Sharing America’s story, telling people where to go, inspiring road trips, and providing folks with a haven from the daily onslaught of BS. This is the foundation for Coffee With Jim, the weekly live podcast from Jim Hinckley’s America.

It is also at the heart of all that I do as a storyteller. Still, even though I have been doing this for years, it still amazes me. People tune in, turn out for programs, and even pay me to beat my gums on occassion. They even ask me to deface books, t-shirts, and Mother Road Route 66 Passports with my signature. I have also been asked to autograph a hubcap and truck hood.

Sharing America’s Story

On the March 24th episode of Coffee With Jim, our guest was Ray Harvey of Ray Harvey Art. This acclaimed artist from Missouri has built quite a reputation from illustrating chapters in America’s story with colorful and detailed murals.

In a few weeks he will begin work on a series of murals in Kingman, Arizona. This will be his first public art project in the southwest. But as he has a passion for Route 66, and the centennial is fast approaching, I am confident that ti won’t be his last.

As I have been a fan of Ray’s work for many years, our conversation was a real treat. Judging by comments from listeners, I wasn’t alone.

So, What’s Next?

So, what’s next on Coffee With Jim? Well, this week we visit with Vicke Ashcraft, owner of the Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park in Albuquerque. She has been with the Route 66 Association of New Mexico for many years. So, as you might have guessed, we will be talking about Route 66 in the Land of Enchantment. And, of course, we will also be sharing the fascinating history of the trading post, and Vickie’s intriguing journey from Massachusetts that proved to be her introduction to the magic of a Route 66 road trip.

We are working out details but hope to also have Rhys Martin join the program. Rhys, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, is asking for help as a rare section of Route 66 in the Sooner State is endangered. The “Ribbon Road” is also a tangible link to a very unusal chapter in the history of highway engineering. The petition drive is key to the roads preservation.

And for the first program in April our guest is Pamela Mitchell, the tourism chairperson at the Baxter Springs Chamber of Commerce in Baxter Springs, Kansas. This promises to be a road trip inspiring program as the southeast corner of Kansas bisected by Route 66 isn’t often thought of as an adventure destination.

Coming Attractions

Spring, summer and fall are shaping up to be rather busy in Jim Hinckley’s America. There is a Route 66 anthology to complete. And the calendar is filling fast with speaking engagements, programs and book signings.

We will strive to keep the event calendar on this website updated. That might inspire a road trip or two. And it might give us an opportunity for a vist.