If there was ever a podcast where you're better off seeing the video, this is it! It features lots of footage that I shot the first time I visited. In mid-November 2024, hear me speak at the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok, Thailand! Timeline 00:00 Intro 00:50 History 03:05 Temples 04:10 Islands 05:38 Snorkeling, SCUBA diving, & fish 07:15…

To celebrate my 300th WanderLearn podcast episode, I'm sharing my most popular episode. If you like the nuanced way I tackle the controversial subject of hunting, be sure to go to the bottom of this page and follow the links to hear the other episodes I've done related to hunting. In 2018, Brittany Hosmer Longoria was swept up in a social media fir…

I interviewed Michael Zervos in Cote d'Ivoire a few months ago. He was 10% done with his every-country-speed tour. I interviewed him today, June 27, when he's halfway done! Watch the Video In the second half of the show, Michael Zervos reflects on Africa. 00:00 Intro 03:30 Sudan 07:00 Africa More info To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could us…

Ever wonder what really happens when musicians click with the camera lens? Get ready for an emotional podcast about the art of concert photography. In this episode, the host of Concert Cast, Kyle Lamont, meets up with Scott Newton, Austin City Limits' resident photographer (with over 50 years of photo-making experience), to talk about the philosoph…

Here are two episodes featuring Margaret Bensfield Sullivan, author of Following the Sun: Tales (and Fails) From a Year Around the World With Our Kids. Margaret spent a year traveling to 29 countries on six continents with her husband and their two young kids. How did she do it? What did she learn? What advice does she have for traveling parents wi…

Here are two episodes featuring Margaret Bensfield Sullivan, author of Following the Sun: Tales (and Fails) From a Year Around the World With Our Kids. Margaret spent a year traveling to 29 countries on six continents with her husband and their two young kids. How did she do it? What did she learn? What advice does she have for traveling parents wi…

It's hard to describe Kommu in an elevator. It's a clever mix of Airbnb, TrustedHousesitters, and Couchsurfing. I spoke with Bo Abrams, the founder and CEO of Kommu. Why should you pay $300 annually to access this new, exciting app that helps you find lodging and accommodation in a new way? Timeline 00:00 Pain point 03:00 Kommu vs. Airbnb 06:30 Pra…

Wow. If you want the most comprehensive study of George Mallory's 3rd and final climb up Mt. Everest, read this book! The book Mallory, Irvine, and Everest: The Last Step But One by Dr. Robert Edwards examines the mystery surrounding George Mallory and Andrew Irvine's 1924 attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest. The book provides a fresh and …

Glen Van Peski sat in the co-pilot seat of a tiny plane that crashed, killing the pilot next to him. What happened? How did Glen and all the other passengers survive with minor or moderate injuries? We talk a lot about death in this episode, including how Glen's mom and son died. We end on a positive note! Watch the VideoAbout Glen Glen Van Peski i…

In the first 10 seconds of this episode, you'll hear Glen Van Peski's top five tips on lightening your backpacking load. He shares several other brilliant tips on improving your backpacking skills and gear in less than five minutes. Watch the Video Glen Van Peski is a civil engineer who used his skills to engineer the lightest backpacking gear in t…

In this episode, Glen Van Peski shares the story of an American worker who visited India to see where his outsourced job went. The lesson was surprising. Do you think you're not in the top 1%? Think again. Watch Video on YouTube Glen Van Peski is a civil engineer who used his skills to engineer the lightest backpacking gear in the Solar System. Gle…

Glen Van Peski reveals one of his favorite annual backpacking trips, how to stop a snorer, and lessons about generosity. Watch the video on YouTube 00:00 Arizona's Buckskin Gulch 03:33 How to stop someone snoring 4:30 Lessons from a disabled son 6:45 Chopsticks as tent stakes - Chopstakes 9:30 Accepting generosity 14:30 Subtract Toward Happiness 16…

