Music is my passion. Some of these episodes are full songs that I've written, and some episodes are freestyles with friends. Straight off the top of the head right on a real good beat. Just having a positive fun time, and relating and sharing moments of our lives.
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This is a space where we believe marketing is something you GET to do, not something you HAVE to do. We hope you leave here encouraged, inspired, and a little more excited to share your gifts with the world. Join Austin Savage & Kelsie Zarko, business partners and friends, for biweekly casual conversations about marketing, life, mindset, productivity, branding, and more!
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Speeding Bullit: The Life and Films of Steve McQueen is a podcast that takes an in-depth look at the life and films of Hollywood icon Steve McQueen. The podcast was created and is written, produced, and hosted by Kelsy Norman. Episodes include conversations with writers, actors, and directors, as well as detailed reviews of the actor’s movies and TV appearances.
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Are you tired of not being able to travel because it's just so expensive? Do finances keep you from your dream destinations and making memories with your family? In this podcast, we show you how you can fulfill that dream of traveling without spending more money. We've earned millions of credit card points to travel all over the world and take our families on amazing vacations. Vacations to Hawaii, Europe, and Disneyland are all possible for nearly free with credit card points and miles. By ...
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136. Solo Travel Tips & Points Strategies with Kelsi from PointSisters
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43:29In this episode, Jess and Alex are joined by Kelsi Sullivan, one half of PointSisters on Instagram, who has mastered the art of solo travel using points and miles. Kelsi brings a unique perspective shaped by her international upbringing and her discovery of the financial independence community. Her journey from casual miles collector to strategic p…
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135. Where to Stay in Maui: Are Timeshare Presentations Worth It?
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1:00:15Getting a discounted stay at a luxury Maui resort sounds too good to be true, especially when the catch involves sitting through a timeshare presentation. After receiving a letter from Marriott Vacation Club offering a discounted five-night stay at a Westin property, Alex decided to see if the savings were worth the 90-minute sales pitch. In additi…
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134. 2025 Points & Miles Changes You Need to Know
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37:14
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37:14Major shifts in lounge access, baggage fees, and loyalty programs are reshaping the landscape of travel rewards in 2025. With summer travel quickly approaching, the Travel Mom Squad is here to break down what these changes mean for solo and family travelers planning their vacations. In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad dives into the most signific…
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Growth Stories: Curate Social (An Interview w/ Kelsie Zarko) - Episode 64
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31:49If you're a long-time listener, you know a little less than a year ago Kelsie set out to launch her own agency focused on social media and email marketing. Today, Austin is interviewing Kelsie to explore what launching Curate Social has been like, what the biggest successes and challenges have been, and how she regained her confidence as an entrepr…
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133. Travel to Spain Using Points: TMS Takes Madrid, Barcelona, and Mallorca
52:21
52:21
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52:21Planning a trip to Spain on points and miles? It’s all about the strategy—especially when you're juggling travel for multiple people! In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad dives into their recent Spanish adventure, navigating last-minute flight changes and uncovering the best of Madrid, Barcelona, and Mallorca—all while maximizing points and miles.…
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Finding the Balance Between Brand vs. Performance Marketing (w/ Mitch Nelson) - Episode 63
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45:06You can’t just harvest all the time; you need to plant seeds too. In this episode, I welcome Mitch Nelson back to the show to dive into the balance between brand marketing and performance marketing, and why focusing only on short-term results can limit long-term growth. We talk about how brand builds future demand, creates deeper trust, and opens d…
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132. Greece and Croatia with Kids: Megan's Points and Miles Strategy
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55:58
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55:58Taking your family with young kids to Greece and Croatia might seem daunting, but with strategic use of points and miles, it can become an unforgettable adventure. Travel Mom Squad's Director of Operations, Megan, shares how she planned an ambitious spring break trip that included iconic destinations like Santorini's blue domes and Croatia's stunni…
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131. Agree to Disagree: Best Lounge Access, Hotel Loyalty Programs, and More
42:05
42:05
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42:05If you love points and miles, you know there’s no shortage of opinions on how to get the most out of credit card rewards and travel programs. In this fun and honest chat, Alex, Jess, and Pam share their unique takes on some hot topics in the points world. They dive into everything from which credit cards score you the best lounge access, to whether…
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Spring Cleaning for Your Goals: Clarifying & Resetting Your Roadmap to Success - Episode 62
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30:26We're back with Part 3 of our spring cleaning series! After taking a look at our mindset in Episode 59 and our platforms in Episode 60, we're zooming out to talk about the driver behind everything we do: Our goals. What are you tracking? Why are you tracking it? What do you need to adjust as you look ahead to the rest of the year? // 📸 Follow Austi…
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In this episode, Jess and Megan walk us through their recent family getaways to two standout Hyatt properties in the American Southwest: the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale in Arizona and the Hyatt Regency Tamaya in New Mexico. From flights on Southwest® using Companion Passes to family-friendly resort and cultural activities, they break down exactly how th…
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In this episode, Jess, Pam, and Alex break down their recent spring break trips to Costa Rica—highlighting three unforgettable resorts, two different travel styles, and one shared love for how easy (and affordable!) this country is to explore with points and miles. Flights on Points Alex and Jess both flew Southwest—Jess from Houston and Alex from …
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Capturing & Creating Demand: Developing Intentional Marketing & Sales Funnels - Episode 61
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39:54Every leader of a business or organization wants to see more people taking action alongside their brand. So how do we both capture existing demand and create new demand for your product or service? When we're looking to balance short-term and long-term wins, intentional marketing and sales funnels are one of the best ways to do this. In today's epi…
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In this episode, Pam shares her full itinerary from her recent return to Thailand—a dream trip she’s been wanting to repeat since her very first adventure on points and miles years ago. From business-class flights on Singapore Airlines, to luxury stays at the Conrad, Ritz-Carlton, and Banyan Tree—and of course, daily massages for $12—Pam takes us t…
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127. Would You Rather!? – Points Talk Edition
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42:48
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42:48This week’s episode is a little different—and a lot of fun. Jess, Pam, and Alex are joined by Traci for a special game of Would You Rather!? – Points Talk Edition. Traci challenges the squad with a lineup of delightfully diabolical travel questions designed to reveal where they really stand when it comes to their points and airline preferences, per…
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126. Jess’s Family Trip to Japan on Points—Spring Break for $200?!
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47:44In this episode, Jess takes us step-by-step through her family’s spring break trip to Japan—a points and miles masterpiece that cost just $200 total out of pocket for four round-trip flights and multiple hotel stays. From first class flights to washer/dryers in hotel rooms, this trip had it all. Whether you’re dreaming of cherry blossoms, bullet tr…
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Sneak Peek Inside Points Talk Premium: Ask Us Anything
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6:34In this sneak peek from Points Talk Premium, we’re giving you a taste of one of our monthly “Ask Us Anything” episodes—where we answer real questions from our subscribers about using points and miles to travel smarter. Subscribe to Points Talk Premium for full access to monthly deep-dive tips, behind-the-scenes content, and personalized Q&As. Subsc…
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Spring Cleaning Your Platforms: 14 Quick Actions You Can Take to Improve Your Content - Episode 60
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45:36We're back with Part 2 of our spring cleaning series! After taking a look at our mindset last week, we're going super-practical this week with 14 quick actions you can take across your social media, email marketing, blog creation, and podcast that can help you see some extra momentum. (Oh, and we get a little deep on our "this or that" for the week…
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125. TMS Heads South of the Border—Points-Powered Trips to Mexico & Honduras
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48:03In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad is heading south! Jess shares her birthday trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and Pam and Alex walk us through their tropical getaway to Roatán, Honduras. From charming colonial cities to vibrant beachside resorts, both of these escapes were powered by points and miles—and they’re breaking down exactly how …
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In this episode, we’re diving deep into IHG One Rewards—a hotel program that often flies under the radar but has serious potential. From practical Holiday Inns to luxury Kimptons and InterContinentals, we’re sharing our experiences using IHG points and free-night awards, how we earn them, and why buying IHG points (yes, buying!) can actually be a s…
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Spring Cleaning for Your Mindset - Episode 59
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34:23
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34:23It’s not just your closet that could use some freshening up this Spring... your mindset might need a little spring cleaning, too. In this episode, we’re dusting off the limiting beliefs that keep us stuck and replacing them with powerful truths that help us move forward. After a "this or that" about the best airplane seats, we're walking through 8 …
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123. Behind the Magic—Ways to Save at Disney World This Summer
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52:29In this episode, Jess and Alex are sharing all the magic, insights, and travel tips they brought back from a recent media event at Walt Disney World. From exclusive behind-the-scenes tours to exciting new ticket and resort updates, they’re joined by Megan—Travel Mom Squad’s Disney expert—to talk about how to make a Disney trip more affordable, less…
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Long before Steve McQueen started vacationing in Palm Springs, California in 1961, celebrities were already escaping Hollywood to the desert. In this episode of Speeding Bullitt, historian Jim Cook shares his extensive research on Hollywood's ties to the Coachella Valley.By Kelsy Norman
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122. Pam's Trip to New Zealand Using Points and Miles
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41:52New Zealand has been high on so many of your travel wish lists—and for good reason! In this episode, Pam shares details from her recent two-week adventure on the North Island of New Zealand, including how she booked business-class flights, multiple free hotel nights, and even covered rental cars and excursions—all using points and miles (and one fo…
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121. Top 3 Ways to Use Each Flexible Points Currency
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40:36Not sure how to maximize your points? In this episode, we break down the top three ways to use each of the four major flexible points currencies—our favorite points currency (IYKYK), American Express Membership Rewards®, Capital One Venture Miles, and Citi ThankYou® Points—so you can book travel smarter. Our favorite points: Best for Hyatt & Flight…
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120. How Megan Used Points & Miles for the Ultimate Harry Potter Family Trip
