Backyard Road Trips
60 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago -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.com
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Episodes
Season 5, Episode 3- Chatting with Ken Lamothe
March 18, 2024 13:52 - 37 minutes - 87.3 MBToday we sit down with Ken Lamothe, Radio DJ/C-movie actor/slow pitch softball legend and Zack's dad to talk about his very favorite backyard road trips. The conversation touches on all of the most important topics; craft beer, vacations, ear piercings and backyard floods. Jim, Zack and Ken all discuss what surprising locations have made the best road trip destinations and how to enjoy the culture of a place.
Season 5, Episode 2- The Great American Milk Substitute Challenge
February 29, 2024 22:07 - 17 minutes - 41 MBJim and Zack bring in some hired help for this taste test; Danny and Ken- with three generations of Lamothes in all. They sit around and drink... milk substitutes. Tell the cows to stay in the barn because they sample Oat, Almond, and Soy. Which fake milk do you think came out on top?
Season 5, Episode 1- New York (City) State of Mind
February 17, 2024 03:49 - 35 minutes - 83.7 MBLeading off for Season 5 is a special two part combined episode, a before and after guide to New York City. In the first half of the episode Jim asks Zack about his upcoming overnight to New York City. For the first time and after much pleading by his oldest for years, Zack is bringing the family to the Big Apple. He gives a rundown of what they plan to see. For the second half, Jim and Zack get back together for Zack to give a play by play of what they actually did. Zack's son Danny helps d...
Season 4, Episode 16- Welcome Back, Ian Cheney!
December 31, 2023 18:39 - 47 minutes - 109 MBAuthor and educator, Ian Cheney joins Zack and Jim to showcase their new podcast project, Red and White at Silver. As graduates of the Norwich Free Academy (CT) Class of 2001, the three are in the midst of recording this new podcast. As a preview, Ian, Zack and Jim describe what the new podcast is all about. They also share their own experiences as students at Norwich Free Academy, what makes the school extraordinary and even get to the root of Ian's last name. If any Class of '01 NFA gra...
Season 4, Episode 15- Oktoberfest Beer Taste Test!
November 29, 2023 15:07 - 43 minutes - 98.8 MBAnnually Jim and Zack taste fall beers for this podcast. It dawned on them that they have never held an actual Oktoberfest-only beer taste test. Atoning for their past sins, this was remedied with a taste test with everything under the Oktoberfest umbrella. These include the namesake Oktoberfest beers, Fest Biers and Marzens. In sampling, the pair talk about the differentiation of styles, rank what they like, and additionally discuss a home project they are currently working on.
Season 4, Episode 14- What Makes a Backyard Road Trip Enjoyable?
October 27, 2023 17:31 - 39 minutes - 93.1 MBOur friend Tim posed an episode idea for us, "What makes a backyard road trip enjoyable?" Zack misinterpreted and he really wanted us to discuss actual backyards. Anyhoo, Zack and Jim discuss what makes a backyard road trip enjoyable. The duo come to an agreement about some risk vs reward balance. They analyze what goes into a backyard road trip- how far is the location? parking? kid accessibility? cost? Through this they discuss trips that the reward certainly outweighs the risk. Also, Zack...
Season 4, Episode 13 "Pro"-necticut
September 16, 2023 14:54 - 40 minutes - 95.2 MBWipe away your negative "conn"otations of Connecticut, we're talking about all the positives of this small state. We've changed the name of the Nutmeg State and changed it to "Pronecticut" (get it, like the opposite of Con-necticut is Pro-necticut?). Redwoods, land locked sand dunes, and tobacco sheds- all found in this great state as well as historic preservation, wild parrots, and lobster rolls. While they're chatting they are sipping on seven Connecticut craft beers. The episode features...
Season 4, Episode 12- Travel Talk: Seattle, Tasting Water and Discussing Music
August 31, 2023 14:00 - 53 minutes - 122 MBZack, Jim and special guest, Danny, talk all about a recent trip to Seattle. They discuss which places that should be on your travel bucket list. Danny gives a kid perspective of the Seattle trip including plane travel, the Space Needle and going to a Seattle Mariners game. They also discuss interior Washington with forays into North Cascades National Park and Leavenworth. While talking about travel, they sip on four kinds of water: town tap water, well water, Smart Water and Clover Valley. ...
