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Travels With Randy PodcastAuthor: Randy Smythe and Kevin Harmon
Randy Smythe has decided to retire at age 59 and spend an entire year traveling across the United States with the goal of visiting every US National Park. 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. Language: en Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Places & Travel, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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TWR Route 66 Ep 17: The Route 66 Postgame Debrief And Summer Plans
Episode 17
Wednesday, 13 May, 2026
Travels With Randy Route 66 Episode 17 is here! TWR Route 66 Ep 17: The Route 66 Postgame Debrief And Summer Plans Route 66 Murals Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed Randy's travels along Route 66 in Texas, particularly focusing on new murals being created in Amarillo. Randy explained how artists are now able to create murals due to recently received grant money, describing the process he observed where artists first sketch the design before painting it. The conversation concluded with a discussion about the financial challenges faced by artists, comparing their situation to other creative professions like acting and writing. Route 66 Travel Journey Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed Randy's ongoing Route 66 travel journey, which has generated $9 in advertising revenue through podcast sponsorships. Randy explained his plans to meet up with his friend Darren in Albuquerque for golf before potentially heading to California or taking a more inland route along the western side of the Rockies to Washington, depending on gas prices. Bubba noted that Randy's travel plans are often spontaneous and unpredictable, with Randy frequently moving between different locations across the country. Route 66 September Journey Planning Randy explained his plan to return to Route 66 in September for another 16-episode journey, this time focusing on exploring destinations and experiences along the later alignments of the route rather than just following the original 1926-1930 path. He aims to be in Seligman for the Route 66 Centennial in November and is using this current trip to meet people and gather information for potential fall events. Randy noted that he has changed his approach by driving at night to see neon signs and has adjusted his schedule to better experience the route's unique features. Route 66 Photography Plans Randy shared his recent experience photographing neon signs along Route 66, including a large neon Coke bottle at a store called Pops in Arcadia. He discussed plans for a future fall trip that would focus more on experiencing Route 66 rather than just taking pictures, potentially including staying in classic motels and renting a classic car. Randy also mentioned seeing a motorcade of motorcycles and SUVs with Italian flags in El Reno, Oklahoma, though Beth clarified that the Italian flag colors are green, white, and red. Route 66 Road Trip Plans Randy shared his Route 66 road trip plans, discussing his experience driving classic cars and staying at Cracker Barrel locations along the route. He explained that the trip could be completed in about two weeks of driving 2 hours daily, and mentioned his upcoming visit to meet with Mo in Arizona and Cindy in California. Bubba revealed that Cindy is a real person, not AI, and shared his positive experience meeting her at Randy's retirement party. Reconnecting Through Social Media Platforms Bubba and Randy discussed reconnecting with old acquaintances through social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. Randy shared his experience reconnected with a former filmmaking partner through Facebook, leading to the recovery of their old Super 8 films from the 1970s. They discussed digitizing these films and potentially organizing a viewing party. The conversation also touched on their shared experiences with early technology, including the TRS-80 computer, and Bubba's childhood creative writing efforts. Generational Technology and Travel Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed the generational gap between boomers and millennials, particularly regarding technology use. They talked about Randy's travel plans, including attending 4th of July celebrations and exploring Route 66. Bubba suggested asking their Facebook audience for adventure ideas for Randy to consider during his summer travels. Randy shared his experience finding a section of Route 66 in Oklahoma with a sign marking Paul McCartney's visit in 2009. Long-Term Relationships and Travel Plans Bubba and Randy discussed their experiences with long-term relationships and travel, sharing personal anecdotes about their marriages and lifestyle choices. Randy explained his current living situation and approach to relationships, while Bubba shared insights about his 30-year marriage to Linda. They also discussed Randy's upcoming content plans for the summer, including weekly Saturday posts featuring Route 66 themes, and agreed to continue their weekly discussions while focusing on US travel content. The conversation concluded with plans to develop their website and potentially generate revenue over the summer. SO. MANY. PHOTOS - Come join the conversation on Facebook with our 33,000 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 !!