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43:17What’s better than throwing a Harry Potter-themed birthday party? How about taking your child on a real Harry Potter adventure across Scotland and London! That’s exactly what Megan did for her daughter’s 10th birthday—making the magic come alive with points and miles. In this episode, Megan explains how she made this trip happen for her family of f…
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We all love talking about luxurious, over-the-top award redemptions—think first-class flights, overwater villas, and five-star resorts. But let’s be real—some of the best uses of points and miles are not Instagram-worthy. In this episode, we break down the difference between sexy and unsexy redemptions, why both are important, and how they each pla…
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"What if People Are Annoyed By My Content?" - Episode 58
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25:15Ever feel like you're bothering people with your emails, posts, and marketing efforts? You’re not alone! In this episode, Kelsie and Austin tackle one of the biggest fears leaders have when it comes to showing up consistently: What if people start to get annoyed with seeing our content regularly? We’re breaking down the misconceptions behind this f…
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118. Going For the Gold or Picking Up Platinum: All About American Express Cards
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41:40If you've been eyeing an American Express card but aren’t sure which one to get, you’re in the right place! In this episode, we break down two great personal cards—the American Express® Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express—and two great business cards—the American Express® Business Gold Card and The Business Platinum Card® from Am…
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117. How to Book Family Flights to Europe Using Points and Miles
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40:49Dreaming of taking your family to Europe without draining your wallet? In this episode, we sit down with our team member and resident Europe travel expert, Traci Siegel, to share her tried-and-true tips for flying a family overseas using points and miles. These strategies will help make your dream a reality! Family Travel 101: The Big Differences F…
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How This Video Game Developer Has Used Customer Support as Content to Increase Brand Loyalty - Episode 57
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20:44What if your customer support wasn’t just about fixing problems—but actually informed your approach to content strategy? In this episode, Austin geeks out over Baldur’s Gate 3 (because what other video game has 7,000 different possible endings? 🤯) and takes a deep dive into how Larian Studios has turned player feedback into a powerful marketing too…
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116. Everything You Need to Know About Flying Blue
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42:58If you’ve been looking for a go-to points and miles program for international travel, let us introduce you to Flying Blue, the joint loyalty program of Air France and KLM. In this episode, we’re diving into why this program has become one of our absolute favorites. Why We Love Flying Blue Pam kicks things off by breaking down the basics, including …
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115. Our Honeymoons—Then vs. Now! Get Your Honeymoon for Nearly Free Using Points and Miles
33:04
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33:04For Valentine’s Day, we’re taking a trip down memory lane! In this episode, we’re sharing all the details about our honeymoons—how we booked them before we knew about points and miles, what we spent back then, and what we'd do today now that we’re points-savvy. Spoiler alert: our original honeymoons were not nearly as luxurious (or strategic!) as w…
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What the Onyx Storm Release Teaches Us About Content Marketing - Episode 56
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32:38Onyx Storm is the fastest-selling adult novel in 20 years. 🤯 The Empyrean series (which starts with the best-selling book Fourth Wing if you've heard that title!) has been taking the world by storm, pun intended. The third book in the series, Onyx Storm, just released and we can learn SO much from the launch process, including how Rebecca Yarros st…
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114. All About Transfer Bonuses: What They Are and How to Use Them To Get Even More Points
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26:17Transfer bonuses are one of the best ways to stretch your points further, and in this episode we’re breaking down everything you need to know about them. From understanding how they work to sharing the bonuses we’ve taken advantage of, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you maximize your rewards and travel more for less. What Are T…
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113. Inside Our Hawaiian Holidays – How We Spent the Holidays in Hawaii on Points and Miles
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1:08:43The holidays are magical no matter where you celebrate, but spending them in Hawaii? That’s next-level. In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad shares how we used points and miles to pull off unforgettable trips to Maui and Kauai over the Christmas and New Year holidays. We’re giving you all the behind-the-scenes details so you can start planning you…
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4 Common Barriers to Creating Content Consistently - Episode 55
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38:52What's the biggest "hack" to building a brand through content marketing? Not stopping. It's true! During our recents ABCs of Content Marketing, consistency came up again and again. Consistency is a huge part of how we add value, how we build trust, and how we create community. But sometimes it's easier said than done. In today's episode, we're cove…
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112. You’re NOT As Bad At Points As You Think You Are! Conversation with Devon Gimbel
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47:52Feeling overwhelmed by points and miles? You’re not alone! In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Devon Gimbel of Point Me to First Class to discuss the psychology of learning points and miles—and why you’re probably doing better than you think. Whether you’re new to the game or feeling stuck, Devon shares her expertise and encouragement to ke…
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Episode 104 - Steve McQueen in Palm Springs
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56:02The Steve McQueen expert Marshall Terrill joins me on this episode to discuss Steve's Palm Springs era. Together, we explore his former homes and revisit some of the actor's favorite spots. Later, I chat with the current owner of McQueen's first Palm Springs home, which you can rent for your next vacation.…
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111. Looking Ahead to 2025—Our Cards, Trips, and Goals!
