Best Alexandra Lauren | The Bucket List Mermaid Podcasts (2025)

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Season 6, Episode 6- Chatting with Alexandra Lauren, the Bucket List Mermaid 51:25

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14d ago51:25

51:25

Jim and Zack welcome Alexandra Lauren, also known as the Bucket List Mermaid to Backyard Road Trips! Alexandra lives in an RV and is constantly traveling. A native-Coloradoan, she has traveled to over 45 countries! She shares with us her adventures as a mermaid, yes a literal mermaid. She also talks about what's been on her bucket list, hiking with…

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Season 6, Episode 7- Chatting with Joanna Kalafatis 44:40

9d ago44:40

44:40

Jim and Zack welcome travel writer, actress, and photographer Joanna Kalafatis to the show! In addition to acting in shows, Maestro in Blue and Love Rat, Joanna runs the website, www.losethemap.com. Not only does she write on her own blog, but she has also authored the Moon Travel Guide: Best of Greece as well a two guides to abandoned northern and…

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How to Conquer the Ouray Via Ferrata 24:04

1M ago24:04

24:04

Send us a text Via Ferrata. It’s part hike, part climb, part adrenaline overload. FULL GUIDE 👉 click here In this episode, I tackle the legendary Ouray Via Ferrata—yes, the one that zigzags across a canyon wall with only metal rungs and a harness between you and a whole lotta air. Whether you’re a vertical newbie or a seasoned thrill-chaser, I’m br…

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Ranking Every Notable Arch in Arches National Park 19:57

2M ago19:57

19:57

Send us a text We explore Utah's Arches National Park, ranking the top 14 natural arches from most spectacular to merely impressive to help you prioritize your time in this geological wonderland🏜️ Read the full ranking: https://thebucketlistmermaid.com/best-arches-in-arches-national-park/ 📋Here are some examples: • Double Arch stands as the most im…

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Season 6, Episode 5- Connor Gaudet of the Mattapoisett Museum 32:29

2M ago32:29

32:29

Jim and Zack welcome the curator of the Mattapoisett Museum, Connor Gaudet, onto the show. Connor walks us through the museum's fine collection, including a model of the ship, the Wanderer. He shares with us this backstory of his career in museum work, from Manhattan to Mattapoisett as well as his personal favorite backyard road trips. Located on t…

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Surviving Devils Garden: How Not to Get Lost in Arches National Park 14:46

3M ago14:46

14:46

Send us a text "Okay, I totally panicked." That's the confession I open with on this adventure-packed episode about my experience tackling Devil's Garden in Arches National Park. What starts as a seemingly straightforward trail quickly becomes one of the most adventurous hikes in the park—a fact I discovered firsthand when I found myself lost, wadi…

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How to Sandboard at Great Sand Dunes National Park 6:34

3M ago6:34

6:34

Send us a text Ready to snowboard without freezing temperatures? Sandboarding and sand sledding at the Great Sand Dunes offers exactly that—an adrenaline-pumping adventure where you trade snow for sand and still get all the thrills! READ THE FULL SANDBOARDING GUIDE 👉 https://thebucketlistmermaid.com/sandboarding-the-great-sand-dunes-review-and-guid…

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Season 6, Episode 4- A Guys' Weekend in Portland, Maine with Dan and Dave 41:21

3M ago41:21

41:21

Jim and Zack have two special guests on air today: Dave Lehan and Dan Carlon. Each year, Dave and Dan join Zack and two others for a guys weekend in Portland, Maine. They discuss their favorite Portland activities- which mainly consist of breweries. They detail the route they take, from Maine Beer Company, to the hotel to a night on the town. The g…

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Driving Through Canyonlands National Park - Island of the Sky 8:16

3M ago8:16

8:16

Send us a text Standing at the edge of Island in the Sky, you'll understand why Canyonlands deserves to step out from Arches' shadow. Full Canyonlands Guide for Adventurers 👉 https://thebucketlistmermaid.com/canyonlands-guide-for-adventurers/ The 34-mile Island in the Sky scenic drive offers the perfect introduction to this often-overlooked nationa…

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Season 6, Episode 3- Talkin' Springtime with Danny, Dave and Jackie 47:17

3M ago47:17

47:17

Now that spring is here once again, it's time to talk about rebirth, renewal, and re-energizing our travel plans. A few special guests join Jim and Zack- Jackie, Zack's wife and Danny, Zack's oldest son, as well as our buddy, Dave Lehan. Danny shares about his recent trip to Philadelphia including his visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and to …

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Pink Beach in Komodo - How to Visit My Favorite Beach! 23:49

3M ago23:49

23:49

Send us a text While scrolling through Instagram, you've probably seen those dreamy shorelines where blush-colored sands meet crystal-clear turquoise waters – Komodo National Park's famous pink beach. READ THE ENTIRE GUIDE 👉 https://thebucketlistmermaid.com/pink-beach-komodo/ 🏖️Having visited pink beaches worldwide, I can make a bold claim: this re…

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Season 6, Episode 2- Jackie's Favorite Travels 38:07

4M ago38:07

38:07

Zack and Jim welcome a very special guest, Jaclyn Lamothe, who is also Zack's wife. We're getting back to our roots here on Backyard Road Trips as we grill Jackie about her all-time favorite travel destinations. The places discussed include Quebec City, the Jungfrau mountain peak, Innsbruck and the Pacific Northwest. She shares how to navigate the …

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Tips for Visiting the Taj Mahal 13:50

4M ago13:50

13:50

Send us a text Join us as we explore the majestic Taj Mahal in India, sharing essential tips for getting the most magical experience at this iconic bucket-list destination. Visit the show notes for photos, tour guide recommendations, and more 👉 https://thebucketlistmermaid.com/visiting-the-taj-mahal-tips/ 🔔 Stay tuned for the best insider tips for …

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How to Spend One Day in Arches National Park 25:01

4M ago25:01

25:01

Send us a text Have only ONE ☝️ day at Arches National Park? Check out the show notes for more resources 👉 here Arches National Park offers breathtaking landscapes filled with iconic natural arches and incredible hiking opportunities. 🏜️With a carefully planned one-day itinerary, visitors can maximize their experience by prioritizing sunrise hikes,…

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Everything You Need to Know Before Hiking Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon 37:22

5M ago37:22

37:22

Send us a text The episode chronicles a thrilling solo hike from Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon, sharing the physical and mental challenges faced during the trek. Listeners learn about the hike's requirements, planning considerations, and personal experiences, along with insights into the beauty and difficulty of one of North America's most iconic …

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Season 6, Episode 1- Quirky Holiday Traditions Update and Beating the Winter Blues 41:58

5M ago41:58

41:58

Do remember back to the first season of the BYRT podcast? Way back in 2020 when Jim and Zack discussed their quirky holiday traditions? Of course you remember since you're a BYRT podcast completist. Just to jog your memory, the duo rapped about all the quirky weird stuff that they do to celebrate the holidays from Thanksgiving through New Year's. F…

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Where to Catch the Best Waves in Bali 13:18

5M ago13:18

13:18

Send us a text Bali is a surfer's paradise, offering consistent waves, rich culture, and stunning landscapes that make it an ideal destination. From beginner surf spots to advanced breaks, exploration of local traditions, and recommendations for a fulfilling trip, this episode inspires listeners to embrace the thrilling adventure that Bali represen…

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Are Japanese Capsule Hotels Worth Your Bucket List? 13:30

6M ago13:30

13:30

Send us a text Capsule hotels in Japan offer a unique, efficient, and often delightful travel experience that you won't want to miss. Check out the show notes for the best capsule hotels and more 👉 The episode dives into the history, booking tips, and personal experiences, showcasing why these tiny living spaces have become a favorite for adventuro…

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Top Hikes In Buena Vista That You Can't Miss 18:31

6M ago18:31

18:31

Send us a text Welcome to Tick It Before You Kick It, where adventure meets inspiration! In this episode, we’re strapping on our hiking boots and hitting the trails in Buena Vista, Colorado – a hiker's paradise nestled in the heart of the Rockies. 🌄 From jaw-dropping alpine lakes to scenic strolls along the Arkansas River, Buena Vista has hikes for…

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Season 5, Episode 15- Chatting with Valentinos Filippou 31:26

6M ago31:26

31:26

Zack, Jim and Drew chat with a very special guest, Valentinos Filippou. Valentinos is from the island country of Cypress and shares with us how to get to the heart of the country. He works to promote Cypress tourism. More than that Valentinos is also the founder of The Online Greek Tutor, an online approach to learning the Greek language. Additiona…

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Season 5, Episode 14- Travel Mishaps 53:57

7M ago53:57

53:57

You actually made it onto the airplane—and then one of the kids threw up! This show is all about travel mishaps—those times when something goes awry. It's not serious stuff, just mishaps, like when Zack's son fell down a few stairs in the Seattle airport, not the whole way. Jim and Zack are joined by Tim Lawless and Jim's wife, Katie Wheeler. Tim s…

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Unlocking Happiness: 52-Week Bucket List Challenge with Jeremy George 16:36

7M ago16:36

16:36

Send us a text Check out the full show notes 👉 here What if crossing items off your bucket list could transform your life? Join us as we unlock this idea with Jeremy George, an entrepreneur and TED Talk speaker who set out to conquer 52 bucket list goals in just 52 weeks. Jeremy's incredible journey took him from feeling unfulfilled despite achievi…

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Explore One of Colorado's Most Iconic Hikes: Hanging Lake 15:39

7M ago15:39

15:39

Send us a text Look at the pictures and get more details 👉 here Picture this: a turquoise lake cradled by lush greenery, perched on a cliff that promises both adventure and awe. That's the magic of Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs, Colorado! I'm Alexandra, your host on Ticket Before You Kick It. Together with my adventurous mom, we'll guide you thr…

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Season 5, Episode 13- Climbing Mount Katahdin with Tim Lawless 57:41

8M ago57:41

57:41

Special guest, Tim Lawless and BYRT co-host, Jim share all about their recent trip hiking Mount Katahdin, Maine's highest point. They detail their journey, from the drive to camping to packing. Zack interviews these two about their life-changing hike. For a photo journey of the Katahdin trip, check out this article on Backyard Road Trips.…

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Gear Up for Adventure: Best Gift Ideas! 22:44

8M ago22:44

22:44

Send us a text Get links to all gift ideas mentioned and more 👉 here 🛍️Embark on a journey with me, Alexandra from the Bucket List Mermaid, as we unravel the mysteries of adventure gear that perfectly cater to the thrill-seekers among us. 🥾No adventure is complete without the right equipment, and I've got recommendations to elevate your outdoor exp…

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Season 5, Episode 12- New England Craft Beer and Hiking 32:58

8M ago32:58

32:58

Jim and Zack reflect on a season of hiking, detailing their western Connecticut journey from this past summer. They also reflect on a season of drinking craft beer, including some of the least impressive beers that they've had. Jim previews his life-changing hike to the top of Maine's Mt. Katahdin, which will be further explained in a future episod…

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How to Hike Half Dome...and Live to Tell About It 23:39

8M ago23:39

23:39

Send us a text Read the full guide and get more tips 👉 here 🎟️Securing a permit to hike Yosemite's iconic Half Dome can feel like winning a lottery, with only a 22% success rate, but the reward at the summit makes every setback worthwhile. 😱Join Alexandra from the Bucket List Mermaid as she shares her journey through the grueling permit process and…

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Near Misses in Paonia State Park + RV Guide 19:47

8M ago19:47

19:47

Send us a text Read the full show notes and guide 👉 here What happens when the open road meets the unpredictable nature of mountain travel? 🚐 🇺🇸 Join me, Alexandra, and my mother, Pam, as we share our story of navigating the winding roads of Colorado in our large RV. 🛣️From the infamous I-70 near Glenwood Springs, with its seemingly perpetual road …

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Season 5, Episode 11 - Malt Liquor Taste Test 25:26

8M ago25:26

25:26

Time to get out your brown paper bags because we're having a malt liquor taste test. With three varieties to sample, Jim and Zack take a sip of three 40's. Find the winner between Colt 45, Steel Reserve and St. Ide's. Any guesses?By Zack Lamothe and Jim Wheeler

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Uncovering Gold: Explore the Molly Kathleen Gold Mine 17:58

8M ago17:58

17:58

Send us a text What if the rich history of gold mining was hidden beneath your feet, waiting to be uncovered? READ MORE IN THE SHOW NOTES + PICTURES 👉 here ☺️ Join me, Alexandra, and my adventurous mom, as we embark on an exhilarating expedition into the heart of the Rocky Mountains, exploring the Molly Kathleen Mine in Cripple Creek, Colorado. 💛 T…

