The Skiptown All-Stars Travel Podcast (Denise & James Gordon)

This week, we're bringing the Thanksgiving thunder 🦃 and a summary on Plymouth, Massachusetts where it ALL began. We dive into the chaotic world of Thanksgiving travel with insane stats and stories. Do planes really only get delayed 15 minutes? And how far would you drive before admitting defeat? We’re also dishing about Thanksgiving food fails, tasty traditions, and sharing our own picks for best and worst holiday eats. Not everything belongs on the Thanksgiving table...right? 🤢 We’ll also school you on the wild world of Black Friday shopping, including a world record you won’t believe. And wait until you hear about the dishes the Pilgrims ACTUALLY served at the very first Thanksgiving meal back in 1621! Let’s just say eel was on the menu. 😳 Join us as we break down fun facts no one asked for about Thanksgiving travel, shopping, food, football and more! Whether you’re Team Turkey or Team Tofurky, this episode will definitely put you in a festive mood. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! You can find our YouTube channel here! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever since our visit to Savannah and Fox Hollow Realty, we've been percolating on the idea that we should pursue a starter home for our oldest daughter, Parker. If you remember, she graduated and moved to that shining--alright, oily--beacon on the Texas Riviera, Corpus Christi. It was just shy of a year ago that she rolled up to the Lone Star State, looking to launch a career and make her mark. Well, we're proud to say it's paid off. Parker is now a homeowner! We've been sitting one this one for a few weeks because, let's face it, anything can jinx a housebuying process. After several near misses and houses getting scooped out from under her, she was getting the first-time buyer-blues. Then, just as it seemed the dream was fading on a house to call her own, Denise and James got the call that she'd roped herself a dogie. What we didn't tell you back then was we were dab-smack in the middle of our Alabama Bushwacker reverie and had to hit the pause button. What is it with Corpus Christi and interruptions in our travel plans? Within hours, we were on a plane to the "Sparkling City by the Sea" so we could join her for the excitement, the inspection... and the not-so-perfect process that would follow. Follow all of our adventures, check out our maps and subscribe to our channels here. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our travels are finally catching up to us... the waistline and the scale are both predicting heartache if our current eating patterns continue unabated. Between fried chicken in Savannah, holiday food in Los Angeles and not one but TWO rounds of resort food in Mexico over the last several months, we are a long way from the good habits we started back in Sedona last year. James is back to snacking and Denise's fried pound cake (from way back in Episode 34) is still a life decision for which she wishes she had a do-over. Never fear, though, summer is coming and your favorite middle-agers are beginning to formulate their promises to themselves, each other--and to you our esteemed listeners--to do better starting NOW! From veggies to daily weigh-ins to James dragging a kettlebell everywhere we go, get ready to get trim and sexy with your favorite town-skippers! You can find our social media and every place we ever crushed unhealthy food and beverages here! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're proud to present an episode where we were guests on Producer Phil Byrd's new show, the Gen 2 Gen Podcast (gen2genpodcast.com). Phil and Co-Host Teondra invited us on to bring a Gen-X perspective and this conversation does not disappoint. We dig into all sorts of nostalgia across generations and we certainly hope you enjoy this swapcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mia and Ellie are fresh off their spring semesters and here to discuss a wide range of topics. They dive into the rap beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, breaking down the history of their diss tracks. The conversation then shifts to social media trends, comparing the habits of millennials and Gen Z on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Other subjects include dream dinner guests, the worst part about losing a sports game, coed sports, and the viral "bear vs strange man" debate. Whether you're interested in hip-hop, social media, sports, or just enjoy a lively discussion, this one is guaranteed to entertain! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the world of Airbnb with super host Stacee Evans as she reveals insider secrets to running a successful vacation rental business. Learn how to maximize profits while ensuring guest satisfaction, navigate common challenges, and stand out in a competitive market. This episode covers everything from property selection and pricing strategies to creating unforgettable guest experiences. Stacee shares her journey from accidental landlord to managing multiple properties, offering valuable insights for both new and experienced hosts. Here is a list of Stacee's properties on Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/38699614 Find us Here! Website: https://skiptownallstars.com/ Main Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/?hl=en Denise's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptowndenise/ James's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownjames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we had the extreme good fortune of being interviewed by Lisa Andrews of This Travel Tribe. Her podcast is always fun and her guests always deliver the best travel hacks and tips. So, you can imagine our excitement when it came time for Lisa to put US in the hot seat. It's a great interview and we hope you enjoy it, and don't forget to visit Lisa at ThisTravelTribe.com or find the This Travel Tribe podcast on your favorite platform! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we tackle the Hudson Valley, just up the river from New York City. From the bustling Main Street of Cold Spring to the up-and-coming city of Beacon, get an inside look at the unique character and real estate of five different towns... and West Point Academy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The iconic city of Pittsburgh, PA has been on James’ radar for a long time. After years of flying into PGH just to jump in a rental car and cross the Ohio border to visit his hometown, he’d had the itch to actually SPEND SOME TIME in the Steel City. But the minute we arrived, Denise was feeling a bit underwhelmed… traffic, rain and buildings everywhere seemed a little oppressive for what she’s looking for in a community. From navigating through the city's famous bridges and tunnels to indulging in local delicacies like pierogies at Pierogies Plus and sandwiches at Primanti Bros, this is our unpolished Steel City experience. We discuss Pittsburgh's unique neighborhoods, such as Lawrenceville and Mount Lebanon, and learn about the city's sports culture (#gosteelers), museums, and celebrity connections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While James was slagging off in Egypt somewhere, Denise was making inroads with more Texans and expanding our map in the Lone Star State. A trip up to San Antonio turned into a meet-and-greet with one of our listeners, and that lunch meeting ended with an invite to "Come to Boerne sometime!" Boerne? Never heard of it. Why is it pronounced "bur-nie" rather than Boerne? Well, we didn't have time to ponder that long, because when James returned to Texas, Denise was packing the car for the Hill Country. Turns out, a local artist in Boerne (childressart.com) also reached out with an invite to come check it out, too. That was 2 invites in 2 weeks, and we had to see what the draw was. When we rolled up to Main Street, it was pretty obvious this was a town that checked all of the boxes when you think of a Texas town. It's pretty incredible, and the people we met were just as welcoming as our new friends. Find out why! As always, check out our YouTube channel for way more content than you'll find here and reach out to us on our social media pages... we love hearing from listeners and you best believe that if you extend an invitation, we intend to take you up on it! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re a sci-fi or horror fan of any sort, you’re familiar with Buffy the Vampire Slayer. And, if you’re a fan of the show, you are DEFINITELY a fan of its atypical demon, Clem. And, if you’re a fan of Clem, then you are DEFINITELY a fan of today’s guest. James Leary has been a fixture in the slay-verse for over 20 years, and today he joins us to fill us in on his latest project, SLAYERS, which is an Audible Original podcast that picks up where Buffy left off. It’s an incredible endeavor with an incredible long-time friend of the Gordon family, and we’re so delighted Jimmy came here to be with us, and you, today. Happy Halloween! We reference one of Jimmy's old reels in this episode and you can find it in all of it's hilarity here. While you're there, why not take advantage of way more Skiptown All-Stars content, shorts and bonus episodes by subscribing to our YouTube Channel. Our social media links are here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If we told you a story of 150,000 people invading 3 counties within the US borders, you'd think we were all hopped up on some immigration conspiracy. But that's exactly what happened somewhere in between Orlando and Gainesville, Florida--in a place called, generically enough, "The Villages." It's a retirement community that keeps sprouting houses and expanding its borders every single year--with its own towns and cities inside. It has its own infrastucture, radio station, entertainment venues and over 100 restaurants. Heck, it has over 700 holes of golf to be played! Do you know how many courses that must be?!? Even if you're from Central Florida, it's a hard place to really describe... so we turned to Denise's family to get answers from our real-life "Village People." Sorry for the clickbait title. Not really. Anyway, they have lived here almost 20 years now and have loved every minute. We finally carved out enough time between our travels and our sister-in-law Vickie's pickleball schedule to get her and Denise's brother Ron in the hot seat to see if we couldn't get to the bottom of this enigma called "The Villages." Enjoy! #emptynest #fulltank Don't forget to find us on social media here and support us by registering your brand spanking new Anytime Mailbox here! We used a creative commons song in this episode. Please, enjoy the legal jargon: Big Swing Band by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After 25+ years of calling The City of Angels our home, we’re a month away from being empty nesters. We always knew we didn’t want to retire in Los Angeles, but we’re not even close to that finish line. The pandemic opened options for working remotely… and all of our children are going to be living in other states… and it’s maniacally expensive to go out for breakfast in this town… so, what are we waiting for? Short answer: We’re not. From Seattle to The Keys, we hope you’ll subscribe and join us as we scour the U.S. to find our next hometown. Web: http://skiptownallstars.