and other unique attractions in upcoming episodes.   SO. MANY. PHOTOS - COME JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON FACEBOOK WITH OUR 39,500 FRIENDS! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want us to sell something National Park or Route 66 related? Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska? Want me to stop asking questions?   bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com !! LISTEN TO THE OFFICIAL TRAVELS WITH RANDY SOUNDTRACK! Available on all streaming music platforms such as Apple:  TWR Full Soundtrack GET YOUR COPY OF THE TWR OFFICIAL ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL 16 MONTH CALENDAR! ONLY $19.99 Now Shipping!   https://travelswithrandy.com/  OUR ENTIRE WORLD IN ONE SPOT Click here to go everywhere we are:     Linktree Travels With Randy INTRODUCING OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!! We post daily Stories, longer form videos, and the ENTIRE Travels With Randy podcast! ALL episodes now available. Click here to visit our Youtube channel:    Travels With Randy Youtube GET ON THE MAILING LIST!! Be the first to know when we have new podcast episodes or launch new products or visit new places:      Mailing List

  2. 3d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing The Optimism We All Need Right Now with Simon Sinek from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast BUY THE BOOK! Start with Why by Simon Sinek  https://amzn.to/4xQ0ETD Simon Sinek’s landmark New York Times bestseller Start with Why transformed how leaders, entrepreneurs and employees think - inspiring them to shift their focus from what they do to why they do it. Simon brought this revolutionary concept to life with his Ted Talk, "How Great Leaders Inspire Action" which instantly went viral - and now ranks as the fourth most-watched Ted talk of all time with more than 90 million views.  In this conversation, Oprah and Simon talk about how to feel more energized, optimistic and engaged in your work and life - especially at times of high anxiety and uncertainty. Simon answers questions from several viewers including a woman who is considering leaving her 9-5 job to become an entrepreneur, one who is still looking for her dream job at age 49 and another who is terrified about losing her identity as she faces retirement. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who may be feeling a little lost and looking for clarity, direction and optimism.  00:00:00 - Welcome Simon Sinek, author of “Start with Why”  00:05:15 - The golden circle  00:09:15 - Asking for help 00:10:30 - Why vs. intention  00:13:30 - The thread of your life  00:17:40 - The age of the Influencer  00:20:10 - Optimism meaning 00:27:10 - Introverts and extroverts 00:28:40 - Blocking out doubt when chasing your why 00:32:30 - Jobs are not safe 00:34:50 - Find your guiding question 00:41:40 - Is a "dream job" a goal? 00:48:39 - The friend test  00:54:00 - The importance of relationships  00:55:20 - The key to finding your why 00:57:00 - A well-lived life Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

  3. Sep 25

    TWR Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Ep 5: Central & Southern Illinois

    Travels With Randy Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Episode 5 is here! Central & Southern Illinois Travel Budget and Remote Work Randy explained his travel budget system, detailing how he allocates approximately $1,500 monthly for expenses including hotels and gas, with gas costs fluctuating based on state prices. He described how he uses hotel points to reduce costs and plans to pay off his van by next November. Randy shared that while remote work made long-term travel feasible, the scheduling challenges eventually led him to retire, as managing work commitments while traveling became too difficult. Route 66 Trip and Updates Randy discussed his current Route 66 trip, explaining how it differs from his previous one by allowing him to spend more time exploring museums, taking photos of historical sites like Abraham Lincoln's first business in New Salem, Illinois, and enjoying local ice cream. He mentioned plans for a future Alaska trip in June next year, which would complete his mission of visiting every national park in the United States and its territories. Bubba announced that their podcast catalog is now available on YouTube, with 159 episodes uploaded through an automated process using their RSS feed. Route 66 Podcast Growth Updates Bubba and Randy discussed the success of their podcast "Travels With Randy," noting significant growth in subscribers and views, as well as strong calendar sales. Randy shared updates on his current Route 66 trip, explaining how staying in one location allows for more exploration and visiting local attractions, such as the Anheuser-Busch brewery and Merrimack Caverns. He observed that while some towns have not changed much, others have improved their Route 66 offerings, likely with grant funding. Road Trip Art Discoveries Randy and Bubba discussed Randy's road trip through Illinois, where he discovered unique murals, neon signs, and muffler men statues. Bubba explained that bus benches with murals are limited to Chicago due to a single advertising contract. Randy shared his plans to document the giant statues he encountered in portrait format for social media, noting that these statues include various objects beyond just muffler men. Route 66 Illinois History Discussion Randy explained the complex history of Route 66 in Illinois, noting that the original 1926 route has been rerouted multiple times due to bridge construction and highway changes, making it challenging to follow the exact historical path. He advised Bubba to explore downtown areas of Route 66-associated towns even if they're not directly on the route, as many interesting sites can be found off the main road. Randy shared his experience of missing Granite City on his initial 1926 route trip and emphasized the importance of visiting downtown areas for better exploration opportunities. Illinois Travel Content Planning Randy discussed plans to create a master recap post with links to all Illinois travel posts, which will serve as a centralized resource for viewers planning their own trips. Bubba explained that he converts Randy's photo collections into YouTube videos using AI assistance, with one Illinois post already resulting in an 11-minute video and potentially expanding to a 45-minute compilation. The discussion highlighted the growing success of their content, with 1.5 million views on Facebook in the past 30 days, and Randy shared updates about his current travel setup including reliable charging systems and Verizon Wi-Fi connectivity. Harvest Host RV Experience Discussion Randy discussed Harvest Host, explaining how it provides access to 1,500 properties like wineries and farms across the United States for RVers with annual memberships. He shared his positive experiences staying at various locations, including a seventh-generation farm in Michigan where he enjoyed homemade pickles and had the orchard to himself. Randy mentioned his strategy of arriving early to handle business requirements and then having flexibility to explore the area later, suggesting this could be a potential sponsorship opportunity for their podcast. Route 66 Illinois Attractions Discussion Randy shared insights about Route 66 in Illinois, highlighting the state's effective navigation signage and the importance of exploring historical alignment changes. Key attractions discussed included Joliet's Rialto Square Theater and the American Giants Museum in Atlanta, which has helped revitalize the local economy. Randy expressed hope for the passage of the Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act, emphasizing its potential to benefit towns along the route, and mentioned an upcoming interview with Tom Perkins from Gardner, Illinois. Route 66 Trip Planning Discussion Randy and Bubba discussed Randy's recent Route 66 trip through Illinois, where he visited landmarks including Navy Pier and the Basilica of St. Louis, and completed an interview with Tom Perkins of The Shop on Route 66 in Gardener, IL. . They planned future content including interviews in Missouri (particularly at the midpoint between Chicago and Santa Monica) and discussed calendar distribution, noting that the calendar is available at three locations in Illinois: Tom's Place in Gardner, the Standard Station in Odell, and the visitor center in Bloomington-Normal. Bubba mentioned ongoing challenges with YouTube copyright strikes for their custom soundtrack and encouraged stores along Route 66 to contact them about wholesale opportunities.   SO. MANY. PHOTOS - COME JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON FACEBOOK WITH OUR 39,500 FRIENDS! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want us to sell something National Park or Route 66 related? Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska? Want me to stop asking questions?   bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com !! LISTEN TO THE OFFICIAL TRAVELS WITH RANDY SOUNDTRACK! Available on all streaming music platforms such as Apple:  TWR Full Soundtrack GET YOUR COPY OF THE TWR OFFICIAL ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL 16 MONTH CALENDAR! ONLY $19.99 Now Shipping!   https://travelswithrandy.com/  OUR ENTIRE WORLD IN ONE SPOT Click here to go everywhere we are:     Linktree Travels With Randy INTRODUCING OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!! We post daily Stories, longer form videos, and the ENTIRE Travels With Randy podcast! ALL episodes now available. Click here to visit our Youtube channel:    Travels With Randy Youtube GET ON THE MAILING LIST!! Be the first to know when we have new podcast episodes or launch new products or visit new places:      Mailing List

