The Travel Wins

Campbell McLaren Is Still Breaking the Rules Some people build a legacy and spend the rest of their careers talking about it. Campbell McLaren isn't one of those people. While many fans know him as one of the visionaries who helped launch the UFC and introduce mixed martial arts to the mainstream, Campbell's focus today is firmly on the future. As the founder and CEO of Combate Global, he continue...

From The Gridiron to Visionary Photographer: Tony Mandarich reinvents greatness Some careers define chapters. Others rewrite entire stories. In this episode of The Travel Wins, I sit down with Tony Mandarich — known first to the world as a powerhouse offensive lineman, and now celebrated as a bold, imaginative photographer based in Arizona. His journey from the roar of football stadiums to the qui...

On this episode of The Travel Wins Podcast, host Pete Kotzbach sits down with rising Texas-based country rock band Dear Iris for an honest conversation about music, travel, sacrifice, and chasing a dream while managing real-life responsibilities. Forged in the heart of East Texas, Dear Iris delivers a powerful blend of Texas country music and alternative rock grit. From the driving energy of “Kyli...

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 grow...

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...

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 balan...

🎧 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 busine...

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 operatio...

🌟 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 wo...

🎙️ 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, Cry...

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, offeri...

🌍🎶 Travel, Stages, and Songs: The Global Music Journey of Chris Erasmus 🎶🌍 For  Chris Erasmus , music has always been more than a passion — it’s been his passport. From the quiet beginnings of his childhood in Zimbabwe to stages across South Africa, Cape Town, New York, Australia, and now London , Chris has carried his voice and stories to audiences around the globe. At just 18, Chris left Afr...

Meet Michael J. Wistock: The Executive by Day, Rockstar by Night What does it take to thrive in two drastically different worlds—corporate boardrooms and rock stages—while still managing to keep your feet on the ground (and your heart full)? My guest,  Michael J. Wistock , is the definition of a modern renaissance man who proves that passion and professionalism don’t have to live in separate lanes...

Between the Waves of Family, Work & Travel | Mike Love Jr. on The Travel Wins This week’s episode of The Travel Wins brings a powerful and heartfelt conversation with Mike Love Jr., whose life story is beautifully captured in his newly authored book, Between The Waves. More than just a memoir, Between The Waves dives deep into Mike’s personal journey—his relationship with his mom and his famou...

Get ready for a wild ride 🎯 as I sit down for a second time with the multi-talented Lucas Hoge — a Billboard No.1-charting country artist, globe-trotting TV host, and passionate conservationist! 🌟 Whether he's casting a fishing line in New Zealand 🐟, calling in a turkey in North America 🦃, or performing his heart out on stage 🎤, Lucas does it all with charm, grit, and authenticity. As the hos...

Meet the “Worm Queen” – Kim Rogers This week on  The Travel Wins , I’m thrilled to welcome Kim Rogers — a seasoned wellness professional turned holistic health pioneer with over two decades of experience in Western medicine. After facing her own health challenges in 2019, Kim shifted her focus from conventional medicine to natural healing. Her personal journey led her to found  RogersHood Apotheca...

🎙️🎶 Velvet Rodeo Saddles Up for Stardom on The Travel Wins! 🤠🌟 Hold on tight, y’all — my next guests on The Travel Wins podcast are the unstoppable country music duo Velvet Rodeo 🎤🔥! Get ready to meet Leah and Bryan , a powerhouse pair who blend the sweet twang of classic country with fresh, soulful vibes that’ll stick with you like Carolina honey 🍯🎸. From their chance meeting just four yea...

🎬 Unveiling The Truth: Nathan Apffel on The Travel Wins Podcast 🌍 This week on  The Travel Wins , I’m joined by award-winning filmmaker and global explorer Nathan Apffel 🎥✈️. Nathan’s latest project, A Religion Business , takes viewers on a powerful journey around the world 🌎, uncovering the intersection of faith, money, and power. From ancient temples to modern mega-churches, Nathan investiga...

🌍✈️ Gut Health on the Go with Dr. Cynthia Barrett When you’re constantly on the road, your gut can take a serious hit — and that’s where Dr. Cynthia Barrett steps in! 💥 Known as The Gut Health Guru, Dr. Cynthia is a powerhouse in the world of functional medicine and gut microbiome health, especially for business travelers looking to stay energized, focused, and resilient while juggling a demandi...

🎶 Meet Connor Daly, the rising Nashville star whose debut album Colors Fade has the music world buzzing! 🌈🔥 Hailed as one of the most impressive debuts of 2024, Connor’s heartfelt lyrics and cinematic soundscapes are already earning rave reviews from American Songwriter, Maverick Magazine, Holler, and more. 💥 At just 25, this Virginia native-turned-Nashville singer-songwriter is blending acous...

Unlocking Holistic Health on the Road | Dr. Chris Motley on The Travel Wins Podcast In this powerful episode of  The Travel Wins , I sit down with Dr. Chris Motley , a globally respected alternative health practitioner and host of the hit Ancient Health Podcast . Known for his expertise in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) , frequency medicine , and applied kinesiology , Dr. Motley shares his ins...

From Comic Panels to Movie Props: Chuck Costas On this episode of  The Travel Wins , I sit down with Chuck Costas , a lifelong comic art collector and the Vice President of Business Development and Operations at Propstore , one of the world’s leading auction houses for film and television memorabilia. Chuck’s career is the perfect blend of business acumen, creative passion, and travel, making his...

Education and Family: Insights from Dr. Larissa Rector On a recent episode of The Travel Wins podcast, Dr. Larissa Rector, PhD, shared eye-opening insights into the challenges facing modern educators. From teacher burnout and test score pressure to the increasing reliance on uncertified teachers, she highlighted the growing struggles within the education system. As a single mother and dedicated ed...

Lily Grace: From the Gold Coast to Nashville – A Rising Star's Journey Join us for an exciting episode featuring Lily Grace, the 18-year-old sensation from Australia’s Gold Coast! Now taking her talents to Nashville, she’s already making waves in the music industry by collaborating with iconic artists and supporting Vance Joy, captivating audiences at major festivals. Lily's heartfelt performances...

Jeff Mahony: Reinventing Vodka and Business Innovation At The Travel Wins, we love speaking with entrepreneurs who disrupt industries, challenge conventions, and find success in unexpected places. Our latest guest, Jeff Mahony, CEO of NEFT Vodka, embodies all of these qualities. Jeff has taken a unique approach to the spirits industry, creating a premium vodka brand that stands out—not just for it...