Épisodes

  • Mark Mackay road shaped music Ep 329

    Mark Mackay road shaped music Ep 329
    Dec 16 2025
    Country singer-songwriter Mark Mackay joins The Travel Wins Podcast to share his journey through thousands of shows, iconic venues, and endless miles on the road.

    In this episode, Mark talks about:
    · How travel influences his songwriting
    · Staying authentic in today’s music industry
    · The stories behind songs like “Old Songs and Old Trucks”
    · Balancing creative growth with staying true to your roots

    If you love American roots music, country-rock, and real conversations about life on the road, this episode delivers.

    🎸🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with musicians, entrepreneurs, and high performers who travel for a living.
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    1 h et 28 min
  • Ashton Hood good shepard

    Ashton Hood good shepard
    Dec 9 2025
    Shepherding a Healthier Future for Pets — A Conversation with Shepherd Boy Farms CEO Ashton Hood
    When passion for animals meets generations of farm-bred expertise, something remarkable happens. That’s exactly the story behind Shepherd Boy Farms — and in my latest episode of The Travel Wins, I sit down with the company’s CEO, Ashton Hood, to explore how a Midwest family farm transformed itself into one of the most trusted names in premium pet nutrition.
    What started as a leading American meat supplier has evolved into a mission-driven brand redefining how we nourish our four-legged family members. Ashton shares how Shepherd Boy Farms recognized a massive gap in the global pet-food industry and stepped in with a simple, powerful promise: whole ingredients, honest processing, and farm-to-bowl integrity.
    Their Indiana farm now processes and packages top-quality pet products made with real beef, garden-fresh veggies, and natural fruits, offering dogs and cats around the world the kind of nutrition you'd expect from a company that has been doing things the right way for decades.
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    1 h et 24 min
  • Gale Bird making music their way Ep 327

    Gale Bird making music their way Ep 327
    Nov 17 2025
    In this episode of The Travel Wins, I sit down with Gale Bird, one of Charleston, South Carolina’s most compelling rising bands—known for their harmony-rich intimacy, electrifying stage energy, and storytelling rooted in Lowcountry life. If you’re a fan of southern Americana, indie rock warmth, and authentic artistry, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
    Gale Bird is a trio with a rare balance: powerful enough to lift a roof with full-band rock-and-roll, yet intentional enough to quiet a packed room with soft, layered harmonies. Their performances feel big and cinematic one moment, and then suddenly personal—like you’re hearing a song in your living room with old friends.
    Their sound was shaped by longtime friends Joshua Gale and Sean Monahan, who began writing songs together in their early twenties while attending college in Charleston. After years of life, travel, and creative growth, they reunited with a mission to finish what they started. The missing piece arrived right at home: Joshua’s wife, Melissa, whose vocals and presence added the dimension they didn't even know they needed. Together, the three created Gale Bird's signature warmth, chemistry, and character.
    Signed to Charleston’s own Holy City Music, the band writes with honesty, soul, and a clear-eyed look at love—its commitment, flaws, and the conversations between the two. Their songs feel lived-in, weathered, coastal, and heartfelt, shaped by the Carolina coastline they call home.

    🎙️ What We Discuss in This Episode In our conversation, we dive deep into:
    • Gale Bird’s roots in Charleston and how the Lowcountry shaped their sound
    • The creative chemistry between longtime friends and a married couple
    • Finding the balance between big-stage rock moments and harmony-driven quiet sections
    • How Holy City Music influenced their growth and direction
    • Life as a rising Southern band navigating travel, creativity, and connection
    • Their songwriting approach—celebrating devotion, confessing flaws, and telling honest love stories
    • How life on the Carolina coast continues to inspire their art


    This is a rich, thoughtful, entertaining conversation perfect for music lovers, creatives, business travelers, and anyone who appreciates authentic artistry built from real life.
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    1 h et 1 min
  • Presley Aronson Cali Country Rising Ep 326

    Presley Aronson Cali Country Rising Ep 326
    Nov 4 2025
    🎧 The Travel Wins Podcast – Episode with Presley Aronson 🎧
    In this episode, California country singer/songwriter Presley Aronson joins me to talk about his life on the road, his creative process, and his vision for the future of country music.

