Frequently Asked Questions
About the Podcast and Its Hosts
Who are the hosts of Life in the Baggage Claim
Life in the Baggage Claim is hosted by two good friends, Jim Hauck of Dallas, Texas, and Chuck Longerbeam of Zion Crossroads, Virginia. Both Jim and Chuck are owners and travel advisors at their respective agencies: Jim at JPHauck Adventures and Chuck at Walkabout Travel. They are both franchise owners with Cruise Planners.
Jim and Chuck bring diverse professional backgrounds to the podcast. Jim spent most of his career in corporate Information Technology, focusing on End User Services, Customer Service, and educational programs. His passion for travel, along with family and friends' support, led him to start his own travel agency as the corporate IT landscape shifted. Chuck spent most of his career in education, teaching English and even serving as a School Principal. While he loved his work, a change in circumstances, combined with his wife's encouragement and his love for travel, led him to pivot and become a travel advisor.
What is Life in the Baggage Claim about?
You can count on spending some time in the baggage claim during almost any trip, waiting to start your next adventure. That's exactly what our podcast is about! We share stories, experiences, travel tips, and travel opportunities with our audience. We aim to entertain, engage, and maybe even teach you something new to enhance your own journeys.
Do Chuck and Jim actually sell travel?
Yes, believe it or not, travel is their main business. The podcast is a way for Chuck and Jim to share their knowledge and experiences, with a goal to build relationships with their followers and hopefully generate leads that turn into sales opportunities. They say it is much easier to buy something from someone you feel you know and connect with,. They hope that you get that feeling watching their show. You can find information about their respective agencies on our travel websites: JPHauck Adventures or Walkabout Travel.
How long have Chuck and Jim been podcasters?
Funny you should ask! Neither Jim nor Chuck had ever done a podcast before "Life in the Baggage Claim," but both, unbeknownst to each other, harbored a desire to do so and were just waiting for the right opportunity. Life in the Baggage Claim launched with its Pilot Episode, recorded on June 4, 2025.
Listening to the Podcast
How often do you release new episodes? What is your publishing schedule?
We release new episodes of Life in the Baggage Claim every week! You can find our latest episodes all major podcast platforms as soon as they drop. Additionally They are listed here on our website as soon as they drop.
Where can I listen to Life in the Baggage Claim?
You can listen to Life in the Baggage Claim on most major podcast platforms! Find us on:
How long is a typical episode?
Our episodes typically run between 25 and 40 minutes, making them perfect for your commute, a workout, or even while you're (ironically!) waiting in a baggage claim!
Are there show notes or transcripts available for episodes?
Yes! For each episode, you can find detailed show notes on our website. These notes include a summary of the topics discussed, links to any resources or destinations we mention, and sometimes even a transcript for your convenience.
Engaging with the Show
What topics do you cover on the podcast?
Life in the Baggage Claim covers a wide range of travel-related topics! We share personal stories and experiences, offer practical travel tips, highlight exciting travel opportunities (like cruises and unique destinations), and discuss current events impacting the travel world. Our goal is to entertain, engage, and maybe even teach you something new to enhance your own adventures.
Do you have guests on the show?
While Chuck and Jim are the primary hosts, we haven't had any guests on the show yet. We're still relatively new to podcasting, but we definitely plan to invite interesting guests to share their travel experiences and expertise in future episodes! Stay tuned for more on that.
Does Life in the Baggage Claim do live sessions?
This is a really good question! Both Chuck and Jim are enjoying this new experience. As we are just getting started, our episodes are currently pre-recorded. However, we love the idea of live sessions for future Q&As or special events! Keep an eye on our social media and website for any announcements regarding live opportunities down the road.
How can I submit a travel question or suggest a topic for the show?
We love hearing from our listeners! You can submit your travel questions or suggest topics by reaching out via our contact pages on our travel websites: JPHauck Adventures or Walkabout Travel. We do not yet have that capability here on our webpage. You can also connect with us on our social media channels. Your ideas help shape future episodes!
Can I be a guest on Life in the Baggage Claim?
We are always open to connecting with interesting individuals who have compelling travel experiences or expertise to share. If you're interested in being a guest, please reach out to us via our travel websites: JPHauck Adventures or Walkabout Travel with your background and what you'd like to discuss.
How can I support the podcast?
The best way to support Life in the Baggage Claim is by listening, subscribing, and sharing our episodes with friends and family who love to travel! Leaving a 5-star rating and a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify also helps new listeners discover us. Of course, if you're looking for expert travel planning, reaching out to Jim or Chuck for your next trip is a fantastic way to support their main business and the podcast!
Travel Planning with Chuck & Jim
Do Chuck and Jim actually sell travel?
Yes, believe it or not, travel is their main business! The podcast is a way for Chuck and Jim to share their knowledge and experiences, with a goal to build relationships with our followers and hopefully generate leads that turn into sales opportunities. They say it's much easier to buy something from someone you feel you know and connect with, and they hope you get that feeling watching their show. You can find information about their respective agencies on our contact pages on our travel websites: JPHauck Adventures or Walkabout Travel
How can I book travel with Chuck or Jim?
Booking your next adventure with Jim or Chuck is easy! You can find their individual agency contact information our contact pages on our travel websites: JPHauck Adventures or Walkabout Travel. They are both dedicated travel advisors with independent franchises with Cruise Planners and would be thrilled to help you plan your dream vacation.
What kind of travel do you specialize in?
As franchise owners with Cruise Planners, both Jim and Chuck have extensive experience with cruises of all types—from ocean voyages to river cruises. Beyond that, they specialize in a wide range of leisure travel including all-inclusive resorts, custom itineraries, group travel, and family vacations. They're passionate about creating personalized travel experiences for their clients. Both are licensed to sell travel in the entire United States to go to anywhere in the world.
Do you charge for your travel planning services?
In most cases, Jim and Chuck do not charge a direct fee for their travel planning services. They are compensated by the cruise lines, resorts, and tour operators they book with, allowing them to provide expert guidance and support to you at no additional cost beyond your travel expenses. For very complex or highly customized itineraries, a planning fee may apply, but this will always be discussed and agreed upon upfront.