Talking Travel with Dave Koz

Saxophonist Dave Koz is one of the first celebrities to host a celebrity sea cruise. In fact, debuting in 2004, the Dave Koz & Friends at Sea Cruise might be the first.

With the growing number of such cruises and Koz's coming up in November, I thought it was the perfect time to do a Talking Travel interview with him about cruises.

That interview can be found on the Global Traveler YouTube channel. Watch it and subscribe. Every subscription (it's free) helps build momentum for the Talking Travel series, which allows me to get great guests like Koz.

Like millions of fans, I have enjoyed Koz's music for years, but I didn't know a lt about him. He was so nice and engaging on our interview, I didn't want it to end.

Koz discussed his career, his cruises and much more. He was a great addition to the series and I hope you''ll watch it and feel the same. 

Reliable DIBS

On my April trip to the University of Wisconsin for a Badgers softball game, Bucky Badger escaped my quest. He appeared pre-game, but left around the second inning. I thought I'd have plenty of time to get him when he came near us, but that never happened. How can a mascot appear for 2 innings/

It might be questioned why the mascot would even appear at a regular softball game. If it is appearing though, why not stay the whole game?  Maybe he had another place to go, but then why tease the softball crowd. Okay, I admit, I'm probably the one one who feels this way.

Then there is DIBS. The Demon in a Blue Suit is reliable. If he's at a game, he stays at a game. He even braved frigid temperatures during the Home Run Derby. Then again, maybe he was the warmest in that costume.

While I have been critical of the name (he used to be Billy Blue Demon until a revamping changed his look and name), I still like the actual mascot.

DePaul wasn't always the Blue Demons. They were originally the D-Men. The "Blue" was added to differentiate the college from the prep school which had red letters. First it was the Blue D-Men. Than it morphed into Blue Demons.

DIBS is probably my most frequent mascot selfie. If he is going to make the effort to be at games and stay at games, I am going to appreciate (or annoy) him by asking for selfies.

DIBS and me in Chicago, IL-April 2026.

Friend Encounters: Europa-Park's Ed Euromaus and Sitori

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

I could say Europa-Park's mascot met Sitori, but she is too humble for that. She would say Ed Euromaus is the celebrity.

EE is the main mascot of Europa-Park. Debuting as "Kitty" in 1975, he was renamed in 1977. Along with Ed are Edda Euromausi, his companion. Friends include rooster Louis, ibex Bockli and Eurofant Olli. Also around is Snorri, a multi-tentacled creature repping the Rulantica water world.

Loyola University grad and former standout basketball player Sitori moved to Germany to lay pro ball there, along with her husband Parker, a pro volleyball player there.

I followed Sitori throughout her career at Loyola. I enjoy watching all the players progress in life, but Sitori is special. Not only was she great on the court, she was a real joy off court. I interviewed and talked to her several times and she is sweet and engaging. Parker and her are an amazing couple. It's fun watching them start their life together.

I hope to land Sitori for a Global Traveler interview about life in Germany. Until then, I am grateful for all of her consideration over the years.

Ed Euromaus and Sitori in Rust, Germany-2025.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #798: Ann Meyers & Paige VanZant

This is a regular series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing jerseys. Once again, we are working our way alphabetically through all of the Major League Baseball teams.

Born in San Diego, California, Ann Meyers gew up to be a legendary basketball player. Her list of awards, accolades and achievements is too lengthy to list fully, but she was the first woman to sign a contract and get a tryout with an NBA team, she was the first woman inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame an she earned multiple medals on the international scene, just to name a few. She was married to the-late Don Drysdale and former NBA player Dave Meyers is her brother. Meyers tossed a ceremonial pitch (probably a strike) for the Los Angeles Dodgers o earn her Celebrity Jersey Card.

Oregon native Paige VanZant is a martial artist, bare knuckle boxer, professional wrestler, professional boxer, slap fighter, author, model and more. She also won a special edition of Chopped in 2017 and finished second on Dancing with the Stars in 2016. In 2023, she claimed she made more money from OF than in her entire fighting career, which is highly believable. VanZant appeared on the field at Dodger Stadium to get her Celebrity Jersey Card.

Cards That Never Were: Jack Aker Topps 1965 & '75

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual trading cards for players missed in various sets. It is a concept I have borrowed from far too many to list, but I appreciate all of their efforts.

