Coffee With Jim, the interactive livestream audio podcast from Jim Hinckley’s America on Podbean, is more than road trip inspiration. It is the telling of America’s story by the people that are writing a new chapter. And it is America’s story as told by people working to preserve the country’s rich and diverse history.

Coffee With Jim

As with many of our projects, Route 66 stories figure prominently in the weekly podcast. But we have also talked with historians working to preserve and record the history of Fairbank, Arizona. And we have talked with fascinating people like Jeffrey Schmidt that delved deep into Oklahoma history with his new book, Here Today: Oklahoma Ghost Towns, Vanishing Towns, and Towns Persisting Against the Odds. 

Evolution of the program is a story in itself. As with many folk that can see the 65th birthday in the rear view mirror, I am technologically challenged. But I am persistent and tenacious. I have YouTube. And I have Steve LeSueur that I can pester with questions. His a good friend and business associate that is the owner of Talisman Magic Marketing in KIngman, Arizona.

Act II

The podcast started as a live stream video program on the Jim Hinckley’s America Facebook page. But when that page was locked and I could only access it with Instagram posts, that endeavor was brought to an abrupt end.

I tried YouTube live programs. But as a one man railroad, it just didn’t seem suitable for a live program. So, I looked for options and found Podbean.

The livestream program is growing in popularity, but the audience is far short of what we had on Facebook. But I am heartened by the comments and notes being received, the number of guest requests, and the popularity on published programs on Spotify and other major podcast platforms as well as the Jim Hinckley’s America website.

Crossroads

From its inception the idea was to spark constructive, fascinating, and inspirational conversation and dialogue. It has been a fascinating adventure. I have greatly enjoyed conversations with guests such as John Martinson, President DRIVE Electric Arizona, an EV adventurer that recently completed an 11,000 mile trip to Newfoundland in his Tesla.

Riding herd on divisive comments and keeping a lid on controversial discussions has been a challenge. In recent years there has also been an increased focus on using the podcast to provide an oasis from the swirl of destructive divisive discussions that we are drowning us.

Our guest on the March 31, 2024 program was Vickie Ashcraft, owner of the Enchanted Trading Post & RV Park in Albuquerque and president of the Route 66 Association of New Mexico.The focus of our conversation was the magic of Route 66, her historic 1940s trading post, plans for the Route 66 centennial, ancient villages, green chili burgers, great restaurants, repurposing roadside landmarks, the Route 66 Association of New Mexico, and Hudson automobiles.

But in the lively, fascinating, and road trip inspiring conversation we purposely avoided discussion about a faction of folks that had recently decided to splinter the Route 66 Association of New Mexico and launch the New Mexico Route 66 Association. And I avoided responding to questions being asked during the program about the divisions, and how having two associations would benefit, or hinder, the Route 66 community in New Mexico. Coffee with JIm is also about building a sense of community, and a network of cooperative partnerships, so we avoid counterproductive conversations.

Coming soon

We are always looking for ways to improve the program, and for inspirational guests that are writing new chapters in the American story. So, if you have ideas or suggestions, please drop us a note. And join us on Sunday morning for a shared adventure.

Some fascinating guests will be joining America’s storyteller in coming weeks. As an example, we will be talking with Wade Bray about the AAA Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa, Oklahoma. And just yesterday we confirmed a date for a conversation with Phyllis Ferguson, owner of the amazing time capsule that is the historic Rockwood Motor Court in Springfield, Missouri.

If you enjoy the podcasts, please consider supporting our sponsors, or dropping a note of appreciation.

• Roadrunner Lodge Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico
• RouteTrip USA, the bespoke road trip holiday specialists
• Uranus Fudge Company & General Store
• The iconic Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri
• Cactus Inn in McLean, Texas
• Route 66 Navigation
• Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours