Best Rakuten Podcasts (2025)

1
Rakuten's shopping portal has a great new trick | Coffee Break Ep55 | 5-5-25 11:37

29d ago11:37

11:37

In today's episode, we'll talk about why we like the Rakuten shopping portal and also discuss a great new trick Rakuten has up its sleeve... (00:42) - What is a shopping portal? (01:15) - Choose cash back or Amex Membership Rewards points (must link Amex card) (02:55) - Great refer-a-friend promos ($40/4K) (04:08) - Frequent 10x, 15x, 20x promotion…

1
It's Raining Mail! (From the Giant Mailbag) | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep308 | 5-30-25 53:01

4d ago53:01

53:01

Today we learn that we're all wrong about Wyndham, we discuss some miscellaneous tips to save on flights, we hear from someone who's traveling the world one day at a time, and much more... (03:07) - "I got the Chase Ink Cash last summer and immediately tested to see if YouTube TV would qualify for the 5x Ultimate Rewards points. ...it didn't." (05:…

1
Liann Zhang on satirizing social media influencers from the inside 36:08

7d ago36:08

36:08

Host Nathan Maharaj spoke with Liann Zang, author of the new novel Julie Chan is Dead. In it, Julie Chan is in fact very much alive but her estranged twin sister Chloe, a wildly successful social media influencer, has suddenly died and it just so happens that Julie is for just a moment the only person in the world who knows Chloe is dead. So she de…

1
Frequent Miler origin story - Tim's story | Coffee Break Ep57 | 5-27-25 36:27

7d ago36:27

36:27

We've been gradually telling the "origin stories" of each team member in Frequent mIler. Today, we'll talk about how Tim came to join Frequent Miler. (00:52) - How did Tim get started in miles and points? (02:12) - Around 16 or 17, Tim and his brother planned out a series of roadtrips to try to see beyond their Midwestern home. (06:24) - To prepare…

1
Dr. Chui Chui Tan Part 2 | What Spotify, Bumble & Global Brands Get Right (and Wrong) About Cultural Expansion 48:39

8d ago48:39

48:39

In Part 2 of this special episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley continues the conversation with Dr. Chui Chui Tan, founder of Beyō Global. This episode focuses on practical examples from Chui Chui’s work with global brands, including Spotify and Bumble, and what it really takes to launch successfully in new markets. Chui Chui unpacks how Spo…

1
107 - Dear Industry ft @SirTyOnline 1:02:41

8d ago1:02:41

1:02:41

This episode is audio from an IG live video from May 18, 2025. SirTy is a booked and blessed man in 2025! Tune in to catch up. The blog post with pictures and links is available at www.sincerelyangiem.com If you're looking for SirTY, just search @SirTyOnline everywhere! Get your ticket to the May 31st Addicted 2 Industry event at https://www.eventb…

1
The end of the points & miles game? | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep307 | 5-23-25 1:25:03

11d ago1:25:03

1:25:03

This week we'll lean about the "ultimate life hack", we'll gripe about how we're being Bonvoyed every which way, and we'll debate: is the points and miles game dead? (01:14) - Listeners respond to our "Points for the next generation" podcast Ep306 with some great life hacks... You can find our "Points for the next generation" podcast Ep306 here. (0…

1
Hashing out Hilton's Devaluation | Coffee Break Ep56 | 5-20-25 20:49

14d ago20:49

20:49

Without warning, Hilton increased its top standard room rate for many hotels, which follows a big increase in December last year. Most increased around 5K points, but some much more, especially at the high end. (00:27) - Hilton increased top standard room rate for many hotels, which follows a big increase in December last year (05:23) - A few examp…

1
Points for the next generation | Frequent miler on the Air Ep306 | 5-16-25 1:50:26

18d ago1:50:26

1:50:26

In today's episode we'll talk about how you can still book Emirate first class awards, we'll discuss Spirit Airlines is going premium, and we'll look at how you can prepare your kids for points and miles. (01:29) - Does anyone else feel like American Express' customer service is above and beyond the rest? (09:33) - Chase Instacart benefits on many …

