74 episodes

The Journey is the Reward was a show about obtaining 3 Million Mile status with United Airlines in less than 18 months. The show was about the journey in achieving these miles and United 1K status for life. However, now that Brian has achieved the 3 Million Mile goal, in 13 months, the show has morphed a bit into a travel show. Sure, he is still documenting his quest for 4 Million Miles and lifetime Global Services status but he and Micah cover so much more. So come travel the world with Brian as he attempts to reach yet another milestone and talked with subject matter experts along the way.

The Journey Is The Reward (dot) ORG Brian T. Coleman

    • Leisure
    • 4.8 • 14 Ratings

The Journey is the Reward was a show about obtaining 3 Million Mile status with United Airlines in less than 18 months. The show was about the journey in achieving these miles and United 1K status for life. However, now that Brian has achieved the 3 Million Mile goal, in 13 months, the show has morphed a bit into a travel show. Sure, he is still documenting his quest for 4 Million Miles and lifetime Global Services status but he and Micah cover so much more. So come travel the world with Brian as he attempts to reach yet another milestone and talked with subject matter experts along the way.

    Episode 71 : Avelo Gets Me To Drink Wine

    Episode 71 : Avelo Gets Me To Drink Wine

    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!

    • 52 min
    Episode 70 : Long Haul With Alaska Airlines

    Episode 70 : Long Haul With Alaska Airlines

    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!

    • 1 hr 4 min
    Episode 69 : Surprise!!! Momma Coleman Has A Visitor

    Episode 69 : Surprise!!! Momma Coleman Has A Visitor

    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!

    • 54 min
    Episode 68 : U2 Has A New Stalker

    Episode 68 : U2 Has A New Stalker

    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!

    • 52 min
    Episode 67 : Flying on Southwest to Sacramento / Lodi, CA

    Episode 67 : Flying on Southwest to Sacramento / Lodi, CA

    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!

    • 49 min
    Episode 66 : Matt Smith - Plane Talking UK

    Episode 66 : Matt Smith - Plane Talking UK

    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!

    • 1 hr 14 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
14 Ratings

14 Ratings

Jimmy B TX ,

Great show for air travelers

Enjoy listening to the tips Brian provides. They help me as a frequent flyer!

Kelly Furlong ,

Great air travel podcast

Brian and Micah do a masterful job of entertaining with Brian’s current travel while mixing in a taste of travels from the past. I am a bit behind with the podcast so if you have reached the reward CONGRATULATIONS!!!

segatron ,

Good air travel podcast

It’s fun to hear travel stories from people who *love* to fly

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