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Travels With Randy Podcast

Travels With Randy Podcast

Di: Randy Smythe and Kevin Harmon
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 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.@2026 Travels With Randy Economia Gestione e leadership Leadership Scienze sociali Scrittura e commenti di viaggio
Episodi
  • TWR Route 66 Ep 5: Can I Borrow Your Burro? Arizona From Oatman To Ash Fork

    TWR Route 66 Ep 5: Can I Borrow Your Burro? Arizona From Oatman To Ash Fork
    Feb 17 2026
    Travels With Randy Route 66 Episode 5 is here!

    Can I Borrow Your Burro? Arizona From Oatman To Ash Fork

    Route 66 and Oatman Attractions Bubba and Randy discussed the geography and attractions along Route 66, particularly around Oatman, Arizona. They talked about the Sidewinder Road, a paved but winding route leading to Oatman, known for its mining history and now primarily gift shops. Randy described the town's population decline and its current status as a tourist destination for its burros. They also discussed the nearby Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, where camping is free for up to 14 days. Randy highlighted Kingman as a thriving town with a milder climate compared to other areas in Arizona, and mentioned that they would ask Beth for her thoughts on the matter. Kingman's Route 66 Strategic Success The discussion focused on Kingman's success as a Route 66 destination despite the highway's decertification, with the town's strategic location at a major crossroads and its ability to blend modern amenities with Route 66 nostalgia being key factors. The conversation also touched on the historical evolution of rail routes in the area and Kingman's current amenities, including multiple Starbucks locations and a Cracker Barrel. The participants discussed plans to cover the section of Route 66 from the Colorado River to Ash Fork in the next two weeks, with Flagstaff as a midpoint destination. Route 66 Town Revitalization Challenges The discussion focused on the historical and current state of small towns along Route 66, particularly Truxton and Hackberry. Randy described Truxton as a ghost town with limited businesses, noting that the last motel owner had to close due to lack of traffic and her husband's death. They discussed Hackberry's transformation into a Route 66 gift shop, with the owner maintaining its unique charm over the past 19 years. Bubba mentioned missing a musical saw shop near Hackberry, and Randy shared details about an animal rescue in Valentine, operated by a former Vegas animal act performer who switched to rescuing mistreated animals. Route 66 Landmarks and Attractions The discussion focused on various landmarks and attractions along Route 66, including the Keepers of the Wild Nature Park, a non-profit that rescues exotic animals, and the Hualapai Indian Reservation, which manages the Grand Canyon's Western Rim and related tourism activities. They discussed the Grand Canyon Caverns and the historical mining of bat guano for nitrates in the 1950s. Bubba mentioned an urban legend about the origin of the name "Antares" in Star Trek, which supposedly came from a motel along Route 66. The conversation concluded with a reminder that listeners should verify the accuracy of the discussed information and correct any inaccuracies in the group or on the Facebook page. Route 66 Preservation Efforts - Interview With Mauricio Perez Randy shared the story of , Mauricio Perez, the son-in-law of Angel Delgadillo, known as the "Guardian Angel" of Route 66. Angel, a barber and musician from Seligman, Arizona, played a crucial role in preserving Route 66 after the federal government stopped funding its maintenance in the 1980s. He initiated efforts to declare the route historic, which helped revitalize the town and its economy. Currently, Angel is focused on raising funds for a $200,000 sign to draw more visitors to Seligman, and he sells handcrafted birdhouses to contribute to this cause. The group discussed the potential for Route 66 to be included in the national park system, which could happen around its centennial anniversary in November.

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    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 !!
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    1 ora e 26 min
  • TWR Route 66 Ep 4: The California Desert - San Bernardino To Needles

    TWR Route 66 Ep 4: The California Desert - San Bernardino To Needles
    Feb 10 2026
    Travels With Randy Route 66 Episode 4 is here! The California Desert - San Bernardino To Needles Super Bowl and Weather Insights Randy and Bubba discussed the weather in different regions, with Randy noting mild temperatures during his trip despite concerns about winter weather. They shared thoughts on the recent Super Bowl, with Bubba and Randy agreeing that the game was defensively focused and not particularly exciting, while Randy expressed pride as a Rams fan despite the team's loss. They also commented on Super Bowl commercials, with Bubba praising an ad by Anthropic that humorously depicted potential future AI ads, while both agreed that many commercials seemed less impactful than in years past due to high expectations and expensive production costs. Political Sensitivities in Classic Comedies Bubba and Randy discussed the challenges of making classic comedies like "Blazing Saddles" and "Tropic Thunder" today due to political sensitivities. They reflected on how everything seems to have become political, including events like the Super Bowl halftime show, which they miss from the "good old days." Randy shared his perspective on nostalgia, attributing it to aging and a tendency to look back fondly on childhood. They also discussed Randy's extensive documentation of his Route 66 journey, with over 10,000 pictures taken, though only about 40 are shared per post. Route 66's California Transformation The discussion focused on Route 66 in California, whereRandyshared insights about the route's history and current state. He explained that California decommissioned Route 66 in 1965, converting it to County 66, and noted the varying conditions of the road through different regions. Randy highlighted Rancho Cucamonga's efforts to preserve and commemorate Route 66, contrasting it with areas like Fontana and San Bernardino, which have seen decline and transformation into areas with pawn shops, dispensaries, and vacant lots. He also mentioned visiting a Route 66-themed store called Man Cave Collectibles in Fontana. Route 66 Business Threatened Ruby interviewed Grumpy, the owner of Man Cave Collectibles in Fontana, a Route 66 landmark built in 1940. Grumpy expressed concern about the city's plan to widen the street and create a truck lane, which could threaten his business's survival. Ruby shared Grumpy's story and discussed the broader impact of progress on historical Route 66 businesses, noting the decline of smaller towns along the route. Bubba suggested adding a link to Man Cave Collectibles when posting the podcast. Route 66: California's Historical Challenges The discussion focused on Route 66, particularly in California, where they discussed the challenges faced by San Bernardino County due to its large size and limited tax base. They explored the historical significance of Route 66, including the first McDonald's location in San Bernardino, which has been turned into a museum. The conversation also covered the route's alignment with the Cajon Pass and its transition to Interstate 15, with a focus on driving the original road using frontage roads to avoid modern highways. Route 66: Desert Scenery and Ghost Towns The discussion focused on a road trip along Route 66, from Victorville to Barstow. The speaker described the desolate but scenic route, passing through several small towns including ghost towns and a unique attraction called Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch. They noted that while the area was once bustling during Route 66's heyday in the 1950s, it is now largely deserted, with only a few businesses remaining open. The speaker emphasized the peaceful driving conditions, with minimal traffic and the ability to stop freely along the road. Route 66's Decline and Revival Randy and Bubba discussed the historical Route 66, focusing on the section between Barstow and Needles, California. They talked about the decline of towns along this route due to the shift from steam to diesel trains and the construction of Interstate 40. Randy shared stories about ghost towns and abandoned gas stations, mentioning the Baghdad Cafe and its connection to a German movie. They also discussed the challenges of revitalizing old gas stations and the presence of a well-maintained house in the midst of a ghost town. Route 66 Ghost Encounter Bubba and Randy discussed a mysterious encounter on Route 66 where Randy saw a woman dressed in period clothing pushing a stroller in the middle of the desert. They debated whether the woman was a ghost, noting that she moved out of the road when she heard Randy's van. Randy planned to ask Beth about any known ghost sightings on Route 66, and they also discussed how to identify the correct route by looking for train tracks and power poles. Amboy Motel's Revival and History Randy and Bubba discussed the desolation of Ludlow, a town near Interstate 40, despite its proximity to the highway. They noted the lack of major chain businesses and the decline of Roy's Motel in Amboy, which was revitalized ...
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    1 ora e 20 min
  • TWR Route 66 Ep 3: And We Begin At The End! Santa Monica Pier, Pasadena, and Barstow

    TWR Route 66 Ep 3: And We Begin At The End! Santa Monica Pier, Pasadena, and Barstow
    Feb 3 2026
    TWR Route 66 Ep 3 of the Travels With Randy podcast is here! And We Begin At The End! Santa Monica Pier, Pasadena, and Barstow Charlotte Snowstorm Impact Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed the recent snowstorm in Charlotte, which resulted in 8 inches of snow and caused widespread disruptions. Bubba shared his experience of being stuck at home and the challenges faced by the city due to the lack of snow plows. They briefly touched on the weather conditions in other parts of the country, including Florida's iguana problem during cold weather. The conversation then shifted to the third episode of their Route 66 coverage. Route 66: History and Beginnings Bubba and Randy discussed the start of their Route 66 coverage, with Randy confirming he had begun the route from Santa Monica, its designated end point. They explored the history of Route 66, which was established in 1926 as part of a numbered highway system, though the roads already existed as trails. Randy shared that Chester Avery, known as the "father of Route 66," was instrumental in mapping and naming the route after discovering that "Route 60" was already in use. Route 66's Evolution and Impact Route 66 was originally designed as a commerce route connecting small towns from Chicago to Los Angeles, with Avery, who owned a motel in Tulsa, playing a key role in its promotion. The highway passed through downtown Los Angeles at 7th and Broadway, which was once a vibrant theater district but is now run-down. The discussion highlighted how the road evolved from dirt paths used by horse and buggy to a major transportation artery for farmers in the mid-20th century, eventually being replaced by the interstate system. Route 66's Historical Evolution Randy shared his experience exploring the original and historical routes of Route 66, highlighting its evolution from 1926 to 1938, when it became the first paved numbered highway. He explained how the route was realigned and extended to Santa Monica in the 1930s, despite its official endpoint being at Olympic and Lincoln Boulevards. Randy discussed the significance of Pasadena, noting its historical attractions like the Tournament of Roses and its role in the route, and mentioned the Figueroa tunnels, built in 1940, which rerouted Route 66 onto the Arroyo Seco Parkway. Route 66 Centennial Preservation Discussion The discussion focused on Route 66's centennial anniversary in 2026 and its current state. Randy shared insights about the varying signage and preservation efforts along the historic route across different states, noting that California does a good job by allowing cities to manage their own Route 66 markings. They discussed the end point of Route 66 in Santa Monica, where a significant sign marks its conclusion, and mentioned that Mel's Diner, originally from American Graffiti, is a popular breakfast spot near the endpoint. Route 66: American Cultural Highway The discussion focused on Route 66, its history, and its significance. Randy shared insights about the route's journey from a decommissioned highway to a symbol of American history and culture. They discussed the route's connection to the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl era, highlighted by John Steinbeck's novel "The Grapes of Wrath." Randy encouraged watching the film adaptation to better understand the experiences of those who traveled Route 66 during this period. Bubba expressed interest in rewatching the film and learning more about this historical route. Route 66: Legacy and Relevance The discussion focused on the historical significance of Route 66, its decline with the advent of the interstate system, and its cultural impact. Randy shared insights from the movie "The Grapes of Wrath" and the animated film "Cars," emphasizing key scenes that reflect the challenges faced by those who traveled the route during the 1930s. They highlighted the transition from the original Route 66 to the historic Route 66, noting the efforts to preserve its legacy. Randy assigned homework to watch these films and encouraged a reevaluation of Route 66's current state, emphasizing its relevance to small businesses and the spirit of the road. Route 66 Driving Adventure Randy shared his experience driving from Santa Monica to Chicago, offering advice for others to rent a car at LAX and start early on weekends to avoid traffic. He described driving through familiar routes, including a Tesla diner that replaced his old workplace, and emphasized taking the original Route 66 instead of freeways for a more authentic experience. Beth provided historical details about the pre-1935 route, which ran through downtown LA and Echo Park before connecting with Santa Monica Boulevard. Randy mentioned seeing a friend, Cindy, who expressed jealousy about his interaction with a computer, hinting at his close relationships with a few lifelong friends. Route 66 Journey and Challenges Randy discussed his ongoing journey along Route 66, highlighting the challenges of navigating the ...
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    1 ora e 15 min
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