Travel Wins

Derek Jackson: Pioneering the Soundtrack of Success in the Music Industry"Unveiling the Visionary: A Start at Def Jam RecordingsIn a captivating episode of "The Travel Wins," we delved deep into the remarkable journey of Derek Jackson, a true luminary in the music industry. With a degree in communications in hand, Derek embarked on a career that would redefine the music landscape. His story begins at the legendary Def Jam Recordings, the heartbeat of hip-hop music.A Journey Worth Celebrating: 30 Years of Music ManagementOur conversation with Derek was nothing short of extraordinary. He opened the door to his past, revealing the roots of his illustrious career. From his early days, he worked alongside iconic figures and played a pivotal role in the industry's evolution.The Game-Changing Debut: LL Cool J's "Mama Said Knock You Out"Derek reminisced about his first venture into the music world, an era when LL Cool J's "Mama Said Knock You Out" was set to conquer the charts. It was a game-changing moment that set

Craig Shoemaker is a multifaceted individual whose illustrious career spans over three decades. Renowned as a stand-up comedian, actor, author, writer, and producer, he has enthralled audiences with his exceptional talents and infectious humor. Beyond his professional endeavors, Craig is also a devoted husband and father, cherishing his roles within his family.What sets Craig apart is his passion for harnessing the power of laughter to positively impact lives. Through his acclaimed "Command The Room" coaching and the establishment of the "Laughter Heals" foundation, he takes laughter to a whole new level, recognizing its incredible potential to uplift and heal.During our conversation, Craig reflects on the profound influence of the people who inspired him during his formative years, shaping his comedic journey. He reveals how he incorporates laughter into his daily life, using it as a force to improve not only his own existence but also to spread joy and positivity to everyone around him.A true visionary, Cra

Donny Starkins is an international yoga instructor, mindfulness teacher, public speaker and personal development coach from Phoenix, Arizona. He has traveled the world for his yoga teaching, public speaking and personal coaching program called “The Shift”. We had a great chat about how yoga helped him get and stay sober while helping others achieve their goals, including NFL players Darren Waller (Raiders) and Tyrann Mathieu (Chiefs).His coaching has truly helped his students during the unsettling times we find ourselves in. If you are a business traveler, his teachings and coaching can make you get ready for the “new normal” while trying to navigate what is business as usual during the lockdown times we live in.Make sure to connect with Donny on his social media pages so you can see where he is traveling to next as well as when he will be teaching and coaching around his home base in Arizona.ABOUT Donny StarkinsAs a former Division 1 baseball player, Donny’s journey into Personal Development and Mindfulness

Tristan Cole is an award-winning singer-songwriter, model, actor, and dancer whose genre of music includes Country, Pop and R&B. We had a great talk about live performances versus video performances and how getting back out on the road is letting Tristan connect with his fans again on a personal level.He shares his thoughts on the current Pop/RnB genres of music and why he is so happy writing and performing country songs that trace back to his roots in North Carolina. Tristan has definitely had his share of ups and downs in the music business and it’s great to hear how he is excited again with sharing his music with us. Make sure to connect with him on social media and I can attest he is responsive with his fans.ABOUT Tristan ColeAs a youth, Tristan Cole gained the attention of both Lou Pearlman, CEO of Transcontinental Records, (responsible for signing NSync, Backstreet Boys, and Britney Spears) and Christian “Dio” Diodatti, CEO of Caliber Records (responsible for remixes for Michael Jackson and Mary J.

Phil Frengs is the Founder and driving force behind Racing 2 End Alzheimer’s. He is also the CEO for Legistics and he traveled extensively for the corporate grind. Being a father and husband, Phil was asked the very difficult question “What do you do when someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s?”Phil’s answer to that question was deciding to make a difference in the fight against this insidious disease that affects 6 million Americans and 50 million people worldwide.“When my wife Mimi was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, I was devastated — and felt so alone. I started Racing to End Alzheimer’s as a way to channel my emotions into something that might help others who were having similar experiences.”Phil is a racing buff. His company, Legistics, has sponsored race cars for a decade. So, he wondered:“What if we replaced the big sponsor logos on our car with the names of people who are facing dementia or who have suffered from this disease? Wouldn’t families and friends contribute $250 to honor s

