Your passport to the centennial! We have something new in the works at Jim Hinckley’s America. And you have an opportunity to help write a new chapter in the story of our network built on the sharing of America’s story and telling people where to go.

If you are a fan of the great American road trip, or are fascinated by America’s rich and diverse story we have some exciting news. In looking for ways to use new technologies to help us inspire road trips and tell America’s story, we have a recording to share. It is a look behind the curtain at a pilot podcast.

This is the first draft for the pilot. We need to add a tweak or two before launch of the official promo. But as a fan, you are getting an early look.

If we add this to the Jim Hinckley’s America network as a regularly scheduled program, it will inspire road trips by focusing on events. We envision it as your passport to the centennial, and to road trip adventure. And we also see it as a companion program for Coffee With Jim. That is our weekly Sunday morning podcast on Podbean.

Read more: Your Passport to The Centennial

It’s A Shared adventure

Jim Hinckley’s America is a shared adventure. And we want to share this new adventure with this you.

First, take a listen to the audio. Then leave a comment. For the pilot to become a regular feature in our network we are depending entirely on the input and recommendations of listeners. Is this a podcast that you would listen to? And is it a program that would inspire a road trip or two?

Next, if this becomes a new addition to the Jim Hinckley’s America network, what should it be called? Your brilliant idea could help write a new chapter in the Jim HInckley’s America story. And the person who provides the winning name, if the program moves from concept to podcast, will receive a signed copy of my latest book, Route 66: 100 Years, a Route 66 centennial anthology!

Your Passport to The Centennial – And Beyond

While Coffee With Jim is a virtual diner where folks get together to share stories and ideas, this new podcast would have a different focus. This program would inspire road trips by sharing information about upcoming events. Now this is where I wander off into the proverbial technological weeds. The hosts would be AI creations!

Both programs perfectly mirror the core mission and vision of Jim Hinckley’s America. Both are passionately shared across our website, Facebook, YouTube channel, and Instagram. Telling America’s story and inspiring unforgettable road trips by telling people where to go. It’s what we do.

While this new podcast would tell you what’s happening, Coffee With Jim would continue providing the context, the rich background that makes a trip truly meaningful. It would continue to be a conversation with the people behind preservation initiatives and that operate the small businesses, as well as authors, photographers, and historians.

Road Trip Alert! Route 66 Centennial Events (Late 2025)!

As a preview of what we envision for the program, this pilot episode will highlight a few Route 66 Centennial events occurring between mid-September 2025 and December 31, 2025.

• In California, September 19-20, 2025, Ontario, California: Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion — A vibrant blend of classic cars, street festivals, and live acts, showcasing both vintage and living Route 66 culture.

• In Arizona, September 26-27, 2025, Winslow, Arizona: Standin’ on the Corner Festival — A lively gathering for lovers of Route 66 culture, featuring live music and delicious food.

• In California,October 11, 2025, Barstow, California: Main Street USA Festival, plus the Miss Route 66 Pageant — This festival promises classic cars, captivating street art, delicious community food, and a deep dive into history.

These events are ideally suited to get you excited about the Route 66 Centennial in 2026!

Coffee With Jim: The Heart of Your Adventure

While our new pilot podcast guides you to events, Coffee With Jim remains the heart of the multifaceted Jim Hinckley’s America network. This weekly Sunday morning podcast on Podbean is where we blur the line between past, present, and future. It is a virtual search for good pie. And it is fascinating conversations with inspirational people about quirky attractions, and tangible links to history on the backroads as well as legendary Route 66.

We’re incredibly proud to announce that Coffee With Jim has been designated an official Route 66 Centennial program. This honor underscores our commitment to the Mother Road’s 100-year anniversary and its enduring appeal. And it also is indicative of how we are working to ensure this storied highway is celebrated in its bicentennial.

Each episode is a shared adventure. It is an opportunity learn from, and interact with inspiring guests.

Coffee With Jim

Catch up on recent and upcoming episodes of Coffee With Jim to enrich your road trip planning:

• September 14, 2025: In this episode we enjoyed a fascinating conversation with acclaimed documentary film producer John Paget, who launched his career on Route 66 in 1994. He’s back on the iconic highway. This time to document the Route 66 centennial. In this free range conversation we talked about the role of immigrants in the Route 66 story, his Kickstarter initiative and the world of Elvis impersonator’s.

• September 7, 2025: We’re always inspired by Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association and manager of the National Trust’s Preserve Route 66 Initiative. On this program we took a look at grants for business owners, local stories, and the transformation of Tulsa’s Route 66 corridor.

• August 31, 2025: In this epsidoe we got quirky with Roy Wayne Pickerill of the Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston, Illinois. Imagine a 1929 high school turned antique mall, a 1950s diner, fiberglass advertising statues, and festivals celebrating Bigfoot and aliens – all with exciting Route 66 centennial plans!.

• August 24, 2025: Our guest was Jonathan Bullington, a Chicago Tribune senior reporter who recently traveled Route 66 end-to-end. We discussed his insights, the Navajo Code Talkers, Route 66’s international mystique, and the fate of small businesses.

• August 17, 2025: We visited Patrick Tuttle, director of the Joplin CVB. He and his team are transforming Joplin into a vibrant destination brimming with murals and community spirit.

• August 10, 2025: We chatted with Ray Harvey, Missouri-based mural-making maestro, about how art transformed Concordia into Missouri’s Patriotic Mural City and the importance of public art in community building.

• And if you’re fascinated by larger-than-life attractions, check out our episode with Joel Baker. He played a leading role in establishment of the American Giants Museum along Route 66 in Atlanta, Illinois. This celebration of the beloved “Muffler Men” is an attraction for a new generation of traveler.

Jim Hinckley’s America: A Community of Shared Adventures

At Jim Hinckley’s America, we’re more than just a brand. We’re a vibrant community of passionate road trip enthusiasts. Our network, encompassing books, presentations, blog posts, our YouTube channel, Facebook, and Instagram, is all about fostering a sense of community and sharing America’s diverse story.

This shared adventure wouldn’t be possible without our incredible sponsors and Patreon supporters. They are much more than advertising sponsors. They are valued members of our community and highly recommended partners.

Our fantastic partners include:

• Two Lane America: Making the Great American Road Trip easier, one two-lane highway at a time.

• Cactus Inn Motel in McLean, Texas: A 1950s time capsule blending vintage charm and Route 66 nostalgia.

• Deana Nelson State Farm in Kingman, Arizona: Our newest hometown hero, keeping you insured and inspired.

• Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri: An iconic gem that opened in 1936, offering a perfect blend of prewar experience with modern amenities.

• Roadrunner Lodge Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico: A fully immersive 1960s time-capsule, dog-friendly and wrapped in modern amenities.

• RouteTrip USA: Bespoke US and Canadian holiday specialists, helping plan worry-free, memory-making odysseys.

• Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours: Experts in authentic, deep-dive Route 66 adventures, even including a visit with Jim Hinckley himself!.

• Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico: Blending an authentic 1940s trading post with a modern RV park, owned by Vickie Ashcraft of the Route 66 Association of New Mexico.

And, of course, our Patreon supporters are crucial in keeping the mic (and the coffee) hot. That is where we provide a look behind the curtain, and share insight into storytelling and educational programs.

Your Call to Adventure: Join Us!

The momentum along Route 66 between now and the big 2026 centennial is undeniable. We’re celebrating not only 100 years of Route 66 but also the 250th anniversary of the United States. This is a once-in-a-century opportunity to engage with the Main Street of America. This is more than just driving it, we encourage you to live it!

So, how can you be a part of this growing adventure?

• Listen to our pilot podcast!

• Leave your comments and suggest a name for our new show. Remember, a signed copy of my new book awaits the winner!

• Subscribe to Coffee With Jim on Podbean, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

• Follow Jim Hinckley’s America on our website (jimhinckleysamerica.com), Facebook, and Instagram. Road trips are always better when shared with friends!

• Support our incredible sponsors and become a Patreon supporter. Your contributions keep our wheels turning and our stories flowing.

Whether you’re a seasoned road-trip devotee, a history buff, or just someone who loves a good yarn over coffee, Jim Hinckley’s America is your community. Pour yourself a cup, hit subscribe, give our sponsors a wave. Let’s hit the road—together! Jim Hinckley’s America is truly a shared adventure