Best BCD Podcasts (2024)

1
The lies we believe in spend management 21:59

2d ago21:59

21:59

Alissa Merlino, Sr. Director, Global Solutions Engineering, joins Miriam and Chad on this episode for a conversation around spend management - from a slightly different angle. Alissa constantly has conversations with travel managers, travel buyers, and spend management vendors and sometimes those conversations lead to debunking misconceptions. On t…

1
[Rebroadcast] Blackjack Players, Bootcamp Grads, and Barbers “BCD” and “SmurfAP” | BJA052 36:54

21d ago36:54

36:54

Today we revisit an interview with BJA Bootcamp Grads "BCD" and "SmurfAP" that many of you may have missed the first time around in 2019. In this podcast we discuss: - How to handle winning and losing as team members - Playing Blackjack after taking a break - Bankroll Goals - Business and PassionBy Blackjack Apprenticeship

1
Success story: Optimization equals savings 4:51

21d ago4:51

4:51

Connections Success Stories showcase how our clients use BCD technology to optimize their travel programs. These quick stories highlight what BCD has done for clients, and what we could potentially do for yours. On this episode, Chad connects with Tara Volpintesta, global program manager who works closely with this success story’s account. Tara sha…

1
NDC: Why are we still talking about it? 23:17

1M ago23:17

23:17

It seems like you can’t go a day in business travel without hearing the term NDC - why are we still talking about it? On this episode, Chad and Miriam connect with Thane Jackson, SVP, global distribution strategy. Thane shares his perspective on why the NDC conversation should have just stayed in the background, how NDC is shaping business travel, …

1
From Novice to Pro w/ GoFlamesGo | BJA133 59:52

13d ago59:52

59:52

In today's episode, Joe748 and SD1 interview GoFlamesGo, a BJA member who joined in 2020 and quickly transitioned to full-time card counting. GoFlamesGo shares his journey from discovering blackjack during the COVID-19 lockdown to attending a bootcamp and quitting his job to pursue card counting full-time. He recounts his early experiences in casin…

1
Outside Investors and Forming Teams w/ LightningMcAces and SolidestDawg | BJA132 53:30

20d ago53:30

53:30

Today Joe748 and SD1 are joined by LightningMcAces and SolidestDawg to discuss their transition from solo card counting to forming a team with an outside investor. LightningMcAces shares his journey from discovering card counting during quarantine to perfecting his skills in 2023. SolidestDawg recounts how the movie "21" inspired him to start card …

1
Air leakage: A thing of the past or back with a vengeance? 15:15

2M ago15:15

15:15

Most of us assume that air leakage (or off-program/ off-channel bookings) are a thing of the past, right? We have new technologies and innovations that have solved the issue. Well, in this episode, Chad and Miriam connect with Olivier Benoit, Senior VP with BCD's consulting arm Advito and what Olivier shares might surprise you. Listen in as the tri…

1
Beating the House: Don Johnson's $15 Million Blackjack Story | BJA131 45:25

1M ago45:25

45:25

In today's podcast, Colin interviews Don Johnson, a former horse jockey, racetrack CEO, and Blackjack Hall of Famer known for winning $15 million in Atlantic City by negotiating favorable lost rebates. Don shares his journey from horse racing to professional blackjack, detailing how he identified and capitalized on advantageous betting conditions. …

1
The state of the industry with Rossana Martin: H1 24:09

2M ago24:09

24:09

Rossana Martin is back to connect with Chad and Miriam about the state of our industry and this is one episode you don't want to miss! Rossana takes us "around the world" to discuss industry insights, giving special attention to air and hotel rates in each global region, as well as what she's hearing about A.I. and advice for travelers. If you have…

1
[Rebroadcast] "The Phoenix" and the $300,000 Side Bet | BJA036 1:05:29

2M ago1:05:29

1:05:29

We're revisiting a classic episode where BJA Pro "The Phoenix" shares his incredible journey, revealing the side bet that earned him $300,000 in 10 months. He discusses what he's been up to since achieving his financial goals, the events leading to his discovery of the lucrative side bet, and how he almost quit the game altogether. "The Phoenix" al…

