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Backyard Road Trips

Backyard Road Trips

Written by: Zack Lamothe and Jim Wheeler
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About this listen

Once an avid traveler, writer Zack Lamothe's faraway travel dreams were put on hold as he became a father in 2015. Since then, he's focused on traveling in his own backyard. First a website, and now a podcast where cohosts and New Englanders, Zack and Jim Wheeler talk hiking trails, family-friendly activities, places they enjoy, craft beer and whatever else they desire to. (Along with plenty of harebrained banter). Read more at www.backyardroadtrips.com2020 Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Season 7, Episode 1 - The Airing of Grievances
    Jan 22 2026

    For our first episode of the New Year, we are airing our Festivus grievances, just a little late. Jim and Zack welcome back Jim's sister, Kiki, and niece, Kitta, to the show. All while noshing on Jim's homemade spicy chocolates, the crew narrows down their biggest pet peeves, bracket style. Slow left lane drivers? Texters with bad etiquette? Shoppers who block the grocery aisle? Find out which pet peeve is the worst of them all.

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    55 mins
  • Season 6, Episode 16- Festival of Lites (Lighter Beer Taste Test)
    Dec 26 2025

    Jim's sister Kiki has a problem. She's a long time Michelob Ultra drinker but after years of listening to the Backyard Road Trips podcast, she's ready to dip her toe into the world of craft beer. Jim and Zack have been tasked with finding the perfect gateway beer. Jim has devised a plan- a blind taste test of lighter beers. These are a mix between macro and micro brews, with Mich Ultra being one of them. Jim, Zack and Kiki are joined by Kiki's daughter (and Jim's niece) Kitta. Will she be able to identify the Ultra? Listen up to find out! Prost!

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Season 6, Episode 15- Chatting with Melissa Rodway
    Dec 16 2025

    Zack and Jim are excited to welcome Melissa Rodway to the show. Melissa is an adventurer, writer, podcaster and owner of FLY Travel Media. Melissa shares with us some of her favorite (and least favorite) travels around the world, how she fits travel into her schedule, and her favorite backyard road trips. For more information about Melissa, check out www.flyrodway.com, as well as her memoir, The People You Meet.

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    47 mins
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