Coffe With Jim, our live intereactive podcast, just one way that we tell people where to go at Jim Hinckley’s America.
Telling people where to go. It’s what we do at Jim Hinckley’s America. We also share America’s story as well as adventures.
In Search of Lost Highways
We are always looking for new ways to inspire road trips by telling people where to go. On of our latest projects is In Search of Lost Highways, a video series on the YouTube channel.
The idea for the series came from a series of conversations and Q & A sessions after presentations. In late 2023, I detected a theme to these discussions. People were intrigued my walkabouts and the daily posts on Instagram in the Decade With Jim series.
So, using funds derived from the Patreon based crowdfunding initiative I purchased a GoPro camera. And let to yet another learning curve.
Telling People Where to Go
Initial videos in the series were a bit rough. But they are improving, as should be expected. Now, I am telling people where to go, and showing them as well.
To date four videos have been completed. Research for a few more is underway.
Two of the videos trace the old roads and lost highways in Coyote Pass. These include a Native American trade route, the Beale Wagon Road, the mid 19th century Mohave Prescott Road, a 1913 highway, and US 466.
One of the videos highlighted the narrated self guided Kingman, Arizona historic district walking tour. Another traced the 19th century Stockton Hill Road in the Cerbat Mountains. This morning I forded a small stream to explore a section of that old road. That was he subject of the days Instagram post.
Coffee With JIm
Adventures in podcasting have been interesting. I initially planned on developing two programs. But Car Talk From The Main Strreet of America was temporarily shelved last fall. I simply didn’t have time for a second program at this time.
So, I focused on Coffee With Jim, our Sunday morning program. Reach and engagement is growing albeit slowly. And I am picking up a few sponsors. Most importantly, I am able to provide small business owners, artists, authors, and even organizers with a promotional platform.
Live programs are fraught with issues. Still, I am of the opinion that interactive programs are very important. This is another venue ideally suited for telling people where to go. With acquisition of some additional equipment, and more experience, the plan is to take the show on the road.
The event section of the acclaimed Route 66 Navigation app is another opportunity for telling people where to go.
The Crystal Ball
It is shaping up to be a very busy year. I am deep into the writing of Route 66 centennial anthology. For this project I am taking a different approach. The first chapter chronicles the pre history of Route 66 and the US highway system. The last chapter, being written by Dries Bessels of the Dutch Route 66 Association, tells he storyof the highways renaissance.
And I am also working on a Route 66 themed adult coloring book. That is just one of the unuusal or exciting projects being developed in 2024. I am currently in discussion with Bob Boze Bell of True West magazine about a multifaceted initiative.
The podcast website on Podbean has been given a facelift. But I am eager to give this website a facelift as well. But as I envision more interactive content, homework is needed. Another learning curve.
And I am working closely with Touch Media on development of a centennial edition of the Mother Road Route 66 Passport. Updating and adding to the point of interest file for the company’s Route 66 Navigation is an ongoing project. Likewise with a new addition to the acclaimed travel guide, development of a comprehensive Route 66 event calendar.
Speaking of calendars, our schedule for programs is getting back to pre pandemic levels. We started the year with an appearance at Auto Books Aero Books in Burbank. Next is a Sounds of Kingman program. And that will most likely be followed by one in Prescott, Arizona, the AAA Route 66 Road Fest, MIles of Possibility Conference, and possibly, the third European Route 66 Festival. All of the events taking place at Route 66 venues are being added to the Route 66 Navigation app, and the Jim HInckley Will Be At section on this website.