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My Favorite Budapest Gems From Living There 16:01

9M ago16:01

16:01

Send us a text Let's explore Budapest like I did when I was in medical school! Read the full show notes 👉 here! 🧜🏻‍♀️Join me, Alexandra, on Tick It Before You Kick It as I unravel the magic of a city that once was my home during medical school. 🧖‍♀️From the rejuvenating Széchenyi and Gellért Spas to the historic grandeur of Buda Castle and Fisherma…

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My Most Traumatic Travel Story Yet 24:59

9M ago24:59

24:59

Send us a text Everyone always asks me...what is your worst travel story? You ask, I deliver. Look at all of the pictures in the show notes 👉 here. 🩺Join me on a wild ride through Vietnam, where a picture-perfect vacation in Hoi An turned into a medical nightmare. 👂You'll hear how a diving mishap dislodged my still-healing helix piercing, leading t…

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Season 5, Episode 10- Autumn Playlists 22:01

9M ago22:01

22:01

Jim and Zack discuss their quintessential autumn playlists. From songs about the season to songs that just scream "fall", these selections conjure up memories of crunching leaves with a slight chill in the air. These tracks will take you from the warmth of September to the spookiness of Halloween through the dreary but bountiful late November. Chec…

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Rifle Falls - Waterfalls You Won't Want to Miss 14:04

9M ago14:04

14:04

Send us a text 💎What hidden gem in Colorado leaves even seasoned RV travelers in awe? Read the full show notes 👉 here for more resources to get you to Rifle Falls! This week on Tick It Before You Kick It, Alexandra and her mother share their surprising adventure to Rifle Falls State Park. 🧐Initially skeptical, they quickly found themselves enchante…

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Going to Medical School and Moving Abroad to Budapest 18:55

9M ago18:55

18:55

Send us a text Check out the show notes 👉 here for all of my resources for Budapest and moving abroad! 🩺What happens when you move halfway across the world to attend medical school in a city brimming with history and culture? 🇭🇺In this episode of Tick It Before You Kick It. I, Alexandra, share my riveting adventure of relocating to Budapest, Hungar…

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St. Elmo: The West's Most Preserved Ghost Town 16:09

10M ago16:09

16:09

Send us a text What secrets lie hidden in the ghost town of St Elmo, Colorado? Prepare for an adventure as Alexandra guides you through one of the West’s best-preserved relics from the 1880s Silver Rush. 🤠 Check out the show notes 👉 here for resources and pictures of St. Elmo! 🏔️Discover the vibrant history of this once-thriving town, now a hauntin…

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How to Fly with a Cat + What NOT to Do 29:21

10M ago29:21

29:21

Send us a text Ever wondered what it's like to move across the world with a furry companion by your side? See the full show notes 👉 here for pictures of Moshie and travel resources to help you travel with your cat! 🐱Join me as I recount the emotional journey of relocating to Budapest for medical school with my beloved cat, Moshie. 📖From navigating …

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Showering with Spiders - Oo la la! 6:52

10M ago6:52

6:52

Send us a text Check out the show notes 👉 here for more information on Buena Vista! 🤔Ever wonder what it's like to live full-time in an RV and face the unexpected? Join me, Alexandra, and my hilarious mother as we recount our latest misadventure in Buena Vista, Colorado. 💭Imagine navigating a ghost-town RV park, complete with deserted RVs and wild …

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Rafting the Royal Gorge Gone Terribly Wrong 34:14

10M ago34:14

34:14

Send us a text Check out the show notes for resources to get you rafting the Royal Gorge (if you dare😎) by clicking here. You can also see the footage of our perilous rafting journey... ❌DISCLAIMER for this episode: In this episode, we discuss a travel story that is very serious. We talk about injuries and close calls, one of which involves a teena…

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Season 5, Episode 9- Talking Company Culture with Chris Dyer 29:43

10M ago29:43

29:43

Zack and Jim are glad to welcome acclaimed keynote speaker and author, Chris Dyer, onto the podcast. He delves into the dynamics of remote work and the importance of cultivating a strong company culture. Chris shares his company's transition to a fully remote model in 2009 due to the recession, emphasizing the need for a balanced satisfaction among…

