Please welcome Fran Kefalas and Regan Miner to the show! Fran is the executive director of The Last Green Valley, and Regan is the Development Director. TLGV is a national heritage corridor located in northeastern Connecticut and south-central Massachusetts. The duo speaks to us about the latest goings-on, including the opening of their new headquarters. Fran and Regan explain what The Last Green Valley has to offer and what events to look forward to in the upcoming year.

For National Stroke Awareness Month, we shine a spotlight on Lana Wilhelm—a nurse, author, caregiver, and advocate. After her husband suffered a sudden, major stroke, Lana's life shifted from medical professional to full-time caregiver, a role she found arduous and lonely.

Lana, founder of the Stroke Caregiver Connection, runs support groups and has met with over 2,000 caregivers, offering understanding for the tumultuous path of providing constant care. She’ll speak about navigating burnout, the emotional journey from anger and grief, and the key mindset shift that allows caregivers and survivors to focus on what they can still do.

In this inspiring conversation, Lana shares how she and her husband have adapted their lives as travelers, providing actionable tips for planning trips after a major medical event, and proving that enjoyable adventures are still possible. Tune in for an honest look at life after a stroke and how fellowship, humor, and a change in perspective can transform the quality of life for both survivors and caregivers

Jim and Zack chat with photographer Cade Martin. From photographing Mother Theresa and Johnny Cash to assignments all over the world, Cade's story is an interesting one for sure. Cade delves into one project that has been especially important to him. The Wheelchair Mafia, a group of 44 dogs that are fitted with wheelchairs and are part of the larger The Man Who Rescues Dogs, a sanctuary for stray and disabled dogs in Thailand. Cade worked with his whole family to make this film about the Wheelchair Mafia.

Jim and Zack sit down with Jim's sister, Kiki, about her career as a corrections officer. From the day to day to the extreme, we take a peek into life behind bars. Also joining the conversation is Kiki's daughter, Kitta.

Avid travelers, Zack and Jim, didn't go very far for this Backyard Road Trip. They only traveled to the fridge. What they imbibed, though, was something magical, the 2025 Samuel Adams Utopias. Listen as the two crack open this mythical beer.

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.

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!

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.