WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & Life

Watch this episode on YouTube! Derek has accomplished numerous impressive feats. He founded CD Baby. In 2008, he sold CD Baby for $22 million and donated the proceeds to a charitable trust dedicated to music education. After selling the company, he transitioned into writing and speaking.Derek's books are short, dense, and profound. In honor of his style, I've broken up my interview with him into three fascinating segments.It would be great if you could buy Derek's new book, Useful Not True, from Amazon, as I receive a small commission. However, if you want a much better deal, do what I did: buy multiple copies of his book from Derek Sivers's website. It's significantly cheaper than Amazon, especially when purchasing multiple copies, as each additional hardcover copy costs only about $4 more. How Derek Sivers and I metDerek Sivers stumbled onto The Hidden Europe, fell in love with it, and reached out to me 10 years ago, telling me how much he loved my book.I had no idea who he was, but soon found out.A-list celebrities, such as Tim Ferriss, have interviewed Derek on multiple occasions.Still, I'm not one to fall for celebrities, unless she's Megan Fox.What makes me most thrilled about interviewing Derek is his philosophy: he's a stoic.This guy sold his company (CD Baby) for $22 million and gave the money away to charity. He loves to experiment, travel, and think out of the box.It pains me that he and I missed each other when I visited his city in Wellington, New Zealand. I was there for a day, and it happened to be the day that he devotes entirely and exclusively to his son. I wish he were a less responsible father.About Derek SiversDerek Sivers is focused on creation, learning, and living a minimalist, highly intentional life.Background: Born in 1969 in Berkeley, he moved frequently during his childhood, including to U.S. cities and England. His early focus on music began at the age of 14, when he was trained at Berklee College of Music. He transitioned into entrepreneurship.Career: Started multiple companies, including CD Baby and HostBaby, sold them in 2008, and since then has focused on writing, traveling, and intrinsic creativity rather than money or fame.Life Philosophy: Influenced by Stoicism, skeptical and open to changing perspectives, values self-strengthening for the future, and embraces the paradox that opposite views can both be true.Work Style: Loves to work alone intensely for long hours (12+ hours daily), prefers solo creative pursuits, and values deep focus and minimalist distraction. Uses minimal tech tools, avoids apps and cloud dependence, and prefers phone conversations to in-person socializing.Personal: American by origin, a world citizen, and expat living in various countries for extended periods. Has a 12-year-old son with whom he spends significant undivided time weekly. Identifies as an introverted extrovert with a strong social time limit, values voice communication, and dislikes noise and crowds.Values & Traits: Minimalist in possessions and technology, single-task oriented, future-focused, deliberate, avoids addictions, hates wasting time, and values silence and quality over quantity in relationships and experiences.Creative Interests: Loves and creates music with a focus on innovation, song craft, and high-quality recordings. Prefers analytical listening and creative originality rather than mainstream trends.Overall, Derek leads a carefully optimized life that prioritizes creativity, learning, and meaningful personal connections, with a strong emphasis on independence, long-term thinking, and simplicity.Connect with DerekDerek Sivers [email protected] https://sive.rs/Get my audiobooks, ebooks, and hardcovers at sivers.com/e?t=n0fw4KGN40U4D71fsive.rs/u = USEFUL NOT TRUE: reframing because belief → emotion → actionsive.rs/h = HOW TO LIVE: 27 conflicting answers and one weird conclusionsive.rs/n = HELL YEAH OR NO: what's worth doing?sive.rs/m = YOUR MUSIC & PEOPLE: humanistic marketing for creativessive.rs/a = ANYTHING YOU WANT: make your business a utopiaConnectSend me an anonymous voicemail at SpeakPipe.com/FTaponYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at https://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblr Sponsors1. My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron for as little as $2/month at https://Patreon.com/FTapon2. For the best travel credit card, get one of the Chase Sapphire cards and get 75-100k bonus miles!3. Get $5 when you sign up for Roamless, my favorite global eSIM! Use code LR32K4. Get 25% off when you sign up for Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.5. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!6. In the United States, I recommend trading cryptocurrency with Kraken. 7. Outside the USA, trade crypto w

This is episode 2 of 3 featuring Derek Sivers.Watch it on YouTube!Derek has accomplished numerous impressive feats. He founded CD Baby. In 2008, he sold CD Baby for $22 million and donated the proceeds to a charitable trust dedicated to music education. After selling the company, he transitioned into writing and speaking.Derek's books are short, dense, and profound. In honor of his style, I've broken up my interview with him into three fascinating segments.It would be great if you could buy Derek's new book, Useful Not True, from Amazon, as I receive a small commission. However, if you want a much better deal, do what I did: buy multiple copies of his book from Derek Sivers's website. It's significantly cheaper than Amazon, especially when purchasing multiple copies, as each additional hardcover copy costs only about $4 more. How Derek Sivers and I metDerek Sivers stumbled onto The Hidden Europe, fell in love with it, and reached out to me 10 years ago, telling me how much he loved my book.I had no idea who he was, but soon found out.A-list celebrities, such as Tim Ferriss, have interviewed Derek on multiple occasions.Still, I'm not one to fall for celebrities, unless she's Megan Fox.What makes me most thrilled about interviewing Derek is his philosophy: he's a stoic.This guy sold his company (CD Baby) for $22 million and gave the money away to charity. He loves to experiment, travel, and think out of the box.It pains me that he and I missed each other when I visited his city in Wellington, New Zealand. I was there for a day, and it happened to be the day that he devotes entirely and exclusively to his son. I wish he were a less responsible father.About Derek SiversDerek Sivers is focused on creation, learning, and living a minimalist, highly intentional life.Background: Born in 1969 in Berkeley, he moved frequently during his childhood, including to U.S. cities and England. His early focus on music began at the age of 14, when he was trained at Berklee College of Music. He transitioned into entrepreneurship.Career: Started multiple companies, including CD Baby and HostBaby, sold them in 2008, and since then has focused on writing, traveling, and intrinsic creativity rather than money or fame.Life Philosophy: Influenced by Stoicism, skeptical and open to changing perspectives, values self-strengthening for the future, and embraces the paradox that opposite views can both be true.Work Style: Loves to work alone intensely for long hours (12+ hours daily), prefers solo creative pursuits, and values deep focus and minimalist distraction. Uses minimal tech tools, avoids apps and cloud dependence, and prefers phone conversations to in-person socializing.Personal: American by origin, a world citizen, and expat living in various countries for extended periods. Has a 12-year-old son with whom he spends significant undivided time weekly. Identifies as an introverted extrovert with a strong social time limit, values voice communication, and dislikes noise and crowds.Values & Traits: Minimalist in possessions and technology, single-task oriented, future-focused, deliberate, avoids addictions, hates wasting time, and values silence and quality over quantity in relationships and experiences.Creative Interests: Loves and creates music with a focus on innovation, song craft, and high-quality recordings. Prefers analytical listening and creative originality rather than mainstream trends.Overall, Derek leads a carefully optimized life that prioritizes creativity, learning, and meaningful personal connections, with a strong emphasis on independence, long-term thinking, and simplicity.Connect with DerekDerek Sivers [email protected] https://sive.rs/Get my audiobooks, ebooks, and hardcovers at sivers.com/e?t=n0fw4KGN40U4D71fsive.rs/u = USEFUL NOT TRUE: reframing because belief → emotion → actionsive.rs/h = HOW TO LIVE: 27 conflicting answers and one weird conclusionsive.rs/n = HELL YEAH OR NO: what's worth doing?sive.rs/m = YOUR MUSIC & PEOPLE: humanistic marketing for creativessive.rs/a = ANYTHING YOU WANT: make your business a utopiaConnectSend me an anonymous voicemail at SpeakPipe.com/FTaponYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at https://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblr Sponsors1. My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron for as little as $2/month at https://Patreon.com/FTapon2. For the best travel credit card, get one of the Chase Sapphire cards and get 75-100k bonus miles!3. Get $5 when you sign up for Roamless, my favorite global eSIM! Use code LR32K4. Get 25% off when you sign up for Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.5. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!6. In the United States, I recommend trading cryptocurrency with Kraken.

Video #1: What's Useful, Not True?This is episode 1 of 3 featuring Derek Sivers. Derek has accomplished numerous impressive feats. He founded CD Baby. In 2008, he sold CD Baby for $22 million and donated the proceeds to a charitable trust dedicated to music education. After selling the company, he transitioned into writing and speaking.Derek's books are short, dense, and profound. In honor of his style, I've broken up my interview with him into three fascinating segments.It would be great if you could buy Derek's new book, Useful Not True, from Amazon, as I receive a small commission. However, if you want a much better deal, do what I did: buy multiple copies of his book from Derek Sivers's website. It's significantly cheaper than Amazon, especially when purchasing multiple copies, as each additional hardcover copy costs only about $4 more. At 10:00 in the episode, Derek mentions Stewart Brand's How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They're Built. How Derek Sivers and I metDerek Sivers stumbled onto The Hidden Europe, fell in love with it, and reached out to me 10 years ago, telling me how much he loved my book.I had no idea who he was, but soon found out.A-list celebrities, such as Tim Ferriss, have interviewed Derek on multiple occasions.Still, I'm not one to fall for celebrities, unless she's Megan Fox.What makes me most thrilled about interviewing Derek is his philosophy: he's a stoic.This guy sold his company (CD Baby) for $22 million and gave the money away to charity. He loves to experiment, travel, and think out of the box.It pains me that he and I missed each other when I visited his city in Wellington, New Zealand. I was there for a day, and it happened to be the day that he devotes entirely and exclusively to his son. I wish he were a less responsible father.About Derek SiversDerek Sivers is focused on creation, learning, and living a minimalist, highly intentional life.Background: Born in 1969 in Berkeley, he moved frequently during his childhood, including to U.S. cities and England. His early focus on music began at the age of 14, when he was trained at Berklee College of Music. He transitioned into entrepreneurship.Career: Started multiple companies, including CD Baby and HostBaby, sold them in 2008, and since then has focused on writing, traveling, and intrinsic creativity rather than money or fame.Life Philosophy: Influenced by Stoicism, skeptical and open to changing perspectives, values self-strengthening for the future, and embraces the paradox that opposite views can both be true.Work Style: Loves to work alone intensely for long hours (12+ hours daily), prefers solo creative pursuits, and values deep focus and minimalist distraction. Uses minimal tech tools, avoids apps and cloud dependence, and prefers phone conversations to in-person socializing.Personal: American by origin, a world citizen, and expat living in various countries for extended periods. Has a 12-year-old son with whom he spends significant undivided time weekly. Identifies as an introverted extrovert with a strong social time limit, values voice communication, and dislikes noise and crowds.Values & Traits: Minimalist in possessions and technology, single-task oriented, future-focused, deliberate, avoids addictions, hates wasting time, and values silence and quality over quantity in relationships and experiences.Creative Interests: Loves and creates music with a focus on innovation, song craft, and high-quality recordings. Prefers analytical listening and creative originality rather than mainstream trends.Overall, Derek leads a carefully optimized life that prioritizes creativity, learning, and meaningful personal connections, with a strong emphasis on independence, long-term thinking, and simplicity.Connect with DerekDerek Sivers [email protected] https://sive.rs/Get my audiobooks, ebooks, and hardcovers at sivers.com/e?t=n0fw4KGN40U4D71fsive.rs/u = USEFUL NOT TRUE: reframing because belief → emotion → actionsive.rs/h = HOW TO LIVE: 27 conflicting answers and one weird conclusionsive.rs/n = HELL YEAH OR NO: what's worth doing?sive.rs/m = YOUR MUSIC & PEOPLE: humanistic marketing for creativessive.rs/a = ANYTHING YOU WANT: make your business a utopiaConnectSend me an anonymous voicemail at SpeakPipe.com/FTaponYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at https://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblr Sponsors1. My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron for as little as $2/month at https://Patreon.com/FTapon2. For the best travel credit card, get one of the Chase Sapphire cards and get 75-100k bonus miles!3. Get $5 when you sign up for Roamless, my favorite global eSIM! Use code LR32K4. Get 25% off when you sign up for Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.5. Start your pod

Watch the VideoThis podcast is an edited version of the video, where I have removed the unboxing section, as it's challenging to follow in an audio-only format.After reviewing the Keystone 3 Pro, I wanted to inspect the Keystone Tablet Plus, a steel slab similar to the Coinkite Seed Plate and the Scaletron Crypto Seed Capsule, both of which I've reviewed.Watch the video below for my review, but also read the text below, as it includes one additional PRO and one additional CON that I did not mention in the video.Timeline00:00 Why buy a metal tablet?02:20 Unboxing05:00 Using it06:30 What is special about the Plus?07:45 Pros09:45 Cons12:00 VerdictBuy a Keystone Tablet Plus3 Pros of the Keystone Tablet Plus1. Reusability! Unlike the Coinkite Seed Plate or the Scaletron Crypto Seed Capsule, the Keystone Tablet Plus is reusable. If you change seed phrases, you rearrange the letters accordingly. 2. Extra security! Two security features make the Keystone Tablet Plus stand out. First, the package includes tamper-evident tape. Second, it has a hole that allows you to put a padlock. Admittedly, neither of these features prevents a thief from outright stealing the metal plate and cutting the lock off. However, they can alert you if someone is trying to snoop on your seed phrase slyly and quietly drain your wallet.3. Ease of use. I forgot to mention this in the video. Unlike the Coinkite Seed Plate or the Scaletron Crypto Seed Capsule, the Keystone Tablet Plus doesn't require you to awkwardly and permanently bang out your seed phrase. It3 Cons of the Keystone Tablet Plus1. No passphrase option. I forgot to mention this in the video review, but I thought about it after reviewing the Scaletron Crypto Seed Capsule.2. 304 stainless steel might not survive a super-hot fire. It should survive a standard house fire, but if it's unlucky enough to go through hell, it may not make it. An affordable solution to this is to place it in a fireproof envelope to double your protection.3. Won't survive a crushing. True, but this is highly unlikely.Keystone 3 ProIn case you missed it, check out my review of the Keystone 3 Pro, an outstanding cryptocurrency hardware wallet that can also serve as a Bitcoin-only hardware wallet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5Mdqq5GrXoVisit the Keystone website to learn more about the company and its cryptocurrency products.🌱 What Is BIP39?Seed phrases usually use the BIP39 word list. BIP39 seed phrases are a cornerstone of modern cryptocurrency wallets, and understanding why they exist—and how they function—reveals a great deal about the balance between security and usability in cryptographic systems.BIP39 stands for Bitcoin Improvement Proposal 39, which defines a method for generating and using mnemonic phrases (typically 12–24 words) to back up and restore wallets. These phrases are derived from a specific list of 2048 words.🔐 Why Use BIP39 Words Instead of Random Passwords?✅ Human UsabilityRandom strings such as x8F$3kL@9z! are hard to remember, write down, or type correctly.BIP39 uses real words that are easier to recognize, pronounce, and transcribe.✅ Error ResistanceThe word list is carefully curated:No words sound too similar (e.g., “lead” vs “led”).Each word is unique in the first 4 letters, minimizing confusion.This reduces the chance of mistakes when writing or entering the phrase.✅ Cross-CompatibilityBIP39 is a standard, meaning wallets from different providers can interpret the same seed phrase.This makes it easier to switch wallets or recover funds if one provider goes offline.🧭 Why Not Just Use Random Passwords?While random passwords can be secure, they:Lack of standardization for wallet recovery.Are error-prone and hard to manage.Don’t offer checksum validation.Aren’t interoperable across wallets.BIP39 strikes a balance between security, usability, and portability—which is crucial when dealing with irreversible financial transactions.ConnectSend me an anonymous voicemail at SpeakPipe.com/FTaponYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at https://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblr Sponsors1. My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron for as little as $2/month at https://Patreon.com/FTapon2. For the best travel credit card, get one of the Chase Sapphire cards and get 75-100k bonus miles!3. Get $5 when you sign up for Roamless, my favorite global eSIM! Use code LR32K4. Get 25% off when you sign up for Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.5. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!6. In the United States, I recommend trading cryptocurrency with Kraken. 7. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!8. For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon

Watch Video on YouTubeFive years ago, I predicted Plan B's Bitcoin stock-to-flow model (S2F) would fail in this decade because it had 8 flaws.During Bitcoin's spectacular 2022 crash, many analysts declared the S2F models dead.I surprised everyone when I (one of Plan B's most prominent critics) said, "It's not dead yet."The reason Plan B's stock-to-flow Bitcoin models are not dead is not because they're correct, but because they have a wide range of acceptable values that will allow them to survive until the next halving.In 2025, the S2F average price has risen to a staggering $500,000, while Bitcoin (BTC) hovers around $120,000 as of August 11, 2025, when I released this video.Therefore, even though BTC has increased by over $100,000 from its $15,000 price in November 2022, and should be a cause for massive celebration for BTC fans, Plan B is lamenting the relatively low price appreciation of this "strange, flat bull market."In my annual S2F update, I'll examine how the S2F model is doing and explain why it will begin its slow and painful death at the end of this year. ConnectSend me an anonymous voicemail at SpeakPipe.com/FTaponYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at https://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblr Sponsors1. My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron for as little as $2/month at https://Patreon.com/FTapon2. For the best travel credit card, get one of the Chase Sapphire cards and get 75-100k bonus miles!3. Get $5 when you sign up for Roamless, my favorite global eSIM! Use code LR32K4. Get 25% off when you sign up for Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.5. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!6. In the United States, I recommend trading cryptocurrency with Kraken. 7. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!8. For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

I encourage you to watch this 3-minute podcast on YouTube.YouTube is now dubbing my English videos into 10 other languages:DutchFrenchGermanHindiIndonesianItalianJapaneseKoreanPolishPortugueseSpanishIn my "After the Spike" video, YouTube only offers 8 languages.I don't know why.I'm fluent in French and Spanish, so I can confirm that the translation is surprisingly accurate! I suppose it's the case for other languages that I don't speak.Try it out!Go to any of my videos.Click on the Settings Wheel in the lower-right corner.Change the audio track to whatever language you understand!What do you think of the translation accuracy?Why me? YouTube added this slick feature to my YouTube channel because I participate in their Partner Program and my channel is educational.I suspect they will roll out the feature to more video creators in 2026.ConnectSend me an anonymous voicemail at SpeakPipe.com/FTaponYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at https://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblr Sponsors1. My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron for as little as $2/month at https://Patreon.com/FTapon2. For the best travel credit card, get one of the Chase Sapphire cards and get 75-100k bonus miles!3. Get $5 when you sign up for Roamless, my favorite global eSIM! Use code LR32K4. Get 25% off when you sign up for Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.5. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!6. In the United States, I recommend trading cryptocurrency with Kraken. 7. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!8. For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

See 20 other misused terms or expressionsRather than a left/right political spectrum, I prefer the 5 categories in the pictured grid. Take the test to discover where you stand.The terms "left" and "right" on the political spectrum can be confusing, partly because their meanings have evolved significantly over time and differ across countries and historical contexts.The same applies to the term "liberal."Initially, "left/right" originated from the seating arrangements during the French Revolution, where those who sat on the left supported revolutionary change. At the same time, those on the right favored the monarchy and the status quo.Today, “left” generally refers to progressive, reformist, or socialist policies, and “right” to conservative or traditionalist views. However, the specific policies and ideologies associated with each can vary dramatically between countries and eras.In the United States, “left” is often associated with Democrats or progressives, supporting ideas like social welfare, civil rights expansion, and government intervention in the economy.In parts of Europe, some parties that call themselves "liberal" actually promote free-market policies (which, in the U.S., are usually considered “right” of center).In Latin America, "right-wing" can sometimes mean supporting authoritarian regimes, while “left-wing” can carry connotations of populist or anti-imperialist movements, which again differ from European or North American understandings.The term "Liberal" is another example of shifting meaning:In the United States, "liberal" tends to refer to people who favor more government intervention in social and economic affairs, aligning with the political left.In the UK, "Liberal" historically meant support for free markets, individual liberties, and limited government, often closer to what Americans would call "libertarian" or even (in some cases) "conservative."In Australia or Canada, "liberal" can fall anywhere along the spectrum: in Australia, the Liberal Party is a major right-of-center party.Because political contexts, historical developments, and party platforms differ by place and time, these terms do not have a fixed, universal meaning. As a result, simply labeling someone or a policy as “left,” “right,” or "liberal" can cause confusion or miscommunication unless the specific context is clearly defined.ConnectSend me an anonymous voicemail at SpeakPipe.com/FTaponYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at https://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblr Sponsors1. My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron for as little as $2/month at https://Patreon.com/FTapon2. For the best travel credit card, get one of the Chase Sapphire cards and get 75-100k bonus miles!3. Get $5 when you sign up for Roamless, my favorite global eSIM! Use code LR32K4. Get 25% off when you sign up for Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.5. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!6. In the United States, I recommend trading cryptocurrency with Kraken. 7. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!8. For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Do you know people who wail about "the media"? Whenever that happens, it's always an incomplete sentence. They should say, "The media I disagree with."Saying "the media" implies there is only one media or that they have a united message. Media isn't unified. Just skim the Internet for a few minutes, and you'll get wildly different points of view and reporting.In the mini-episode, I elaborate.This mini-episode is another Public Service Announcement from a grammar Nazi. It's my simple effort to clean up sloppy English.ConnectSend me an anonymous voicemail at SpeakPipe.com/FTaponYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at https://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblr Sponsors1. My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron for as little as $2/month at https://Patreon.com/FTapon2. For the best travel credit card, get one of the Chase Sapphire cards and get 75-100k bonus miles!3. Get $5 when you sign up for Roamless, my favorite global eSIM! Use code LR32K4. Get 25% off when you sign up for Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.5. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!6. In the United States, I recommend trading cryptocurrency with Kraken. 7. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!8. For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Simon & Schuster provided me with an advanced copy of the superb book After the Spike: Population, Progress, and the Case for People, scheduled for release on July 8, 2025.The University of Texas authors, Dean Spears and Michael Geruso, have written a mind-blowing book! It's my second favorite book of 2025! My favorite 2025 book is They're Not Gaslighting You.Videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-JfpjJRkokPodcast The Population WhimperWhen I was born, Paul R. Ehrlich's book, The Population Bomb, was a mega-bestseller. Although I never read the book, my generation believed the book's message that humanity is dangerously overpopulated. The book gave me one major reason not to have children. The book made intuitive sense, built on Thomas Malthus's observations, that if our population continues to expand, we will eventually hit a brick wall.However, Ehrlich, a Stanford biologist, made these stunningly wrong predictions in The Population Bomb:Mass Starvation in the 1970s and 1980s: The book opened with the statement, "The battle to feed all of humanity is over. In the 1970s, hundreds of millions of people will starve to death in spite of any crash programs embarked upon now." England's Demise by 2000: He suggested that England would not exist by the year 2000 due to environmental collapse related to overpopulation. Devastation of Fish Populations by 1990: He predicted that all significant animal life in the sea would be extinct by 1990, and large areas of coastline would need to be evacuated due to the stench of dead fish. India's Famine: He predicted catastrophic food shortages in India in the 1990s that did not materialize. United States Food Rationing by 1984: He envisioned the U.S. rationing food by 1984.Instead of all this doom and gloom, here's what happened: we went from 3.5 billion (when Ehrich wrote his doomsday book) to 8 billion people today, most of whom are fat. Today, our biggest problem isn't famine but obesity.Dean Spears and Michael Geruso's new book should have been called The Population Whimper because it says the opposite of what The Population Bomb said. Forget a catastrophic demographic explosion. We're going to suffer a catastrophic demographic implosion.The graph on the cover of After the Spike sums up the problem: during a 200-year time period, the human population will have spiked to 10 billion and then experienced an equally dramatic fall.Three criticisms of After the SpikeFor a book packed with counterintuitive arguments, it's remarkable that I can only spot three flaws. Admittedly, these are minor critiques, as they will disappear if we stabilize below 10 billion.1. Wildlife lostThe authors correctly argue that the environment has been improving even as the human population has been growing rapidly. For example:Air and water are now cleaner than they were 50 years ago, when the population was half its current size.Our per capita CO2 consumption is falling.Clean energy production is at an all-time high.There's one metric that authors overlooked: wildlife.As the human population doubled, we've needed more space for growing food. This has led to a decrease in habitat, which is why biologists refer to the Anthropocene Extinction.While fish farms are efficient, overfishing continues.The Amazon gets denuded to make space for soy and cattle plantations.The loss of African wildlife habitats is acute, as the African population is projected to quadruple in this century.I imagine that the authors of After the Spike would counter:National parks didn't exist 200 years ago.Green revolutions and GMO foods have made the most productive farmers ever.De-extinction may restore extinct species.And they're correct. There are bright spots. However, as we approach 10 billion, wildlife will continue to suffer and be marginalized. The book should have mentioned that.Dean Spears and Michael Geruso would likely agree that if humans continue to grow nonstop, wildlife will continue to suffer.However, they aren't arguing for nonstop human expansion. They want stabilization.When you combine stabilization with technology (e.g., vertical farming and lab-grown animal products), we would reverse the downward trend in wildlife habitat.2. Increased energy consumptionDean Spears and Michael Geruso celebrate humanity's progress in energy efficiency and productivity. However, they overlook these facts:1. The Rebound Effect (Jevons Paradox):As energy efficiency improves, the cost of using energy services effectively decreases. This can lead to:Increased usage of existing services: For example, more efficient air conditioners might lead people to cool their homes to lower temperatures or for longer periods. More fuel-efficient cars might encourage more driving.Adoption of new energy-intensive activities: The increased affordability of energy services can enable entirely new consumption patterns that were previously too expensive to adopt. Think about the proliferation of data centers for AI and digital services, or the

Happy 4th of July, 2025! Celebrate your independence by exploring outside!In 3 WanderLearn episodes, Alex Hutchinson and I discuss his new book, The Explorer's Gene. This is the 3rd of 3 episodes.The Explorer's Gene examines human exploration broadly, going beyond traditional expeditions to investigate why humans explore everything from new foods to music.Watch my First Video Interview with Alex Video #2: Does Tech Impact on Our Desire to Explore? Is Exploration Required for Fulfillment?Video #3: Exercising Your Explorer Muscle. Exploring vs. Exploiting. Exploration in our DNA. Timeline for Episode 30:00 Tips02:00 Endurance & Exploring05:30 Exploiting vs. Exploring07:00 Exploring in our DNA09:00 Many ways to exploreAbout the book, The Explorer's GeneThe Explorer's Gene is made of 3 parts:1) Why do we explore2) How do we explore3) What does exploring meanWritten in an engaging style that combines narrative stories with scientific research, it's comparable to Malcolm Gladwell's work but with stronger research foundations.It has a comprehensive scope and accessibility. It investigates human and animal exploratory behavior.The book connects external exploration to internal growth, offering insights into decision-making and personal development.It blends entertainment with scientific rigor, appealing to readers interested in human behavior, science writing, and personal growth.FeedbackLeave anonymous audio feedback at SpeakPipeConnectSend me an anonymous voicemail at SpeakPipe.com/FTaponYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at https://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblr Sponsors1. My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron for as little as $2/month at https://Patreon.com/FTapon2. For the best travel credit card, get one of the Chase Sapphire cards and get 75-100k bonus miles!3. Get $5 when you sign up for Roamless, my favorite global eSIM! Use code LR32K4. Get 25% off when you sign up for Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.5. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!6. In the United States, I recommend trading cryptocurrency with Kraken. 7. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!8. For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Michael Zervos is the fastest traveler ever!Watch the VideoNow that Michael Zervos has traveled to all the countries faster than anyone else, what's next for him? Additionally, what advice would he offer to anyone who wants to break his speed record? Did you know Zervos has a book deal? Exciting! We cover it all in 13 minutes!Timeline00:00 Advice to the next person who tries to beat the record04:50 Next stepsMichael Zervos has visited every country faster than anyone else while recounting the happiest moments in people's lives. In this interview series, we talk about his Project Kosmos.Michael Zervos makes well-produced social media content. Visit Michael Zervos's Linktree for all his links.Follow Michael Zervos on Instagram.ConnectSend me an anonymous voicemail at SpeakPipe.com/FTaponYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at https://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblr Sponsors1. My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron for as little as $2/month at https://Patreon.com/FTapon2. Get $5 when you sign up for Roamless, my favorite global eSIM! Use code LR32K3. Get 25% off when you sign up for Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.4. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!5. In the United States, I recommend trading cryptocurrency with Kraken. 6. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!7. For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

I'm celebrating the 350th podcast episode with Michael Zervos! He did it!Many people try to travel to all the countries in the world quickly, but most fail.Therefore, when I met Zervos in Côte d'Ivoire in February 2024, when he was just 10% into his race, it seemed highly unlikely that he would succeed where so many others had failed.Still, there was something about Zervos that made me believe he would pull off this stunt. Although many things impressed me about Zervos, the most important was his level of organization. He had secured valuable sponsors who would help him get visas, which is the biggest bottleneck in this quest. As someone who has visited 127 countries, I know how visas limit you more than money. Having two passports would help in obtaining visas, although he did most of the journey with only his US passport.After completing his quest, Zervos and I discussed the following topics:00:00 The stats03:00 Deported from Nicaragua6:16 Two other surprises10:45 One regret12:45 Where to revisit 16:30 Where not revisitVideohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfprfrcYrvUPodcast Michael Zervos has visited every country faster than anyone else while recounting the happiest moments in people's lives. In this interview series, we talk about his Project Kosmos.Michael Zervos makes well-produced social media content. Visit Michael Zervos's Linktree for all his links.Follow Michael Zervos on Instagram.ConnectSend me an anonymous voicemail at SpeakPipe.com/FTaponYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at https://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblr Sponsors1. My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron for as little as $2/month at https://Patreon.com/FTapon2. Get $5 when you sign up for Roamless, my favorite global eSIM! Use code LR32K3. Get 25% off when you sign up for Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.4. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!5. In the United States, I recommend trading cryptocurrency with Kraken. 6. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!7. For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Nomadic Matt is a pioneering travel blogger. One day, we'll call him the grandfather of travel blogging during the Golden Era of travel blogs.He's not known for his travel feats but rather for the extensive tips he's provided on his popular website, which focuses on budget travel.Watch the VideoThe book's budget used to be $50/day, but inflation and a post-COVID world forced Matt to update his book.In 2025, he refreshed his bestselling book, which is now called How to Travel the World on $75 a Day. As part of his book tour, he's appearing on the WanderLearn Show twice!Nomadic Matt discusses00:00 When to book a hotel02:40 Why is Africa left out of his book?05:10 Bilt Rewards Credit Card08:10 Airline booking tips09:20 Travel insurance12:00 Tourist Cards15:00 Why Matt travels less than before18:30 Blogging is dead? QuestionsWhat's the most embarrassing or ridiculous thing you've done to save money while traveling?What's the difference between EatWith, WithLocals, and Traveling Spoon?When do you usually book your hotels?Why is Africa left out?Are tourism cards still worth it?When do you use travel insurance?Why not use Kiwi?What are Bilt Rewards?His book is packed with tips. Here are my favorite ones. The best websites to keep track of the latest credit card dealsBoardingAreaFlyerTalkThe Points GuyView from the WingPay your rent and get frequent flyer points with Bilt RewardsMatt's top three airline booking sites My favorite airline website is Kiwi, and use this link to get $10 off. He doesn't mention Kiwi in his book.Instead, his favorite flight booking sites are:SkyscannerMomondoGoogle FlightsFor insuranceSafety WingWorld NomadsMedjetAssistIMGInsureMyTrip for comparison shoppingSell your old clothes to raise money for your tripVintedThredUpPoshmarkOnline Garage sale to raise funds and downsizeVarageSaleOfferUpSwappa for electronicsGazelleDecluttrAnytime Mailbox starts at $6 and has several locations.Lodging SitesLateRoomsLast MinuteHotel TonightPricelineHotwireRoomer allows you to buy someone else's hotel reservation at a steep discountAgoda excels in East AsiaFoodMatt is a foodie. I am not. Here are some of his favorite sites:EatWith has 5000+ hosts in over 130 countriesWithLocalsTraveling SpoonRide-sharing or hitchhiking for the 21st centurySearch for "ride-sharing" and the name of the region/country where you are traveling. You'll usually find options. I've used BlaBlaCar in Europe, for example.Tourism CardsNomadic Matt sold me on the tourism cards that give you access to popular sites and public transportation. Although that can save you nearly half the price, it's only suitable for those doing a whirlwind, fast, and comprehensive tour. If you want to see the British Museum, don't get the London Pass. But it makes sense if you're going to see most of the significant sites.Why is Africa left out?The first half of the book offers general, practical advice. The second provides specific guidance to various regions. For example, he has a section about Australia.You'd think a book that helps travelers live on $75 a day would encourage tourists to visit Africa. Like Southeast Asia, parts of Africa have a low cost of living.For example, in 2013, in Benin, I rented a two-room place with a shower (but a shared outhouse for a toilet) for $10 per month! Ten years later, maybe the price has doubled to $20 a month! Still, Nomadic Matt confesses, "I had to make trade-offs and omit the lesser-visited countries and regions..." (Kindle Location 1434).I won't quibble with his decision or logic.ConclusionWhen I got an advanced copy of Nomadic Matt's book, I expected to be bored out of my mind. I figured it was a book for beginners or intermediate travelers, not hyper-experienced travel studs like me. As usual, I was wrong.Nomadic Matt pumped me with many ideas I was oblivious to. Although I shared my favorite ones on this page, buy How to Travel the World on $75 a Day to get all his excellent advice.FeedbackLeave anonymous audio feedback at SpeakPipeConnectSend me an anonymous voicemail at SpeakPipe.com/FTaponYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at https://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblr Sponsors1. My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron for as little as $2/month at https://Patreon.com/FTapon2. Get $5 when you sign up for Roamless, my favorite global eSIM! Use code LR32K3. Get 25% off when you sign up for Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.4. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!5. In the United States, I recommend trading cryptocurrency with Kraken. 6. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!7. For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com

Nomadic Matt is a pioneering travel blogger. One day, we'll call him the grandfather of travel blogging during the Golden Era of travel blogs.He's not known for his travel feats but rather for the extensive tips he's provided on his popular website, which focuses on budget travel.Watch the video interviewThe book's budget used to be $50/day, but inflation and a post-COVID world forced Matt to update his book.In 2025, he refreshed his bestselling book, which is now called How to Travel the World on $75 a Day. As part of his book tour, he's appearing on the WanderLearn Show twice!#1 How Nomadic Matt Travels on $75 a Day!Nomadic Matt discusses:00:00 Splitting between Austin and NYC02:40 Couchsurfing05:15 Stupidly cheap07:00 EatWith and Traveling Spoon QuestionsWhat's the most embarrassing or ridiculous thing you've done to save money while traveling?What's the difference between EatWith, WithLocals, and Traveling Spoon?When do you usually book your hotels?Why is Africa left out?Are tourism cards still worth it?When do you use travel insurance?Why not use Kiwi?What are Bilt Rewards?His book is packed with tips. Here are my favorite ones. The best websites to keep track of the latest credit card dealsBoardingAreaFlyerTalkThe Points GuyView from the WingPay your rent and get frequent flyer points with Bilt RewardsMatt's top three airline booking sites My favorite airline website is Kiwi, and use this link to get $10 off. He doesn't mention Kiwi in his book.Instead, his favorite flight booking sites are:SkyscannerMomondoGoogle FlightsFor insuranceSafety WingWorld NomadsMedjetAssistIMGInsureMyTrip for comparison shoppingSell your old clothes to raise money for your tripVintedThredUpPoshmarkOnline Garage sale to raise funds and downsizeVarageSaleOfferUpSwappa for electronicsGazelleDecluttrAnytime Mailbox starts at $6 and has several locations.Lodging SitesLateRoomsLast MinuteHotel TonightPricelineHotwireRoomer allows you to buy someone else's hotel reservation at a steep discountAgoda excels in East AsiaFoodMatt is a foodie. I am not. Here are some of his favorite sites:EatWith has 5000+ hosts in over 130 countriesWithLocalsTraveling SpoonRide-sharing or hitchhiking for the 21st centurySearch for "ride-sharing" and the name of the region/country where you are traveling. You'll usually find options. I've used BlaBlaCar in Europe, for example.Tourism CardsNomadic Matt sold me on the tourism cards that give you access to popular sites and public transportation. Although that can save you nearly half the price, it's only suitable for those doing a whirlwind, fast, and comprehensive tour. If you want to see the British Museum, don't get the London Pass. But it makes sense if you're going to see most of the significant sites.Why is Africa left out?The first half of the book offers general, practical advice. The second provides specific guidance to various regions. For example, he has a section about Australia.You'd think a book that helps travelers live on $75 a day would encourage tourists to visit Africa. Like Southeast Asia, parts of Africa have a low cost of living.For example, in 2013, in Benin, I rented a two-room place with a shower (but a shared outhouse for a toilet) for $10 per month! Ten years later, maybe the price has doubled to $20 a month! Still, Nomadic Matt confesses, "I had to make trade-offs and omit the lesser-visited countries and regions..." (Kindle Location 1434).I won't quibble with his decision or logic.ConclusionWhen I got an advanced copy of Nomadic Matt's book, I expected to be bored out of my mind. I figured it was a book for beginners or intermediate travelers, not hyper-experienced travel studs like me. As usual, I was wrong.Nomadic Matt pumped me with many ideas I was oblivious to. Although I shared my favorite ones on this page, buy How to Travel the World on $75 a Day to get all his excellent advice.FeedbackLeave anonymous audio feedback at SpeakPipeConnectSend me an anonymous voicemail at SpeakPipe.com/FTaponYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at https://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblr Sponsors1. My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron for as little as $2/month at https://Patreon.com/FTapon2. Get $5 when you sign up for Roamless, my favorite global eSIM! Use code LR32K3. Get 25% off when you sign up for Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.4. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!5. In the United States, I recommend trading cryptocurrency with Kraken. 6. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!7. For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Battle of the Big Bang: The New Tales of Our Cosmic Origins examines the most profound idea: how did the universe begin?Watch the video, as it includes illustrations in the final 10 minutes.Although I'm not a physicist, I have read many books about the Big Bang, physics, and the universe.This book is an in-depth exploration of the competing models that hypothesize about our origins.I appreciated learning about the Ekpyrotic universe and Conformal Cyclic Cosmology (CCC), two novel ideas. For instance, CCC posits that "the universe is cyclic but never re-collapses. Each eon expands until all mass disappears.""In the Ekpyrotic universe, the movement of the branes is controlled by a springlike force, operating in a higher dimension. What was being suggested was that this force is felt in our reality as dark energy."I also appreciated that the book included several illustrations that were essential for grasping these counterintuitive topics.One of the authors, Phil Halper, is a well-known YouTuber. The other co-author is Niayesh Afshordi, a cosmologist.I interviewed Phil Halper on my WanderLearn Show.Watch the 30-second book trailerIf you're fascinated by the Big Bang, watch the video below, where I interview Phil Halper, one of the book's co-authors.Here's the timeline:00:00 Problems with the Big Bang04:00 Before the Big Bang06:20 Stephen Hawking's Strange Theory09:30 Imaginary numbers and time11:11 Natural Selection of Universes19:30 Are we in a white hole?23:40 Conformal Cyclic Cosmology CCC25:00 Ekpyrotic theory28:30 Carroll-Chen Model FeedbackLeave anonymous audio feedback at SpeakPipeMore infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

I’ve never highlighted a book as much as They’re Not Gaslighting You: Ditch the Therapy Speak and Stop Hunting for Red Flags in Every Relationship. It's my favorite book in 2025!Watch the Video InterviewAuthor Dr. Isabelle Morley gives us a timely book that rejects the reckless proliferation of the following terms: SociopathPsychopathLove bombNarcissistBoundariesBorderlineToxicGaslightingWho is Dr. Isabelle Morley?Dr. Morley is not a chronic gaslighter trying to convince the world that she doesn't gaslight by writing a book about it. Here's her resume:Author of Navigating Intimacy and They’re Not Gaslighting YouCo-host of the podcast Romcom RescueContributor to Psychology TodayAdvisory Board Member of the Keepler appFounding Board Member of UCANMember of the American Psychological AssociationCertified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)The Gottman Method – Completed Levels 1 and 2Relational Life Therapy – Completed Level 1PsyD in Clinical Psychology from William James College, 2015Doctoral project researching hookup culture’s impact on relationship formation, 2015Master's in Professional Psychology from William James College, 2013Bachelor of Arts from Tufts University, 2011My Fatima StoryI dated a woman for two years. Let’s call her Fatima.In the second half of our relationship, Fatima bombarded me with many of the highly charged and often misused words listed above.After she dumped me the fifth and final time, I finally pushed back on her barrage of accusations. I said to her, “So, you truly believe I’m a narcissist? Let’s look up the clinical definition of a narcissist and see how I stack up.”She agreed. Perplexity wrote:To be clinically considered as having Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) according to the DSM-5, an individual must exhibit at least five out of nine specific characteristics. These characteristics, as summarized by the acronym “SPECIAL ME,” include:Sense of self-importance Exaggerating achievements and expecting to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements.Preoccupation Being preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal loveEntitled Having unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with their expectations.Can only be around people who are important or special Believing that they are “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions).Interpersonally exploitative Taking advantage of others to achieve their own ends.Arrogant Showing arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes.Lack empathy Being unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others.Must be admired Requiring excessive admiration.Envious Often being envious of others or believing that others are envious of them.These symptoms must be pervasive, apparent in various social situations, and consistently rigid over time. A qualified healthcare professional typically diagnoses NPD through a clinical interview. The traits should also substantially differ from social norms.I asked her how many of these nine characteristics I exhibited consistently, pervasively, and in many social situations. She agreed that I was nowhere near five of the nine.Admittedly, I sometimes exhibited some of these nine characteristics in my intimate relationship with Fatima. I’m certainly guilty of that.However, to qualify as a true narcissist, you must display at least five of these nine characteristics often and with most people, not just your partner.To her credit, my ex-girlfriend sheepishly backed down from that accusation, saying, “You’re right, Francis, you’re not a narcissist.”Later, I would educate her (or, as she would say, “mansplain”) about another of her favorite words: gaslighting. I mansplained by sending her a video clip of renowned couples therapist Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman, who explained why standard disagreements and having different perspectives aren’t gaslighting. Soon after explaining that, Mrs. Gottman explains why, in some ways, “everybody is narcissistic.” Watch 6 minutes from 1:35:30 to 1:41:30:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9kPmiV0B34&t=5730sAfter listening to an expert define gaslighting, Fatima apologized for incorrectly using the term. This is what I loved about Fatima: she wouldn’t stubbornly cling to her position when presented with compelling evidence to the contrary. This is a rare trait I cherish.Narcissists and sociopaths are about 1% of the population, so it’s highly unlikely that all your exes are narcissists and sociopaths.Still, Fatima flung other popular, misused terms at me. She loved talking about “boundaries” and “red flags.” According to Dr. Morley, my ex “weaponized therapy speak.” Dr. Morley writes, “It’s not a new phenomenon for people to use therapy terms casually, even flippantly, to describe themselves or other people. How long have we referred to someone as a ‘psycho’ when they’re acting irrationally o

Charles Veley explains why having a travel checklist can be beneficial and how the MTP app helps.Charles Veley is often referred to as one of the world's most traveled people, but whether he is definitively the most traveled depends on the criteria used. I've met Charles Veley four times, and for the fourth time, we recorded our conversation! In 2005, Charles Veley founded the Most Traveled People (MTP) community. MTP divides the world into 1,500 areas. As of May 2025, Charles Veley has been to 1,322 of them! That's why he's been called the Godfather of Systematic Travel!Download the MTP app or create a profile on MTP's website.Charles Veley achieved notable milestones, such as becoming the youngest person to visit all 320 countries and provinces recognized by the Travelers' Century Club (TCC).He has traveled millions of miles and taken over thousands of flights. FeedbackLeave anonymous audio feedback at SpeakPipeMore infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Charles Veley and I discuss his mini-adventure at the Chile-Bolivia border. It illustrates how no matter how much you travel, you keep having fun and unexpected moments.Charles Veley is often referred to as one of the world's most traveled people, but whether he is definitively the most traveled depends on the criteria used. I've met Charles Veley four times, and for the fourth time, we recorded our conversation! In 2005, Charles Veley founded the Most Traveled People (MTP) community. MTP divides the world into 1,500 areas. As of May 2025, Charles Veley has been to 1,322 of them! That's why he's been called the Godfather of Systematic Travel!Download the MTP app or create a profile on MTP's website.Charles Veley achieved notable milestones, such as becoming the youngest person to visit all 320 countries and provinces recognized by the Travelers' Century Club (TCC).He has traveled millions of miles and taken over thousands of flights. FeedbackLeave anonymous audio feedback at SpeakPipeMore infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew Weinzierl and Brendan Rosseau are the authors of Space to Grow: Unlocking the Final Economic Frontier. The new book explains the business side of space.Watch all four videos about Space to GrowI interview Brendan Rousseau, one of the two co-authors.In this episode, we dive into the Kessler Syndrome, which might keep us stuck on Earth! Watch our interview on YouTube!In our second episode, Brendan Rousseau discusses how close we are to having space hotels and joyrides. Is space tourism around the corner?See the video interview.In our first episode, Brendan Rousseau shares his origin story and how he ended up at Blue Origin. He discusses why space isn't what it used to be.Watch the Video of episode 1 of 3About Brendan Rousseau Current Role:Strategy Manager - New Glenn, Blue Origin: Focuses on orbital launch strategy.Education:Williams College: Bachelor's in Astronomy and Economics.Phillips Exeter Academy: MacKenty Prize in Astronomy.Professional Experience:Harvard Business School: Teaching Fellow and Research Associate.Booz Allen Hamilton: Senior Consultant supporting U.S. Space Force programs.Williams College Astronomy Department: Teaching Assistant.Publications & Awards:Co-author of Space to Grow: Unlocking the Final Economic Frontier.Recognized as a Payload Pioneers - 30 Under 30 and Via Satellite Rising Star.QuestionsIn these podcasts, I ask them the following questions:1. If you were an entrepreneur, what space-related startup idea would you pursue?2. What are some of the most surprising findings from your research?3. How do you envision the future of human habitation in space?4. In what ways can space exploration contribute to solving Earth’s economic challenges?5. What ethical considerations arise from expanding economic activities into space? For example, can we colonize Mars or Europa if we find non-DNA-based bacteria there?6. What were the challenges you faced during your research?7. How do you foresee international relations evolving as nations compete for resources in space?8. What are your predictions for the next decade in space exploration?9. What are your thoughts on space tourism?10. Who is the primary audience for this book?11. What do you hope readers take away from "Space to Grow"?12. What's a popular vision of space exploration that probably won't happen?13. What narratives or myths about space need to be challenged?14. What's the percentage chance that the Kessler Syndrome catastrophe will occur in the 2020s, 2030, and beyond?15. How can public awareness be raised regarding the importance of investing in space?16. What advice would you give entrepreneurs looking to enter the space industry?17. In what ways might our values shift as we become a multi-planetary species?18. What is a rarely discussed consequence of expanding into outer space?19. If there was one message you want readers to remember, what would it be?20. Do you want to clarify any misconceptions about the space economy?21. What do you wish you had mentioned in the book? Perhaps some breaking news?22. Lastly, how can interested individuals get involved or contribute to discussions around space economics? 23. What tips do you have for co-writing a book?24. Did you change your mind about something during your writing process?25. Do you have action items for the audience?FeedbackLeave anonymous audio feedback at SpeakPipeMore infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew Weinzierl and Brendan Rosseau are the authors of Space to Grow: Unlocking the Final Economic Frontier. The new book explains the business side of space.Watch all four videos about Space to GrowI interview Brendan Rousseau, one of the two co-authors.In this episode, Brendan Rousseau discusses how close we are to having space hotels and joyrides. Is space tourism around the corner?See the video interview.In our first episode, Brendan Rousseau shares his origin story and how he ended up at Blue Origin. He discusses why space isn't what it used to be.Watch the Video of episode 1 of 3About Brendan Rousseau Current Role:Strategy Manager - New Glenn, Blue Origin: Focuses on orbital launch strategy.Education:Williams College: Bachelor's in Astronomy and Economics.Phillips Exeter Academy: MacKenty Prize in Astronomy.Professional Experience:Harvard Business School: Teaching Fellow and Research Associate.Booz Allen Hamilton: Senior Consultant supporting U.S. Space Force programs.Williams College Astronomy Department: Teaching Assistant.Publications & Awards:Co-author of Space to Grow: Unlocking the Final Economic Frontier.Recognized as a Payload Pioneers - 30 Under 30 and Via Satellite Rising Star.QuestionsIn these podcasts, I ask them the following questions:1. If you were an entrepreneur, what space-related startup idea would you pursue?2. What are some of the most surprising findings from your research?3. How do you envision the future of human habitation in space?4. In what ways can space exploration contribute to solving Earth’s economic challenges?5. What ethical considerations arise from expanding economic activities into space? For example, can we colonize Mars or Europa if we find non-DNA-based bacteria there?6. What were the challenges you faced during your research?7. How do you foresee international relations evolving as nations compete for resources in space?8. What are your predictions for the next decade in space exploration?9. What are your thoughts on space tourism?10. Who is the primary audience for this book?11. What do you hope readers take away from "Space to Grow"?12. What's a popular vision of space exploration that probably won't happen?13. What narratives or myths about space need to be challenged?14. What's the percentage chance that the Kessler Syndrome catastrophe will occur in the 2020s, 2030, and beyond?15. How can public awareness be raised regarding the importance of investing in space?16. What advice would you give entrepreneurs looking to enter the space industry?17. In what ways might our values shift as we become a multi-planetary species?18. What is a rarely discussed consequence of expanding into outer space?19. If there was one message you want readers to remember, what would it be?20. Do you want to clarify any misconceptions about the space economy?21. What do you wish you had mentioned in the book? Perhaps some breaking news?22. Lastly, how can interested individuals get involved or contribute to discussions around space economics? 23. What tips do you have for co-writing a book?24. Did you change your mind about something during your writing process?25. Do you have action items for the audience?FeedbackLeave anonymous audio feedback at SpeakPipeMore infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

In 3 WanderLearn episodes, Alex Hutchinson and I discuss his new book, The Explorer's Gene. This is episode 2 of 3.The Explorer's Gene examines human exploration broadly, going beyond traditional expeditions to investigate why humans explore everything from new foods to music.Watch my 1st Video Interview with Alex #2: Does Tech Impact on Our Desire to Explore? Is Exploration Required for Fulfillment?#3: Exercising Your Explorer Muscle. Exploring vs. Exploiting. Exploration in our DNA. Timeline for episode 30:00 Tips02:00 Endurance & Exploring05:30 Exploiting vs. Exploring07:00 Exploring in our DNA09:00 Many ways to exploreAbout the book, The Explorer's GeneThe Explorer's Gene is made of 3 parts:1) Why do we explore2) How we explore3) What does exploring meanWritten in an engaging style that combines narrative stories with scientific research, it's comparable to Malcolm Gladwell's work but with stronger research foundations.It has a comprehensive scope and accessibility. It investigates human and animal exploratory behavior.The book connects external exploration to internal growth, offering insights into decision-making and personal development.It blends entertainment and scientific rigor, appealing to readers interested in human behavior, science writing, and self-discovery.FeedbackLeave anonymous audio feedback at SpeakPipeMore infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

I interviewed Michael Zervos in Côte d'Ivoire 14 months ago. He was 10% done with his every-country-speed tour. I interviewed him today, April 8, 2025, when he's over 90% done!Watch the VideoTimeline00:00 Only 23 countries to go05:20 Time left08:15 How he gets tourist visas16:16 Greek Passport20:00 Finish lineFollow him on Instagram More infoTo leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTaponYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTiktokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

In 3 WanderLearn episodes, Alex Hutchinson and I discuss his new book, The Explorer's Gene.The Explorer's Gene examines human exploration broadly, going beyond traditional expeditions to investigate why humans explore everything from new foods to music.Watch my Video Interview with Alex #2: Does Tech Impact on Our Desire to Explore? Is Exploration Required for Fulfillment?#3: Exercising Your Explorer Muscle. Exploring vs. Exploiting. Exploration in our DNA. Timeline for episode 30:00 Tips02:00 Endurance & Exploring05:30 Exploiting vs. Exploring07:00 Exploring in our DNA09:00 Many ways to exploreAbout the book, The Explorer's GeneThe Explorer's Gene is made of 3 parts:1) Why do we explore2) How we explore3) What does exploring meanWritten in an engaging style that combines narrative stories with scientific research, it's comparable to Malcolm Gladwell's work but with stronger research foundations.It has a comprehensive scope and accessibility. It investigates human and animal exploratory behavior.The book connects external exploration to internal growth, offering insights into decision-making and personal development.It blends entertainment and scientific rigor, appealing to readers interested in human behavior, science writing, and self-discovery.FeedbackLeave anonymous audio feedback at SpeakPipeMore infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Charles Veley is often referred to as one of the world's most traveled people, but whether he is definitively the most traveled depends on the criteria used. I've met Charles Veley four times, and for the fourth time, we recorded our conversation! Watch it on YouTube In 2005, Charles Veley founded the Most Traveled People (MTP) community. MTP divides the world into 1,500 areas. As of April 2025, Charles Veley has been to 1,322 of them! That's why he's been called the Godfather of Systematic Travel!Download the MTP app or create a profile on MTP's website.Charles Veley achieved notable milestones, such as becoming the youngest person to visit all 320 countries and provinces recognized by the Travelers' Century Club (TCC).He has traveled millions of miles and taken over thousands of flights. FeedbackLeave anonymous audio feedback at SpeakPipeMore infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew Weinzierl and Brendan Rosseau are the authors of Space to Grow: Unlocking the Final Economic Frontier. The new book explains the business side of space.Watch all four videos about Space to GrowI interview Brendan Rousseau, one of the two co-authors.Brendan Rousseau shares his origin story and how he ended up at Blue Origin. He discusses why space isn't what it used to be.Watch the VideoAbout Brendan Rousseau Current Role:Strategy Manager - New Glenn, Blue Origin: Focuses on orbital launch strategy.Education:Williams College: Bachelor's in Astronomy and Economics.Phillips Exeter Academy: MacKenty Prize in Astronomy.Professional Experience:Harvard Business School: Teaching Fellow and Research Associate.Booz Allen Hamilton: Senior Consultant supporting U.S. Space Force programs.Williams College Astronomy Department: Teaching Assistant.Publications & Awards:Co-author of Space to Grow: Unlocking the Final Economic Frontier.Recognized as a Payload Pioneers - 30 Under 30 and Via Satellite Rising Star.QuestionsIn these podcasts, I ask them the following questions:1. If you were an entrepreneur, what space-related startup idea would you pursue?2. What are some of the most surprising findings from your research?3. How do you envision the future of human habitation in space?4. In what ways can space exploration contribute to solving Earth’s economic challenges?5. What ethical considerations arise from expanding economic activities into space? For example, can we colonize Mars or Europa if we find non-DNA-based bacteria there?6. What were the challenges you faced during your research?7. How do you foresee international relations evolving as nations compete for resources in space?8. What are your predictions for the next decade in space exploration?9. What are your thoughts on space tourism?10. Who is the primary audience for this book?11. What do you hope readers take away from "Space to Grow"?12. What's a popular vision of space exploration that probably won't happen?13. What narratives or myths about space need to be challenged?14. What's the percentage chance that the Kessler Syndrome catastrophe will occur in the 2020s, 2030, and beyond?15. How can public awareness be raised regarding the importance of investing in space?16. What advice would you give entrepreneurs looking to enter the space industry?17. In what ways might our values shift as we become a multi-planetary species?18. What is a rarely discussed consequence of expanding into outer space?19. If there was one message you want readers to remember, what would it be?20. Do you want to clarify any misconceptions about the space economy?21. What do you wish you had mentioned in the book? Perhaps some breaking news?22. Lastly, how can interested individuals get involved or contribute to discussions around space economics? 23. What tips do you have for co-writing a book?24. Did you change your mind about something during your writing process?25. Do you have action items for the audience?FeedbackLeave anonymous audio feedback at SpeakPipeMore infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

This mini-episode is another Public Service Announcement from a grammar Nazi. It's my simple effort to clean up sloppy English.I explain why you should never say something is:Very FullVery Unique Perplexity.ai elaborates:Very Full or Very UniqueThis mini-episode is another Public Service Announcement from a grammar Nazi. It's my simple effort to clean up sloppy English.I explain why you should never say something is:Very FullVery Unique Perplexity.ai elaborates:Why You Should Never Say Something Is "Very Full" or "Very Unique"Very FullSemantic Issue: Saying "very full" is not inherently incorrect, but it can be seen as redundant or unnecessary. "Full" typically means completely filled or occupied, so adding "very" doesn't add much meaning. However, in casual conversation, it's often used to emphasize a high degree of fullness.Alternative Phrasing: Instead of "very full," you might say "completely full" or "totally full" to convey a stronger sense of being filled to capacity.Very UniqueSemantic Issue: The term "unique" means being one-of-a-kind or without equal. Therefore, saying "very unique" can be seen as contradictory because something cannot be more or less unique; it is or isn't.Alternative Phrasing: If you want to convey that something is unusual or exceptional, consider using phrases like "very unusual," "extremely rare," or "exceptionally special" instead of "very unique."Common Usage: Despite the logical inconsistency, "very unique" is commonly used in informal contexts to mean "very unusual" or "very special." However, in formal or precise writing, it's generally advised to avoid this usage.In summary, while "very full" might be redundant, "very unique" is more problematic due to its logical inconsistency with the definition of "unique." More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Major League Baseball, an exclusively North American league, says its best annual team is the "World Champions," having won the "World Series." No other continent is invited to compete.Similarly, the NBA's top team is called the "World Champions," even though, once again, only North American teams can compete.In 20 seconds, I complain about how North American leagues use the term "World Champs."For a more in-depth analysis, consider what Perplexity.ai wrote:The terms "World Champions" in NBA basketball and "World Series" in MLB are contentious but widely used for several reasons:## NBA "World Champions"1. The NBA is considered the best basketball league globally, attracting top international talent[3][7].2. Many of the league's best players, including recent MVP winners, are international[1][3].3. The NBA champion is viewed as the best professional team in the world, competing against global competition even though games are played in North America[3].## MLB "World Series"1. Baseball is widely played on three continents, with MLB being the highest level of play[3].2. A significant percentage of MLB players are international, making it a global competition[3].## Other Examples1. NFL Super Bowl winners are sometimes called "World Champions," though this is more controversial due to American football's limited global reach[3].2. The NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, featuring teams from the USA, Canada, Finland, and Sweden, has recently sparked intense international rivalry, particularly between the USA and Canada[2][5].## Counterarguments1. Some argue these terms are arrogant, as the teams don't actually compete against all global teams[4][6].2. In European soccer, UEFA Champions League winners are called "European champions" despite it being the most prestigious club tournament worldwide[4].The use of "World Champions" in American sports leagues remains a topic of debate, with proponents arguing it reflects the highest level of global competition, while critics see it as an overstatement of the leagues' international reach.Citations:[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtmP9AlXIBY[2] https://time.com/7260170/canada-usa-hockey-4-nations-face-off-trump-recap-analysis/[3] https://cyclonefanatic.com/forum/threads/world-champions-what-is-it-long.286599/[4] https://nique.net/opinions/2023/09/29/world-champion-of-what/[5] https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/43879940/usa-canada-brutal-4-nations-clash-great-event-hockey[6] https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/438n83/why_team_that_wins_nba_championship_is_called/[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/165g923/a_lot_of_people_are_missing_the_point_of_the_term/[8] https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/why-usa-vs-canada-matters-in-4-nations-face-off-and-how-the-rivalry-has-triggered-a-rich-new-era-in-hockey/ Leave anonymous audio feedback at https://speakpipe.com/ftaponMore infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.Subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:https://facebook.com/ftaponhttps://twitter.com/ftaponhttps://instagram.com/ftaponhttps://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttps://tiktok.com/ftaponhttps://pinterest.com/ftaponhttps://tumblr.com/ftaponMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/refer/RAF280959/?utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=refer-a-friend&utm_campaign=refer-a-friendStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free!https://www.podbean.com/ftapon In the USA, trade crypto with Krakenhttps://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 Get the Ledger crypto hardware wallet:https://shop.ledger.com/?r=a673bccc2782Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!https://accounts.binance.com/en/register?ref=LWXFYQOSFor backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear:https://www.gossamergear.com/?rfsn=2024242.1f815Get nomadic travel insurance from SafetyWing!https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=ftapon&utm_source=ftapon&utm_medium=Ambassador Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew Weinzierl and Brendan Rosseau are the authors of Space to Grow: Unlocking the Final Economic Frontier. The new book explains the business side of space. I interview both authors. Here's my interview with Matthew Weinzierl.Watch the VideoTimeline00:00 Intro02:00 Low-hanging fruit07:00 Surprises09:30 Space is vast and crowded11:30 Kessler Syndrome16:30 What won't happen in space?21:45 Moon and Mars predictions25:21 Advice for Entrepreneurs28:00 New news30:00 Co-authoring advice About Matt WeinzierlMatt Weinzierl is Senior Associate Dean and Chair of the MBA Program at Harvard Business School, where he is the Joseph and Jacqueline Elbling Professor of Business Administration in the Business, Government, and the International Economy Unit and a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. His research focuses on the optimal design of economic policy, particularly taxation, emphasizing a better understanding of the philosophical principles underlying policy choices. Recently, he has launched a set of research projects focused on commercializing the space sector and its economic implications, viewable at www.economicsofspace.com. He has served on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Tax Expenditure Commission, the board of the National Tax Association, and on the editorial boards of Social Choice and Welfare and National Tax Journal. Before completing his PhD in economics at Harvard University in 2008, Professor Weinzierl served as the Staff Economist for Macroeconomics on the President’s Council of Economic Advisers and worked in the New York office of McKinsey & Company. My QuestionsIn these podcasts, I ask them the following questions:1. If you were an entrepreneur, what space-related startup idea would you pursue?2. What are some of the most surprising findings from your research?3. How do you envision the future of human habitation in space?4. In what ways can space exploration contribute to solving Earth’s economic challenges?5. What ethical considerations arise from expanding economic activities into space? For example, can we colonize Mars or Europa if we find non-DNA-based bacteria there?6. What were the challenges you faced during your research?7. How do you foresee international relations evolving as nations compete for resources in space?8. What are your predictions for the next decade in space exploration?9. What are your thoughts on space tourism?10. Who is the primary audience for this book?11. What do you hope readers take away from "Space to Grow"?12. What's a popular vision of space exploration that probably won't happen?13. What narratives or myths about space need to be challenged?14. What's the percentage chance that the Kessler Syndrome catastrophe will occur in the 2020s, 2030, and beyond?15. How can public awareness be raised regarding the importance of investing in space?16. What advice would you give entrepreneurs looking to enter the space industry?17. In what ways might our values shift as we become a multi-planetary species?18. What is a rarely discussed consequence of expanding into outer space?19. If there was one message you want readers to remember, what would it be?20. Do you want to clarify any misconceptions about the space economy?21. What do you wish you had mentioned in the book? Perhaps some breaking news?22. Lastly, how can interested individuals get involved or contribute to discussions around space economics? 23. What tips do you have for co-writing a book?24. Did you change your mind about something during your writing process?25. Do you have action items for the audience?More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

When people win awards or are honored in some way, they often say they are "humbled" to receive the recognition.That's absurd.It's the wrong word.Say you're thrilled, happy, or honored, but don't say you're humbled!More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Happy Valentine's Day 2025!Matthew Halteman and I discuss his book Hungry Beautiful Animals.Professor Halteman mentions NutritionFacts.org.See/Hear all four episodes with Matthew Halteman.More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew Halteman and I discuss his book Hungry Beautiful Animals. Here's the timeline of our discussion in case you want to skip to a section.00:00 Know yourself05:15 Negotiating and compromising09:15 Cognitive Dissonance Have you tried lab-grown meat? It has many other names:Cultivated Meat: This term is increasingly favored as it accurately describes growing meat from animal cells in a controlled environment.Cell-Based Meat: This name emphasizes that the meat is derived from animal cells rather than whole animals, highlighting its scientific origins.Cultured Meat: Like cultivated meat, this term refers to meat produced through cellular agriculture techniques.Clean Meat: This term was popular among early advocates, suggesting a more ethical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional meat.Synthetic Meat: This name indicates that the product is artificially created, which can evoke mixed consumer reactions.Slaughter-Free Meat: This term appeals to ethical consumers concerned about animal welfare and the implications of traditional meat production.Becoming vegan is easier than ever.Consider taking baby steps.More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Lab-grown meat has many other names:Cultivated Meat: This term is increasingly favored as it accurately describes growing meat from animal cells in a controlled environment.Cell-Based Meat: This name emphasizes that the meat is derived from animal cells rather than whole animals, highlighting its scientific origins.Cultured Meat: Like cultivated meat, this term refers to meat produced through cellular agriculture techniques.Clean Meat: This term was popular among early advocates, suggesting a more ethical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional meat.Synthetic Meat: This name indicates that the product is artificially created, which can evoke mixed consumer reactions.Slaughter-Free Meat: This term appeals to ethical consumers concerned about animal welfare and the implications of traditional meat production.Matthew Halteman and I discuss his book Hungry Beautiful Animals. Here's the timeline of our discussion in case you want to skip to a section.Matthew Halteman and I discuss his book Hungry Beautiful Animals. Here's the timeline of our discussion in case you want to skip to a section.00:00 Know yourself05:15 Negotiating and compromising09:15 Cognitive Dissonance Have you tried lab-grown meat? It has many other names:Cultivated Meat: This term is increasingly favored as it accurately describes growing meat from animal cells in a controlled environment.Cell-Based Meat: This name emphasizes that the meat is derived from animal cells rather than whole animals, highlighting its scientific origins.Cultured Meat: Like cultivated meat, this term refers to meat produced through cellular agriculture techniques.Clean Meat: This term was popular among early advocates, suggesting a more ethical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional meat.Synthetic Meat: This name indicates that the product is artificially created, which can evoke mixed consumer reactions.Slaughter-Free Meat: This term appeals to ethical consumers concerned about animal welfare and the implications of traditional meat production.Becoming vegan is easier than ever.Consider taking baby steps. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Vegans have a marketing problem: they're perceived to be annoying, self-righteous, judgmental, and inflexible.Author Matthew Halteman's book Hungry Beautiful Animals is designed to fix that perception and make veganism more appealing and less threatening.Visit his website about Hungry Beautiful Animals.Matthew Halteman and I discuss his book Hungry Beautiful Animals. Here's the timeline of our discussion in case you want to skip to a section.00:00 Intro04:30 Marketing Problem?07:00 Practical Tips10:00 Kindergarten Values12:00 Abstract food16:30 Aspirations20:40 FishWatch the VideoBook reviewIn his excellent book "The Better Angels of Our Nature," Steven Pinker observed that humanity has become less barbarous with each passing century.Consider the improvements to:- Women's rights- Gay rights- Racism- Slavery- Death penalty- Wars- PrisonsPinker was asked, "What will people in the 22nd century think of us? What are we doing that will seem barbarous and immoral to future humans?"Pinker said (I'm paraphrasing), "The way almost everyone financially supports the barbarous and inhumane treatment of animals by buying and eating animals."True.Today's vegans are like the anti-slavery people 200 years ago: annoying, and everyone wished they would just go away.How can vegans be more inviting? It seems like an all-or-nothing club. This book says, "Relax. You're welcome to join the tribe."Hungry Beautiful Animals is a vibrant and engaging exploration of veganism. The book stands out for its joyful and inclusive approach, aiming to transform the often polarizing topic of veganism into an inviting conversation. Halteman's writing can be too verbose, but it is filled with humor and anecdotes that resonate regardless of one's dietary choices.### Key Themes- Joy and Kindness: Halteman emphasizes that adopting a vegan lifestyle can be a source of joy rather than a burden. He encourages readers to view veganism as a journey filled with possibilities rather than a strict set of rules that can lead to feelings of shame or guilt. - Personal Stories: The book is rich with anecdotes that illustrate the interconnectedness of all living beings. For instance, Halteman reflects on moments his dog (Gus), who inspired him to write this book.- Community Focus: Halteman invites readers from all backgrounds to join in a collective movement towards kindness and compassion for animals, promoting the idea that everyone is welcome in this exploration of veganism, even if you're not hardcore, full-time.- Practical Guidance: Beyond philosophical discussions, the book provides practical suggestions for leading a more animal-friendly life, including tips on creating pollinator-friendly habitats in one's yard.The book offers profound insights and the ability to provoke thought without condemnation. It is an engaging read that challenges preconceived notions about veganism while fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.Overall, Hungry Beautiful Animals is a book about veganism and an invitation to live more compassionately and joyfully with all beings.VERDICT: 9 out of 10 stars!More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Who was DB Cooper? Did he have a military background? Where did the cash found in Tena Bar come from? What's a plausible explanation for what happened on the night that DB Cooper jumped? Did he survive?In part 3 of 3 about DB Cooper and Flight 305, Dr. Robert H. Edwards delves into that and more.Watch the VideoTimeline00:00 Who was DB Cooper?07:00 Military background13:30 Cash in Tena Bar19:20 Plausible story28:20 Did he survive?More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

DB Cooper was cunning. What were the various considerations he had to contend with to pull off the only unsolved act of air piracy in US history?Watch the VideoDB Cooper needed a:Plane with an airstairShort flightTerminating flightLate afternoon flightIn part 2 of 3 about DB Cooper and Flight 305, Dr. Robert H. Edwards delves into that and more.Timeline00:00 Planning and Prep08:30 Three precursorsMore infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

I've always recorded my annual predictions on December 31 or January 1.However, on December 28, 2024, I started a two-week trip to Dalat, Vietnam. I wanted to travel light, so I recorded my annual predictions on December 27, allowing me to leave my audio and video gear in Ho Chi Minh, where I planned to return on January 15, 2025. In my podcast a few days ago, I said that my prediction that Jimmy Carter would die in 2024 was wrong. Sadly, my 2024 prediction was correct.See my 1-minute videoThe only good news in this sad news is that I get an extra point in my 2024 prediction evaluation scorecard, bringing me to 5 out of 10 points, a mediocre score, tying my worse performance.See my 2024 predictions.You can also see my 2025 predictions. RIP Jimmy Carter.FeedbackContact me or leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast at https://speakpipe.com/ftapon More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

In my Annual Prediction Show, I review my horrible 2024 predictions before making my new predictions. I got 4 out of 10 points, my worst year ever! I hope to do better this year!My 2025 predictionsWatch the Video 1. A global recession crushes the US economy.In July 2022, the yield curve inverted and stayed inverted for 783 consecutive days, marking the longest period in U.S. history. In early September 2024, it un-inverted.Usually, a recession occurs about 12 months after the un-inversion.Admittedly, the recession can occur between 6 and 24 months after the un-inversion, so we could postpone it until 2026.However, disaster will likely strike before October 2025.2. The US unemployment rate doubles.The US unemployment rate is 4.2% at the end of 2024 and will be 8.4% by 2025.3. Bitcoin loses more than half of its value.Although BTC may climb to $150,000, it will eventually be around $50,000 in 2025, surprising everyone.4. The S&P 500 drops at least 1,000 points.The S&P 500, which measures US stocks, will drop below 5,000 (it is beginning 2025 around 6,000).5. Ceasefire in Ukraine.Trump won't "end the war in 24 hours," but his administration will broker a deal because both sides are getting tired of fighting. Ukraine is running low on men. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently lowered the draft age from 27 to 25.Russia is running low on money. In mid-June, $1 bought 50 Russian rubles; in the last two months of 2024, $1 bought 100 rubles. Similarly, a barrel of petroleum has lost half of its value over the same period.6. Elon Musk & Donald Trump end their bromance.Two titanic personalities will struggle to share the spotlight.7. Trump will fail to fulfill five of his most wacky campaign promises.Although I dislike Trump, most of his critics never read his book The Art of the Deal, which explains his negotiating strategy: start with an absurd offer or demand, then negotiate down from there. Trump is a dog that barks constantly but rarely bites.The Left squirms and takes his every word seriously, failing to see that it's just bluster, a negotiation tactic, or just a joke meant to offend the easily offended.Here are 5 campaign promises Donald Trump will fail to keep.Promise: Deporting 13 million people. Reality: he'll deport less than one million.Promise: Death Penalty for Drug Dealers. Reality: It won't happen; we struggle to execute mass murderers.Promise: 60% tariff on Chinese goods and up to 20% on all imports. Reality: At most, he'll get a 10% broad tariff and higher tariffs on targeted, symbolic goods (like Chinese cars).Promise: Abolishing the Department of Education. Reality: It won't happen, although the Department of Education will get cuts thanks to Musk's DOGE.Promise: Military Action Against Drug Cartels. Reality: It won't happen.7. I'll finish The Unseen Africa.This book has been 10 years in the making, so it's due.To see my previous forecasts, check out my predictions for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

In this three-part series, Dr. Robert Edwards and I discuss the fascinating mystery of DB Cooper. In 1971, a man hijacked Flight 305, received $200,000 in $20 bills, 4 parachutes, and skydived into the darkness over the Pacific Northwest, never to be seen again. Watch the VideoSubscribe to my YouTube channel and WanderLearn podcast to get the three episodes. Buy Dr. Robert H. Edwards's book about DB Cooper & Flight 305. To see photos and evidence related to the DB Cooper Case, visit Robert's Flickr site. The FBI has more information about the DB Cooper and Flight 305 case.Dr. Edwards has written three books addressing the biggest 20th-century mysteries:George MalloryDB CooperThe Voynich Manuscript.I've interviewed Dr. Robert Edwards twice about his book Mallory, Irvine, and Everest: The Last Step But One. These interviews went viral. Listen to the first one, which focuses on his book. Next, listen to the second one, focusing on the recent discovery of Sandy Irvine's foot on Mt. Everest. #1 What happened before DB Cooper jumped?How did the FBI screw up its investigation? Here's the timeline of DB Cooper Episode #1.Timeline00:00 Reviewing the basics04:00 Flight path09:00 The oscillations12:30 Reproducing the flight18:00 Meteorology21:50 CommunicationsMore infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Michael Zervos explains why North Korea is the toughest country to visit.Watch the video interviewListen to all 6 of my interviews with Zervos.Timeline00:00 Why North Korea is the toughest05:30 How Zervos makes videos11:00 What's the upcoming scheduleFollow him on InstagramMore infoTo leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTaponYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTiktokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Michael Zervos of The Project Kosmos is two-thirds through his trip to every country.He's on track to break the record for visiting all the countries faster than anyone else.We talked while he was in Lviv, Ukraine in December 2024.Listen to all 6 of my interviews with Zervos.Timeline00:00 Intro05:00 Ukraine War11:00 USA Election reactions14:30 PalestineFollow him on https://www.instagram.com/theprojectkosmosFeedbackLeave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTaponOr go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment.More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Durian is recognized for its overpowering and foul odor, often described as similar to feces.I decided to try it and record my reaction.See the video!Have you ever attempted to eat durian or smelled its distinctive aroma? #durian #durianfruit #reviewFeedbackLeave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTaponOr go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment.More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

I attack the expression that says, "You can't compare...." About 99% of the time, you CAN compare anything with anything.You may dislike the comparison or believe the two things are vastly different, but that doesn't mean you CANNOT compare them. FeedbackLeave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTaponOr go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment.More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Forgive me for rushing through this interview. We were under time pressure. But if you would like, send me a message encouraging me to interview Ege Riitsalu again in greater depth.In this episode, Ege Riitsalu shares her tragic personal story. It serves as an example of the power of radical forgiveness.Watch the Video of this podcastAbout radical forgivenessHow do you get out of a rut and onto a ridge? Although my book, Hike Your Own Hike, offers ideas, it doesn't discuss radical forgiveness, which can lead to breakthroughs. In my first TEDx Talk, I discussed "How Travel Transforms You."But what if the wanderlust doesn't quite do the trick? Then, you take another type of journey, a mental one, to unlock deep-seated memories and beliefs. Ege Riitsalu is an Estonian who used radical forgiveness to dislodge a mental roadblock. Since then, she's run workshops and offered one-on-one therapy to help others take this mental journey.Enjoy this two-part series discussing radical forgiveness and how to employ it.Part 2: How to forgive the man who murdered your dadDon't forget to listen to...Part 1: What is Radical Forgiveness and When Should You Use It?In this episode, Ege Riitsalu introduces you to the concept of radical forgiveness. What's below is taken from what Ege Riitsalu has written about radical forgiveness.It's good for those with:General dissatisfaction with life: stress, anxiety, meaninglessness, lack of purpose, low income, poor physical/mental health, etc.Constant criticism of self and others, feelings of shame and guilt.Painful emotions regarding life events that have taken place (divorce, betrayal, offense, claims about a partner, etc.).Repeated life patterns in personal and professional life (separations from life and business partners, dismissal from work, etc.).RADICAL FORGIVENESS IS A FIVE-STEP JOURNEY that results in freeing yourself from emotional burdens and transforming negative experiences into sources of personal growth and inner peace. This process allows for a deeper understanding and compassion for oneself and others.Sharing your story: You get the opportunity to express, discover, and map your experiences and the feeling of being a "victim"Feeling emotions and taking responsibility: You allow yourself to feel all emotions and focus on expressing them in a safe space and a restrained manner.Collapsing the story: When discovering your story, move toward understanding, compassion, and empathy to separate your interpretations, judgments, and expectations and deal with the facts.Emergence of a new story: After discovering and releasing negative emotions and recurring disturbing thoughts, you can understand their motives and eliminate the story of being a "victim."Integration: You integrate your entire experience holistically through various practices.Radical forgiveness will help you:Return to the joy of life and happiness that is so characteristic of you.Find inner peace, strength, and balance.Create more harmonious relationships with yourself and others.Get rid of repressed emotional reactions such as anger, guilt, resentment, shame, etc.Get out of victim mentality and behavior.To shake off feelings of unforgiveness towards yourself or someone else.To heal from emotional pain and the burden of the past. Watch the VideoFeedbackLeave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTaponOr go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment.More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

How do you get out of a rut and onto a ridge? Although my book, Hike Your Own Hike, offers ideas, it doesn't discuss radical forgiveness, which can lead to breakthroughs. Watch the VideoIn my first TEDx Talk, I discussed "How Travel Transforms You."But what if the wanderlust doesn't quite do the trick? Then, you take another type of journey, a mental one, to unlock deep-seated memories and beliefs. Ege Riitsalu is an Estonian who used radical forgiveness to dislodge a mental roadblock. Since then, she's run workshops and offered one-on-one therapy to help others take this mental journey.Enjoy this two-part series discussing radical forgiveness and how to employ it.Part 1: What is Radical Forgiveness and When Should You Use It?In this episode, Ege Riitsalu introduces you to the concept of radical forgiveness. What's below is taken from what Ege Riitsalu has written about radical forgiveness.It's good for those with:General dissatisfaction with life: stress, anxiety, meaninglessness, lack of purpose, low income, poor physical/mental health, etc.Constant criticism of self and others, feelings of shame and guilt.Painful emotions regarding life events that have taken place (divorce, betrayal, offense, claims about a partner, etc.).Repeated life patterns in personal and professional life (separations from life and business partners, dismissal from work, etc.).RADICAL FORGIVENESS IS A FIVE-STEP JOURNEY that results in freeing yourself from emotional burdens and transforming negative experiences into sources of personal growth and inner peace. This process allows for a deeper understanding and compassion for oneself and others.Sharing your story: You get the opportunity to express, discover, and map your experiences and the feeling of being a "victim"Feeling emotions and taking responsibility: You allow yourself to feel all emotions and focus on expressing them in a safe space and a restrained manner.Collapsing the story: When discovering your story, move toward understanding, compassion, and empathy to separate your interpretations, judgments, and expectations and deal with the facts.Emergence of a new story: After discovering and releasing negative emotions and recurring disturbing thoughts, you can understand their motives and eliminate the story of being a "victim."Integration: You integrate your entire experience holistically through various practices.Radical forgiveness will help you:Return to the joy of life and happiness that is so characteristic of you.Find inner peace, strength, and balance.Create more harmonious relationships with yourself and others.Get rid of repressed emotional reactions such as anger, guilt, resentment, shame, etc.Get out of victim mentality and behavior.To shake off feelings of unforgiveness towards yourself or someone else.To heal from emotional pain and the burden of the past. Watch the VideoFeedbackLeave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTaponOr go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment.More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Who you vote for in the 2024 US Presidential election matters little if you don't live in Maine, Nebraska, or a battleground state. If you want to be highly pedantic and annoying, you could argue that your vote matters even in non-swing states like California.That's because if most Californian Democrats conspired not to vote, a Republican would win even though the polls heavily favor the Democrat.However, if you live in the real, realistic world, my point is accurate on a practical level.Watch the video of this podcast! What do you think about what I say in the video?Am I full of s**t?In the video, I mention abortion. Watch my video that proves that abortion has nothing to do with morals or morality.More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Niamh McAnally's memoir, Following Sunshine: A Voyage Around the Mind, Around the World, Around the Heart, offers readers a rich tapestry of travel, personal growth, and introspection.This book transcends the typical travelogue by intertwining McAnally's adventures with profound reflections on her life experiences, including themes of loss, self-discovery, and resilience.Watch the Video Interview! Overview of the BookFollowing Sunshine takes readers on an enthralling journey through various landscapes, from the lush jungles of Fiji to the serene beaches of Vanuatu. McAnally's narrative is not just about her travels; it delves deeply into her struggles, including dealing with loss, divorce, and financial hardships. Her expressive language vividly captures the beauty of the locations she visits and the emotional transitions she experiences, making her reflections relatable to a broad audience.Themes and StyleMcAnally's writing combines elements of travel, adventure, and self-help. She shares her experiences in diverse settings—participating in turtle conservation in Vanuatu and reflecting on local customs—while confronting complex personal topics such as childhood trauma and uncertainty about the future. This blend creates a compelling backdrop for her reflections on love, loss, and the human impact on ecosystems.The memoir is "a riveting adventure with a touch of romance," keeping readers engaged with its twists and emotional depth. She is confident and self-aware, echoing throughout her stories of solo travel and constant change. Her ability to articulate moments of revelation is honest without being overly dramatic.Reader ReceptionThe reception of Following Sunshine has been overwhelmingly positive. Readers have highlighted its ability to evoke deep emotional responses, often finding themselves moved to tears by McAnally's storytelling. Many appreciate her inviting them to reflect on their lives while sharing her journey. The book has been described as a testament to the power of storytelling in understanding oneself and one's past.ConclusionIn summary, Following Sunshine is more than just a memoir; it is an invitation to explore the world and one's inner self. Niamh McAnally's unique voice and perspective resonate throughout her narrative, making it recommended for anyone interested in travel, personal growth, or simply seeking inspiration through storytelling. The book promises to leave a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.FeedbackLeave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTaponOr go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment.More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

On the 100th anniversary of George Mallory and Sandy Irvine's death on Mount Everest, I interviewed Dr. Robert Edwards, author of Mallory, Irvine, and Everest: The Last Step But One, which reexamined their mysterious story in extreme detail.Watch my original interview with Dr. Edwards, my most popular interview in 2024. It provides an excellent background for today's interview.Today, Dr. Edwards returns to the WanderLearn Show to discuss Jimmy Chin's surprising October 2024 announcement that he found Andrew Comyn Irvine's foot! Andrew Irvine's nickname was Sandy.Watch the VideoPhoto by National GeographicImage copyright: National GeographicNational Geographic sponsored the expedition and announced the momentous news. The rest of Sandy's body has not been found yet.Sandy died 100 years ago. In 1960, Chinese climber Wang Fuzhou claimed he spotted a dead European climber who had to be Sandy Irvine. Assuming that sighting was accurate, nobody has seen Irvine since then ... until now.Famed mountaineer and photographer Jimmy Chin found Sandy's foot inside the 100-year-old boot. Robert Edwards wrote his initial impressions of Sandy's discovery on Goodreads. In this interview, we delve into greater detail, including the map Dr. Edwards made:In the podcast, I struggled to understand why Dr. Edwards thought Sandy's foot may have been found either in pin v1 or v2. After the interview, I reflected more carefully and realized that the Central Rongbuk Glacier is sliding west (right in the image). I initially assumed it was sliding north (down the image).Excerpt of Dr. Edwards's Goodreads postI can think of at least two scenarios which are consistent with the new discovery:• On June 8, 1924, Irvine fell from somewhere on the North Face of Everest to the head of the Central Rongbuk Glacier. If so, it seems to me that, given the topography of Mount Everest, the start of that fall had to be either within, or to the west of, the Norton Couloir. In that case, Irvine fell at least 500 meters to the west of where Mallory's body was found.• On June 8, 1924, Irvine became immobilised or died in the place where on May 24 or 25, 1960, the Chinese mountaineer Wang Fu-zhou would see the body of “a European in braces” [for North Americans: suspenders]. The Chinese route was along the Northeast Ridge. According to reports of a speech in Leningrad in 1965, Wang saw the body at 8,600 meters (28,215 feet): that is, between the Second Step and the Third Step. If so, the body could only be that of Irvine; and he had died on the descent. In this scenario, at some unknowable date after 1960, natural events carried Irvine's body down the mountain to the head of the glacier.In both scenarios, the implacable creep of the ice carried part of Irvine's remains to the place where Jimmy Chin found them in September 2024.The first scenario excludes the second: for if in 1924 Irvine fell to the glacier, Wang Fu-zhou in 1960 could not have seen a body of any kind at 8,600 meters. No doubt, other scenarios are conceivable.What next?Undoubtedly, the China-Tibet Mountaineering Association will conduct an expedition to find the rest of Irvine’s body and any artifacts associated with it; or will permit National Geographic to undertake such an endeavour. The search could possibly be made before the winter; otherwise, the next window will probably be the spring of 2025. Irvine’s body and artifacts will surely be found.The Chinese authorities also have the opportunity to examine Irvine’s boot for rock particles, which might reveal where he had been before he died. (As far as I can determine, Mallory’s boots were never tested in this way.)In either event, we may then know more about the last climb of Mallory and Irvine.Dr. Edwards added in an email to me:In case I didn't explain clearly the difference between the two pins in the Google Earth image: pin v1 is based on ice velocity of 10 meters/year; pin v2 is based on ice velocity of 27 meters/year (based on a range of Chinese estimates for the East Rongbuk Glaicier).In both cases, the pin assumes movement of the remains over 100 years, i.e. assuming that Irvine fell all the way to the glacier in 1924. So Pin v1 is 1,000 meters downstream; pin v2 is 2,700 meters downstream.If Irvine's remains fell after 1960 (which, given Wang's sighting, I'm inclined to think more probable), both pins would be much closer to the head of the glacier. Pin v1 would be at most 640 meters downstream; pin v2 would be at most 1,728 meters downstream.Both pins hug the western rim of the glacier, since I'm inclined to think that objects starting near the rim will remain near the rim. (A glaciologist would know.) More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward

Eric Gilbertson is back!Eric Gilbertson and Branden Joy dragged 400 pounds (180 kg) of gear on 4 sleds across Greenland.They covered 1,539 miles (1,420 snow kiting, 119 man hauling) in 40 days.On his biggest day, he covered 218 miles kiting.His fastest kiting speed was 33mph.They did 4 first ascents.Read Eric Gilbertson's Greenland traverse trip report.Krisli Melesk co-hosted this show with me. She and I were in awe of Eric's accomplishments.Watch the Video Interview Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Everyone loves coincidences. During my month in Estonia, I bumbled into Krisli Melesk, who bumbled into Eric Gilbertson on K2. Eric & I were scheduled to record a podcast a few days after I met Krisli, so I invited her to join the show as a surprise guest! Eric Gilbertson is in the process of climbing to the highest point in every country. He's done 143 out of 193!This is first of a two-part series, featuring Eric & Krisli. Subscribe to get next week's episode where we will discuss Eric kite surfing across Greenland!You must listen to my first two interviews with Eric Gilbertson!Krisli Melesk is also remarkable. She deserves her own episode and book! Her list of adventures is long and mind-blowing.We only delved into a couple of her countless adventures in this episode.In this episode, we focus on K2 and Everest, especially their joint experience on K2. Although they didn't climb K2 on the same team, they met on K2 and summitted a few days apart.We end the show by talking about Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain, with an elevation of 28,169 feet (8,586 metres). It is situated in the eastern Himalayas on the border between Sikkim state, northeastern India, and eastern Nepal, 46 miles (74 km) north-northwest of Darjiling, Sikkim.We discuss why Eric was able to summit Kanchenjunga and Krisli was not.Note: In the show, I refer to Krisli as "Kris," but the automatic subtitle generator on the video transcribed her name as "Chris." Also, I apologize for the mediocre audio quality. We had tech issues.Watch the Video FeedbackLeave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTaponOr go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment.More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Palle Bo is from Denmark, which controls Greenland. He's been to Greenland twice, and I was blessed to visit it in 2024. We share our thoughts.Palle hosts the Radio Vagabond podcast! Subscribe to it!Enjoy other Palle Bo episodes! FeedbackLeave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTaponOr go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment.More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramTikTokLinkedInPinterestTumblrMy Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe