Miles & Pints: The Travel And Beer Podcast

Today’s Guest: Favio Garcia Favio Garcia has been brewing beer for over 25 years and brewing in Loudoun County, Virginia, for more than 15 of those years. To say he knows the beer scene well in the DC area would be an understatement. In this episode, we chat with Favio about his background, brewing in Northern Virginia, and what he’s doing today at Dynasty Brewing Company.    As always, this episode also includes our Miles and Points with Pints segment, where Derrick and Jeff give their takes on the latest news and updates from the travel rewards world.  Our Sponsor: Visit Loudoun and the LoCo Ale Trail With 35 breweries and counting, Loudoun County is one of the most vibrant craft beer destinations in the U.S.    Visit Loudoun invites you to hit the LoCo Ale Trail, which connects the urban breweries of Sterling and Ashburn in the east, to everything from bespoke taprooms in historic towns to farm breweries with stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views out west.   Grab your Ale Trail “passport” to collect stam

Today’s Guest: Charles McCool from McCool Travel This week we return with the conclusion of our interview with Charles McCool of McCool Travel. Charles shares some of his favorite international and domestic locations with us, including a few places he qualifies as must-see locations. We also share some tips about how to find the best craft beers in the places you travel. Finally, we conclude the episode with our weekly updates from the world of travel rewards. Check out Episode 21 for the first half of our interview with Charles. Times of Note and Relevant Links: These sections will be updated once we are back from our travels. For now, listen to the show all the way through to get all the important information. McCool Travel Website - mccooltravel.com  Instagram - @charlesmccool   Twitter - @charlesmccool  Travel On Point(s) Website - travel-on-points.com Facebook - Travel on Point(s)   Miles & Pints Website - milesandpints.com Store - Miles & Pints Swag Facebook - Miles & Pints   Twitter -

Today’s Guest: Charles McCool from McCool Travel Charles McCool has been hacking travel for over 20 years and he’s learned a thing or two about how to have a fun and relaxing vacation. Through his writing, speaking, and excellent storytelling, Charles shows people how to improve their lives through travel and shows us some of the amazing places we should all see.    If you enjoy this episode, be sure to come back next week for the second half of our interview with Charles McCool, where we learn about his personal travel style, hear some of his top spots for a great trip, and get a glimpse of where he likes to grab a beer while away from home.   Make sure you stick around for our Miles and Points with Pints segment too, where we give you all the week’s updates on credit cards, hotels, airlines, and general travel. You’ll find it at the end of the episode every week from now on. Times of Note: 2:25 - Charles says hi. 2:45 - What we’re drinking. 6:30 - The early life of Charles McCool. 9:43 - Charles wrote

Today’s Guest: It’s time for another episode of Miles and Points with Pints. That means we don’t have a guest today. Instead, Jeff and Derrick are talking about all the credit card, hotel, airline, and travel updates that you need to hear about. This has been a really popular episode type and as a result, we are looking at moving to having a segment of updates every week instead of a full episode just once monthly. Look for information about that coming out soon! Times of Note: 2:28 - What we’re drinking. 4:55 - Recording video??? - Look for some clips on social! 5:45 - We start talking about credit card changes and IT problems. 5:56 - Amex is up first, with the first of the issues. 11:12 - Amex ups their referral offers on several cards. 13:45 - Never had an Amex Gold? What?!? 20:47 - We move on to a couple of Chase rumors. 24:49 - Chase is having IT delays too. 27:27 - Our guesses for what’s to come with Pay Yourself Back. 30:03 - Brex gets in on the IT failures. 36:47 - Some quick airline updates. 42:

Today’s Guest: Dustin Waller Dustin Waller is one of the few travel rewards experts who primarily uses video to teach others. Through his Youtube channel, Waller’s Wallet, Dustin explains the ins and outs of credit cards, miles and points, and basic personal finance in a way that’s informative and easy to understand. In this episode, we chat with Dustin about his background, his business, his love of travel, and of course, a little bit of beer too.   Times of Note: 1:41 - Dustin says hi. 2:14 - What we’re drinking. 4:00 - An overview of Dustin’s background before YouTube. 9:30 - Are 2-year-olds and teens the same? 10:10 - Dustin steps up to help with vaccinations. 12:53 - All about Waller’s Wallet. 14:08 - What made Dustin move from the pharmacy to YouTube? 19:39 - Do most people book through bank portals? 21:04 - Time vs. Value when booking awards. 22:10 - Booking struggles with Avianca - we all have them. 27:39 - Waller’s Wallet is expanding to add finance videos. 31:34 - Personal finance and credit ca

Today’s Guest: Eugenia Brown Eugenia Brown has quickly become a well-respected influencer in the craft beer space. Known online as @BlackBeerChick, she also runs the account for @BlackGirlsDrinkBeerToo. Through her work with the Pink Boots Society and a personal project that is well on the way to certifying 100 women of color to work in the craft beer industry, Eugenia is constantly helping others to educate themselves and level up in the world of craft. Join us as we talk with Eugenia about her many projects, some of her favorite breweries in the Charlotte area, and do a little dreaming about where we’d all like to travel next for beer. Times of Note: 1:42 - Derrick says hello. 2:00 - Eugenia says hi too. 2:27 - What we’re drinking. 8:07 - Eugenia’s background and where she is today. 9:21 - When Eugenia first got into craft beer. 12:14 - When the craft beer obsession began. 14:48 - Derrick points out why Eugenia is awesome. 16:58 - We all get tired of Hazy IPA - except Derrick. 20:28 - Jeff goes on a ta

Today’s Guest: Dan Minner Dan Minner has been working with Ellicottville Brewing Company for over 17 years, most of that time as their head brewer. His creativity, attention to detail, and overall skill with brewing have helped EBC to grow into the multi-location powerhouse that it is today. In this conclusion of our interview with Dan, we talk about beer as it relates to travel, touching on the craft beer scene in Mexico, some of our favorite beer festivals around the world, and a few of the best places Dan has been for beer. Be sure to catch the first half of this interview in Episode 16 too. Today’s Co-Host: Erik Coleman Erik Coleman from Beer By Coleman was our guest on the podcast just a couple of episodes ago and he’s already worked his way up to co-hosting. Erik’s background in the western New York brewing scene made him the perfect choice to help interview Dan at EBC.  Times of Note: 1:50 - Dan admits that he doesn’t like a customer favorite. 3:19 - Wait, how many?!? 6:10 - Beer for breakfast, bu

Today’s Guest: Dan Minner Dan Minner has been working with Ellicottville Brewing Company for over 17 years, most of that time as their head brewer. His creativity, attention to detail, and overall skill with brewing have helped EBC to grow into the multi-location powerhouse that it is today. Known for their wide variety of quality brews, Dan talks to us about his personal background, how EBC has evolved during his time there, and some of the beers they are working on now and in the near future. Be sure to catch the conclusion of this interview in Episode 17.   Today’s Co-Host: Erik Coleman Erik Coleman from Beer By Coleman was our guest on the podcast just a couple of episodes ago and he’s already worked his way up to co-hosting. Erik’s background in the western New York brewing scene made him the perfect choice to help interview Dan at EBC.    Times of Note: 2:04 - Erik says hello. 2:30 - Dan dropping info right from the start. 2:50 - What we’re drinking. 6:35 - The pumpkin beer debate begins. 9:59 - We

Today’s Guest: Miles and Points with Pints No guest today on Miles & Pints. Instead, Jeff and Derrick are taking some time to discuss updates on credit card bonuses and welcome offers, the latest hotel and airline promos, what’s new in general travel restrictions, and sad news for cruising. Listen to see what you may have missed over the past few weeks in the world of travel rewards.   Times of Note: 1:42 - What we’re drinking. 4:15 - We start in on credit card updates, with Amex first. 8:40 - A quick tip for using your Amex dining credits. 10:26 - Jeff told everyone to do it and still messed it up himself. 13:05 - Be careful using mobile credits on Verizon - a tip to get around that. 19:16 - Chase just isn’t keeping up. 26:32 - Citi isn’t even trying. 29:30 - Brex shows up and they aren’t messing around. 35:36 - Updates from hotel loyalty programs. 36:14 - We all get #Bonvoyed by Marriott. 40:10 - Twitter might help you register. 40:25 - Hilton and IHG are the Citi of hotels - they just aren’t tryin

Today’s Guest: Kim Tate Kim Tate is a family travel expert who runs StuffedSuitcase.com and is a co-host of the Vacation Mavens podcast. Through her site, her podcast, and her social channels, Kim provides amazing information on travel destinations, including what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and how to get there. Add in the tips and tricks she provides for everything from packing and planning to saving on your trip, and you have an impressive one-stop resource for family travel.   Times of Note: 1:42 - Kim says Hi. 2:14 - What we’re drinking. 7:14 - Kim’s background and introduction to travel. 9:38 - Some quick Kansas City tourist tips. 11:02 - Travelling with kids. 13:35 - Kim’s professional background. 15:36 - Stuffed Suitcase is born - Kim started with a plan! 17:55 - We realize that Kim is smarter than us (not a shock). 18:55 - All about Stuffed Suitcase. 22:10 - Destinations look to Kim to share their stories. 27:19 - Get out of your bubble and stop comparing your trips to others! 30:04 - Ki

Today’s Guest: Erik Coleman Erik Coleman is the owner and operator of Beer By Coleman, a concierge craft beverage service that offers guided tastings, brewery consultations, and custom brewing tours. In addition, Erik oversees the Trocaire College Brewing, Distillation, and Fermentation Program, and is the Chair of the Events Committee for the Buffalo Niagara Brewers Association. If something is happening in the brewery scene in western New York, Erik Coleman is probably involved.   Times of Note: 2:04 - Erik says Hi. 2:13 - What we’re drinking. 3:57 - Erik’s background and introduction to craft beer. 6:55 - A 30-40 hour a week side hustle?!? 9:47 - Derrick asks the important question. 16:00 - Erik starts to help out at Big Ditch Brewing. 18:12 - Too much STRESS! 20:05 - Drinking with friends provides the best ideas. 21:03 - What is Beer By Coleman? 29:53 - Where Beer by Coleman gets their clients. 32:59 - What Erik does with Trocaire College. 41:45 - Trocaire goes virtual. 46:56 - We start to talk about

Today’s Guest: Miles and Points with Pints We don’t have a guest on this episode of Miles & Pints. Instead, Jeff and Derrick are taking some time to discuss the latest hotel promos and some general travel updates. This episode is the conclusion of Episode 12, so make sure you listen to that episode first to hear all of the updates and information we have to share.    Times of Note: 1:17 - We get into what’s going on with loyalty programs. 2:01 - Crazy good current Hyatt promos. 8:11 - What could be the downside of the Hyatt Globalist promos. 11:06 - Hilton Diamond promo. 13:57 - Hilton Gold Giveaway! 14:47 - Marriott Bonvoy promos. 20:17 - Marriott Elite Guarantees update. 23:36 - We start to talk about travel updates. 24:38 - Updates and opinions on empty middle seats. 28:24 - Centurion Lounges re-opening. 29:45 - Our take on the latest TSA numbers. 32:33 - International travel restrictions increasing again. 35:59 - Our hopes as we move forward. 37:55 - The Miles & Pints Theme Song!   Relevant L

Today’s Guest: Miles and Points with Pints We don’t have a guest on this episode of Miles & Pints. Instead, Jeff and Derrick are taking some time to discuss updates to credit card benefits and the latest Amazon promotions as we start the new year. You’ll hear what our favorite promos are, what we hope to see in the coming weeks, and maybe even learn about something you’ve missed. This recording went a little long, so catch the end of our conversation in Episode 12a.   Times of Note: 1:50 - What we’re drinking. 3:00 - The original location is in Herndon, VA. 4:09 - Credit card benefit updates. 5:44 - American Express card promos. 8:05 - How Jeff is using his Paypal Credit for January. 12:03 - Spencer has had lots of people sign up for the 6 month Paypal option. 18:12 - Miles & Pints on video? 25:05 - Citi card promos - Jeff has an odd reaction. 28:30 - Chase card promos - the good and the bad. 38:52 - Amazon promos have been great! 40:28 - Derrick got $40 per point in value!!! 43:39 - Hear the res

Today’s Guest: Andrew Brooks Andrew Brooks is the owner and operator of Talking Cursive Brewing Company in Syracuse, New York. Along with his wife, Andrew has built a beautiful tasting room, an efficient state of the art brewhouse, and a successful business that will surely be around for a long time. Having taken the past year’s slow down of in-person business as an opportunity to increase their distribution network, Andrew and the team at Talking Cursive are ready to grow by leaps and bounds as the economy picks back up and customers return to the tasting room.     Times of Note: 2:05 - Andrew says hi. 4:00 - How the idea for Talking Cursive came about. 6:23 - The process of opening a brewery in Syracuse, NY. 8:51 - The craft beer scene in the Syracuse area. 12:30 - The inspiration for Talking Cursive beer names. 16:22 - Talking Cursive is a great stop around Syracuse University events. 17:30 - It is 1.5 miles walking...since Andrew didn’t know. 19:04 - Why Talking Cursive stands out. 25:33 - What I’m D

Today’s Guest: Spencer Howard Spencer Howard joins us for this episode to talk about his newly announced Straight to the Points Premium service. Hear about what you will get with a Premium subscription and why Derrick and Jeff think it's such a great value. We also touch on booking award flights and hotels for major events, a bit about Oktoberfest, and how Spencer almost got stuck when Covid shut things down.   Times of Note: 1:45 - What we’re drinking. 3:45 - Jeff can’t remember what a bar is. 4:19 - Derrick feels left out. 5:22 - Spencer’s background. 7:31 - Spencer’s first travel reward credit card. 10:28 - When Spencer started working in the miles and points space. 11:31 - How Straight to the Points was born. 16:57 - Straight to the Points Premium!!!!! 25:16 - Derrick and Spencer become self-aware. 28:17 - How and when to get Straight to the Points Premium. 32:14 - Look for Straight to the Points Premium giveaway from Travel on Point(s). 34:54 - Traveling for major events (including Oktoberfest) 43:0

  Show Notes Today’s Guest: Mark Ostermann Mark Ostermann left the corporate world several years ago to be a stay at home dad and quickly found his way into the world of miles and points. Today, he works as the Managing Editor at Miles to Memories, helping thousands of people every day, as they learn how to maximize loyalty programs and travel the world for less. Always happy to grab a beer (or three) and talk about travel, Mark fits in perfectly with Derrick and Jeff here at Miles & Pints.   Times of Note: 1:47 - Interview begins. 1:54 - Mark’s first complaint. 1:58 - Mark’s first laugh. 5:03 - What we’re drinking. 9:30 - Mark’s daily exercise plan. 11:53 - Jeff’s non-humble brag. 18:03 - Derrick just doesn’t understand. 25:08 - Mark buys a house while on vacation. 26:03 - Mark buys a car while on vacation. 32:32 - How Mark got into miles and points. 35:45 - Mark enjoys flying Spirit??? 39:15 - Derrick picks Airbnb places close to beer bars. 41:17 - Side Tangent - Mark likes screens on his windows. 4

  Today’s Guest: The guest on today's episode is more than just a guest, he's the new co-host of the Miles & Pints Podcast. Derrick Dye is well known in the travel world as the founder of Travel of Point(s). They have a great site and a friendly Facebook group, both of which will help you learn how to maximize your use of travel rewards programs. To those of us who know him personally, Derrick is also known as a great guy to have a pint with. It's hard to say which he likes better, but it's easy to see that Derrick's love of both travel and beer makes him a perfect addition to the show.    Times of Note: 0:35 - Our new co-host is introduced! 2:19 - Learn about Derrick's background. 2:55 - Travel on Point(s) 11:05 - We start talking about travel. 17:14 - Hear about our terrible timing and how the world shut down. 19:21 - Saying goodbye to a couple of amazing trips. 24:31 - Is Jeff crazy for booking this return from Europe? 25:27 - Our planned travel for the rest of the year. 28:23 - What we're drinking

Today’s Guest: Matt Ehinger is the head brewer and co-owner of the Bitter Sisters Brewing Company in Addison, Texas. Married to one of the actual Bitter Sisters, Matt is one of 8 family members who own and run the brewery and taproom. From their clever named beers to their expansive taproom, Bitter Sisters is a great place to spend your evening drinking a few delicious brews, and Matt tells us everything from how they got started to how they make working all together go as smoothly as possible.   Times of Note: 1:54 - Matt says hi. 4:01 - A family-owned brewery. 5:42 - Bitter Sisters is born. 13:33 - Germans in Texas. 15:40 - Emirates pilots even drink here! 17:45 - You heard it here first - Coffee Blondes are the next big thing! 23:11 - This is getting even closer to law since we recorded! 29:05 - One of Matt’s rules for choosing which beers to brew. 38:08 - Matt’s recommendations for great beer trips. 43:52 - The best brewer’s beard answer so far! 45:15 - Where to find Bitter Sisters online and in person.

Today’s Guest: I first met Caroline Lupini back in 2013 at a miles and points centered travel conference. Since that time, she’s graduated from college, got her MBA, and launched a successful freelance career that she can do from anywhere in the world. That’s something that Caroline definitely takes advantage of. In fact, as of the recording of this episode, she’s now been to over 80 countries. We’ve traveled together a couple of times and I’m sure we will again, so I’m happy to introduce you to my fantastic friend Caroline.   Times of Note: 2:12 - Caroline says hi! 7:36 - The discovery of travel hacking. 9:16 - Study for finals? Nah… 15:00 - Keep your food expenses under control. 16:52 - Find out Caroline’s country count. 21:16 - A great way to look at travel. 25:39 - How does Caroline get so much vacation time? 28:56 - I learn about a new island hopper flight. 32:19 - Caroline’s plan for seeing Machu Picchu. 38:19 - How beer fits with Caroline’s travels. 45:23 - What Caroline loves about travel. Fun Fact:

Today’s Guest: In 2014, after a 12 year career as a marine biologist in Alaska, Brian Burton made the move to Texas and almost immediately began brewing beer. Just a few years later, Brian got together with brewing friend and business partner John Powell, and a short time later they opened Hop and Sting Brewing Company in Grapevine, Texas. The brewery and taproom is less than 10 minutes from DFW and is a great place to relax and enjoy a layover.   Times of Note: 2:04 - Brian says hi! 5:54 - Brian meets Jon and the idea for Hop and Sting is born. 6:54 - What it takes to get a job in Alaska. 11:54 - A fire hydrant kills the plan. 16:48 - Hop and Sting’s first beer - Galactic Haze. 19:30 - Grapevine offers to sell. 20:43 - Sir William’s Brown Ale, 2-Time GABF medal winner. 21:56 - DFW layover tips! 25:45 - A commitment to service since day one - charity taps. 28:42 - Changing the water to fit the style. 30:15 - Texas to-go rules are crazy strict! The bill we discussed did pass the first step in the process that