Jack Aker was signed by the Kansas City Athletics as an amateur free agent in 1959. He made his MLB debut with the A's in 1964. He was drafted by the new Seattle Pilots in the 1968 Expansion Draft, but only played a few games with the team, before being traded to the New York Yankees. Midway through the 1972 season, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs, who then released him after the 1973 season. The Atlanta Braves signed him for the 1974 season, but sold him to the New York Mets during the season. Aker retired after finishing the season with the Mets. For his career, Aker pitched in 495 games, going 47-45 with 12 saves and a 3.28 ERA.

Fot his efforts, Aker received cards from Topps from 1966 to 1974. That left out his first and last. When looking to create these cards, I saw two other master beat me to both of them. Lynn of the Custom Baseball Cards Facebook group beat me to the 1965 Topps card, while Gio of When Topps Had (Base)Balls site created the 1975 version. They are the best, each with thousands of beautiful creations.

Catching Up with Loyola Alum Jocelyn

At a recent Loyola Ramblers softball game, I spotted a few Loyola alums. Among them was Jocelyn Currie.

Jocelyn was a versatile infielder-outfielder during her four years. She earned Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honors three times. She appeared in 130 games, with 78 starts. As a senior, she posted a career-best .378 average. She is now a Nursing Home Administrator.

I didn't want to bother the ladies in the stands, but at one point Jocelyn and I crossed paths by concessions. She shouted, "Johnny's Beat!" Yes, I know it is Johngy's Beat, not Johnny's Beat, but that's what a lot of folks say. I laughed at that. We hugged and chatted for a few minutes.

It was a quick exchange and probably soon-forgotten by Jocelyn. To me it made my day.

While I covered the team throughout her four years, I hadn't seen her since the 2024 season. Even during her career, I only spoke to her a few times, although I was at many games. 

Having a former player greet me so warmly and appreciate the coverage and support I gave her and her teams was a nice moment. These are the kind of interactions I really love.

Covering these teams allows me to see a lot of great sports. It also introduces me to a lot of great folks, who I never would have known.

I might never see Jocelyn again. That's okay. It's moments like these that make me think in some small way I am doing something positive for young athletes.

Jocelyn and me in Chicago, IL-April 2026.

Finally Meeting Big Mama

About five years ago, I was helping Mad Man Pondo promote his Girl Fight Wrestling events. One of the tough women in that company was Big Mama. My interview with her is at On the Beat with Big Mama.

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Big Mama is otherwise known as Tasia. After making her debut in 2009, Tasia has wrestled for several companies. She held the NWA World Women's Television tile and the NWA Women's Tag title (with Kenzie Paige). 

I followed her career since that interview, but I never met her. Once again, Squared Circle Expo changed that.

While roaming the rooms before SCX actually started, I saw a sign for Big Mama! Slightly, but pleasantly, surprised, I made note to circle back and finally meet her once the show started.

Again, to my pleasant surprise, Big Mama recognized me as I approached her table. A warm hug was followed by a nice chat. Neither of us expected to see the other, yet there we were.

Tasia was as nice as she had been as we set up the interview years ago.  With no disrespect to Tasia, there were bigger names at SCX, but seeing her was one of my top moments.

Look for Tasia on social media (bigbadmama06 on IG). Also, check squaredcircex.com for info on that great show.

Tasia Bachman and me in Indianapolis, IN-March 2026.

Talking Travel with Dan Christian

I am not exactly a trend-setter. I usually am several years behind trends. Fortunately, when it comes to travel, I can turn to Dan Christian to learn all about travel trends.

Last month, I had the pleasure of interviewing Christian on Talking Travel for Global Traveler. After giving his bio, Christian gave his thoughts on several trends happening now and ones he expects. He also discussed the shortening of trends as society in general moves quickly. Christian was very entertaining and informative.

Go to the Global Traveler YouTube channel to watch Christian's interview and all the other great content and subscribe to it while you are there. Also, check traveltrendspodcast.com for all of Christian's content.

Coach Allie Lacey of the Chicago Snowballs

There is a new baseball team in Chicago. The Chicago Snowballs debut May 23.

The Snowballs are a coed sports entertainment organization. I had the pleasure of attending an introduction to the team held in the Rosemont Dome. One of the highlights was meeting coach Allie Lacey.

Lacey is the founder of The Ball Girl Baseball Corporation, a nonprofit organization aiming to grow girl’s and women’s baseball. She was also a ballgirl for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Assistant coach Lacey was very excited about the opportunities for women with the Snowballs. There were a lot of women at the tryouts, but I don't know how many will be on the team..

