Talking Travel with Angie Orth

Travel expert Angie Orth was on my radar for a long time. Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing her for Talking Travel on Global Traveler.

Orth has done a lot in the travel industry. She has a very informative site, along with videos, podcasts, social media posts and more. She also published a book, Flirting with Disaster.

Her project with her sister is on hiatus, although she hopes to restart it. It was a fun series in which they split destination activities for luxury travelers and budgeted folks.

During our interview, I initiated a friendly debate about her Chicago list. I questioned her about the appeal of Cloudgate (aka the Bean). She had solid reasons and i respect her stance, although I still hate the Bean.

Next I asked if she had tried Chicago's thin crust pizza. Deep dish gets all the love, but I prefer thin crust (even from the legendary Lou Malnati's). Once again, Orth backed up her opinion. We did both agree though that all pizza is good.

For more info on Orth, go to angieaway.com. Check our interview at Talking Travel with Angie Orth on GT. Also, please subscribe to the GT YouTube channel.

Talking Travel with David McGuffin

David McGuffin's Exploring Europe has educated folks about the joys of Europe. From out of the way spots to main cities, McGuffin covers all of Europe.

I had the pleasure of chatting with McGuffin to learn about his career and Europe. McGuffin's passion is evident and his knowledge runs deep.

Our interview is at Talking Travel with David McGuffin. While you are there, please subscribe to the Global Traveler YouTube page.

The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast - Ep. 82 : "Mickie Knuckles"

The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast finally returned and we did it in a big way. We interviewed wrestler Mickie Knuckles, who just released her book. The full interview is at The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast: Mickie Knuckles.

Although still in her prime, Mickie is a legend in wrestling, particularly hardcore wrestling or death matches. Make no mistake though, she isn't limited to just those styles. Those just happen to be her favorites and her expertise.

Tommy and I met Mickie about a decade ago at Resistance Pro Wrestling. Mickie became an RPro Women's champ and main evented several times. Everyone loved her.

As I told her in the interview, previous to interviewing her the first time, I was a bit nervous, based on her hardcore reputation. Once I talked to her, I was immediately relaxed because she was so nice. I don't want to ruin her image, but she really is a sweetheart. Then again, anyone who knows her, knows that.

Mickie's book is available on Amazon and is already #1 in a couple categories. She is open and brutally honest about her life and career. It isn't always an easy read, because of what Mickie has endured, but it is a fantastic read. You don't have to be a wrestling fan to appreciate Mickie's book. It's a story of survival, determination and success.

Interviewing Mickie here was heart-warming. It had been a long time, but it felt like old times at RPro. The best part is Mickie looked and sounded great and said she felt great.

Watch our interview and then buy her book. You will love her and the book like Tommy and I do.

Talking Travel with Chris Palmer

My latest Talking Travel interview guest on Global Traveler is hospitality photographer Chris Palmer. That interview is at Talking Travel with Chris Palmer.

Chris brought a new perspective on travel photography from his work with some of the most luxurious and well-known brand. His photography work extends beyond his profession, too. His passion is ocean photography. His work on both is amazing.

Check out this interview and other travel content on the GT YouTube channel. Please subscribe to it if you like it (or even if you don't).

Pinfalls: WWE SummerSlam

WWE SummerSlam is today. That also means Pinfalls is back. My The Johngy "OR ELSE" podcast partner Tommy Else and I analyze the 12 matches and predict the winners.

Inow trail Tommy by two wins this year and one lifetime. I do not give out spoilers, but with 12 matches, there is a good chance for some disagreements.

Make your predictions. Then, watch our video at Pinfalls: WWE SummerSlam.

Talking Travel with Samantha Dion Baker

Author, illustrator and designer Samantha Dion Baker is my latest Talking Travel interview guest on Global Traveler. Baker's recently released book, Draw Your Adventures, is the main focus, but we also covered her career, travel likes and more.

Draw Your Adventures really caught my attention when I first heard of it. In the technology age, drawing things from your travel is a unique way to capture memories. I found it to be a fascinating concept.

