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Ever wondered how a debate about dollar stores could spark nostalgia and practical tips for budget-savvy parenting? Join Scott Hawkins and Andrew Gaer on the Kings of the Road podcast as we recount our latest East Coast road trip, filled with the simple joys and quirky adventures that make travel memorable. From the laughter over a lunch at Subway to the mundane yet oddly satisfying task of dumping the motorhome's waste tank, you'll feel like you're right there with us. We'll even let you in on why stopping at dollar stores for movie snacks is a parenting hack you'll want to steal.

What’s the best way to enjoy fried chicken? We take you on a hilarious and heartfelt journey through our fast food memories, from the perfect Popeye's experience to some not-so-great KFC stops. As night falls in Fayetteville, North Carolina, the challenges of RV travel become all too real with freezing temperatures and carbon monoxide concerns. But our adventurous spirit can't be dampened as we visit the Special Ops Museum, proving that even the toughest nights have their silver linings.

Museums and laundry—two things that sound mundane but are anything but on our podcast. We share our newfound appreciation for museums, contrasting youthful impatience with the curiosity of adulthood. You’ll laugh at our attempts to keep a child's attention amidst historical artifacts and learn our secrets for efficient post-vacation laundry. And just when you think the journey is over, a light-hearted mention of Myrtle Beach and the nostalgic glow of Hooters' orange lights signal that more adventures are just around the corner.

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Ever wondered how our childhoods shape our perspectives on natural disasters? Join us as we reminisce about our nonchalant attitudes towards earthquakes growing up in California and compare them to the fears faced by our friends in hurricane and tornado-prone states. From hilarious stories of our summer adventures in Michigan to the nostalgic mention of a favorite burrito called "the big one," we kick off with a reflection on state pride and the beauty of our diverse homeland. We invite you to share your quirky and unique stories about your home state, adding to the colorful tapestry of our collective experiences.

Have you ever considered the psychological toll of living in an area prone to natural disasters? We delve into the unsettling realities of facing earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Hear firsthand accounts of a Category 1 hurricane in Birmingham and a historic tornado outbreak in Alabama, and learn about the distinct contrasts between the forewarning provided by storms and the suddenness of earthquakes. Through these personal stories, we reveal the preparedness each disaster necessitates and the psychological weight they carry, offering a deeper understanding of how these events shape our lives and memories.

What trade-offs do people make when choosing where to live? We explore how natural disasters impact daily life across different regions, from the persistent threats in the southern United States to the less frequent but equally significant earthquakes and wildfires in California. Through our own experiences, we highlight the humorous ways Californians react to earthquakes, complete with geology jokes and lighthearted anecdotes. Tune in to laugh with us and perhaps even see your own region in a new light, as we reflect on the weather-related challenges that shape our perceptions and priorities.

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Ever felt the thrill of navigating the bustling streets of Philadelphia, only to find yourself face-to-face with the legendary Pat's King of Steaks? This episode whisks you away to the birthplace of the iconic Philly cheesesteak, unraveling the mystique behind its unique ordering process. From mastering the local lingo—like saying "whiz wit" for cheese whiz and onions—to experiencing the electrifying atmosphere, we share our heartfelt memories of this flavorful adventure. Food isn't just sustenance for us; it's a gateway to understanding and appreciating the rich tapestry of American culture.

Engage with us as we dissect the intense rivalry between Pat's and Geno's Philly Cheesesteaks. It's not just about picking sides—provolone or cheese whiz?—but about delving deep into the culinary traditions that fuel these local loyalties. We share anecdotes about how these preferences spark lively conversations with Philly natives and ponder whether these delicious treats are daily indulgences or cherished special-occasion meals. Drawing from our own experiences with regional favorites like In-N-Out burgers, we uncover the universality of food in forging connections.

Our adventure doesn't stop there. Hit the road with us for some fast food hacks and regional discoveries, like the genius of adding a hash brown to a McDonald's breakfast sandwich. Relive the charm of Atlantic City's quirky shops, including a memorable stop at Condom Kingdom, and savor our tales of road trips filled with card games and laughter. The episode wraps up with a delightful mix of confusion and banter at dinner, reminding us all that the best travel stories are those shared with friends. So grab a cheesesteak, sit back, and let us take you on a journey that's as humorous as it is heartwarming.

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Ever wondered if Las Vegas was actually the mob's second shot at building an entertainment paradise? On this lively episode of Kings of the Road, we take you back to our unforgettable 2004 journey to Atlantic City. From Andrew's vivid diary entries capturing our raw, unfiltered moments to the quirky traffic challenges of New Jersey, we keep it real with all the strong language and hilarious mishaps that made the trip so memorable. We also toss around the idea of inviting you, our listeners, to defend your states in future episodes—New Jersey, South Dakota, Florida, we're looking at you.

Feeling nostalgic for those old VHS tapes and family movie nights? You're not alone! Scott shares his recent experience of re-watching "Oliver!" and the unexpected dark themes that spooked his daughter, making us rethink the movies we loved as kids. We also revisit "The Pirates of Penzance," discovering just how peculiar it seems through adult eyes. Expect laughs and surprises as we dig into those childhood classics and the sometimes shocking content we never noticed before.

And let’s not forget our Atlantic City escapade! Despite the high casino betting minimums and dreary weather that had us playing Euchre indoors, the boardwalk still offered some charming moments. Plus, we delve into the curious connections between Atlantic City and Las Vegas, pondering whether the latter was a second attempt by mobsters to create the ultimate entertainment mecca. Along the way, we chat about modern slang like "riz" and "skibbity," and their amusing links to places like Ohio. Strap in for a blend of nostalgia, travel anecdotes, and cultural musings that promises to be both enlightening and entertaining.

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Get ready to cringe and chuckle as we recount the gut-churning youth group challenges of yore. Yes, we're talking about the milk chug gauntlet and the cinnamon spoon fiasco, not to mention the infamous saltine cracker test. As Scott elaborates on his bizarre fruit avoidance tactics – think bell pepper over banana – we can't help but advocate for the return of these wacky yet unforgettable tests of will. These stories aren't just about enduring goofy trials; they're a testament to the bonds and memories formed in the trenches of adolescence.

But our nostalgia trip doesn't end there. We're also musing over the peculiar allure of teak wood on battleship decks and the art of maintaining teak swim steps. Wonder why we're so fascinated by teak's resistance to water and mold? Tune in and discover why, despite the mild exasperation of our families, we can't stop talking about it. This episode is a mishmash of history, humor, and the kind of friendship that can only come from shared experiences—like obsessing over a certain hardwood. So grab your oil and a sense of adventure, and join us for a good old-fashioned walk down memory lane with a side of teak trivia.

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Ever found yourself caught between a laugh and a lesson on a roller coaster? That's exactly where we kick things off on our latest episode, navigating through the thrills of the Mall of America and onto the streets of Washington D.C. We weave tales of city planning and its effect on community, from the monumental design of our nation's capital to the beige conformity of Irvine, California. Join us as we recount the odd connection between personal pride and the places we hail from, even when they show up in the most unexpected of places, like on a snug amusement park ride.

We then shift gears to a more reflective discussion on the balancing act church leaders face, finding that sweet spot between confidence and humility. Listen in as we dissect the sometimes competitive nature of pastoring and the art of captivating an audience without a screen in sight. And when it comes to dining, it's not always about the price tag—Blake and Sarah remind us that it's the simple gestures, like a warm soft pretzel at a brewery, that can leave an indelible mark on our dining experiences and, believe it or not, our spiritual journeys. So, pull up a chair, and let's chat about how those little acts of kindness at the dinner table can mean even more than the main course.

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As we crack open the vault of memories, we find ourselves whisked back to the early 2000s, where the allure of open roads and Walmart parking lots beckoned. Our nostalgic journey meanders through a pastiche of American accents and road trip shenanigans, tickling your funny bone as we relive the quirks of local interactions and celebrate the international success of our graphic artist's Kickstarter toy sensation. But that's not all; we also take a moment to salute Karen in Scotland, our dear listener, who's been enjoying our American humor with a cuppa and a smile.

Have you ever noticed the extraordinary in the ordinary? In a heartfelt discussion about the many facets of healing, we share stories of recovery that intertwine with faith, pondering the ways divine assistance surfaces in our lives. We talk about those unexpected moments when help arrives, not in a flash of light but through the steady hands of professionals and the routine rhythms of daily existence. Through laughter and earnest conversation, we invite you to find the remarkable in the mundane and the sacred in every step of healing.

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We wax poetic about the personal connections that handwritten letters foster, lamenting the lost art in our digital age. Amidst tales of our adventures, we also embrace the challenge of penning a Christmas letter that's a unique mix of fact and fun fiction. Imagine receiving a holiday update that actually makes you chuckle—our quirky attempt might just inspire you to do the same.

Craving something sweet? We've got the results from our movie theater candy poll where Reese's Pieces emerged as the reigning champion. Dive into a candy-centric discussion as Scott and I reveal our own sugary preferences and examine the curious draw of certain confections during travel. Our chat meanders from the perfect marriage of M&Ms and popcorn to puzzling over the namesake of Mike and Ikes. Plus, don't miss out on our rainy day journey to Bethesda, complete with an unexpected dose of turdish misadventure.