  4. Sep 18

    TWR Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Ep 4: Starting At The Beginning - Navy Pier Down To Springfield

    Travels With Randy Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Episode 4 is here! Starting At The Beginning - Navy Pier Down To Springfield Route 66 Travel Updates Randy discussed his ongoing Route 66 travel project, sharing updates about new attractions he's discovered including murals in Pontiac created by the Wall Dogs group and a new mural square nearly complete. He mentioned that the calendar is now being sold in four locations including Pontiac, Odell, Bloomington, and Gardner. Randy also highlighted a unique Coca-Cola memorabilia collection in Gardner that he visited, noting it contains extensive items in a small space. Chicago Trip and Family Stories Randy shared his experience driving a van to Chicago, describing parking challenges and his solution of finding an open-air parking lot that cost $70 for overnight parking. He explained how he used Chicago's public transit system for $5 per day to explore the city, including visiting Navy Pier and attending a Cubs game. Randy also revealed that his grandfather had worked as an elevator operator at the Wrigley Building while studying for the ministry, and according to family lore, Mr. Wrigley gave him a lifetime pass to Cubs games. Route 66 Evolution Discussion Randy and Bubba discussed the historical evolution of Route 66, including changes to its starting and ending points over the decades and the recent addition of Navy Pier. They explored how the route's purpose shifted from being the primary transportation highway to becoming a nostalgic travel experience, with many towns benefiting from increased tourism. Randy mentioned a bill currently in committee that would make Route 66 a national trail, which would provide benefits similar to what happened when Indiana Dunes became a national park, potentially increasing visitors significantly. Route 66 Illinois Highlights Discussion Randy and Bubba discussed Route 66, focusing on its history and key attractions in Illinois. Randy recommended starting in Kansas or Illinois and suggested exploring one state at a time rather than the entire route. They highlighted notable stops including the American Giants museum in Atlanta, Carl's Ice Cream in Bloomington, and the Gemini Giant in Wilmington. Randy shared insights about the route's evolution, noting that early alignments were more natural and winding than the later, more efficient routes, and mentioned that some sections now require four-wheel drive due to changes over the decades. Route 66 Travel Stories Randy shared stories about his travels along Route 66, including visiting an automotive upholstery company in Berwyn that has operated for 100 years and exploring Joliet and Romeoville. Bubba shared his experience of living in Joliet for a couple of years with his wife Lynn, who also worked for CBS in downtown Chicago, though they later moved to Charlotte due to the challenging two-hour commute. Randy also discussed his visit to the Rialto Square theater in Joliet, which was built around the same time as Route 66 and is currently undergoing HVAC construction. Route 66 Celebrations in Illinois Randy and Bubba discussed Route 66 celebrations in Illinois, noting that Chicago doesn't have citywide initiatives while the state is implementing benches and painted cars in locations like Pontiac. They shared experiences about living in Illinois, with Bubba mentioning his childhood in Decatur and Randy commenting on the cultural divide between Chicago and the rest of the state. Randy announced plans to visit St. Louis the following day to begin the Missouri portion of his Route 66 journey, including a scheduled Anheuser-Busch brewery tour for his birthday. Route 66 Photography and Calendar Randy and Bubba discussed the standardized appearance of alien figurines in pop culture, which Bubba attributed to their origins in 1930s-40s comics featuring "Grays" with large heads and eyes. Randy shared an incident where AI incorrectly replaced people with a flower bed in one of his photos, leading to an embarrassing social media mistake. They discussed Randy's upcoming Route 66 photography trip, including plans to visit Missouri and reach Seligman on the 11th, where he will meet Angel who is 99 years old. The conversation concluded with updates about their popular Route 66 calendar, which is selling well with 39,000 followers and 100% 5-star reviews, though they noted it will be a limited edition and likely sold out by mid-October.   SO. MANY. PHOTOS - Come join the conversation on Facebook with our 38,000 friends! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want us to sell something National Park or Route 66 related? Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska? Want me to stop asking questions?   bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com !! LISTEN TO THE OFFICIAL TRAVELS WITH RANDY SOUNDTRACK! Available on all streaming music platforms such as Apple:  TWR Full Soundtrack GET YOUR COPY OF THE TWR OFFICIAL ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL 16 MONTH CALENDAR! ONLY $19.99 Now Shipping!   https://travelswithrandy.com/ OUR ENTIRE WORLD IN ONE SPOT Click here to go everywhere we are:     Linktree Travels With Randy

  5. Sep 11

    TWR Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Ep 3: Lake Michigan And Her 97 Lighthouses

    Travels With Randy Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Episode 3 is here! Lake Michigan And Her 97 Lighthouses Lighthouse Mission and Family Stories Randy completed a week-long mission to circle Lake Michigan and visit as many lighthouses as possible, also encircling Lake Winnebago and visiting 6 lighthouses there. He plans to finish the loop by visiting lighthouses north of Navy Pier in Chicago before attending a Cubs game and tour of Wrigley Field with his cousin. The conversation shifted to discussing the importance of capturing family history through stories, with both participants sharing experiences about learning family stories from their elders and recommending tools like StoryWorth for preserving oral histories. Indiana Dunes National Park Designation Randy shared his experience returning to Indiana Dunes National Park after starting his national parks journey seven years ago, explaining how the park's designation changed from a national lakeshore to a national park through a Trump-era spending bill. He noted that the park's visitor numbers increased from 1 million to 3 million annually following the designation change. Randy also discussed his concerns about Route 66's future after its centennial and suggested making it a national byway as a way to preserve its legacy. Route 66 National Trail Discussion Randy explained that making Route 66 a national trail would allow for visitor centers and grants, noting that a bill is currently in Congress with potential to be included in an omnibus spending bill. Bubba shared his observation that younger generations, including his own children, are less familiar with Route 66's historical significance, raising concerns about its future relevance as autonomous vehicles and virtual experiences may change travel patterns. Both discussed how the generational shift in travel experiences and lack of awareness could impact businesses dependent on tourism along Route 66. Travel Experiences and Hospitality Randy shared experiences from his travels across the country, highlighting the warm hospitality he encountered in small towns in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. He described a particular encounter in Michigan where a couple invited him into their historic home after he asked permission to take photos. Randy also discussed his experiences staying at Harvest Host locations, including wineries and farms, where he pays for accommodations by purchasing goods from the facilities. Lake Michigan Lighthouse and Farm Tour Randy shared details about a trip around Lake Michigan where they visited lighthouses and farms, including a winery near Escanaba and a sixth-generation farm family near South Haven that has operated for over 200 years. The family discussed their farming operations, including challenges with late frosts affecting cherry crops, and how they pass the winter months through activities like snowmobiling and ice fishing. Randy concluded by recommending the trip, noting it covers 1,100 miles and offers beautiful scenery despite the challenge of photographing water. Lighthouse Tour and Route 66 Randy shared details about his recent lighthouse tour, highlighting notable lighthouses in Wisconsin including Raleigh Point and Bailey's Harbor, where he encountered a volunteer docent named Scott who stays overnight in the lightkeeper's quarters. Randy explained the difference between East Coast and West Coast lighthouses, mentioning that East Coast lighthouses are typically larger and include keeper's quarters, while some are now maintained as museums. Randy discussed his upcoming Route 66 trip starting Sunday, planning to drive 1,100 miles followed by 2,400 miles on Route 66 over approximately 9 weeks to reach the November 11th centennial celebration. Route 66 Podcast Planning Randy discussed his upcoming Route 66 podcast series, planning to cover a different state each week and potentially including interviews along the way. He mentioned driving at night to capture neon signs and planned to explore new developments related to the route's 100th anniversary celebration in November. Bubba expressed excitement about the upcoming content and shared updates about the podcast's growing presence on social media and merchandise offerings, including a Route 66 calendar and soundtrack. They also discussed Randy's future plans to visit Alaska and complete his goal of visiting all national parks, ending at Glacier Bay, which inspired the name of his company.   SO. MANY. PHOTOS - Come join the conversation on Facebook with our 38,000 friends! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want us to sell something National Park or Route 66 related? Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska? Want me to stop asking questions?   bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com !! LISTEN TO THE OFFICIAL TRAVELS WITH RANDY SOUNDTRACK! Available on all streaming music platforms such as Apple:  TWR Full Soundtrack GET YOUR COPY OF THE TWR OFFICIAL ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL 16 MONTH CALENDAR! ONLY $19.99 Now Shipping!   https://travelswithrandy.com/

