Episodes

  • Bidding Farewell to Season One: Road Trip Reflections and South Dakota Surprises
    Dec 4 2024

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    Ever wonder how a simple road trip can transform friendships and unveil life’s unexpected lessons? Join us as we wrap up the first season of the Kings of the Road podcast, celebrating 56 episodes packed with laughter, spills, and unforgettable adventures. We look back on our shared journey across America, where two friends found unexpected harmony despite the challenges of cramped quarters and spilled Kool-Aid. Discover how our odyssey became a testament to the power of intentional relationships and the undeniable charm of places like South Dakota.

    Get ready for season two with a thrilling twist! "Defend Your State" launches in early spring 2025, promising to unveil the hidden gems and unique attractions across the nation. Each episode will feature passionate guests advocating for their states, offering listeners insider tips and compelling reasons to visit. Whether you're fiercely proud of your hometown or a wanderlust traveler seeking new destinations, this upcoming journey through America’s diverse landscapes will be nothing short of enlightening. And if you think your state deserves the spotlight, we invite you to share your story with us!

    As we close the chapter on our inaugural season, we're filled with gratitude for our dedicated listeners who’ve been with us from the start, and especially those who binged the entire season in a day—your enthusiasm fuels us! These reflections remind us of the importance of nurturing relationships and embracing new adventures at every turn. Though we bid farewell for now, it’s only a brief pause before we return with even more captivating stories and lively discussions in the next season of Kings of the Road. Thank you for being a vital part of our journey.

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    35 mins
  • The Last Days of Driving.
    Nov 21 2024

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    If you’ve ever been curious about what happens when you mix humor with travel, this episode is your ticket to finding out. Plus, get ready for a sneak peek into the intern opportunity that could have you joining the Kings of the Road team!

    As boredom hit an all-time high on Texas highways, a watch flew out the window in a moment of slap-happy hilarity, capturing the essence of friendship and travel mischief. Scott and Andrew reminisce about the differences between motels and hotels, dive into 90s hip-hop nostalgia, and even pitch the hilariously imaginary "Luda crisps" cereal. El Paso's secret charm, mayoral exchanges with Juarez, and some unconventional travel ideas add to the tapestry of their cross-country shenanigans. If you think you know road trips, you haven’t encountered one quite like this.

    The bittersweet decision to return home early sets the stage for a tantalizing look into Season Two, filled with unexpected twists and intriguing new topics. Scott and Andrew thank their listeners for a thrilling season and promise that the next chapter will continue to surprise and entertain. Buckle up for the ride, as the Kings of the Road are just getting started!

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    29 mins
  • San Antonio Bound with Tunes and Tales
    Nov 14 2024

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    What happens when two friends hit the road without a crucial RV feature? Join Scott Hawkins and Andrew Gaer as they recount their whimsical road trip escapades, which led them from Walmart parking lots to less-than-glamorous motels. From crafting a ridiculous song about a "pooper tank" explosion to dreaming up a stage musical with Lin-Manuel Miranda or AI, our tales are guaranteed to amuse. We'll share how our knack for funny tunes just might outshine our attempts at romantic songwriting, with plenty of laughs along the way.

    Venturing further, we chat about the surprising satisfaction found in being average—like mastering wakeboarding just enough to impress those who haven’t tried it. Society's obsession with comparing ourselves to the best often undermines our unique skills, and we discuss how recognizing our strengths can lead to fulfillment. And of course, our journey wouldn't be complete without a stop in San Antonio, where we reflect on the Alamo's storied past and soak up the enchanting charm of the Riverwalk. Get ready for an episode full of unexpected twists and thoughtful reflections.

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    27 mins
  • Roadside Tunes to New Orleans Rhythms
    Nov 6 2024

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    Ever find yourself longing for the carefree days of spontaneous road trips and the comforting tunes of college rock? Join me, Scott Hawkins, as I share a personal tale of a missed REM concert with my dad, which taught me that life's real treasures are found in shared moments rather than destinations. As we traverse through nostalgic memories on this Election Day 2024, I offer a gentle reminder that the spirit of resilience will carry us through any uncertainties, soothing our souls much like the melodies of REM and Counting Crows.

    Our adventure takes an unexpected turn to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, where the air is filled with the intoxicating smell of its culinary delights. Discover the genius behind Mardi Gras ladder seats and ponder their potential uses beyond parade season. Engage in our lighthearted debate over the best chicken sandwiches, where Popeyes' notorious mustard sauce and crispy offerings take center stage, all while savoring the unique rhythm and energy of this extraordinary city.

    As the night unfolds, let me whisk you away on a whimsical evening in the French Quarter, where jazz melodies and dollar shots create an enchanting backdrop. This episode is an invitation to embrace the unpredictable journey of life with laughter, enriched by the captivating tales of musical memories and the flavors of adventure.

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    32 mins
  • 53: Saying Yes to New Traditions and Community Bonds
    Oct 31 2024

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    Picture opening your doors to strangers and finding your life unexpectedly enriched. That's the essence of Christian hospitality we explore while sharing heartfelt stories of community and connection. We speculate on the power of saying "yes"—how embracing possibilities can lead not only to personal adventures but also to transformative experiences for those around us. We challenge the default reaction of saying "no" and propose that rethinking this habit can uncover hidden blessings. Join us in questioning these knee-jerk responses, and discover how a simple shift in mindset could lead to profound personal and communal growth.

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    27 mins
  • 52: Adventures on the Road to Tallahassee: Lost Pooper Tanks and Spiritual Tales
    Oct 24 2024

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    Can you handle the hilarity of losing what might just be the most essential RV component during a road trip? Join us as Andrew Gaer and Scott Hawkins recount the uproarious tale of their misadventures with a missing pooper tank on their journey to Tallahassee, Florida. As they navigate Walmart parking lots and draw amusing parallels with the notorious Dave Matthews Band incident, laughter becomes the constant companion. This episode captures the essence of camaraderie and the unexpected joys of life on the road, topped off with a heartwarming visit to a church linked to Andrew's mom, offering a true slice of the whimsical world of RV travel.

    But it's not all laughs and giggles; we also dive into the profound with a conversation about the significance of baptism. Reflecting on a unique church service, we explore the meanings of repeated baptisms and how they resonate with faith and commitment. From the Lutheran view of baptism as an unrepeatable promise to alternative expressions of faith like foot washing, we invite listeners to ponder their spiritual paths. This episode promises more than just stories; it's a journey through belief, community, and the grounding power of open dialogue. Join us for a heartfelt exploration of faith, with insights that just might resonate with your own spiritual journey.

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    25 mins
  • Embracing the Unplanned: Stories from the Road
    Oct 17 2024

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    What if the true magic of travel lies not in famous landmarks but in the forgotten corners of the world? Join us as we recount our latest escapades, from Andrew's quirky Bavarian Olympics in Munich to Scott's quest for a loose meat sandwich in northeastern Iowa. We promise a journey filled with unexpected joys, where business trips morph into comedic adventures, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Discover how a band playing American hits in Germany and a lobster roll gone wrong in Boston transform routine work trips into memorable tales.



    Our adventure doesn't end with setbacks, though. Stranded in Florida amid life's unpredictability, we embrace simplicity and find joy in bike rides and pool time. As we contemplate reconnecting with the Monroes in Central or South America, we share our insights and lessons learned along the way. Tune in for a blend of resilience, humor, and the unexpected moments that prove even the most unplanned journeys can lead to unforgettable stories.

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    29 mins
  • Celebrating 50 Episodes: Road Trip Fiascos, Gator Myths, and Catchphrase Chronicles
    Sep 25 2024

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    Ever wondered how a road trip in a Lazy Days motorhome and a hilarious misreading of "Flo Rida" could make for an unforgettable podcast episode? Join Andrew and me as we celebrate our 50th milestone by reminiscing about our podcasting journey. We also dive into some lighthearted banter about our Wordle addiction and those amusing slip-ups that make life all the more interesting. And don't miss the laugh-out-loud story of a Catchphrase game that solidified my relationship with Emily.

    Brace yourself for an adventurous detour as we take you through the swamps of Florida, where our encounters with exotic birds and fearless locals fishing near alligators had us both awestruck and amused. Listen as we humorously dissect the legend of evading gators by zigzagging and draw some unexpected parallels to wartime tactics of the Queen Mary. Just when we thought our journey couldn't get any crazier...

    Our adventure takes a chaotic turn when our motorhome is rear-ended, leaving our pooper tank in a precarious state. Picture the fire department cleaning up the mess and a local celebrity named Elio bringing some comic relief amidst the chaos. With the help of a tow truck driver, we managed to salvage the situation and continue our journey, albeit with a newfound wariness of Florida's red fire ants. Tune in next week to see where our travels take us next, but for now, buckle up and enjoy the ride!

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    37 mins