1
Mailbag Q&A W/ SD1: Investing Outside AP, Wonging Out, and Table Abuse | BJA130 1:08:27

2M ago1:08:27

1:08:27

In this mailbag episode, Colin and Joe748 sit down with SD1 and address questions about advanced play strategies, including the importance of “wonging out” during negative counts, and the impact of technology on card counting. They also discuss handling verbal abuse at the tables and secure cash management practices. As a bonus, the guys dive into …

1
Five Years Later with SD1: The Revenge Tour | BJA129 45:07

2M ago45:07

45:07

In this episode, Colin and Joe748 are joined by SD1. The conversation delves into SD1's transition from part-time to full-time Advantage Player (AP), the pros and cons of this lifestyle change, and his strategies for balancing work and AP play. SD1 shares insights on sales tactics applied to card counting, the value of diversifying AP skills, and t…

1
RickFromCanada's Million Dollar Card Counting Team | BJA128 55:01

2M ago55:01

55:01

RickFromCanada returns with team members Goodyear, Andrea, and Kev to join Colin and Joe748. The group dives into their card counting experiences, discussing the formation of their blackjack team and the professional challenges they’ve faced. Rick details his journey from a novice to a mentor and now a team leader, while the team members share thei…

1
Protecting LGBTQIA+ business travelers on the road 26:00

3M ago26:00

26:00

Happy Pride month! On this episode, Chad and Miriam connect with Patrick Pickens, V.P. of global sales and Christine Connolley, Sr. Manager, global crisis management, and the quad discuss the realities of being part of the LGBTQIA+ community in business travel. Christine details her views from a risk management perspective, and Patrick discusses hi…

1
Counting Cards Across America: Highl0w20's Discusses the RV AP Life | BJA127 35:45

3M ago35:45

35:45

Today Colin and Joe748 interview Highl0w20, a BJA member who decided to pursue a nomadic lifestyle with his family. Highl0w20 shares his journey of transitioning from a regular job to becoming a blackjack AP, facing setbacks such as backoffs and losing streaks, and eventually achieving financial stability that allowed him to work less and spend mor…

1
[Rebroadcast] Mixing a High Profile Corporate Life and a Successful AP Career with BJA Member “Peacock” | BJA040 48:51

3M ago48:51

48:51

Colin sits down with Peacock, who has been a BJA Member for several years now, is a multiple time Bootcamp attendee, and ran a two man team with another Member. One thing that makes Peacock’s story unique is that he fits in being a card counter around being President of a fairly large-sized company. But he enjoys the hustle of beating the casinos j…

1
Anthony Curtis on Tournament Strategy and the Infamous MGM Hack | BJA126 43:24

4M ago43:24

43:24

Colin talks with Anthony Curtis, a former professional card counter and Blackjack tournament expert who founded the Las Vegas Advisor and Huntington Press. Anthony discusses his gambling success and his inclusion in the Blackjack Hall of Fame. We also discuss the MGM hack, where Anthony was interviewed by "60 Minutes". The discussion delves into wh…

1
Earth Day 2024: Sustainable business travel solutions 13:20

5M ago13:20

13:20

On this episode, we’re celebrating Earth Day as Chad and Miriam connect with Jerome Cochet, Co-founder and CEO at our BCD marketplace partner goodcarbon. Jerome explains how we can’t solve the climate crisis until we address the nature crisis, why travel programs should focus on high-quality, nature-based projects to help meet their sustainability …

1
From Competitive Chess to Blackjack Pro w/ Deepgritz | BJA125 1:01:11

5M ago1:01:11

1:01:11

In today's episode, Joe748 goes solo with Deepgritz, a Blackjack Apprenticeship member who began playing blackjack full-time after attending a bootcamp in April '21. They discuss transitioning into the blackjack world post-retirement, exploring Deepgritz's journey from his first casino visit to becoming a professional blackjack player. They highlig…

1
Data in an instant: We're changing the game (again) 18:45

5M ago18:45

18:45

Travel managers are busy. They need answers to questions and data insights when they want them, and those answers need to be custom built and flexible. But travel data is not known for being fast, or flexible. In fact, digesting travel data often results in lengthy wait periods and hours of sorting and pivot tables. Sound familiar? On this episode,…

