Known as "The Ultimate Vegas Insider", Steven Striker is founder and CEO of Striker VIP, Las Vegas' premier five-star host and concierge service. Striker is the Vegas correspondent for journeyPod.

Listen in as Striker interviews Mario Batali, also known as the "Iron Chef". Mario Batali is an Italian-American chef, restaurateur, TV host and writer who started his empire as a dishwasher and pizza delivery guy in New Jersey. Today, Mario's Michelin restaurants have attracted food critics from all over. Mario has also been the host to numerous television shows including "Molto Mario" and boasts bestselling cookbooks like "Molto Italian: 327 Simple Italian Recipes to Cook at Home".

Named "Man of the Year" by GQ Magazine, Mario has given the color orange a new face, flaunting bright orange crocs wherever he goes.

journeyPod had the pleasure of dining at Batali's B&B located at the Venetian Hotel in Vegas - a true Tuscan taste of heaven!

Enjoy the alternative sound of Black Lab and their hit "Please Remember"

journeyPod is your guide to luxury travel around the world. We give you VIP access to the hippest hotels, hottest nightlife and coolest restaurants.

journeyPod was live at 8th Annual Wine South Festival in Atlanta where we enjoyed a wine sampling of some of the finest European wines available, paired with spicy food provided by Hector Santiago of Pura Vida.

Maureen Petrosky was our sommelier for this tasting and taught us about pairing rieslings and riojas with meats, shrimp, chocolate and peppers. We were surprised to learn that sparkling wine goes extremely well with hot wings..something for the ladies to remember during football season!

Among many other titles, Maureen was named "Female Chef Extroardinaire" by the International Organization, Les Marmitons, and was a recent judge on Iron Chef America.

Enjoy the alternative sounds of Figureone and their song "Beautiful Creation".

When you hear “Pinehurst, North Carolinaâ€? you think golf, right?!  Well journeyPod is here to tell you that this top-notch destination in North Carolina is much, much more than a golf resort.

Located about an hour southwest of Raleigh-Durham airport, Pinehurst is the perfect weekend get-away. Nestled among the Sandhills of North Carolina, Pinehurst is a place where you can experience history and luxury! Whether you’re looking for a great girls weekend or a romantic get-away, Pinehurst has lovely dining, a fabulous spa, and tons of space to relax and do nothing ... if you so choose! 

Listen to our podcast with Tom Pashley, the VP of Marketing at Pinehurst, and get the inside scoop on this amazing destination.  Learn about the fox squirrels that sometime tease the golfers, the Annie Oakley connection, and the apparent ghost of the Holly Inn.

Check out the southern sounds of Virgin Tears and their song called "Southern Side".


 

Las Ventanas al Paraiso, in Los Cabos, Mexico - is the area's most luxurious hotel, renowned for the coveted AAA Five-Diamond and redifining luxury, in the true sense of the word.

As its name implies, this place is a "window to paradise" - from its position and panoramic views along the coast of the Sea of Cortez, captivation Mediterranean-Mexican design and decor, to its exceptional service, magnificent accomodations and amenities and unprecedented attention to every single detail.

Listen in as journeyPod chats with Resort Manager, Christian Tavelli, about the resort's 10th anniversary, the all-suites private butlers and the "Men in White" program.

We also talk to Executive Chef Fabrice Guisset, who whets our appetite with the "Cocina del Fuego" art of cooking.

Click here for more on journeyPod's Las Ventanas experience!

For now, sit back and enjoy the sexy, serene sounds of Amy Ayres and her tune "Moving On".

Ever wonder what would happen if you mixed together hardcore movie buffs, independent filmmakers, great parties and amazing weather? The San Diego Film Festival held this past September, mixed just that.  The four-day fest offered attendees a complete experience, filled with film premieres, educational panels, and nightly party options.

Co-founded by an award-winning filmmaker Karl Kozak (known for the acclaimed indie feature films: To Hell With Love, Out of the Black, Clawed and Skidmarks) and his wife Robin Laatz-Kozak, the San Diego Film Festival has been dedicated to supporting diverse, independent films for the last six years.

Each year, the Festival works hard to program a line-up of nearly 100 films - from newcomers to future Academy Award-winning films.  This year's festivities also included the largest screenwriting conference in the nation.

Having earned an abundance of awards that include: Best Festival, Best Regional Film Fest, Best Beach Fest, and a coveted spot as one of the country's Top 10 Film Festival Vacations - its no surprise that the San Diego Film Festival is such a hit! So for all you listeners...if you're looking for a great Film Festival experience, make sure to check out next year's San Diego Film Festival lineup.

Want even more behind the scenes info on this year's San Diego Film Festival? Check out our Events & Parties round up!

For more of journeyPod's picks, see the San Diego Destination Guide...and stay tuned for more of the city's hotspots!

Listen to the #1 rated podsafe artist Keith Varon and his hit "Can't Breathe".

journeyPod has teamed with InMotion Entertainment to offer great travel tips and ideas on fun things to do in top destinations around the globe.

Chicago, also called "The Windy City" is the 3rd largest city in the nation. With its 77 different neighborhoods and passion for sports and deep dish pizza - Chicago is a fun spot!

journeyPod highlights best attractions, boutique hotels, spas, and of course, nightlife and dining.

Some of our picks for best restaurants include: Alinea, Nomi, MK the restaurant, Sushi Wabi and Taza.

Throw down a pint and talk about the latest White Sox game with a local at Rino, Carols Pub, Reserve, Suite Lounge and J Bar.

For a full list of Chicago hotspots check out our Chicago Destination Guide.

Enjoy music from podsafe artist 3rd Culture and their cool track "One Promise".