Churn and Burn

James returns after a trip to Paris, joined by longtime guest Branden to discuss Amex tightening Platinum/Business Platinum credits. Have we actually reached "peak coupon book?" I review the Park Hyatt Paris, losing my bags with Air France, and what it was like to be in Paris during the riots.

Paul from Empty Nester Miles joins me to break down the big news of Hyatt ending its partnership with American Airlines and seemingly jumping into bed with Delta — we share our realistic (and skeptical) expectations as Atlanta-based flyers. Paul then counts down his top nine first class and top ten business class seats. We also dive into his Japan trip report, covering a fantastic stay at the Conrad Osaka on Hilton points and the Hyatt Centric Ginza in Tokyo.

I sit down with Andrew, a manufactured spending and award travel veteran, to trace his journey from a simple $100 college credit card bonus to eventually earning millions of points. We swap stories on our biggest wins and losses, dead plays and the ethics of mentoring new churners and why getting shut down by a bank might be the best thing that ever happens to you.

First-time couples guests Judd and Jill join the show for an epic 10-day+ Kenya and Tanzania safari trip report. They cover Qsuites and Etihad Apartment flights, Park Hyatt stays in Doha and Zanzibar, safaris across Nairobi National Park, Amboseli, Ngorongoro Crater, and a splurge stay at the ultra-luxe Marriott Bonvoy Mapito Safari Lodge in the Serengeti — plus honest takes on Qatar, American, and Etihad service, points math, and lessons learned for planning your own bucket-list safari.

John and I discuss the MS life of a teacher, as well as the past, present, and future of manufactured spending and some of the psychology behind probing and finding new plays. Check out John's channel: https://www.youtube.com/BankAccountBonusCentral

Danielle returns to the pod and details her experience attending the Fêtes Galantes at Versailles and gives a surprisingly "okay" review of the Waldorf Versailles. She also reviews several Paris luxury points properties and gives her opinion on Condor Business class. Follow Danielle online: https://www.instagram.com/thepointpilot/

It's nothing but Disney on this episode, and non-Disney lovers need to apply as I go over my family trip to Disneyland and give an update on my decision to go all in on Walt Disney World Annual passes this year at the 6 month mark. Did I make a huge mistake like Job from Arrested Development? Or is there always money in the Dole Whip stand?

Branden and his friend Dyllon join the pod to discuss how they took advantage of the infamous Calala Island Wire Transfer deal with some Hilton Free Night Certs. Me and Branden discuss what we'd want to see in a new Hyatt Premium card from Chase and where we think the program is headed after the recent deval.

Riley and I discuss the state of the MS union and many other Churn and Burn related topics in one of my most "hot take" packed episodes yet. If you're a fan of churning blogs that cut the fat and get to the point without all the ads and referral links, like Miles Earn and Burn, you're really missing out if you don't follow Rileys blog: https://chasingcetaceans.com/

Paul gives Churn and Burn its first ever New Zealand trip report, and we discuss recent (and potential) airline mergers abound. https://www.instagram.com/churnandburnpodcast

Thomas rejoins the show to give his full review of the Park Hyatt Niseko from a skiers perspective. We debate the grail status of JAL First and Business class as industry leading products. We also discuss the recent trend of US Airlines shifting their award programs to become more credit card focused and what the future landscape looks like after united revamped their credit card and award program in that same vein.

I'm joined by Branden and Brian, who have returned from an absolutely amazing trip to Kurdistan, Iraq, Kazakhstan and finally Kyrgyzstan. This is one guest trip you CANNOT miss. https://www.instagram.com/churnandburnpodcast

On this episode, I lay out my 2026 plan to erase 100% of the fees attached to Disney World annual passes, included all hotel, flight, and even rental car costs. I also give a short "state of the podcast" explaining why I rarely discuss anything outside of award travel and what I think is the role of the average churning podcast after everything that transpired last year. https://www.instagram.com/churnandburnpodcast

I interview Justin about the 8 comped cruises he took in 2025 and how people can try to replicate what he did for themselves. We also play a game of "Roast it or Toast it" with the new Bilt card rollout, and Justin tries to convince me to go on the Dave Ramsey Cruise in 2026. Will I take my first "baby steps" into Dave's open arms, or will I turn heel and run into a portal straight to hell?!

We revisit the absolute quagmire that was 2025 in points and miles and share our hopes and predictions for 2026. We also hear from several of last year's guests about what they see on the horizon next year.

I do a deep dive into the "iprefer" hotel program and why I think it's an underrated destination for Citi TYP transfers over cashing out or American Airlines. Sometimes the value is sitting right under your nose! I also review the Haven Riviera Cancun All Inclusive resort and explain why I've ditched Hyatt All Inclusives in favor of going back.

Susan and I play a spooky game of Guess The Deval, where we place our bets on Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt and IHG and what some of these hotels used to cost 10 years ago versus today. Which programs have had a visit from the points reaper and which ones are more treat than trick after 10 years of slow devaluations??? We find out together. The answers may surprise and scare you! Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churnandburnpodcast/

Danielle explains how she got to Paris for the 2024 Olympics in Air France Business class, along with a couple of A list celebs. She also reviews the elusive American Airlines Flagship First seat and the AA Chelsea Lounge at JFK! Follow me at: https://www.instagram.com/churnandburn/

Rambi joins me to discuss some of his favorite luxury Hilton properties and even a few Park Hyatts. Rambi has visited many of the most sought after Waldorfs and Conrads on earth....and he has hot takes about all of them. Follow Rambi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelhackeruniversity/ Follow me on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/churnandburnpodcast/

It's a "points potpourri" when me and Branden run through a gauntlet of various topics, including some underrated Citi partners and a Hilton "guess the devaluation" game where Branden has to guess how much those Hilton Pesos have plummeted after 10 years. Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churnandburnpodcast/