It is actually the fourth book in Baker's Draw series. Draw Your Day, Draw Your Day for Kids and Draw Your World are her previous three. They all follow the basic concept of Baker helping the reader to start drawing. That is what Baker [reaches. Just start. You don't have to be an artist. It's personal art and perceptions.

Watch the interview at Talking Travel with Samantha Dion Baker on GT. While you're there, subscribe to the GT YouTube channel.

Talking Travel with Suzi Quatro Again

About two years ago, musician Suzi Quatro was my first interview guest on Talking Travel, my new interview series on Global Traveler.

While I was fairly certain Talking Travel would get enough results to become a regular feature, I wanted the first one to be big. I swung for the fences and landed Quatro, one of my favorites from way back.

As a working musician for more than 50 years, Quatro certainly had experience traveling. I also figured if the series bombed, at least it would give me the chance to interview Quatro.

Much to my slight surprise, Quatro granted the interview. Although I was a bit starstruck at first, I calmed myself and I think we had an interesting chat.

As I write this, the interview is nearing 10K YouTube views, which puts it in the top 5% of all YT videos. The positive response solidified Talking Travel as a viable feature.

When I saw Quatro came out with a new book, I reached out again and landed my second interview (and 58th in the series) with Quatro.

Her book Grave Undertakings is a fascinating read. What started as a collection of epitaphs, became a full fictional novel with a bit of introspection. Grave Undertakings works on three levels. I was quickly drawn into the book as soon as I started reading it.

Just turned 75, Quatro discussed her recent travels, her abilities to read people, her book and more. She also humored me with a few random thoughts at the end.

Quatro is a true music pioneer, who doesn't get enough credit for all she has done. She remains humble and positive. It has been such a unique experience interviewing her. It goes well beyond me being excited about meeting one of my longtime favorite musicians. I'm legitimately intrigued by all I have learned about and from her.

The full interview is at Talking Travel with Suzi Quatro on GT. Also, please subscribe to the GT YT channel. (It's free, easy and will help me a lot).

Justin James Talks Elk Grove Rotary Fest

The Elk Grove Rotary Fest starts today. I caught up with Justin James to get an update on the event, specifically Saturday's wrestling. That interview is at Justin James Talks Elk Grove Rotary Fest.

A teacher and resident of the area and a former pro wrestler, Justin has worked very hard to put together a fun afternoon of wrestling. The six matches feature old favorites, current stars and young wrestlers on the rise.

Melanie Cruise is making a rare area appearance. Stonewall is coming out of retirement. A little know fact is they are siblings and this is their first time tagging together. Adding to that match, they face Regan Lydale, one of my favorite stars of today.

For more info, go to elkgroverotaryfest.com. I'll be there and i hope to see many old friends and favorites.

On the Beat with Mike Squires

I have written about former Chicago White Sox first baseman Mike Squires many times. Although I briefly met him twice, I never had the chance to really chat with him until earlier this summer.

Mike was doing a signing at Midwest Sports Buffet in Bridgeview, about an hour south of me. I definitely wasn't going to miss this.

Then I saw his rep was my pal Mark Childers. I had to go for the big swing. I asked Mark about the possibility of doing a short interview with Mike. He agreed and I was excited.

When Mike's shift was done, we went into the quieter hallway. chatted a bit and did the interview.  It was about 3 minutes. Some might question the shortness. I wasn't there to do an in depth deep dive. Most of my in person ones are short, because I respect the celeb's time and it's just not the most conducive time. For me, it is just logging in a favorite of mine. The 10 year old Sox fan in my never thought he would be interviewing his favorite. Yet there I was.

Watch the video at On the Beat with Mike Squires. Check back here for more fun interviews.

Pinfalls: WWE Evolution

WWE Evolution is back tomorrow. The all-women's event returns after a several year absence and I am happy about that.

My The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast partner Tommy Else and I analyze the card and make our predictions. I still trail Tommy by one win this year, but in our fifth year of Pinfalls, we are tied overall.

Make your picks and then watch Pinfalls: WWE Evolution to see ours. Check back here for more coverage.

Talking Travel with Tony Weaver, Jr.

Tony Weaver, Jr. is a self-admitted weirdo and I believe him. Us weirdos have to stick together.

Weaver is also an author and educator. His book, Weirdo, is a big graphic novel about being different. It's got a lot of Weaver in it, including his (thankfully) failed suicide attempt years ago. Weirdo isn't an easy quick read, but it is a great and important one. While on the surface, it is aimed at young black males, it is loaded with life lessons for all. Being different or an outcast doesn't end at adulthood.

When I first heard about Weaver's book, the first thought I had was how feeling like this impacted one's travel. I really wanted to get Weaver's thoughts on that and he obliged.

Of course, we also discussed his career, the process of writing Weirdo and more. I'm sure after you watch our interview, you will think of being weird as a term of endearment. Tony is just that engaging and warm.

My interview with Tony is at Talking Travel with Tony Weaver, Jr. on Global Traveler. Also, please subscribe to the GT YouTube channel.

Pinfalls: WWE Night of Champions

WWE Night of Champions is tonight. My The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast partner Tommy Elese and I analyze the card and make our predictions.

Check the video at Pinfalls: WWE Night of Champions. Make your picks and see how you do against us.

David Herro of The Herro's Journey

Over the last couple weeks, I wrote about the premiere of The Herro's Journey, as well as interviewed Producer David Vox Mullen and Director Danny Reyes. Today, I feature an interview with David Herro, the subject of the documentary.

The Herro's Journey gave a great look into the man and father David is. My goal here is to share that with my readers and also to thank David for years of entertainment and friendship.

Just like in the film, David spoke candidly about the process of making it. He also diffused the topics of nepotism and criticism of wrestling (and rightly so). Lastly, he spoke of his son Kal.

All of it revolves around Kal. He clearly is David's main focus and their relationship is one to admire.

As The Herro's Journey gives a fantastic view of David, I hope this interview gives another small glimpse into him. David is a #Superfriend to all.

Watch our interview video at On the Beat with David Herro. Check back here for updates on The Herro's Journey.

Talking Travel with Barbara Booth

Barbara Booth is my latest Talking Travel interview guest of Global Traveler. Booth is a CNBC contributor and the CEO-cofounder of Go-Be Airplane Seat Trays.

Looking into the cleanliness of airplanes for a friend, Booth saw a need and she worked on a solution. The result is a sleeve that covers seatback trays, one of the most germ-filled spots on planes.

After seeing one on a plane and realizing what they were, I contacted Booth who graciously gave me an interview. Booth discussed the whole process, airplane hygiene, future possible products and more.

The full interview is at Talking Travel with Barbara Booth on GT. Also, please subscribe to the GT YT channel. (It's free, easy and will help me a lot).

On the Beat with Justin James Elk Grove Rotary Fest

 I hadn't seen former pro wrestler Justin James in several years, when I ran into him at a POWW show a few weeks back. Justin told me of a cool future wrestling event and I immediately got behind it.

James had to step away from in-ring action due to injuries, but he hasn't strayed from his passion. He is a teacher and wrestling coach, as well as a great help to POWW owner Jimmy Blaze behind the scenes.

Justin is teaming with Elk Grove Mayor Johnson in tag team action at Elk Grove Rotary Fest. This is the first time wrestling will be held at the fest and it looks to be a great card. Justin got some returning favorites, active veterans and stars on the rise in a great mix of talent on the card.

I talked to Justin about his career and the upcoming show. I'll let him reveal the entire card in the video.

For the full interview and full story, go to Wrestling Coming to Elk Grove Rotary Fest on the Chicago Patch. Check back here for updates.

Talking Travel with Abby Trott

Actress and voice-over talent Abby Trott has an extensive résumé, including roles in movie franchises including Animaniacs and Transformers and video games such as Transformers. A native of Massachusetts, Trott lived in Japan, New York and Los Angeles while building her career. As her résumé grew, so did her interest in travel.

Because of the various roles, she has a large and varied fanbase, which makes her in high demand at celebrity conventions. Passionate about travel, Trott uses her convention appearances as reasons to travel. One of those such conventions happened in Chicago, but I was out of town. I plan on seeing her at Anime 414 in Milwaukee later this year.

Trott discussed the challenges and benefits of voiceover work. She also explained her process in learning voices. Of course, as a well-traveled person, she had plenty of thoughts on travel, too.

The full recap is at Talking Travel with Abby Trott on Global Traveler. Subscribe to the GT YouTube channel to be notified of all future interviews and other travel-related videos.

Talking Travel with Danny Sheaffer

Danny Sheaffer played parts of seven seasons in Major League Baseball. Mostly a catcher, Danny found his best success with the St. Louis Cardinals, for whom he played three seasons.

Always on the lookout for a good interview for here or Global Traveler, I saw he had a book coming out and I contacted him. He graciously granted me time.

Danny's book, Keep Digging: Discovering the Greatest Story Ever Told, Through the Greatest Game Ever Played, will be released soon. It is the story of a man who worked hard at staying in the majors, learning other positions to make himself more valuable. It's a story of faith, determination an success in life and sports.

Danny discussed all of this in our interview. He also answered a few travel questions to appeal to my Global Traveler readers. Keep Digging is available now for pre-order on Amazon.

I really enjoyed talking to Danny. I love the Talking Travel series on GT, because I get to talk to so many folks about so many things, beyond my usual Johngy's Beat stuff.

To watch the interview, go to Talking Travel with Danny Sheaffer. As always, I hope you'll also subscribe to the GT YT channel. It is free and you will not be bothered by emails. Plus, it will really help me.

Talking Travel with Justin Spencer

Founder of the music group Recycled Percussion and creator of the Chaos and Kindness brand, Justin Spencer is living temporarily in Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. He is doing this to highlight Mental Health Awareness Month, while he finishes his book, Terminal Anxiety.

I interviewed Spencer live from the airport during his stay (which is still happening). Spencer discussed his career, life in the airport and his book. Spencer has led an interesting life, including running seven Marathons in seven days. Amazingly, he just added his eighth in the airport.

It was a fun interview and I was happy to have it in time for Mental Health Awareness Month. As Spencer says, where there is chaos, bring kindness.

Find the interview and recap at Talking Travel with Justin Spencer. Also, please subscribe to the Global Traveler YouTube channel. It's free, easy, doesn't require anything more than one click and you won't be bothered by emails.

Talking Travel with Pauline Frommer

My latest interview guest on Talking Travel is Pauline Frommer. Who better to interview about travel than the President of the Frommer Travel Guides.

The daughter of Frommer guides founder Arthur, Pauline took over as President after her father's death late last year. Prior to that, Pauline had an impressive resume in the travel writing field. A writer, reporter, editor, podcaster and more, Pauline did it all. In our interview, she shares her incredible story, as well as her opinions on current travel topics.

Find the interview and recap at Talking Travel with Pauline Frommer. Also, please subscribe to the Global Traveler YouTube channel. It's free, easy, doesn't require anything more than one click and you won't be bothered by emails.

 

Talking Travel with Jim Lampley

My latest Talking Travel interview guest was legendary broadcaster Jim Lampley. His book, It Happened!: A Uniquely Lucky Life in Sports Television, is released today, but he gave me a preview a couple weeks ago.

The first part of the title comes from his famous call of George Foreman's big win. The second part comes from his feeling he was lucky to be picked out of several hundred people in a talent hunt to start his career. I would argue the producers saw something in him and his 50+ years in broadcasting show they were right.

In his career, Lampley covered 14 Olympics, along with hundreds of other events. Because of all of his work, he logged in thousands of miles and visited dozens of cities, making him an ideal interview guest for Global Traveler. It also makes for a fascinating book, which you can purchase at any book seller. I will be adding :mpley's book to my collection ASAP.

Go to Talking Travel with Jim Lampley on Global Traveler to hear the interview. Also, subscribe to the GT YouTube channel. I need more subscribers there. All it takes is a Gmail account. It's free and you won't be bothered with emails etc.