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33:35It’s never too early to plan for your next adventure! In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad team looks ahead to 2025, sharing the trips we’ve already booked, the credit cards we’re eyeing, and our goals for the year. From Bora Bora to Spain, and everything in between, we’re setting the stage for another year of nearly free travel—powered by points …
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110. The Best of 2024—Our Favorite Hotels, Flights, and Offers
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41:14
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41:142024 was a year to remember! In this episode, we’re sharing our best of 2024 awards, from unforgettable hotel stays and flights to top credit card offers that helped us turn big dreams into reality. If you’ve ever wondered what points and miles can do, this episode will inspire you to dive in and start planning your own adventures. Pam’s Picks: Bou…
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109. Our 2024 Points and Miles Recap—Cards We Opened, Closed, and the Trips We Took
40:21
40:21
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40:21As 2024 comes to a close, the Travel Mom Squad is reflecting on an incredible year of points and miles. In this special episode, we’re breaking down the credit cards we opened and closed, the strategies we used to rack up points, and the unforgettable trips we took along the way. If you’re curious how points and miles can transform your travel, thi…
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108. What Type of Points and Miles Traveler Are You?
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28:55Ever wonder what kind of points and miles traveler you are? In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad dives into the different types of travelers and how your personal travel style can shape your points strategy. From planners to luxury travelers to earn-and-burn enthusiasts, we break down the styles that work best for different lifestyles and goals—an…
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107. Meet the Team Behind Travel Mom Squad: Megan, Traci, and Claire!
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56:52
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56:52You’ve heard us share our travel stories and tips, but today we’re introducing you to three incredible women who help make Travel Mom Squad possible. Megan, Traci, and Claire aren’t just our teammates—they’re passionate travelers and moms with their own inspiring journeys in the world of points and miles. In this episode, we dive into how they got …
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106. How to Get Free Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® for Your Family
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31:51
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31:51Tired of long lines at immigration or security when traveling? We’ve got you covered! In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad revisits a favorite topic—Global Entry and TSA PreCheck®—but with a twist. While we’ve covered these programs before, there are important updates you need to know to make family travel even smoother. Whether you’re flying inte…
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2024 Content Marketing Year-in-Review: The Latest on Instagram, Podcasts, Blogs, & Email Marketing
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48:00We're keeping it casual for this one, and after a New Years Eve themed "this or that," we chat about the past year and what we saw change and continue with content marketing. It's so fun to look back on the year and evaluate the changes we saw on social (Instagram specifically), podcast performance, blog strategy, and email marketing. Come look bac…
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105. The Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards for Points and Miles
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31:42
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31:42Thinking about diving into points and miles but feeling overwhelmed by annual fees? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re breaking down our favorite no-annual-fee credit cards and those with annual fees waived for the first year. These cards are not only budget-friendly but also offer incredible rewards to help you travel more for less. Chase Fr…
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104. How Alex Took Her Family of 6 to Europe: Amsterdam and London on Points and Miles
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43:14Traveling internationally with kids might sound daunting, but Alex proves it’s absolutely doable—and affordable—using points and miles! In this episode, Alex shares how she made an unforgettable trip to Amsterdam and London with her husband and four boys, all while keeping costs incredibly low. From flights to accommodations and even transportation…
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103. All Things Hilton Honors Program: Our Tips For Points, Perks, and Dreamy Stays
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39:11If you’ve ever wondered whether Hilton Honors deserves a spot in your points and miles strategy, this episode is for you! We’re diving into everything you need to know about Hilton’s award program, from earning points and using free night certificates to snagging unforgettable stays like Bora Bora and Santorini—all without breaking the bank. Why Hi…
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Writer, actor, podcaster, and Speeding Bullitt regular Dion Baia joins me on this episode of the podcast to discuss five AI-generated Steve McQueen films created by ChatGPT. While this episode is purely speculative, Dion’s extensive knowledge of film and television makes for an engaging and enjoyable conversation.…
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The ABCs of Content Marketing: Creating Community - Episode 53
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37:42Every effective content marketing strategy is built on three basic principles: Adding Value, Building Trust, and Creating Community. In this mini-series, we're walking through each of these essentials! In today's conversation, after a "this or that" about the best way to drink hot chocolate, we're diving into the details of how to use content marke…
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