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMW2WSZCk55rtXBZyIrxC_A     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finally. The Texas Episode. Abilene, Waco, Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi and Dallas. Sorry, Houston... maybe next time? Denise discovers Hooters. James discovers Magnolia Table. From brewing bar fights to gas station BBQ, we LOVED Texas and, dang, if the Big Yellow Rose didn't make us feel like we were loved back. Despite the handful of dudes who think they're going to overthrow the government (in between shoveling pulled pork into their pie hole), Texans welcomed us over and over again and we realized our generalizations about the Lone Star State were so completely wrong. Wanna see where we went or what we're up to on social media? Here ya go. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We started a brand new journey and are hitting 3 towns as we ramble toward Corpus Christi. The first stop? Auburn, AL. Denise was angling for the prestige of The Laurel Hotel, and scored even bigger when she landed the Presidential Suite at The Hotel at Auburn University. We got to experience the best in AU's culinary arts program and landed an interview with a big fish in the Auburn real estate market (and on TikTok), Amy Barton Cotney! Amy gave us a download on what's happening in the towns of Auburn, Lake Martin and Opelika and it was a hoot. We took in the sights and tastes and bushels of love this town had to offer--and Denise even did it on horseback! We're dropping THREE "Ask a Local" segments for Auburn on YouTube in the coming days, so make sure you subscribe to us for content you can only see there. Find out why we fell in love with the people and the town of Auburn and, as always, please be sure to follow us on the social platform of your choice here.   #emptynest #fulltank   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Birthday to Us! Couldn't have done it without you. We're recapping the last year and listing off our favorite cities. From Vancouver to The Keys, it's been an amazing ride and we're just getting started. Help us celebrate a year under our belts... and becoming YouTube partners, too! You can find the video version of our show here and follow us on social media here! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If there's one thing you know about us, it's that we got our start on LeeAnn Kreischer's podcast, "Wife of the Party." So, you can only imagine how great it felt to come "home" for the holidays and sit down with LeeAnn Kreischer to catch up. What we didn't know was that Santa (aka Bert Kreischer) was literally flying down from the North Pole to join us. It was an awesome surprise with awesome people who have been in our corner since Day 1, and we think you're going to love our candid discussion about work, family and the future! Enjoy and, as always, you can follow us here and check out our affiliate partnership with Anytime Mailbox here. Happy New Year! #emptynest #fulltank #wifeoftheparty #bertcast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Denise's hometown is truly a duality like no other. Northside vs. Southside. White Sox vs. Cubs fans. Lou Malnati's vs. Giordano's. Brutal winters pit themselves against unbearable summers... hell, even the Chicago River flows against itself! Our house is no different. Denise begged James to move there for years but by the time he finally came around on it, she no longer felt its pull. In this episode we talk about The Windy City's sports, music scene, college life and--OF COURSE--the food that makes Chicago tick. It's the most delicious, loving, knockdown-dragout fight of a city you've ever seen... and if you tell them Michael Jordan hasn't been relevant for over 25 years, you'll find out firsthand! Find our reviews, maps and social media accounts here. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We had the pleasure of being guests on Zak Rosen's "The Best Advice Show" a few months ago and it sparked a side conversation about his upcoming move to Amsterdam. What inspired this Detroit guy to pack up the whole family for a year abroad? Find out, today! Want to hear the episode we did with Zak? Here you go: https://bestadvice.show/episodes/stop-asking-for-permission-to-make-your-dreams-come-true-with-the-skiptown-all-stars #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James was really over being in Florida, until one of our closest friends said he was coming to St. Pete (not to be confused with St. Petersburg, because as we’ve found out there IS a difference)! Suddenly, James was singing a different tune and we were strolling through the Dali Museum and exploring everything this little beach town had to offer. We also found ourselves arguing at-length over what impact remote work has truly had on St. Pete. James wins that argument in the end. Anyway, we weren’t done there. Naples was just a few hours south and Denise’s friends who left Chicago for the Paradise Coast showed us a roaring good time. We sipped champagne on a tiki boat, tried every restaurant we could on Fifth Ave. and Denise found beginner’s luck at Pelican Bay Country Club on her first golf outing, ever! Finally, we wrapped up our road trip with a stop in Fort Myers to see James’ family in a visit that was long overdue. His aunt and uncle rolled out the red carpet and it had us feeling like WE were the kids, again! Find our social media adventures, our maps and all our reviews about where we've been here. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Prodigal has returned. Lake Milton is a beautiful State Park in Northeastern Ohio where fishing, water skiing and boating are plenty. It's also the hometown of @SkiptownJames and the subject of today's episode. We explore what made growing up in Lake Milton great, the hard times it's endured and what this gorgeous locale needs most... residents. We have tons of content on our YouTube Channel you can't find here. You can find us on the social media flavor of your choice here, too!   #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We loved Montreal so much we swore we’re returning in 2024, but it was time to go deeper into Canada than we’ve ever been. Here’s your Quebec City, Canada recap! We were instantly met with a motley crew, but soon we discovered the true, old world European charm of the city, with its cobblestone streets and fortified walls. The Upper City and Citadel are over 400 years old (but don’t look a day over 200). Quebec City definitely had more of a laidback vibe and blue collar feel, which was a great juxtaposition against it’s French village atmosphere. We of course wined and dined at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac hotel, and explored the edgy St. Roch neighborhood, all while learning about Quebec's high taxes, socialized medicine, and more. Of course, this is Part 2 of our Canadian vacation with our buddy, Patrick (see Episode 66 for more info) and we must say, he’s got a knack for finding some damn cool places to visit! You can find us on social media here. Check out our YouTube channel here. Subscribe and review us everywhere you can--it means so much! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We were grinding our way through Texas when James was hit with an interesting proposition from his friend, Bill. Insiders call him "Billy Goat." Okay, only James calls him that. At any rate, Bill had a friend drop out on a planned trip to Egypt, Jordan and Israel and called James off the bench to be the next man up. With all the Hollywood strikes about to pop off, James realized he'd have some time on his hands. Denise also wanted him out of her hair for awhile because he'd been a cranky ass, so all this leads up to James booking a flight and landing in Cairo four days later. Here's the recap of what happens when you torch caution and join your best buddy on the most epic road trip, ever! Thanks for listening, and please subscribe to our YouTube! channel for WAY MORE CONTENT than you'll find here! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're so excited to have Ellie, our youngest child, back with us for another episode! If you remember, the last time we heard from her was WAY back in Episode 3: OreGONE. Emotions were raw back then, and she was dealing with something neither of our other two children had to face--she'd never come back to her childhood home, because her parents were leaving Los Angeles, too. Fortunately, Ellie had an action-packed Fall and she's here to update us on all of the adjustments she had to make in college, what it's like being a D1 athlete and, most of all, how she's feeling now about our decision to travel and find a new hometown. Find, follow and subscribe on social media and YouTube here. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a summer of fun, it was finally time to head up to Connecticut to get Ellie settled into her new school. Frankly, it was a move we thought we'd never have to make again, but we were eager to get our youngest into a better environment. After 2 days of driving, James finally joined Denise and Ellie for move-in day. We thought we'd be vibing in a whole new city, but Hartford had other plans. Find us here on YouTube! And here on social media! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A few months ago, we had the privilege of being guests on the People More Interesting Than Me podcast with host Michael Strumsky. In that interview, we got to know another person who was on the same "podcast hustle" we've been on, and doing a damn great job. Michael has a greater purpose with his show, however, and it's been inspiring to us to know what his show means to him, and his family. Additionally, he's a VERY interesting person just based on his profession alone, so we knew we had to connect with him for a Skiptown episode, too. Don't let Michael's self-deprecation and humility fool you--he's one of the most interesting people we've ever known! You can find us on YouTube here! And our social media could always use a boost. Why not follow us here?   