1
Global Growth Starts with Culture: Dr. Chui Chui Tan on APAC Expansion and Strategic Insight 50:23

19d ago50:23

50:23

In Part 1 of this two-part episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley welcomes Dr. Chui Chui Tan, founder of Beyō Global and a leading voice in international growth strategy. With over 16 years of experience helping brands like Spotify, Bumble, and Google expand into new markets, Dr. Tan shares how cultural insight—not just translation—can make o…

1
Jon Hickey on the politics of apocalypse 46:25

21d ago46:25

46:25

Host Nathan Maharaj spoke with novelist Jon Hickey, author of Big Chief. It’s takes place in an Anishinaabe reservation called Passage Rouge Nation during the last weekend before a Tribal Presidential election. Incumbent president Mack Beck is coasting to another term happily overseeing tribal governmental matters as well as the Golden Eagle Casino…

1
How to use that 100K bonus, and which vacation home platform rules? | Ask Us Anything Ep75 | 5-7-25 49:44

21d ago49:44

49:44

How would we use that 100K bonus, and which vacation home rental platform has the best value? We answered these questions and more on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube on May 7th, 2025. (03:54) - Hi! Q for Stephen: what’s your credit card strategy now that you’ve moved? For everyone: If you lived outside the US but could still have US cr…

1
Announcement: Frequent Miler on the Air joins Voyascape... | 5-12-25 11:02

22d ago11:02

11:02

Takeaways: The Frequent Miler on the Air podcast has officially joined the Voyascape podcast network, which signifies a shift in a few ways. Listeners of the audio version will notice new network identifiers and advertisements, which were previously absent from the podcast. (Viewers via YouTube will not see any change.) The transition to Voyascape …

1
Award Booking Stories | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep305 | 5-9-25 1:43:08

25d ago1:43:08

1:43:08

In today's episode, we'll talk about how The Standard is coming to Hyatt...(but we're too old for it). Nick will enlighten Greg about the fact that Air France flies to French Polynesia, and we'll talk through our recent award booking stories. (01:24) - A correction about the Delta Business Gold card (with a $150 hotel credit, not $200 as mentioned …

1
Giovanni Cruz - Founder @ BSides Colombia 48:31

28d ago48:31

48:31

https://bsidesco.org/

1
Bringing European Brands to Asia with WPIC’s Director of Growth Emmanuel Poupelle (French Language Episode) 34:14

29d ago34:14

34:14

In this special French-language edition of The Negotiation, we welcome Emmanuel Poupelle, WPIC’s newly appointed Director of Growth, for a conversation hosted by Charles Lavoie, VP of Marketing at WPIC. Emmanuel brings years of on-the-ground experience in China’s retail and e-commerce industry. He has now joined WPIC to help more European brands ex…

1
Southwest LUVs cardholders | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep304 | 5-2-25 1:06:32

1M ago1:06:32

1:06:32

In today's episode, we're schooled about Wells Fargo cards, we learn about earning points on your mortgage, and we talk about how you can take the sting out of Southwest's customer unfriendly changes. (01:03) - Listeners give us more ideas about making a great Wells Fargo Wallet Find our episode "A World-Class Wells Fargo Wallet" here. (08:20) - Me…

1
Mark Kruger on China’s Macro Outlook 32:42

1M ago32:42

32:42

In this episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley is joined by Mark Kruger, a Senior Fellow at the Yicai Research Institute, Centre for International Governance Innovation, and the University of Alberta’s China Institute. Formerly with the Bank of Canada for three decades, Mark now resides in Shanghai and writes regularly for Yicai Global, where…

1
Claire Cameron on what she's learned from studying monsters 41:25

1M ago41:25

41:25

Host Nathan Maharaj spoke with Claire Cameron, author of the novels The Bear and The Last Neanderthal. Her new book is How to Survive a Bear Attack. It’s a memoir of family, of illness, of love, and the author’s ongoing fascination with a 1991 bear attack that happened in a wilderness she knows so well. Claire Cameron on what she's learned from stu…

1
Credit Card Power-Ups | Coffee Break Ep54 | 4-29-25 18:01

1M ago18:01

18:01

There are credit cards that help make your points actually more valuable, just by having the credit card on hand. You can find all of the cards discussed on this show on our Best Offers page. Coffee Break: Credit Card Power-Ups (00:40) - United: Discounted awards, ability to upgrade (01:38) - Delta: 15% discount (01:54) - JetBlue 10% rebate (02:20)…

1
A World-Class Wells Fargo Wallet | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep303 | 4-25-25 1:29:02

1M ago1:29:02

1:29:02

We tend to ignore Wells Fargo cards because there are so many other great credit cards out there, but they actually do have some compelling cards out there. In today's episode we'll discuss which ones you might want in your wallet. (01:47) - Re: Clarifying our "Beyond 100K Sapphire Preferred" episode, which you can read more about here. (19:33) - B…

1
750,000 points from one card. Is it worth it? | Coffee Break Ep53 | 4-22-25 14:01

1M ago14:01

14:01

The Capital One Venture X Business card is out with a massive welcome bonus of 750K points...but the devil is in the details. Is this card really worth it? (00:27) - Capital One Venture X Business card details Read our Capital One Venture X Business card review here. (03:47) - The welcome bonus is broken down into two pieces: 150K after $30K in 3 m…

1
Beyond 100K: Earn more points, save money, get great value | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep302 | 4-18-25 1:28:06

2M ago1:28:06

1:28:06

If you just got 100K points from a brand new travel rewards card, you should know a few things to help make sure you're earning even more points, saving money, and getting great value. Plus we'll also look at "Amex referral reformatory rescinded" and how to earn points on RENT with any credit card. (01:30) - One reader shares a success story using …

1
The Next China Is Still China: Rui Ma (Part 2) on Tech, Tensions & Transformation 36:58

2M ago36:58

36:58

In Part 2 of our conversation with Rui Ma on The Negotiation podcast, we explore the evolving consumer tech and innovation landscape in China beyond AI. Rui shares her analysis on the rise of local life services, humanoid robotics, and China's dominance in electric vehicles—highlighting the factors propelling growth and the remaining roadblocks. We…

1
Nita Prose on saying goodbye to Molly Gray 27:29

2M ago27:29

27:29

Host Michael Tamblyn spoke with mystery novelist Nita Prose, author of the international bestseller The Maid. It’s the story of Molly Gray, a 20-something hotel maid whose job perfectly suits her need for order and predictable routine. As tends to happen in mystery novels set in hotels, Molly discovers a dead guest and finds herself a suspect in th…

1
What's the Best Starter Rewards Card? | Coffee Break Ep52 | 4-15-25 19:34

2M ago19:34

19:34

On a recent podcast episode, we talked about all the important considerations when you're just getting start in the points and miles game. But in this episode, we'll go one step further and talk about which credit cards you might want to consider as someone just getting started. (00:10) - Listen to our "Getting started with points & miles" Ep298 he…

1
Domestic flights for less | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep301 | 4-11-25 1:25:49

2M ago1:25:49

1:25:49

In this episode, we highlight the credit cards that are becoming "collectables", we had a heated debate about "Strawberry season", discuss changes from ANA and Alaska Airlines, and share tips for saving on your domestic flights. (01:29) - Delta Sky Club access with multiple American Express platinum cards in your name... (06:40) - [Expired] Chase S…

1
How to find rooms for 4 in Europe and when is Bilt worth it? | Ask Us Anything Ep74 | 4-2-25 55:03

2M ago55:03

55:03

How can you find rooms for 4 in Scotland? Is Bilt worth it if your rent's only $1500? We answered these questions and more on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube on April 2nd, 2025. (03:29) - If you guys could only have cards from one issuer, which would you choose? (11:09) - What's your thought on how long the us bank 4% card could stay…

1
China’s Consumer Comeback: Jacob Cooke Breaks Down 2024 Consumption Data 19:03

2M ago19:03

19:03

In this episode of The Negotiation, we’re joined once again by Jacob Cooke, Co-founder and CEO of WPIC Marketing + Technologies. Jacob walks us through the key insights from WPIC’s latest data report profiling the fastest-growing consumer segments in China’s e-commerce market. Drawing from GMV data across Tmall, JD.com, and Douyin, the report revea…

1
How to Save Miles by Flying More | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep300 | 4-4-25 1:14:01

2M ago1:14:01

1:14:01

There are some creative ways to use airline miles to fly further with less miles. In other words, you can see more and spend less. We'll talk about these fun tricks in today's episode. (01:00) - The validity of Etihad Guest Miles will be extended by 18 months based on qualifying member flight activity. We thought this means you have to credit paid …

1
Rui Ma: The US-China AI Race (Part 1) 36:41

2M ago36:41

36:41

In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley is joined by Rui Ma, a distinguished expert with nearly two decades of experience working in technology and finance in the U.S. and China. Rui provides deep insights into the current landscape of AI, focusing particularly on the competitive dynamics between the U.S. and China. She discuss…

1
Booktalking - The book Meta can't face, billionaire brainworms, fact-checking and fair use 46:47

2M ago46:47

46:47

In our latest installment in this series, hosts Michael Tamblyn and Nathan Maharaj caught up on a book whose author they're not going to get to interview. Topics covered in this episode: Meta's problem with an ex-employee's tell-all memoir The cognitive perils of being a billionaire The publishing perils of nonfiction Moving fast and breaking thing…

1
Which cards will be couponized next? | Coffee Break Ep51 | 4-1-25 19:38

2M ago19:38

19:38

There's been a trend where credit card issuers increase annual fees on rewards cards, and attempt to make up for it by adding credits and rebates for somewhat random things (which often require a lot of mental effort and organization to put to use.) Today, we'll speculate how far this trend is going to go... (01:03) - Recent history of couponizatio…

1
Complete Guide to United's Couponized Cards | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep299 | 3-28-25 1:18:06

2M ago1:18:06

1:18:06

A few years ago American Express introduced this kind of model for their Platinum card where they increased their annual fee, but attempted to make up for it by offering a whole collection of credits and rebates that could be valuable if you did the work to make use of them and happened to have natural needs for them. In other words, these new bene…

1
Wyndham's Excellent Point Sale | Coffee Break Ep50 | 3-25-25 9:21

2M ago9:21

9:21

Wyndham is having an excellent point sale that lasts until April 15th (2025). Read more about it here or listen to this episode for details. (01:15) - Wyndham point sale: Through April 15th, if you buy 3,000 or more points, you get up to an 80% bonus. (01:47) - Simultaneously, all 3 Wyndham Earner cards have increased welcome bonuses Learn more abo…

1
Getting started with points & miles | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep298 | 3-21-25 1:32:22

2M ago1:32:22

1:32:22

Winning the game doesn't have to be hard. Points & miles is like complicated board game -- seems overwhelming at first. But the rewards for winning are incredible. In today's main event we'll show you how to get started. (02:09) - Tyler writes in about success with Chase travel insurance Read more about Chase Sapphire Reserve & Ritz-Carlton cards' …

1
Loyalty Point Changing Fortunes | Coffee Break Ep49 | 3-18-25 18:56

3M ago18:56

18:56

(00:10) - In this episode we talk about the airline rewards programs and hotel rewards programs that seem to be changing in value. Some of them are going up in value and some are going down. (00:42) - Alaska Mileage Plan miles are going up in value (02:08) - Southwest points are going down Listen to our episode about these Southwest changes here. (…

1
Best uses for Bilt points | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep297 | 3-14-25 1:25:11

3M ago1:25:11

1:25:11

Bilt Rewards is a program that became famous for giving you rewards for your rent payments, but these days there are many ways to earn Bilt rewards. In this episode, we'll pay special attention to how you might want to use your Bilt points. (01:15) - John writes in with a correction for Nick's statement that there's a "zero percent chance" the tax …

1
Best hotel programs, Alaska quirks, the EVA experience and more | Ask Us Anything Ep73 | 3-5-25 1:00:20

3M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

What do we think are the best hotel programs for outsized value? Have we noticed some of the same Alaska Airlines quirks that our listeners have? What have our experiences with the EVA Air program been (if any)? We answered these questions and more on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube on March 5th, 2025. 00:40 - What's the most meaningful …

1
From Shanghai to Hokkaido: Skiing Across APAC with Justin Downes 35:34

3M ago35:34

35:34

Justin Downes returns to The Negotiation podcast to reflect on the recently concluded ski season in China and to discuss his new role in Hokkaido, Japan. With a career dedicated to advancing winter sports in Asia, Justin has been instrumental in the infrastructural development of ski resorts in China, contributing significantly to the country’s rea…