Season 4, Episode 11- Prince Edward Island, Maine, Vermont and Saratoga Springs
August 15, 2023 17:07 - 34 minutes - 78.3 MBWe're talking summer travel, in particular trips to Prince Edward Island, the Portland area in Maine, Vermont and Saratoga Springs. Katie Wheeler, Jim's wife, joins us to discuss her recent visit to PEI seeking out all things Anne of Green Gables. Zack shares with the group his visits to Portland and Saratoga Springs. Zack's son, Danny adds his two cents about his travel this summer. All of this is discussed while sipping on an array of Connecticut's own Fox Farm beers. (pictured Saratoga Na...
Season 4, Episode 10- Lawnmower Beer Taste Test
July 29, 2023 02:19 - 15 minutes - 35.8 MBLet's rev up that Husqvarna because it's time for a blind taste test of lawnmower beers. So what beers exactly? Not cheap a la Natural Light but certainly not craft. Jim and Zack try to find the best value beer. Jackie helps the boys by masterminding the operation aka pouring the beers in unmarked cups. Listen to see how poorly Zack and Jim guessed. Zack Jim Actual Miller Lite Foster Miller Lite Bud Lite Bud Lite Coors Lite Corona PBR Bud Light Fosters Corona P...
Season 4, Episode 9- Lighthouses and Summertime Travel
July 04, 2023 16:09 - 28 minutes - 66.3 MBJim and Zack catch up on their recent travels. Zack recently wrote a few articles about lighthouses on the Backyard Road Trips website. The pair discuss the lighthouse road trips- favorite lighthouses, and how the the articles were researched and written. As an aside, they also talk about Jim's issues with the Massachusetts RMV. Zack also explains the newest monthly BYRT posts which highlight one theme such as beaches in June, flowers in May, and so on. Hopefully, this will inspire your own ...
Season 4, Episode 8- "Barbarossa" Coletti is back again
May 18, 2023 00:58 - 39 minutes - 91.6 MBAdam "Barbarossa" Coletti is back for round two! Adam, or for this episode "Barbarossa" digs deep into his life as a biker and shares stories of his time on two wheels. He tells us about entry into his motorcycle club, club rituals, and how to get patched. Zack and Jim bring the heat as they grill Adam on club guidelines as well as do's and don't's.
Season 4, Episode 7- A Warm Welcome to the Good Reverend, "Fast" Adam Coletti
April 30, 2023 20:45 - 38 minutes - 88.5 MBWe warmly welcome the good reverend, "Fast" Adam Coletti. This is the interview you've all been waiting for and we've waited four years to get him on. This is part one of a two episode interview with Adam. Zack and Adam have been friends for roughly 40 years and Jim and Adam for a good 25. Adam shares the backstory of his nicknames "Fast Adam" and "the Reverend". He takes a walk down memory lane with stories of his quick tenure in Philadelphia, former jobs, and the time he pretended he was p...
Season 4, Episode 6: Here's Danny!
April 22, 2023 00:31 - 21 minutes - 51.7 MBJim and Zack bring in a special guest for this episode, Danny! Danny, Zack's seven-year-old son, shares his top backyard road trips with us. At seven, Danny tells all about his adventures including trips to Maine, Vermont, and Philadelphia. He weighs in on his favorite children's museums. Adam Coletti also drops in for a quick hello. The crew talks ice cream, Shamrock Shakes, and Disney World.
Season 4, Episode 5- Jim and Zack Surf the Web!
March 11, 2023 14:28 - 42 minutes - 99.4 MBSurf's up! It's time to catch a wave because Jim and Zack are surfing the web. Sometimes these road trippers hang up their hiking boots and travel virtually. Find out what websites they recommend for virtual exploration, travel planning, and fun diversions.
