Best Fifth Estates Podcasts (2025)

1
123. Using Real Estate Spending to Maximize Credit Card Points with Jaina Pallasigui 33:02

1d ago33:02

33:02

Have you ever wondered how real estate investments could help you travel more—without spending more? In this episode, I’m joined by Jaina Pallasigui, a public health professional, real estate investor, and points enthusiast who turned her real estate expenses into business class flights and luxury hotel stays around the world. From managing short-t…

1
Home Inspections 101: What Buyers Need to Know | Ask Chris Phillips - Real Estate Podcast 11:39

6d ago11:39

11:39

Thinking of skipping the home inspection? Think again. In this episode, Chris Phillips walks you through everything buyers and sellers need to know about home inspections in Middle Tennessee. From timelines and repair requests to red flags and non-negotiables, Chris breaks it down in plain English. He shares why inspections matter for every home, i…

1
Why Zillow Isn’t Your Best Home Buying Tool | Ask Chris Phillips - Real Estate Podcast 6:22

6d ago6:22

6:22

Zillow might be popular, but it’s not built for buyers or sellers. In this episode, Chris Phillips explains why Zillow (and similar platforms) often show outdated or inaccurate listings, and how their business model is designed to sell your data to real estate agents, not serve your home search. Chris shares real-world examples of clients relying o…

1
5 Curb Appeal Tips That Actually Work | Ask Chris Phillips – Real Estate Podcast | Ask Chris Phillips - Real Estate Podcast 6:12

6d ago6:12

6:12

First impressions sell homes and most buyers decide how well a property’s been cared for within seven seconds of pulling up. In this episode, Chris Phillips shares the five simple, affordable ways to instantly boost your curb appeal and create the kind of exterior that makes buyers want to step inside. From power washing and fresh mulch to painting…

1
What Is FOMO in Real Estate and How Do You Avoid It? | Ask Chris Phillips - Real Estate Podcast 6:38

6d ago6:38

6:38

Fear of missing out, aka FOMO, can lead to some of the worst real estate decisions you'll ever make. In this episode, Chris Phillips breaks down the two types of FOMO that buyers face in the fast-moving Middle Tennessee market: the rush to make an offer out of fear, and the hesitation to commit because “something better might be out there.” With ov…

1
122. Listener Q&A: Adding a Third Points Currency, Booking Emirates First, and Points Regret 1:09:45

8d ago1:09:45

1:09:45

This episode is all about your questions—and real answers. I’m back with another listener Q&A, tackling the exact points and miles decisions you’re working through right now. Ever feel like you're making credit card decisions in a vacuum? From wondering if it's time to add Capital One or Mesa to your rewards card portfolio, to recovering from redem…

1
121. Chase’s New Business Card Just Dropped & The CSR Gets An Update—Here’s Why We’re Not Impressed 56:05

15d ago56:05

56:05

Chase just launched a new business credit card and rolled out changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve—but are these updates actually worth getting excited about? In this episode, I’m joined once again by Kelly from The Points and Miles Doc for a candid review of what’s new in the Chase ecosystem. From rising annual fees to underwhelming credits and a…

1
Welcome to Ask Chris - Real Estate Podcast Show 0:23

20d ago0:23

0:23

Welcome to the Ask Chris - Real Estate Podcast with Chris Phillips from Keller Williams. Chris is a successful 20-year veteran in the Middle Tennessee Real Estate market with over 100 five-star reviews. He is known for his knowledge and integrity. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing or just curious, his insight will guide you along the way. S…

1
120. The biggest surprises (and letdowns) of 2025 so far 1:20:15

22d ago1:20:15

1:20:15

Have you been wondering what’s really happening in the world of credit card points and award travel this year? In this episode, I’m joined by Kelly, The Points and Miles Doc to break down the biggest shifts in 2025 so far. From major devaluations to standout sweet spots, we’re giving you an honest look at what’s working now—and what’s not. We also …

1
119. Alaska Airlines Sweet Spots: Amazing Ways to Use Alaska Miles (That You Might Be Missing) 28:41

29d ago28:41

28:41

Have Alaska miles—or thinking of transferring your Amex points before the June 30 deadline? In this episode, I’m breaking down some of the most valuable ways to redeem Alaska Airlines miles right now. From low-cost domestic redemptions to hard-to-find international business class flights, this guide walks you through the sweet spots that make Alask…

1
118. Jet-Set with JAL: Bilt’s Boldest Transfer Partner Yet 38:25

1M ago38:25

38:25

Have you ever dreamed of flying to Japan in business class—without paying out of pocket? Bilt just made that a lot easier. In this episode, I’m joined by award travel strategist Ben Komenkul to talk about the newest (and most exciting) Bilt Rewards transfer partner: Japan Airlines. This partnership opens the door to premium flights across Asia and …

1
117. Making Smart Transfer Moves: When Speculative Points Transfers are Worth It (And When They’re Not) 27:06

1M ago27:06

27:06

A major points transfer pathway is shutting down—and it's got a lot of people wondering: should I move my Amex points to Alaska Airlines before the door closes? In this episode, I break down the fast-approaching June 30 deadline to transfer Amex points to Hawaiian Airlines (and from there to Alaska), and walk you through my personal decision—includ…

1
116. The Award Travel Trick Hiding in Plain Sight: Fifth Freedom Flights 25:26

2M ago25:26

25:26

If you’ve ever struggled to find award space—especially in business class—this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. In this episode, I’m diving into a unique but often overlooked type of airline route called a fifth freedom flight. These flights are legal exceptions in commercial aviation that allow an airline to fly between two foreign countrie…

1
115. Rhythms, Routines, and REM: Expert Tips to Manage Jet Lag & Sleep Disruption While Crossing Time Zones 43:38

2M ago43:38

43:38

No matter how dreamy your destination is, there’s one thing that can make or break your trip: sleep. In this episode, I’m joined by sleep therapists Leah Corkum and Marlee Boyle, co-founders of Sleep-Works, a Canadian-based virtual sleep education company helping individuals and families improve their sleep health. With certifications in CBT for in…

1
114. Finally! Turning Your Mortgage into Points: How Mesa is Flipping the Script on Rewards 30:56

2M ago30:56

30:56

There’s finally a card that rewards you for the one expense that’s been completely ignored in the points world: your mortgage. In this episode, I’m talking with Kelley Halpin, CEO of Mesa, about the first credit card that lets you earn points for mortgage payments—plus other major homeowner expenses like daycare, utilities, and home improvement. Ke…

1
113. 4 Ways to Maximize Points for Costco Spend (Without Overcomplicating It) 20:10

2M ago20:10

20:10

Whether your Costco haul includes a 5-pound bag of almonds or a giant sectional sofa, one thing is certain: you’re probably not spending just a few bucks. If you’ve ever wondered how to earn more credit card points on your Costco runs, this episode walks you through four smart, strategic ways to maximize rewards—whether you’re shopping in-store, on…

1
112. Best Ever or Big Mistake? 3 Steps to Evaluate if Best-Ever Welcome Offers are Right for You 14:40

3M ago14:40

14:40

A limited time elevated credit card bonus offer sounds amazing—so should you go for it? In this episode, I break down how to evaluate elevated credit card welcome bonuses so you can make a smart, strategic decision. Using the current Chase Sapphire Preferred offer as a real-world example, I walk through the three questions you need to ask before ju…

1
111. Life, Travel, and Money Hacks with Chris Hutchins 1:06:42

3M ago1:06:42

1:06:42

What does it look like to fully optimize your life—not just financially, but how you travel, make decisions, and spend your time? In this episode, I’m joined by Chris Hutchins, host of All the Hacks, for a fast-paced conversation about how to get more value, joy, and efficiency from everything you do. We talk about optimizing credit card rewards, s…

1
Amanda Steele on pathways to success in sustainability 36:48

3M ago36:48

36:48

Amanda Steele is group executive, head of property for ISPT, a business with a strong sustainability profile in the built environment. In her current role, Amanda is in the leadership team; but in the past she’s had direct sustainability roles at Stockland and CBRE and before that under the mentorship of our current Governor General Sam Mostyn when…