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Great Sand Dunes National Park - Your Guide From a Local 20:25

10M ago20:25

20:25

Send us a text Check out the show notes on the Great Sand Dunes 👉 here Ever wondered what it’s like to trek across a sprawling desert surrounded by lush Colorado landscapes? 💭☀️ 🧜🏻‍♀️Join me, Alexandra, as I recount my extraordinary journey through the Great Sand Dunes National Park in our latest episode of "Tick It Before You Kick It." 🪐From the e…

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Is Fiji Worth the Monster Price Tag? 22:20

11M ago22:20

22:20

Send us a text Check out the show notes for talked-about tours and to make your Fiji dream a reality 👉 learn more Can you imagine a place where lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant traditions converge into an irresistible tropical paradise? 🌺Fiji is that place, and in this episode, we journey through its stunning archipelago, uncovering t…

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Season 5, Episode 8- Royal Summer Travel Rumble! 27:56

11M ago27:56

27:56

The whole crew is here on this one- Zack, Jim, Andy, Andrew and Danny, all discussing their recent travels. Jim's hiking trips, Zack's family vacations, Andy's trip to see the eclipse totality and Andrew's Vermont vacation. Looking for north east travel ideas? Give a listen!By Zack Lamothe and Jim Wheeler

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2 Days in Prague - Don't Miss Anything! 25:48

11M ago25:48

25:48

Send us a text Check out the show notes 👉 here for links to all tours and travel resources to help you check Prague off of your bucket list! Ever wondered what it’s like to experience the magic of Prague up close? Join me, Alexandra, on Tick It Before You Kick It as I guide you through the city’s captivating streets and hidden nooks. 🩵I'll share my…

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Escaping Forest Fires, Poo Water, and More (24 Hours of Mayhem) 19:01

11M ago19:01

19:01

Send us a text Check out the full show notes 👉 here for more information! You might think that full-time living in an RV is all butterflies and rainbows. And sometimes - it is! Other times? Not so much...😳 Join your mermaid host, Alexandra, and her adventurous mother as they recount 24 hours of pure chaos living in an RV. Starting in Buena Vista, t…

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Mermaid Mishap in the Bermuda Triangle 18:16

11M ago18:16

18:16

Send us a text You can find the show notes to this episode 👉 here 🪼What would you do if you found yourself face-to-face with a Portuguese Man o' War jellyfish in the mysterious waters of the Bermuda Triangle? 🧜🏻‍♀️Join Alexandra, your favorite traveling mermaid, as she shares her exhilarating and sometimes perilous underwater adventures with her be…

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Season 5, Episode 7- The Good Ol' Days 27:38

11M ago27:38

27:38

It's time to reflect on the past with Zack, Jim, Andy, Andrew, Danny and Jackie. The gang's all here for this one! No, not the dinosaur past but the recent past and how things have changed. Seat belt laws, smoking sections, sunscreen, drinking water, and 4H Camp stories. Listen up, you've Dirked!By Zack Lamothe and Jim Wheeler

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Why Chose Adventure Travel? 15:37

12M ago15:37

15:37

Send us a text Ever wondered how adventure travel can transform your life? 😍 Check out the show notes 👉 here 🧜🏻‍♀️Join me, Alexandra, as I share my journey through adventure travel and the countless benefits it offers. From moving abroad at the age of 18 to trekking solo across the globe, discover how these experiences helped me confront my fears, …

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Glenwood Springs Bucket List 15:33

12M ago15:33

15:33

Send us a text Ready for a Glenwood Springs adventure? Check out the show notes 👉 here! Welcome to another exciting episode of Tick It Before You Kick It. I'm your host, a proud Colorado local, and I've been to Glenwood Springs more times than I can count, in every season you can imagine. Join me as we dive into what makes this place so special. I'…

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Season 5, Episode 6 - Is soda STILL a dirty word? 28:43

12M ago28:43

28:43

The boys are back drinking.... soda. Do you remember Season 2, when we investigated if soda is a dirty word? Three years later we're digging up this topic once again. Instead of sticking to the big soda guys (Coca Cola, I'm looking at you) we're drinking periphery soda brands- Fresca, Moxie, Jones, well you'll have to listen to find out whatever el…