Confessions are good for the soul, or so I have been told. So, I must confess. I learned early in life that I was born with a case of wanderlust and a penchant for storytelling. Ma told me often that I was born ninety and never aged.

I was two when we made a family trip from Virginia to the American southwest. And I was three when we moved from Virginia to Michigan, the third move in three years. I can’t think of a single year that there wasn’t a cross country trip, and that tradition continues to this very day.

Before launching Jim Hinckley’s America, I collected the stories of fascinating people, and lived a few epic adventures. Then there were the years spent honing my skills as a writer, historian, and researcher while holding down some day jobs that kept gas in the tank and beans on the table.

Confessions

My initial work as a writer ranged from freelance writing for the local newspaper and various magazines. Then came authoring books that chronicled the infancy of the auto industry, and that shared my passion for travel.

The day jobs, and work before Jim Hinckley’s America, included ranching in Arizona and New Mexico, mining (above and below ground) and in the auto industry. The later included work as a mechanic, repossessing cars, and even managing a finance company. Each experience added another layer to my understanding of the country and its diverse culture. These varied experiences provided a well-rounded perspective that I channel into my storytelling.

Confessions are needed at this juncture. None of the the shared adventures that are at the foundation of Jim Hinckley’s America would have been possible without my wife, Judy. For nearly 45 years she’s been my steadfast companion, my greatest supporter, my dearest friend, and—let’s be honest—the catalyst that turned my daydreams into something tangible.

When I toyed with the idea of taking my passion for history, storytelling, sharing America’s story, and road trips to the next level, it was Judy who gave me that necessary nudge. She’s the one who encouraged me to pick up the pen, or, more accurately, put my fingers to the keyboard on the typewriter (yes, I am that old!) and start telling stories.

Jim Hinckley’s America

Since then, Jim Hinckley’s America has grown into a multimedia storytelling enterprise. Through books (22 with number 23 due to be published in fall 2025), podcasts, social media, presentations, and consulting, I work to breathe life into the history of small-town America, Route 66, and the forgotten corners of this amazing country.

Our weekly podcast, Coffee With Jim, features lively conversations with historians, preservationists, business owners, and road trip inspiring adventurers who share a passion for America’s two-lane highways. Our website and blog serve as a hub for road trip inspiration, historic insights, and, occasionally, my musings on the evolving American story, the peculiarities of travel, and life on the road.

But road trips are at the heart of what we do. From tracing the Mother Road’s path through Illinois, Missouri, and Oklahoma and on to California to venturing off the beaten path in search of forgotten roadside motels and diners, ghost towns, and lost highways, I’ve spent countless miles exploring America’s past and present, and their intersection with the future. Whether it’s chronicling a journey from Arizona to Nebraska, Chicago to Santa Monica, seeking out remnants of the National Old Trails Highway, or tracking the evolution of quirky roadside attractions, each trip fuels the stories I tell.

Along the way, I’ve had the pleasure of sharing my insights through media interviews, including appearances on television, radio, and in print. I’ve been a guest on countless programs, including Jay Leno’s Garage, and discussed the economic and cultural significance of Route 66, the importance of historic preservation, and the role of tourism in small-town revitalization. Whether talking with NPR, BBC, or the local paper in a one-stoplight town, I relish every opportunity to share my passion for America’s roadways and history, and to tell people where to go.

Jim Hinckley’s America isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about making history relevant, fascinating, and, most importantly, fun. It’s about fostering a sense of community, breathing new life into forgotten places, and proving that the open road still holds plenty of adventure.

So, if you’re looking for a little inspiration for your next road trip—or just want to hear some good stories—I invite you to come along for the ride. After all, telling people where to go is what I do best!