The Snowballs are similar to the famous Savannah Bananas, although there is no connection. There will also be another team who will play against the Snowballs. That team and city affiliation has yet to be named. It is assumed it will be around the Chicago area.

After talking to Lacey and watching the practice, I walked away very excited about the team. I enjoy covering new things, especially women's sports. The Snowballs aren't just women, but I think women will play a big role.

For more info on the team, go to ChicagoSnowballs.com. Check here for my coverage.

Allie Lacey and me in Rosemont, IL-January 2026.

Friend Encounters: Priscilla Kelly & Heather

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

At the Squared Circle VI, there was a meeting of two tough women wrestlers. Longtime friend and favorite Hardcore Heather Owens and Priscilla Kelly (aka Ggi Dolin) were in the same room and actually posed together. There's a lot of talent in that picture.

Prior to wrestling, Kelly already was getting into the entertainment world. She was in the first season of the reality show My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding. After making her wrestling debut in 2014, she worked for several independent companies before being signed by WWE. She is currently back on the indie scene. Kelly credits her autistic brother for inspiring her to be a wrestler, to give him a beter life.

I first met Heather while we were with Resistance Pro Wrestling. Heather came in several times and always had a good match. Unfortunately, she never had a great chance at the title. I could definitely have seen a title run for her.

Heather has gone on to bigger things. Heather, her husband Ed and Adolfo and Carrie, are the promoters of Squared Circle Expo, a great wrestling convention.

The pair did not meet in a match at SCX VI, but they did pose together. While I would have loved to see a match, seeing them together was still a cool sight.

For more info on SCX, go to squaredcirclex.com. Follow both Heather and Kelly on social media. Of course, always check here for more fun Friend Encounters and other pop culture bits.

Heather and Priscilla Kelly in Indianapolis, IN-March 2026.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #797: Frank Caliendo & Aasif Mandvi

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. Today, I continue my season-long alphabetical journey through all Major League Baseball teams.

Frank Caliendo was born in Chicago, but raised in Wisconsin.  A comedian, actor, and impressionist, he also has made predictions on Fox NFL Sunday. He currently lives in Tempe, Arizona, which explains his appearance in an Arizona Diamondbacks jersey, which got him on a Celebrity Jersey Card.

British actor Aasif Mandvi was born in Bombay, Maharashtra, India, but raised in England and Tampa, Florida. Mandvi's resume is quite long, including movies and television. Most notably are his many appearances on The Daily Show. Mandvi tossed a first pitch, which seemed to be a strike judging by his reaction. I'm sure he was just as excited about being on a Celebrity Jersey Card.

Happy Birthday, Laura!

Today, is the birthday of my first niece. Although I won't see her tody, I salute her from here.

Laura is such a wonderful person. A dog-lover, Laura is like a step-mom to her mom's dogs. I know they love her as much as any of us.

Laura is brave, intelligent, funny, beautiful and a whole bunch of other great adjectives. She also does a great Russian accent, but that's another story for another day.

One of the coolest things we did was attend a Burn the Jukebox show. BTJ (now called American Vanity) is a teenage band we both liked from watching on social media. When they announced they were appearing relatively near us, we made plans to go (and we got Nancy to join the fun, although I am not sure how much fun she had, but that's another story for another day).

We had to drive 90 minutes on a Friday evening and sit through two mediocre opening bands. Laura also had some harmless, but slightly weird dud talking to her. When the band hot the stage, we high-fived.

This was bigger than us just seeing a concert together. I didn't even think the Pennsylvania-based band would perform in Chicago. After following them for a couple years, there they were and there we were. Mission accomplished and we are seeing them again much loser later this summer.

I know I'll see Laura before then and I'll raise a toast to her then. Still, from your favorite uncle, happy birthday Laura! I love you!

Laura, Nancy and me in West Dundee, IL-June 2025.

DePaul Home Run Derby

Yesterday, I recapped my participation in Loyola's Home Run Derby. A week later, I swung for the fences in DePaul's Home Run Derby.

Much like at Loyola, it was a frigid day. The game went extra innings, just to prolong the cold day. Fortunately, DePaul won.

