Deep Dive on World of Hyatt: Points, Perks and Status

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1. 

   E297 · 7 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 11 min

   Have Better Conversations and Build Deeper Connections with Vanessa Van Edwards

   #297: Learn how to turn small talk, awkward encounters, and everyday logistics into conversations that actually matter. Chris and Vanessa explore the chemistry behind great conversations, how to find the topics that make people light up, and the three levels of conversation that lead to deeper connection. Vanessa Van Edwards is a behavioral researcher, bestselling author of Captivate and Cues , and founder of Science of People . She teaches at Harvard , and her new book, Conversation: How to Connect with Anyone and Make Every Interaction Count , is available now. Link to Full Show Notes:…

2. 

   E296 · 23 Sep 2026 · 50 min

   The Best Cell Phone Plans (and How I’m Saving Big)

   #296: You're probably overpaying for cell service, and switching could save you hundreds of dollars a year without sacrificing coverage or features. Chris breaks down what's changed with the big carriers and MVNOs, the math behind "free phone" deals, the few features only AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile still offer, and his shortlist of the best unlimited plans. He also shares the cheapest backup line for two-factor texts, a $20 home internet backup, how to think about cell phone insurance, and the smartest way to buy a new iPhone. Link to Full Show Notes:…

3. 

   E295 · 16 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 2 min

   Turning the Tables: My Approach to Points, Miles and Travel

   #295: Chris shares the strategies he actually uses to earn, spend, and maximize millions of points and miles. He breaks down how many credit cards most people really need, his approach to booking award travel for a family, the rise of massive card-member flight discounts, when to pay cash vs. points, and some of his favorite—and most unusual—redemptions. Meghan Coyle and Sally French are the hosts of NerdWallet's Smart Travel podcast, a weekly show on travel news, loyalty programs and travel credit cards that helps listeners travel more and pay less. Link to Full Show Notes:…

4. 

   E293 · 2 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 8 min

   How to Make Your Home Healthier at Any Budget with Dom Francks

   #293: Learn to make your home healthier by focusing on the environmental factors that actually matter. Chris and Dom break down how to improve air and water quality, ventilation, mold prevention, lighting, and EMF exposure, plus what to prioritize in your bedroom, which popular healthy-home products to avoid, and the best upgrades at any budget. ⁠Dom Francks⁠ is the General Manager of ⁠Lightwork Home⁠ , a Stanford-trained engineer, and former climate-tech product leader. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/healthy-home-air-water-light-dom-francks/. Partner Deals Gusto: ⁠Free…

5. 

   E292 · 26 Aug 2026 · 54 min

   What Happens to Your Points and Miles When You Die?

   #292: What happens to your points and miles when you die? And how can you make sure they don’t disappear? Chris breaks down how major banks, airlines, and hotel programs handle rewards after death, strategies to protect or transfer your points, and the steps you can take now to make things easier for your family. Plus, learn what to do if you’re already dealing with a loved one’s rewards, why documenting your accounts and logins matters, and the surprising rules around gift cards, divorce, and timeshares. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/points-and-miles-after-death Partner…

6. 

   E291 · 19 Aug 2026 · 58 min

   The Science of Lasting Happiness with Arthur Brooks

   #291: Behavioral social scientist Arthur Brooks joins Chris to reveal why success and happiness follow different rules as we age. They dig into fluid vs. crystallized intelligence, success addiction and dopamine, the reverse bucket list, and how to actually buy happiness. Arthur C. Brooks is a Harvard Professor, musician, and columnist for the Atlantic, where he writes the weekly " How to Build a Life " column. He is the bestselling author of numerous books on happiness and human flourishing. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/arthur-brooks-happiness-success-purpose/ Partner…

7. 

   E290 · 12 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 8 min

   The New Rules of Points & Miles in 2026 with Brian M

   #290: Chris and Brian break down the biggest trends reshaping points and miles. They discuss new ways to earn transferable points without a credit card, the award search tools worth using right now, a six-month check-in on Bilt, and what's coming next for premium cards. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/new-rules-points-miles-2026/⁠ Partner Deals DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web NetSuite: ⁠Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance Fora: Become a Fora Advisor today Trust & Will: ⁠Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans…

8. 

   E289 · 5 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 27 min

   How We Booked a $20,000 Vacation With Points

   #289: Chris and Amy booked a last-minute week in Bora Bora that would have cost over $20,000, almost entirely on points. They break down how it came together, why they chose Bora Bora over Fiji, the Marriott award search quirk that hid available rooms, flying business class in both directions by mixing two airlines, and using card travel credits on the inter-island flights. Then, three nights in, they decided to abandon the deal and pay more to switch resorts. They compare and rank the major Bora Bora resorts, weigh points versus cash, and explain what makes French Polynesia one of the…