Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now My guest today is Howard Jones—though to me, and many others, he’s best known as Mr. Jones or Coach Jones. He played a significant role in my childhood while I was growing up in the small Kentucky town of Pine Knot. As an educator, Coach impacted countless lives throughout the county. He also served our country with time in the Army and cultivated a thriving garden over the years. And, as you'll hear at the end of this episode, he shares some truly meaningful...
Jun 16, 2025•34 min•Season 4Ep. 78
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Every father leaves an imprint on their child's life, but some teach us lessons we carry for decades without even realizing it. This Father's Day, I'm sharing a deeply personal story from my StoryWorth collection about the man who shaped not only my love for the open road but my approach to life itself. My dad wasn't just any trucker—he was a mechanical wizard who could fix anything with his hands and preferred the quiet charm of America's back roads to the e...
Jun 15, 2025•6 min•Season 4Ep. 80
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now What does it take to go from a 12-year-old Irish boy with a dream to racing against the world's greatest drivers in Formula One? Derek Daly's journey reveals the answer, and it's a masterclass in commitment, resilience, and finding your path. Growing up in Dublin when Ireland had no racing circuits, Derek's life changed forever when his father took him to watch a race in a small village. "I told him right there and then I wanted to become a professional racin...
Jun 09, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 79
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Racing bonds friendships in unexpected ways. For years, my friend Jeff Zurcher and I have shared our Indianapolis 500 experiences through hundreds of text messages, creating our own personal commentary regardless of where we're watching from. After this year's 109th running, we finally sat down to capture that friendship and passion in podcast form. This post-race conversation takes you through the complete Indy 500 experience—from the unseasonably cool 63-de...
Jun 05, 2025•17 min•Season 4Ep. 77
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Have you ever caught yourself thinking about your mother's wisdom years after she shared it? That moment when her practical advice suddenly makes perfect sense in your adult life? Mother's Day provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on the incredible women who shape us, and in this heartfelt episode, I open up about my own mother's profound influence. Growing up with a truck-driving father who was frequently on the road, my mother essentially raised two boy...
May 18, 2025•6 min•Season 4Ep. 76
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Reconnecting after 35 years, Dan sits down with Thom Mariner for a fascinating conversation about musical journeys, unexpected career paths, and finding success in Cincinnati's nonprofit publishing world. Thom opens up about his "confused and twisted life" that began with opera training and has taken him through retail management, B2B sales, music direction, marketing research, and finally to his current role in publishing. With disarming honesty, he shares h...
Apr 14, 2025•25 min•Season 4Ep. 75
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Turning 64 recently prompted me to reflect on the birthdays that have left lasting impressions throughout my life. After a young DMV clerk kindly informed me this would be my last eight-year license renewal (apparently, I'll need more frequent eye checks going forward), I found myself diving into birthday memories sparked by a StoryWorth question from my daughter. My 40th birthday stands out vividly – when friends crowded into our small family room to watch a...
Apr 12, 2025•7 min•Season 4Ep. 74
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now The seemingly mundane task of sorting pop bottles at my Uncle Earl's grocery store became my entry point into the world of work—at just nine years old. When my uncle looked at me one day and declared "you need a job," little did I know how those simple responsibilities would shape my character for decades to come. Working at Anderson's Grocery in Pine Knot, Kentucky during the 1970s meant organizing returnable soda bottles by brand, sweeping the store porch e...
Mar 24, 2025•6 min•Season 4Ep. 73
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Embark on an unforgettable journey with me as I explore the inspiring story of Sarah Shyers, who fulfilled her lifelong dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Stretching over 2,194 miles from Georgia to Maine, the AT serves as not just a physical challenge but a profound journey of self-discovery and resilience. Sarah shares her heartwarming experiences, from setting out with her sister to overcoming injuries, and learning invaluable life lessons about flexib...
Mar 04, 2025•22 min•Season 4Ep. 72
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Join me as I welcome Philip Peters, a music industry veteran whose journey from Indiana to Franklin, Tennessee, has been anything but ordinary. Philip shares stories of being on the road with big name stars, his PR support of Indy Car Driver Stingray Robb. He shares stories about his first cars including a 1990 Celica with a manual transmission, and his trusty 95 Jeep Wrangler named Jackson. These tales paint a picture of a man who embraces life’s journeys wi...
Feb 25, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 71
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now What if you found yourself trapped in a collapsing building, the ground trembling violently beneath you, with chaos erupting all around? That's the terrifying reality that my friend Roger Carole faced on January 12, 2010, when a massive earthquake devastated Haiti. Join me, Dan the Road Trip Guy, as Roger paints a vivid picture of that fateful day from his perspective inside a theology school in Port-au-Prince. His story brings to life the immediate aftermath...
Feb 12, 2025•39 min•Season 4Ep. 70
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Reflect on the power of fleeting encounters as I recount an unforgettable meeting with the late racing legend John Andretti in this week's road trip episode. Picture an unexpected pairing at Bertel Roos Racing School, where our son Henry found himself teamed up with John's son, Jarett. This chance encounter with John revealed not just his legacy on the track but his genuine character off it. Learn how his humility and kindness left a lasting impact, showcasin...
Feb 08, 2025•7 min•Season 4Ep. 69
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Remember the thrill of snow days as a kid? When the world seemed to stop, and a blanket of white transformed the everyday into a wonderland of adventure? Join me, Dan, the Road Trip Guy, as I nostalgically recount my snow-filled days in Kentucky back in 1979. Relive the unexpected joy of school closures, impromptu basketball practices in a snow-buried gymnasium, and the camaraderie that only a snow day could bring. Whether it's the childlike excitement or the...
Jan 11, 2025•4 min•Season 4Ep. 68
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now What happens when a spontaneous decision leads to an unexpected adventure across international borders? Our guest, Lauren, my firstborn, shares her thrilling experience of traveling from Cincinnati to Tijuana, Mexico, to meet up with a friend from Haiti. The stories of their journey, the challenges of crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, and the stark differences between entering Mexico and returning to the U.S. will keep you on the edge of your seat. Lauren pain...
Dec 17, 2024•32 min•Season 3Ep. 67
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Imagine this: A man restoring a 1946 Chevrolet pickup, his hands meticulously bringing it back to life. Join me, Dan Neal, as I bring these vivid memories to life, recounting my dad's passion for classic automobiles and the stories embedded within each vintage car he owned. There were Chevys, Fords, Plymouths, and more. These tales echo the importance of preserving family stories. Reflect on the nostalgia of a bygone era and perhaps find a piece of your own h...
Dec 11, 2024•13 min•Season 3Ep. 66
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now How does leaving a stable tech career to hike over 2,600 miles across rugged terrain sound to you? Meet Miranda Cocca, whose journey on the Pacific Crest Trail offers an inspiring lesson in embracing life's unpredictable adventures. Trading her desk job in Cincinnati for the trail's breathtaking mountain views and unexpected challenges, Miranda shares how each step transformed her outlook on life. From a snowy Easter drive through the Badlands in her RAV4 to ...
Nov 28, 2024•32 min•Season 3Ep. 65
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Join us for an exciting journey with Kevin Rains as he shares his transformation from a pastor to a successful business owner to retirement and then back to business. Discover how he scaled and sold his family's auto collision repair business and hear about his so-called "failure" at retirement, which led him to new ventures like writing his book "Profits and Purpose" and becoming an EOS implementer. Kevin opens up about the entrepreneurial lessons he's eager...
Nov 15, 2024•27 min•Season 3Ep. 64
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Step into the shoes of a World War II veteran as he brings to life the raw and riveting experiences from Utah Beach on D-Day. You'll feel the adrenaline as he recounts navigating the perilous waters on a motorcycle amidst enemy fire, and the poignant moments that followed, like forming an unexpected bond with a stray dog in war-torn Germany. Through his vivid storytelling, you'll grasp the chaos, the courage, and the camaraderie that defined that fateful day ...
Nov 11, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 63
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now What happens when a childhood surrounded by the roar of go-karts turns into a career in Indy Lights racing? Join us for an exciting conversation with Travis Gregg as he shares his journey from Camden, Ohio, to the fast-paced world of race car driving. Travis recounts unforgettable stories from his family's go-kart track, a beloved gathering spot in the racing community. Discover the unexpected challenges and thrilling victories that marked his racing career, ...
Oct 28, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 62
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now What if your path to success wasn't what everyone expected? We sit down with Theo Ribbs, professional sporting clay shooter and son of the legendary race car driver Willie T. Ribbs. Theo shares how his father's off-season hobby turned into his full-time passion. Through personal stories of his high school escapades with a Jeep Grand Cherokee and his decision to step away from the racing legacy, Theo provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of competitive...
Oct 21, 2024•27 min•Season 3Ep. 61
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Rev up your engines and join us for an electrifying chat with IndyCar sensation Stingray Robb, who races from Idaho's quiet roads to the tracks of IndyCar Racing. Stingray opens up about his incredible journey as a sophomore IndyCar driver, leading the prestigious Indianapolis 500 for 23 thrilling laps, and capturing a career-high at the Bomberito 500. Beyond the track, Stingray shares the quirky and delightful story of meeting his fiancée, Molly, in a city w...
Oct 15, 2024•20 min•Season 3Ep. 60
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now What were the secrets to resilience during the Great Depression, and how can we apply those lessons to our lives today? Join us as we explore the incredible life of George Buhler, a World War II veteran who reached the age of 105. Through captivating stories recorded by his grandson, Jeff Zurcher, George's vivid recollections paint a poignant picture of growing up during one of America's toughest eras. From the low cost of living at that the time to the ingen...
Sep 28, 2024•16 min•Season 3Ep. 59
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Have you ever wondered how a retired Marine can transition from the battlefield to the race track? Meet Liam Dwyer, our extraordinary guest, who has done just that. Liam's journey from Iraq and Afghanistan, where he faced life-threatening injuries, to becoming a professional race car driver is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, we not only talk about his military service and the adversity he overcame but also his lifelong love for cars, ignited by h...
Sep 04, 2024•34 min•Season 3Ep. 58
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Join me as I take a ride with Bill Hayes, an environmental attorney and car enthusiast originally from upstate New York. Bill takes us down memory lane with stories of his first car, a 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco, and the adventures it brought him. You won't want to miss his fascinating tales of owning a classic 1972 BMW 3.0 CS, complete with unforgettable modifications. Bill also shares an adrenaline-pumping sea kayaking expedition in Baja, culminating in a pul...
Jul 30, 2024•32 min•Season 3Ep. 57
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Curious about how a car enthusiast transitioned from architecture to managing large-scale projects, and then to a life brimming with travel and sailing? Buckle up as Robin Sparrow, takes us on a ride through his life's journey. From his teenage adventures in a 1972 Volkswagen Squareback to an epic 34-day road trip with his 85-year-old mother in a BMW M3, Robin's stories are a testament to the thrills and wisdom gained along the open road. Hear how he navigate...
Jul 10, 2024•32 min•Season 3Ep. 56
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Ever wondered what it's like to maintain a lifelong friendship from kindergarten to present day? Join me and my dear friend Hap Strunk as we take a virtual drive. Hap opens up about the origins of his name. We talk about his first car, a 1972 Monte Carlo. Next, we journey into the rich legacy of the funeral home that Hap and his wife Tracy have operated since 1987. We talk about how the computer has impacted the funeral business. We talk about the importance ...
Jun 24, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 55
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now What fuels the creative spark of a children's book author who has brought over 80 books to life? Join us as we dive into the enchanting world of Will Hillenbrand, where dreams and childhood memories weave together to inspire beloved stories. From a red pedal-powered fire truck that ignited his imagination to the whims of a recurring dream that shaped his latest project, Will's journey is filled with wonder and nostalgia. Listen as he shares his adventures, in...
Jun 18, 2024•26 min•Season 3Ep. 54
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now I hit the virtual asphalt with my friend Mike Martin, memories of a classic Ford Mustang and the twists and turns of the Pacific Coast Highway fuel our conversation. Mike, a retired family businessman, breathes life into tales of manual transmissions and life lessons. We chat about the nostalgia that wraps around the steering wheel of his first car, and the family road trip that is etched into his heart—revisiting stops like Hearst Castle and the towering Red...
May 21, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 53
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Picture yourself embarking on a transformative journey, not just across landscapes, but through the very essence of life's purpose and meaning. Denis Beausejour, a man who shifted gears from a high-flying corporate career at Procter & Gamble to the profound calling of being a pastor. Our conversation cruises through Denis's captivating life story, from navigating a bone-chilling road trip in a vintage Volkswagen Beetle to the seismic awakening that rerout...
Mar 25, 2024•34 min•Season 3Ep. 52
Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Picture a packed Rupp Arena, the echoes of bouncing basketballs, the roar of Kentucky crowds—it's not just a game; it's where I watched my first KHSAA Sweet 16 Tournament and found the love of my life, Linda. Join me, Dan Neal, as I take a solo ride down memory lane, reminiscing about the pulsating excitement of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association's Sweet 16 Basketball Tournament and how it played a backdrop to me meeting my future wife, Linda. We w...
Mar 20, 2024•8 min•Season 3Ep. 51
