Coffee With Jim is a journey through America’s story on the two lane highways and backroads. This weekly podcast from Jim Hinckley’s Weekly America is another opportunity to share America’s story and tell people where to go.

Every Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m. Arizona time, a unique adventure unfolds with the live stream of this lively podcast on Podbean. For those who miss the live program, fear not. Episodes are available post-broadcast on the Jim Hinckley Podbean website (www.jimhinckley.podbean.com). It is also available on Spotify and other popular podcast platforms.

The Essence of Coffee With Jim

This podcast goes beyond the ordinary. It is the weaving of tales about historic routes, iconic landmarks, and the vibrant tapestry of American culture. It is road trip inspirng  conversations with fascinating people. Each episode is a journey that invites listeners to explore the rich heritage that lies just beyond their doorstep.

Archiving the Adventures

For those who wish to delve into past episodes, the archived programs are readily accessible through embedded players on several websites. The Jim Hinckley’s America website is one. Additionally, you can find these archives on other websites such as The Bee (www.thebee.news) and the Kingman Tours page (kingman.tours). These websites also have what is needed to inspire a road trip or two.

Diverse and Distinguished Guests

Jim Hinckley’s podcast boasts an impressive lineup of guests. Each brings a distinct perspective to the show. Among the notable guests is Wade Bray of LiveIt Experiences, who discussed the development of the annual AAA Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Pamela Mitchell from the Baxter Springs, Kansas Chamber of Commerce and the Kansas Route 66 Association shared her insights on community efforts to preserve the historic route. Dries Bessels of the Dutch Route 66 Association offered an international perspective on America’s Main Street. Jeffrey Schmidt, author of Here Today: Oklahoma’s Ghost Towns, Vanishing Towns, and Towns Persisting Against the Odds, provided a riveting account of his research and discoveries.

Other guests have included a diverse array of historians, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts who contribute to the rich dialogue about America’s past and future. Their stories and experiences enrich the podcast. They make each episode a treasure trove of information and inspiration.

Sponsored by Icons of the Road

The adventure that is Coffee With Jim is made possible by the generous support of various sponsors. Each is a landmark in its own right. The Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri, for example, is a beautifully restored slice of Americana, inviting travelers to experience the charm of yesteryear. The Cactus Inn Motel in McLean, Texas, offers a nostalgic retreat with all the comforts of modern hospitality. The Roadrunner Lodge Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, is a living time capsule that presents a perfect blend of mid-century style and contemporary amenities.

Enchanted Trails Trading Post and RV Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is another beloved sponsor. Using consultants such as Jim Hinckley, RouteTrip USA, the bespoke road trip holiday specialists, ensure that every journey is meticulously planned and thoroughly enjoyable. Route 66 Navigation is an innovative app that provides invaluable tools for travelers navigating the historic highway, ensuring their adventures are smooth as well as memorable. They too use Jim as a consultant to ensure clients have the best Route 66 experience.

The Unique Charm of Sponsor Locations

Each sponsor location has its own tale to tell. The Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri, stands as a testament to time. Its charming stone cottages have welcomed travelers since the 1930s. This iconic establishment is a favorite among Route 66 enthusiasts and continues to offer a cozy respite for weary road trippers.

The Cactus Inn Motel in McLean, Texas, is a vintage gem that captures the essence of Route 66 travel. With its classic neon sign and retro decor, the mid 1950s motel transports guests back to the golden age of American road trips. Angela Moreland’s attention to detail ensures a memorable stay amidst the vast Texas plains.

The Roadrunner Lodge Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, brings the spirit of the 1960s to life with meticulously restored rooms and nostalgic ambiance. This motel is a beacon of hospitality, offering travelers a unique blend of historic charm and modern comfort. They even offer delightful tiki themed rooms!

Enchanted Trails Trading Post and RV Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a haven for those seeking a quirky and delightful experience. The park features a collection of vintage trailers, each lovingly restored, and the trading post is a treasure trove of Southwest curiosities and Route 66 memorabilia. And there is no question about the properties link to Route 66.

It opened as a trading post along that storied highway in the 1940s. And Vickie Ashcraft, the owner, is the president of the Route 66 Association of New Mexico.

Books by Jim Hinckley

For those not familiar with Jim Hinckley, he is more than a captivating podcaster. He is also a prolific author, humorist, and speaker. His books delve into the rich history of America’s highways and byways. They offer readers a deeper understanding of the places and stories that make up the nation’s cultural landscape. From guides on Route 66 to explorations of ghost towns and forgotten places, Jim’s writings are a must-read for anyone with a love for travel and history.

Counted among the more than twenty books published to date are The Route 66 Encyclopedia, Murder and Mayhem on the Main Street of America: Tales From Bloody 66, The Big Book of Car Culture, Ghost Towns of the Southwest, and The Route 66 Encyclopedia. Jim Hinckley is currently working on a Route 66 anthology for the upcoming Route 66 centennial. Contributing writers for this project include Dries Bessels, Rhys Martin, Cheryl Eichar Jett, Greg Hasman and Joe Sonderman.

Upcoming Events and Appearances

And if you want to see Jm in person, the Jim Hinckley’s America fall tour, includes an appearance at the annual Route 66 Miles of Possibility Conference in Edwardsville, Illinois, on November 2, 2024. This event is a gathering of Route 66 enthusiasts and experts. It is the only conference dedicated to the business of Route 66.

A book signing will be a part of the conference. Jim will be joining other authors on the afternoon of November 1 and November 2 at the historic Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville.

The conference will be the subject of upcoming episodes of Coffee With Jim. Cheryl Eichar Jett, an organizer of the conference, was a recent guest on Coffee With Jim.

Conclusion

Coffee With Jim is more than just a podcast. It is a celebration of America’s roads, history, and culture. Whether you tune in live on Sunday mornings or catch up on archived episodes, you are in for a treat. With its diverse guests, engaging stories, and unwavering commitment to sharing America’s story, Coffee With Jim is a must-listen for anyone with a passion for adventure on the open road, and the American saga.

So, grab your coffee, sit back, and join Jim Hinckley. Every week America’s storyteller and his guests take you on a journey through the heart of America, one episode at a time.