After the game, I made my way to the field and chatted with a few players, fans and also DePaul Assistant Coach Abby Ramirez. I have known Abby for many years. After starring at the University of Michigan, Abby played pro softball in Chicago, first for the Chicago Bandits, then for Athletes Unlimited. Abby is an awesome person.

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw Abby was going to pitch to me. That alone made my day. She threw great pitches, but once again, I hit line drives without clearing the fence. One of my hits made it to the wall on one bounce.

Once again, the Blue Demons were cheering on everyone and giving high fives walking away from the field. I think the players enjoy seeing us older folks swinging.

Like at Loyola, this derby benefitted Cal's Angels. You'd see my shirt further supporting he cause, but it was under three other shirts as I battled the winds.

Thank you to DePaul for a great time. A Special thanks to the players and especially Abby for making it even better.

Abby Ramirez and me in Chicago, IL-April 2026.

Pitcher Nat Lesnicki?

In my previous times in the Loyola Ramblers Home Run Derby, my pitcher always was one of the assistant coaches.

This time, my pitcher was Loyola infielder Nat Lesnicki. Always one of my favorites, Nat joked with me a bit before we took our places. On a side note, in games, each Rambler gets specific cheers from her teammates. Nat's cheer is my favorite. "More Nat, Less Nicki!" It's clever and funny.

The versatile junior from Plainfield has started 129 games in her three seasons, playing 146 total. She has improved with each season. She even added a little pop in her bat this season, belting three homers.

Anyway, Nat tossed ten pitches at me and I hit most solidly. Unfortunately, my production was more suited for a game and not a home run derby. In a game, I would have had doubles. In a derby, I had nothing. lol

Still, it is all good fun. The players are familiar with e from covering the team. They all cheered loudly with each of my swings and I got high-fives walking from the field. 

If that isn't enough, it benefits Cal's Angels, Chicagoland's Leading Pediatric Cancer Foundation. That is reason enough to step to the plate..

Nat Lesnicki and me in Chicago, IL-April 2026.

Loyola Home Run Derby

Every year, I enter the Loyola Ramblers Home Run Derby. Benefitting Cal's Angels, it is a lot of fun, as well as helping a great cause.

Cal's Angels is a pediatric cancer foundation granting wishes, raising pediatric cancer awareness, and funding research to help kids fighting cancer. In 2005, 12-year old Cal Sutter was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. Cal lost his battle in 2006, but his memory lives on with Cal's Angels.

This year's Home Run Derby took place after an afternoon doubleheader between Loyola and George Washington University. After winning the first game, Loyola had to come back from a 4-0 deficit by scoring four runs in the bottom of the seventh. The game went into extra innings, with Loyola finally winning it in the tenth inning.

It was a long and cold day, with temperatures in the 40s. Still, I was not to be denied.

Loyola infielder Nat Lesnicki was my pitcher. We chatted a bit and took a picture before I approached the plate. This was probably my worst production in any of the derbies. I hit a few line drives, but nothing near a home run in my ten pitches. A tad disappointed, but not really bothered, I headed back to the dugout where a few players and former players cheered for me. Obviously, they were being nice, but that made my day.

I appreciate all the kindness shown to me by Loyola. For more info on the Ramblers, go to loyolaramblers.com. Also, check calsangels.org to learn more about that great charity.

Nat Lesnicki and me in Chicago, IL-April 2026.

Frankie Torres and Adam Bohanon: Two Minnesotans

When I saw Frankie Torres was performing in Chicago, I immediately made plans to finally meet her. I had interviewed her for Global Traveler, but had yet to see her or hear her perform in person.

I knew there was another performer scheduled, but I didn't know who. When we got there, we learned it was Adam Bohanan, a fellow contestant on The Voice as well as another Minnesota musician.

Adam opened and played for about 45 minutes. I can't quite compare him to another musician. I though Jack Johnson, but that's not a great match. He was very good though.

Of course, I already knew Frankie was good, but seeing her in person was really cool. She has a great vibe and really belted out some songs at Cafe Mustache.

It was a fun night meeting these wo Minnesota talents. I hope to see both again.

Follow FrankieTorresMusic and AdamBohananMusic for more info and scheduling on both. I look forward to watching their careers develop.

Frankie, Jodie, Adam and me in Chicago, IL-April 2026.

Friend Encounters: The Blue Meanie and Al Snow

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

Today I feature two friends, two celebrities and a scene I witnessed. This and many other such encounters happened at the recent Squared Circle Expo VI.

The Blue Meanie (aka Brian Heffron) and Al Snow were two of the hundred wrestling guests at SCX VI. While they did chat a bit and pose for a picture, they spent most of their time at thei booths. At SCX VI, while the wrestlers did interact like this, they spent the majority of their time at their own booths meeting fans. That is one of the best parts of SCX. The wrestlers actually stay at their booths, unlike other conventions.

Through many conventions and interviews, I have become friends with Brian and Al. Both are great guys who made their mark in wrestling. Both are very popular at conventions, because they are engaging. You get much more than a quick autograph or picture with both. Brian is likely to discuss Philadelphia sports. With Al, you never know what you might get. He might prank you. He might fake punch you for a picture. He might be serious. Whatever it is, Al gives you his attention. With Al, you usually see his awesome wife Jessica. I have met both several times and I will always go to them at conventions because they are a lot of fun.

For more info on this great convention, go to squaredcirclex.com. Also, follow both Brian and Al on social media to be entertained.

Brian Heffron and Al Snow in Indianapolis, IN-March 2026

Celebrity Jersey Cards #796: Gloria Estefan & Mavis Staples

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. Today, I continue my season-long alphabetical journey through all Major League with two female music legends repping the Chicago Cubs. Baseball teams.

A native of Miami, Florida, Gloria Estefan went on to win eight Grammy awards and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. One of the best-selling musical artists of all-time, Estefan started as lead singer for the Miami Latin Boys, who became the Miami Sound Machine. Married to Emilio, her first and only boyfriend, Estefan's tour bus crashed in 1990. Despite doctors telling her she would never be able to have more children, Estefan made a miraculous comeback, even conceiving a daughter a few years later. Estefan belted the 7th inning stretch song for the Chicago Cubs to earn her Celebrity Jersey Card.

Chicago native Mavis Staples has spent 75 of her 86 years entertaining folks. She rose to fame with the Staple Singers and is the last living member. She has won three Grammy Awards and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards. Mavis heard the cheers of an SRO crowd at Wrigley Field when she sang the National Anthem and landed on an old school Celebrit Jersey Card.

Cards That Never Were: Tony Ghelfi Topps 1984

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual trading cards for players missed in various sets over the years. It is a concept I borrowed from far too many to list, but I appreciate all of their efforts.

Pitcher Tony Ghelfi was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1st round (14th) of the 1980 MLB January Draft. He made his Major League debut in 1983, starting three games and going 1-1 with a 3.14 ERA. Unfortunately, that would be it for his MLB career. He pitched in the minors for Philadelphia, Cleveland and San Doego through the 1989 season.

Understandably, Topps did not give Ghelfi any card. Although perhaps justified, I couldn;t let that stand. As I set out to fix that omission, I saw Jeff in the Custom Baseball Cards Facebook group already created one for him. Despite the name, that group has thousands of cards of all types, not just baseball. Jeff is one of the best and busiest creators. Seeing his beautiful work, I simply highlight it, instead of trying to duplicate it.

Finally Meeting Frankie Torres

Last year, I interviewed musician Frankie Torres for Global Traveler. That interview is at Talking Travel with Frankie Torres.

Since then, I have followed Frankie, a former contestant on The Voice, on social media, hoping she would get a gig in Chicago. That performance happened a couple weeks ago.

Frankie appeared at Cafe Mustache on the near northwest side of Chicago. It's a small pub, but perfect for such a show. The opener was Adam Bohanon, a fellow Minnesota musician who was also on The Voice with Frankie.

We arrived and found a table close to the stage. I quickly spotted Frankie, but didn't bug her, figuring she might be in show-mode. There would be plenty of time to meet her later.

After about 15 minutes and about 10 minutes before Bohanon was to take the stage, Frankie came over to us. We chatted for several minutes, before she left to get ready for Bohanon's set.

After Bohanon's set, Frankie took the stage. Sh did a few original songs and some covers. Her take on Janis Joplin's "Bobby McGee" was great. Her original tune, "Losing to the Letters," about dealing with her father's battle with ALS, was beautiful.

After Frankie's set, we met both performers at the merch table. Both were really cool.

I was really impressed with Frankie. It is fun to see her at this stage. At 26, she is just starting her journey. She definitely has the chops. She is positive, hopeful and confident. It was a pleasure meeting and seeing her perform in person. I look forward to seeing where her career goes.

Frankie Torres and me in Chicago, IL-April 2026.