Season 4, Episode 4- A Truly Informative Hard Seltzer Taste Test
February 23, 2023 19:24 - 20 minutes - 50.2 MBThe boys are sampling drinks once again. This time it's a truly informative hard seltzer taste test. Featuring special guest, Jaclyn "Jackie" Lamothe, they sample hard seltzer from Bud Light, Truly, Two Roads, and White Claw. Which do you think they will like the best?
Season 4, Episode 3- Male Intimacy- Sharing a Blanket and a Pipe Through History
February 05, 2023 01:55 - 23 minutes - 55.2 MBZack and Jim welcome perennial guest, Drew Burnett of Drew's Honeybees to discuss his theory of male intimacy. Drew regales us with tales, both historically, literary, and even personally, of male bonding through sharing a blanket and a pipe. From Abraham Lincoln to Moby Dick, instances of this are highlighted by Drew who also dips into his own past. As Drew says, "we're nothing but social hominids, and we only need a pipe, a blanket, and a friend."
Season 4, Episode 2-Cinnamon Taste Test with Omelet Master Drew Burnett
January 30, 2023 15:14 - 21 minutes - 50.8 MBJim and Zack welcome back Drew Burnett of Drew's Honeybees to talk about cinnamon. He has the boys sample cinnamon trying to figure out which is the actual spice. Drew breaks down the difference in products all called "cinnamon" and the importance of quality ingredients in what we eat.
Season 4, Episode 1: Athletic Beer Taste Test
January 04, 2023 17:02 - 31 minutes - 73.5 MBHappy New Year and welcome to the kickoff of season four of the Backyard Road Trips podcast! As it is early January and (most of us) have kept our New Year's resolutions thus far, Jim and Zack thought it would be prime time for a non-alcoholic beer taste test. Many folks shoot for a "dry January" so what better to supplement the resolution than a few non-alcoholic beers from Athletic Brewing Company? Unlike many in the genre, these are actually tasty! Hear what the boys like the best in the ...
Season 3, Episode 18- Hanging out with Jon and Beth part 2
December 20, 2022 02:48 - 53 minutes - 16.9 MBThe conversation with Jon and Beth continues. More beer talk, Cincinnati talk, their respective careers, and favorite outdoorsy activities. Learn why you won't find them at Cincinnati Reds games and about the city's abandoned subway system. Find Jon at @echoingblue and Beth at @summer.loving.torture.party on Instagram.
Season 3, Episode 17- Hanging with Jon and Beth Part 1
December 17, 2022 00:57 - 1 hour - 155 MBJim and Zack catch up with an old friend, Jon Hnatiuk, and his wife, Beth Himburg. These two adventurers live in Cincinnati and share with us some of their favorite backyard road trips and favorite beers in and around the Queen City.
Season 3, Episode 16- Want a beautiful name? SODA!!!
December 01, 2022 01:34 - 29 minutes - 68.4 MBZack and Jim are back on the soda wagon, or off, whatever the one is that means you are drinking once again. Back by popular demand, the boys are drinking soda. This time the big gulps like Coke and Pepsi are off the table and we're focusing on local and smaller batch? brand? distribution? whatever the case may be, these are harder to find. From prebiotic soda to spicy Jamaican ginger beer, it's time to crack open a cold one and listen in. The competitors are Poppi, IBC, Foxon Park, Bawls an...
Season 3, Episode 15- The Fast Food Chicken Nugget (and fries) Challenge
November 13, 2022 02:15 - 38 minutes - 91.9 MBLast season, the boys took on the hamburgers of the Big 3 fast food restaurants (McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's). This year, they're sampling the chicken nuggets from all three (plus sneaking a few french fries in there). Which nuggets are the best? Who has the best fries? Listen to find out!
Season 3 Episode 14: The Ladies Tell All
October 28, 2022 02:00 - 54 minutes - 126 MBThe boys brought this one upon themselves, they asked their respective wives to make a list of what annoys them about their husbands. Oh my! The ladies air their grievances with hilarious results. Jim and Zack skew each other by listing off the complaint while the other one defends their own position. Has Festivus come early?
Season 3: Episode 13- It's the Third Annual Pumpkin Beer Taste Test!