1
110. 2025 Tax Payment Updates You Need to Know with Dr. Sujatha Murali 42:01

3M ago42:01

42:01

With changes to credit card processing platforms and fee structures for 2025, the strategy for paying taxes with a credit card—and earning points while doing it—has shifted. In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend and points expert Dr. Sujatha Murali to walk you through the major changes in tax payment processing for 2025—and how to earn huge…

1
TFE Learn: Gabrielle McMillan on activating the vertical villages of office towers 57:32

3M ago57:32

57:32

Gabrielle McMillan kicked off Equiem in 2011 for Lorenz Grollo, developer and part owner of the Rialto tower in Melbourne who could see the enormous potential of adding value for occupants in the building through technology and social programs to create a kind of village in the sky, that made tenants sticky. Other people agreed. Today the business …

1
109. How to Pack Smart for Travel Without Sacrificing Style with Cassandra Sethi 35:06

3M ago35:06

35:06

Have you ever stood in front of your suitcase, overwhelmed, unsure what to pack—or panic-ordered outfits days before a trip that you’ll never wear again? You’re not alone. In fact, this episode might be exactly what your suitcase (and closet) needs. In this episode, I’m joined by Cassandra Sethi, personal stylist and founder of Next Level Wardrobe,…

1
108. Credit Card Points Transfers: Do’s, Don’ts, and Pro Tips 43:43

4M ago43:43

43:43

As someone who has booked over $192,000 worth of travel using points just this year, I've learned that mastering the art of points transfers is the key to unlocking incredible travel experiences. But knowing when and where to transfer your points isn't always straightforward or intuitive, especially when you're new to this hobby. In this episode, I…

1
107. Skill Stacking Your Way to Better Points Redemptions 37:28

4M ago37:28

37:28

Do you feel confident in your points redemption skills, or do you suspect you might be missing out on better deals? With a little knowledge and practice, you can learn to stack the key skills needed to get incredible value from your points, and I'm showing you how this week. Tune in as I break down the six key levels of points redemption skill stac…

1
106. Lessons Learned & Top Tips from Running Thousands of Award Searches 35:14

4M ago35:14

35:14

I share my top tips for running successful award flight searches gleaned from years of experience booking award travel. Let's dive into the key differences between searching for cash flights versus award flights, and how to overcome the challenges of information overload and limited award seat inventory. I break down the most important mindset shif…

1
105. Turn Payroll into Points: A Game-Changing Strategy for Business Owners with DeAndre Coke 35:51

4M ago35:51

35:51

In this episode, I'm joined by DeAndre Coke, a financial advisor and an avid traveler who was ranked by Forbes as one of Virginia’s top financial security professionals for two consecutive years. DeAndre shares his experience using an innovative platform called Zil Money to pay payroll with his credit card, racking up huge amounts of valuable rewar…

1
Sara Stace and Marc Lane on Active transport and Placemaking 47:18

4M ago47:18

47:18

Sara Stace is an influential voice in the active transport and placemaking space. Recently she joined forces with Marc Lane at Vivendi Consulting to becomes its new joint directors of cities. Stace and Lane met at WSP, where the two shared an immense passion for designing for cities and streets. Stace and Lane are now working on housing strategies,…

1
104. Expert Answers to Your Top Award Travel Questions: Listener Q&A 53:06

4M ago53:06

53:06

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out in the world of award travel, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples. I break down complex topics like transferable points currencies, positioning flights, and maximizing leftover gift card balances in a way that's easy to understand and apply to your own travel goals…

1
Jane Cassidy on the massive transformation on the way 59:27

5M ago59:27

59:27

As national president of the Australian Institute of Architects Jane Cassidy juggles a lot of competing priorities – and they’re not all in the order you’d expect. There are the usual topics of aesthetics and the role of architects and how it’s been eroded over the past decades. Host: Tina Perinotto Produced by: The Fifth Estate The Fifth Estate we…

1
103. CME Secrets: Unlock International Travel with Dr. Courtney Downes 35:26

5M ago35:26

35:26

Are you a medical professional looking for ways to leverage your CME funds for travel? I'm joined by Dr. Courtney Downes, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, Points and Travel strategist, and founder of Prescription to Travel MD. She helps healthcare professionals optimize credit card points and travel hacks for accessible leisure, adve…

1
Andrew Eagles on NZ’s green challenge in the new political regime 50:45

5M ago50:45

50:45

Andrew Eagles, CEO of the New Zealand Green Building Council reports on an industry that wants to do better, wants green buildings and better regulation. This conversation is a breath of fresh air. Listen now! Host: Tina Perinotto Produced by: The Fifth Estate The Fifth Estate website: www.thefifthestate.com.au Sign up to the newsletter: https://th…

1
102. Maldives Dream Vacation: Booking, Business Class & Insider Tips 1:12:34

5M ago1:12:34

1:12:34

From finding award availability to navigating the unique transportation logistics of getting to and from the Maldives, I walk you through everything that went into planning this ambitious trip. I also share my honest review of the flights we took, what it was like staying at the luxurious Park Hyatt Maldives, and how I kept food costs under control…

1
101. Behind the Points: How the Travel Mom Squad Built a Thriving Travel Business 48:49

5M ago48:49

48:49

The Travel Mom Squad shares their journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential voices in the award travel industry. We dive into the challenges they faced along the way, the strategies they used to overcome them, and the lessons they learned as they grew their business. Get ready for an inside look at how these three power…

1
100. The Podcast Turns 100 (Episodes)! Stories, Stats, and Surprises 29:19

5M ago29:19

29:19

In this special 100th episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of the podcast’s journey. I share why I started this venture, reveal surprising statistics about the show, and discuss how I use what I’ve learned to make the next 100 episodes even better for you. Whether you're a long-time listener who's been here since day one or you just found your…

1
99. Keep, Cancel, or Change: Simple Steps to a Stronger Credit Card Portfolio 34:26

6M ago34:26

34:26

In this episode, I walk you through my simple 5-step process for evaluating which rewards credit cards deserve to keep their coveted spots in your wallet for another year. I explain why regularly assessing your card lineup is crucial for aligning your strategy with your evolving points goals and spending patterns. By the end, you'll know exactly ho…

1
98. 2024 Year in Review: Points Redeeming Rundown with Dr. Sujatha Murali (Part 2) 1:06:01

6M ago1:06:01

1:06:01

In this episode, I'm joined again by Dr. Sujatha Murali for part two of our 2024 points recap. Last week, we dove into how many points we earned in 2024 and the strategies we used. This week, the fun continues as we reveal exactly how we redeemed those points. Sujatha and I share our most memorable award trips, our highest value redemptions, and th…

1
97. 2024 Year in Review: Points Earning Rundown with Dr. Sujatha Murali (Part 1) 1:23:02

6M ago1:23:02

1:23:02

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Sujatha Murali for an in-depth look at our 2024 points earning strategies, successes, and surprises. Get ready for a peek inside our wallets as we break down the nitty-gritty details of our points game. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out in the world of points and miles, this episode is packed with…

1
96. End the Year Like a Points Pro: Your Step-by-Step Points Review Guide 21:32

6M ago21:32

21:32

As another year comes to a close, I have a tradition of looking back and taking stock of how many points I earned, how I earned them, and the value I got from redeeming them. It's an enlightening and even surprising exercise that I believe every points and miles enthusiast should do. I invite you to conduct your own points year in review and even g…

1
95. Flying Two for One: Do's and Don'ts for Snagging a Southwest Companion Pass with Lyn Mettler 1:10:06

7M ago1:10:06

1:10:06

We’re almost at the end of 2024, which means it’s the season to start laying the foundation for earning one of the most extraordinary perks in points travel: the Southwest Companion Pass. With that in mind, it’s time to revisit a conversation from this time last year with Southwest expert Lyn Mettler. A longtime travel journalist, Lyn has been writ…

1
Philip Graus on how cities are shaped and how to shape them 1:33:50

7M ago1:33:50

1:33:50

Philip Graus has an omnibus cache of insights and history into how cities are formed, what keeps them growing or failing and how to make them sustainable. This podcast is a bit of rambling chat, weaving in and out the incredible number of influences that make a city tick – or not. Host: Tina Perinotto Produced by: The Fifth Estate The Fifth Estate …

1
94. Expert Analysis: 2024 Points and Miles Winners, Losers, and Key Trends with Kevin Zanes 1:01:36

