Shows
Zero To Travel PodcastDiscovering The Hidden Europe with Francis TaponWhy should you explore Eastern Europe?Francis Tapon is a global nomad and author of Hike Your Own Hike and The Hidden Europe. With an inspiring travel resume, he has traveled to 125 countries, has walked across America four times, Spain twice, and Madagascar once (at the time of this recording). From 2013 to 2018, he even traveled nonstop overland to all 54 African countries.Francis shares his journey traveling through Eastern Europe, discussing what he learned about the region, the people, and the misconceptions many have about this part of the world. He shares his philosophy of “wander lea...2025-03-061h 31
The Radio Vagabond340 INTERVIEW: Travel Talk With Francis Tapon In this episode of The Radio Vagabond, I catch up with my good friend, Francis Tapon, in Toronto. Francis is an American author, world traveler, and podcaster known for his work with Wanderlearn. We dive into his incredible journeys, including visiting all 54 African countries without leaving the continent, climbing the highest peaks, and picking up 3000 hitchhikers. Francis has also completed the Triple Crown of Hiking and written a book, "The Hidden Europe." Tune in for an inspiring conversation about travel, culture, and the world around us. 2024-08-0637 min
Radiovagabond389 INTERVIEW: Rejsesnak med Francis Tapon I denne episode af The Radio Vagabond møder jeg min gode ven, Francis Tapon, i Toronto. Francis er en amerikansk forfatter, verdensrejsende og podcaster, kendt for sit arbejde med Wanderlearn. Vi dykker ned i hans utrolige rejser, inklusive besøget i alle 54 afrikanske lande uden at forlade kontinentet, bestigning af de højeste tinder og at samle 3000 blaffere op. Francis har også fuldført 2024-08-0637 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeSurviving a Plane Crash That Killed the PilotGlen 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 Video
About Glen
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.2024-05-2422 minWanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & Life5 Best Backpacking Gear Tips from Gossamer Gear's FounderIn 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 the Solar System. Glen is the founder of Gossamer Gear.
In 2024, he released Take Less, Do More: Surprising Life Lessons in Generosity, Gratitude, and Curiosity from an Ultralight Backpacker.
In this interview series, Glen...2024-05-1706 minWanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeHow To Frame Our Life Story with Glen Van Peski author of Take Less, Do MoreGlen 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 April 16, 2024.
In this interview series, Glen shares snippets of his book. The final episode is a flashback episode of Glen and Francis recording themselves chatting while hiking up San Francisco's historic Sweeney Ridge.
...2024-04-1615 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeTravel Tribe X Podcast Host Jordan Chmiel TwardowskiPodcast 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 whatever app you're using to read this!
More info
To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon
You can post comments, ask questions, and sign u...2023-11-101h 07
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeIf the USA is Racist, Why Do Dark-Skinned Immigrants Come?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 anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon
You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for m...2023-10-0607 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeWill Africa Match Europe’s Living Standard?Johnny Ward and Francis Tapon have traveled to every African country.
Francis asks Johnny if he thinks an African region can catch up to Europe's standard of living.
Watch his answer on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsAezi23EJg
I also give an update on his Everest climb. He's on his way up now (May 12, 2023)!
More info
You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.
If you like this podcast, subscribe and share!
On social med...2023-05-1304 minThe Radio Vagabond265 PODCAST TAKE-OVER: Wanderlearn with Francis TaponThis is The Radio Vagabond, and then today, it’s not really. Because I have something special for you in this one. There’s another podcast that I listen to, and I would like to introduce for you. It’s hosted and produced by a good friend of mine, Francis Tapon, and his podcast is called “Wanderlearn”. It’s a travel podcast, but so much more. Francis is an extreme traveller and I’m almost out of breath when I hear about all the crazy stuff he’s done – like extreme hikes and travelling to every country in A...2023-04-0517 minZero To Travel PodcastDiscovering The Hidden Europe with Francis TaponAre you considering a trip to Eastern Europe?For this week's episode, I'm pulling one of my favorite shows from the archive!Francis Tapon has a travel resume that inspires all of us to get out there and explore. He is the author of many renowned books, is an avid backpacker and slow travel junkie, and someone who has never owned a television, couch, bed, or spaceship (and is most disappointed about the last one).In this episode, we dive into Eastern Europe, the beautiful benefits of slow travel, and why connecting with...2023-03-281h 29
Travel Tribe X Podcast with Jordan Chmiel#26 | How To Go All-In When You Travel with Francis TaponAuthor of "The Hidden Europe: What Eastern Europeans Can Teach Us", travel film maker, and California Outdoor Hall of Fame global nomad Francis Tapon joins the Travel Tribe X Podcast to discuss his experiences backpacking, hitchhiking, and writing travel books. We discuss a range of topics including:
👉 Insights on how to get into living a more adventurous and fulfilling life.
👉 Adventures, mishaps, and lessons learned from 150,473 KM traveled and 120 countries visited.
👉 Tips hiking The Triple Crown (The Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail).
👉 Spending 5 years traveling through each...2023-01-241h 06The Radio Vagabond238 INTERVIEW: Hitchhiking with Francis Tapon and Daniel ShachoryWelcome to another episode with a conversation from Extraordinary Travel Festival in Yerevan, Armenia. Already now, we’ve met Gunnar Garfors, Ildikó Szabó, and Charles Veley. Three of the few people who have visited every country in the world. One of them even did it twice. Today we will have a theme: Hitchhiking. Meet Francis Tapon and Daniel Shachory. Francis Tapon Francis did a talk at the Extraordinary Travel Festival called, “Five Years of Nonstop Overland Travel To All 54 African Countries: Picking Up 3,000 Hitchhikers & A Bride”. And with several TEDx talks, he knows what he’s...2022-12-1046 minRadiovagabond286 INTERVIEW: Blaffer med Francis Tapon og Daniel ShachoryVelkommen til endnu en episode med samtaler fra Extraordinary Travel Festival i Jerevan, Armenien. Vi har allerede mødt Gunnar Garfors, Ildikó Szabó, og Charles Veley. Tre af de få mennesker på kloden, der har besøgt alle lande. Og en af dem har ovenikøbet gjort det to gange. I dag har vi et tema, der handler om at tomle, når vi taler med Francis Tapon og Daniel Shachory. Francis Tapon Vi havde fornøjelsen af at opleve et foredrag med Francis på Extraordinary Travel Festival som havde den mundrette t...2022-12-1045 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeWho Wins the 2024 USA Election?Sym Blanchard, who listens to more news podcasts than any man alive, discusses who might win the 2024 USA Election for President.
Francis Tapon struggles to get an answer out of him, but we have a fun discussion.
Feedback
Leave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTapon
Or go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment.
More info
You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.
If you like this podcast, subscribe and share!
On social medi...2022-09-1607 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeNavy A-School - Dos and Don’ts for Sailors in 2022!After the US Navy Bootcamp, sailors fly to A-School, where sailors learn to specialize in their occupation.
Corpsmen are Navy medics.
Two US Navy corpsmen, Rejoice Tapon and Ashlee Braut, share their stories and advice about A-School.
Most sailors go from Bootcamp to A-School immediately, but some must wait a couple of days in Great Lakes (Chicago) before shipping to A-School.
In their case, they waited 2 days.
00:00 Going from Bootcamp to A-School
00:45 1st week of A-School
02:18 A-School Rules
04:20 Preparing for Corpsman A-School
05:35 Why drug addicts should no...2022-01-1409 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeAfrican Real Estate With Empowa & the Cardano Blockchain and NFTsAfrica's population will grow from 1.3 billion to over 4 billion by 2100.
It already has a housing shortage.
Glen Jordan hopes to solve that with blockchain technology.
Glen is the CEO of Empowa, the first DeFi property platform on the Cardano blockchain.
Empowa combines emerging technology, sustainable building, and decentralized financial inclusion.
You can watch this interview on YouTube.
Glen Jordan and Francis Tapon discuss the following:
00:00 Intro
00:40 Structural issues
03:00 What is the scope of Empowa?
04:15 Mozambique example
06:00 Lease to buy vs. Mortgage2021-10-2549 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeInterracial Marriages & Guns in the Navy BootcampThis is a two-part podcast. First, I reflect on how Americans view interracial marriages now vs. 1958.
Second, I share a 90-second clip where Ashlee Braut, a US Navy Hospital Corpsman, talks about what sort of firearm training do Navy recruits receive. Rejoice Tapon chimes in a bit too.
If you are only interested in the 90 seconds on the military, then watch the video below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm8XwGMWjIw
Be sure to watch the other Navy videos on my Navy/Military Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/pla...2021-10-1507 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeNavy Bootcamp Battlestations & Graduation - Try Not To Cry!Rejoice Tapon and Ashlee Braut recount the final 24 emotional hours of Navy Bootcamp.
Timestamps
00:00 Fitness
01:47 Battlestations 21
02:53 Finale
Navy Recruits sign a non-disclosure agreement about Battlestations 21, the 24-hour climax of Navy Bootcamp.
You must pass Battlestations to become a US Sailor.
Although these two sailors can't talk about Battlestations, they still offer a few words of wisdom for those who are worried about it.
Also, they share their feelings after they passed Battlestations and received their Navy cap.
Men and women usually...2021-09-2407 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeHow Weak Swimmers Passed The Navy Bootcamp Swim Test 2022Rejoice Tapon and Ashlee Braut were weak swimmers when they went to the Navy Bootcamp near Chicago in 2021.
Both could swim, but barely.
There were other Navy recruits who were complete novices.
This video is for Navy recruits who are nervous about the 3 Navy Bootcamp swim tests. They go over each swim test in detail.
Most YouTube videos don't share enough detail about the tests, so they fill in the knowledge gaps to give you confidence and to know what to expect.
Be sure to watch the other Navy...2021-09-1713 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeNavy Bootcamp Drama and Crying - Prepare for it!Rejoice Tapon is as tough as they come, but in this video, she shares the one moment (besides graduation) where she cried.
Ashlee Braut chimes in on how a few recruits try to score brownie points with their Recruit Division Commanders by reporting petty violations that their fellow shipmates commit.
Be sure to watch the other Navy videos on my Navy/Military Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIMvGeI8gGoP6wfYk0egeIvpImjWnxAY7
See episode #1 about what to pack for Bootcamp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHk9V7L9r-E
2021-09-1011 minWanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeNavy Bootcamp Advice: Keep Quiet & Follow Orders 2022It's fun to watch this on YouTube.
Ashlee Braut and Rejoice Tapon advise military recruits the following:
Shut up
Follow orders
Avoid gossip
Also, Rejoice explains how you can transform a drill sergeant's demand to do pushups into a positive thing.
See episode #1 about what to pack for Bootcamp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHk9V7L9r-E
More info
You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com
If you like this, subscribe and share! On s...2021-09-0312 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifePacking for Navy Bootcamp - What To Bring & What NOT To Take!
Happy 29th Birthday to Rejoice Tapon!
To celebrate, I'm releasing the first of a 5-part series on Navy Bootcamp.
In 2021, two Navy Corpsman sailors finished the US Navy Bootcamp in Great Lakes, Illinois.
One is Ashlee Braut and the other is Rejoice Tapon.
Together, they scrutinize a video that Rejoice Tapon made hours before she boarded a plane for Bootcamp.
Admittedly, listening to only the audio without the video is a bit strange, but I hope you can follow along. If you can, it's best to simply wa...2021-08-2813 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeHow Can You Afford to Travel the World?I received this email that asks me a question I get asked all the time:
Greetings Mr. Tapon,We share the same dream of traveling the world. This is exactly what I want to do. My question is: how do you afford it? Truly, you must be wealthy to be able to do this. Any advice on how I may follow in suit?-Jonathan, 22
I answer that question in this episode!
It's from my article about "How Can You Afford to Travel the World?"
It has 125,000 views, but in t...2021-02-0221 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeWhich Military Branch Is Best For Medical Jobs? Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines?Rejoice Tapon describes her exploration of the four most popular military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.
This one is worth watching on YouTube! Trust me.
Rejoice dreams of being a nurse in the 2020s.
Therefore, she was mainly interested in the medical field.
Still, this video will be helpful for those who are interested in non-medical careers.
You'll learn:
What's awesome about the Marines.
Who should join the Air Force.
What funny cartoon sums up different military groups.
Why the Army is best who want a...2021-01-1924 min
The Derek Loudermilk ShowFrancis Tapon | The Quest to Visit Every African Country and Bring Back the Best Ideas Francis Tapon is an adventurer, author, and Harvard MBA who's been to all countries in Africa and also in Eastern Europe. He was on a quest to learn what ideas he could bring back to America from these different parts of the world Francis also climbed the highest mountain in every African continent during his trip and met his wife Rejoice in Western Africa. What you’ll learn in this episode: * What happened on Francis' multi-year trip around Africa* Le...2020-10-301h 14
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeHow a Family of 7 Traveled to 7 Continents in 9 MonthsKyle and Leanne Huebner did what few large families dare to do: embark on a one-year on a world tour.
COVID-19 cut their journey short by three months, but they still walked away with plenty of experiences and lessons.
They share much on their detailed blog, Global Teen Adventures.
See the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gre7p4AybNw
We discuss the key questions you may have:
How did they pick the 43 countries they ended up going to?
How did they manage to book flights for 7 when the ma...2020-09-111h 16
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeAre Hunters An Endangered Species Wonders Hunter of the Year Jaco OosthuizenJaco Oosthuizen attended the Safari Club International show 22 years in a row.
In 2020, he was named The Hunter of the Year.
I ask Jaco Oosthuizen:
How have things have changed for hunters since the previous century?
Does hunting have a place in the 21st century or is it outdated?
Why do poachers poach?
What does he do that other hunters don't do?
Why do hunters only target old males? Why not hunt old females too?
Why can't we convert all the hunting zones into photographic safari zones?
Will hunting still exist in the next 50 years?
He...2020-09-0435 minWanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeTraveling Beyond Earth: NASA Astrophysicist Jack Lissauer Explains Tides, Terraforming, and VenusWanderLearn promises to explore travel and technology. So let's travel through our solar system with a NASA astrophysicist!
About six months ago, Underknown's What If channel hired me to interview two prominent NASA astrophysicists. They wanted to find out what would happen if Earth became one of Jupiter's moons.
I'm unsure why they wanted to know that since Underknown had already produced a video that answered that topic, but I adore astronomy, so I was happy to visit my old stomping ground: the NASA Ames Research Center.
Underknown said that this was urgent, so...2020-08-2836 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeWhat's a Reasonable Number of Unarmed Police Shootings?It's a perverse question, but what's an acceptable number of unarmed people that the police may accidentally shoot every year?
Of course, many people's knee-jerk answer will be, "Zero!"
If you answered that way, it's time to take a deep breath and relax.
We're going to embark on a cold-hearted exercise that requires rationality, logic, and a heavy dose of realism. The implications are profound and important, so please bear with me.
After reading this long article, you're welcome to write a constructive comment at the bottom. Include what you think i...2020-08-211h 24WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeWhat If Earth Orbited Jupiter? A NASA Astrophysicist AnswersWanderLearn promises to explore travel and technology. So let's travel through our solar system with two NASA astrophysicists!
About six months ago, Underknown's What If channel hired me to interview two prominent NASA astrophysicists. They wanted to find out what would happen if Earth became one of Jupiter's moons.
I'm unsure why they wanted to know that since Underknown had already produced a video that answered that topic, but I adore astronomy, so I was happy to visit my old stomping ground: the NASA Ames Research Center.
Underknown said that this was urgent, so...2020-08-1427 minWanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & Life100th Episode! Special AMA!To celebrate the 100th WanderLearn episode, I'm thrilled to announce that we are close to passing 100,000 cumulative downloads!
This 100th episode is dedicated to my Patrons!
Watch it on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/DdJN3xQ-Mz8
Ask Me Anything!
I answer your questions, such as:
Tamy, who wrote: "I had no idea Swaziland had changed its name to eSwatini. Do you have a point of reference as to why or were you aware of it?"
Ryan: "Do you have book recommendations?"
I start by rec...2020-08-0825 minWanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeReflections on COVID-19's 650,000 Deaths WorldwideToday, we passed a grim milestone: 650,000 COVID-19 deaths worldwide.
I advise you to watch this on YouTube so you can see the graphs and other visuals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7TSueZPF_I
I predicted 1.5 million deaths. You can get the latest Coronavirus data at John Hopkins.
I compare the 650,000 coronavirus deaths with annual worldwide influenza (flu) deaths.
I also compare it with a virus that slapped humanity 100 years ago.
Lastly, I compare it with the Bl...2020-07-2807 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeTravel By Living Abroad with Traveling MitchTraveling Mitch is, a bit unexpectedly, really called Christopher Mitchell.
He's lived in the center of the world: Istanbul. For centuries, Istanbul was the world's biggest city. It was the center of the Old World. Today, it's still the 3rd most populous city and straddles two continents.
Traveling Mitch and I also discuss:
Ataturk - The Modern Founder of Turkey
Traveling Mitch's travel style, which is traveling overseas
Why he has tattoos
Dealing with relationships while living abroad
Living in Oslo, Norway
Scandinavian stereotypes
The biggest weakness of democracy
Living in South Korea
K-Pop
W...2020-07-241h 17
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeHunting Myths - Brittany Longoria ExplainsLast year, I interviewed Brittany Hosmer Longoria about the leopard she shot in Nambia.
In 2020, I met her again to discuss:
Does she still get heat for her leopard photo?
What impact does banning trophy hunting have?
What are the biggest myths people have about hunters that she would like to dispel?
What was she doing in Pakistan?
You can follow her on Instagram.
More info
You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.
If you like this podcast, subscribe and share!
On...2020-07-1724 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifePeer-to-peer lending with ConstantWant more money to travel or hike?
Although being a frugal traveler is half the battle, the other half is making money.
There are three ways to make money:
Getting paid to do a job
Investing it
Stealing it
Since we're all boy scouts, we'll skip the third option.
Most people focus on option #1 (e.g., your salary).
We often ignore the second option: investing it wisely.
After traveling for 3 years in Eastern Europe, I returned to the United States with more money than I left with! And...2020-07-1018 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeHow Anti-Poaching Is Different Than Counter-PoachingI interviewed three men regarding South Africa's Greater Balepye Nature Reserve:
Prince Dipati Benjamin Maenetja of the Greater Balepye Nature Reserve.
Louis B. Ebersöhn, CEO of African Wildlife Services.
Dr. T. Wayne Schwertner of Tarleton State University.
Louis started guiding safaris in 1994. Freelancing at first but soon started his own Outfitting company called Footsoo Safaris which was changed to Ebersöhn Safaris. He briefly stepped out of the industry in 2012 but in 2014 he stepped back in as African Wildlife Services, AWS (Pty) Ltd trading as:
AWS: Aerial Wildlife Services
AWS: African Wilderness Safaris
AWS: African Wildli...2020-07-0346 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeOur Future Brains and CountriesLadan Jiracek and I talk about:
Our world's future. Will the USA be screwed or on top? What about the rest of the world?
Our brain's future. Will we get neural implants?
Ladan is getting his Ph.D. to help develop technology that augments our brains.
He's also traveled to over 100 countries.
He hosts the Travel Wisdom podcast and the Neuro Implant Podcast.
More info
You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.
If you like this podcast, subscribe and share!
On s...2020-06-2635 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeDebating UFOs, Aliens, Crop Circles, and the SupernaturalDo aliens exist? Have they visited (or are they visiting) our planet? Are all crop circles manmade?
In this civil debate, Derek Loudermilk and I discuss these topics.
Derek argues that these metaphysical things are real.
I am extremely skeptical.
Listen to both sides and comment on what you think.
The one thing I forgot to mention was string theory, which argues that we don't live in a 4-dimensional world, but rather one that has 10, 11, or more dimensions.
The string theory hypothesis is that these extra dimensions may...2020-06-131h 06
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeForrest Fenn's Treasure FOUND in the Rocky Mountains!Around 2010, Forrest Fenn hid a multimillion-dollar treasure in the Rocky Mountains.
Gold, gems, and other precious items are packed in a portable 12th-century bronze chest.
Nearly half a million people have searched for it in vain.
A couple of weeks ago, I spoke two hours with one of the foremost experts on Forrest Fenn's treasure, Dal Nietzel. It was a fascinating and fun conversation.
Right before I planned to release the podcast, a man from the Eastern United States found Forrest Fenn's treasure!
That's right. Around June 6, 2020, Forrest Fenn said the chas...2020-06-091h 59WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeIs the Widespread Destruction and Theft Justified? #GeorgeFloydOn Facebook, I wrote regarding the George Floyd riots, "I understand why people are angry, but does anyone think that widespread destruction and theft is justified?
To my surprise, most people answered "Yes."
Perhaps I was unclear, so Rejoice and I made this video/podcast to clarify my question.
It's best to see the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obwDt5s6WLo
However, the audio-only version makes sense.
About privilege
Many white people love to tell other white people to shut because white people can't ta...2020-06-0221 minWanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeRiots in Minneapolis - Gary Arndt reports from his hometownGary Arndt, a famous world-traveler, has been to chaotic places, but this week, chaos came to his hometown, Minneapolis.
We talked last night while we heard rioting outside his window. On this recording, you'll hear sirens, honking horns, and helicopters.
George Floyd's death sparked riots throughout the USA, but the epicenter is in Gary's backyard.
In the second half of the interview, we switch topics to talk about his diet.
I've had 2 vegans on my podcast (Sym and Gehn), so Gary will provide a different perspective since his diet is the...2020-05-3052 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeZen Pilot Is Flying From Pole to PoleFlying to the South Pole and then to the North Pole in a small plane is extremely dangerous.
Robert DeLaurentis, who is known as the Zen Pilot, is on the brink of pulling this off.
I caught up with him when he was grounded in Spain during the Coronapocolypse.
By the time this airs, he should be in Sweden.
He plans to fly over 3 key places around the North Pole in July 2020.
Track his journey on his website.
Questions I asked the Zen Pilot
1. How did you first g...2020-05-2559 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeBTC Halving: Why is Bitcoin Worth Anything?Every four years, there's a US election, the World Cup, and the Olympics. They don't all happen in the same year, but they each have a 4-year cycle.
In a few minutes, there's another event that happens once every for years that few talk about: the bitcoin halving.
To celebrate, I'll give a simplified explanation of what the halving is and why it's significant.
Afterward, I will turn to a more fundamental question: why is bitcoin (BTC) worth more than a dollar and why do I keep talking about it given that I'm...2020-05-1126 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & Life80,000 COVID vs. 80,000 Flu DeathsAs of today (May 11, 2020), 80,000 Americans have died from COVID-19.
In 2018, 80,000 Americans died of the flu. It was a bad flu year.
You can watch this on YouTube too.
It's fascinating how we look at death.
The Infection Fatality Rate of COVID-19 is about 10 times worse than influenza.
Therefore, if we didn't shelter in place, perhaps we would have lost 10x more Americans than the 2018 flu season, which would mean about 1 million deaths.
I've been called callous. But imagine if:
We treated airline flights like rocket launches...2020-05-1114 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & Life8 Flaws in Bitcoin’s Stock-to-Flow Model Will Doom ItRead the article or watch the video about this podcast. It's helpful to see the graphs.
I copied the article and graphs below, but use this link if the images don't pop up in your podcast player.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k4CTL6fowA
8 Flaws in Bitcoin's Stock-to-Flow Model Will Doom It
I love Bitcoin. Nothing would make me happier than to see one of Plan B's optimistic stock-to-flow (S2F/STF) models become an accurate predictor of Bitcoin's price.
Up until now, there has been a non-spurious relationship betw...2020-05-0422 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeGold Expert On Bitcoin, Stock-To-Flow, Asteroids, DepressionWhen I travel, I love to observe common ground in a sea of diversity.
The planet has over 100 currencies, but there's one thing that everyone agrees is money: gold.
So far, COVID-19 has killed 200,000, which has added to the 5 million deaths that we suffer from communicable diseases every year.
COVID-19 has also killed the global economy.
The travel industry has shut down.
The stock market is in tatters.
The prices of panic assets (gold and bitcoin) have soared.
Few are talking about a recession.
2020-04-251h 13
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeBitcoin vs. Other Crypto CurrenciesLast week, I got this email from Robert Hahn, whom I interviewed a couple of months ago on this podcast. He wrote:
Hey Francis! I listened to your most recent podcast with Rejoice. Afterwards I looked into investment in crypto a bit. I was wondering what your thoughts are on platforms for buying and storing the virtual currency. I was also interested in Nano (for its more environmentally conscious approach) and Monero (better privacy, but that may be a fault because it makes it a favorite for dark money). I'd be curious to hear why you chose B...2020-04-1218 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeSolving the Coronavirus CrisisHow do you think we should solve the Coronapocolypse?
Should we keep sheltering in place for another month or two?
What metrics would you look at to decide when enough is enough?
Rejoice and I debate my solution to the Corona crisis.
Rejoice also shares a few stories from Africa during this bizarre time.
Leave your comments and solutions at WanderLearn.com.
More info
You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.
If you like this podcast, sub...2020-04-1228 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeDon't Hike Your Own Hike in 2020Is the Coronavirus is overly hyped?
Rejoice and I discuss that.
I explain why you shouldn't hike your own hike in 2020.
But that doesn't mean you shouldn't hike in 2020. I explain how and where to go hiking in 2020.
Rejoice shares how COVID-19 is impacting Africa.
More info
You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.
If you like this podcast, subscribe and share!
On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
http://facebook.com...2020-04-0436 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeThru-Hike To Escape the CoronapocolypseThru-hiking can take social distancing to an extreme.
Unless you camp close to random people or you spend lots of time in town when you resupply, you will be safely away from any contagion.
That's why 2020 is the best year ever to thru-hike, especially if you recently lost your job.
Put your stuff in storage (or sell it all). Stop paying rent. And hike for the next 6 months.
By the time you finish hiking, the Coronapocolypse will have killed a few million people and ravaged the economy while you were happily ba...2020-03-261h 25
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeDon't Worry Too Much About COVID-19 and the CoronapocolypseOn March 20, 2020, Rejoice and I spontaneously went Live on Facebook to share our thoughts about the Coronavirus pandemic.
(Don't worry. The photo of us hugging was taken months before the Coronapocolypse.)
In 2014, when the Ebola contagion was raging across West Africa, I was traveling in West Africa. The world was panicking. Some worried that it would kill hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions.
I thought most people were overreacting. Therefore, I wrote a prescient article called, "Don't Worry Too Much About Ebola."
I feel I could write the same article today about...2020-03-2215 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeRunning 30 Marathons Before Turning 30 - Liz WarnerLiz Warner is going to run 30 marathons before she turns 30 years old in June 2020. However, her real accomplishment is raising nearly $30,000 for 20 charities in the process!
In this podcast, we discuss some of the highlights and lowlights of her first 27 marathons and her Run To Reach experience.
She's going to finish on Mt. Everest in late May 2020.
Go to her donation page and follow her on Instagram.
Liz mentioned the Effective Altruism TED Talk as an inspiration.
In the podcast, I couldn't remember the name of the guy who ran 50 mar...2020-03-1253 min
TV Writer Podcast - Audio084 – Unseen Africa Pilot Producer/Host Francis Tapon (mp3)
Author, Harvard MBA grad and world-renowned backpacker Francis Tapon is on a 4-year journey to all 54 African countries. How can he turn this into a 4-season TV series? By going a non-traditional route, of course!
The TV landscape continues to divide into thousands of channels, and it seems there’s a new online distribution player every month. More channels means less advertising per channel, and budgets are shrinking. Higher budget shows may be in trouble, but there’s a veritable gold rush for independent producers who can produce great content more cheaply. The challenge is that...2020-03-0841 min
TV Writer Podcast - Video084 – Unseen Africa Pilot Producer/Host Francis Tapon (VIDEO)
Author, Harvard MBA grad and world-renowned backpacker Francis Tapon is on a 4-year journey to all 54 African countries. How can he turn this into a 4-season TV series? By going a non-traditional route, of course!
The TV landscape continues to divide into thousands of channels, and it seems there’s a new online distribution player every month. More channels means less advertising per channel, and budgets are shrinking. Higher budget shows may be in trouble, but there’s a veritable gold rush for independent producers who can produce great content more cheaply. The challenge is that...2020-03-0841 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeOverlanding in 35 African countries in 3 years - Dan GrecOn March 14, 2020, Dan Grec's Kickstarter will end. If you're listening to this before that date, buy Dan's book on Kickstarter. His book (and website) are called The Road Chose Me.
If you're listening to this after March 14th, buy Dan Grec's book on Amazon.
Why buy his book?
Because for 999 days Dan Grec drove through 35 of the 54 African countries. His book recounts his 3-year adventure.
In this 90-min podcast, we discuss:
His road trip across Latin America.
How he saved money for 4 years for this 3-year trip.
Why he biked to work i...2020-03-071h 35WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeDefending American CulturePart 5 of 5 of the "What Can Americans Teach Europeans" series
Snobby Europeans love to say that Americans have “no cuisine, no culture, no history.”
Let’s refute this belief.
We’ll begin with food. First, Americans brought hamburgers and Coca-Cola to the world. The French (and many others) will immediately sniff and say, “That doesn’t count.”
Really?
And foie gras does? That’s a dish that is prepared by force-feeding a poor duck. Now that’s really classy and sophisticated. Big Macs start looking like haute cuisine.
Moreover, America’s unique cuis...2020-02-2813 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeDefending American IgnorancePart 4 of 5 of the "What Americans Can Teach Europeans" series
Americans are criticized for being ignorant of geography, languages, and the world in general.
Let’s examine geography first. For example, someone from Slovakia often feels smart because he can name at least ten countries near him and explain what’s basically going on there. He says Americans are stupid because they can’t do this.
Humans are regionally focused. Today, for the average human, that radius of interest and knowledge might be 500 km. For someone in Nebraska, that means being able to name 10 states around...2020-02-2115 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeDefending the American SmileSmile for Valentine's Day!
Part 3 of 5 of the "What Americans Can Teach Europeans" Series
Europeans often criticize the “American smile.” They say that Americans are fake, because they often smile when they are not really happy. Americans pretend to be happy to see you, when they’re not. A customer service representative might greet you with a cheery, “Hi! How can I help you?” when she’s really a mean bitch.
Eastern Europeans somehow think that they are superior because they give you a scowl instead of a smile. Frankly, I’ll take a fake smile every day...2020-02-1405 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeDefending the CIAPart 2 of 5 of the "What Americans Can Teach Europeans" series
Several Eastern Europeans thought I worked for the CIA. They asked, “Why else would you be in Albania?”
It’s hilarious what Eastern Europeans seriously believe the CIA does:
A Slovenian told me that the “weird” weather they were experiencing was due to the CIA testing wacky weather-controlling weapons nearby.
If someone semi-famous died unexpectedly, the CIA killed him.
The CIA controls all elections. But what if an anti-American candidate wins? It’s because the CIA wanted that to happen so it can use it as an excuse to...2020-02-0704 min
Take The LeadWorking As A Community With Jono Bacon And The Gift Of Travel With Francis TaponAs individuals, humans are infinitely powerful once their minds are set to it. But working as a community is a whole different ball game because there is so much to consider. Jono Bacon, the Founder of Jono Bacon Consulting, gets down to brass tacks about the importance of finding a way to work as a community, because you get to harness the power of infinity multiplied. Struggling to lead or work with a group beyond yourself? Let this be your beginning!
Travel is often seen as a luxury, and in most ways, it is, but...2020-02-0556 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeDefending American Foreign PolicyPart 1 of 5 in the Defending America Series.
Throughout Eastern Europe, I asked, “What can your country teach America?” I’ve documented their excellent suggestions in The Hidden Europe: What Eastern Europeans Can Teach Us.
As part of this process, Europeans often told me, quite bluntly, what they think of Americans. The fact that I’m half-European and that I have no American blood in me (I was born of a French father and a Chilean mother) probably made them more comfortable to share their true thoughts. After getting an earful, it became clear that there are a few t...2020-02-0212 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeHow To Travel When You Have Limited TimeIn early 2020, Randy Williams has been to 142 countries. Although this is remarkable, it's especially impressive when you consider that he's been working full-time for most of his life.
It's understandable how someone who has years to travel is able to visit 142 countries, but doing it when you have a real job in the workaholic USA is hard.
Randy Williams describes:
His first trip to Africa. He started in Cape Verde, then went to Senegal, Tunisia, and Algeria.
Traveling to Tripoli, Libya soon after Khadafi's death.
Traveling to Iraq and Venezuela.
How Kabul, Afganistan was in...2020-01-2640 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeEarth's History in 1 Calendar YearThe Pilgrim's perspective
Many people ask me, “What are you thinking about when you walk from sunrise to sunset in remote wildernesses?”
Sometimes I’m just thinking of the next step. Other times I’m thinking about Megan Fox.
However, during my pilgrimage, I do go into deep-thoughts mode occasionally. That’s what this article is about. It will lead to my next article which is about what it means to be human and my debate with a T-Rex on global warming. Yeah, light topics. Can’t I just talk about the weather?
One of the aspe...2020-01-1710 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeAnswering Kidnapping Podcast CriticismsOlaf Ofstad (pictured) was my guest on my 59th WanderLearn episode, which was about how to avoid and survive a kidnapping.
If you haven't listened to it yet, you should listen to it before listening to this episode.
One listener wrote me an email asking questions and criticizing some issues about the show.
Therefore, in this episode, I air those criticisms and I give Olaf Ofstad a chance to answer those questions and criticisms.
You'll also find out how I got muggled in Cameroon.
Whenever you have questions or c...2020-01-1117 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & Life5 Predictions for 2020 and 11 for the 2020sBefore you look at these predictions, you should see how accurate my 7 predictions for 2019 were.
Also, if you want to watch me talk about this, see it on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwI739M9vKU
In 2020...
1. Bitcoin will end 2020 above $10,000.
Unlike my previous two bitcoin predictions which were perfect (the 80% decline followed by the 100% rise), I'm unsure about 2020. As you can see from my 2030 predictions, I'm bullish long-term for bitcoin, but 2020 is a bit fuzzy. There's a 30% chance that it will soar pass $20,000.
On the other hand, after d...2019-12-3139 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeTraveling To Find One's AncestorsLast year, my podcast with Sym Blanchard became the 2nd most downloaded WanderLearn episode. It was super popular because he really was a fun guest. You must listen to it before listening to this podcast.
Because he attracted so many listeners, I invited him back to the show!
I begin the podcast asking Sym the most profound question I've always wanted to ask him.
After that, we move onto discussing how he has used DNA testing to inspire his travel. He's used these four DNA testing kits to find thousands of relatives and to...2019-12-251h 24
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeBeing Russian in EstoniaFor the 2019 holidays, we're taking a flashback to over a decade ago. I started the WanderLearn podcast in 2008. I'm pulling this episode from the archives because it's one of my favorite episodes of that era.
It was the first time that I met Julia Trutko, a Russophone Estonian. She had just moved to San Francisco from Florida. Although she was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, she grew up in Tallinn, Estonia.
Although this conversation took place over 11 years ago, it is still interesting today, which is why I'm sharing it.
I also placed th...2019-12-1743 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeHow To Housesit When You TravelBrittnay and Jayden are The Travelling Housesitters. In the WanderLearn podcast, I ask them:
How did Jay get to look after a cat on a catamaran?
What websites do they recommend to use to find housesits?
Why don't they charge to housesit?
Did they have a housesit horror story?
What housesits do they avoid?
What is their long-range plan?
Do they have relationship challenges that other couples don't have?
How can you find housesits that do NOT require you to look after pets?
What is the fanciest place they ever stayed at?
What's the housesitting course they offer al...2019-12-0649 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeBackpacking With Zpacks - Matt Favero Shares The VisionMatt Favero is the Director of Marketing at Zpacks, one of my top two favorite backpacking gear companies (Gossamer Gear is the other).
I ask him:
How did he get involved in Zpacks?
What backpacking opportunities exist in Florida?
What’s the dumbest backpacking mistake he ever made?
What Zpack product is he most proud of?
What is his funkiest item?
What makes Zpacks special?
What will the 2020s bring to the backpacking world?
Or watch the unedited version on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wi3jBqwodaU
3 Sponsors
1. Tour Radar...2019-11-2946 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeHow To Take A Sabbatical - DJ DidonnaAfter graduating from Harvard Business School and working a bit, DJ Didonna embarked on an improbable quest: helping people take months or even years off work.
There's nothing wrong with working nonstop for 40 years.
However, paradoxically, taking a sabbatical may be the best thing for your career.
DJ wants to help you do what most Harvard Business School graduates don’t know how to do: get off the treadmill.
We chat face-to-face for 80 minutes, discussing:
His first sabbatical was in 2017. He walked all around Japan – going from temple to temple, hardl...2019-11-221h 19
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeTraveling for 30+ Years - Mike Spencer BownThis is one of my favorite podcasts this year. I admire Mike Spencer Bown. He's been traveling for the last 25 years. He's been to every country. He's the author of The World's Most Travelled Man.
Does he deserve that title?
He didn't even pick that title. His publisher did.
We discuss whether that topic as well as these topics:
How many Canadian provinces are there? He didn't know, even though he's Canadian! Sacrilege! Answer: 10. Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.
Wha...2019-11-161h 10
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeHow Home Exchanges WorkLauren Kahn has done 72 home exchanges!
One way to immerse yourself in a foreign environment is to do a home exchange.
Lauren's blog offers plenty of advice on how to do a home exchange.
This podcast comes in two parts.
Due to a technical snafu, Lauren thought she lost our first interview. So I interviewed her twice, thinking that we lost the original recording.
We managed to recover it. I took some of the highlights of the original interview and appended it at the end of this podcast. Therefore, if...2019-11-101h 04
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeAlternatives to the Main El Camino de Santiago Path - Susan AlcornOver 2.5 million people have read my article, "10 Reasons Why El Camino de Santiago Sucks." One of those people is Susan Alcorn, who has hiked to Santiago, Spain 16 different times over 9 different routes.
Instead of taking offense to the article, she took it as constructive criticism of the article. We've had a civil discussion about El Camino ever since.
One of my central points is that the most popular Camino trail (El Camino Frances) is crowded and has few wilderness experiences. I encouraged people to explore other Camino trails.
That's exactly what Susan has do...2019-11-0633 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeLife Lessons From A Lion Tracker - Boyd VartyBoyd Varty's TED talk about "What I Learned From Nelson Mandela" made Varty famous. His talk has nearly two million views.
His newest book came out this week. It's called The Lion Tracker's Guide to Life.
Varty is a fourth-generation custodian of the Londolozi Game Reserve. Unlike his ancestors, he's never hunted a lion. Now he just tracks them for eco-tourism. I ask him:
What would his lion-hunting ancestors say about his conservation efforts?
Does he think that hunting helps or hurts animal conservation?
What does having a "sit spot" mean and how can it he...2019-10-2734 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeHow to Avoid or Survive a KidnappingFew people expect to get kidnapped, but it's good to have some education on how to avoid kidnapping and what to do if you are kidnapped.
In this episode 59 of the WanderLearn podcast, I interview Olav Ostad, who wrote Surviving Kidnappers: Precautions, Influence, Strategic Tools, which I reviewed on my website.
You can buy it on Amazon.
I ask Olav to share:
A kidnapping story with a happy ending.
A kidnapping story with a tragic ending.
What can we learn from these two stories?
Why did he write this book given th...2019-10-221h 31
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeBeing A California Mayor: Burlingame's Donna ColsonDonna Colson is one of the five City Council members in Burlingame, California. Currently, she's serving as Burlingame's Mayor. Burlingame is an affluent city with 30,000 residents near the San Francisco Airport. I grew up next to Burlingame.
Mayor Colson is running for re-election to the City Council on November 5, 2019. We chatted for 30 minutes about a variety of topics, including:
What does a mayor do every day?
How much does she get paid?
Why do such a job?
What surprised her once she became the mayor?
How much time does she spend fund-raising?
Will we ever go...2019-10-1337 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeEradicating Malaria in Sumbawa, Indonesia and BeyondJack Kennedy got malaria in Sumbawa, Indonesia.
After that tough experience, a lightbulb went off in his head.
He wondered if, at the cost of a few thousand dollars, he could eliminate malaria in Sumbawa.
He founded Health Access Sumbawa to eradicate malaria in Sumbawa and far beyond.
Can we eliminate malaria plasmodium?
What's the best bang for the buck? Bed nets? Spraying?
Is there a malaria vaccine on the horizon?
What tips does he have for someone thinking about starting a nonprofit?
Every month, TourRadar is offering a new special cont...2019-10-0851 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeHow To Avoid and Survive an AvalancheWhat would you do if you were caught in an avalanche? How do you minimize your risk when you're traveling in the snowy mountains?
Robert Hahn has studied avalanches and still managed to get caught in one.
He works for the Northwest Avalanche Center.
He shares his personal avalanche survival story.
He also shares tips on how you can avoid repeating his fate.
After 50 mins, we shift away from talking about avalanches and we talk about his harrowing experiences in the Himalayas.
After 70 minutes, we talk about his...2019-09-302h 07
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeTouring the World with Jessica Husson and TourRadarWanderLearn fans get a special chance to win $1000 in travel credits on TourRadar by going here:
https://www.tourradar.com/wanderlearn
About this episode: Jessica Husson was one of two people (out of thousands who applied) who won a round-the-world trip sponsored by TourRadar and Intrepid travel.
Jessica and Joan (a Spaniard) starred in some superbly produced videos about their travels. I watched all 8 episodes,
Today, the 8th episode, which takes place in Thailand, came out.
Questions I ask Jessica:
You had traveled extensively before, so what did you...2019-09-1958 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeHow Does A Colonial Ghost Haunt Africa's Borders?Elias Papaioannou is a Professor of Economics at the London School of Business (at the start of the podcast, I incorrectly say that he's at the London School of Economics).
Professor Papaioannou has authored the following academic papers on Africa:
The long-run effects of the scramble for Africa
The scramble for Africa and its legacy
Pre-colonial ethnic institutions and contemporary African development
Because of his expertise and research on Africa's borders, I asked him many questions about them:
Did the colonialists do any good with the borders?
How do African borders compare to borders on ot...2019-09-1352 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeHow To Travel Responsibly and EthicallyYou might think that you're a responsible and ethical traveler, but are you really?
I talk with Alexandra Pastollnigg, who is the Founder of FairVoyage. She climbed Kilimanjaro. She's biked from Cairo to Cape Town. She's gone a few days without a shower. I ask her:
Why did your Kilimanjaro trek change your life?
Why is earning $2 a day bad if your costs are only $1.80?
Is a shitty job better than no job?
Aren't some of today's shit jobs the dream jobs of the 19th century?
What did you learn from biking across Africa?
Are you ju...2019-09-0654 minWanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeAMA About the Book, Jail, and LanguagesRejoice Tapon and I host an Ask Me Anything episode on our podcast. The video is only available to my WanderLearn patrons.
In this episode, we discuss:
The Eko Atlantic Project in Lagos, Nigeria
Is there going to be an audiobook of The Unseen Africa?
Why did Rejoice end in prison in Zimbabwe?
When I quote someone in The Unseen Africa, were you recording it?
How many languages can Rejoice speak?
If you have questions for us, send me an email, ideally with your voice asking the question!
WanderLearn fans get a special chance...2019-08-0925 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeBiking The Americas From Canada To PatagoniaDo you dream of doing a mega-bike trip? Is biking across the United States or Europe just not ambitious enough for you? Do you love repairing flat tires?
Then listen to Xavier Himma describe his epic bicycle trip from his home in Canada to southern Argentina. You learn:
How many flat tires he got. (Try to guess now!)
How a Latino tried to mug him while he was riding the bike!
How close he got to getting run over.
Why he calls his adventure "Follow the Hum of the Earth"
How he skipped the Darrien Gap.
2019-07-1943 min
Live Great Lifestyle034 Global Nomad & Hiker, Author, TEDx Speaker, and Entrepreneur Francis TaponGlobal nomad Francis Tapon is the first person to yo-yo hike the continental divide (their and back), has walked across America 4 times, hiked over 10,000 miles visiting all 54 African countries. He is a published author of Hike Your Own Hike: 7 Lessons From Backpacking Across America, a TEDx speaker and founder of a silicon valley robotics company. We chat hiking, pushing your comfort zone, setting up your life to do trips, religion, and more!2019-06-271h 10WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeDo Africans Still Practice Witchcraft Or Is That A Myth?Anamaria is a Tanzanian who has lived 7 months in South Africa. Since many people think that all African countries are quite similar, I asked her to compare the two countries.
We also delve into:
Fidelity
The Tanzanian government
Witchcraft
Racism in South Africa
The future of Africa
We do a deep dive into witchcraft.
My wife, Rejoice Tapon, chimes in occasionally on the show.
Sponsored by Health Access Sumbawa
This show was sponsored by Health Access Sumbawa. In 2014, Jack Kennedy founded this nonprofit that is helping bring malaria control and healthcare to...2019-03-071h 07
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeHow Does Nigeria Compare to Other African Countries?Nigeria's Election is Tomorrow!
On February 16, 2019, Nigeria will pick their new president. Learn more about the Nigerian election on Wikipedia.
In the 28th WanderLearn podcast episode, I interview Sharon Georgewill. She's a Nigerian from Port Harcourt.
She's traveled to many African countries. When I interviewed her in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, I asked her to reflect on her continent and her country.
As a bonus, Rejoice Tapon, my wife, interjected a few times during the interview.
You'll probably get an unseen side of Nigeria and Africa.
After listening to t...2019-02-1533 minWanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeAMA: Repairing the Schism Between Locals and Tourists + 2 other questionsThis is first Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode! I answer three questions.
I always answer any question that one of my Patrons ask me. You can become a patron for just $1 per month and get to bombard me with questions! I love it!
Tamy asks
1. Over-tourism - What's your take on how to be a good tourist and how can we, as travelers, repair the schism between locals and tourists?
2. Conversely, where are some places that could use a dose of tourism to help boost their economy?
Dalia Asks
Hay Francis!2018-12-1809 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeThe Winding Tree Foundation Answers Criticism About Its Blockchain TechnologyAre promoters of blockchain technology snake oil salesmen?
One of my listeners (named Colin) thinks so. Colin posted a blistering critique of Winding Tree on my website (see it below).
Meanwhile, Gary Arndt, who appeared on the WanderLearn podcast, wrote on my Facebook page, "I'm willing to bet money that Winding Tree and blockchain technology will not disrupt the travel industry or any other industry for that matter.
The two co-founders of Winding Tree appear on this episode to respond.
If you prefer seeing them, watch this YouTube video of the c...2018-12-0740 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeHow To Use, Not Abuse, Couchsurfing.comOfficially, Couchsurfing is free, but it's really only free for inconsiderate guests.
Polite guests and anyone with common sense will give back to their host.
When I wrote "How To Be A Good Couchsurfing Guest and Host," the response was overwhelming:
It hit the Top 2 in Google when you search for "Couchsurfing guest" - it's even above Couchsurfing's own website!
Dozens of Couchsurfing hosts linked to the article in their profile saying, "Please follow this Francis Tapon's advice."
Couchsurfing.com itself syndicated the article on their website.
So I struck a nerve.
I...2018-12-0404 min
WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeAmtrak Travel Tips for 2019I interviewed Marc Magliari, who is Amtrak's spokesperson for 23 states, to talk about what's going on with Amtrak. To watch the full interview, watch the YouTube video ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vsehcdJBW8).
Highlights of Episode 10
I've edited the questions and answers for brevity and clarity.
Francis Tapon: What's a common misconception about train travel in America?
Marc Magliari, Media Relations Manager at Amtrak: It's usually best to buy your tickets as far in advance as possible. But we have Flash Sales that pop up and last for two or three days a...2018-12-0136 minWanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & LifeIntro To The WanderLearn PodcastDiscover what this podcast is about! For those who are too lazy to listen, here are the three themes we'll tackle:
Travel
Technology
Transformation
Francis Tapon is your host in this travel podcast.
Tell your friends and enemies about it.
Also, get rewarded for supporting it!
To comment on this episode, visit WanderLearn.com.
2018-10-2703 min
Earn the Right to Live Your Dreams33 Adventurer Francis Tapon on Living Like a Monk to Pursue DreamsHave you ever wanted to go out and pursue something that other people would think is crazy? Yet you held back because you worried about what others would say if you fell short of expectations. This did not stop Francis Tapon. Rather than settle in his life, he lived like a monk for a few years so he could go out and pursue his dream of backpacking across the world. Learn about all the crazy adventures Francis has had as he pursues the things he is most passionate about every single day. In addition to tal...2016-03-1624 min
Break Into Travel Writing PodcastBITW 037: How to Find An Original Point of View as a Travel Writer with Francis TaponFrancis Tapon is a Harvard MBA who left the tech world with the mission to visit every country in the world and share their unique lessons. Since then, has walked across America four times via its three major mountain ranges. He has walked across Spain twice. He was the first person to do a round-trip, backpacking [...]
The post BITW 037: How to Find An Original Point of View as a Travel Writer with Francis Tapon appeared first on Break Into Travel Writing.2015-09-101h 23
Break Into Travel Writing | Travel | Adventure | Lifestyle DesignBITW 037: How to Find An Original Point of View as a Travel Writer with Francis TaponFrancis Tapon is a Harvard MBA who left the tech world with the mission to visit every country in the world and share their unique lessons. Since then, has walked across America four times via its three major mountain ranges. He has walked across Spain twice. He was the first person to do a round-trip, backpacking [...]The post BITW 037: How to Find An Original Point of View as a Travel Writer with Francis Tapon appeared first on Break Into Travel Writing.2015-09-101h 23
Heaven Sent And BentTraveling the World with Francis Tapon-Heaven Sent and Bent: Francis TaponFrancis Tapon joins us via Skype from Africa. He talks about dedicating his life to wandering the world and where his journeys will take him next. He will also talk about how he started hiking and how he can maintain a vegan diet even with his active lifestyle2015-07-0600 min
This Week in Travel"Unseen Africa" with Francis TaponThis Week in Travel - Travel News Podcast. Regular hosts Gary Arndt, Jen Leo and Chris Christensen are joined by this week's guest:
Francis Tapon author of "The Hidden Europe" and "Unseen Africa"
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2014-06-0158 min
Travel with Rick Steves297 Open Phones: Ask Rick; Francis Tapon Explores Eastern EuropeFrancis Tapon describes his three-year excursion into every country in the eastern half of Europe. He shares how the Balkans and the former Soviet states are the next travel frontier, where tourists don't outnumber the locals. Also, listeners check in with Rick for help in finalizing their vacation plans.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.2012-08-1853 min
This Week in Travel"Let's All Visit Moldova" with Francis TaponRegular hosts Gary Arndt, Jen Leo and Chris Christensen are joined by: This week's guest Francis Tapon author of The Hidden Europe: What Eastern Europeans Can Teach Us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2012-03-171h 08