"Juggling Family, Wrestling, and Business: Nick Aldis' Remarkable Journey"In this thrilling episode of The Travel Wins, we delve into the extraordinary life of Nick Aldis, a British professional wrestler, devoted husband, and proud father. But that's not all – Nick also happens to be the reigning NWA World Heavyweight Champion in his second reign, and he's on a mission to conquer the world, both in the ring and in the world of business.The Champion Wrestler and Family ManNick's story is not just about his remarkable wrestling achievements but also about his deep commitment to family. He shares the spotlight with none other than his wife, Mickie James, a fellow professional wrestler and past guest on The Travel Wins. Together, they've navigated the challenging waters of a life filled with travel, all while raising their beloved son.Balancing Act: Family and CareerImagine being a professional wrestler, constantly on the road, and now, add the responsibilities of being a husband and father into the mix. Nick Ald

Don Wildman is an exceptionally charismatic television host and captivating narrator renowned for his compelling shows centered around the captivating realms of history and travel – two topics that hold an unwavering fascination in my heart. Having been an avid viewer of Don's television appearances for countless years, the opportunity to engage in a conversation with him was nothing short of extraordinary, granting me privileged access to the enthralling stories that lie concealed behind the curtains. Don's distinctive ability to merge his magnetic on-screen persona with his profound passion for history has paved the way for an awe-inspiring career, wherein he effortlessly illuminates the world's most mesmerizing sights and intriguing facts to the delight of countless individuals.One aspect that perpetually captivates me is unraveling the intricate paths individuals traverse to forge their illustrious careers, often springing from the most improbable of origins. In our conversation, Don generously shared the

Chronic Tacos is the center of my podcast with Michael Mohammed and Randy Wyner. It was a great opportunity to speak with the two men behind the past, current and future plans of a growing Mexican food chain. As we start to come out of the worldwide pandemic, I was really interested to hear how the closures affected their business and what their future plans are now. Both have traveled extensively for their restaurant business so I was able to ask how they balance business schedules, travel schedules, friends and family.A background of Chronic Tacos starts in Orange County, California, where you could find a Mexican taqueria on every corner. The food was great, but there was an opportunity to create a taco shop with not only authentic Mexican food, but with a unique vibe inspired by their Southern California roots - the Taco Life was born, and the first Chronic Tacos swung open its doors in 2002.Michael Mohammed is the Chief Executive Officer and President at Chronic Tacos Enterprises, Inc., where he oversees

"Diving into the Melodic Journey of Payton Howie: From California Roots to Nationwide Stages"In the latest riveting episode of our business travel podcast, we had the honor of sitting down with the sensational country singer and songwriter, Payton Howie. Hailing from the sun-kissed landscapes of California, Payton's musical odyssey has taken her on a captivating journey through Texas and Nashville, where her talents have flourished and her melodies have found their home.Amidst the trials and tribulations of lockdown, Payton's live performances became a beacon of hope for music enthusiasts everywhere. As the world yearned for connection, her soulful tunes bridged the gap between isolation and togetherness. Now, as the curtains gradually rise once again, Payton shares her excitement about the burgeoning tour schedule, illuminated by a plethora of eagerly anticipated shows that have been meticulously penciled into her calendar.A resounding crescendo in Payton's career, her latest single, aptly titled "Freedom,"

Kendall Reusing is an exceptional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt instructor and world champion based in the vibrant region of Southern California. Her reputation as one of the foremost competitors of her generation stems from an illustrious career that began with tremendous success as a freestyle wrestler. As she progressed through the ranks, Kendall's dominance in the super-heavyweight division as a colored belt was evident, leading her to elevate her game further by joining the esteemed black belt brackets in July 2019.Her transition to the professional division of BJJ proved to be a remarkable journey. Within a mere six months, Kendall showcased her extraordinary skills by conquering the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World No-Gi Championship, emerging victorious not only in her weight class but also in the absolute division (open weight). This landmark achievement solidified her position as one of the most esteemed and admired athletes in the realm of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.Despite her

“Unveiling the Extraordinary Routines of Dr. Angel Iscovich”In a world fraught with history's echoes, Dr. Angel Iscovich, affectionately known as "Dr. I," emerges as a remarkable individual shaped by the shadows of World War II. Born in the vibrant heart of Buenos Aires, Argentina, his roots trace back to survivors who weathered the storms of that devastating global conflict. This legacy of resilience laid the foundation for his captivating odyssey.As a young immigrant, Dr. I ventured across oceans to the United States, a realm shimmering with opportunity. His insatiable curiosity led him down dual paths—Philosophy and Medicine—a fusion that would define his life's trajectory. Amidst the hallowed halls of the University of Puget Sound, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, an achievement crowned with the distinction of Summa Cum Laude. But this was merely the prelude to a grand symphony of learning.The University of California San Francisco School of Medicine beckoned, a crucible of knowledge where Dr

I'm thrilled to have a special guest joining us - the incredible Chris Hansen.Chris is a seasoned, multi-award-winning journalist with decades of experience traveling the world for captivating stories. He started his journey as a local reporter in Michigan and then climbed the ranks, eventually becoming a prominent figure in New York, where his presence was synonymous with significant global events.Many of us remember Chris from his groundbreaking "Catch a Predator" series, which brought attention to the critical issue of online predators targeting youth. Today, he continues his mission to protect young individuals from harm by reporting on the predators using new digital platforms through his show, "Have a Seat." Embracing the digital age, Chris launched his own YouTube channel, providing fresh life to his passion for sharing intriguing stories.As a fellow business traveler, I find it fascinating to hear stories that mirror my own experiences. In this episode, Chris graciously shares how he managed the deman

Mona May is an internationally acclaimed costume designer, known for her extraordinary contributions to the film and television industry. Her profession takes her on captivating journeys across the globe, as she embarks on various projects related to her craft. From the momentous starting point in her career, designing costumes for the iconic film "Clueless," Mona's creative genius has been consistently sought after. Her ability to craft unforgettable outfits has transcended time, inspiring countless imitations even after two decades.Throughout her illustrious career, Mona May has had the privilege of collaborating with an impressive array of celebrities, including Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Nicole Kidman, Emma Stone, Jennifer Aniston, Eva Mendez, Nicolas Cage, Eddie Murphy, Demi Moore, Anna Faris, and Will Ferrell, among many others. Each partnership has allowed her to leave an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.During a fortuitous conversation with Mona, which occurred during a brief respite be

Kyle Lockrow is pursuing his passion career as a race car driver all while working his 9 to 5 job and being a newlywed. His desire to race began years ago when some family friends introduced him to the sport of auto racing. Traveling to various courses around the country has given him the opportunity to see multiple regions while racing and having to keep his scheduling and packing routines down to a minimum so he can get back to his day job and spend quality time with his wife. Southern Maryland may not have been a hot bed for racing activity for the young Lockrow. Kyle didn't let that dampen his desire to race and to date, in the past 13 years he has competed in ASA, INEX Legends, NASCAR Late Models, ChampCar Endurance Racing and tested ARCA Cars throughout the course of his career. With the support of family, friends and sponsors, Lockrow is working towards great things in his future. It’s great listening to someone pursue their goals and is willing to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve something gre

"Autumn Adele: From Model to Mental Health Advocate, Her Journey Through Travel"In this compelling episode of The Travel Wins, we dive deep into the multifaceted world of Autumn Adele, a remarkable personality who is so much more than meets the eye. From modeling and acting to being a social influencer and visual artist, Autumn's journey is nothing short of inspiring."Traveling helps with my mental health," says Autumn, setting the tone for our conversation. We explore how she found solace in travel, especially during the tumultuous times when she decided to pen her new book, "Pretty Depressed." Autumn candidly shares the emotions and challenges she faced while delving into her childhood, growing up as the oldest of four siblings, where the shadows of depression loomed large.During her 20s, Autumn battled mental illness and substance abuse. Remarkably, she didn't let these struggles define her. She pursued a marketing degree at Florida State University, then embarked on a journey to LA, where she graced the p