October 16, 2022 21:24 - 47 minutes - 110 MBThree times a charm so we're back for the third annual pumpkin beer taste test here at Backyard Road Trips! With pumpkin beer selections from Smuttynose, New Belgium, Timberyard, and Southern Tier as well as from others, Jim and Zack do the difficult research for you to determine the king of pumpkin beers for 2022!
Season 3, Episode 12: Diet Soda and Other Nonsensical Chatter
September 24, 2022 01:03 - 22 minutes - 51.4 MBJim, Zack, and special guest Drew discuss all kinds of things, from tasting diet soda to camping, bears, and how they deal with telemarketers. Hang on tight, it's going to be a bumpy ride!
Season 3, Episode 11: Drew Burnett takes on Norwich
August 24, 2022 14:04 - 1 hour - 146 MBJim and Zack bring in an old friend, Drew Burnett of Drew's Honeybees to chat about their hometown of Norwich, Connecticut, and eastern Connecticut on the whole. They discuss the natural wonders of the area including Sprague Land Trust, Mohegan Park, and Lantern Hill. They also talk about a bad time at a wine tasting, going into anaphylactic shock, and the Department of Public Works. Fun was had by all!
Season 3: Episode 10- Chatting with author James Rourke
July 30, 2022 18:59 - 45 minutes - 104 MBAuthor James Rourke stops by to say hello and chats with Jim and Zack about his new book, Stone Souls. The conversation touches on subjects including the writing process, Rourke's other published works, his upcoming book events, and even a few obscure sports references. Check out James online at https://james-rourke-author.com/. And as always, stay up to date with the latest backyard road trips at www.backyardroadtrips.com.
Season 3: Episode 9- Eight Bourbon Barrel-Aged Beers On the Wall
July 23, 2022 18:54 - 49 minutes - 117 MBYou can finish the rest of that song... But here we are, sweating with the oldies on a 90-something degree day, drinking, of all things, Bourbon barrel-aged beers! Maybe you associate these beers with cooler weather, and maybe we do too, but with Jim's collection complete, it was time that Zack and Jim dig into these fine Bourbon barrel-aged beers. They discuss the highs and lows of beers by brands including Goose Island, Founders, and New Holland. Cheers!
Season 3: Episode 8- Bad Beer Taste Test!
June 27, 2022 16:45 - 21 minutes - 50.4 MBYuck! Jim and Zack are drinking bad beer and talking about it. Well, let's be honest, are these actually bad? You have to listen to find out. Hear them imbibe and discuss, discuss and imbibe. Tell us what beer makes your bad beer list! And just wait until they eat the broccoli slaw...
Season 3: Episode 7- Talking Whiskey with Irene Tan
June 05, 2022 01:13 - 34 minutes - 84.1 MBJim and Zack sit down with whiskey expert, Irene Tan. Irene, who is a Level 3 Whiskey Sommelier schools them about all things whiskey. She runs the consulting business, Whisky Mentors, and also owns the store, Canterbury Liquors. Irene talks to us about what makes a whiskey great (hint: it's not what you'd think) and about her worldwide whiskey travels.
Season 3: Episode 6- On the Road Again with Zack and Jim
April 24, 2022 22:41 - 42 minutes - 96.9 MBLet's get back to basics. This means let's talk travel. Jim and Zack share different road trips that they have gone on recently and others that are on the horizon including trips to New Hampshire, Vermont, and even to, gasp, Disney World, and Las Vegas! Zack also discusses his latest project, describing the research for his current book-in-the-works, Distilled in Boston. Foot in mouth, Zack also divulges some travel mishaps that have occurred along the way!
Season 3: Episode 5- Author Ian Cheney
April 15, 2022 21:29 - 32 minutes - 47.5 MBJim and Zack have the pleasure to talk with an old friend, author, and historian, Ian Cheney. Ian recently released the book, "Who Made the West: A Ranking of the 30 Most Influential Figures in Western History." Just as the title says, the book countdowns from number thirty to number one, the individuals who have influenced western civilization the most. Cheney is also the author of the blog and podcast, Presidential Politics for America. The trio discusses history, politics, the art of teach...
Season 3: Episode 4- Connecticut's Historical Power Couple - Regan Miner and Dayne Rugh
March 25, 2022 12:28 - 58 minutes - 133 MBZack and Jim sit down with two of Connecticut's premier historical preservation activists, Dayne Rugh and Regan Miner. As the region's historic power couple, Regan and Dayne share a lot of history and a lot of laughs with our hosts. With Regan's work at the Norwich Historical Society and Dayne's at Slater Memorial Museum and the Leffingwell House, they have dedicated their careers to promoting regional history and historic preservation. They share their favorite aspects of eastern Connecticu...
Season 3: Episode 3- The Great Milk Challenge
February 15, 2022 17:35 - 19 minutes - 43.9 MBZack, Jim, and special guest, Danny, dive in for the Great Milk Challenge! They guess what kind of milk they are drinking. Well, Jim and Danny drink and guess while Zack pours. They share some funny milk stories while interviewing Danny about his favorite state, Maine!
Season 3: Episode 2- All About Coffee
January 31, 2022 17:03 - 26 minutes - 61.3 MBZack, Jim, and special guest, Laurie Knitter (Auntie Foot) sit around and drink coffee. Well, not hot coffee, bottled coffee products from brands including Dunkin, Starbucks, Speedwell and Coca Cola. Zack and Laurie guess what Jim pours them with mixed results. They discuss what they like and what they don't. What's your favorite cup of coffee?
Season 3, Episode 1- Winter Beer Taste Test
January 15, 2022 20:38 - 32 minutes - 75.5 MBGreetings! Well, believe it or not, we're starting our third season! Surprise, surprise Jim, and Zack are tasting beer once again. This time they sample a selection of six winter beers from Massachusetts breweries including Tree House, Black Hat and Mayflower. They discuss what makes a beer a "winter beer" as well as the research for upcoming blog posts. This episode is a family affair as Zack's son, Danny joins in for a rousing version of "Jingle Bells" and his dad, Uncle Ken, stops in for ...
Season 2: Episode 12: Packin' for trips with Jaclyn
December 30, 2021 19:21 - 41 minutes - 95.8 MBJim and Zack interview Zack's wife, Jackie about packing for trips. With two small kids at home, she shares the difficult process of packing for trips, long or short, with kids. She lets the listeners know how she often has to repack for her husband as he lacks the necessary packing skills. In addition to road trip stories, the conversation leads to that of readying the family pet snails for a few days on their own. Not only packing, the discussion eventually gets to unpacking once at the de...
Season 2: Episode 11: Drinking and Learning About Beer with Homebrewer, Mark Winters
December 07, 2021 01:56 - 1 hour - 146 MBHomebrewer, Mark Winters lets Jim and Zack (and Jackie) sample a few of his delicious beers. Mark's brewery name is Urbrau Uttingtron, which is an homage to his home area of Germany and the old style of beer that he brews. He discusses how he started brewing, historic beer tidbits, and explains all about the beer that they are drinking. His libations tend to err on the side of traditional styles and not the uber-popular current trend of hazy IPAs. Grab yourself a cold one and enjoy! Check ou...
Season 2, Episode 10: The Second Annual Fall Beer Taste Test
November 15, 2021 17:42 - 35 minutes - 82.9 MBIt's mid-November and the fall is in full swing. (Don't think about putting up those Christmas lights yet!) With turkey and stuffing on the horizon, it's time to crack open a few fall seasonal beers to combat the newfound chill in the air. In this episode, Jim, Zack and special guest, Jackie sample a roundup of great autumn craft beer. Selections include Wormtown, Two Roads, and Southern Tier among others. Which one is their favorite? Listen to find out!
Season 2, Episode 9: Ghost Hunting with the Black Crow Paranormal
October 15, 2021 14:09 - 45 minutes - 123 MBIt's that time of year again! Zack and Jim dive into the eerie side of things with the Black Crow Junior Paranormal team. Based out of Bozrah, Connecticut's haunted antique shop, the Primitive Crow, the Black Crow team is a group of passionate paranormal investigators led by Maddox Coletti. Also on the podcast is Black Crow member Lilah Miller. Find out how this group of young paranormal investigators got started and what successes they've had. Listen closely, you just might hear something s...
