Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna Brown
Hi Joanna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
A few years ago, I found myself completely burned out. I hadn’t traveled since before COVID, and it just wasn’t in the budget. My full-time job as a household manager left me exhausted, with little energy for my daughter and partner. My travel dreams seemed to slip away.
Then I discovered travel hacking—using credit card rewards to fund trips. I dove in headfirst, learning how to turn everyday expenses into nearly free travel for my family. Soon, friends started asking for tips, and I realized I could share this knowledge on a larger scale.
With my passion for communication, I decided to start a podcast. I didn’t want to go it alone, so I connected with my cohost, Mary Ellen, through a travel creators group. It turned out to be a perfect partnership, and together we launched the Wonderland on Points Podcast.
Some thought I was crazy to team up with a stranger, but it’s been the best decision. We’ve built a vibrant community where people learn that a tight budget doesn’t have to limit their travel aspirations. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our listeners share their travel stories in our Facebook group, inspired by what they’ve learned from us. Watching our podcast grow has been an amazing journey, and I’m excited for what’s next!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Learning all the technical aspects of podcasting was exhausting and often overwhelming. I was determined to make it work, but I couldn’t have done it alone. Thankfully, Mary Ellen stepped in and took charge of scheduling guests and brainstorming topics. Her support and expertise have been crucial to our success. It’s truly been our partnership that has propelled the podcast forward, allowing us to overcome challenges and continue growing.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
There are countless travel podcasts out there, but making the top 100 chart on Apple Podcasts multiple times has been a dream come true. With my background in theater, it’s incredibly rewarding to engage an audience that benefits from what I share.
What sets us apart in the points and miles space is our focus on relatable, practical tips, especially for families. We don’t prioritize luxury travel; instead, we aim to help moms and families achieve their travel goals within their budgets. We emphasize smart budgeting and financial health, bringing on guests who inspire this lifestyle. We feel honored that listeners choose our podcast as a resource, and we’re proud to create a community that values accessible travel for everyone
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I didn’t have a formal mentor when starting my podcast, but I dove deep into research and learned as much as I could online. I also actively connected with many individuals in the points and miles community through conferences and networking events. This has been invaluable in expanding my knowledge about travel and credit card rewards. By building these connections, I ensure that I bring the best guests onto our podcast. While we have a solid foundation of knowledge, we’re continually learning and growing thanks to the incredible insights our guests share.
Pricing:
- Our podcast and credit card consultations are completely free for our listeners.
- Occasionally, we offer paid courses or challenges at a nominal fee for those interested in deeper insights.
- We prioritize providing valuable free resources to our audience, funding our efforts primarily through advertisements and sponsorships
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wonderlandonpoints.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pointstowonderland/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/SBj1mdA6ZwtkQGny/?mibextid=K35XfP
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wonderlandonpointspodcast?si=DHnuZUpNCsFapaWq
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wonderland-on-points-credit-card-rewards-budget-travel/id1718475603