1
[Reboradcast] Author of “The Blackjack Insiders” Andy Uyal | BJA055 53:37

4M ago53:37

53:37

We revisit the vault from July 2019 with Andy Uyal, author of ‘The Blackjack Insiders: How Two Pit Bosses Beat the Casinos at Their Own Game.’ In this interview, we'll delve into the dynamics of having a partner for navigating the highs of big wins and the lows of harsh losing streaks, examine the mutual superstitions held by casinos and gamblers a…

1
Burning Questions: Bonus Q&A With ByrnenDownTheHouse | BJA122 33:04

5M ago33:04

33:04

Bonus Episode! Joe748 chats with ByrnenDownTheHouse, who just passed the million dollar mark from full time card counting. They discuss strategies for avoiding detection, the emotional rollercoaster of gambling, and the significance of reaching financial milestones. Byrnen offers insights into the life of a card counter, touching on the balance bet…

1
Celebrating Neurodiversity Week 22:19

6M ago22:19

22:19

What's the difference in neurodiversity and a neurodivergent person? On this episode, Chad and Miriam explore that topic and what programs need to know about their neurodivergent traveler population. Joining the conversation are Yvette Bryant, SVP of DE&I at BCD Travel as well as Robert Shen and Sandra Kaspar from United Airlines. Both Robert and S…

1
Hitting the Million Dollar Mark with ByrnenDownTheHouse | BJA121 48:04

5M ago48:04

48:04

Today Colin and Joe748 chat with newly minted 7-figure card counter ByrnenDownTheHouse, who shares his journey to hitting the million dollar mark from full time card counting. The conversation delves into the highs and lows of their gambling careers, the psychological resilience required, and the strategies that helped them succeed. They discuss ho…

1
Beating Casinos: Inside the World of Advantage Gamblers | BJA120 37:46

5M ago37:46

37:46

Colin sits down with Jack Andrews & Gina Fiore to discuss what it takes to make it in the world of professional gambling. Both starting their careers as Card Counters, they've mastered a wide range of advantage play techniques, outsmarting the house time and time again for over 20+ years.By Blackjack Apprenticeship

1
Women in business travel: What you need to think about 19:46

6M ago19:46

19:46

International Women's Day is March 8, 2024, and to celebrate, we're connecting with two female-focused leaders about what travel managers, travel programs, and allies should think about when it comes to women in business travel. Our regular host, Miriam Moscovici, is joined by Simone Gray, and the two connect with Carolyn Peterson, CEO of BCD marke…

1
Success Story: Optimizing group travel 4:25

6M ago4:25

4:25

Connections Success Stories showcase how our clients use BCD technology to optimize their travel programs. These quick stories highlight what BCD has done for clients, and what we could potentially do for yours. On this episode, Chad connects with Tim Colby, who oversees this success story’s global group air program about how they recently optimize…

1
Travel data: Gaining insight into the total trip 13:43

6M ago13:43

13:43

Data - and especially travel data - is everywhere. But how can travel managers take control of multiple data streams and gain valuable insights to make strategic decisions? Well, that's exactly what Chad and Miriam explore on this episode. Shelley Fletcher-Bryant, Vice President, Advito, connects with the hosting duo to talk all things travel data …

1
[Rebroadcast] Author, AP, and Vegas Floor Supervisor Andy Uyal | BJA064 49:23

6M ago49:23

49:23

The author of "The Blackjack Insiders" Andrew Uyal is back on the BJA podcast to talk about: What opening casinos back up could look like. Some advantages card counters have over casinos. How casinos view card counters. What he would do different if he went back to card counting. And whether card counters are good for casinos.…

1
Valentine's Day match making with the BCD Marketplace 14:35

7M ago14:35

14:35

Love is in the air! Since this episode is published on Valentine's Day, Chad and Miriam are trading in their podcast duties to play gameshow hosts. They connect with Simone Gray from the BCD Marketplace team. As Chad and Miriam describe several types of travel programs, Simone plays matchmaker and suggests the right BCD Marketplace partner for a ma…

1
Virtual payment: Do you know what you're (really) missing? 18:07

7M ago18:07

18:07

What happens when companies miss out on a smart solution? They get left behind. On this episode, Chad and Miriam reconnect with Alissa Merlino, Sr. Director, Global Solutions Engineering, about spend management strategies. Alissa is passionate about payment solutions and, as a traveler who experienced much anxiety when it came to payments and reimb…

1
Leveling up traveler experience with TripSource 14:21

7M ago14:21

14:21

Traveler experience is top of mind for most all travel programs, but what is BCD doing to enhance your traveler's journey? On this episode, Chad and Miriam reconnect with Hannah Kahn, Sr. Director, Product Planning, and the trio discuss what travelers want these days, who the modern business traveler is, and Hannah leaks an exciting announcement ab…

1
Season 2 kick off 16:59

7M ago16:59

16:59

We're back, baby! Season 2 of Connections with BCD Travel finds hosts Chad Lemon and Miriam Mosovici reconnecting after a few months off. The two introduce a new segment to the podcast, give a sneak peak into some topics that will be covered this season, and bring on some colleagues to talk about investments, strength and industry events. Connectio…

1
Strategies and Sacrifices: Fez’s Life as a Blackjack Pro | BJA119 55:58

7M ago55:58

55:58

Today, Colin and Joe748 interview Fez, a BJA member who discusses transitioning from casual to full-time advantage blackjack. He shares his experiences with casino countermeasures and the significance of rounds per hour for effective strategy. Fez also talks about the personal sacrifices involved in professional play and looks forward to diversifyi…

1
In Memory of SassyRed: A Tribute from the BJA Community 12:54

7M ago12:54

12:54

Join us in a heartfelt tribute to SassyRed, a remarkable member of the Blackjack Apprenticeship community. This episode features personal stories and memories shared by Colin, ScottCao, Paradigm, Levimich, Joe748, Nickels, Loudon Ofton, silentassassin, and Spartan. Each speaker brings their unique perspective and experiences with SassyRed, painting…

1
From Bet Spreads to Travel Hacks: A Blackjack Conversation with Spartan | BJA117 36:27

8M ago36:27

36:27

In this insightful episode, we revisit the world of blackjack with Spartan, alongside the experienced voices of SD1, Colin, and Joe748. Reflecting on the past five years, Spartan shares the evolution of his strategies and insights into card counting, bet spreading, and adapting to different game settings. Alongside SD1's sharp analysis, Colin's sea…

1
Gina Fiore: From Blackjack Dealer to Legendary Pro Gambler | BJA115 49:49

8M ago49:49

49:49

Colin interviews elite professional gambler Gina Fiore. Fiore shares her insights into Card Counting & many other forms of advantage that she has implemented in her 20 years of beating casinos. Her tenacity & strategic intricacies have made her a legend in the gambling world. Gina Fiore Film/TV Gambling & Casino Consultant http://rxgamble.com https…

1
Stephan & Mike: Connecting with BCD's leaders 31:02

9M ago31:02

31:02

As we close out 2023, our final season 1 episode has Chad and Miriam connecting with Stephan Baars, President & CEO, and Mike Janssen, COO and CCO. The group discusses everything from Stephan and Mike's BCD origin stories to what they've heard in 2023 to what excites them about 2024. The episode includes their personal messages to both travel progr…

1
The state of the industry with Jorge Cruz: Q4 25:31

9M ago25:31

25:31

Each quarter, we talk to a BCD senior leader about the state of the travel industry, discuss what they're hearing and illustrate how BCD is meeting client needs. This quarter, we welcome Jorge Cruz, Executive Vice President. Jorge discusses everything from what his team is hearing from travel managers, BCD's global footprint and investments, curren…

1
BONUS MATERIAL: Program housekeeping with Amy Dalton 15:05

10M ago15:05

15:05

Join Chad as he speaks with Amy Dalton, Senior Vice President at BCD Travel, for program housekeeping tips. In this quick episode, Amy reminds travel managers what they should be thinking about this quarter to keep their program optimized. Learn more by visiting https://www.bcdtravel.com or https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcd-travel/…