Season 2, Episode 8- The Great Backyard Road Trips Fast Food Burger Challenge!
September 28, 2021 22:27 - 26 minutes - 62.1 MBWell, kids, it's finally here. Zack has never eaten a McDonald's or Wendy's hamburger. Jim puts him up to the challenge. He samples burgers from McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King and guesses which is which based on look and taste. While chewing, Zack inquires about Jim's dietary habits and what foods he eats and tells about his adventures acquiring the burgers.
Season 2, Episode 7- The Victoria Grace Tea Room
September 03, 2021 20:15 - 16 minutes - 37.7 MBZack and Jim step out of their beverage element with a stop at a tea room. They interview Missy Sullivan of the Victoria Grace Tea Room which is located inside the Primitive Crow in Bozrah, CT. This episode is recorded on-site inside the tea room. They chat about the evolution of the tea room, what is offered for an afternoon tea, the origins of the tea they serve, and plenty of "tea" puns!
Season 2, Episode 6: Chatting with The Distracted Wanderer
August 15, 2021 22:26 - 48 minutes - 111 MBZack and Jim talk about all things travel with Linda Orlomoski, better known as The Distracted Wanderer. Linda is an avid explorer on both the global and local levels. She writes detailed accounts of her experiences on her blog, The Distracted Wanderer as well as for publications including Norwich Magazine and the Norwich Bulletin newspaper. They chat about favorite places to travel internationally, the charm of New England and the benefits of travel insurance.
Season 2, Episode 5- Talking with Matt Woodward from ExploreCT.org
July 29, 2021 23:44 - 38 minutes - 88.6 MBJim and Zack talk with Matt Woodward, creator, and hiker extraordinaire at ExploreCT.org. Matt discusses what led him to create his website, how he finds new hikes, and his most memorable hikes. For more information about Matt and ExploreCT, please visit, www.exploreCT.org, the most detailed resource for hikes in Connecticut.
Backyard Road Trips: Season 2, Episode 4: Post-Covid Travel
July 16, 2021 17:31 - 26 minutes - 62.9 MBWe've come full circle as Zack and Jim tackle post-Covid travel plans. They discuss travel differences in recent states they have visited including Arizona, Tennessee, and Vermont as well as their home states of Massachusetts and Connecticut respectively. What are your summer travel plans?
Chatting with Brandi from DOA Supernatural
June 29, 2021 22:17 - 44 minutes - 103 MBEven though it's only June, it's starting to feel like October in the Backyard Road Trips studio! Jim and Zack chat with Brandi from DOA Supernatural. They discuss hauntings going on at the Primitive Crow antique shop in Bozrah, Connecticut. She also shares other paranormal tales from her childhood to the present day.
Backyard Road Trips Season 2, Episode 2: Talkin' Food
June 14, 2021 17:48 - 35 minutes - 80.9 MBThis podcast is making me hungry! Zack and Jim talk about their favorite meals. Zack gives an overview of a recent blog series on the Backyard Road Trips website about restaurants and they share restaurants that they would drive hours for. Listen for all the Sly Stallone references!
12. Catching Up and Miracle Berries
April 29, 2021 21:16 - 36 minutes - 84.2 MBWe're back!! After a few months of travel restrictions and coronavirus Jim and Zack are at it again. For the first episode of the new season, they catch up on what they've missed since the first of the year. They talk hikes, food, future travel and beer. Witness the Miracle Berry, as they sample sour beer before and after trying the Miracle Berry. The results are astonishing!
Backyard Road Trips After Dark - Episode 11
February 19, 2021 00:36 - 42 minutes - 97.1 MBWhoa! The sun has gone down and Backyard Road Trips is turning out the lights. For this "after dark" episode we're looking at scandals, mayhem, pandemonium! Or Jim and Zack are at it again but this time they are discussing merry mishaps that they've encountered in their past. From driving a car into a movie theater to swiping lobsters this episode will have you rolling in the aisles. And we're happy to announce they we were recently featured as one of Feedspot's "Top 20 Road Trip Podcasts ...