The Travel Wins

Tony Mandarich from the gridiron to visionary photographer Ep 331

From The Gridiron to Visionary Photographer: Tony Mandarich reinvents greatnessSome careers define chapters. Others rewrite entire stories.In this episode of The Travel Wins, I sit down with Tony Mandarich — known first to the world as a powerhouse offensive lineman, and now celebrated as a bold, imaginative photographer based in Arizona. His journey from the roar of football stadiums to the quiet precision of the studio is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless curiosity.Tony has always believed that true greatness lies beyond the comfort zone — that exceptional accomplishments demand the courage to explore uncharted territory. That belief took root early. During the mid-1980s at Michigan State University, he became a dominant force on the field, earning All-American honors twice and being named Big Ten Lineman of the Year in both 1987 and 1988. His team claimed the Big Ten Championship and the 1988 Rose Bowl title, cementing his place in college football history.Drafted second overall in the 1989 NFL Draft, Tony spent four seasons with the Green Bay Packers and three with the Indianapolis Colts. But even while football consumed his life, another spark quietly ignited.In 1989, during a Sports Illustrated photoshoot in Venice Beach, Tony discovered something unexpected: a fascination with the art of photography — specifically, the way light could be shaped, bent, and sculpted to create emotion. That moment planted a seed that would eventually transform his second act.After retiring from football in 1999, Tony devoted himself to mastering the craft. He didn’t rush. He studied. Experimented. Failed. Improved. Over time, his photography evolved into a distinct visual signature — a combination of technical precision and imaginative storytelling that captured the attention of art directors, advertising agencies, and digital marketers across the country.Today, Tony is known for his striking composite photography, seamlessly blending people and backgrounds to create images that feel cinematic, surreal, and deeply human. His willingness to embrace new tools — including emerging AI creative technologies — shows the same spirit that once drove him on the field: adapt, learn, and push the boundaries further.What I loved most about our conversation wasn’t just his success — it was his humility, honesty, and openness about reinvention. Tony reminds us that you can build an extraordinary second chapter, no matter where your first one began.Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, athlete, or traveler searching for your next direction, Tony’s story proves that growth lives on the other side of curiosity.🎙️ Listen to the episode — and get inspired by what happens when passion meets persistence.

Dear Iris east texas grit podcast interview

On this episode of The Travel Wins Podcast, host Pete Kotzbach sits down with rising Texas-based country rock band Dear Iris for an honest conversation about music, travel, sacrifice, and chasing a dream while managing real-life responsibilities.Forged in the heart of East Texas, Dear Iris delivers a powerful blend of Texas country music and alternative rock grit. From the driving energy of “Kylie’s Song” to the emotional depth of “Restless On You,” the band’s sound is rooted in authentic storytelling and shaped by the miles they’ve logged on the road. Their music reflects both where they come from and where they’re headed — grounded in Texas soil but reaching for something much bigger.What makes this episode especially compelling is the band’s transparency about the reality of being an independent touring band. Dear Iris doesn’t tour full-time — they tour around day jobs, family commitments, and real-world responsibilities. During the week, they’re clocking in at work and showing up for their families. When time allows, they load up the gear, hit the highways, and bring their music to audiences across Texas and beyond.In this conversation, the band opens up about:·         Balancing music careers with full-time jobs·         Touring while prioritizing family and personal relationships·         The mental and physical challenges of life on the road·         Staying creative and motivated in today’s competitive country music industry·         Building momentum without losing authenticityFor business travelers, creatives, musicians, and anyone chasing a passion while juggling everyday responsibilities, this episode offers real insight and inspiration. Dear Iris represents the modern grind — proving that success doesn’t always come from shortcuts, but from consistency, sacrifice, and belief in the journey.🎧 Listen now to hear how Dear Iris is building a future in Texas country rock, one song, one show, and one mile at a time — only on The Travel Wins Podcast.

Mark Mackay road shaped music Ep 329

Country singer-songwriter Mark Mackay joins The Travel Wins Podcast to share his journey through thousands of shows, iconic venues, and endless miles on the road.In this episode, Mark talks about:·         How travel influences his songwriting·         Staying authentic in today’s music industry·         The stories behind songs like “Old Songs and Old Trucks”·         Balancing creative growth with staying true to your rootsIf you love American roots music, country-rock, and real conversations about life on the road, this episode delivers.🎸🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with musicians, entrepreneurs, and high performers who travel for a living.

Ashton Hood good shepard

Shepherding a Healthier Future for Pets — A Conversation with Shepherd Boy Farms CEO Ashton HoodWhen passion for animals meets generations of farm-bred expertise, something remarkable happens. That’s exactly the story behind Shepherd Boy Farms — and in my latest episode of The Travel Wins, I sit down with the company’s CEO, Ashton Hood, to explore how a Midwest family farm transformed itself into one of the most trusted names in premium pet nutrition.What started as a leading American meat supplier has evolved into a mission-driven brand redefining how we nourish our four-legged family members. Ashton shares how Shepherd Boy Farms recognized a massive gap in the global pet-food industry and stepped in with a simple, powerful promise: whole ingredients, honest processing, and farm-to-bowl integrity.Their Indiana farm now processes and packages top-quality pet products made with real beef, garden-fresh veggies, and natural fruits, offering dogs and cats around the world the kind of nutrition you'd expect from a company that has been doing things the right way for decades.

Gale Bird making music their way Ep 327

In this episode of The Travel Wins, I sit down with Gale Bird, one of Charleston, South Carolina’s most compelling rising bands—known for their harmony-rich intimacy, electrifying stage energy, and storytelling rooted in Lowcountry life. If you’re a fan of southern Americana, indie rock warmth, and authentic artistry, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Gale Bird is a trio with a rare balance: powerful enough to lift a roof with full-band rock-and-roll, yet intentional enough to quiet a packed room with soft, layered harmonies. Their performances feel big and cinematic one moment, and then suddenly personal—like you’re hearing a song in your living room with old friends.Their sound was shaped by longtime friends Joshua Gale and Sean Monahan, who began writing songs together in their early twenties while attending college in Charleston. After years of life, travel, and creative growth, they reunited with a mission to finish what they started. The missing piece arrived right at home: Joshua’s wife, Melissa, whose vocals and presence added the dimension they didn't even know they needed. Together, the three created Gale Bird's signature warmth, chemistry, and character.Signed to Charleston’s own Holy City Music, the band writes with honesty, soul, and a clear-eyed look at love—its commitment, flaws, and the conversations between the two. Their songs feel lived-in, weathered, coastal, and heartfelt, shaped by the Carolina coastline they call home.🎙️ What We Discuss in This Episode In our conversation, we dive deep into:Gale Bird’s roots in Charleston and how the Lowcountry shaped their soundThe creative chemistry between longtime friends and a married coupleFinding the balance between big-stage rock moments and harmony-driven quiet sectionsHow Holy City Music influenced their growth and directionLife as a rising Southern band navigating travel, creativity, and connectionTheir songwriting approach—celebrating devotion, confessing flaws, and telling honest love storiesHow life on the Carolina coast continues to inspire their artThis is a rich, thoughtful, entertaining conversation perfect for music lovers, creatives, business travelers, and anyone who appreciates authentic artistry built from real life.