Shows
Counting CountriesThor Pedersen … Impossible JourneyThor Pedersen has been to every country in the world Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. Thor returns for the 4th time to Counting Countries in addition to 7 other episodes for patrons. During this conversation, we speak about his newly published book, The Impossible Journey (). Despite knowing his journey well, this book shares more stories and additional context to his quest. We also overview what he has been doing over the last 2 years since his return from his nearly 10 year journey. I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons. You know them, yo...
2025-08-011h 21Counting CountriesZsuzsanna Berencsi … Thanks TammyZsuzsanna Berencsi has been to every country in the world Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. Zsu Berencsi shares with us her awesome travel adventures to every country in the world with a big celebration this past December in her last country, Jamaica. I have met Zsu twice before at both ETFs and she promises a third. I got it on tape. I also reconnected with Zsu at April Peregrino’s 193 party in Bratislava where Zsu arranged a special field trip. I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons. You know them, you...
2025-07-031h 34Counting CountriesMichael Angelo Zervos … A Happy MomentMichael Zervos has been to every country in the world Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. This is a bonus episode with Michael Zervos. I interviewed Michael back in December of 2023, before he had started his quest. His quest? To travel to every country in the world in the quickest possible time. We have heard this before … someone who wants to break the GWR. And many in the community would ask what is the point? This is not a race. What will the traveler gain from spending just a day or two in each country? And once the record is b...
2025-06-151h 01Counting CountriesJenna Pava … #FOMOJenna Pava has been to 181 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. I had the pleasure of meeting Jenna Pava at the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok, only to discover that we were also (distant) neighbors in the city. This conversation offered another fantastic opportunity to dive into the story of a truly compelling traveler in our community. Jenna’s early life was marked by a tug-of-war between her birthplace in Russia and her new home in the United States, shaping a deep sense of resilience from a young age. Remarkably, her travel journey took two major turns for...
2025-06-021h 52Counting CountriesWe Married Adventure … All Shawarma Visits CountWe Married Adventure have been to 149 & 148 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. I met Angela and Michael Ballard, the couple behind We Married Adventure, who I met at the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok. Angela and Michael at times pushed and pulled between a 9-5 lifestyle and travel. A wedding vow, an insane travel sabbatical and a retirement from work propelled them fully into the world of extreme travel. I am fortunate to have these amazing conversations to learn about my guest’s amazing and unique lives. Angela and Michael did not disappoint. I would like to thank every...
2025-05-032h 12Counting CountriesSam Goodwin … Ice Rink Up The EscalatorSam Goodwin has traveled to every country in the world Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. This conversation was a long time in the making. In fact, this interview was originally scheduled in 2020. But as we say, better late than never. Sam Goodwin back in the day was just one of us … Chasing 193. But his life was changed forever during his visit to country 181, Syria. As 193ers, we are constantly pushing the envelope. What we consider standard or normal travel is to others somewhere between poorly conceived to outright insanity. Soon after entering Syria, Sam was imprisoned by the Assad g...
2025-04-031h 42Counting CountriesSandy Cohen … A Different WorldSandy Cohen has traveled to 102 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. We are back with a new guest, Sandy Cohen. I have known Sandy for years on social media, and I was fortunate to meet her at both Extraordinary Travel Festivals. But, this conversation was my opportunity to learn more about Sandy, her life and travels, and I found it to be a fascinating conversation. Sandy shared tales of her life, from being a chocolatier to hosting a top travel TV show for over a decade to running drugs in Guinea-Bissau. Well, not exactly. I would like to thank e...
2025-03-031h 48Counting CountriesPav Mbeda … Go Big Or Go HomePav Mbeda has traveled to 106 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. We are back with the second episode of 2025. I hope your travels are off to a good start. Today, I am happy to share this conversation with Pav Mbeda. Pav was one of the 250 participants of the sold out Extraordinary Travel Festival. I reach out to all ticket buyers and was happy to note that Pav was from Kenya. Whether it is ETF or this podcast, it is great to hear different perspectives and life experiences. And speaking with Pav, I am reminded how different my upbring...
2025-02-031h 42Counting CountriesThe Maverick Show ... Hosted By Matt BowlesHey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. Well not really. Today I am sharing an interview of me hosted by Matt Bowles who hosts the Maverick Show Podcast. Matt and I had great conversation and wanted to share it with my listeners. So, please check out this conversation and also make sure you subscribe to the Maverick Show Podcast. He has over 300 episodes to binge. A ton of interesting people. Including the 2nd part of our conversation on our feed. The other reason I don’t have one of my typical interviews is things were a bit overwhelming with the product...
2024-11-2556 minCounting CountriesPhillips Connor … IBZ To SIN Via GGRPhillips has traveled to every country in the world Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. Today, we are speaking with Phillips Connor. I had the pleasure of meeting PC in Singapore with a group of extreme travelers and I am very pleased that he will be attending the ETF in Bangkok. Phillips is extremely well traveled, nearing 1000 regions on the NomadMania list. Phillips shares it all on this episode … starting travel early with a corporate job, moving to Singapore and Chasing 193. Time is definitely running out! Don’t get #FOMO with over 225 extreme travelers attending this event. The Extraordinary T...
2024-10-171h 53Counting CountriesAndy Hicks ... Recatalogging DNAAndy Hicks Counting Countries has traveled to 120 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. Today, we are speaking with Andy Hicks. I have had the pleasure of meeting Andy at the first ETF in Armenia and the TCC meeting in May in the Azores. Andy was raised in a non-travel environment, but a couple of pivotal trips propelled him into the 193 community and with his stated goal of every country by 50. If you want to meet Andy Hicks and 206 other travelers join us in Bangkok. The Extraordinary Travel Festival will be held on November 15, 2024 in Bangkok. Use discount code B...
2024-09-162h 02Counting CountriesJason Wang … No Poop Left BehindJason Wang has traveled to 175 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. I am happy to introduce to you Jason Wang, an avid traveler, foodie, and photographer. Not only is he Chasing 193, but he also chasing the 7 Summits. Jason’s life tracks all of the great successes embodied by the best of American immigration. A life which was originally defined by school and work was dramatically redefined by a gap year of travel after dental school. He never looked back. If you are a listener, you have heard this before … the next Extraordinary Travel Festival will be held on November...
2024-07-161h 47Counting CountriesJoel Oleson … Hungry For TravelHey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. You might know Joel from his flowing beard on social media. Joel is someone I have known of for years but virtually. And in fact, we ran into each other randomly on our travels in Central Africa. I speak with Joel and learn about his fascinating journey in life as well as Chasing 193. Joel was very candid during this conversation about subjects that some people will avoid such as family and his faith. This made our conversation richer and I appreciate that. If you are a listener, you have heard this before … the next...
2024-06-162h 32Counting CountriesElena Chechina … A Lost Day Of Your LifeElena Chechina has traveled to 158 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. I met Elena back at the ETF in Yerevan and started to realize what a unique life she was leading. She is a true global citizen with true family connections to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Elena has somehow managed to balance the multiple moving parts of her life … 3 children, a spouse who lives and works in Northern Africa, a full time job, and of course Chasing 193. In this conversation, we learn how she manages the complexity of her life. The next Extraordinary Travel Festival will be held on Nov...
2024-03-191h 50Counting CountriesHayley Kennedy … Overcoming ObstaclesHayley has traveled to every country in the world Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. I started to follow Hayley in the last year or two on Instagram. And over the last several months we started sharing some messages. She has just completed her journey to every country in the world and I wanted to learn about her adventures as well as her two physical disabilities and how she overcame these challenges. The next Extraordinary Travel Festival will be held on November 15, 2024 in Bangkok. At the festival, we will have over 20 amazing speakers. Sort of like the TEDx of travel...
2024-02-212h 13Counting CountriesRaiiq Ridwan … The Travel BugThis is the second publication of this interview. The first podcast had a corrupted file. All audio from the first interview had been deleted after 1 hr and 31 minutes. This publication is the full file. Raiiq has traveled to 118 countries Hey now and Happy New Year to all! I am your host, Ric Gazarian. I knew Raiiq from EPS and had the pleasure of meeting him at the ETF in Armenia. I was spurred to learn more about him after a recent post in EPS detailing his challenges with carrying a Bangladeshi passport. We all know Chasing 193 is no easy feat, and Raii...
2024-01-282h 43Counting CountriesRaiiq Ridwan … The Travel BugRaiiq has traveled to 118 countries Hey now and Happy New Year to all! I am your host, Ric Gazarian. I knew Raiiq from EPS and had the pleasure of meeting him at the ETF in Armenia. I was spurred to learn more about him after a recent post in EPS detailing his challenges with carrying a Bangladeshi passport. We all know Chasing 193 is no easy feat, and Raiiq shares with us an additional set of impediments he faces to complete his goal. The next Extraordinary Travel Festival will be held on November 15, 2024 in Bangkok. I am also excited to announce optiona...
2024-01-212h 43Counting CountriesZach Forbes … Passion For PeopleZach Forbes has traveled to 140 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. I am excited to introduce Zach Forbes, our new guest this month. Zach was a character I saw all around social media and connected to many of my friends. I finally met him face to face in Yerevan at the Extraordinary Travel Festival. Zach is a true global citizen, raised in Canada and the US. He also lived in China, Dubai, and Vancouver while traveling to 140 countries. As some of you might have heard the next Extraordinary Travel Festival will be held on November 15, 2024 in Bangkok, plenty...
2023-11-162h 07Counting CountriesRoss OC Jennings … Opening DoorsRoss OJ Jennings has traveled to 106 countries. Ross OC Jennings Counting Countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. Did you note that the intro has been updated? Thanks to Evo the longtime voice of Counting Countries. Ross OC Jennings might not be well known in the 193 community but he is cutting a unique path. I had read about Ross a couple of years ago, and as I shared with him, I was a bit skeptical about his quest. His goal was to the first bagpiper to travel to every country in the world. Well, I can imagine he will be...
2023-07-132h 22
The Nomad Mania PodcastThe Nomad Mania Podcast With Harry MitsidisWelcome to the Nomad Mania Podcast! Nomad Mania divides the world into 1301 regions and is an excellent website which allows you to track your travels whether you are chasing 193, TCC, MTP or of course Nomad Mania. It also maintains extensive series like 1881 different airports, 1696 festivals, or 2855 religious temples. The Nomad Mania Podcast interviews members who will share their insights and advice as we take deep dives into some of the world’s 1281 most interesting regions. Your host of The Nomad Mania Podcast is Ric Gazarian. Ric is on a quest to travel to every country in the world...
2020-09-1500 min
Counting CountriesGraham Hughes…Three Hobbits Named MohammedKey Links A fleeting tweet recently connected me to Graham Hughes and paved the way for this podcast. I had reached out to him years ago, but my email ended up in a spam folder. So for those who say nothing good comes from Twitter, you now stand corrected. Thanks to my patrons William Schelling, Steph Rowe, Ted Nims, Bisa Myles, and Adam Hickman for supporting Counting Countries. And a warm welcome to our new patron, , from Norway. They help pay for the production of this podcast. You can support this podcast by going to Patreon.com. My patrons will hear 30 m...
2020-09-102h 48The Nomad Mania PodcastThe Nomad Mania Podcast With Monique TeggeloveWelcome to the Nomad Mania Podcast! Nomad Mania divides the world into 1281 regions and is an excellent website which allows you to track your travels whether you are chasing 193, TCC, MTP or of course Nomad Mania. It also maintains extensive series like 1881 different airports, 1696 festivals, or 2855 religious temples. The Nomad Mania Podcast interviews members who will share their insights and advice as we take deep dives into some of the world’s 1281 most interesting regions. Your host of The Nomad Mania Podcast is Ric Gazarian. Ric is on a quest to travel to every country in the world...
2020-08-1500 minThe Nomad Mania PodcastThe Nomad Mania Podcast With Debjeet SenWelcome to the Nomad Mania Podcast! Nomad Mania divides the world into 1281 regions and is an excellent website which allows you to track your travels whether you are chasing 193, TCC, MTP or of course Nomad Mania. It also maintains extensive series like 1881 different airports, 1696 festivals, or 2855 religious temples. The Nomad Mania Podcast interviews members who will share their insights and advice as we take deep dives into some of the world’s 1281 most interesting regions. Your host of The Nomad Mania Podcast is Ric Gazarian. Ric is on a quest to travel to every country in the...
2020-07-1500 minThe Nomad Mania PodcastThe Nomad Mania Podcast With Danay BustamanteWelcome to the Nomad Mania Podcast! Nomad Mania divides the world into 1281 regions and is an excellent website which allows you to track your travels whether you are chasing 193, TCC, MTP or of course Nomad Mania. It also maintains extensive series like 1881 different airports, 1696 festivals, or 2855 religious temples. The Nomad Mania Podcast interviews members who will share their insights and advice as we take deep dives into some of the world’s 1281 most interesting regions. Your host of The Nomad Mania Podcast is Ric Gazarian. Ric is on a quest to travel to every country in the...
2020-06-1500 min
Counting CountriesJoss Stone…Performing In Every Country In The WorldKey Links I have spoken to so many travel legends on Counting Countries, but this interview marks my first time speaking with a person, who gained their fame outside of the travel world. Joss Stone is a multi-platinum artist who has won a Grammy. But of course on this podcast, we focussed on her travel accomplishments. Joss created the audacious project, Total World Tour, which entailed Joss performing in every country around the world. I only learned about Joss at the beginning of 2019 when Thor Pedersen, former guest, shared with me that he saw Joss perform in North Korea. With help from...
2020-06-112h 00The Nomad Mania PodcastThe Nomad Mania Podcast With Petro MaraisWelcome to the Nomad Mania Podcast! Nomad Mania divides the world into 1281 regions and is an excellent website which allows you to track your travels whether you are chasing 193, TCC, MTP or of course Nomad Mania. It also maintains extensive series like 1881 different airports, 1696 festivals, or 2855 religious temples. The Nomad Mania Podcast interviews members who will share their insights and advice as we take deep dives into some of the world’s 1281 most interesting regions. Your host of The Nomad Mania Podcast is Ric Gazarian. Ric is on a quest to travel to every country in the...
2020-05-1500 minThe Nomad Mania PodcastThe Nomad Mania Podcast With Boris KesterWelcome to the Nomad Mania Podcast! Nomad Mania divides the world into 1281 regions and is an excellent website which allows you to track your travels whether you are chasing 193, TCC, MTP or of course Nomad Mania. It also maintains extensive series like 1881 different airports, 1696 festivals, or 2855 religious temples. The Nomad Mania Podcast interviews members who will share their insights and advice as we take deep dives into some of the world’s 1281 most interesting regions. Your host of The Nomad Mania Podcast is Ric Gazarian. Ric is on a quest to travel to every country in the...
2020-04-1500 min
Counting CountriesMelissa Roy…Dreams From Her FatherKey Links I reached out to Melissa shortly after she announced her accomplishment of traveling to every country in the world. Social media and traditional media began reporting that she was the first woman of South Asian heritage to complete this quest. On Counting Countries, I am always looking for diverse voices, whether it is nationality, ethnicity, religion, or any other differentiators. It is great to get other perspectives. Lemurs, Baobab trees. Come join Counting Countries on its first group tour to Madagascar in August of 2020. Please reach out to me with any questions on this trip I am reminding you that Co...
2020-04-092h 23The Nomad Mania PodcastThe Nomad Mania Podcast With Pong TanthasindhuWelcome to the Nomad Mania Podcast! Nomad Mania divides the world into 1281 regions and is an excellent website which allows you to track your travels whether you are chasing 193, TCC, MTP or of course Nomad Mania. It also maintains extensive series like 1881 different airports, 1696 festivals, or 2855 religious temples. The Nomad Mania Podcast interviews members who will share their insights and advice as we take deep dives into some of the world’s 1281 most interesting regions. Your host of The Nomad Mania Podcast is Ric Gazarian. Ric is on a quest to travel to every country in the...
2020-03-1500 min
Counting CountriesLorenzo Riccardi…Marrying Economics And TravelKey Links I had the great opportunity to sit down with Lorenzo during his visit to Bangkok. We had known of each other through the EPS community on FB as well as through some mutual friends. After the interview, Lorenzo joined me at a travel networking event I host in Bangkok where he was the featured speaker. It is always great to do the interviews in person. Counting Countries is offering its first group tour to Madagascar in August of 2020. Please reach out to me with any questions on this trip. In addition, if you are planning trips to places like Antarc...
2020-03-121h 41The Nomad Mania PodcastThe Nomad Mania Podcast With Amelia HagenWelcome to the Nomad Mania Podcast! Nomad Mania divides the world into 1281 regions and is an excellent website which allows you to track your travels whether you are chasing 193, TCC, MTP or of course Nomad Mania. It also maintains extensive series like 1881 different airports, 1696 festivals, or 2855 religious temples. The Nomad Mania Podcast interviews members who will share their insights and advice as we take deep dives into some of the world’s 1281 most interesting regions. Your host of The Nomad Mania Podcast is Ric Gazarian. Ric is on a quest to travel to every country in the world...
2020-02-1500 min
Counting CountriesSlawek Muturi…A Neighbor Of The WorldKey Links Today, I speak with Slawek Muturi, a truly fascinating and impressive traveler. The more I researched Slawek, the more I was looking forward to our conversation. He is a successful individual, whether it is business or travel. Counting Countries is offering its first group tour to Madagascar in August of 2020. Please reach out to me with any questions on this trip. In addition, if you are planning trips to places like Antarctica, Svalbard, Galapagos, please consider my partner G Adventures and use my link. I am reminding you that Counting Countries is partnered with Patreon. Patreon is a platform th...
2020-02-132h 20The Nomad Mania PodcastThe Nomad Mania Podcast With Megan StarrWelcome to the Nomad Mania Podcast! Nomad Mania divides the world into 1281 regions and is an excellent website which allows you to track your travels whether you are chasing 193, TCC, MTP or of course Nomad Mania. It also maintains extensive series like 1881 different airports, 1696 festivals, or 2855 religious temples. The Nomad Mania Podcast interviews members who will share their insights and advice as we take deep dives into some of the world’s 1281 most interesting regions. Your host of The Nomad Mania Podcast is Ric Gazarian. Ric is on a quest to travel to every country in the...
2020-01-1500 minThe Nomad Mania PodcastThe Nomad Mania Podcast With Vako ArmenoWelcome to the Nomad Mania Podcast! Nomad Mania divides the world into 1281 regions and is an excellent website which allows you to track your travels whether you are chasing 193, TCC, MTP or of course Nomad Mania. It also maintains extensive series like 1881 different airports, 1696 festivals, or 2855 religious temples. The Nomad Mania Podcast interviews members who will share their insights and advice as we take deep dives into some of the world’s 1281 most interesting regions. Your host of The Nomad Mania Podcast is Ric Gazarian. Ric is on a quest to travel to every country in the...
2019-12-1500 min
The Nomad Mania PodcastThe Nomad Mania Podcast With Craig ThompsonWelcome to the Nomad Mania Podcast! Nomad Mania divides the world into 1281 regions and is an excellent website which allows you to track your travels whether you are chasing 193, TCC, MTP or of course Nomad Mania. It also maintains extensive series like 1881 different airports, 1696 festivals, or 2855 religious temples. The Nomad Mania Podcast interviews members who will share their insights and advice as we take deep dives into some of the world’s 1281 most interesting regions. Your host of The Nomad Mania Podcast is Ric Gazarian. Ric is on a quest to travel to every country in the...
2019-11-1500 min
Counting CountriesKach Howe … Dreamed Of Being A DiplomatKey Links ----- And now you can listen to ! And Alexa! More About Kach: Where were you born: Philippines What passport (s) do you hold: Philippines Website: and And write a review! Check out our friend: . They organize international rallies around the world including: Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines and the Amazon. And watch my full length when I traveled with Large Minority. About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who’ve spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have travel...
2019-11-141h 52The Nomad Mania PodcastThe Nomad Mania Podcast With Marlon ReedWelcome to the Nomad Mania Podcast! Nomad Mania divides the world into 1281 regions and is an excellent website which allows you to track your travels whether you are chasing 193, TCC, MTP or of course Nomad Mania. It also maintains extensive series like 1881 different airports, 1696 festivals, or 2855 religious temples. The Nomad Mania Podcast interviews members who will share their insights and advice as we take deep dives into some of the world’s 1281 most interesting regions. Your host of The Nomad Mania Podcast is Ric Gazarian. Ric is on a quest to travel to every country in the...
2019-10-1500 min
Counting CountriesCharles Veley … And The Commitment To TravelKey Links ----- And now you can listen to ! And Alexa! And write a review! Check out our friend: . They organize international rallies around the world including: Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines and the Amazon. And watch my full length when I traveled with Large Minority. About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who’ve spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcas...
2019-10-102h 46The Nomad Mania PodcastThe Nomad Mania Podcast With Stefan KrasowskiWelcome to the Nomad Mania Podcast! Nomad Mania divides the world into 1281 regions and is an excellent website which allows you to track your travels whether you are chasing 193, TCC, MTP or of course Nomad Mania. It also maintains extensive series like 1881 different airports, 1696 festivals, or 2855 religious temples. The Nomad Mania Podcast interviews members who will share their insights and advice as we take deep dives into some of the world’s 1281 most interesting regions. Your host of The Nomad Mania Podcast is Ric Gazarian. Ric is on a quest to travel to every country in the...
2019-09-1500 min
Counting CountriesPer Besson … On The Road To Turkmenistan CORRECTEDKey Links -----I had the great opportunity to sit down with Per Besson. We met in person at the Extreme Travel International Congress, where Per did a lot of great organizing for the event at the Principality of Sealand. The following week we met for some great Georgian food and sat down to do an interview in person in London. My apologies, this episode was recorded in the hotel lobby with some background noise. I am reminding you that Counting Countries is now partnered with Patreon. Patreon is a platform that allows patrons, that’s you, to support creators, and that is me cr...
2019-09-121h 40The Nomad Mania PodcastThe Nomad Mania Podcast With Boris Kester on SvalbardWelcome to the Nomad Mania Podcast! Nomad Mania divides the world into 1281 regions and is an excellent website which allows you to track your travels whether you are chasing 193, TCC, MTP or of course Nomad Mania. It also maintains extensive series like 1881 different airports, 1696 festivals, or 2855 religious temples. The Nomad Mania Podcast interviews members who will share their insights and advice as we take deep dives into some of the world’s 1281 most interesting regions. Your host of The Nomad Mania Podcast is Ric Gazarian. Ric is on a quest to travel to every country in the...
2019-08-1500 min
Counting CountriesLexie Alford … Collecting 10,000 DocumentsKey Links Blog: Instagram: TedEx: -----Lexie Alford … Collecting 10,000 Documents Lexie is the youngest person to travel to every country in the world This is my second conversation with Lexie. As I have mentioned before, I constantly debate whether to invite guests back for a second conversation, especially since I only publish podcasts on a monthly basis at this time. But I considered Lexie’s accomplishment worth a second conversation as I had become vested in her journey as I tracked her travels on social media and we would occasionally converse. And I also admire Lexie. As a 21, she carries herself with a lot of...
2019-08-081h 44
Counting CountriesLive From Dubai! … A Conversation With Four Extreme TravelersKey Links -----A bit similar to our last episode, Live From Sealand, this episode, Live From Dubai, features four extreme travelers: Ryan Gazder, Zulekha Huseni, Zsuzsanna Berencsi, and Adam Hickman. I had an extended layover in Dubai en route to Armenia and I reached to some fellow travelers. We met for some Lebanese and then retired to a conference room in the Burj Khalifa to record this episode. I am reminding you that Counting Countries is now partnered with Patreon. Patreon is a platform that allows patrons, that’s you, to support creators, and that is me creating Counting Countries. And thanks...
2019-07-251h 26
The Nomad Mania PodcastThe Nomad Mania Podcast With James Wilcox on AfghanistanWelcome to the Nomad Mania Podcast! Nomad Mania divides the world into 1281 regions and is an excellent website which allows you to track your travels whether you are chasing 193, TCC, MTP or of course Nomad Mania. It also maintains extensive series like 1881 different airports, 1696 festivals, or 2855 religious temples. The Nomad Mania Podcast interviews members who will share their insights and advice as we take deep dives into some of the world’s 1281 most interesting regions. Your host of The Nomad Mania Podcast is Ric Gazarian. Ric is on a quest to travel to every country in the world...
2019-07-1500 min
Counting CountriesLive From Sealand! … Extreme Travelers Gather & A Conversation With Prince MichaelKey Links -----On today’s episode, I speak with eight extreme travelers at Sealand. Well, let me explain that, the interviews did not take place at Sealand, but at the nearby port of Harwich in England. And yes, these interviews are recorded, so it is really not live. But, I loved the title … Live From Sealand. I am reminding you that Counting Countries is now partnered with Patreon. Patreon is a platform that allows patrons, that’s you, to support creators, and that is me creating Counting Countries. Thanks to new patron, Adam Hickman, who is also a former guest. Make sure you c...
2019-07-112h 45
Counting CountriesPalle Bo … re-invented himself at 50Key Links -----On today’s episode, I welcome Palle Bo to Counting Countries. Palle and I have met twice over the last couple of years, once in Manila and once in Chicago, but today is the day where we made it official with an interview. Before I introduce Palle, I am reminding you that Counting Countries is now partnered with Patreon. Patreon is a platform that allows patrons, that’s you, to support creators, and that is me creating Counting Countries. I have been extremely fortunate to be be able to create this podcast and be able to meet so many inte...
2019-06-131h 28
The Nomad Mania PodcastThe Nomad Mania Podcast With Gianluca PardelliWelcome to the Nomad Mania Podcast! Nomad Mania divides the world into 1281 regions and is an excellent website which allows you to track your travels whether you are chasing 193, TCC, MTP or of course Nomad Mania. It also maintains extensive series like 1881 different airports, 1696 festivals, or 2855 religious temples. The Nomad Mania Podcast interviews members who will share their insights and advice as we take deep dives into some of the world’s 1281 most interesting regions. Your host of The Nomad Mania Podcast is Ric Gazarian. Ric is on a quest to travel to every country in the...
2019-06-0700 min
Counting CountriesAdam Hickman … striving to travel to every country before he turns 40Key Links -----Hey now… Thank you for joining me on Counting Countries. I’m your host, Ric Gazarian, . On today’s episode, I welcome Adam Hickman to Counting Countries. Adam is on a mission to visit every country before he turns 40 and moving to the UAE opened up many travel opportunities. Before I introduce Adam, a quick reminder that Counting Countries is now partnered with . Patreon is a platform that allows patrons, that’s you, to support creators, and that is me creating Counting Countries. I have been extremely fortunate to be be able to create this podcast and be able to meet...
2019-05-091h 33
The Nomad Mania PodcastThe Nomad Mania Podcast With Henrik JeppesenWelcome to the Nomad Mania Podcast! Nomad Mania divides the world into 1281 regions and is an excellent website which allows you to track your travels whether you are chasing 193, TCC, MTP or of course Nomad Mania. It also maintains extensive series like 1881 different airports, 1696 festivals, or 2855 religious temples. The Nomad Mania Podcast interviews members who will share their insights and advice as we take deep dives into some of the world’s 1281 most interesting regions. Your host of The Nomad Mania Podcast is Ric Gazarian. Ric is on a quest to travel to every country in the world...
2019-05-0700 min
Counting CountriesFelix Mechnig-Giordano … flirting with disaster in SyriaKey Links -----On today’s episode, I welcome Felix Mechnig-Giordano to Counting Countries. Before I introduce Felix, I am reminding you that Counting Countries is now partnered with Patreon. Patreon is a platform that allows patrons, that’s you, to support creators, and that is me creating Counting Countries. I have been extremely fortunate to be be able to create this podcast and be able to meet so many interesting and compelling travelers, but I have also spent a tremendous amount of time and some money creating this podcast. So for example, some benefits are extended interviews. Some Patrons are able to...
2019-04-112h 06
Counting CountriesSascha Grabow … avoiding watermelons on the roadKey Links -----On today’s episode, I welcome Sascha Grabow to Counting Countries. I noted Sascha’s name on the top of the Nomad Mania’s best traveled for quite some time. We spent numerous months scheduling this conversation taking into account our travels as well as some time that Sascha spent in prison in the Solomon Islands. Before I introduce Sascha, I am reminding you that Counting Countries is now partnered with Patreon. Patreon is a platform that allows patrons, that’s you, to support creators, and that is me creating Counting Countries. I have been extremely fortunate to be be able to...
2019-02-072h 14
Counting CountriesGeorge Kashouh has summited the highest mountain on six of the seven continents!George has set two ambitious goals. First, he wants to summit the tallest mountain on each continent. Second, he intends to travel to every country in the world. He has made great progress so far, summiting six of the seven summits and has traveled to 78 UN countries. George has climbed the highest mountain on each continent, except for Mt. Vinson Massif in Antarctica, which is quite remote and expensive to climb. George has showed true grit. His first attempt at summiting Mt. Everest ended in failure, with the peak only being a couple hundred feet away. He was not deterred and th...
2018-02-151h 34
Counting CountriesBabis Bizas - 193 countries ... and travels 300 days a year for several decadesBabis completed his quest for 193 in 2004, but has not slowed down at all. In the late 1970s, Babis backpacked the Hippy Trail which included Pakistan and Afghanistan. He eventually found his way to Sri Lanka and joined the crew of a Greek ship and travelled even further. Babis is one of the few who has traveled to both the North and South Pole. He shares with us an amazing tale of 19 hours in a helicopter traveling to the North Pole. And no travel career is complete without an arrest story. Babis found himself in a jail in Benghazi. Babis spoke about his favo...
2018-02-011h 12
Counting CountriesArtemy Lebedev - 193 countries ... and exploring over 1500 citiesBeing a lazy workaholic propelled Artemy to become one of the world’s most traveled people Artemy had exploration in his DNA. As a kid he traveled the metro in Moscow visiting scores of different theaters, satisfying his passion of cinema as well as exploring the nooks and crannies of his city. As an adult, he made a pact with himself ensuring that at least once a month he would partake on a trip, whether the neighboring town or across the world. This led him to be ranked 25th on the Nomad Mania list. Artemy is a very popular and succes...
2018-01-181h 36
Counting CountriesTony Giles - 110 countries ... and blind and mostly deafTony has a sense of adventure not rivaled by many. Tony heard tales of travel from his Dad, a merchant marine. He also had two opportunities to study in the USA as a student. Yet, the gift of a kidney which prevented a life of dialysis supercharged his travel life, reminding him that his life is short. And did I mention that Tony is also blind and mostly deaf. Tony shows an incredible amount of poise, courage and optimism. Tony typically travels solo and revels in the magic of travel, enjoying the interactions with locals and other travelers. Tony shares why he loves Ne...
2017-12-211h 17
Counting CountriesSpecial Report - Turmoil In The Travel Community - The William Baekeland ControversyA number of allegations have been made against William Baekeland by other members of the travel community. These allegations have not been proven in a court of law. Please listen in on this special episode. Photos provided with permission by Harry Mitsidis and Dominique Laurent. And write a review! Check out our friends: and . They organize international rallies around the world including: Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines and the Amazon. More about the guests: About Harry Mitsidis About Mike Kendall About David Langan About Dominique Laurent About William Baekeland About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring yo...
2017-12-072h 35
Counting CountriesJames Asquith - 193 countries ... and Guinness World Record HolderJames is the current world record holder as the youngest person to travel to every country in the world according to the Guinness World Records James has travel DNA. His grandfather regaled him with tales of spending time in Yemen. His mother lived in Hong Kong. His father was an airline captain who flew to international locales like Senegal and Ethiopia, James sometimes accompanying. James shares with us why people make such a big difference when visiting every country in the world. And he tells us what country has the friendliest people. James tells us where the most magical sunrise is in...
2017-11-231h 16
Counting CountriesPongtharin Tanthasindhu - 113 countries ... and travelling on a Thai passportPong has travel in his blood. He started traveling to nearby Asian countries and Europe with his parents as a kid. Pong spent a year as a thirteen year old in Bangalore, India learning English at a strict boarding school. He continued his schooling in Canada as he went to high school and university. Instead of heading back to Thailand on summer break he ended up visiting his classmate in the middle of Russia in the Urals for two months, living like a local. During university, he took a year off, and began a backpacking trip to the Middle East whi...
2017-11-091h 15
Counting CountriesArvinder Bahal - 178 countries ... and on his way to outer space!Arvi is nearly finished in completing his quest to travel to all 193 countries, and has had some amazing experiences on the way. Arvi only has 15 countries left and is hoping to finish this quest in the next year. During his travels, he has visited both Antarctica and the North Pole. He sailed around Antarctica from New Zealand to Chile, stopping and visiting McMurdo Station via helicopter during his 30 day cruise. He joined a Russian nuclear ice-breaker as it journeyed to the North Pole. Arvi shares with us why he is fond of Macedonia, thinks Paris is overrated, and why Nigeria is n...
2017-10-261h 02
Counting CountriesNina Sedano - 193 countries ... and one of the few women to accomplish this goalListen to Nina’s inspiring story to learn how an offhand comment by a friend set her on the path of becoming one of the approximately 10 women who have visited every country in the world. Nina grew up in Frankfurt in a single parent home. As a child she dipped her toe in the water and traveled within Europe, visiting England on a language exchange program. She began to travel and explore more after university visiting a couple dozen countries. At the age of 36, she quit her job in the corporate world so she could focus more on counting countries. Nina...
2017-10-121h 12
Counting CountriesEllany Lea - 104 countries ... and living as a digital nomadElla made a drastic decision after graduating university and starting her first corporate job. She quit on her 89th day. Despite having a great opportunity in the corporate world, she realized quickly that she craved a life of independence and freedom. She ended up living in Rwanda working for a NGO for 6 months. And this started a transition to becoming a digital nomad and beginning a career as an elite success coach. This new role allowed her the flexibility to live where she wanted to live as she grew her business. As she gained more success, she began to travel and exp...
2017-09-281h 05
Counting CountriesJakob Øster - 178 countries ... and travels with his family to Somalia and Afghanistan!A family that travels together stays together. Jakob travels frequently with his girlfriend and two young children. Jakob travels often with his girlfriend and two young children. Family vacations include overland West African road trips, visits to Somaliland, and family excursions to Afghanistan. His children aged 10 and 8 respectively have traveled to 72 and 55 countries respectively. Jakob also hits the road solo as well. He recounts witnessing a secretive Satanic ritual in West Africa. He overviews his attempt to travel overland from Antarctica to the Arctic over 10 months. Jakob was fortunate to visit Cambodia in the early 90s when the Khmer Rouge still r...
2017-09-141h 35
Counting CountriesMaurizio Giuliano - 193 countries ... and in 2004 was the youngest person to travel to every country in the world!Maurizio was a travel outlier at a young age. Riding the rails in Europe independently as a 13 year old. At 17, he left Italy to travel the Trans-Siberian to visit his penpal in Mongolia. After university in the UK, be began an international career as a journalist and NGO worker. This allowed ample opportunity to travel and lives overseas. Maurizio has spent time living in Haiti, Brazil, Mali, Sudan, Afghanistan, Central African Republic amongst others. Maurizio shares with us why he loves Gabon and Cameroon. Maurizio has traveled to Tokelau, one of the remote places in the world in the Pacific, and recounts his j...
2017-08-311h 33
Counting CountriesFabio Cao - 180 countries ... and counting!Fabio is closing in on his goal of 193 countries as he narrows down the list! Fabio was born in Milan and spread his wings as a model as he travelled to Miami and then moved to East and Southeast Asia before he was even 20 years old. Before he knew it, he had visited dozens of countries and he was on his quest. Fabio shares with us why Kabul and Caracas are the most dangerous cities in the world. Fabio recently visited Libya, and explains how he wrangled a visa and what his experience was like visiting Tripoli. Fabio has visited the...
2017-08-171h 32
Counting CountriesDrew Binsky - 110 countries ... Guinness World Record Holder!Drew is 26 and has already been to 110 countries and holds two Guinness World Records. As a ten year old, Drew spun a globe in his room and memorized the countries of the world. As a college student, he did a semester abroad in Prague and visited 20 European countries. After college, he moved to a small town in South Korea to teach English and started his travel blog. Drew now travels full time professionally and works with brands and tourism boards who support his travels. He details during the podcast how he makes a living as a travel blogger. He shares with u...
2017-08-0358 min
Counting CountriesRandy Williams - 86 countries ... and counting!Randy is a well-known radio personality who happens to be on a quest to travel to every country in the world. Randy became intrigued with travel while listening to his Spanish teacher’s travel stories. At the age of 26, he ventured abroad for the first time, and immediately became smitten with Brazil. He traveled there over 30 times, and lived there for two years. While discovering Brazil he decided to visit every country in the Americas before the age of 40. That goal transitioned to visiting all UN countries. Randy enjoys visiting those countries which are less visited. He spent New Year Eve’s i...
2017-07-201h 39
Counting CountriesEric Nguyen - 193 countries ... at the age of 24!At the age of 24, Eric visited his last UN country beating Guinness World Record Holder, James Asquith. Eric grew up in northern California, the son of Vietnamese immigrants. He had the opportunity of international travel with his family growing up. But his travel began in earnest when he went backpacking in East and Southeast Asia when he was just 18. He was inspired to visit every country in the world and attempt to break the world record for three reasons. First, Eric was inspired by world traveler and former guest, Gunnar Garfors. Second, Eric learned about James Asquith, the Guinness World Record...
2017-07-061h 11
Counting CountriesDustin Pfundheller - 193 countries ... at the age of 30 with the help of Tinder!Dustin balanced his career as a dentist while completing all 193 UN countries and then some. Dustin grew up in small town America yet ended up living in Singapore working as a dentist. Despite a childhood of limited travel, he spread his travel wings after settling in Singapore and began to discover the region. Dustin shares with us an amazing collection of travel stories. He crossed the border into Syria from Lebanon as an invited guest of Syria. Dustin was the keynote speaker at a medical conference in Damascus. He was banned from entering Israel and had to hire an attorney so he...
2017-06-221h 36
Counting CountriesThomas Brackmann - 155 countries ... and planning on finishing in 2 years!Thomas grew up behind the Iron Curtain, joined the military to travel, and now lives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Thomas was raised in in East Germany in modest circumstances, with virtually no travel in his life. He joined the military for 12 years which allowed him the opportunity to travel. During that time he traveled to hotspots like Afghanistan and Kosovo. After the military, he settled in Saudi Arabia with a career that allowed him to continue traveling. Thomas keeps an aggressive travel schedule, adding in 20 new countries a year. He also likes to incorporate athletics into his travel, partic...
2017-06-081h 19
Counting CountriesThanos Koukoutsakis - 146 countries ... with a doctorate in physics!Thanos is on a quest to visit every country in the world and has already visited 146 UN countries. Thanos initial focus in life was education and business, not travel. In fact, one of his first overseas trips was a basic package trip to Sri Lanka. After completing his doctorate in theoretical physics and starting his own business in India his life eventually transitioned into a life of travel. Now adventures include summiting the seven summits with three already completed. Thanos also enjoys road trips like a 3 week, 3000 km motorbike trip across Mongolia. Thanos also appreciates a good land crossing such as whe...
2017-05-111h 17
Counting CountriesAudrey Walsworth - 193 countries ... and 324/325 on the TCC List!Audrey is a member of an elite club of female travelers who have traveled to all 193 UN countries. I thought it was important to have a member of this club to speak on the podcast in regard to the media’s claim that is the first woman to travel to every country in the world. This false narrative has been embraced by the public. During the podcast, we speak about this controversy and Audrey shares her perspective on being a woman who has accomplished this feat. Audrey’s first international foray took place in 1969 as she traced her ethnic roots to Soviet L...
2017-04-271h 28
Counting CountriesGary Arndt - 119 countries ... and over 300 UNESCO World Heritage Sites!Gary sold his house and all of his belongings in 2007 and began his life of travel. Gary over his 10 years of travel has established himself as an elite travel blogger with an expertise in photography. Gary shares with us many tales from the road. Gary, single handedly, changed the visa rules for the Pacific Island of Kiribati with one email. He tells us why his motorbike driver pulled his gun as they made their way to the contested Temple of Preah Vihear at the Cambodian/Thai border. And Gary also spends a lot of time exploring national parks, and tells us wh...
2017-04-131h 17
Counting CountriesLee Abbamonte - 193 countries ... and the North and South Pole!Lee has led an incredible life, traveling to all 193 countries and being the youngest American to accomplish this feat at that time. And he is only 6 territories away from completing the Travelers Century Club. Lee travels in style whether it is entering his 193rd country under a hail of gunfire or hanging out with Prince Harry in Antarctica. Lee grew up in modest circumstances and began his travel with a semester abroad in London. This trip and the loss of his friends on 9/11 sparked his interest in travel. Lee was motivated to complete the Travelers Century Club after he read an a...
2017-03-301h 35
Counting CountriesJoão Paulo Peixoto - 193 countries ... and wedding ceremonies in 8 different countries!João is a quintuple threat. He is a professor, an entrepreneur, a father of seven, a romantic, and a believer in all of the world’s religions. The professor shares his amazing stories of traveling the world. As a romantic he has married his wife eight times in different ceremonies around the world, including their first in Addis Ababa with a honeymoon in South Sudan. He spent time in a Yemeni jail cell that conveniently included wifi allowing for some Facebook updates. He avoided being strip searched in the Congo with a well placed bribe. And the professor traveled the Kar...
2017-03-161h 00
Counting CountriesSepp Kaiser - 190 countries ... on a single 10 year trip!Sepp left his family farm in Austria in 1985, and he did not see his family until 1995, when he returned after visiting every country in the world. Sepp is a vagabond at heart as he traveled the world with his guitar. He traveled non-stop for 19 years as he traveled to every country in the world at that time (190 countries). He nearly lost his life on more than one occasion, as he battled gun wielding attackers in Nigeria, and hepatitis in Angola. He was both drugged and arrested in China prior to its opening to the west. Sepp also shares a different persp...
2017-03-021h 28
Counting CountriesDave Levart - 140 countries ... and has visited over 850 wineries in Napa Valley!Dave’s travel and life has morphed into one collective. He began his travel career after graduation with the start of his travel blog, and has been travelling ever since. Over the past 20 years Dave has managed to visit 140 UN recognized countries in a quest to discover and experience true travel. He does not have a specific stated goal of visiting every country, but through his desire to discover the world he has already managed to visit 140 countries, with a target of visiting ten plus new countries a year. Dave’s other quest is to visit every winery in Napa Valley. ...
2017-02-161h 03
Counting CountriesDavid Langan - 176 countries ... and counting!David is traveling to every country and sending home a postcard! David has a passion for stamps and postcards. The first has helped him finance some of his travels while he has sent a postcard home from every country and territory he has traveled to. He started traveling as an intrepid teenager on a solo trip to the Pacific Islands after saving money for three years. Today, his travel adventures have spanned five different decades with no end in sight. He has traveled to some of the most remote corners of the world from Island to , where he met the one...
2017-02-021h 34
Counting CountriesLawrence Williams - 152 countries ... and spreading his Uncle’s ashes in every country!Lawrence is on a quest to travel to every country in the world while honoring his uncle, by spreading his ashes in every country. Uncle James was a free spirit and travel pioneer who inspired Lawrence to travel even more. Lawrence lost his uncle to cancer and wanted to honor his memory. Lawrence is now traveling to every country in the world as well as the 325 regions noted in Travelers' Century Club to spread his ashes. Lawrence has braved the streets of Mogadishu and has been detained by North Korea while pursuing this quest. Lawrence is based in The Gambia where...
2017-01-201h 37
Counting CountriesDon Parrish - 193 countries ... and is the most traveled person on MTP!Don has traveled to 851 places of the 875 places listed on the Most Traveled People list. He is number one on the list, making him the most traveled person using this benchmark. Don has been traveling and discovering the world since the 1960s when he worked in a factory in Germany on an exchange program. He has an incredible passion for history and connecting events and people throughout time. He has traveled to the Soviet Union in the 1960s as well as traveling to each 83 political subdivisions. He has been traveling to China for over four decades witnessing the changes in the ris...
2017-01-032h 51
Counting CountriesRick Shaver - 81 countries ... and counting!Rick has managed to travel the world while raising a family heading an international marketing firm! Rick was inspired to travel by his globe-trotting grandmother and a visit to the World Expo as a child. He spent over a month in Bucharest during Ceaușescu reign in the early 1980s. And during a 6 month backpacking trip through Europe he crossed Checkpoint Charlie and toured Tito’s Yugoslavia. He also shares some of his favorite travel experiences in the Galapagos and on safari. He is an avid runner who has finished marathons from Buenos Aires to Budapest. Please listen in and enjoy...
2016-12-1352 min
Counting CountriesLillie Echevarria - 105 countries ... and counting!An intrepid traveller who has travelled to over 100 countries and has a special place in her heart for the continent of Africa. Lillie is a Peruvian native who arrived in the US as an exchange student. Avoiding the violence of the Shining Path in her home country she opted for a new life in America. She began her international travels with a group bus trip across Europe and quickly graduated to more challenging adventures. She toured multiple countries in South America on the back of a motorcycle. Lillie traveled overland with her mother between Cameroon and Central African Republic. She is ver...
2016-11-2953 min
Counting CountriesStefan Krasowski - 186 countries... and counting!Stefan has been able to strike a great balance between life and travel. Stefan has a full time job and is married, yet still has managed to travel to 186 countries. Stefan’s passion for the Chinese language in school led him to studying, working, and living in China for eight years. He also managed to visit every province in the country. With detailed planning and with an expertise in travel hacking, Stefan has managed to live a life of travel and exploration. Despite working full time has has managed with business trips and his vacations to methodically travel the world. Listen in a...
2016-11-151h 00
Counting CountriesSal Lavallo - 151 countries ... and only 26!Sal has travel in his blood. He was born to an Italian father and German mother who began a quest to visit every state in the US when he was a kid. And Sal attended a boarding school with fellow students from 80 different countries. Sal is only 26 but has already traveled to 151 countries and has 193 in his sites. If he continues traveling at this fast pace, he might be the youngest American to travel to every country. He attended a true global high school where visiting a friend entailed a long distance flight to distant country. Attending university included two seme...
2016-11-011h 06
Counting CountriesSavannah Grace - 107 countries ... and left to travel the world as a 14 year old!Savannah left a comfortable life in Vancouver as a young teenager to backpack the world with her family and at 18 years of age had already traveled to 80 countries. Savannah, as a 14 year old, and her family were shaken out of their comfort zone in Canada. With her mother, older brother and sister, she embarked on a four year journey across the world. They traveled and lived as locals on a very tight budget. The family was audacious, not shying away from the more challenging corners of the globe. They traveled overland in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They spent months in India. The famil...
2016-10-181h 09
Counting CountriesMichael Runkel - 176 countries ... and counting!Michael Runkel has traveled the world as a professional photographer taking over one million photos, including over 600 UNESCO World Heritage sites! Michael has traveled to 176 countries and on his journeys has collected some amazing travel experiences. He stayed with a powerful sheik in his palace in Yemen as war was declared. He survived a powerful earthquake in Bam, Iran that claimed the lives of thousands. This experience changed his life as he dedicated his time to build a school and orphanage in the city. Michael met his wife on a cruise to Antarctica and has travelled around the world with his i...
2016-09-2751 min
Counting CountriesAnna Zavialova - 92 countries ... and counting!Anna is on a quest to travel to every country in the world. Anna is an adventurous, solo female traveler who couchsurfed on her own in Afghanistan and then some! Anna’s youth was spent as a citizen of the USSR effectively cut off from over half of the world. She dreamed of travel and exploration. As the Soviet Union collapsed, her travel opportunities expanded. She began by visiting her neighbors in Europe. Overtime, she stretched her wings and started exploring more challenging countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia. Anna and I met on a group trip to Eritrea i...
2016-09-2041 min
Counting CountriesAnthony William - 38 countries ... accomplished in a wheelchair!Anthony is on a quest to visit all 193 countries in the world. And he plans to accomplish this goal as the first person in a wheelchair. Anthony is an incredibly impressive individual who has not let physical disabilities dictate his life. Despite being in a wheelchair he has managed to travel to 20% of the world’s countries on his quest to visit all 193. He shares with us the challenges of being disabled in developing countries with two heartfelt stories. What stands out most is his positive and can-do attitude. Anthony is an inspiration whether you are a traveler or not. More about...
2016-09-131h 05
Counting CountriesWilliam Baekeland - 154 countries ... and is traveling to another list of 12,000 places!At the young age of only 23, William has made his way to over three quarters of the world’s countries! William began traveling at a young age with his family, including a 6 week cruise from the UK through Australia via the Suez Canal. He took his first independent trip to Scotland via train. He has only 39 countries until he visits every country in the world. William has also created a list of approximately 12,000 places in the world. He plans and hopes to visit these places over his lifetime. William also has a penchant to visit some of the most remote corner...
2016-09-061h 03
Counting CountriesMario Hardy - 82 countries ... and counting!A true global citizen who was inspired to country count after an impulsive wager with a friend. Mario has lived on 3 continents in 7 different countries. He has had a 30 year career in travel and in IT. Mario on a bet with a childhood friend began his quest to travel the world. I joined Mario at his office at the Pacific Asia Travel Association in Bangkok where he serves as the Chief Executive Officer. In his role, he is able to mix business and leisure travel to explore the world. More about Mario Hardy: Born in: Montreal, Canada Passports from: Canada & France...
2016-08-3048 min
Counting CountriesThor Pedersen - 132 countries and no airplane flights!On an improbable quest to visit every country in the world without ever taking a single flight. Thor is on a multi-year journey to visit every country in the world without ever taking a single airplane flight. Thor has overcome malaria, corrupt Central African border officials, and incredible logistical challenges. He is a representative of the Danish Red Cross and has been rewarded with serendipitous encounters with people throughout the world. More about Thor Pedersen: Born in: The Kingdom of Denmark, in the high north of Europe Passports from: Denmark Favorite travel book: GRUK - about travel, by Piet Hein Favo...
2016-08-231h 32
Counting CountriesJohnny Ward - 190 countries ... and only 3 more to go!Johnny has been collecting amazing travel experiences as he travels to every country in the world. Johnny started his travel adventures straight out of university on an incredibly low budget. He shares with us his stories of illegally entering China via the Mekong River on a Chinese cargo boat to backpacking in Africa for months on $15 a day. Over time, he created a million dollar business as he nears completing his goal of traveling to all 193 countries. More about Johnny Ward: Born in: Galway, Ireland Passports from: Ireland & UK Favorite travel book: I love by Rolf Potts, and Favorite travel fil...
2016-08-161h 13
Counting CountriesMarkus Lundgren - 193 countries … and then some!Markus is a Swedish diplomat who has traveled to every country in the world and now is focussing on the Travelers’ Century Club which divides the world into 325 places. Markus has been posted to countries such as Nigeria and China during his career as a Swedish diplomat. Markus has a strong desire to travel as he demonstrated when he ventured as a 15 year old to China with a group of strangers he met via a newspaper advertisement. Markus has traveled to the far corners of the earth from places such as (in the far east of Russia opposite Alaska) to (cons...
2016-08-091h 02
Counting CountriesApril Peregrino - 84 countries … and closing in on 100!April is approaching her century mark and is on a quest to travel to every country in the world! April is the first Filipino female to travel to all seven continents in one calendar year. She is also on a mission to visit all 193 countries in the world She is closing in on her 100th country, and she is doing this while working on this quest as a pharmacist in Chicago. More about April Peregrino: Born in: Chicago, IL, USA Passports from: USA and Philippines Favorite travel book: "" by Alex Garland and "" by Gregory David Roberts (both read while traveling 😀). Favorite tr...
2016-08-0257 min
Counting CountriesHenrik Jeppesen - 193 countries … at age 27!Henrik Jeppesen completed his quest of traveling to every country in the world at the age of 27. Henrik was laser focused on completing his goal at all cost. Henrik has traveled to all 193 countries at the age of 27. On a limited budget, Henrik was determined to visit every corner of the globe. If needed he would walk 20 km to the airport to save money on the bus fare. Yet, through sponsorships he has also stayed at dozens of luxurious resorts. More about Henrik Jeppesen: Born in: Denmark Passports from: Denmark Favorite travel book: Favorite travel film: It is a difficult choice...
2016-07-261h 52
Counting CountriesAnthony Asael - 193 countries … and taught children in every country!Anthony accomplished the amazing goal of traveling to every country in the world, but even more impressive, he taught children in all 193 countries of the world. Anthony through his foundation, Art In All Of Us, has dedicated his life to traveling to every country to teach and inspire the children of the world. Listen in as he shares the secret to accomplishing this quest through practicing the 5 P’s. This is truly an uplifting story of determination and perseverance. More about Anthony Asael: Born in: Brussels, Belgium Passports from: Belgium (But I but feel citizen of the world). Favorite travel book...
2016-07-181h 16
Counting CountriesErick Prince - 88 countries … and on his way to 198!Erick Prince overcame challenges as a youth and changed his life perspective through global travel. Erick Prince is on a mission to become the first African-American to visit every country in the world. Along the way, Erick strives to inspire peoples from low socioeconomic backgrounds, like his own, to change their global perspective through travel. Through this pursuit he hopes to inspire a new generation of global citizens from all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. More about Erick Prince: Born in: Cleveland, OH Passports from: USA Favorite travel book: Anything by Favorite travel film: and Favorite travel site: skyscanner.com and...
2016-07-111h 01
Counting CountriesGunnar Garfors - 193 countries ... And World Record Holder!Gunnar Garfors is the youngest hobby traveler who has traveled to all 193 countries while still being employed full time. Besides traveling to every country in the world, Gunnar has also completed several other challenging feats. In 2012, he traveled to five different continents in one single day. In 2014, he traveled to 19 countries in one day, a world record. You can read about some of his amazing adventures in his book, . More about Gunnar Garfors: Born in: World's northernmost town: Hammerfest, Norway Passports from: Norwegian (two of them!) Favorite travel book: Favorite travel site: momondo.com. It is great for comparing flight ticket...
2016-06-271h 06
Counting CountriesSamu Viljanen - 193 countries!Samu before the age of 40 had traveled to all 193 countries on earth. And in one fell swoop, traveled to all 53 countries in Africa. Samu is one of who have traveled to every country in the world. At the age of 39, he had traveled to every country in the world. Though he went back on the road in 2011 to visit South Sudan when it gained its independence. More about Samu Viljanen: Born in: Finland Passport from: Finland Favorite travel book: Jules Verne’s - they inspired me when I was a child. Favorite travel site: and Must carry: Enough memory cards to store...
2016-06-1746 min
Counting CountriesMike Spencer Bown - 193 countriesMike Spencer Bown - 193 countries Mike is a true traveler and explorer, who over a twenty plus year time period has traveled to every country in the world. Mike shared with me some incredible travel tales, including a road trip with a nun in a war-torn, African country. Mike has been on the road for over twenty years, exploring and discovering the remote corners of our planet. He travels slow and espouses a simpler lifestyle with all of his belongings in one bag. More about Mike Spencer Bown: Born in: Canada Passports from: Canada Favorite travel book: I like old Jack Va...
2016-06-131h 12
Counting CountriesHarry Mitsidis - 193 countries… and repeating!Harry Mitsidis has been travelling “competitively” since 2000. This half-Greek and half-British 44 year old was born in London and is the founder of . He’s more than qualified to run a website of that name, as he’s already traveled to all 193 countries. More than that, he’s been to 128 of them at least twice! But he’s not stopping there. Of the 1,281 places listed on , he has been to 1,020 of them! More about Harry Mitsidis: Born in: London Passports from: UK and Greece Favorite travel book: Favorite travel film: Favorite travel site: Must carry: Of course, my passport. And okroshka, the name I have given...
2016-06-061h 06