  6. Sep 3

    TWR Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Ep 2: Wisconsin Ya Sure You Betcha

    Travels With Randy Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Episode 2 is here! Wisconsin Ya Sure You Betcha Randy and Bubba's Casual Updates Randy and Bubba discussed Randy's recent travels in Wisconsin, including stories about mosquitoes, Wisconsin Dells, and visiting during biker week. Bubba shared challenges with hot weather affecting his book business warehouse, including issues with sweat damaging packages. They briefly discussed football season and streaming service upgrades, then concluded with Randy sharing news about Stan Kroenke's $4 billion purchase of the Los Angeles Angels baseball team. Sports Franchise Valuation Discussion Randy shared information about a team owner's background, including details about his wife who is worth around $11 billion and owns 1% of Walmart. They discussed the recent $3.9 billion sale of the San Diego Padres, making it the most expensive MLB team sale to date, which influenced the higher price paid for the Angels. The conversation also touched on sports betting scandals and the rapidly increasing value of sports franchises, with Randy noting how million-dollar values have lost significance as billion-dollar values approach that threshold. Movie Performance and Re-Release Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed recent movie performances, with Bubba noting that Avengers: Endgame is projected to become the first film to earn $3 billion, while Spider-Man and other movies have performed well despite COVID-19's impact on theaters. They also discussed the success of independent films like "Obsession," which cost under $1 million to make and earned over $200 million. The conversation then shifted to the upcoming re-release of Cars, which Randy viewed as an opportunity to introduce Route 66 to a new generation, expressing concern about the road's future and the importance of road trips in understanding America's diverse landscapes. Generational Decline in Road Trips Randy expressed concerns about younger generations' lack of interest in road trips compared to previous generations, attributing it to their heavy digital lifestyle. Randy also discussed how modern car manufacturers lack the style and variety of older cars like muscle cars and 1950s vehicles, with most new cars appearing similar in black, white, and maroon colors. Randy recommended that grandparents take their grandchildren to see the Route 66 movie and suggested that Gen Xers should take their children to refresh their memories of the route. Travel and Family History Updates Randy shared updates about recent travels, including doctor visits in South Dakota where costs were significantly lower than in Washington for car registration, insurance, and Medicare. He discussed his current Lake Michigan Circle Tour trip, encountering challenges with hot weather and mosquitoes while camping in Wisconsin. The conversation ended with Randy explaining his family history research in Wisconsin, specifically mentioning his great-grandfather's birthplace and efforts to trace ancestors who disappeared after the 1860 census. Family History and Wisconsin Travel Randy shared his research into his family's history, particularly focusing on how his great-grandfather changed his surname from Smith to Smythe around the 1860s. He visited Wisconsin Dells and observed Bike Week, describing the scene of older motorcyclists with their partners. Randy is currently traveling around Lake Michigan, staying at different wineries and farms as part of a harvest host program, and expressed strong appreciation for the people and scenery of Wisconsin. Wisconsin Travels and Route 66 Bubba and Randy discussed Randy's recent travels around Wisconsin, including his experiences in Sheboygan, Milwaukee, and Door County. They talked about Wisconsin's unique cultural aspects, including supper clubs and the state's reputation for beer production. Randy shared plans for his upcoming Route 66 trip, which will take a different direction and include interviews with local people. Bubba mentioned the success of their Route 66 calendar sales and discussed potential future content, including a paid subscription option for Randy's photography on Facebook.   SO. MANY. PHOTOS - Come join the conversation on Facebook with our 37,000 friends! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want us to sell something National Park or Route 66 related? Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska? Want me to stop asking questions?   bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com !! LISTEN TO THE OFFICIAL TRAVELS WITH RANDY SOUNDTRACK! Available on all streaming music platforms such as Apple:  TWR Full Soundtrack GET YOUR COPY OF THE TWR OFFICIAL ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL 16 MONTH CALENDAR! ONLY $19.99 Now Shipping!   https://travelswithrandy.com/

  7. Aug 28

    TWR Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Ep 1: Finally Back On The Road Again!

    Travels With Randy Route 66 In The Fall of '26 Episode 1 is here! Finally Back On The Road Again! Road Trip and Business Updates Randy and Bubba discussed Randy's current road trip across the country, where he is pursuing genealogy research while traveling. Randy explained his decision to change plans from visiting the Upper Peninsula to doing a Lake Michigan loop, specifically targeting lighthouses along the route Angels Baseball Team Performance Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed the poor performance of the Angels baseball team, which is in danger of losing 100 games for the first time in their history. Randy expressed frustration with the team's owner, who prioritizes profit over winning, and they compared baseball's lack of promotion/relegation system to soccer's more flexible league structure. The conversation concluded with a discussion about innovative sports entertainment like the Savannah Bananas and the challenges of getting funding for new business ventures. Entrepreneurial Experiences and Business Financing Bubba and Randy discussed their experiences starting businesses 25 years ago, comparing the easier access to credit and financing during that period to the more restrictive current environment. They reflected on how their children, including Randy's son Jamison, have been influenced by their entrepreneurial experiences, with Jamison choosing stable employment over business ownership after witnessing both the successes and failures of Randy's business. Randy mentioned he is 14 months away from paying off his vehicle "Snuffy" after financing half the purchase price and using cash for the rest, following a $145,000 renovation. Car Mileage and Maintenance Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed their car mileage and maintenance issues. Bubba shared that his car Satan's Anus had reached 417,000 miles and had recently lost its bumper and back window due to an incident where he tried to push a tree off the road. Randy mentioned that his car Stuffy had reached 110,000 miles and he drives about 25,000 miles annually, with the mechanic indicating the engine could go up to 250,000 miles without issue. Historical Mining and Modern Parallels Bubba and Randy discussed the challenges of home ownership and the relentless nature of maintenance issues. Randy shared his recent road trip through South Dakota's Black Hills and Montana, including a visit to the ghost town of Garnett, which highlighted the difficult circumstances faced by early miners seeking fortune. They reflected on how people 200 years ago would have been gold miners if they lived then, and discussed the historical pattern where those who supplied the miners (like pick and shovel sellers) often fared better than those doing the mining, drawing a parallel to modern internet businesses like Google. Wealth Concentration and Travel Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed the dramatic increase in wealth concentration, noting how companies like Nvidia now generate billions daily while individual financial opportunities have shrunk. They explored the implications of AI market consolidation and discussed Randy's current retirement lifestyle of traveling across different states, including his upcoming Route 66 journey where he plans to focus more on experiencing the route rather than just documenting it. Randy mentioned his routine of trading until market open and staying at various locations including Harvest Hosts and occasional hotels during his travels. Route 66 Trip Planning Discussion Randy discussed his upcoming Route 66 trip back to the western United States, planning to visit places he missed during his spring journey and interview businesses along the route to see how they fared during the summer. He noted that many locations are preparing for the centennial celebration in November, with Disney planning a Cars reissue in September. Bubba mentioned that Randy's Route 66 photos have been popular on Facebook, with over 6,000 pictures taken and featured in a new 16-month calendar available for purchase. The discussion also covered Randy's plans to create more video content and adapt to Facebook's preference for vertical formats, with the podcast continuing weekly coverage of Randy's travels.   SO. MANY. PHOTOS - Come join the conversation on Facebook with our 37,000 friends! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want us to sell something National Park or Route 66 related? Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska? Want me to stop asking questions?   bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com !! LISTEN TO THE OFFICIAL TRAVELS WITH RANDY SOUNDTRACK! Available on all streaming music platforms such as Apple:  TWR Full Soundtrack GET YOUR COPY OF THE TWR OFFICIAL ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL 16 MONTH CALENDAR! ONLY $19.99 Now Shipping!   https://travelswithrandy.com/

  8. Aug 6

    TWR Summer of '26 Ep 6: How Is Summer Almost Over Already? Big Fall Plans Ahead!

    Travels With Randy Summer Of '26 Episode 6 is here! TWR Summer of '26 Ep 6: How Is Summer Almost Over Already? Big Fall Plans Ahead! AI Tools in Book Business Bubba discussed how AI tools have significantly improved his book business by automating processes like purchasing decisions and market analysis, allowing him to act as an effective CFO, purchasing manager, and analyst. He explained that while used books have gained value and are now sold at higher prices in local bookstores, the online market fees make selling used books unprofitable. Bubba shared that his youngest son Luke is an avid reader, while his other two children read sporadically. Family Updates and Movie Discussion Bubba shared updates about his family, including his son Logan starting his senior year as a marketing major at NC State and his oldest son moving back to Greenville with his fiancée who is becoming a teacher. Bubba also discussed helping his son Connor move into his dorm at Clemson and the family's excitement about being closer together in the Greenville area. The conversation concluded with a discussion about recent successful movies, particularly Spider-Man and The Odyssey, and their impressive box office performance. Alaska Travel Planning Discussion Randy discussed upcoming travel plans, revealing he will be leaving in two weeks for a trip that will last until spring. He decided not to take his vehicle on an Alaska trip, instead planning to fly to Anchorage and rent a truck, and discussed specific tours including one to the Arctic Circle for $2,500 and another to see bears in Katmai. Due to wildfires in Washington affecting Highway 2, which runs through the affected areas, Randy is considering alternative routes including Highway 20, which goes through Yellowstone, and may visit the Upper Peninsula before meeting his cousin in Milwaukee. Route 66 and Baseball Plans Randy discussed his upcoming baseball plans, including watching the Cubs play in Milwaukee and Chicago, before officially resuming his Route 66 journey on September 10-11. He explained that his current approach to Route 66 will focus on visiting and documenting the towns along the route rather than just driving through, including visiting museums and talking to storekeepers about the impact of World Cup travelers. Bubba mentioned their new Travels with Randy calendar featuring 16 photos selected by Randy from over 6,000 pictures, which is currently available for purchase and represents their first e-commerce venture selling Randy's own work.   SO. MANY. PHOTOS - Come join the conversation on Facebook with our 37,000 friends! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want us to sell something National Park or Route 66 related? Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska? Want me to stop asking questions?   bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com !! LISTEN TO THE OFFICIAL TRAVELS WITH RANDY SOUNDTRACK! Available on all streaming music platforms such as Apple:  TWR Full Soundtrack GET YOUR COPY OF THE TWR OFFICIAL ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL 16 MONTH CALENDAR! ONLY $19.99 Now Shipping!   https://travelswithrandy.com/

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4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Randy Smythe has retired and now spends his time travelling all over the United States, visiting National Parks, baseball stadiums, and this year - ALL of Route 66 Our weekly podcast will follow Randy and get weekly updates on where he's been, what he's seen, and who he's met - as well as sprinkle in some retirement planning advice, income stream ideas, and e-commerce news and discussion with his good friend Kevin "Bubba" Harmon.

Information

  • Creator
    Randy Smythe and Kevin Harmon
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    162
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © @2026 Travels With Randy
  • Show Website
    Travels With Randy Podcast