    🌎 Highlights:
    • Recent tour experiences and fan connections
    • Sneak peek into his new music (including “Broke Heart” ft. Russell Hitchcock!)
    • His business insights as an independent artist
    • What “Cali Country” really means to him

    Presley’s blend of artistry, independence, and entrepreneurial drive makes this a can’t-miss episode for anyone chasing their creative dream.

    👉 Don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring interviews from The Travel Wins.
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    59 min
  • Luke Schneider fueling business and growth Ep 325

    Luke Schneider fueling business and growth Ep 325
    Oct 27 2025
    In this inspiring episode of The Travel Wins Podcast, host Pete Kotzbach sits down with Luke Schneider, CEO and co-founder of Fire Department Coffee, to explore how a mission-driven company grew from the firehouse to Walmart shelves across America.

    A U.S. Navy veteran and firefighter, Luke’s story is one of purpose, perseverance, and leadership. What began as a small-batch coffee roasting operation has become a nationally recognized brand — one that not only delivers great coffee but also gives back through the Fire Dept. Coffee Foundation, supporting injured and ill first responders.

    ☕ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
    ·Luke’s journey from firefighter to successful CEO
    ·The story behind Fire Department Coffee’s Walmart expansion
    · How business travel drives growth and brand partnerships
    · Balancing leadership, travel, and family life
    · The company’s mission to serve those who serve us

    Whether you’re a business traveler, entrepreneur, or coffee lover, this conversation will fuel your motivation to build with purpose and lead with integrity.

    🔥 About Fire Department Coffee Fire Department Coffee (FDC) is a veteran-owned, firefighter-run coffee company dedicated to crafting delicious, small-batch roasts while giving back to first responders. Every cup supports the Fire Dept. Coffee Foundation, which helps firefighters and first responders who are injured or facing illness. Shop now ➡️ https://www.firedeptcoffee.com

    ✈️ About The Travel Wins The Travel Wins is a business travel podcast hosted by Pete Kotzbach, featuring world-class guests — from athletes and entrepreneurs to entertainers and executives — who share how they balance success, travel, and life on the road.

    🎧 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations
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    47 min
  • Dr Ryan Nordell total body optimization Ep 324

    Dr Ryan Nordell total body optimization Ep 324
    Oct 20 2025
    🌟 Unlocking Total Body Optimization with Dr. Ryan Nordell 💪✈️
    In the latest episode of The Travel Wins, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Ryan Nordell, a true innovator in the world of total body optimization, longevity, and functional wellness. Based in Dallas, TX, Dr. Nordell has made a name for himself as a trusted expert for professional athletes, celebrities, CEOs, and thought leaders worldwide. His mission? To help people achieve peak physical performance and lasting well-being—without relying on surgery or pharmaceuticals.

    A Leader in Longevity, Biohacking & Wellness Dr. Nordell’s expertise spans a wide range of cutting-edge disciplines, including:
    🧠 Kinesiology & Exercise Science
    🧍‍♂️ Functional Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy
    ⚡ Sports Performance & Biohacking
    🌿 Lifestyle Personal Wellness
    Through his virtual and in-person concierge practice, Dr. Nordell has successfully guided thousands of clients across the globe toward healthier, stronger, and more resilient bodies.

    💡 Cutting-Edge Treatments That Redefine Recovery At the forefront of technological and scientific innovation, Dr. Nordell integrates a powerful combination of modern modalities and natural approaches. His toolbox includes: By pairing alternative treatment methods with natural anti-inflammatory agents, Dr. Nordell optimizes recovery, reduces pain, and enhances overall vitality for his clients—whether they’re elite athletes or busy executives managing the demands of travel and leadership.