7M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

Kevin Zanes, The Points Analyst, is here to share his expert take on the highlights and lowlights, the winners and losers, and the key developments that defined award travel in 2024. Together, we'll be unpacking the most significant events and digging into what these changes mean for points enthusiasts moving forward. From major devaluations that s…

1
93. Buckle Up, BOGO: Strategies for Maximizing the Southwest Companion Pass with Dr. Michelle Walther 26:42

7M ago26:42

26:42

I'm joined by Dr. Michelle Walther, who has been leveraging the Southwest Companion Pass to save money and make unforgettable memories with her family. Michelle is an emergency medicine physician, mom to two amazing girls, and wife to a retired army medic. When she's not saving lives, she's saving miles, turning her love for travel into a family ad…

1
92. Award Travel Hotspot: Unlocking Mexico City’s Hidden Potential with Kelsi Sullivan 37:30

7M ago37:30

37:30

Kelsi Sullivan grew up in Puerto Rico and Mexico City and has lived in way too many places, but her favorite was when she lived in Sri Lanka for 3 years! Traveling for Kelsi is about connection to people, food, culture, and history. In the travel rewards space, she is a solo traveler who loves a bougie last minute business class deal! Learn how to …

1
[BONUS EPISODE] Eyewear That Fits Your Face and Your Culture: Tribal Eyes' Inspiring Story with Dr. Ona Utuama 25:08

7M ago25:08

25:08

In this bonus episode, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Dr. Ona Utuama, the brilliant founder of Tribal Eyes. As a family medicine physician, Dr. Ona experienced firsthand the challenges of finding well-fitting, stylish eyewear. Frustrated with the lack of options, she set out to create a brand that celebrates diversity and offers a perfect fit for…

1
91. 10 Wanderlust-Worthy Travel Gifts for the 2024 Holiday Season 26:24

8M ago26:24

26:24

Are you looking for the perfect gift for the travel lover in your life this holiday season? Whether you're shopping for friends, family, or just treating yourself, I've got you covered with 10 fantastic travel-related gift ideas that are sure to delight. From products that make travel easier to subscription boxes that bring the flavors of the world…

1
[BONUS EPISODE] Daily Drop Pro: Your All-In-One Award Travel Tool with Megan Johnston 37:08

8M ago37:08

37:08

Have you been searching for a tool to simplify your award travel bookings? In this bonus episode, I'm joined by Megan Johnston, Community Manager at Daily Drop, to discuss their recently launched all-in-one software: Daily Drop Pro. This innovative platform combines an award search engine, cash flight deal finder, and points community all in one pl…

1
90. Points Play: The Ultimate ‘Would You Rather’ Game 1:24:15

8M ago1:24:15

1:24:15

Get ready for an entertaining and informative discussion as Kevin Zanes, Dr. Sujatha Murali, Kelly from The Points and Miles Doc, and Dr. Andrea Mabry tackle hypothetical questions that will make you think about how you value and use your points and miles. None of the guests were given any warning about what they might get asked, so expect plenty o…

1
Jeremy Mcleod and Nightingale Housing – from inspiration to disruption 1:05:00

8M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

Founder of Nightingale Housing Jeremy McLeod will no doubt go down in history as the man who managed to shift a truckload of preconceptions about what housing needs to look like – what it should cost and who it is for. Host: Tina Perinotto Produced by: The Fifth Estate The Fifth Estate website: www.thefifthestate.com.au Sign up to the newsletter: h…

1
89. The Ultimate Guide to American Express Points with Kamree Price 45:05

8M ago45:05

45:05

For today’s conversation, I’m joined by Kamree Price, founder of Our Family Passport and an expert in earning and redeeming Amex points for family travel. Kamree has been to over 50 countries using points and miles, most of them with her blended family of six. She specializes in finding creative ways to maximize the American Express program for her…

1
88. Southwest Rapid Rewards is Changing: Here’s What You Need to Know with Lyn Mettler 40:02

8M ago40:02

40:02

Lyn Mettler is a longtime travel journalist who has cracked the code on flying her family of four for free, going from one car trip a year to six free flights annually. Through her Families Fly Free podcast and membership, she teaches others her simple system for maximizing Southwest Rapid Rewards. In this episode, Lyn breaks down the recently anno…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Fifth Estates Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide