Authority in the Wild #50 - The First Digital Nomad: 17,000 Mile Journey to Freedom /w Steven K. Roberts
In this final interview of 2023, I got the pleasure to chat with Steven K. Roberts, the first-ever digital nomad who 40 years ago biked 17,000 miles around the U.S. on a computerized recumbent bicycle. Before his big adventure, Steven was living an unfulfilling suburban life. He started realizing he was working hard just to pay for a lifestyle he didn’t want. Steven knew he wanted to travel full-time while writing for a living. When portable computers and networks emerged along with recumbent bikes, he saw his chance. Steven designed a bike rigged with technology that allowed him to write articles from anywhere through early networks. As he pedaled across America, amazed locals who had never seen such tech invited Steven into their homes and lives. His journey sparked dreams and exposed unfulfilled hopes. Now 70, Steven encourages everyone to build lives around their passions before it’s too late. He shares the wisdom of a pioneering nomad who blazed trails of adventure on both land and water.
Important Timestamps
(00:00) Trailer
(02:24) Steven realized he wanted to travel full-time while writing for a living
(03:07) Portable computers and early networks emerged, allowing remote work
(03:46) Steven designed a bike rigged with tech to write articles from anywhere
(06:30) Steven showed how new tech could enable remote work, sparking dreams
(15:43) Old men Steven met regretted unfulfilled dreams, reinforcing his journey
(31:02) Traveling seems to extend life by creating more memories
(34:11) Daily choices shape lives, even if unintentionally
(43:27) Steven urges people to build lives around their passions
Connect with Steven
- Website & Archive: https://microship.com
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@microship
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Until Next Week,
Pura Vida!
Gabe - The Nomad Solopreneur