    🌍 Trusted by the Best Dr. Nordell’s reputation has earned him the privilege of working with high-performing individuals on a worldwide stage. From locker rooms to boardrooms, he provides bespoke care that empowers clients to push limits, recover smarter, and live healthier lives. When he’s not helping others achieve peak performance, Dr. Nordell enjoys life in Dallas, Texas, with his wife and three children—living proof that balance between family, work, and wellness is possible.

    🎧 Listen Now Don’t miss this powerful conversation that dives deep into modern wellness strategies, recovery optimization, and the future of human performance. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, athlete, or simply passionate about health, Dr. Nordell’s insights are packed with practical wisdom you can apply today.
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    1 h et 3 min
  • Crystal Bowersox singing while driving Ep. 323

    Crystal Bowersox singing while driving Ep. 323
    Oct 13 2025
    🎙️ Crystal Bowersox: From American Idol to Life on the Road
    In the latest episode of The Travel Wins, we sit down with the incredibly talented Crystal Bowersox — a singer, songwriter, and storyteller whose journey has been anything but ordinary. 🌟 From her breakout moment as the runner-up on Season 9 of American Idol to her current life crisscrossing the country in a self-built touring van, Crystal embodies the true spirit of independence, resilience, and creativity on the road.
    🚐✨ 🛣️ Hitting the Highway in Her Own Way While many musicians rely on tour buses and teams to navigate their travel, Crystal took a different route — literally. She designed and built her own touring van, turning it into a home-on-wheels that allows her to bring her music to fans across the nation while staying connected to nature, freedom, and simplicity. Whether parked under the stars or driving through winding highways, Crystal’s van life reflects her deep commitment to authentic living. Her recent travels have taken her to intimate venues and festival stages alike, proving that meaningful music doesn’t need a massive entourage — just heart, grit, and a good engine. 🔧
    🌟 American Idol & A Star Is Born Crystal first captured America’s attention with her soulful voice and heartfelt performances during American Idol 2010, where she was voted the season’s runner-up. Her raw talent and unwavering authenticity resonated with millions, launching a music career that has continued to evolve well beyond the spotlight of television. From powerful original songs to moving live performances, Crystal has carved out a space in the Americana, folk, and country-rock scenes — staying true to herself every step of the way. 🎤
    💉 Touring with Type 1 Diabetes Behind the music and travel adventures lies another powerful story — Crystal’s journey of living with Type 1 diabetes while maintaining a demanding touring schedule. Managing her health on the road requires constant vigilance, careful planning, and resilience. In our conversation, she opens up about the unique challenges of being a touring musician with diabetes: from keeping insulin at the right temperature while traveling in different climates to ensuring proper care between performances. Her honesty and determination are both inspiring and deeply relatable to anyone balancing health with ambition. 💪❤️
    🎧 Listen Now This episode is a beautiful blend of music, travel, health, and heart — an intimate look at the life of an artist who continues to pave her own path with courage and creativity. 👉 Tune in to The Travel Wins Podcast to hear Crystal’s full story — from her van adventures to her Idol days and everything in between.
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    1 h et 56 min
  • Autumn Adele diva in France Ep 322

    Autumn Adele diva in France Ep 322
    Oct 6 2025
    In this inspiring new episode of The Travel Wins, I sit down with the incredible Autumn Adele, who recently took a bold leap and relocated to France!

    We dive deep into her journey of embracing change — from the challenges of adapting to a brand-new culture and lifestyle, to the exciting opportunities that come with career flexibility. Autumn opens up about the highs and lows of expat life, offering honest reflections and valuable takeaways for anyone curious about starting a new chapter abroad.

    Whether you're dreaming of moving overseas or simply love hearing real stories of reinvention, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and heart.
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    1 h et 16 min