Transition to Travel: West Africa + Canoeing the River Gambia with Will Hunt

Dec 3, 2024

Will Hunt, a former accountant turned adventurer, shares his remarkable journey of canoeing the River Gambia. He discusses the emotional transformation behind leaving a stable job for the thrill of exploration, tackling unexpected challenges along the way. Will emphasizes the power of spontaneity and the personal growth that comes from embracing adventure. He reflects on lessons learned in West Africa, cultural connections, and the necessity of letting go of fear to pursue dreams. His story inspires anyone considering a leap into the unknown.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Embarking on the Gambia Journey

01:35 • 18min

Exploring Passion and Adventure in Creative Pursuits

19:34 • 2min

Navigating Travel Content Creation and Relationships

21:35 • 10min

Disconnecting to Connect

31:30 • 9min

Navigating the Challenges of River Gambia Expedition

40:46 • 3min

Lessons from West African Adventures

43:54 • 10min

Adventures in Spontaneity

54:09 • 11min

Embrace Adventure: Go Before You're Ready

01:05:15 • 5min

Balancing Adventure and Relaxation in Travel

01:10:16 • 8min

Embracing Spontaneity in Travel Adventures

01:18:36 • 2min

What would it take for you to leave everything behind and pursue a life of adventure?

Will Hunt is a former accountant who traded his comfortable life in London for the challenge of canoeing the entire length of the River Gambia while documenting his adventures on YouTube.

This special Transition to Travel episode captures Will’s journey from preparation to post-expedition reflections as I interview him both before and after his trip.

Hear how Will Hunt turned his dream of an extreme expedition into reality despite having no prior canoeing experience and the emotional and physical transformation that comes with taking a leap into the unknown. From the unexpected challenges of navigating the River Gambia to the cultural lessons he absorbed, this conversation highlights personal growth, resilience, and the power of adventure.

Will’s story is a great reminder that you don’t need to know everything before you get started. If you've ever considered leaving stability behind for something bigger—or simply want to hear a story of courage and exploration—this episode will inspire you to take that first step.

PLUS, we have part three of our road trip planning series, where you’ll hear ideas to help you craft an unforgettable itinerary.

Are you preparing for a transition to travel? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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Tune In To Learn:

Why he chose a 470 km river expedition with no canoeing experience over “just traveling”
The emotional impact of leaving behind friends, family, and a steady career
The eye-opening insights he learned from Gambian culture
How he organized the expedition and the logistical challenges of starting and overcoming unexpected obstacles (hippos?!)
How documenting his travels pushed him outside his comfort zone and deepened his experience
Insights into balancing relationships while pursuing a life of travel
Reflections on personal growth through extreme adventure and how it shifted his mindset
His recent bikepacking adventures, future travel plans, and how he’s turning his passion into a YouTube career
And so much more

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