I'm on location, finger up, hanging out with other miracle ticket seekers outside the venue. But the quest doesn't stop there. I take you all over Vegas to talk with dedicated fans (and haters too) at Phish webcast gatherings, after-parties, in nitrous alley, and during Uber rides. You'll hear real-time reviews and reactions from Phish fans moments…

It's April 19, 2024: Bitcoin's 4th Halving is happening today! The block reward, doled out every 10 minutes, will drop from 6.25 to 3.125 BTC. That translates into an inflation rate of only 0.85%, far less than gold or any other currency. From now until 2140, the inflation rate will slowly decrease to zero. This explains why Bitcoin has appreciated…

Glen Van Peski is a civil engineer who used his skills to engineer the lightest backpacking gear in the Solar System. Glen is the founder of Gossamer Gear. Today, Glen releases his new book, Take Less, Do More: Surprising Life Lessons in Generosity, Gratitude, and Curiosity from an Ultralight Backpacker. Sign up for his Virtual Launch Party on Apri…

Michael Zervos shares the countries he worries he may be unable to visit. He also says what he will do if he runs out of time. As of April 12, he's 20% done with his quest. He wrote to me, "I am going to be in Zambia the next two nights and then in Malawi with the night bus the next day after from Harare (in theory)." You can watch this 3-min inter…

Michael Zervos's attempt to set a speed record to travel to every country began with a stumble in Russia. Watch the interview on YouTube! Check out all my interviews with Michael. On 4/4/24, he wrote to me: "Maputo has a lot of bribing but I never felt in danger. It was just pathetic at a point. The cops not even bothering to make infractions up so…

Michael Zervos is trying to visit every country faster than anyone else while recounting the happiest moments in people's lives. In this interview series, we talk about his Project Kosmos. Periodically throughout 2024 and 2025, I will interview Michael Zervos about his 1.5-year quest to travel to all the nations in the world faster than anyone else…

Xavier Garneau shares why he walked 10% of the journey. He also explains why he drank the local water and didn't take malaria pills. He also has advice for those who want to follow in his footsteps. Watch the 4th and final episode on YouTube! More info To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You c…

Garneau tells us that when he lost his temper, a DRC immigration official was put in a headlock! Watch the video of this episode! This is part 3 of a 4-part series. See photos and read his epic report on this insane trip. More info To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask…

Garneau explains the most innovative thing he did, which got him through countless hassles in the DRC. This is part 2 of a 4-part series. Watch this episode on YouTube! In this episode, learn why Garneau did his trek and how he accidentally traversed through an area while a genocide was in progress. Read his epic report on this insane trip. More in…

Many travelers brag that they are "adventurous" because they bag a famous peak, visit Vietnam, or eat escargot. Although I celebrate anyone who pushes their travel limits, let's calibrate our definition of adventurous. My definition of an adventurous traveler is Francois Xavier Paradis-Garneau. He's a 23-year-old intrepid Canadian who got the BBC's…

Brad Graff & Sam Sliman share advice on the Drakensberg Traverse in South Africa. We discuss some worthy backpacking trips for 2024 and beyond. 00:00 Drakensberg Traverse Advice 06:40 Candidates for the next trek The Most Extreme Backpacking, the Julian Alps in Slovenia More info To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go t…

Brad Graff & Sam Sliman return to the WanderLearn Show to report how their 5-day adventure on South Africa's Drakensberg Traverse went. The short answer: it was a wet, sloppy, cold mess! Watch the Video to get the long answer! More info To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments…

Haley and Spencer (76th Street) aren’t just an anthemic pop band with millions of TikTok followers - their music is rooted in a friendship as tight as their harmonies and in our new rockumentary podcast, we take a prismatic look at the power of friendship. This episode is about empowerment. It's about being there for each other. It’s about love, he…

Join me as I shadow Haley and Spencer around Nashville's songwriting circuit and capture their conversations about love, sexuality, friendship and stories behind their memorable lyrics. Trust me, what happens off-stage is just as electrifying as what happens on it. This isn't just a rockumentary podcast—it's a heartfelt anthem for every dreamer in …

Gary Arndt explains why the Lightning Network may not be the panacea to Bitcoin's throughput issue. Watch this interview on YouTube! Gary Arndt is the host of the fabulous Everything Everywhere Daily Podcast. Listen to my previous episodes with Gary Arndt: How to Become an A-List Travel Blogger Living Among the Riots in Minneapolis Random Facts Abo…

Gary Arndt predicts that we'll get two candidates that nobody wants. Watch it on YouTube! Gary Arndt is the host of the fabulous Everything Everywhere Daily Podcast. Listen to my previous episodes with Gary Arndt: How to Become an A-List Travel Blogger Living Among the Riots in Minneapolis Random Facts About Everything That Take You Everywhere Riot…

Gary Arndt reflects on how to solve the world's most challenging wars. Watch the interview on YouTube! Gary Arndt is the host of the fabulous Everything Everywhere Daily Podcast. Listen to my previous episodes with Gary Arndt: How to Become an A-List Travel Blogger Living Among the Riots in Minneapolis Random Facts About Everything That Take You Ev…

Through lively conversations laced with energetic music, accentuated by vivid sound design, the concert setting becomes a world in itself, allowing us to explore deeper musical motifs that are relevant to us all. Created & Hosted by Kyle Lamont. For more rockumentary podcasts exploring concert culture, go to https://concertcast.live/ Follow Kyle on…

Gary Arndt explains why it's unlikely that China will invade Taiwan. Watch this on YouTube! Gary Arndt is the host of the fabulous Everything Everywhere Daily Podcast. Listen to my previous episodes with Gary Arndt: How to Become an A-List Travel Blogger Living Among the Riots in Minneapolis Random Facts About Everything That Take You Everywhere Ri…

Gary Arndt reflects on the Russo-Ukrainian War so far. Watch the interview on YouTube! Gary Arndt is the host of the fabulous Everything Everywhere Daily Podcast. Listen to my previous episodes with Gary Arndt: How to Become an A-List Travel Blogger Living Among the Riots in Minneapolis Random Facts About Everything That Take You Everywhere Riots i…

Gary Arndt shares his insights and dirty details about why he left travel blogging and how podcasting is different. Watch it on YouTube! Gary Arndt is the host of the fabulous Everything Everywhere Daily Podcast. Listen to my previous episodes with Gary Arndt: How to Become an A-List Travel Blogger Living Among the Riots in Minneapolis Random Facts…

In my Annual Prediction Show, I review last year's predictions before making my new predictions. Watch my 2024 Predictions on YouTube Let's go: 1. Trump loses the nomination Yes, this prediction is almost as crazy as saying in 2015 that Donald Trump would be the next US President. Few believed that back then, and everyone assumes he will be the nom…

Surprisingly, I rarely fly. I prefer overland travel, which contributes fewer greenhouse gases than planes. I've never sat next to a baby, but I pity those who have, including the parents. Send this Public Service Announcement (PSA) for the travel holidays to anyone who plans to fly with a baby. Flying with a Tiny Tornado: A Survival Guide for Pare…

Many believe Africa is teeming with wildlife. Others believe seeing gorillas and other wildlife must be cheap because Africans have a low income. Both of these ideas are myths. In eight minutes, I answer a Patron's question about seeing mountain gorillas in Rwanda. I mention Uganda. Watch the Video on YouTube The cost estimates mentioned in the vid…

Travel Tribe X Podcast Host Jordan Chmiel has tried hammocks & tents. He explains why he loves hammocks! We also dive into the SCUBA world. We end with current world hot spots. 00:00 Hammocks vs. Tents 05:15 Next Adventure 07:45 SCUBA Diving 14:30 Ukraine & North Korea More info To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to…

Travel Tribe X Podcast Host Jordan Chmiel shares a hilarious true story when he acted like the two idiots in the final scene of the "Dumb and Dumber" comedy. Watch that scene & the whole episode on YouTube! Subscribe to the Travel Tribe X Podcast on any podcast app, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify #southkorea #travel #livingabroad More info To…

Travel Tribe X Podcast Host Jordan Chmiel exposes his secrets on finding the courage to live in South Korea when he hardly knew where it was. Watch it on YouTube! 00:00 Intro 01:00 1st lesson 08:00 2nd lesson 09:00 South Korea Subscribe to the Travel Tribe X Podcast on any podcast app, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify #southkorea #travel #livin…

Salt Lake City has a strange reputation. When Kyle Lamont peels back the stereotypes however, she finds that the city’s concert culture is creative, edgy and kind. We will go from salt flats to velvet curtains, passing through local nerd caves. We will hang out with Travis Bone, a world renowned illustrator, and hear his surprising process when des…

Nejc Trušnovec is a War Analyst who is closely following the Ukraine War. I've interviewed him three times on the WanderLearn Show. Watch it on YouTube! November 2023 Interview Nejc reflects on how his 7/7/2022 Ukraine War predictions fared. He also shares his 2024 predictions for the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. Lastly, we end by talking about how th…

Podcast Swap! Francis Tapon appeared on the Travel Tribe X Podcast and we're re-airing the episode on the WanderLearn Podcast feed! Enjoy this one-hour interview, where Jordan Chmiel Twardowski interviews Francis Tapon. Subscribe to the Travel Tribe X Podcast on any podcast app, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Or search for Travel Tribe X on …

You debate someone daily. It could be your partner, friend, co-worker, boss, or an anonymous asshole on social media. Debates can be exhausting and unproductive, especially if you're debating someone close-minded and inflexible. I've made controversial points about: Abortion What's a reasonable number of unarmed police shootings? Leopard hunting Th…

A subscriber wants to know: what is the ideal writing space? It takes me 5-10 years to pump out a book, so I'm a lousy author to answer this question, but I'll try. I answer the question in a three-minute video. This house in California's Trinity Alps was nearly perfect because it lacked mobile phone coverage. However, it had Internet. More info To…

Avalanche expert Robert Hahn appeared on an earlier WanderLearn episode. In last week's show, he and his Malagasy wife discussed the difference between Malagasy and American culture. This week, we talk about: Pakistan Culture 00:00 Why Pakistan? 01:30 Where Robert went 04:30 Safety 07:00 India relations 12:12 Surprises Watch Video on YouTube! More …

Avalanche expert Robert Hahn appeared on an earlier WanderLearn episode. Back then, he was single. Now, he's brought this Malagasy wife to join him in one of the two episodes below. After we recorded, she preferred that I not share her name. Madagascar vs. USA Culture 00:00 How they met 00:30 What shocked her 02:15 What shocked Robert 05:45 Couples…

A WanderLearn listener asked me: "Why do people come to the United States to escape racism if there is systemic racism in the USA?" In this show, I answer that question in 6 minutes. Watch the Video on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKc2nQ4HXmg Podcast For more on racism in the USA, hear what Rejoice Tapon says. More info To leave an anony…

NJ Ayuk has written a provocative book called A Just Transition: Making Energy Poverty History with an Energy Mix. Akuk sums up his book in 6 words: "Gas First. Solar and Wind Later." Here are some memorable parts of the book: 16% of the world is African, but they produce 3% of emissions. "Africa has supplied oil and gas to the world--while neglect…

Sym Blanchard & I look into our crystal balls to assess global politics. Sym listens to countless political podcasts during his long hikes. I love to debate his reflections. 00:00 Presidential Election 2024 02:40 Ukraine War 04:00 Israel & Palestine 09:50 Taiwan Watch the VideoPrevious episodes featuring Sym Listen to my first interview with Sym. C…

Sym Blanchard is a 70-year-old thru-hiker who completed America's Triple Crown hike in 2023! He's section-hiked all the sections of the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail! Sym Blanchard has been a vegan for the last 10 years. He just got diagnosed with osteoporosis. Although I still encourage veganism and v…