1
Nate DiMeo on shaking up the past in The Memory Palace 41:52

3M ago41:52

41:52

Host Nathan Maharaj spoke with podcaster Nate DiMeo about his book The Memory Palace, based on the podcast by the same name. In The Memory Palace, history comes in vignettes, as short stories, as jewels carefully mined from a variety of sources. Nathan and Nate talked about history as story, how Nate realized the thing that made him the best guy to…

1
Southwest takes the luv out of flying | Coffee Break Ep48 | 3-11-25 16:51

3M ago16:51

16:51

Starting May 28 of this year, Southwest will be making some major changes to the things we've known and loved. For example Most people will be losing free checked bags on Southwest starting May 28 of this year, they'll be introducing basic economy, flight credits will now expire (after 6-12 months depending on what type of fare you bought) and the …

1
The 5 Best Award Search Tools | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep296 | 3-7-25 1:19:57

3M ago1:19:57

1:19:57

In today's episode we'll talk about how American Airlines out-crazies Citi, Southwest out-bonvoys Marriott, and we'll talk about what we think are the 5 best award search tools that make it much easier to find those coveted awards. (01:25) - One reader shares their concerns about tax payments made by an American Express card not counting towards si…

1
Predicting the Refreshed Platinum Card | Coffee Break Ep47 | 3-4-25 18:59

3M ago18:59

18:59

Word on the street is the Amex Platinum card is going to be "refreshed" which may mean new benefits, new cost, new rebates, and more. In this episode, we'll make some predictions about what we might see. (01:06) - Predicting the Refreshed Platinum Card annual fee (02:55) - Earning rate change? (04:04) - Coupon changes? (06:49) - Will the airline in…

1
Peter Park on Growing Australian Brands in APAC 42:11

3M ago42:11

42:11

In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, Todd Embley sits down with Peter Park, WPIC’s latest addition in Melbourne and a recognized expert in Australia’s consumer brand sector and the APAC e-commerce landscape. Peter delves into his professional journey, his role at WPIC, and why the firm is an excellent partner for Australian consumer brands, …

1
How we use our Hilton credit card perks | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep295 | 2-28-25 38:08

3M ago38:08

38:08

Hilton credit cards come loaded with perks that CAN BE worth more than the card's annual fee IF you use them well. On today's show, we discuss how we use these credits. (01:06) - Hilton points for the win that all starts with the Venture X credit card promo to enter into the special access raffle to buy Taylor Swift tickets. (06:24) - This person w…

1
How Greg uses his Delta Platinum credit card perks | Coffee Break Ep46 | 2-25-25 19:15

3M ago19:15

19:15

With a $350 annual fee, the Delta Platinum credit card is not cheap. But like most of these more expensive cards, it comes with perks and credits that help off-set that cost. Since Greg has this card, we'll find out how he makes use of these various perks and credits. Learn more about the Delta Platinum card here and the Delta Platinum Business car…

1
How we use our Amex Platinum coupon book credits | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep294 | 2-21-25 1:07:10

3M ago1:07:10

1:07:10

On this week's episode, we talk about our Capital One mistake, how Uber has tried to "Bonvoy" us, and the many ways we use our Platinum credit card credits. (01:27) - OOPS: Capital One doesn't transfer to JetBlue like we implied (02:33) - BUT...then this week Capital One announced they ARE adding JetBlue as a transfer partner, (but at horrible rate…

1
David A. Robertson and his little monsters go to uncomfortable places 51:06

3M ago51:06

51:06

Host Michael Tamblyn spoke with David A. Robertson, author of many books including the Governor General’s award-winning When We Were Alone, and On the Trapline, both illustrated by Julie Flett. He’s also the author of the ongoing series for young readers, The Misewa Saga. And he’s the author of the 2022 novel for adults, A Theory of Crows, as well …

1
Joe Mazur: Analyzing U.S.-China Relations Under Trump's Second Term 35:23

4M ago35:23

35:23

In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley speaks with Joe Mazur, Senior Analyst at Trivium China, on the complexities of the U.S.-China relationship in the early days of the second Trump administration. Joe offers a comprehensive overview of the trade measures implemented by the U.S. since Donald Trump's re-election. He analyzes …

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