Welcome to Jim Hinckley’s America. For long time fans and followers some of this blog may be old news. But I am confident that there will be a few surprises.

Since the first of the year the number of new followers on our Facebook page has soared. We are closing in on 9,000 followers, and engagment topped 300,000 people! And followers of the Coffee With Jim podcast is up more than 30%. So, we thought that a hearty welcome was due.

And it seemed an ideal time to provide some rather exciting updates. After all, Jim Hinckley’s America is a shared adventure.

We believe in celebrating the journey, and what better way to do that than through our weekly podcast, Coffee With Jim. Hosted by author Jim Hinckley, the podcast is more than just an exploration of historic Route 66.

With fascinating and inspirational guests it is a dynamic look at what defines America’s roadsides and travel culture. As an official Route 66 Centennial Project, Coffee With Jim serves as a bridge between the past and present, and even the future. And it highlights the rich stories of the Mother Road as we approach its 100th anniversary.

What Is Coffee With Jim?

Coffee With Jim is a weekly podcast where Jim Hinckley chats with experts, enthusiasts, and the people that infuse Route 66 with an infectious magic. Together we share America’s story and inspire road trips.

From small-town preservation efforts to roadside attractions and the people who make them unforgettable, every episode offers fascinating insights into the culture, history, and the romanticism of the great American road trip. If you are planning a road trip or just love discovering the stories behind each mile, Coffee With Jim is your guide to the open road.

As a Route 66 Centennial Project, the podcast also looks ahead to the road’s future, sparking conversations about its preservation, revitalization, and role in the tourism economy. It’s the perfect mix of nostalgia, insight, and inspiration for the road ahead.

Previous and Scheduled Guests on Coffee With Jim

Each episode of Coffee With Jim features a special guest with a deep connection to America’s roadways, whether through history, tourism, or local advocacy. Past guests have included:

• Rhys Martin, Oklahoma Route 66 Association, sharing insights into Route 66 preservation efforts.
• Liz Vincent, Pontiac Illinois Tourism, discussing small-town tourism and the importance of local heritage.
• Austin Coop, Two Lane America, discussing what his customers are looking for in a Route 66 or southwest tour.
• Vickie Ashcraft, Route 66 Association of New Mexico and owner of Enchanted Trails Trading Post and RV Park, talking about the intersection of small businesses and Route 66 preservation.
• Gary Sosniecki, Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society, exploring community-driven Route 66 initiatives.

Upcoming guests include:

• Joel Baker, American Giants Museum, offering a deep dive into one of the most unique roadside attractions in Atlanta, Illinois.
• Marlo Anderson, founder of National Day Calendar, discussing the intersection of holidays, culture, and tourism.
• Sarah Elizabeth, Kingman Main Street, on revitalizing the historic Hotel Beale, an innovative self guided narrated historic district walking tour, and the transformation of Kingman, Arizona.

Jim Hinckley’s America Network: More Than Just a Podcast

Coffee With Jim is only one component of the Jim Hinckley’s America network, which operates on two main precepts: sharing America’s story and inspiring road trips by telling people where to go. Our website, social media presence, books, and presentations all work in harmony to celebrate America’s rich cultural history and inspire others to explore it firsthand.

Here’s a look at some of the key facets of the Jim Hinckley’s America network:

• Jim Hinckley’s America Website: The website serves as a one-stop resource for travelers, history buffs, and anyone who loves America’s highways. Featuring travel tips, historical articles, and information about Jim’s upcoming speaking engagements, it’s an essential destination for those seeking to dive deeper into the world of Route 66 and beyond.
• Social Media: Our growing social media presence keeps fans connected with the latest podcast episodes, fun facts about Route 66, and travel inspiration. Whether it’s on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin, we foster a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for the open road.
• Presentations: Jim Hinckley’s presentations take the story of Route 66 to global audiences, inspiring and educating through dynamic talks about the road’s cultural importance, preservation efforts, and its impact on local economies. From museums to tourism conferences, and even European Route 66 festivals, Jim’s talks help ensure that Route 66 and the great American road trip remain a source of pride for future generations.

Jim Hinckley’s Books: A Legacy of Roadside Exploration

Jim Hinckley is the author of 22 books that cover everything from the iconic Route 66 to off-the-beaten-path destinations, and the evolution of the American auto industry. His works provide an unparalleled look at America’s historic highways, the people who shaped them, and the places they still impact today. The full list of books includes:

1. The Big Book of Car Culture
2. Ghost Towns of Route 66
3. Murder and Mayhem on The Main Street of America: Tales From Bloody 66
4. Ghost Towns of The Southwest
5. Backroads of Arizona
6. The Route 66 Encyclopedia
7. Here We Are …. On Route 66
8. 100 Things To Do On Route 66 Before You Die
9. A Route 66 centennial anthology written with Greg Hasman, Joe Sonderman, Dries Bessels, Rhys Martin, and Cherly Eichar Jett to be published fall 2025

These books are more than travel guides. They are a rich tapestry of road trip inspiration, fascinating stories, trivia, history, and smile inducing tales of colorful characters. Whether you’re planning your next trip or immersing yourself in the history of America’s iconic highway, these books are indispensable guides.

Our Sponsors: Partners in the Road Trip Adventure

We are proud to partner with some incredible sponsors who share our passion for preserving America’s road trip culture. These partners help make Coffee With Jim and the Jim Hinckley’s America network possible. Here are the businesses that make it all happen:

• Wagon Wheel Motel, Cuba, Missouri: A historic Route 66 motel that combines old-school charm with modern comforts, offering guests a unique stay along the iconic highway.
• Cactus Inn Motel, McLean, Texas: A classic Route 66 stop that offers a welcoming atmosphere for travelers, steeped in the nostalgia of America’s golden age of travel.
• RouteTrip USA: Your go-to resource for road trip planning, offering expert advice, travel tools, and insider knowledge for exploring America’s highways.
• Roadrunner Lodge Motel, Tucumcari, New Mexico: A must-stop for anyone traveling through Tucumcari, providing comfort and a deep connection to Route 66’s storied past.
• Enchanted Trails Trading Post and RV Park, Albuquerque, New Mexico: A distinctive Route 66 location where visitors can shop for unique souvenirs and experience the charm of the American West.

Become a Sponsor!

As we approach the Route 66 Centennial, there has never been a better time to become a sponsor of Coffee With Jim and the Jim Hinckley’s America network. With an expanding audience of road trip enthusiasts, history lovers, and fans of Route 66, sponsoring our podcast or website offers your business a unique opportunity to connect with a dedicated, engaged community.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, visit our website.

Join Us on the Journey

Whether you’re a long-time listener of Coffee With Jim or just discovering Jim Hinckley’s America, we invite you to tune in, explore, and hit the road with us. From fascinating interviews to behind-the-scenes stories, we’re here to share America’s road trip culture and inspire you to make your next adventure unforgettable.

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Listen to Coffee With Jim now on Podbean, and don’t forget to visit our website for more about Jim Hinckley’s America, our upcoming events, and how you can get involved.