1
Lessons we can all learn from the media & entertainment industry 15:36

10M ago15:36

15:36

You might not have A-list celebrities and journalists heading to war-torn areas in your travel program, but we can all learn from the unique needs of this vertical. On this episode, Chad and Miriam connect with Carolyn Roome, Vice President, BCD Media & Entertainment. The trio discuss everything from traveling with support animals, quickly altering…

1
From Solo to Team Play: RickFromCanada’s Blackjack Evolution | BJA114 57:14

10M ago57:14

57:14

In episode 114, Colin and Joe748 are joined by RickFromCanada, delving into the dynamics of transitioning from a solo card counting enthusiast to a team bankroller. They explore the hurdles and strategies of forming a team, managing finances, and navigating the casino scene both in Canada and across the border. Rick shares his experiences on tackli…

1
Digital accessibility: Weaving DE&I into travel technology 25:51

10M ago25:51

25:51

"Experience shows that our differences fuel innovation for our company, clients and communities." That's a quote straight out of BCD's diversity, equity and inclusion playbook. But how does DE&I influence travel technology? Digital accessibility is vital in business travel and on this episode, Chad and Miriam connect with Yvette Bryant, SVP DE&I, H…

1
From Card Counter to High Stakes Pro Sports Bettor | BJA113 47:50

10M ago47:50

47:50

Venture beyond the familiar felt of the blackjack table. In this episode of the BJA Podcast, Colin engages with Captain Jack on the nuanced transition from card counting to sports betting. Discover a different arena of advantage play as they explore effective strategies, the dynamics of sharp and square books, and the understated art of blending in…

1
Lessons we can all learn from the life sciences industry 26:56

11M ago26:56

26:56

It’s no secret that BCD leads in life sciences travel programs, but there are lessons to be learned from this unique vertical that apply to all travel programs. On this episode, Chad and Miriam connect with Teri Miller, Executive Vice President, and Ashley Williams, Global Vice Present, and they illustrate how listening is vital and working togethe…

1
How This Card Counter Made 6 Figures Part Time w/ DoubleTime | BJA112 31:07

11M ago31:07

31:07

Journey with DoubleTime as he transitions from movie-inspired curiosity to a card counting maestro. Dive into his early struggles, the impact of the 2020 lockdown, and how he mastered the game to claim a 6-figure income on the side. Discover how dedication, finding the right casino conditions, and smart gameplay can transform the odds. It's not jus…

1
AI: The future of travel? 25:51

12M ago25:51

25:51

Everyone is talking about artificial intelligence (AI) these days, but what does it mean to the world of business travel? In this episode, Chad and Miriam connect with Yannis Karmis, Sr. Vice President, Product Planning & Development, to talk all things AI. Yannis illustrates how using AI is nothing new in business travel, how we're using AI on bot…

1
[Rebroadcast] Member of the MIT Blackjack Team, and World Series of Poker Champ Andy Bloch | BJA051 59:53

11M ago59:53

59:53

Our latest podcast interview is a former member of the notorious MIT blackjack team and prolific poker player Andy Bloch. In this interview we discuss: - The Mental difference between Blackjack and Poker - Training with the MIT team - Attending Harvard - Being an AP with a familyBy Blackjack Apprenticeship

1
The state of the industry with Rossana Martin: Q3 21:57

12M ago21:57

21:57

Each quarter, we talk to a BCD senior leader about the state of the travel industry, discuss what they're hearing and illustrate how BCD is meeting client needs. This quarter, we welcome back Rossana Martin, Senior Vice President of Global Sales, as she discusses everything from regional recovery, BCD's global footprint and investments, current cli…

1
PRO Q&A: Navigating Local Casinos, Sleep, and Game Scouting | BJA111 37:51

12M ago37:51

37:51

In episode 111, Colin invites Advantage Players Joe748 and Nickels back to the mic to dive deeper into the nitty-gritty of professional card counting. This time, they cover topics our community has been buzzing about: from tips on making a casino your local go-to spot, to understanding the nuances of tribal casinos. They also discuss how to manage …

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