A Note from That KEVIN - 01/23/26

Audio By Carbonatix

Winter has a way of pressing in on us. The light fades earlier. The cold lingers longer. And if we’re not careful, the calendar can start to feel like something we’re merely enduring instead of enjoying.

That’s why this week feels like such a gift.

We’re launching a brand-new travel series that’s been living in my head—and heart—for a while now: Where the Games Meet the Journey. It’s our way of letting the upcoming Olympic Games serve as an invitation, not a destination checklist. The Games are the spark—but the places are the story.

We begin where the world will soon be watching: Milan, the host city of record for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Milan is not the Italy of postcards and clichés. It’s disciplined, driven, and breathtaking in a quieter way. A city of design, ambition, and elegance that rewards those who slow down just enough to notice its details. This first installment sets the tone for the entire series—and I think you’ll feel that immediately. You can read it here. And if you’d like to take an Italy 2026 trip of your own, but later in the year when the warm weather and the crystal blue waters of Capri come calling, get over to Italy Unfiltered – An Exclusive Dream Vacation and hold your seat before they are all gone!

If you’re feeling the winter doldrums, you’re not alone—and that’s where this week’s podcasts come in. Linda Perillo, Cristyne Nicholas, and I had a blast breaking down creative, realistic, and genuinely fun ways to escape the seasonal slump without blowing up your calendar or your budget. From winter travel inspiration to smarter ways of using PTO, there’s something energizing about simply remembering that the next adventure is closer than it feels. Catch the conversations here: 

Travel Tuesday: Winter Olympics, AI, River Cruises, and PTO

Fun Friday: Cakes, Courts, and City Chaos

And if staying in feels like the right call this weekend—especially with the deep freeze settling in—my better half over at CestSiBon.org has you covered. Comfort food isn’t just about calories; it’s about care. There’s something deeply grounding about a meal that warms the house and slows the evening. Her latest offering is exactly that kind of dish: rich, classic, and perfect for a cold winter night. You’ll want this on your table!

On the music front, I can’t thank you enough for the love you’ve shown The TEA Collective. The newest single “All Things New” has landed in the top 8% of songs on Spotify for the entire month of January, which is both humbling and wildly encouraging. If you haven’t joined the fun yet, now’s a great time—especially with a brand-new chapter of The Drawing Board set to release on February 1st. This project keeps evolving, and I’m grateful you’re along for the ride. You can explore it all here: http://teacollective.us

And finally, a look at what’s coming up on television this week. We’ve got a packed lineup—starting with Mike Lindell, who joins us to talk about his run for Governor of Minnesota. We’ll dig into how common sense is starting to make its way back into corporate boardrooms, what’s next in Iran, and why those developments matter more than the headlines might suggest. Add in plenty of sketch comedy and cap it all off with America’s bona fide sweetheart, Dolly Parton, lighting up the #NewMusicSpotlight, and you’ve got a weekend lineup designed to inform, entertain, and maybe even lift your spirits a bit.

You can catch it all Saturday at 8am EST on Salem News Channel and 9pm EST on BizTV.

As always, I’m grateful you’re here—reading, listening, watching, traveling (even if only in your imagination for now). My hope this week is simple: that something you find in these pages helps you feel a little warmer, a little lighter, and a little more excited about what’s ahead.

Until next time,

—Kevin