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we reminisce about the famous 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, where the epic game of hockey known as as the "Miracle on Ice" took place. We reset the political climate of the Cold War era and how national tensions manifested in Olympic hockey leading up to the famous USA vs USSR grudge match. We debunk some common misconceptions about the game, as well as the Kurt Russell film 'Miracle' based on the events. This episode has it all--interesting Lake Placid history, winter sports development, famous residents, and modern day attractions that go way beyond the sports facilities. Oh, and did we mention real estate... could we live here? Could you? Find out now! You can always watch us if you're into that kinda thing on YouTube or at skiptownallstars.com. Come for the media, stay for the blogs! Please like, follow and subscribe wherever you're finding us and, as always... #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James has been keeping this little part of the greater Seattle plan in his back pocket all this time and, when Ellie was going to be unavailable for a few days, it was the perfect opportunity to spring it on Denise. “Mission: Canada” was ON. Despite massive skyrises being constructed all around us, we managed some killer hikes in Mosquito Creek and Stanley Park. Vancouver was an incredibly clean city for its size and the views from the bridges and cliffs landed this “foreign” city on the long-shot list of our future possibilities.   Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0LY5k3G0n03N0pDtO8Zx72 Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skiptown-all-stars/id1636817938  Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c27fdc73-d7ad-495d-8931-3df036c4a8b5/skiptown-all-stars Google https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzQyODYxNi9yc3M%3D Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/skiptown-all-stars YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYY1gCsalt6kItqF6yG2cqKJVLyGvW-OO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar Web: http://skiptownallstars.com WHERE WE WENT: Lonsdale Quay Hotel in North Vancouver - Hotel was junky but it’s above a market near the SeaBus ferry which was really cool. Mosquito Creek Park - great hike, and Roxy finally found her mojo here. Granville Island - great community market with tons of food joints and farm goods, local artisan shops and a pier where the locals and tourists graze together while overlooking the harbor. Thumbs WAY up. Stanley Park - As stated, this park has miles of gardens, views and play areas for the kiddies. It’s pretty big and it was busy, but it never felt overcrowded. Denman Street - a solid few miles of every type of cuisine you could wish. So many areas in Vancouver are similar to Denman, but this street is right by Stanley Park so it’s a no-brainer for visiting Euros, Americanos and whoever the hell else wants to nosh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What? You were expecting the Texas episode? Yeah, so were we... until our recap of Roswell, NM and the creepy vibes we got from our Air BnB became a Close Encounter of Its Own Kind. We had no plans to move to Roswell, but we decided it was a good place to park for the night and cross it off James' bucket list. He booked a farmhouse that he thought would be perfect for a 1947 crash landing re-enactment, but once inside Denise feels like she's headed for a very different kind of abduction. Thankfully, we meet an expert at the International UFO Museum who helps us recover with some good old fashioned alien cover-up stories. Don't forget to follow us on the socials and to check out the Google maps of our travels at linktr.ee/skiptownallstars and thanks for watching! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alright, we admit it. We've been holding out on you all this time. Turns out we have a secret weapon with over 25+ years of experience as a bona fide travel agent. Meet Cousin Judy! We took a quick trip from Savannah down to see her in Jacksonville where she revealed top travel spots in the United States for both families and couples. Ranging from budget getaways to luxury stays, we guarantee Cousin Judy has some destinations you've never considered--Kohler Spa, anyone? She also talks to us about how companies like TripAdvisor, Air BnB and other booking sites have changed the game for aspiring travel agents. So settle in and get acquainted with your new favorite cousin! We're starting with her in America the Beautiful but with her ability to create global expriences--from cruise ships to African safaris--she's going to be a recurring character in our own traveling circus. Get at us on social media and find all of our maps and links here. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we explore what it's like visiting and potentially living in Asheville, NC! We got to catch up with family and spend time touring different neighborhoods, seeing the sights like the Biltmore Estate, eating at local restaurants, discussing the art scene and microbreweries, and evaluating if Asheville seems like a viable place to live long-term. The natural beauty of Asheville was striking--even on the worst weather day of the year. However, the cost of real estate, crime rates and the prevalence of homelessness were also a rude awakening. Did Asheville live up to its reputation as an artsy, funky mountain city? Hit play and find out! Our YouTube Channel is bursting with way more content. You can also find us on social media here! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We owed Mia a "Friends and Family Weekend" experience because we couldn't make it last year. In this return, we decide to put some new cameras to use and actually shoot a pod with her roommate, Sierra. The mic quality on the cameras wasn't the best, but hey... if the college crowd wants to party with us, who are we to deny them? Here's our linktr.ee/skiptownallstars and please check out our sponsor, Anytime Mailbox here: skiptownallstars.com/anytime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we hit the charming coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island--during the BITTER COLD off-season. We get to stay at gardinerhouse.com and witness the rich history, stunning mansions, delicious seafood, and unique experiences that make Newport a must-visit destination. From strolling along the famous Cliff Walk to learning about the town's sailing heritage and Portuguese influence. Could YOU live there? We bet you could! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hartford was a bust, but New Haven's got a little spring in its step! We explored this coastal city on a whim and are so freaking glad we did. From its bold claims of being the birthplace of the burger AND American pizza, the food game in this town is solid. Coffee game? Also on point. Pair that with Nathan Hale being a crappy spy and all of the mystique and intrigue that a certain Ivy League school has to offer, and you need to pull up a chair... because we're about to reveal the secret knock to The Elm City's bustling society. You've been sleeping on this city in Connecticut--and that's why you can't get into Yale. Also, Denise invents a band out of thin air. Enjoy! You can find us on YouTube here and we need you to SUBSCRIBE! You can follow us on social media here. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s official. We found a buyer, closed escrow and are officially renting our own house! We have 3 weeks to prep our youngest for school and fit the lives of 5 people into a 16-foot container. Not gonna lie, we’re running a messy game so far. Next stop is Seattle, where the real adventure begins. This is our final episode in Los Angeles for a while. We mostly love you, LA! Web: http://skiptownallstars.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMW2WSZCk55rtXBZyIrxC_A Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've made it to The Emerald City and there is so much to love, but love doesn't pay the mortgage. We join the seminary at Saint Edward State Park, but they eventually excommunicate us which starts a scramble for accommodations, assured distance from Seattle drivers and a patch of grass for this damn dog of ours to relax and do her business. We stay in 3 very different parts of the city and Denise refuses to cry when we say goodbye to Ellie. Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0LY5k3G0n03N0pDtO8Zx72 Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skiptown-all-stars/id1636817938  Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c27fdc73-d7ad-495d-8931-3df036c4a8b5/skiptown-all-stars Google https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzQyODYxNi9yc3M%3D Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/skiptown-all-stars YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYY1gCsalt6kItqF6yG2cqKJVLyGvW-OO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar Web: http://skiptownallstars.com WHERE WE WENT: Pass, OR Coffee – Dutch Bros. (always a safe choice) Coquille, OR Hotel - The Myrtle Lane Inn – Only in a pinch Coffee – The Coffee Connection Bandon, OR Restaurant - Bandon Fish Market ("Best Fish and Chips!"--Denise) Chocolates & Fudge – Coastal Mist Chocolate Boutique Woodland, WA Dinner in the car – Mali Thai – Very good, we got lucky pulling in off the freeway Kenmore, WA (30 minutes outside of Seattle) Hotel – The Lodge, St. Edward State Park – Highly recommend Coffee – Dolce Vita Espresso (Drive Thru) Seattle, WA Hotel – Hotel Theodore – Highly recommend Food – Byrek & Baguette (Salads & Sandwiches) Batch Baking Company (Cookies) Biscuit Bitch – Breakfast (order ahead and walk over, the wait is LONG) Cinque Terre – Italian (Great ambience, bad service, bad drinks, mediocre food) Terra Plata – Lunch – Excellent Nue – Eclectic Dinner (James loved the menu) Kin Len Thai Night Bites – Dinner – Thai – Excellent Cupcake Royale – Cupcakes – Average ("These cupcakes suck."-James) La Spiga – Italian - Good Coffee – Anchorhead West Seattle, WA (tight streets and closed bridge detour but really charming community) Airbnb – Very clean but very small Food – The Bridge – Dinner – Bar food – Good Heartbeet Organic – Smooties & Vegan Fruit/Salad bowls – Good Coffee – Youngstown Coffee good BUT... C&P Coffee – First Choice in West Seattle Tacoma, WA Boathouse 19 – Lunch – Good food but better drinks. A slew of in-season peach cocktails.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the revolutionary world of city incentives for remote workers with Evan Hock, co-founder of MakeMyMove.com. In this eye-opening podcast episode, Hock unveils how cities across America are attracting new residents through innovative relocation programs. Learn about hidden gem communities offering cash incentives, free co-working spaces, and unique perks to entice remote workers. Discover the economic impact of these programs and how they're reshaping local economies. Hock shares insights on remote work trends, the future of flexible employment, and how MakeMyMove.com is connecting move-ready talent with welcoming communities. Whether you're a remote worker looking for a change or curious about the evolving landscape of work and residence, this episode provides valuable information on finding your ideal place to live and work in the post-pandemic era. This episode is sponsored by ANYTIME MAILBOX, the best virtual mailbox and personal assistant on the market! Go to Skiptownallstars.com, CLICK ON the Anytime Mailbox link and get 10% off YOUR Anytime Mailbox service today! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've shared with you our travel victories and fails, as well as our adventures in parenting adult children. What we haven't shared is our own experiences as adults who have had to take care of our parents. In our case, it's been difficult because it has always been from afar. That's about to change. Denise's mother has made it to her 97th birthday, but the slide into dementia began a few years ago and is about to change our lives for the forseeable future. You can find us and tons of bonus content you won't find here on our YouTube channel, and you can always track our daily misadventures here on the social media platform of your choice! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

