FamousAshleyGrant

Heat and Eat Meal Ideas for Road Trips: Save Money and Eat Better on the Road

Heat and Eat Meal Ideas for Road Trips_ Save Money and Eat Better on the Road

Skip the fast food. These pre-cooked heat and eat meals for road trips will save you money, calories, and stomachaches on long drives.

Why We Started Cooking Ahead for Road Trips

Jeremy and I just took a road trip from Richmond, Kentucky to Gainesville, Florida and back. We went off-highway 98 percent of the time, which means we drove through a lot of small towns and rural stretches.

Not every gas station had great food options. Not every town had a restaurant we wanted to try.

So we did what we always do. We cooked ahead.

Before we left, I made a big batch of cheeseburger mac on Monday, April 27th. We portioned it into containers, packed it in our cooler, and ate part of it for lunch in Sweetwater, Tennessee on the first day of our trip. We heated it up at a Circle K gas station microwave around 2 p.m. and finished the rest later in the trip.

That one meal saved us at least one fast food stop. Probably $20 in food we didn’t have to buy. Plus, it was real food. Not stale chips and a soggy gas station sandwich.

The downside? I only made one batch. By day three, we were back to fast food, overpriced sit down restaurants, and quicker snacks. So this article is part recap, part brainstorm for what I want to try next time.

The Case for Pre-Cooked Road Trip Meals

Before I get into the meal ideas, let me make my case for why this is worth your time.

Fast food on a long road trip adds up fast. Two meals a day for two people, multiplied by five or seven or ten days, gets expensive.

Plus, fast food makes you feel sluggish. Greasy. Not great when you’ve got hours of driving, let alone hiking and adventuring ahead.

Pre-cooked meals from home solve all of that. You spend a few hours cooking before you leave. 

You save money. You eat better. You feel better. You waste less time on the road waiting in drive-through lines.

The trick is picking the right meals. Some dishes travel really well. Others fall apart, get soggy, or taste weird after reheating.

My Cheeseburger Mac (The One I Actually Made)

Let me start with what worked. Cheeseburger mac is essentially ground beef, pasta, cheese sauce, and seasonings, all cooked together in one pot.

Why it works for road trips:

The pasta soaks up the sauce, so nothing gets watery. The cheese stays creamy even after reheating. The ground beef holds up well. It’s a complete meal in one container, so you don’t need to pack sides.

I packed individual portions in microwave-safe containers and away we went on our trip. Reheating took about 90 seconds at any gas station microwave.

Other Meal Ideas Worth Trying

Here’s my running list of road trip meal ideas I want to try on future trips, plus a few that other travelers swear by.

One-Pot Pastas and Casseroles

Baked ziti, lasagna cut into single-serving squares, mac and cheese with bacon or chicken added, beef stroganoff over noodles. These all reheat beautifully and stay flavorful. Cut them into individual portions before you leave so you can grab one container at a time.

Soups, Stews, and Chilis

Beef stew, chili, chicken tortilla soup, taco soup, gumbo, vegetable beef soup. These actually taste better the next day after the flavors marry. Pack them in thermos containers if you want them hot without reheating, or use microwave-safe containers if you don’t mind warming them up.

Admittedly, these are better during the colder months. But, in a pinch, they work even during the other months if you’re trying to pack on the go meals…

Burrito Bowls

Rice, black beans, seasoned ground beef or chicken, cheese, salsa, and any toppings you like. Pack the cold toppings (salsa, sour cream, guacamole) separately so the hot ingredients don’t make them weird. Assemble at the gas station after reheating the base.

Slow Cooker Magic Before You Leave

Pulled pork, shredded chicken, brisket, or beef and broccoli. Make a big batch in the slow cooker the night before you leave. Portion it out and pack with sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or sliders.

Pulled pork sandwiches travel especially well because you can pack the meat and the buns separately and assemble when ready.

Breakfast Options

Breakfast burritos wrapped in foil. Egg muffins (basically mini quiches in a muffin tin) loaded with whatever you like. Overnight oats in mason jars for cold breakfasts. Sausage and biscuit sandwiches you can reheat or eat cold.

Sandwich and Wrap Combos

Chicken salad wraps, tuna salad sandwiches, deli meat wraps with cheese and veggies. These don’t even need reheating, which makes them perfect for hot weather or when you can’t find a microwave.

Comfort Food Classics

Sloppy joes (pack the sauce and buns separately), meatballs in sauce, beef and broccoli over rice, sausage and peppers, sausage gravy with biscuits, chicken and dumplings.

Tools You’ll Want

To make this work, you need a few basic items.

– A good cooler is essential. A regular soft-sided cooler works for most short trips. For longer trips or hot weather, consider a 12-volt electric cooler that plugs into your car’s outlet and keeps food cold without ice.

– Microwave-safe containers with tight lids. Glass containers work best for reheating, but they’re heavier and breakable. Plastic containers labeled as microwave-safe are lighter and more practical for travel.

– A small insulated bag or thermos for hot soups and stews. This lets you eat hot food without needing to reheat.

– Plates, utensils, napkins, and paper towels. Pack a small kit with reusable or disposable options. 

– Don’t forget to clean the hand sanitizer for cleanup.

Note: Some travelers swear by a Hot Logic Mini, which is a small electric food warmer that plugs into a 12-volt outlet or wall socket. It heats your meal slowly while you drive. I haven’t tried one yet, but it’s on my list.

Tips for Safe and Easy Road Trip Meals

Here’s where the practical advice comes in. A few things I learned (and a few things I wish I’d known earlier).

– Portion meals into single servings before you leave home. Don’t pack a giant casserole and try to scoop out portions on the road. You’ll make a mess and probably waste food.

– Label everything with the date you made it. Trust me. By day five, you won’t remember if you made the chili on Sunday or Tuesday.

– Freeze some meals for later in the trip. The cooler will keep them frozen or at least very cold, and they’ll thaw gradually. By day three or four, they’ll be ready to reheat.

– Plan your microwave stops. Most truck stops and many gas stations have a microwave near the coffee station. Circle K, Pilot, Flying J, and most major chains have them. Walmart and Walgreens sometimes have them. Some hotels have microwaves in the room or in a common area.

– Don’t keep cooked meals in the cooler longer than three or four days. Food safety matters even on vacation. If you’re planning a longer trip, restock from a grocery store along the way.

– Pack things that don’t need to be hot at all. Fresh fruit, cheese, hummus, crackers, hard-boiled eggs, beef jerky, and trail mix all make great car snacks.

Cost Comparison

Let me run the numbers for fun.

– Fast food breakfast for two: about $15. 

– Fast food lunch for two: about $20. 

– Fast food dinner for two: about $25 (because we ALWAYS split a meal!).

That’s $60 a day on the low end, before any drinks or snacks.

A pre-cooked meal from home costs maybe $5 to $8 in ingredients for two servings. If you cook five meals before leaving, you’ve spent about $30 to $40 on food and replaced two or three fast food stops. You’ve saved at least $100 over the course of a multi-day trip.

That’s real money. And you’ve eaten real food instead of mystery meat from a fast food chain.

What I’m Planning for Next Time

After our most recent trip, I’m planning to up my game. Here’s my mental list for the next road trip.

– Two batches of slow-cooked meals (probably pulled pork and beef stew)

– One pasta casserole portioned out

– A big container of chili

– Breakfast burritos pre-wrapped in foil

– Wraps and sandwich fixings for cold meals

– Trail mix, hard-boiled eggs, and fruit for snacks.

That should cover us for about a week without needing to hit a drive-through.

Final Thoughts on Heat and Eat Road Trip Meals

Eating well on the road takes a little planning, but the payoff is huge. You save money. You feel better. You spend less time waiting in drive-throughs. And honestly, your own cooking usually tastes better than anything you’d grab at a rest stop.

The cheeseburger mac was a great start for our last trip. Next time, I’ll do better.

If you’ve got road trip meal ideas you swear by, I want to hear them. Hit me up on Facebook and let me know what’s working for you. I’m always looking for new ideas to add to the rotation.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go meal plan for our next road trip. It’s never too early to start.

Universal Joint Clayton Review: Where Bar Food Meets Mountain Town Charm

Universal Joint Clayton_ Where Bar Food Meets Mountain Town Charm

Universal Joint in Clayton, Georgia delivered a killer quesadilla and a tzatziki misstep. Here’s my honest take on this dog-friendly mountain town gem.

Finding Universal Joint in Downtown Clayton

After a long day of hiking Whitewater Falls in the Nantahala National Forest on Sunday, May 3rd, Jeremy and I were tired, hungry, and looking for a decent meal. We were spending the night at the Days Inn in Clayton, Georgia, and we wanted dinner that wasn’t fast food.

Universal Joint at 109 N Main Street in Clayton kept showing up in our searches. Reviews looked solid. The location was easy to get to from our hotel. So, we decided to give it a shot.

You can find more info on the Universal Joint Clayton website or the Explore Georgia listing.

First Impressions of the Place

Universal Joint sits in what used to be an old gas station, and they kept some of that character in the design. Picture a horseshoe-shaped bar inside, outdoor patio seating with a fire pit, and that easy, laid-back vibe that makes you want to settle in.

Live music sometimes happens here. They’ve got 17 beers on draft. And here’s the part Jeremy and I cared about most. Dogs are welcome on the patio. We didn’t bring Baileys and Kahlua this time, because they were resting at the hotel after a big hiking day, but it’s good to know for future trips.

The place wasn’t too busy because of the time of night we got there. There was a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in and outside of the bar. It definitely felt like the kind of neighborhood spot where regulars have favorite bar stools.

What I Ordered

I went with the Southwest chicken quesadilla. It came with chicken, cilantro-corn, monterey jack cheese, chipotle aioli, salsa, and sour cream. Black beans were supposed to be inside too, but our waiter mentioned they were spicy, so I asked for them on the side.

The quesadilla was excellent. The chipotle aioli had a smoky kick without being overpowering. The cilantro-corn added a nice fresh pop. The cheese was melty and generous. 

The black beans on the side gave me the option to add them in one bite at a time, but I feared adding in any more spice!

I also subbed my side from chips and salsa to the arugula salad. That salad ended up being one of the highlights of the meal. Baby arugula, sun-dried cranberries, mandarin oranges, feta cheese, and pecans, all tossed in their house version of a thousand island dressing. The combination of sweet, salty, peppery, and creamy was really something special.

If I went back, I’d order both again without thinking twice.

What Jeremy Ordered

Jeremy got a gyro with tater tots on the side.

Here’s where the meal went sideways for him. The gyro itself was fine, but the tzatziki sauce had way too many cucumbers in it. Like, the cucumber-to-yogurt ratio was completely off. 

Tzatziki should taste like creamy garlic yogurt with a hint of cucumber. Instead, it tasted and looked like cucumber salad with a little yogurt mixed in.

He ate it because he was hungry, but he wasn’t a happy camper. He said if the tzatziki had been done right, the gyro would have been a great meal. That’s a pretty big “if.”

The tater tots were good though. Nothing fancy, just well-cooked tots.

Friendly Service and Decent Atmosphere

Our waiter was great. He proactively warned me about the spice level of the black beans, which I appreciated. He checked on us regularly without hovering. 

Even with the tzatziki misstep, Universal Joint had a welcoming feel that made us feel comfortable. After a day of hiking, sitting somewhere that didn’t feel rushed was exactly what we needed.

The bar had a nice selection of drinks. I noticed they offered non-alcoholic options too, including non-alcoholic beer for folks who aren’t drinking. That’s a thoughtful touch that I don’t always see at small-town bars.

We didn’t partake in any adult beverages because we were exhausted, but we might if we ever go back.

A Few Things to Know

Universal Joint Clayton is open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight. They make everything in-house and fresh daily. It’s a bar and grill, but it’s family-friendly enough during regular hours.

They’ve got plenty of parking, prices are reasonable, and we didn’t feel like we were paying tourist prices…which can sometimes happen in popular mountain towns.

Will I Go Back?

Yes. If we’re ever back in Clayton, Georgia, I’d return to Universal Joint without question. The quesadilla and salad alone was worth the stop for me. And next time, I’d convince Jeremy to skip the gyro and try one of the signature burgers (which apparently are what they’re most known for anyway).

What I’d Order Next Time

If you find yourself at Universal Joint in Clayton, Georgia, here’s my recommendation list based on what I tried and what other reviewers rave about:

  • Southwest chicken quesadilla (my pick again)
  • Arugula salad as a side
  • Any of their burgers (they’re known for them)
    • Black bean burger for vegetarians
  • BBQ Brisket Nachos
  • Brisket French Dip with au jus
  • Skip the gyro unless you’re a fan of heavy cucumber in your tzatziki

Final Thoughts on Universal Joint Clayton

For a small mountain town in north Georgia, Universal Joint punches above its weight. The food is mostly excellent, the service is warm, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the location can’t be beat if you’re exploring Tallulah Gorge, Whitewater Falls, or anywhere else in the area.

It’s the kind of restaurant that locals love and tourists discover with delight. The dog-friendly patio makes it even better for travelers like Jeremy and me who bring our fur babies along.

Skip the gyro. Get the quesadilla. Try the arugula salad. Maybe sit on the patio if the weather is nice and order something off the craft beer list.

Bad Steak, Killer Cheesecake: My California Dreaming Augusta Review

Bad Steak, Killer Cheesecake_ My California Dreaming Augusta Review

My honest take on California Dreaming in Augusta, GA. The steak went sideways, but the cheesecake had me forgiving everything fast.

How We Ended Up at California Dreaming

Jeremy and I were supposed to be hiking Whitewater Falls on Saturday, May 2nd. That was the plan when we left Gainesville, Florida earlier that morning. Then the rain started, and I’ll be honest with y’all, I completely forgot we’d ever planned that hike. The weather had different ideas, and we did too.

We were already trying to stay off the interstate for the entire trip. So instead of fighting the rain on a hike that didn’t make sense anymore, we ended up driving through Augusta, Georgia looking for food.

Our first stop didn’t work out. We tried to drive over to a golf course in Augusta, but it turns out it’s closed to the public. Of course it was. By this point we were hungry anyway, so we got back in the car, looked for something nearby, and pulled into California Dreaming.

I had high hopes. Y’all, I really did. The place was packed, so I thought it would be an amazing meal…

What Jeremy Ordered

Jeremy went with the Blackened Chicken Pasta. It came with fettuccine Alfredo, scallions, tomatoes, and Romano cheese. He absolutely loved it. From the first bite to the last, he was a happy camper. I’d say it was the highlight of the meal from his side of the table.

Honestly, if I’d ordered the same thing, this review would probably read a whole lot different. But that’s not how my night went.

What I Tried to Order

I had my eye on the filet mignon. I ordered it with a loaded baked potato as my side, and Jeremy and I split a Caesar salad as our appetizer.

The Caesar salad was actually really good. We split it without any complaints from either of us, and it set the bar for the rest of the meal at a pretty high level. Crisp, well-dressed, plenty to share. A solid start.

Then the steak came out.

My Steak Saga

I’d ordered the filet medium rare. What I got was a confused piece of beef that was well done on the outside and very rare on the inside. Not medium rare anywhere on the plate. The center was practically still mooing while the outside had been overcooked into oblivion.

I sent it back. I HATE doing that. The staff was nice about it, which I appreciated, but I really didn’t want to be that girl…

Now, what happened next is the part that confused me. Instead of starting over with a fresh steak, they took my same piece of beef and tried to re-cook it. Well, you might be able to guess where I’m going here…

It came back to my table even more well done on the outside, and still pretty rare in the middle. 

Same problem, just amplified. At that point, I knew this filet was a lost cause.

I told the server I’d just split Jeremy’s pasta with him. I filled up mostly on that loaded baked potato, which was honestly pretty good. Big, hot, plenty of toppings. If the kitchen could handle a potato that well, the steak situation became even more frustrating.

The Cheesecake Redemption

This is the part of the night where California Dreaming earned some points back. Actually a lot of points!

The manager came over and apologized. They took the steak off the bill, which was absolutely the right call. And then they brought out a slice of cheesecake to make up for it.

Y’all. That cheesecake.

It was rich, creamy, and exactly the kind of dessert that makes you stop being mad at a restaurant. I forgave them on the spot. Jeremy and I tore into that thing like we hadn’t already eaten dinner.

If you go to California Dreaming and remember nothing else from this review, remember the cheesecake. It might be the best thing on the menu…well at least in my case.

The Service Was Solid

I want to give credit where credit is due. The service was friendly throughout the entire meal, even when things went sideways with my steak. The manager handled the situation about as well as anyone could in that spot. They removed the cost of the steak, brought us a delicious apology dessert, and didn’t make us feel weird about any of it.

That counts for a lot in my book. A bad meal can turn into a worse night if the staff gets defensive or makes the customer feel like the problem. None of that happened here.

I’d still rather have gotten the steak I ordered, but as far as service recovery goes, they did right by us.

Would I Go Back?

This question matters most, and my answer is complicated.

I would absolutely not order the steak again. In fact, two weeks after this trip, I’m still craving a good steak. I keep telling Jeremy I just need to buy a filet at the grocery store and cook it myself, because at this point I’m pretty sure I can do a better job than what came out of that kitchen.

But would I go back for the Blackened Chicken Pasta, the Caesar salad, and that cheesecake? In a heartbeat. If Jeremy and I ever pass through Augusta again, I’d probably stop in just to try a few more menu items I didn’t get to sample.

What I’d Order Next Time

If we make it back to California Dreaming, here’s my plan:

  • Caesar salad to start
  • Blackened Chicken Pasta as my main
  • Cheesecake to finish
  • Skip the steaks entirely

Stick with what they do well. That seems to be pasta, salads, sides, and dessert.

My Honest Bottom Line

Was California Dreaming in Augusta worth the stop? For Jeremy, absolutely. He had a great meal and walked out happy. For me, the food itself was a mixed bag, but the service recovery and that cheesecake softened the blow enough that I’d still recommend the place to other travelers passing through.

If you’re driving through Augusta, Georgia and looking for something a little nicer than fast food without going full special-occasion, California Dreaming could work for you. Just maybe stay away from the steaks until you’ve heard better reports than mine.

And note to self for the millionth time, I really do need to buy that steak and cook it at home. The craving isn’t going anywhere.

Anna Ruby Falls: The Unplanned Hike That Stole the Day

Anna Ruby Falls_ The Unplanned Hike That Stole the Day

Anna Ruby Falls in Georgia was a last-minute stop on our way to Helen. Steep, gorgeous, and totally worth it. Here’s what to know first.

The Best Stop We Didn’t Plan

Some of the best hikes are the ones you didn’t see coming. Anna Ruby Falls now belongs on that list for me.

Jeremy and I were driving toward Helen, Georgia on Monday, May 4th. We’d already had a packed day.

We’d fed goats at Goat Landing and Ladybug Landing in Tiger.

We’d stopped at the official Bigfoot Crossing, taken in the view at the Tallulah Point Scenic Overlook, and hiked the North Rim Trail at Tallulah Gorge State Park.

Our legs were tired. Our dogs Baileys and Kahlua – aka The Pampered Pomchis – had also been on the move all day.

Then we saw the signs for Anna Ruby Falls. And like any good road trip warriors who now choose to go off-highway 90% of the time, we said let’s do it.

I’m so glad we did.

Know Before You Go

Before I get into the actual hike, here’s a quick rundown of what I wish somebody had told me before we pulled into the parking lot:

  • The parking fee is $6 per person, so plan accordingly if you’re traveling as a group (and yes! I saw that silly TikTok of hiding folks in the trunk at parks…don’t do that 😅)
  • The trail is about a mile round-trip, but don’t let the short distance fool you, it’s steep
  • Bring sturdy walking shoes, not flip-flops or anything that slides around on your feet
  • The trail does allow dogs, but keep them leashed and pay attention to posted rules
  • Check the closing time before you start, because the gates do close and you don’t want to rush (like we did…sigh…)
  • The falls are located near Helen, Georgia, inside the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
  • Bring water, especially in warmer weather, because the climb will have you working
  • This is doable in an afternoon, but give yourself at least two solid hours to enjoy it properly…I wish we’d had more than an hour!
  • Restrooms are available near the trailhead, so use them before you start the climb
  • The trail is paved, which makes it more accessible than your average forest hike

Now let me tell you why this hike was worth every penny of that $6 per person.

How We Almost Missed It

I have to admit something. We pulled into Anna Ruby Falls a little too close to the closing time. Not dangerously close, but close enough that we had to hustle.

I don’t recommend that approach. If you’re going to hike Anna Ruby Falls, give yourself at least two or three solid hours before close so you can take your time, snap pictures, and actually enjoy the experience without watching the clock. We were checking our watches the whole way up, which took some of the joy out of the climb.

Lesson learned. Plan ahead.

The Trail Itself

The trail is paved, which I appreciated. Anyone who’s hiked an unpaved trail with two small dogs in tow knows the struggle.

Baileys and Kahlua handled the path beautifully because there were no roots or loose gravel for their little legs to navigate around.

That said, paved does not mean easy. This trail is steep. Like, my calves were burning before we hit the quarter way point. We had to stop a few times to catch our breath, and I’m in pretty decent shape from all my Zumba classes and stretch routines.

If you have mobility issues, this hike will be tough. The pavement helps, but the grade is no joke. Take your time, take breaks, and bring water.

What You’ll See

Y’all. The falls.

Anna Ruby Falls is actually two waterfalls coming together. Two separate streams flow down two different cliffs and meet at the bottom to form one creek. It’s the kind of natural feature you don’t get to see every day, and the viewing platforms put you pretty darn close.

The sound was incredible. We could hear the water before we could see it, and the noise got louder with every step. By the time we reached the viewing area, the whole forest was filled with the rush of those two falls hitting the rocks below.

I took way too many pictures. I always do.

The Dogs Did Great

Baileys and Kahlua were absolute champions on this hike. The paved trail made the climb manageable for their tiny legs, and they were entertaining the other hikers along the way. Pomchis tend to draw a lot of attention, and these two are no exception.

If you’re a fellow pet parent thinking about whether to bring your dog, I’d say go for it on Anna Ruby Falls. Just make sure your dog is leashed, in good enough shape for the climb, and that the weather isn’t too hot. Pavement can heat up fast in summer months and burn little paws.

We had no issues with the pet rules at this location, which was a refreshing change after the stairs situation we ran into earlier in the day at Tallulah Gorge. But that’s a story for another post.

Parking and Fees

The parking fee at Anna Ruby Falls is $6 per person. For Jeremy and me, that was $12 total, which was honestly a steal for what we got out of it. Yes, everywhere online says $5…but we were told at the gate it was $6 per person…

The parking lot is a decent size, and we didn’t have any trouble finding a spot. That said, we were there on a Monday afternoon. I imagine weekends are a completely different story, especially during peak tourist season.

If you’re trying to do this hike on a weekend, get there early to avoid any potential headaches.

The Visitor Center

There’s a visitor center near the trailhead too, which is worth poking your head into if you have time. We didn’t get to spend much time there because we were racing the clock, but I caught enough to know it would have been a nice add-on to the hike if we’d planned better.

This is another reason to give yourself plenty of time. The visitor center is part of the full experience, and rushing past it felt like a missed opportunity.

What I’d Do Differently

If I could rewind and do this stop again, here’s what would change:

– I’d give us a full afternoon instead of squeezing it in.

– I’d pack more water.

– I’d take time to actually visit the visitor center.

– And I’d plan to do this hike before Tallulah Gorge, not after, so my legs would have more energy for the steep climb.

But honestly? Even with the rushed timing and the tired legs, Anna Ruby Falls was the best surprise stop on our entire road trip. And, if I’m completely honest…had the prettiest falls we saw on this trip!

Final Thoughts

If you’re driving toward Helen, Georgia and you see signs for Anna Ruby Falls, take the turn. Even if you weren’t planning on a hike. Even if your legs are tired. Even if you’re not totally sure how much daylight you have left.

Just maybe arrive a little earlier than we did so you don’t have to rush.

This stop reminded me of one of my favorite things about road tripping off-highway. You find places you never would have known about if you’d taken the interstate. Anna Ruby Falls would have stayed off our radar forever if we’d been zooming up the interstate instead of taking the back roads to Helen.

Two miles, a $12 parking fee, and one steep climb later, we walked away with one of my favorite memories from the entire trip. Not bad for an unplanned stop.

Now I just need to come back and do it right.

Keke’s Breakfast Café in Gainesville Almost Stole My Heart

Keke's Breakfast Cafe in Gainesville Almost Stole My Heart

My honest review of Keke’s Breakfast Café in Gainesville, Florida. The omelet was a winner, but the stuffed French toast had some work to do.

Finding Keke’s on a Saturday Morning

Jeremy and I checked out of our Gainesville hotel on Saturday, May 2nd with one goal in mind. We needed a good breakfast before hitting the road back toward Augusta, Georgia on our road trip home.

After a quick stretch class, we drove over to Keke’s Breakfast Cafe at 4062 Plaza Boulevard in the Butler North area of Gainesville.

Pulling into the parking lot, the place was hopping. That’s usually a good sign for a breakfast spot.

Sometimes it’s also a warning that you’re going to be waiting a while, but luckily, our party arrived before us and already snagged a table.

If you want to plan ahead, you can check their hours and location info on the Keke’s Gainesville page. They’re open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every single day of the week.

Splitting Plates Like We Always Do

Jeremy and I are huge fans of splitting meals when we travel. It saves money and it cuts down on food waste (because what are you going to do with leftover French toast in a hotel room?). 

Sometimes, it lets us try more than one thing on the menu if we want two meals and are super hungry, which WAS the case this particular morning.

At Keke’s, we ordered two things to split. The ham and cheese omelet and the stuffed French toast. One winner, one okay performer. Let me break down both.

The Ham and Cheese Omelet Was the Star

Y’all. This omelet was really, really good.

The ham was generous. The cheese was melty in the best way. The egg was cooked just right, not rubbery or overdone like you sometimes get at breakfast chains. I’d order it again in a heartbeat.

The omelet came with home fries and cinnamon raisin toast as the sides. The cinnamon raisin toast was a nice touch. I love when a breakfast spot offers something other than the standard white or wheat. Cinnamon raisin somehow makes a regular breakfast feel a little fancier. Just me?

Now, the home fries. They were the one disappointment of the savory side. Neither Jeremy nor I cared for them. I can’t quite put my finger on what was off about them, but they just didn’t do it for us. If I went back, I’d ask if I could swap them for something else.

The Stuffed French Toast Had Potential

Here’s the deal with the stuffed French toast. It’s a really cool concept on paper. Keke’s offers their stuffed French toast with several fruit options. Apple cinnamon, blueberry, or raspberry. We asked if they could swap in strawberries instead, and the kitchen accommodated us without any fuss.

I appreciated the flexibility.

But the French toast itself was a little dry. Not horribly so, just not as moist and rich as I would have hoped. The strawberries were fine, but they couldn’t quite save the bread itself.

Now I’m going to brag a little. I make a stuffed French toast at home that I created as a copycat of the version IHOP used to serve. Mine is rich, custardy, and has the perfect balance of sweet, soft and moist. Keke’s version reminded me a little of mine in concept, but mine wins in execution.

The Atmosphere Earned Some Points

The restaurant itself is clean, bright, and feels like a step up from your standard chain diner. The decor leans toward trendy without being over the top. The staff was friendly. We didn’t have to flag anybody down to get refills or check in on us.

Service was efficient. Our food came out at a reasonable pace, which mattered because we had a long drive ahead.

The dining room was full but not chaotic. It felt like the kind of place locals actually love rather than just a tourist trap. 

If you’re in Gainesville visiting family or for a University of Florida event, Keke’s is a solid stop.

Would I Eat Here Again?

Yes. With caveats.

If I were back in Gainesville…or any city that has a Keke’s now that I know it’s a chain…I’d absolutely return to Keke’s. But I’d probably order differently. I’d stick with the omelet (or try a different savory dish), and I’d skip the stuffed French toast next time. Maybe I’d try the pancakes or one of the breakfast combos.

That ham and cheese omelet earned my respect. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to come back even when other parts of the meal disappoint.

What I’d Order Next Time

If we make it back to Keke’s Breakfast Cafe in Gainesville, here’s my game plan:

  • Ham and cheese omelet (Jeremy can fight me for it)
  • Swap the home fries for something else
  • Try one of the specialty pancakes or waffles instead of the stuffed French toast…or at least try the nutella stuffed French toast because I’m betting that wouldn’t be as dry
  • Cinnamon raisin toast, always

Final Thoughts on Keke’s Breakfast Cafe

For a breakfast spot in Gainesville, Florida, Keke’s hits a sweet spot. It’s nicer than your average diner without being expensive enough to feel like a special occasion. The food is mostly good, the service is solid, and the atmosphere is comfortable enough that you don’t feel rushed.

The omelet was worth the trip. The French toast needs some work. The home fries should probably be reconsidered. But none of that is enough to keep me from going back.

If you’re driving through Florida (since that’s where 90% of their locations are), and need a real breakfast that’s not a fast food chain, look for a Keke’s and give it a try. Just order strategically.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go make myself some stuffed French toast now that I’m back at home.

How to Start a Podcast for Free in 30 Days (Or a Weekend)

Learn how to start a free podcast from your car in 30 days. Just your phone, a free RSS.com account, and a parking lot. No gear. No tech skills. Let’s go.

I want to tell you something real quick before we get into all the steps. I recorded my podcast More Movement Please from my car. Not because I had to. Because it turned out that a parked car is actually one of the best recording environments you’ll ever find. Soft surfaces everywhere. No echo. No one walking through to ask what you want for dinner.

I’ve been podcasting since April Fool’s Day 2020. (I launched on that date on purpose so I could deny the whole thing if it tanked.) I’ve hosted three shows. I’ve been to Podcast Movement conferences. And in October 2025, I started fresh with nothing but my phone and a free account.

This whole series is me showing you how I did it, and how you can do the exact same thing.

Full disclosure: I’m a proud brand ambassador, affiliate, and social media content strategist for RSS.com, the podcast hosting platform I’ve personally used since April 2020. I only recommend what I actually use. If you sign up for a paid plan through my link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!

Reach out to and send me your podcast questions!

Start Here: Watch These Two Videos First

Before you read another word, watch these. The first one shows you exactly how I launched a podcast from my car. The second walks you through setting up your free account on RSS.com step by step. These two videos will get you 80% of the way there on their own.

▶ Video 1 — How I Started a Podcast From My Car

▶ Video 2 — Getting Started With RSS.com (Full Walkthrough)

The 30-Day Podcast Launch Plan

I broke everything down into 30 short daily videos so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Each one is a single topic. You watch, you do the thing, you come back tomorrow. That’s it. Those will start rolling out April 7 as part of Pat Flynn’s 14-day video challenge! Yes, I know – I filmed 30…but this was under the assumption his Q2 challenge would also be 30 days 😅

That said, don’t let the 30-day label fool you.

🚀 You Could Launch This Weekend If You Wanted To

The 30-day format is great if you want to go one step at a time. But if you’re the type of person who just buckles down and batches through things, you could run through all of this content in a weekend and have your podcast live before Monday. Seriously. The steps don’t change. Only the pace does.

Below is what the full 30 days covers. Prefer to watch? Check out the playlist:

Days 1–7: Get Clear and Get Ready

This first week is all about figuring out the basics before you ever hit record. Your topic, your audience, your name, and how podcast hosting works. This is the foundation. It’s also where most people spend way too long, so I’m going to help you move through it fast.

DayTopicWhat You’ll Do
Day 0What is this challenge?Find out why I’m recording 30 videos in my car
Day 1Meet Your Parking Lot ProfessorUnderstand why you’re here and what’s possible from a parking lot.
Day 2Your Phone IS Your StudioLearn why you already have everything you need in terms of podcast studios.
Day 3What’s Your Show About?Nail down your topic and why people should tune in.
Day 4Who Are You Talking To?Define your listener so every episode feels personal to them.
Day 5Naming Your Podcast
Learn more about podcast names		Four questions that make the right name obvious.
Day 6What Is a Podcast Host?
Learn more about podcast hosting		Plain-English explanation of what it is and why you need one.
Day 7Wait, It’s Actually Free?Exactly what’s included in the RSS.com Free Local and Niche plan.

💡 Quick Note on the Free Plan

The RSS.com Free Local and Niche plan is genuinely free. No credit card required to sign up. No trial period that quietly flips to a charge. You get unlimited episodes, distribution to Spotify and Apple Podcasts, a free podcast website, and 24/7 customer support. That’s what you’re building on.

Days 8–14: Set It All Up

Week two is setup week. This is where you get everything in place so when it’s time to record, there’s nothing in your way. Distribution. Audio quality. Cover art. Your podcast website. By the end of day 14, your show will exist. It just won’t have episodes yet.

DayTopicWhat You’ll Do
Day 8Distribution Made Simple
RSS.com walks you through getting on all the directories!		How your podcast gets to every platform automatically with no extra work.
Day 9How My Car Sounds Like a StudioThe free tool that cleans up your audio with one click. (It’s Adobe Podcast, and it’s wild.)
Day 10Podcast Cover Art in 10 Minutes
Learn more about podcast cover art.		Free. On your phone. Using Canva. Done.
Day 11Your Free Podcast WebsiteIt goes live automatically the second you publish. No coding. Ever.
Day 12The Feature That Finds Listeners While You SleepWhy automatic transcripts are one of the smartest things you can use for discoverability.
Day 13Why 2026 Is the Best Time to StartPeople want real human voices more than ever right now. Yours included.
Day 14Week 2 RecapA quick check-in before you move into recording mode.

A quick word on podcast editing, because it’s probably the thing you’re most nervous about: you don’t need to do much of it when you’re just starting out. Adobe Podcast’s free Enhance Speech tool handles background noise, balances your levels, and makes your audio sound clean before you ever upload anything. That covers 90% of what editing actually needs to do. You’re not making a BBC documentary. You’re making a podcast. Record it, enhance it, upload it, done.

Days 15–21: Record and Launch

This is the fun part. Or the scary part, depending on how you look at it. Either way, by the end of this week you’ll have recorded your first episodes and hit publish. That’s the whole goal.

DayTopicWhat You’ll Do
Day 15How Long Should Episodes Be?The answer is probably shorter than you think.
Day 16Script vs. Wing ItThree formats and how to figure out which one fits your style.
Day 17Where Episode Ideas Come FromMy actual idea pipeline and how to build yours.
Day 18Recording Your First EpisodeWhat to say, how to open, and how to close with a strong call to action.
Day 19How to Upload and PublishFull walkthrough of getting your episode live on RSS.com.
Day 20Why I Film 5 Videos a DayThe batching method that keeps your schedule alive even when life gets weird.
Day 21What I Wish Someone Had Told MeReal talk from someone who’s been podcasting since 2020.

Days 22–30: Grow and Keep Going

Your show is live. Now what? This last stretch is all about momentum. Promoting your show, understanding your numbers, staying consistent, and building an audience that actually keeps coming back.

DayTopicWhat You’ll Do
Day 22How to Promote Your ShowSimple strategies that don’t need a big following to start working.
Day 23Your Podcast Website as a Marketing ToolHow your free site can actively help you grow your audience.
Day 24Make Money PodcastingThere are so many ways to make money as a podcaster. See them all here.
Day 25Building an Audience From ZeroWhat to do before and right after you launch.
Day 26Podcasting 2.0 FeaturesChapters, live streaming, value for value, and more stuff most new podcasters don’t know about.
Day 27What I Did When Nobody Was ListeningHonest talk about early numbers and how to push through them.
Day 28Consistency Without Burning OutHow to stay on schedule without making podcasting feel like a second job.
Day 29What Comes After Your First 10 EpisodesHow to evaluate, adjust, and keep building momentum.
Day 30Your Podcast Exists. Now What?The final parking lot pep talk. And why starting was the hardest part.

Got Questions About Starting Your Show?

Send them my way! I read every question and use them to create more content. Stuck on your podcast name? Not sure how to structure an episode? Confused about something technical? Ask me anything.

Send Me Your Podcast Questions

Should You Ever Pay for Podcast Hosting?

The free plan will genuinely get you started and keep you going for a long time. But at some point, you might want more. I made a full video breaking down exactly when paying makes sense, what you actually get for your money, and whether it’s worth it for where you are right now.

Watch it before you decide anything. No pressure either way.

▶ Video 3 — Why You Should Pay for Podcast Hosting (And When)

What Upgrades Actually Do For You

When you’re ready to grow, a paid plan on RSS.com adds some features that are worth the money. The biggest one for me is automatic AI-powered transcripts. Google can’t listen to your podcast, but it can read a transcript. That means your episodes can show up in search results when someone is looking for exactly what you talk about. I used to pay $8.99 a month separately just for transcripts. Now it’s included in the plan.

You also get PodViz, which turns your audio episodes into videos you can push straight to YouTube. Detailed analytics. Apple Podcast Subscriptions. The ability to run multiple shows from one dashboard. Paid plans start at $11.99 a month on an annual plan.

Start free. Get some episodes out. See how you like it. Then decide. There’s no rush and no pressure. Your episodes won’t go anywhere, and RSS.com won’t hold your content hostage if you ever want to switch things up. That’s actually one of the reasons I’ve stayed with them since 2020.

Questions I Get All the Time:

Do I need a microphone to start a podcast?
Nope. Your phone’s built-in mic is enough to get going. If you want one upgrade, a clip-on lavalier mic from Amazon runs about $20 and makes a noticeable difference. But buy it after your first episode is live, not before.

How many episodes should I record before I launch?
At least three. One gives listeners nothing to binge. Three gives them a reason to subscribe. If you can batch five before launch, even better.

Does my podcast have to sound perfect?
No. It has to sound clear enough that people aren’t distracted by the audio quality. Adobe Podcast gets you there for free. Perfect is the enemy of published.

Can I really do this from my phone?
I did it. From a parking lot. With a six-year-old phone. Yes.

✅ Your Podcast Launch Checklist

Print this out, save it, screenshot it. Work through it at whatever pace feels right. Every box you check is one step closer to your first episode being live.

Before You Record Anything

  • Decide on your podcast topic and what makes it different from other shows
  • Define who your listener is (be as specific as possible)
  • Pick a name that’s clear, easy to say, and sounds like you
  • Write a one-sentence description of your show
  • Brainstorm your first 10 episode topics
  • Decide on your episode format: solo, interview, or co-hosted
  • Decide how long your episodes will be

Set Up Your Account

  • Create your free account at RSS.com(no credit card needed)
  • Create your cover art in Canva (3000 x 3000 px, readable at thumbnail size)
  • Write your show description
  • Set up your podcast and upload your cover art
  • Connect distribution so your show goes to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music automatically
  • Check that your free podcast website is ready to go

Record Your First Episodes

  • Download the free Voice Memos app (already on your iPhone) or similar on Android
  • Find a quiet spot (your car works great)
  • Outline your first episode: one topic, three to five points, a strong opening line, and a call to action
  • Record your first episode
  • Run it through Adobe Podcast’s free Enhance Speech tool to clean up the audio
  • Record at least two more episodes before you launch (so new listeners have something to binge)

Launch

  • Upload your first episode to RSS.com
  • Write a short episode title and description
  • Set your publish date and schedule at least two more episodes
  • Tell people it’s live. Post about it. Text your people. Make some noise.
  • Reply to every comment and message from your first listeners

Keep Going

  • Batch record your next round of episodes instead of recording one at a time
  • Check your analytics after your first month to see what’s resonating
  • Write basic show notes for each episode and publish them on your podcast website. Google can’t listen to your show, but it can read your show notes. This is free SEO and most new podcasters skip it entirely.
  • Start building your episode idea list so you never feel stuck
  • Engage with your listeners and ask them what they want more of
  • Decide whether a paid plan makes sense for where your show is heading
  • Send me your questions anytime. I genuinely love hearing from people who are building their shows.

Your podcast doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t need a fancy intro or a studio or a microphone that costs as much as a car payment. It needs a topic, a phone, a free account, and you deciding to start.

Go park somewhere quiet and hit record. And when your show is live, drop the link here. I want to be one of your first listeners. I mean that.

You Don’t Need a Big Audience to Launch Creator Merch

You Don't Need a Big Audience to Launch Creator Merch - Header

You don’t need 50k followers to launch creator merch. Screen printing expert Joe from Tee Vision breaks down how to start small, spend smart, and sell to the audience you already have.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Joe with Tee Vision. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

Why 500 Loyal Fans Beat 50,000 Followers When It Comes to Creator Merch

One of the most common things I hear from content creators and bloggers is some version of this: “I’ll think about merch once I hit 50k followers.” And, every time I hear it, I want to tell them the same thing – That’s the wrong way to think about it.

I’ve been working with creators, nonprofits, and small businesses at Tee Vision Printing since 2014. And, the number that matters far more than your follower count is trust.

A blogger with 500 die-hard readers who buys everything they recommend will outsell an influencer with 50,000 followers who scrolls past everything.

Start way smaller than you think you need to

The number one mistake creators make is overcommitting before they know what their audience actually wants. Spending months on a complicated four-color design, ordering 200 units, and then realizing their readers would have loved a tote bag instead. It happens all the time.

My advice? Start with one product, one design, one colorway. Get a quote for 48 units. That’s the sweet spot where the per-unit cost becomes reasonable without needing to sell to every person you’ve ever met on the internet.

Before you spend a single dollar, ask your audience directly. Send an email, post a poll, put it in your Instagram stories. “Would you buy a hoodie with this design?” It costs you nothing and tells you everything.

Screen printing vs. print-on-demand: what you actually need to know

Print-on-demand services are a genuinely great option in certain situations. No upfront costs, no inventory, no risk. But here’s what most creators don’t think about: the real cost difference at volume.

A hoodie that costs $18 to produce through screen printing at 48 units can run $35 to $40 through POD. That difference either eats your margin or gets passed to your audience at a higher price.

The quality difference is real too. Screen printed ink is pressed into the fabric and lasts after washing. DTG and POD prints sit on top of the fabric and tend to fade faster. If you want your audience wearing your merch years from now and telling other people about it, that matters.

Screen printing makes more sense when:

  • You’re launching merch around a specific event, podcast milestone, or brand moment and you have a rough sense of how many units you need
  • You want to give your audience something premium and lasting instead of something that looks like it came from a generic print store
  • You’ve done the math and the per-unit savings at 48 or more pieces make screen printing cheaper than POD

POD is still the right call when you genuinely have no idea how many units you’ll move and you’re not ready to commit to a minimum order. Both tools are valid. The key is knowing which situation you’re actually in.

The real secret to merch that actually sells

The merch that sells isn’t always the most elaborate design. It’s the design that means something to your specific community.

Think about the inside jokes from your content, the phrases your listeners repeat back to you, the things only your most loyal followers would recognize. A shirt that a stranger wouldn’t understand but your biggest fans would immediately love? That’s the shirt that gets worn outside, photographed, and shared.

People don’t buy creator merch because the design is objectively gorgeous. They buy it because wearing it feels like belonging to something. That’s what you’re really selling.

How to actually get started

Here’s the practical breakdown for getting started even with a smaller audience:

  1. Pick one product your audience actually uses. Hoodies and totes travel the most. Mugs and hats have their loyal fans too.
  2. Design for recognition, not beauty. Simple and meaningful beats complex and generic every time.
  3. Order 48 units and pre-sell first. If you sell out in pre-orders, you know exactly how many to reorder and you cover your costs before the shirts even ship.
  4. Find a printer who asks questions before taking your money. The best print shops ask more questions than you’d expect about your goals, your audience, and your event. That’s always a good sign.

Your audience doesn’t need to be huge. It just needs to be yours.

If you’re curious about working with our team, you can check out our screen printing services in Philadelphia, and see if you feel like we’re a good fit for what you’re building.

About the Author

Joe Carpentero has worked with Tee Vision Printing, a Philadelphia-based custom screen printing shop serving creators, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations since 2014.

🎉 Happy 6th Birthday to the Bloggy Friends Show

Six years ago today, I did something that terrified me. I hit publish on the very first episode of the Bloggy Friends Show. And I did it on April 1st on purpose, because I figured if it was a total disaster, I could just tell everyone it was an April Fool’s joke. Yes, really. 😅

What I didn’t know then was that one scared little publish button click would change the entire course of my career.

The Idea That Sat on the Shelf for Four Years

I first thought about starting a podcast back in 2016. I had the idea. I had the drive. What I didn’t have was the courage. So the idea just sat there, collecting dust, while I talked myself out of it over and over again.

Then, in 2019, the GoDaddy team assigned me a post about podcasting for their resources page. I figured if I was going to write it, I needed to actually know what I was talking about. So I headed to Podcast Movement 2019 and spent a week absorbing everything I possibly could about how to start a podcast.

I came home and wrote that post with one quiet thought in the back of my mind: maybe one day I’ll actually do this myself.

Spoiler alert. I did.

The People Who Made It Happen

Writing that post led me to the team at RSS.com. And meeting them changed everything.

With the encouragement of co-founders Alberto Betella and Ben Richardson, and their incredibly supportive Marketing Director Brian Jensen, I finally stopped waiting and started doing.

On April 1, 2020, I released the first episode of the Bloggy Friends Show. Mid-pandemic. On April Fool’s Day. With absolutely zero certainty that anyone would care. 🙃

They cared. And I was hooked from the very first episode.

What Six Years of Podcasting Has Actually Looked Like

I started as a print journalist back in 2007. Blogging came into my life in 2009 when I saw that the world of media was shifting fast, and I knew I had to keep up. Podcasting felt like the next natural step in that same direction.

But I had no idea how far it would actually take me.

Since that first episode, I’ve interviewed dozens of incredible people. I’ve written about podcasting for some really cool companies, both under my own byline and as a ghostwriter. 👻 I had the privilege of hosting Podcasting 101 for RSS.com for two full years.

Last year, I launched my second show, a fitness podcast called More Movement Please. It just hit 50 episodes. That one has opened doors I genuinely didn’t see coming, and I’m so proud of what it’s becoming.

What’s Coming Next (the Stuff I CAN Tell You)

Later this year, I’ll be hard-launching a brand new show. If you’re a good investigator, you might be able to find the two test episodes that are already out there. 🤣

There are more audio projects in the works too. But those are still under wraps for now. 🤫

What I can tell you is that it feels like every single thing I’ve done in my career up to this point has been leading somewhere. I’m more excited about what’s ahead than I’ve ever been.

What I Want You to Take Away From This

Most podcasters don’t even make it to six episodes. I want that to sink in for a second. Six. Episodes. And I’m six years in with zero plans to slow down. Heck, if anything, I will be revving this engine all the way up!

If you’ve been sitting on a podcast idea the way I sat on mine for four years, I want you to know something. The gear doesn’t have to be perfect. The timing doesn’t have to be perfect. You just have to start.

I recorded my first episodes with basic equipment and more fear than confidence. Today, I record my fitness podcast from my car. Seriously. And it sounds great. If you’re curious how I do that, I’ve got everything you need right here at famousashleygrant.com/car.

Check out this video “How I Started a Podcast … From My Car…” to see how I do it:

A Big Thank You

To every person who let me interview them. To everyone who has shared the show, told a friend, or sent a kind message. To Alberto, Ben, and Brian for believing in this before I fully believed in it myself. And even to the people who tried to talk me out of some of my goals and plans: thank you too. Seriously. You kept me motivated in your own way. 😄

Do you need a podcast guest? Hit me up! I’d love to chat about podcasting, blogging, fitness, freelancing, and trying to get internet famous. 🤪

You can find the Bloggy Friends Show right here: rss.com/podcasts/bloggyfriendsshow

Here’s to the next six years and beyond. As I always say at the end of every episode: may your page views be high and your bounce rate be low! 🥳

Stop Waiting to Feel Motivated: Why Action Comes First

Stop Waiting to Feel Motivated: Why Action Comes First Header

Meta description: Waiting for motivation to start working out? It doesn’t work that way. A yoga teacher and podcast producer explains why action comes first.

Listen to the episode here…

You Don’t Need to Feel Like It First

Here’s something nobody tells you when you’re trying to get into fitness: you will almost never feel motivated before you start.

You’ll wait for the right moment. The right energy. The perfect Monday. And that moment will never come.

This episode features a voice note from Jamie Brooke, a podcast producer and yoga teacher with a psychology background. She breaks down one of the biggest myths in fitness, and it’s something that holds so many people back before they ever take a single step.

The Myth That’s Keeping You Stuck

Most of us believe motivation comes first. We tell ourselves things like:

  • When I feel ready, I’ll go to the gym.
  • When I have more energy, I’ll start walking.
  • When I don’t have so many plans, I’ll eat better.

Sound familiar? Jamie explains that motivation almost never shows up first. The idea, backed by the book Atomic Habits, is that action creates motivation. Not the other way around.

You don’t wait to feel like it. You go. And then the feeling follows.

Why Waiting Makes It Harder

The longer you wait, the harder it gets. Here’s why. Every time you say you’ll do something and then don’t, you start to lose trust in yourself. You told yourself you’d go to the gym. You didn’t. So why would today be any different?

That self-doubt builds up. And it becomes one more reason not to start.

What Happens When You Just Go

Something interesting happens the moment you actually take that first step without talking yourself out of it. Once you get to the gym, once you roll out the yoga mat, once you just go for the walk, your body starts to remember what movement feels like.

Your energy shifts. Your mood changes. Suddenly the thing that felt impossible to start actually makes you feel good.

That feeling? That’s real motivation. And it only comes after you move.

It’s Not About Having Time

Jamie shares the story of a friend who recently retired. No full-time job. Kids out of the house. And still, she can’t seem to get back to exercising. Because life fills up no matter what. There will always be errands and projects and reasons to push it off.

The truth is, the challenge isn’t time. It’s that first step. And once you take it, everything changes.

Action Items

  • Stop waiting for the perfect moment. It won’t come.
  • Pick one small action you can do today. A 10-minute walk counts.
  • Do it before you talk yourself out of it.
  • Notice how you feel after. That feeling is what you’re chasing.
  • Repeat tomorrow.

Have you worked out today?

Richmond, KY Podcaster Hits 50-Episode Milestone, Caps It Off with Three Charity Episodes for Global Podcasthon Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: ashley@famousashleygrant.com

famousashleygrant.com/moremovementplease 

She Couldn’t Last 15 Minutes in Zumba. Now She’s 50 Episodes Deep, and Giving Back.

Richmond, KY content creator and fitness podcaster Famous Ashley Grant celebrates the 50-episode milestone of More Movement Please by capping it with a three-part charity series for Podcasthon, spotlighting the Humane Society Animal League for Life of Madison County, Kentucky.

RICHMOND, KY — March 2026 — When Ashley Grant walked into her first Zumba class in August 2023, she made it exactly 15 minutes before she had to leave. She was too winded to continue. She couldn’t do a jumping jack. She couldn’t hold a plank. She was lifting 5-pound dumbbells and calling them her “big weights.”

Today, she’s 500-plus group fitness classes in, 26 pounds lighter, and lifting 15 and 20-pound dumbbells regularly. And she has documented every step of that journey, recorded mostly from the front seat of her car, on the way to and from the gym, on her fitness podcast, More Movement Please.

This month, the show hit 50 episodes.

“I never planned to start a fitness podcast,” said Grant, a Richmond-based content creator, ghostwriter, and blogger who also hosts The Bloggy Friends Show. 

“Then, when I got serious about fitness I thought, I’ve got to document this. If I can do this and share my journey with others, maybe someone else will believe they can too.”

The timing of the episode 50 milestone carries extra weight. Episodes 48, 49, and 50 were recorded as part of Podcasthon, now in its fourth global edition. It’s an initiative where thousands of podcasters worldwide dedicate an entire week of episodes to raising awareness for a charity of their choice.

Grant chose to spotlight the Humane Society Animal League for Life of Madison County, Kentucky, and the way it was chosen is a story in itself. When Grant asked her community to nominate worthy organizations, one of the first voices to speak up was her own fitness instructor, Rhonda Goode, the woman Grant credits with changing her life.

“Rhonda has been teaching fitness classes for 14 years,” said Grant. “She’s the reason I love walking into the gym instead of running away from it. When her nomination came up in the random number generator, I took that as a sign from the universe.”

The three Podcasthon episodes feature Goode in an extended, candid interview series covering 14 years of teaching, what she sees in a room full of students in the first 60 seconds, and what she would say right now to the person sitting at the crossroads of change who hasn’t made the move yet. It is, by Grant’s own description, some of the most honest and compelling content she has ever put out.

More Movement Please releases mostly short-form episodes of 5–10 minutes, designed to be consumed exactly when Ashley records them: in the car, in motion, in the middle of real life. The show is equal parts accountability, education, and inspiration, and is aimed at anyone who has ever talked themselves out of a workout.

Grant’s own story has become the spine of the show. A former dancer whose passion for movement was interrupted by a car accident in her youth, she found her way back to fitness through Zumba at the Telford YMCA in Richmond, and hasn’t looked back. In the first 100 days of her serious commitment, she completed 200 fitness classes. She turned 41 during that stretch and celebrated with five classes that day alone.

“I want people to hear my story and realize that if I can do it, they can do it,” said Grant. “I couldn’t make it through 15 minutes of Zumba. Now I take up to 12 classes a week or more. This wasn’t about doing a fitness challenge. It was about changing my lifestyle. And, it’s forever changed my life.”

All three Podcasthon episodes of More Movement Please are available now, along with a direct link to donate to the Humane Society Animal League for Life of Madison County in the show notes.

More Movement Please is hosted on RSS.com where Ashley is a social media content strategist, and is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and other platforms. More information about the show and Ashley Grant can be found at famousashleygrant.com/fitness.

To learn more about Podcasthon, visit podcasthon.org.

To learn more about Humane Society Animal League for Life of Madison County, Kentucky, visit https://www.humanesocietyall.com/ 

About Famous Ashley Grant: Ashley Grant is a content creator, ghostwriter, and podcaster based in Richmond, Kentucky. Originally from Tampa, Florida and a proud University of South Florida alumna, she hosts More Movement Please and The Bloggy Friends Show, and blogs about lifestyle, remote work, and more at FamousAshleyGrant.com. She can be found on Facebook and Instagram as @FamousAshleyGrant and X as @AshleyisFamous.

###