Miles to Memories

Spending Time Episode 616 - Choppin' It Up with Josh

Josh is back for this latest wide-ranging episode of the Spending Time with Benjy podcast.  As expected, Benjy can hardly keep up with everything Josh has been involved in since his last appearance.  They discuss three possibly-new Bonvoy Business Amex cards, a couple Amtrak updates, and fits and starts with the Citi Strata Elite.  The pair assess their current American Airlines situations, describing their respective paths forward.  Josh shares his latest gold escapades.&...

Recapping Joe's Epic Japan Trip

On this episode we go over Joe's recent 16 day trip to Japan including some of the more interesting things he did, the hotels, transport and yes a little Disney.

Spending Time Episode 615 - Is There a Curling Credit Card?

On the heels of her most recent trip, Kristin returns to Spending Time.  She's also returned to her favorite bank and picked up a handful of new cards.  Benjy next covers the Citi Strata Elite news; he's slightly more interested in it than Kristin.  A new Rakuten Amex card exists, and they discuss a very narrow use case.  Next, Benjy talks about how the Chase Sapphire Reserve has come back down to earth.  Then, only a passing mention of Bilt is necessary.  They e...

Spending Time Episode 614 - 56k Hyatt Points Per Night Gets a One-Handed Shower

Dave's back for an extended session.  He's picked up a few interesting cards, where Benjy hasn't succeeded.  The pair cover a slew of other new card offers, Dave's Chase Sapphire Reserve opinions, and Benjy's Pay Yourself Back thoughts.  Next, Dave opens his grab bag: considering the Mesa card, a rather significant negative development in the gambling realm, and Target offers.  Benjy enters the Amex Lab to share his recent Marriott card experiment.  He then looks back...

Spending Time Episode 613 - Behold, the King of Shutdowns!

Raymond kills the vibe with all of his recent shutdowns.  But first, he shares his recent spending adventures with Benjy.  Predictably, Chase then takes over the majority of the episode.  The pair reconcile all of the confounding Sapphire Reserve developments, mostly agreeing along the way.  After Benjy's credit card quick hits, Raymond swipes the floor to describe the death of three banks and one airline. They wrap up the episode talking about two upcoming trips - Hawaii ...

Spending Time Episode 612 - Drinking from the Fire Hose

Chance is back to talk about a plethora of developments.  He and Benjy discuss their latest antics, then reflect on the loss of PayPal Bill Pay.  After touching on Fluz and WU, the pair focus on a few noteworthy card developments.  Chase is up first, followed by Walmart's return to an old friend.  They segue from a bit of Amex talk to three intriguing card welcome offers.  A slew of airline talk follows, shockingly little having to do with American Airlines.  The...

Spending Time Episode 611 - Getting WN and Weird with Larry

Larry returns for an earlier-than-usual episode.  After pouring one out for Bluebird and Serve, Benjy and Larry consider a few recent Citi developments and an elevated Alaska Business card offer.  They next go niche, describing GM card changes and their recent Comenity and Synchrony activity.  Benjy covers some CLI success, then the pair bemoan a couple Hilton trends.  Larry's got the group covered on upcoming Southwest changes and what to do by 27 May.  He caps the e...

MTM Diamond Slack Rules & Norms - May 2025

Hey everyone! We have updated the group rules and norms a bit to clarify some policies. Our goal is to make the community the very best for members and all of these rules/norms are designed to help facilitate that. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

You can also find this info here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/152kkPOo_9ahup4FS8_T6GdzXW9QTD...

Spending Time Episode 610 - Josh Has Baggage

Despite getting his fill of Benjy at the Virginia Beach meetup, Josh joins him for this latest episode.  The pair start with a bit of meetup talk, then Benjy shares his general distaste for rumors and hypotheticals.  They subsequently chat about exactly that with the Chase Sapphire Reserve.  Benjy flies by a few elevated offers and recent card openings and closures.  Josh shares how he's taking in the recent Chase and Amex shutdown DP's, while Benjy resolves to pretty much...

Shawn & Joe Show Episode 1

Welcome to the brand new Shawn & Joe show exclusive to Diamond! This show will be an informal catchup for the former MTM Travel hosts, plus unique insights, Q&A for Diamond members and more.

Spending Time Episode 609 - Benjy Has No Friends

Dave's back with Benjy carrying a mixed bag of developments. He shares his significantly-changed spend strategy.  The pair discuss a slew of welcome offers on increasingly-niche cards.  After a passing glance at Fluz, they spend a big chunk of time on American Airlines.  The bad news comes first.  Benjy gets way too excited about his recent non-flight AA redemption.  Sports bettors should stick around for the final segment, where Dave focuses on the most rewarding way...

Spending Time Episode 608 - Kristin's Dog's Boyfriend

Kristin joins Benjy to fill everyone in on her recent exploits.  They consider an outstanding offer on the most-discussed card in the points and travel hobby.  Benjy raves about the recent Pay Yourself Back updates, but it's not all good news with Chase.  They discuss a negative development with PayPal.  Kristin's picked up a few new cards, and so has Benjy.  Who did better?  After a few Amex topics, Benjy shares a couple useful non-Amex items.  As usual, Kr...

Spending Time Episode 607 - The Amex Buffet Is Closed

Raymond's back with Benjy to share his wide-ranging activities.  The pair change up the format this time based on some substantial changes involving Amex.  After that extended grieving session, Raymond shares what he's been up to, and Benjy gathers up his recent highlights.  Benjy and Raymond look on the Chase United card changes in horror, even though they don't affect either.  It's a similar story with the United Club membership changes, but the most important factor for...

Spending Time Episode 606 - Amateur Hour at Saks

Chance joins the show and predictably laps Benjy's latest activities in the first few minutes.  Benjy regales everyone with his recent Saks standoff.  The pair considers a few different elevated welcome offers, some not involving Amex!  Both think the Southwest earning devaluation is pretty much a nothingburger.  They discuss a couple PayPal related issues next - the end of Amex payments and a few shutdowns.  The twosome compare notes on recent cards, and Chance share...

Spending Time Episode 605 - One Out of Three Chihuahuas Ain't Bad

Larry, his festive shirt, and most personable chihuahua join Benjy this time.  They trade stories on what they are and aren't up to.  Benjy clearly flip-flops on certain Amex cards and isn't afraid to admit it.  The twosome discuss a few potential upcoming offers and how they're planning for them.  Benjy passionately emotes on Hilton, to the point where he loses his connection.  Next, Benjy discusses why it's probably time for the Virgin Red-curious to pick up this ne...

A Very Special Spending Time Episode #5 - Shutdowns Galore

Josh is back earlier than he planned, and Kristin joins the fun, as well.  They experienced shutdowns courtesy of our favorite big bank today and share their experiences with Benjy.   As of recording, Benjy's story is a bit different, and he discusses his current short- and long-term plans with said bank.   Kristin and Josh talk about their adventures getting points out in time.  They cap the episode chatting about their big spend plans moving forward, both obvio...

Spending Time Episode 604 - Gold Is Gold

Josh returns to talk with Benjy about much more than his usual topic.  After Josh spikes the Super Bowl football, he and Benjy cover their recent spending activities.  They consider a few elevated Amex welcome offers but quickly move beyond news.  Josh shares his recent success with a Citi travel insurance claim.  Benjy then questions Josh on his recent gold buying and selling, where he proclaims the groundbreaking title to this episode.  The pair spend the rest of th...

Spending Time 603 - WTF Is "Paisly"?

Kristin's back to dissect all things our hobby.  She and Benjy get right at it with their recent spending exploits.  They then consider the new JetBlue Premier card; Benjy's just as perplexed about what "Paisly" is as much as its misspelling.  The twosome solve that by moving onto another mediocre-but-possibly-useful loyalty program, IHG One Rewards.  After discussing the elevated IHG Premier card offer, Benjy shares an award promo which has caught his attention.  Kri...

Spending Time 602 - Tennis Bad Beats

Well-behaved Dave returns to Spending Time to share his spending activity.  Benjy's also spreading things out, albeit on (mostly) different cards.  They discuss a no-brainer Bank of America card they're each pursuing.  Next, Dave and Benjy compare notes on a best-ever Amex Blue Business Plus bonus, followed by Citi's most noteworthy entry right now.  They discuss a recent airline award devaluation and why Benjy thinks it's not that big a deal.  Benjy shares a few nega...

Spending Time Episode 601 - The One with Everybody

Benjy somehow convinces all six rotating guests to join him for the first Spending Time episode of 2025.  The group discusses the Amex Business Platinum's new Hilton credit and the impossibility of consuming something that doesn't end.  They subsequently cover 2024 highlights, their recent activities, plans for 2025, and a few grievances.  The show wraps up with a bit of bad gift talk, with Raymond's offering the clear winner.

A Very Special Spending Time Episode #4 - Fun with FHR

Benjy returns with a very special guest to talk about a very special topic, American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts.  Come enjoy the conversation, where absolutely all of your possible FHR questions will be perfectly answered.

Spending Time Episode 523 - Chance Will Try Anything

Chance is back to share his recent exploits.  He and Benjy start the episode sharing highlights from the recent Diamond meetup in Long Beach.  Followed by Benjy's shameless plug for the 2025 meetups, Chance launches into his recent spending behavior.  Benjy does a poor job by comparison.  They discuss the newly-elevated Amex Blue Business Plus welcome offer, but Benjy ponders if it may not be as good as advertised.  Next, the pair review upcoming AA card changes, part...

Spending Time Episode 522 - PetSmart Rewards Shan't Expire

Larry returns for a wide-ranging episode.  The pair start with their Synchrony-heavy spending the past few weeks.  After briefly lamenting a negative Bank of America change, they brighten the mood with Amex talk, of course.  Benjy catches Larry up on his card approvals and a denial.  They cover current deals with Amex Platinum Digital Entertainment Credit partners.  Larry shares his recent Alaska/Hawaiian moves and a freaky American Airlines story.  The pair wrap...

Spending Time Episode 521 (Video) - Poor Timing

Josh is back for another Fluz-centered episode.  Benjy does his best to delay the inevitable.  After the pair cover their recent spend activity, they discuss a few Amex elevated signup bonuses.  Chase is apparently launching a Business version of the Reserve, and one is more interested in the card than the other.  Benjy explains the upcoming "positive" changes to Choice Privileges and why the program will remain niche.  Josh and Benjy talk over the Amex Uber credit tw...

Spending Time Episode 521 (Audio) - Poor Timing

Josh is back for another Fluz-centered episode.  Benjy does his best to delay the inevitable.  After the pair cover their recent spend activity, they discuss a few Amex elevated signup bonuses.  Chase is apparently launching a Business version of the Reserve, and one is more interested in the card than the other.  Benjy explains the upcoming "positive" changes to Choice Privileges and why the program will remain niche.  Josh and Benjy talk over the Amex Uber credit tw...

2025 Meetup Dates

Hey everyone! I apologize for the delay on getting this out. We had originally planned to do the Spring meetup in Asheville, but those plans had to change after the unfortunate weather events. With that said, here is what we are looking forward to in 2025. Can’t wait to see many of you!

May 2-4 Virginia Beach, VA

Hotel: Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront - I chose this hotel after consulting with @Benjy - MtM as he knows this area well and recom...

Spending Time Episode 520 (Video) - Terms, Conditions, and Wholesale Cheese

Kristin returns to chaperone Benjy and his increasingly niche data points while sharing her more practical ones.  Kristin's killing it with Bank of America lately, and she wastes no time getting into those details.  Benjy can't withhold his apathy for the new SAS promotion and Citi TYP partner; Kristin takes a more pragmatic approach to both.  The pair dive into two new Amex welcome offers and how they'll go about maximizing the opportunities.  A new Amex Business Checking...

Spending Time Episode 520 (Audio) - Terms, Conditions, and Wholesale Cheese

Kristin returns to chaperone Benjy and his increasingly niche data points while sharing her more practical ones.  Kristin's killing it with Bank of America lately, and she wastes no time getting into those details.  Benjy can't withhold his apathy for the new SAS promotion and Citi TYP partner; Kristin takes a more pragmatic approach to both.  The pair dive into two new Amex welcome offers and how they'll go about maximizing the opportunities.  A new Amex Business Checking...

Spending Time Episode 519 (Video) - Playing Fortnite at the St. Regis with Anthony Michael Hall

Benjy welcomes Dave back to Spending Time for his unique perspective.  He updates us on his spending exploits, much revolving around requalifying for the Southwest Companion Pass.  The pair discuss the day's Fluz outage and how neutralizing such a wrinkle can be.  Benjy unpacks his plans for Bank of America's More Rewards Day, holding Dave's hand along the way.  A new quarter just started, and each discuss how they're tackling certain angles involving Chase, Amex, and PayP...

Spending Time Episode 519 (Audio) - Playing Fortnite at the St. Regis with Anthony Michael Hall

Benjy welcomes Dave back to Spending Time for his unique perspective.  He updates us on his spending exploits, much revolving around requalifying for the Southwest Companion Pass.  The pair discuss the day's Fluz outage and how neutralizing such a wrinkle can be.  Benjy unpacks his plans for Bank of America's More Rewards Day, holding Dave's hand along the way.  A new quarter just started, and each discuss how they're tackling certain angles involving Chase, Amex, and PayP...