That's a wrap on 2023, we guess? Hope your holidays are going swell and you're leaning into the New Year with high hopes and big dreams. But before you jump into 2024 with both feet, make sure you take a listen to this--our best and worst spots and experiences of the year! We appreciate all of you and can't wait to see what next year brings for all of us! You can check out the video version of this show and way more content at our YouTube Channel, or find us on social media here. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready for something unexpected! James recaps his recent visit to Ogden, Utah and how the town has transformed over the past few years. Ogden is located just north of Salt Lake City and was once a gritty railroad town. However, recent investment and development has turned it into an up-and-coming, artsy, mountain destination. Does Ogden's growth, outdoor recreation, and real estate make it a potential hometown? Depends on your hobbies and occupation, but YES. Denise is all up in arms over e-bike hunting, James is sick of virtue signaling, and Huffington Post is intoxicated on their own crazy news headlines. This one is packed with info on life in Utah and lots of jokes… a few of which are even funny! We're gaining subscribers every day on YouTube... Care to join the party? And our social media is pretty damn cool for a coupla Gen-Xers. You should follow us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to invest in real estate but don't want the headache of plumbing every time a tenant clogs the sink? You're going to want to hear what today's guest, Chris Collins from AmityCashFlow.com has to say. Everyone reaches a point in their life where they want to pivot. Television Editor Chris Collins did just that--and launched a company that gives everyday investors a chance to have a piece of large apartment complexes. You can find Chris and his ebook here: https://amitycashflow.com/ebook This episode is sponsored by AnytimeMailbox.com. Go to our website and click the Anytime Mailbox link for 10% off YOUR OWN virtual mailbox service and the awesome Anytime Mailbox services today! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The conclusion of Bill & James' Excellent Adventure in the Jordan starts off with lost luggage and ends with an escape from a desert hut. With no air conditioning, an inexperienced driver and only 3 tires, our Dynamic Duo still managed to clinch an amazing time halfway around the world. They also crossed off another "world wonder" in Petra, which has sparked a lot of talk about trying to see them ALL before their buckets kick one day. This is Part 2 of 2 for the guys' trip to the Middle East, so if you haven't checked out the Egypt episode, make sure you do. Subscribe to us on YouTube. Every subscription goes a LONG way. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What starts out as a recap of Denise's bungled attempt at being a bootlegger--and James realizing Canada has some pretty strict rules about firearms--turns into a low-key therapy session. We said we'd be honest and not hide the bad stuff when we started this pod. Consider this episode a promise kept. #emptynest #fulltank Socials and maps of our travels: linktr.ee/skiptownallstars Check out what Anytime Mailbox can do for you at: Skiptownallstars.com/anytime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of Skiptown All-Stars is brought to you by Anytime Mailbox. Head over to skiptownallstars.com and click the Anytime Mailbox link for YOUR 10% off on any of their services! This week we recap our thrilling family adventure in Greer, South Carolina! This episode takes you on a journey through unexpected ATV rides, relaxing river tubing, and heartwarming family bonding. Discover the charm of Greer and nearby Asheville as the family explores local attractions, encounters wildlife, and creates new traditions. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Denise has been maxed out on James, people and well, everything lately. So when Lisa--and Eastern Wisconsin--rang the phone, Denise answered the call. Before she knew it, she was ditching all responsibility and heading for Milwaukee! This is the recap of her trip to the Brew City, Appleton, Lambeau Field and even a taste of Door County. The snow is a factor, but this recounting is all James needed to hear... cue the heavy metal, we're definitely taking the Camaro on a future run to the Badger State! We love that you listen, but you might be missing out on all the content on our YouTube channel that you can't find in an audio format. Check it out here! You can find us on social media here. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we have an inspiring interview with Donna Spatidol, who found us right as she was about to embark upon her own mission to find a new hometown. As an artist, a dog owner and a huge fan of cold weather, she shares the triumphs and trials of the last several months of her journey... and where she's going to purchase a home! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While wandering around Connecticut, Denise planned a haircut in Guilford with a friend-of-a-friend at her salon. What happened next was not in the plan, however. Her new stylist, Stephanie, transformed into an all-day tour guide, instead. Denise returned to the hotel with her hair looking the same and full of excitement over everything she's going to do when we MOVE TO GUILFORD? That's right. Half of the Skiptown tribe has spoken... and Denise swears that Guilford is the "Stars Hollow" she's been targeting all this time. She's even talking about starting a new endeavor there. And the Gilmore Girls. Lots and lots of Gilmore Girls. You're gonna be wasted! One Skiptown down, but will James buy in? Not if it means getting into the restaurant business. You can find way more content on our YouTube Channel. Like and subscribe, dang it! And, as always, follow us on the social media flavor of your choice here. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buying a car in 2023 turned out to be a surreal odyssey. Getting "scooped" on the purchase of an SUV not once, not twice BUT THREE TIMES was mentally taxing. Then, we got a hearty dose of dealership trickery and fine print. We knew we were really strangers in a strange land, though, when we visited a car lot... and none of the cars had gas in them. True story. Find out what we finally settled on, and why. The heavens finally opened up and delivered us the Skip Mobile, thank God! Our social media links are here. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No need for flowery prose here. Cousin Judy is BACK! Your favorite cousin is here to download you on cruise vacations, riverboat adventures and trends in the floating hotel industry. Huzzah! You can find all of our social media links here! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Tampa one of America's most overlooked cities? Dive into everything it has to offer in this fun recap of Denise's recent visit. She shares her eye opening experience visiting a listener and Tampa for the first time and discovering the city's rich culture, architecture, cuisine and more. From the historic Ybor City neighborhood to catching a glimpse of Tom Brady's former home, Denise was pleasantly surprised by this underrated Florida gem. We also discuss Tampa's growth, influx of young residents, booming real estate market, and why Denise says it's an ideal city to live. Whether you're considering a move or just want to learn more about this hip cultural hub, this epsiode has all the insider info on Tampa you've been searching for! You can follow us on YouTube, and you'll find a LOT more content if you do! We're on Instagram and TikTok @skiptownallstars.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Outside of Gainesville, FL sits a town we've passed a hundred times in our travels... and yet never knew existed. Turns out Northern Florida has a well-kept secret to most people passing through, and it comes in the form of just ONE square mile known as the town of Micanopy. What's the deal with Micanopy? Well, for starters it is it's own time capsule. Roll into town past the tin-roofed houses and you'll quickly find yourself transported into the early 20th century. The cafes may have modern equipment, but the aesthetics of this unique town are free of the chain restaurants and schlocky corporate stores you can find in every suburb in America. Join us as we recap our visit with the descendants of J.R. Mountain--an original entrepreneur who made Micanopy a must-stop for every Greyhound bus in the 1920s. We sat with two of his grandchildren, Sandra and Billy, for what ended up being a fascinating look into what it took to start a town in Old Florida--and the battles they've fought over the years to keep its beautiful soul. Could we live there? Pop in those dorky earbuds and find out. You can find us on social media here. Check out our YouTube channel here. Subscribe and review us everywhere you can--it means so much! #emptynest #fulltank   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a Texas-sized adventure and a Louisville slog, our young-ish adventurers embarked on one of James' "must see" destinations... Oklahoma City. See, he was around shortly after the worst-of-the-worst hit the city, but was eager to see its rebound. Long story short? It FAR surpassed the revival he expected. Meanwhile, Denise could easily be bribed into an OKC suburb with a corndog and free parking. To be continued, Oklahoma City... James' fat thumbs are working Zillow to find a plot of land there even as we speak! Find us at linktr.ee/skiptownallstars Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s official… we have our first affiliate partner for the show! Could not have done it without you and we’re psyched to be working with Anytime Mailbox and this episode features Anytime Mailbox’s VP of Ops and Sales, Nathalie Shroeder. Nathalie is one of the core team that launched Anytime Mailbox, as well as a jewelry designer, Skiptown listener and family friend. Hell, she was at our going away party back in July! Take a listen to Nathalie’s own empty nest story and, if you’re in the market for a service that handles your snail mail while your traveling or otherwise living your life, check out what Anytime Mailbox can do for you. And, as always you can find all of our links here. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY bonniebluetours.com **Head over to Bonnie's site and get the absolute BEST tour of Savannah - and if you use the promo code SKIPTOWN you'll get 15% off your tour! We FINALLY made our way to Savannah, GA! Our first TRUE "remote working" adventure as empty-nesters did not disappoint. From Denise's new favorite side dish to James' boys weekend with a new friend, this Georgia city gave us history, hauntings and... yellow baseballs. Go Bananas!  We could've stuck to the usual sites--the Bird Girl, Leopold's and The Grey, to name a few--but why give you the same old peaches you could find with a quick Google search? NO. We dug into everything that makes this city great, and it's not just Forsyth Park! So get ready for some rib-sticking content, because the Hostess City of the South gave us so much love that it wouldn't fit into one episode. This is Part 1 of 2 of Savannah. Enjoy! Find all of our social media links and the map of EVERYWHERE we went in Savannah here. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We purchased the Florida property and finally found a renter. We refurbished--and refurnished--the house. The day finally came for our renter to arrive and we were beyond excited... but then something went terribly wrong. There's no other way to say it. It was an EPIC FAIL. We rely on subscribers and followers and would love it if you became one. You can find us everywhere, here. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you're a millennial looking for love or a Gen Xer re-entering the dating scene, this episode is a must-listen! This one was supposed to be just a quick topic but grew like a monster into its own episode. Denise, James, and Producer Phil dive deep into the complexities of modern dating, the expectations of women in the dating scene (according to TikTok) and the likelihood of those boxes getting checked in present day America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Somewhere between Connecticut and Kentucky, Denise drops the bomb that she's going to do a 5-day getaway in the middle of our... getaway. She leaves James behind to go glamping in Zion National Park. What could go wrong? EVERYTHING, as it turns out! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the Northeastern part of Louisiana sits the 3rd oldest city in the US, and is best-known for 2 things. The first is that its name, Natchitoches, sounds nothing like its pronunciation, "nack-a-tish." The second is it's the town where the true story of Steel Magnolias is based. Turns out Denise has seen the movie 12 times and cried every single time. Conversely, it's like ambien to James. He's tried to watch it in 3 different decades and failed to stay awake every single time. The hotel was fantastic, but the nightlife--at 8:15PM--was virtually non-existent. It wasn't until they stumbled into a bingo hall that things seemed to take a turn in a more exciting direction. The food was mostly good, when they could find it. Turns out, catching a restaurant between 2-5pm for a late lunch is REALLY a struggle. For a town with a university and so many festivals during the year, the dynamic duo thought there would be a vibrancy on the streets of this beautiful setting. What they found wasn't exactly a traveler's paradise, and instead some mixed reviews from the locals, themselves. Special thanks to the Church Street Inn! We're dropping additional content you can't see here on YouTube... including our "Ask a Local" series. Check it out! Social media links here. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Way back when we left Los Angeles, the plan was to drive from Seattle until we hit The Keys but (as you all know) we had to stop down when Hurricane Ian was sweeping through Florida. Since then, one thing after another has prevented us from reaching the paradise that exists right at the very tip of the continental U.S. Well, we ran FINALLY out of obstacles and excuses... and at last we were able to head out on a weekend getaway to Key West. Our friends Carly and Mike from the West Coast also made the trip and we were amped to pick them up outside of Miami along the way. From the anti-corporate vibe of Islamorada to the unwinding views from Seven Mile Bridge, our 4 days in the gateway to the Caribbean were as epic as they were expensive. Denise found a pirate hideaway and James found a way not to tip the sea kayak. Grab yourself a colada and kick back while we lay out the ups and downs of our journey to the Florida Keys! You can find all of our social media, maps and links here. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Cov" has been on our "Top 5" ever since we blew through here in late 2022 on our way to catch a flight out of Cincinnati. This week, we FINALLY make it back and really dig into why it resonated with us in such a short amount of time--and why it's now making list after list of Top 10 Places to Move. We reconnect with Jenna and Bert Stewart, who let us live like locals from their British-themed abode. Did it meet our expecations? You bet your Mainstrasse, it did! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We know you're used to us doing a bit of a departure physically, but this week we're doing it topically, too! We had an episode planned and we tossed out the script, so get ready for an off-the-cuff update on our new "roommate," James' take on NFL current events and Denise dragging noted bull**** artist Tim Ferriss and his 4-Hour Work Week joke. Our YouTube Channel is famous in India! You can find all of our social media stabs here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've hit 100,000 miles. About 100 towns. And the 2-year mark. Athens, GA is calling us now. Let's start looking ahead. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the charm and opportunities of Knoxville, Tennessee with us this week! We FINALLY got to revisit this vibrant city, exploring its unique neighborhoods, thriving real estate market, and cultural attractions. From the historic Old City to the modern West Knoxville, learn about the diverse housing options and lifestyle Knoxville offers. Hear insights on the city's growth, University of Tennessee influence, and nearby natural wonders like the Smoky Mountains. We share our personal experiences, including almost relocating to Knoxville in 2012, and discuss current market trends. Whether you're considering a move or just curious about this eastern Tennessee gem, this episode provides an honest, in-depth look at Knoxville's pros and cons, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in Southern living or real estate opportunities in a growing mid-sized city. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's nothing to prepare you for someone calling and telling you they want to fly you and your significant other halfway around the world on their dime, but that's exactly what happened to us in March of 22. James' client phoned him and offered to pay for flights and accommodations if we were willing to drop everything and go to Dubai. Du-freaking-bai! The result was the trip of a lifetime in one of the most unique cities on the planet and you don't want to miss what we have to say about traveling to the United Arab Emirates. Out of all the places we skipped around to last year, our trip to the Middle East was by far the most impactful--and it only makes sense that Dubai is the capper to an unimaginable year of travel. Enjoy! Anytime Mailbox helps us with mail and can help you, too! Hit this link to find out more! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What better way to cap off a 2-month roadtrip than to immediately have to hunker down and pray for the best? Hurricane Ian ravaged Florida. While it mostly missed us, it left hundreds of thousands without power and several dead.  This episode explores how we came to purchase an investment property right dab smack in The Villages, a world-famous retirement community... and Denise's growing desire to just stay. And play pickleball. Or hike. Or join a rowing team. Or something. Conversely, James has no desire to stop traveling and looking for a big, fat house on a nice piece of land. So, you can safely expect WAY more shows. Find us everywhere here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our Golden Anniversary... 50 episodes in, and a year of hometown hunting under our belt. Couldn't have done it without you! We thought there was no better way to celebrate our milestone than to invite one of the OGs in the digital nomad lifestyle on the show. You may already be familiar with The Professional Hobo but in case you aren't, Nora Dunn traded a successful career as a financial planner for a new way of living in 2006. She's been all over the planet, working the whole time. Her YouTube channel has made her an authority on travel hacks, living abroad and remote working and we're so excited to present this episode to you! You can find Nora here: theprofessionalhobo.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UColuBSf_obJxCdZu9nnaETA And us here: linktr.ee/skiptownallstars #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Cousin Judy, and later, Cousin Doreen both mentioned to Denise that we should DEFINITELY stop in Helen, GA in our travels, the seed was planted. After hearing of this Bavarian Village in the mountains of Georgia, James agreed. MISTAKE. Were we greeted by miles of plywood facades and the potential for foodborne illness... or are we way off base? Based on the reviews on... and money pouring into... Helen, GA we have a sense that our inbox is going to be full of angry comments this week! Fine, defend Helen and tell us where we went wrong... we'll at least listen. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've been ready to focus on our own future hometown, but had not even considered that maybe we weren't the only ones in our family who could take the plunge on a new home. Denise recently found a real estate agent to talk to us about Savannah. So we joined Isia Orr and her team at Fox Hollow Realty and got an education on everything that's happening in a city that's now on our Top 5 list. Isia gives us strategies for first-time buyers, the current state of the Savannah real estate market and post-pandemic buying and selling trends in cities across the country. The result? We took Isia's advice and our daughter is now scouring Corpus Christi for her first home. Our "new favorite real estate agent" will give you tips and hacks as she reveals the truth about just how attainable your first home can be. People waste so much money on rent and cars thinking they can't afford a house of their own--and couldn't be more wrong! Check out Isia and her team at https://foxhollowrealty.com/ and follow Isia's updates and advice on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isiad/?hl=en or here on Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02FErfJWdVG7rrmxwQu22M393tLA4wLKBZjuT31wCgyYzQMzHguTVF4rZGBakpuGG4l&id=131105690291287&_rdr And as always you can find all of our links, maps and socials here! #emptynest #fulltank   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we explore the charming town of Essex, Connecticut, and stay at the historic Griswold Inn. We also discover the town's picturesque Main Street, the Connecticut River Valley, and the challenges of finding affordable housing in this desirable location. Learn about the Griswold's rich history, its continuous operation since 1776, and the alleged haunted stories surrounding the property. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the hidden paradise of Anna Maria Island, a pristine gem on Florida's Gulf Coast. This episode of Skiptown All-Stars takes you on a journey to this lesser-known destination, revealing its stunning beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and unique charm. Discover insider tips on finding the perfect spot on Holmes Beach, navigating the local real estate market, and enjoying the island's amenities without breaking the bank. Plus, dive into a discussion on sustainable travel practices and learn about global destinations leading the charge in eco-friendly tourism. From the powdery white sands of Anna Maria to the innovative green initiatives in cities like Valencia and Singapore, this episode offers a blend of personal travel experiences and valuable insights for the environmentally conscious explorer. Join us for an unforgettable virtual trip to one of Florida's best-kept secrets! Website: https://skiptownallstars.com/ Main Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/?hl=en Denise's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptowndenise/ James' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownjames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@skiptownallstars #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No need to sugarcoat it. Chattanooga, TN has come around the mountain and barreled its way into our Top 5 places to live! From Red Bank to East Ridge, Downtown to Soddy Daisy... this place has the outdoors, a vibrant nightlife and FAST, FREE internet! Put it on your "places to visit" list, because Chattanooga isn't just a little old train town in the mountains, anymore! This episode takes you on a journey through the Chattanooga's unique downtown, mountain landscapes, and the famous Ruby Falls. Discover why Chattanooga is becoming a hotspot for retirees and celebrities alike, with its blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. Learn about the city's progressive initiatives, like publicly-owned high-speed internet, and explore nearby areas like Apison. Get an insider's perspective on living in this up-and-coming Southern gem, complete with tips on the best neighborhoods and outdoor activities. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone considering a move to Chattanooga or planning a visit to this picturesque Tennessee city. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you listened to our episode last week, you know that Denise has spent a lot of time in Colorado lately. It hasn't just been family business, however. On her last trip, she got a good look around Castle Rock--and found that what used to be a stop-off city between Denver and Colorado Springs has now expanded FAR beyond a day of shopping at outlet malls. James also made the most recent trip to the Centennial State for some mile-high mischief and this is our recap! Check out our YouTube Channel, which is bursting at the seams with way more content! You can find us on social media here.   #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the ultimate guide to celebrating America's birthday with our Top 10 Fourth of July destinations! From the historic streets of St. Augustine to the majestic backdrop of Mount Rushmore, we explore the most patriotic and festive spots across the nation. Learn about unique local traditions, mouthwatering food specialties, and spectacular fireworks displays that make each location a standout choice for Independence Day. Whether you're looking for a small-town celebration or a big city extravaganza, our curated list has something for everyone. We also share personal Fourth of July memories, safety tips, and little-known facts about this beloved American holiday. Join us as we dive into the heart of American culture and find the perfect place to celebrate the red, white, and blue. Get ready for an unforgettable Independence Day filled with parades, barbecues, and star-spangled fun! This episode was sponsored by ANYTIME MAILBOX! Get 10% OFF any of their virtual mailboxes using this link: https://www.go.anytimemailbox.com/sta #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Halfway between our property in FL and the sporty vibe of Greenville, SC there sits a small town with an upscale downtown. Perry, GA may not be a place you've never heard of before, but we bet this town is jumping when the weather is nice. Despite the dreary winter weather there, we managed to have a great time and flesh this place out for all it was worth over a period of 4 days. We explored local shops, peach orchards, some really kick-ass restaurants and the Georgia National Fairgrounds. While it was a little too rural for Denise's taste, James seemed to be loving everything except the peaches. Hey, everyone has their personal food preferences, right? No disrespect, Perry. You better believe we'll be back when the pecan farms are rocking and the pigs are for sale! You'd best be stoppin' over our YouTube channel, y'all! And while you're at it, throw us some love on social media, too. Free fried balogna sandwich to every listener who reviews us on Apple Podcasts or rates us on Spotify, ya hear? #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We handed over the house keys and are on the loose. With an unexpected (but not at all surprising) freeway shutdown and a dog that refuses to do her business, our first leg was a total grind. The palace we found in Santa Rosa is short-lived, and the podcast starts from a serious downgrade in rural Oregon. This episode also includes our very special guest... the one and only Ellie Gordon. Ellie weighs in on what it's like to leave home for good and cram into a vehicle with us, the dog and zero sister support. Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0LY5k3G0n03N0pDtO8Zx72 Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skiptown-all-stars/id1636817938  Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c27fdc73-d7ad-495d-8931-3df036c4a8b5/skiptown-all-stars Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/skiptown-all-stars YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYY1gCsalt6kItqF6yG2cqKJVLyGvW-OO  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar Web: http://skiptownallstars.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We know her affectionately as "Biggsy" and we've finally arrived in Corpus Christi and at the doorstep of the only Gordon you haven't met. We're excited to present to the podverse our oldest daughter, Parker! She spills the beans on her new job at KRIS Channel 6 News as a producer, some of the stories she's encountered there so far and all the best and worst of the Texas Riviera. From getting shot in the ass to getting lost in a pothole, our numero uno warns you of all the fates that can befall you here on the edge of The Gulf. Our advice? Stick to "church dates." Wanna find us on your favorite platform? Here you go. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the world of reality TV with executive producer Dean Ollins as he shares insider insights on A&E Network's "New House, No Debt" and his illustrious career. From casting challenges to production secrets, Ollins reveals the intricate process behind creating hit shows. Learn about his work on the Brady Bunch renovation and how he navigates the ever-changing landscape of unscripted television. This candid conversation offers aspiring producers valuable advice and gives viewers a glimpse behind the curtain of their favorite reality programs. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY slysslidersandfries.com ! Check out what Savannahians already know... Sly's Sliders Rocks! Artisan sliders and dogs to match your taste, whatever your dietary preference. Go to slysslidersandfries.com and tell them The Skiptown All-Stars sent you. Our adventure in The Hostess City of the South continues! We went to Mrs. Wilkes for some down-home cooking, only to be intimidated by lines around the corner on mulltiple days. Eventually, we made it and well, ONE of us thought the country cookin' was worth the wait. It didn't matter, though... it was just one of a hundred stops we made as we continued to eat our way through every block of Savannah over a 3 week span. We dig into the real story behind Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and unearth some of the more salacious details about it you might not know. In the end, we made every minute we spent in our Victorian house count... and even began to shop around for one of our own. More to come on that next week, too. Finally, we come face-to-face with some of the most vile serial killers and cults at Graveface Musem. Were they more scary than Paula Dean's desserts? You gotta listen to find out. Maps of our visits, links to YouTube clips and our social media all lives here. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the charming town of Litchfield, Connecticut, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of New England. This quaint destination boasts a rich colonial history, stunning natural beauty, and small-town charm that captivates visitors and locals alike. Discover Litchfield's fascinating past, including its role in the Revolutionary War and as home to notable figures like Aaron Burr and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Immerse yourself in the town's picturesque landscapes, from the scenic Bantam Lake to the extensive hiking trails of the White Memorial Conservation Foundation. Experience the unique blend of historic architecture, artisanal cuisine, and outdoor adventures that make Litchfield a must-visit destination. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an educational journey through American history, Litchfield offers something for everyone. Join us as we uncover the secrets and stories of this enchanting Connecticut town, perfect for your next New England getaway. Sean Kunic of the Litchfield Historical Society was very helpful in giving us information about Litchfield. Show him some love at https://www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org This episode is sponsored by ANYTIME MAILBOX. Don't miss out on 10% off of Anytime's virtual mailbox assistant for your travels, your business or your privacy. Go to SkiptownAllStars.com and click the Anytime Mailbox link at the top of the page for YOUR 10% off of their scanning, forwarding and even their check cashing service, to name a few! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

OUR TOP 5 LIKES AND DISLIKES for this episode will be on social media so check us out, if you haven't. We didn't have Kentucky on the map for our travels this time around, but after an elated call from Ellie we found out she made the cut for her traveling volleyball squad. She was going to be in Louisville while we were in Texas. Not exactly next door, but it DID merge nicely with our curiosity and wanderlust... so we struck out for The Bluegrass State. Upon arriving in Louisville, we weren't exactly greeted with open arms, anywhere. We also took note that the folks there weren't really friendly to each other, either. Thank God for F***ing Bert Stewart from Episode 9. Had he not told us about Covington, KY we might've gone back to Texas with a bourbon headache and a bad memory of Louisville. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the last stop in Little Rock, we realized we were a quick trip away from seeing the shining star of American exceptionalism... Graceland! Elvis' story and home were as amazing as we expected, but the rise in crime around Memphis over the past several years left us saying, "Roll, Tide, Roll!" and before we knew it, we were waking up in Tuscaloosa. Here's our linktr.ee/skiptownallstars and please check out our sponsor, Anytime Mailbox here: skiptownallstars.com/anytime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NOTE: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS PROFANITY AND SOME GRAPHIC LANGUAGE. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. This one is a Skiptown detour, as we engage in a candid and enlightening conversation with special guests D Rugg and Ashley about the cultural differences and misconceptions between Black and White Americans. The discussion covers a wide range of topics, from personal hygiene habits to food preferences, and delves into deeper issues like racial fears and political affiliations. This honest dialogue challenges stereotypes, promotes understanding, and highlights the shared experiences that unite us all. Listeners will gain valuable insights into both Black and White perspectives, learn about the historical roots of certain behaviors and attitudes, and come away with a greater appreciation for the complexity of race relations in America. Join us for this hilarious and eye-opening exploration of cultural differences and the path towards greater racial harmony and mutual understanding. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 12th Day of Christmas my travel log gave to me: 12 hour layovers 11 dollar coffee 10 nasal swabbings 9 flights delaying 8 lanes a-merging 7 dollars per gallon 6 damaged presents 5 SCREAM-ING KIIIIDDDDSSSS 4 shuttle changes 3 canceled dinners 2 missing shoes And a drunk uncle in Q-A-NONNNNNNNNNNNN Happy Hanukkah. Merry Christmas. Happy Kwanzaa. Merry Festivus. We're airing our grievances and wishing you the best in 2023. Thanks for joining us this year! #emptynest #fulltank Social: linktr.ee/skiptownallstars Check out our sponsor, Anytime Mailbox, at skiptownallstars.com/anytime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the greatest aspects of our last year of travel has been meeting new people and FINALLY having the freedom to visit all the old friends and family we've been "meaning to" over the years. This week, we sit down with James' college buddy and Gordon family fixture, Patrick Mason, in his Jersey City crib. You've heard us mention how he always calls to correct our grammar and fact-check us... always leaving us with a renewed commitment to making him proud. This week he's with us to break down the explosive growth Jersey City has seen over the past few decades... is it "the 6th Borough"? Patrick cuts through the noise on the real estate statistics and drops a lot of bonus info on the neighboring town of Hoboken, too. Enjoy! You can find the video version of this podcast and much more content on our YouTube channel. All of our social media links are here, too. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone has their own definition of what "staying young" means. For your favorite town-skippers, it meant divesting from the Los Angeles real estate market and getting their kicks on Route 66 until they found a new one. In this episode we discuss what we believe our TRUE ages to be... and while Denise keeps it reasonable, James seems to think he is much, much younger than he really is. We also talk about successful people who were able to reboot their careers at an older age--and what the average age of an entrepreneur in America really looks like. Spoiler alert: it's not 23-year old "Instagram bros" selling workout routines). If you're in our favorite demographic of 35-65--and we know most of you are!--get ready for a truth bomb that will surely wake you up to all of the potential that still lies ahead of you. You can find our links to everything imaginable here. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"What's it REALLY like traveling with James/Denise?" Yep. It's our #1 question from you to our inbox, every week since we left LA. We decided it was finally time to answer this question from our perspective, and to flip the script on you... Could you, or would you even want to, go 10,000+ miles (and counting!) with your companion on a trip like the one we're on? Are you about to start? Or do you have a lot of convincing to do? We hope this conversation gets you thinking about what it would take for you to set out for a new life with your significant other, and we'd LOVE IT if you'd click here to follow us on your socials and see the Google maps of everywhere we've been. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For someone who never watches HGTV, Denise sure knows A LOT about the hosts of their shows. James knew nothing about Laurel, Mississippi or the show "Home Town," but you best believe he knew Erin and Ben Napier's names by heart by the time we left! Our first night in this growing town was overshadowed by a grungy hotel in a not-so-great area, but charming Downtown Laurel awaited us the next morning. We were greeted by a few locals, Landon and Kate Bryant, who are the geniuses behing the Southern-centric, uber-successful @landontalks channels on TikTok and Instagram. We all piled into their car for our own special tour of the neighborhoods around Laurel and it certainly did not disappoint. Tell your "mom 'n them" that what we found in Laurel was a new surprise around every corner. Here lies a town that is charming, ripe with potential and overflowing with civic pride. Spoiler alert: Our prediction is that, in 5 years, some people are going to be REALLY glad they put skin in the Laurel game. Check out our YouTube channel for our "Ask a Local" segments and videos you can't find here on the audio platform. As always, please share, REVIEW and rate our show if you like us... and of course you can skip this part if you don't! Stalk us on all sorts of platforms here. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Denise mentioned being a former personal assistant on LeeAnn Kreischer's "Wife of the Party" Swapcast last month and you asked her for stories of working for the rich and famous... so here we go! Denise also brings in one of her best friends, Gina Jackson, to help out. Together they recount the ups, downs and oddities of working for uber-wealthy families in Bel Air. They talk about what a personal assistant does, their adventures--and misadventures--working for these Beverly Hills families and how they handled this always challenging (and sometimes bizarre) occupation. Even better, Gina started out as a nanny so get ready for a fascinating inside look! From being tasked to find obscure pieces of red carpet jewelry half a world away, to being asked to euthanize the family dog--wait, WHAT?--Denise and Gina spill the tea on the life of being a personal assistant for Hollywood royalty. Enjoy! We have maps of everywhere we've been, social media insanity and all the ways you can reach us here. Please check out our affiliate partner, Anytime Mailbox, too! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James tried to keep the mood merry and bright for the holidays, but Denise wasn't having any of that... and started talking about Christmas carnage stories ripped from old headlines. Producer Phil didn't help when he shared his own story--which would've been the most traumatic Christmas Story of all time, had he not been too young to remember it! What the heck, with these two? James just wanted to have a little fun but left the studio feeling worse about humanity, not better. Anyway, Merry Christmas everyone! Follow us on our YouTube Channel and our social media! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, our young explorers depart Zion with a surly dog and are met with a storm. And then a sandstorm. Despite the whiteout, they find their way through Navajo markets into the red-soiled, "new age" Utopia you all know as Sedona, AZ. Denise is super excited because she uses phrases like "Mercury is in retrograde" all the time. At any rate, after she drops a few crystal bombs on James and has him doing things he wouldn't normally do... like mountain freaking yoga... and fat-farm hypnosis... they have a few good meals, check out a few good hikes and find a few good shops. But overall, meh. On to Santa Fe, then, where the real enchantment begins. Between the Southwestern grub and the downtown plaza, James is stunned to find something around every corner that he loves, while Denise and her friends say, "Told ya." From the atomic flavor of Los Alamos National Laboratory to the rolling meadows of Eldorado, your two favorite middle-aged children leave no stone unturned (thanks to some really helpful tips from Jenny Parks at LANL Foundation) and actually EXTEND A DAY in Santa Fe. ***From James: PLEASE check out my new friend Chris Hoski's profile on Instagram sfsilver925 and show him some love. Denise bought me (with my own card) a very cool ring you can find on @skiptownjames on IG, too. Chris is an artisan and is on that grind making one-of-a-kind jewelry and all of his Navajo love is poured into each piece. He creates, he ships and he scores. One of our best finds at the Palace of the Governors in Downtown Santa Fe... and not just because he invited us to his house for a tour and margaritas! We're coming back to take you up on that offer, Chris! You can find out where we went here on our brand spanking new Google Map made just for YOU! Sedona, AZ: https://goo.gl/maps/NxzGrCxpTtYPAV9E8 Santa Fe (and a spoiler for Roswell which is in next week's episode): https://goo.gl/maps/iF9XkTu6T1JRUZn28 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0LY5k3G0n03N0pDtO8Zx72 Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skiptown-all-stars/id1636817938  Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c27fdc73-d7ad-495d-8931-3df036c4a8b5/skiptown-all-stars Google https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzQyODYxNi9yc3M%3D Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/skiptown-all-stars YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYY1gCsalt6kItqF6yG2cqKJVLyGvW-OO
