Zero To Travel Podcast

What is a country?American journalist and author Eric Czuleger set out to answer that very question with his recent book, You Are Not Here: Travels Through Countries That Don't Exist, which shares about his year living in only unrecognized nations, such as Iraqi Kurdistan and Kosovo. The goal of this book is to invite readers to ask big questions about what it means to be a citizen of their own nation.Eric and I talk about his experience and touch on various topics, such as storytelling and the media, culture and identity, geopolitics, his brief stint as an intelligence analyst, and why he had to learn to like the world again. You’ll learn about the future of nation-states, his near-death experience in South Africa, reverse culture shock, expat life in Albania, and so much more.This episode will give you plenty of insights into the importance of storytelling, perception, and following your “peculiar” interests.Why do you travel? I'd love to hear your reasons, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.Premium Passport:Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: The changing landscape of Albania and the emergence of geo-arbitrage The importance of asking questions and understanding culture when traveling How the stories we tell ourselves shape our worldview and the intersection of personal and national stories The experience of adopting new perspectives and cultural concepts while keeping (or breaking away from) your own His shocking life-or-death experience in South Africa and what that taught him about having the courage to share your story  Geopolitics and the framework of nation-states and independent nations The fascinating people you meet in non-countries and conflict zones Quick tips for traveling in non-countries The greatest shift in his beliefs after having these experiences A thought experiment on global problems and solutions The future of the nation-state matrix and world economics And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Follow Eric on Instagram Grab his book You Are Not Here: Travels Through Countries That Don't Exist Listen to his podcast Howl: Strange Short Fiction for a Strange Short Existence Subscribe to his Substack Exponential Times Want More? Getting off the Beaten Path With Travel Writing Legend Joe Cummings 7 Pro Tips For Traveling In Dangerous Countries w/ Bjorn Palsson Greatest Hits: Factfulness – Why The World Is Better Than You Think Thanks To Our Sponsors Nissan - There’s no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com. Babbel - Learn a new language with Babbel! Visit babbel.com/zerototravel to get up to 60% off your subscription.

What is the #1 fear of most travelers, and how can you reign that fear in? Today’s Greatest Hits episode is about changing your perspective, worldview, and life through factfulness.Anna Rosling Rønnlund is the co-founder of Gapminder.org, whose mission is to fight ignorance by providing a fact-based worldview (for FREE). She is also the co-author of the NY Times Best-Selling book Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About The World—And Why Things Are Better Than You Think. This book will change your life for the better, so be sure to check it out.We discuss why the world may not be getting worse (as some think), the role of the media in distorting our worldview, insights into how we can shift our perspectives based on facts, and so much more.How did this episode change your outlook? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.*We're sharing previous episodes that highlight authors this month! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, providing valuable insight whenever you listen.Premium Passport:Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: How data literacy can help you understand the world objectively and avoid misinterpretations The problem with news reporting and what needs to change to have a more balanced perspective Why labels like "developed" and "developing" countries are outdated The value of understanding the world through an income-based lens How to virtually visit homes from all over the world to see everyday life And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Learn more on Gapminder Get the book Factfulness Listen to Anna’s Ted Talk Listen to Hans Rosling’s Ted Talks Check out Dollar Street Want More? Travel as a Force for Good, the Role of Travel Media, and Uncrowded Destinations to Visit with AFAR Co-Founder Greg Sullivan Bicycling Across the USA Without Money in Search of Human Connection With Daniel Troia Thanks To Our Sponsors Nissan - There’s no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com. Babbel - Learn a new language with Babbel! Visit babbel.com/zerototravel to get up to 60% off your subscription.

How is tourism impacting communities, and what can we do about it? Paige McClanahan joins me to talk about the dualities of the tourism industry and how we can have deeper travel experiences while benefiting the world.Paige McClanahan is the author of The New Tourist: Waking up to the Power and Perils of Travel. She is an American journalist based in France and a regular contributor to The New York Times, where she reports on the impacts of tourism. She is also the host of The Better Travel Podcast, which aims to make sure that our travels have a positive impact on the world. We talk about the evolution of tourism as context to how it got to where it is today, the consequences of travel on local communities (good and bad) and what we can do about it, and insights into how we can become what Paige calls a “new tourist.” She also shares a behind-the-scenes look at how she wrote this book and used her professional journalism skills to her advantage.How will you become a “new tourist?” I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.Premium Passport:Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: The evolution of tourism and travel and why it’s so complicated How guidebooks and social media have shaped the industry The complexities of influencers and why we are all influencers in some way How destinations can minimize the negative impact of tourism and promote responsible travel The fantasy of tourist traps and how tourism affects the quality of life for residents How she approaches serendipitous moments and genuine connections as an author The impact of AI on the future of tourism Insights on navigating digital nomadism and its effects on residents And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Paige’s website Get a copy of her book The New Tourist Listen to The Better Travel Podcast Follow her on Instagram Check out the book Do Travel Writers Go to Hell? Take a MasterClass Transcribe with Trint Want More? Is Your Summer Vacation Destroying The Planet? w/ Seth Kugel Avoiding The Instagram Trap w/ Kashlee Conscious Travel Mindset With Robin Greenfield Thanks To Our Sponsors Nissan - There’s no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com. Babbel - Learn a new language with Babbel! Visit babbel.com/zerototravel to get up to 60% off your subscription.

How would you describe your current level of happiness, and what would need to change to improve that? Award-winning journalist and bestselling author Eric Weiner joins me to explore the many themes of his book The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World and get into the nitty-gritty of what it means to be happy.If you want to transform your outlook and increase your happiness, you don’t want to miss this episode. Eric shares stories from his time as a foreign war correspondent during the rise of the Taliban, his decision to leave behind a successful career at NPR, lessons from traveling the world to write his first book, and so much more. How does traveling make you a better version of yourself? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you will share them by sending me an audio message.*We're sharing previous episodes that highlight authors this month! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, providing valuable insight whenever you listen.Premium Passport:Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: How taking a break from familiarity inspires a fresh outlook The secret benefit of living and traveling expectation-free Why unhappiness is just as crucial to living a meaningful life What it was like to live in India as a foreign war correspondent Why it's important to let go of things not meant for you How an apartment in Kazakhstan turned into the idea for Eric’s first book The unexpected places that taught Eric the most about happiness  What is the difference between an interview and a conversation How to embrace duality to be the best version of yourself The principle embraced in Iceland that leads to greater happiness Eric's best advice for creative writers And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Get your copy of The Geography of Bliss Visit Eric’s website Check out his Bhutan writing workshops Learn more about Erasmus Happiness Economics Research Organisation Want More? What Is “Happiness”? Discovering Meaning On The Silk Road w/ Will Rickard How To Add More Play Into Your Life w/ Jeff Harry Settling With The Nomad Spirit + The Beauty in Ugly Thanks To Our Sponsors Nissan - There’s no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com.

Did you know Ben Franklin was an extensive traveler for his time? Today, I'm joined by New York Times bestselling author Eric Weiner to talk about his new, incredibly unconventional biography, Ben & Me: In Search of a Founder's Formula for a Long and Useful Life, a guide for living and thinking well.We talk about Eric's unique way of weaving travel into his writing, explore the life and wisdom of Ben Franklin, and share concrete takeaways you can use to enhance your own life and travels. You'll hear about Eric's three keys to living, thinking, and aging well, what it means to live a useful life, the importance of curiosity, and the benefits of being what he calls a "genuine fake." We also touch on Ben's flaws and the lessons we can learn from them.What insights stood out to you the most? I'd love to hear them, and I hope you'll share by sending me an audio message.Premium Passport:Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: What it was like having his book turned into a docuseries His unique approach to blending history, travel, and philosophy into his books The unknown side of Ben Franklin: Traveler Ben, Buddha Ben, and more Why we should take humor more seriously  A different perspective on authenticity and how it relates to travel The importance of having the willingness to change your mind The biggest lessons we should all take from Ben How to live a fulfilling life and power questions to ponder How Ben's life can change your attitude toward aging The messy process of writing and how Eric develops his books And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Eric's website Grab a copy of his book, Ben & Me Watch Rainn Wilson and the Geography of Bliss Follow Eric on Instagram Want More? The Geography of Bliss w/ Eric Weiner Reviving History's Forgotten Female Adventurers With Elise Wortley A Race Around the World, Meeting Strangers Abroad, and Storytelling With Adrien Behn Thanks To Our Sponsors Nissan - There's no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com.

Finnish journalist Anu Partanen discusses the positives of Nordic society, debunking misconceptions about socialism and showcasing how adopting Nordic healthcare and education systems can reduce stress and improve society. Contrasts Nordic and US perspectives on social benefits, individualism, family structure, and government systems, offering insights on societal values, anxiety levels, and stress management.

How can one simple concept or decision radically change your life? In 2017, Jen Ruiz set out to take 12 trips in 12 months before her 30th birthday while employed full-time as an attorney. By the end of the 12 months, she had taken 20 trips and discovered a new career path, empowering others to change their lives through travel.Jen is a five-time Amazon bestselling author, three-time TEDx speaker, and solo travel maven. Her new memoir, 12 Trips in 12 Months: Make Your Own Solo Travel Magic, documents this journey of what happened when she decided to stop waiting for others and start living for herself. Jen and I talk all about solo travel and advice on traveling with a full-time job. She shares advice on self-publishing versus traditional publishing, how and when to make the transition to travel from a full-time job, how your perceived drawbacks can actually be your biggest benefits, and a ton more.What challenge can you set for yourself to make the most of your travels? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.Premium Passport:Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Her journey of becoming an author and navigating publishing How she finds the balance in her personal and professional identity Why having a challenge can be exactly what you need to get from point A to point B Why choosing travel over responsibilities isn’t selfish Why she says being a content creator is an honor and insights on separating work and travel for aspiring content creators Advice on enhancing the solo travel experience and her favorite destinations for solo travelers How to decide when it’s time to take the leap from the “regular job” to pursue a passion or new lifestyle How she was able to travel with a full-time job Her best, seemingly counterintuitive travel advice Why it’s important to be flexible and adaptable to maintain your business and lifestyle And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Jen’s website Grab a copy of her book, 12 Trips in 12 Months Follow Jen on Instagram and TikTok Follow 12 Trips in 12 Months on Instagram Want More? How a Quest Can Improve Your Life (And Travels), Metaphysics, Letting Go of Beliefs That No Longer Serve With Derek Loudermilk RV´ing Across America: A Quest To Visit All 50 States w/ Alyssa Padgett Listener Questions 7: Traveling With Debt, Knowing When To Quit Your Job, And Job Hopping For Travel Thanks To Our Sponsors Nissan - There’s no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com. Babbel - Learn a new language with Babbel! Visit babbel.com/zerototravel to get up to 60% off your subscription.

What epic episodes are we dropping this month on the podcast? Listen in to this quick announcement and find out.What topics and themes do you want to hear about on the podcast? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.Premium Passport:Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Thanks To Our Sponsors Nissan - There’s no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com. Babbel - Learn a new language with Babbel! Visit babbel.com/zerototravel to get up to 60% off your subscription.

Do you have a fear of flying or get stressed and anxious while you're traveling? In today’s Greatest Hits episode, you'll learn how to run your brain instead of letting your brain run you with Lawrence Leyton and Mark Wein, experts in overcoming the fear of flying.Through their work with the Fear of Flying TV show in the UK and easyJet's Fearless Flyer course, phobia expert Lawrence and ex-phobic Mark have helped thousands conquer their aviation anxieties. Lawrence and Mark talk about their experience with the fear of flying and dig into the root cause of phobias. They share practical tips and strategies for conquering the fear of flying and managing anxiety during various travel situations.What piece of advice will you try next time you get travel anxiety? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.*We're sharing previous episodes to highlight Mental Health Month! Zero To Travel episodes are timeless and provide valuable insight whenever you listen.Premium Passport:Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Insight into phobias and techniques and therapies for conquering fear Understanding the fear of flying and technical vs. psychological phobias The motivation behind fear and the relationship with panic attacks  The downsides of self-medicating How to combat anxiety by using knowledge and simple psychology  Their best advice for entrepreneurs And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit the Fearless-Flyer website Learn about the Fear Of Flying with easyJet Follow Fearless Flyer Course on Facebook Check out Lawrence’s website Want More? Potpourri Prat (Lifestyle Business, Experimenting, And Travel Fears) with Matt Giovanisci Listener Questions 6: Pre-Trip Fears, Selling Your Car, And Keeping Travel Awesome How To Conquer Fear Of Success Thanks To Our Sponsors Nissan - There’s no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com. Babbel - Learn a new language with Babbel! Visit babbel.com/zerototravel to get up to 60% off your subscription.

How does full-time travel impact your mental health? What happens when the novelty of full-time travel begins to wear off? Today, I’m joined by Will and Jessica Sueiro to talk about the rewards and challenges of living this lifestyle. Will and Jessica Sueiro have been traveling full-time with their two kids for the last 10 years. They are the duo behind WorldTowning, which was started by their family and has since become a movement to empower others to explore and change the world through travel.Will and Jessica talk about the reality of full-time travel and the impact that it’s had on their children. They share their family’s journey with mental health, why travel isn’t a “cure-all,” and why self-care and therapy are critical for nomads. We also have a conversation around how your preferred travel style can evolve over time and the struggles of finding work-life balance on the go. There are a ton of insights packed into this episode to take with you on your next adventure.What has travel taught you about yourself? I'd love to hear your answers and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.Premium Passport:Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: The WorldTowning philosophy and what their lifestyle looks like now How it’s been watching their kids grow up in a travel lifestyle and advice on finding the balance with homeschooling The mental health challenges that come with full-time travel and the importance of therapy and self-care (as individuals and couples) Insights on recognizing the need for change, overcoming resistance, and finding a method that works for you The challenges of running a business from the road and the biggest lessons they’ve learned The different styles of travel they’ve experienced and insight into choosing a mode that works for you Their next adventure hiking the Appalachian Trail as a family Destinations they’ve come to really love Why you should create your own “dream day” tradition And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit the WorldTowning website Subscribe to Will and Jessica on YouTube Listen to The Why Matters podcast Follow them on Instagram Want More? World Towning: 5 Years Of Full-Time Travel Greatest Hits: Staying Healthy and Stress-Free While Traveling With Kirsten Pontius 2,000 KM on Foot From Oslo to the North Cape (With a 4-Year-Old, Husband, and Dog) + Making Big Life Changes With Ingrid Alm Thanks To Our Sponsors Nissan - There’s no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com. Babbel - Learn a new language with Babbel! Visit babbel.com/zerototravel to get up to 60% off your subscription.