Heidi Cortez, an inspiring American entrepreneur, defies conventional judgments with her captivating blend of beauty and business acumen. While her striking appearance has undoubtedly opened doors for her, my interview with Heidi revealed that her true success lies in her unwavering work ethic, determination, and resilience. From an early age, Heidi embraced the mindset of an entrepreneur, a quality that led her to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.Despite facing the unique challenge of becoming a single mother at a young age, Heidi ventured into the business world by establishing a tanning salon—an unconventional start for most aspiring entrepreneurs. However, driven by her unwavering commitment to provide for her family and her unyielding work ethic, Heidi knew that hard work and dedication were essential ingredients for achieving success in her ventures.During our conversation, we delved into Heidi's latest project, the "3 Dollar Marketing Club." She envisions it as a transformative force for sma

Bethany Londyn is an author, alignment catalyst and master manifester based here in the Los Angeles California area. I had a great talk with Bethany about the stresses the worldwide pandemic lockdown affected her business and how she has helped many others going thru their own changes. She epitomizes the ability to provide for herself while helping others.Her latest book, Get Aligned Now, was written pre-pandemic but the release during these trying times was the best thing for her and the readers of the book. The book is written for you to read over a seven week period and build upon the previous weeks discoveries.She is all about Body Intelligence and teaching how to achieve results through listening to the conversations of the body. She's an advocate for her clients, always putting them first and co-creating the change necessary to support a shift towards their highest and best. She's been internationally recognized, interviewed for her products including articles in MindBodyGreen, ThriveGlobal, YogaJounal

"From Norway to Nashville: Robin Tinholt's Journey as a Scandinavian Country Crooner"Step into the melodious world of country music with a twist as we delve into the life and dreams of Robin Tinholt, an emerging country music sensation hailing from the enchanting lands of Norway. Join us in this captivating episode of The Travel Wins podcast as we unveil Robin's extraordinary journey from the heart of Scandinavia to the vibrant country music scene of Nashville.In a realm not typically associated with country melodies, Robin Tinholt defies conventions and showcases his undying passion for country music. Immerse yourself in his fascinating narrative of learning to play and sing the tunes that resonate with the soul while growing up in Norway. This episode offers a unique perspective on how distance and determination can mold an artist's identity, all set against the backdrop of a thriving Nashville dream.Embark on a musical voyage where the traditional path to success converges with the fervent desire to make i

Listen to Tawny Kitaen's Last InterviewNo other video vixen captures the spirit of the hair metal 80s like Tawny Kitaen. Her smile, charm, and allure have mesmerized millions of gen-x fans through rock videos, movies, and bedroom posters. In this enduring interview, I was lucky enough to speak with Tawny about life, love, and her plans that were tragically cut short. If you're a fan of iconic women and 80’s rock and roll, you don't want to miss this unforgettable episode of The Travel Wins that was recorded on April 22, 2021; just 15 days before her untimely passing. "The one I think about daily is Rob. I'm single now, and I think when you get to be a certain age, and dating is something that just doesn't seem like anything you want to do, you would go back to your first love, but mine is not here, and I miss him. I miss him terribly." – Tawny Kitaen Tawny was raised in San Diego and started attending concerts as a teenager. With a backstage pass at a Peter Frampton concert, Tawny immediately fell in love wit

Dr. Maria Manriquez is a physician specializing as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist in Arizona. With her practice she has taken the additional steps to specialize in prenatal care and substance use disorders during pregnancy.We had a great talk about her medical practice and how she is helping the most vulnerable groups during these times of being locked down. She also shares her story of helping women in Peru and China while on medical missions. Traveling around the world and her home state of Arizona to help women in need of help must be a fulfilling feeling. ABOUTOne of the premier programs is the Pathway Scholars Program (PSP), which is a master in medical studies. Ten students are selected by the admission committee for the PSP to spend a year optimizing learning styles, leadership principles, and fundamental basic sciences before beginning medical school.Dr. Manriquez continues clinical practice, focusing on substance use disorders in pregnancy and parenting women. Her research and advocacy focus is aim