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar Web: http://skiptownallstars.com     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week is James' recap of the 10--yes, 10!--places he checked out in Connecticut this Fall: Danbury, Sherman, New Milford, New Fairfield, Brookfield, Newtown, New London, Madison, Branford and Denise's favorite, Guilford. For 10 days, the picturesque small towns and idyllic waterfront living across Connecticut continued to impress. We discuss the hometown advantages of colonial homes, autumn leaves, farmer's markets, trails, and access to major cities like NYC. We also discuss Sandy Hook, which was a very dark stain on our country's modern history. Once we're done (not at all) settling the debate on America's gun fetish, we also debate the viability of dating apps and share some of the latest crime stories. If you’re considering moving to Connecticut or just want to learn more about what it has to offer, strap in because we're going for a ride! Check out our YouTube channel here. Find us on social media here. #emptynest #fulltank     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our adventures in Corpus Christi have kept you up to date on Parker this summer, but what about the other 2 Gordons? Turns out they both have big news and big changes this year. From Mia's academic path (and a new job? MIa's got a job?) to Ellie's MAJOR change of scenery, they've both charted new directions for their future. From Mia's slummy apartment to Ellie's angst, we catch you up on what's going on with the youngest Gordons this week! You can find our YouTube channel and way more content here. Social media links are here. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For tons of STAS content you can't see here, subscribe to us on YouTube! It's been a pretty interesting time here in South Texas. For starters, we've been borderline couch surfing at our daughter's new home... mostly because her new couch is more comfortable than the guest bed. She flew our coop over 6 years ago, so getting reaquainted with Parker has been mostly amazing but sometimes very surreal. Turns out she's an adult with her own mind now and, well, we're just not used to that! Beyond the issues of purchasing an old house, we definitely have a full picture of this Guld city--and predictions about what it's going to look like in 5 years. So strap in and catch up with all things Corpus because we're about to resume our own hometown search now that our kid is settled in! Follow us on social media here! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a few weeks in Southern Connecticut, it was time to stop heading west toward New Haven and find some new adventures. It was only a matter of time before everyone and their mother was pointing us to Mystic, home of the iconic Mystic Pizza that was the focus of a Julia Roberts movie about a hundred years ago. Anyhoo, we went and the pizza was "fine." We weren't disappointed with the shops, the donuts, the historic landmarks or the oysters. We did the tourist trap in Old Mystic and Denise went gaga over the ice sculptures while James spent most of his day geeking out over a drawbridge. In the final analysis, we could afford a 1-Bedromm house in Mystic, but dang, we were glad we went! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Denise caught wind of a nature preserve in a little town called Kingsville less than an hour south of Corpus Christi, her ears perked up. When James found out that said nature preserve had real-life raptor birds ready to put on a show and devour piles of meat, he brought every lens in the camera bag! From El Potrero Ranch to the 106-year old Harrell's Kingsville Pharmacy, the neighborly vibes were also on full display everywhere--even the Mayor showed up to talk to your favorite empty nesters. Kingsville is full of potential and affordable housing, and speculators are starting to take notice. If you're into fishing--or crushing four-dollar burgers at the corner store--then you may want to give Kingsville--or nearby Baffin Bay--a solid look! You can find out more about our outdoor adventure at El Potrero Ranch here: https://www.facebook.com/ElPotreroNaturePhotographyRanch/ Our guide, Hugh Lieck was THE BEST: https://www.facebook.com/HughLieck1955/ Harrell's Kingsville Pharmacy: https://www.facebook.com/people/Harrels-Kingsville-Pharmacy/100057509407878/ Baffin on the Rocks Fishing Lodge: https://baffinontherocks.com/ And anything you need to know about what's happening in Kingsville is here: https://www.facebook.com/KingsvilleVisitorsCenter/ As always, our social media links are here http://www.linktr.ee/skiptownallstars #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our first few episodes dropped and we also had a guest appearance on LeeAnn Kreischer's Wife of the Party podcast. That show introduced us to LeeAnn's fans but one applauding voice was louder than all the others. Bert F***ing Stewart from Covington, Kentucky. Bert heard our WotP episode and dropped a very detailed argument on why The Gordons should consider both Yellow Springs, OH (read: Dave Chappelle's town) and especially Covington, KY where he and his wife Jen live. He also gave his thoughts on whether we should "bleep" curse words in future STAS episodes since, while Denise and James are certainly no angels, they HAVE been trying to protect your beautiful little childrens' ears up to this point with the standard television "bleep" when needed. So... if a guy is going to not only follow us from Day 1... and give us such a solid pitch for a place we've never even heard of... we'd be idiots not to get him on the show, right? Even though we were stumbling through Salt Lake City at the time, James was able to catch Bert for a Zoom and they talked at length about what Covington and the stretch of towns just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati had to offer... AND if you follow us on social media you know there is a BIG PAYOFF to this episode coming. Little did we know this interview with Bert F***ing Stewart would actually come full circle in a few weeks. That episode is coming, but for now enjoy Bert's pitch that got the ball rolling! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been a full year since our house hit the market and we started thinking-about-getting-around-to-considering packing up our belongings and leaving LA. Back then, James was so sure he was going to work remotely--come hell or high water--he was willing to bank his family's future on it. Now, instead of driving to her beauty business every day, Denise is also a remote worker. What's changed? In this episode, we get into what is different for us now that we're REALLY roaming around and putting the digital nomad paradigm to the test with every new hometown we tackle. More importantly, we dig into the statistics of remote working from 2019-2023 and there are some VERY surprising revelations on what's happening this year. Spoiler alert: the cities everyone fled are making a comeback. Watch us on YouTube, review us on Apple or Spotify and follow us on your favorite social platform here. #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  Our rough entry into Salt Lake last week got so much worse. There's just no other way to say it... Mia's new apartment that she was SO EXCITED to move into is owned by a slumlord. It was rough 2 days, especially for James. By the time we leave SLC, he was beside himself with frustration but Denise, always a gal who is up for a fun time, saves the day by booking a glamping trip for her man at @UnderCanvas and hot damn, if that didn't lift his spirits! This episode is PACKED with adventures from Park City, Sundance and the regal Zion National Park. We also get into why people hate THE CALIFORNIANS... until they meet our wallets, anyway. In this episode money talks and so do we. You asked for more content and you got your wish! YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYY1gCsalt6kItqF6yG2cqKJVLyGvW-OO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar Web: http://skiptownallstars.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since LeeAnn Kreischer first had us on her show, Wife of the Party, Denise has been wanting to get her on ours... but a Zoom interview just didn't seem right. Then, we realized we'd be back in SoCal for the holidays. Why not ask LeeAnn to be in the hot seat for a change? Fortunately, LeeAnn agreed to be interviewed by us--on her own show! You're gonna love learning about this lady and how she raised 2 brilliant kids and kept her modesty and grace despite being married to someone who would become a celebrity that's a household name. Yes, the Wife of the Party (that "party" being Bert Kreischer) has quite the rags-to-riches story of her own to tell. Enjoy! Our socials are here. Anytime Mailbox is our affiliate partner, check them out here! #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we've got a sports fans delight... Chip Porter, author of the book, "The Southern Massacre," which is a story about the 1979 Presbyterian College Blue Hose Football Team. Chip's friend, Andy Forrest, also joins us and the two gentlemen give us a first-hand account of how this small college team upended the college football world with grit, a little luck and an other-worldly performance by a backup quarterback. What is a Blue Hose? The people of Clinton, SC know. Chip and Andy are here to guide was through what it means to be Presbyterian College alumni, how Chip recaptured the spirit and glory of that magical season as a first-time author and what's he's working on next! You can find Chip's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Southern-Massacre-Chip-Porter/dp/195956319X #emptynest #fulltank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices