WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & Life

I'm spending the 2021 Thanksgiving in Gambia.So what should you be thankful for?Reliable electricity and water. Happy Thanksgiving!See it on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRSPc7KbqTM Give anonymous verbal feedback to this show or to the podcast in general by using SpeakPipe.Maybe you have:A gripeAn ideaA questionMore infoIf you like this, subscribe and share!If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! My Patrons and Gossamer Gear sponsored this show!On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftapon https://instagram.com/ftapon http://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://tumblr.com/ftaponClaim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksStart 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 Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Gary Arndt returns to discuss:Gary's 2022 travel tourUnseen sides of RomeMinneapolis Post-George FloydWhy Starlink's $500 dish + $99/month deal changes everythingGary will be back next week.Give anonymous verbal feedback to this show or to the podcast in general by using the SpeakPipe link below.Maybe you have:A gripeAn ideaA questionListen to the episode first!More infoIf you like this, subscribe and share!If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! My Patrons and Gossamer Gear sponsored this show!On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftapon https://instagram.com/ftapon http://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://tumblr.com/ftaponClaim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTaponRewards start at just $2/month!Affiliate linksStart 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 Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Gary Arndt returns to the WanderLearn podcastIn this 28-min podcast, Gary Arndt and I talk about:How podcasts are the blogs of yesteryearFacebook customer serviceSocial Media vs. DiscordOlympicsEverything Everywhere's most memorable podcastsLeave feedback:http://speakpipe.com/ftaponGary will be back next week to talk about:Gary's 2022 travel tourMinneapolis Post-George FloydStarlink More infoIf you like this, subscribe and share!If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! Gossamer Gear sponsored this show!On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttps://instagram.com/ftapon http://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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 linksStart 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 Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Africa's population will grow from 1.3 billion to over 4 billion by 2100.It already has a housing shortage.Glen Jordan hopes to solve that with blockchain technology.Glen is the CEO of Empowa, the first DeFi property platform on the Cardano blockchain.Empowa combines emerging technology, sustainable building, and decentralized financial inclusion.You can watch this interview on YouTube.Glen Jordan and Francis Tapon discuss the following:00:00 Intro00:40 Structural issues03:00 What is the scope of Empowa?04:15 Mozambique example06:00 Lease to buy vs. Mortgage07:30 NOT for sale sign11:40 Currency risk - EMP Token14:00 How to pay rents15:00 NFTs21:00 Pensions for informal sector23:00 Circular building25:00 Housing shortage in Africa27:45 Cinder block savings30:30 Cardano36:00 Impact investing37:00 NFT Revenue Stream39:20 Is Empowa too ambitious?42:30 ISPO Oct 202144:00 Benefits of staking ADA45:00 Future of EmpowaCardano ISPO StakepoolsEMP1 (Smiles on Africa)ID: d27af8f35c3d336500ff190011cd01edd1f84254002fad053d326356EMP2 (Proof of Africa)ID: 4c419cdf15bae400b98aa9ec9a7d3de6dafc9eb258b31f172c891dd5 Record Feedback for this episodehttps://speakpipe.com/ftapon More infoIf you like this, subscribe and share!If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! Gossamer Gear sponsored this show!On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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 linksStart 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 Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! ISPO Stakepools:EMP1 (Smiles on Africa)ID: d27af8f35c3d336500ff190011cd01edd1f84254002fad053d326356EMP2 (Proof of Africa)ID: 4c419cdf15bae400b98aa9ec9a7d3de6dafc9eb258b31f172c891dd5 Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

David Green, an Australian historian, wrote Hitler's War in North Africa 1941-1942.I ask him:Why did Hitler think the Suez Canal was more interesting than Gibraltar?Why did the Germans not go straight to Egypt by sea instead of entering in the middle of North Africa and slogging all the way to Egypt?What surprised David Green in his research of WWII's North African war?How was it to fight a war in the desert?If there's one message from the book, what would it be?Why did the British soldiers wash their clothes in petrol?How did Rommel die?Buy David Green's books on Amazon!Like David Green's Facebook page!Leave me an anonymous audio message which I can play on a future podcast. It can be a question, comment, or insult.https://www.speakpipe.com/ftapon More infoIf you like this, subscribe and share!If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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 linksStart 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 Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

This is a two-part podcast. First, I reflect on how Americans view interracial marriages now vs. 1958.Second, I share a 90-second clip where Ashlee Braut, a US Navy Hospital Corpsman, talks about what sort of firearm training do Navy recruits receive. Rejoice Tapon chimes in a bit too. If you are only interested in the 90 seconds on the military, then watch the video below!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm8XwGMWjIw Be sure to watch the other Navy videos on my Navy/Military Playlist:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIMvGeI8gGoP6wfYk0egeIvpImjWnxAY7 See episode #1 about what to pack for Navy Bootcamp:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHk9V7L9r-E Send me feedback via a voicemail.https://www.speakpipe.com/ftapon More infoIf you like this, subscribe and share!If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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 linksStart 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 Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!Disclaimer: All views expressed on this video and comments made verbally or written do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Navy or Department of Defense and are that of my own or the people in the video. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

News Nation interviewed me for 2.5 minutes regarding what it would take for Brian Laundrie (the chief suspect in the murder of Gabbie Petito) to survive on the Appalachian Trail.Because the interview is short, I didn't have the time to say everything I had to say.Therefore, in this podcast, you'll hear the original interview followed by my additional commentary.What do you think?Share your thoughts at [email protected] 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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 linksStart 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 Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

The Ballet Wallet is a fabulous solution for:NovicesThose with under $100k in cryptoWant to have some of their crypto easily accessible or transferable, but they don't want to have 100% of it on their smartphone.Gifting cryptoInheritance Ballet Wallet could be used in conjunction with hardware wallets like the Ledger or Coldcard.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdchkistGQYIf you liked my unbiased review of the Ballet Wallet and you'd like to buy one or some other crypto wallet, please use the appropriate affiliate link below to help support this channel and get a discount.Prices sometimes change after I made the video:- Buy a Ballet wallet direct from the manufacturer & 5% off.- Buy a Ballet wallet from Amazon in 1 unit ($35) or 3-pack ($80-100) or more.BUY COINKITE'S COLDCARD or OPENDIME.BUY A LEDGER.Securing your cryptocurrency is paramount, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution.Check to make sure:QR Code sticker hasn’t been peeled offThe passphrase scratch-off has no scratchesAll the serial numbers are on the top of the wallet(Optional) Use a UV light to make sure the Ballet ‘B’ logo and the words ‘BITCOIN’ are shown on the top QR Code sticker I review:How to download the Ballet Crypto AppHow to add the Ballet wallet into the Ballet Crypto AppShow how the app looks likeI was not able to:Show the ‘Buy Crypto’ and ‘Exchange’ functionsShow that you can add in different types of cryptocurrenciesThings I mentionedBrief introduction of Ballet (when it started, who the founder is, etc.)The most easy-to-use non-electronic, physical walletIt has the same level of security as other walletsThe two components of the encrypted private key and the passphrase are created in two different locations and have never been interacted with each otherThe actual unencrypted private key has never been revealed until the user signs and sends a transactionSafe to use, easy to use, and great for giftingNo need to write down or memorize a 24-word mnemonic seed phraseGreat for long term cold storageAdditional info:Follow Ballet on Twitter.The BIP38 technology behind the Ballet wallet.The Two-Factor Key Generation process.The differences and similarities between BIP38 and BIP39.The open-source decryption/verification website tool (recommended to use while disconnected from the internet). And for your reference, below are some other BIP38 implementation tools (besides the Ballet Wallet app and its own open-source website tool above) that you can use to reveal the unencrypted private key:https://www.bitaddress.org/https://github.com/bitcoinjs/bip38https://iancoleman.io/bitcoin-key-compression/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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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 linksStart 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 Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Rejoice Tapon and Ashlee Braut recount the final 24 emotional hours of Navy Bootcamp.Timestamps00:00 Fitness01:47 Battlestations 2102:53 FinaleNavy Recruits sign a non-disclosure agreement about Battlestations 21, the 24-hour climax of Navy Bootcamp.You must pass Battlestations to become a US Sailor.Although these two sailors can't talk about Battlestations, they still offer a few words of wisdom for those who are worried about it.Also, they share their feelings after they passed Battlestations and received their Navy cap.Men and women usually cry during that ceremony.Be sure to watch the other Navy videos on my Navy/Military Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIMvGeI8gGoP6wfYk0egeIvpImjWnxAY7 See episode #1 about what to pack for Bootcamp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHk9V7L9r-E More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com If you like this, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon.Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftapon http://twitter.com/ftapon http://youtube.com/user/ftapon http://pinterest.com/ftapon http://tumblr.com/ftapon My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month!Disclaimer: All views expressed on this video and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Navy or Department of Defense and are that of my own or the people in the video. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Rejoice Tapon and Ashlee Braut were weak swimmers when they went to the Navy Bootcamp near Chicago in 2021.Both could swim, but barely.There were other Navy recruits who were complete novices.This video is for Navy recruits who are nervous about the 3 Navy Bootcamp swim tests. They go over each swim test in detail.Most YouTube videos don't share enough detail about the tests, so they fill in the knowledge gaps to give you confidence and to know what to expect.Be sure to watch the other Navy videos on my Navy/Military Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIMvGeI8gGoP6wfYk0egeIvpImjWnxAY7 See episode #1 about what to pack for Bootcamp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHk9V7L9r-E More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com If you like this, subscribe and share!On social media, my username is always ftapon.Follow me on: http://facebook.com/ftapon http://twitter.com/ftapon http://youtube.com/user/ftapon http://pinterest.com/ftapon http://tumblr.com/ftapon My Patrons sponsored this show!Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month!Disclaimer: All views expressed on this video and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Navy or Department of Defense and are that of my own or the people in the video. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Rejoice Tapon is as tough as they come, but in this video, she shares the one moment (besides graduation) where she cried.Ashlee Braut chimes in on how a few recruits try to score brownie points with their Recruit Division Commanders by reporting petty violations that their fellow shipmates commit.Be sure to watch the other Navy videos on my Navy/Military Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIMvGeI8gGoP6wfYk0egeIvpImjWnxAY7 See episode #1 about what to pack for Bootcamp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHk9V7L9r-E More info You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com If you like this, subscribe and share!On social media, my username is always ftapon.Follow me on: http://facebook.com/ftapon http://twitter.com/ftapon http://youtube.com/user/ftapon http://pinterest.com/ftapon http://tumblr.com/ftapon My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month!Disclaimer: All views expressed on this video and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Navy or Department of Defense and are that of my own or the people in the video. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

It's fun to watch this on YouTube.Ashlee Braut and Rejoice Tapon advise military recruits the following:Shut upFollow ordersAvoid gossipAlso, Rejoice explains how you can transform a drill sergeant's demand to do pushups into a positive thing.See episode #1 about what to pack for Bootcamp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHk9V7L9r-E More info You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com If you like this, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon.Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftapon http://twitter.com/ftapon http://youtube.com/user/ftapon http://pinterest.com/ftapon http://tumblr.com/ftapon My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month!Disclaimer: All views expressed on this video and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Navy or Department of Defense and are that of my own or the people in the video. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Happy 29th Birthday to Rejoice Tapon! To celebrate, I'm releasing the first of a 5-part series on Navy Bootcamp.In 2021, two Navy Corpsman sailors finished the US Navy Bootcamp in Great Lakes, Illinois. One is Ashlee Braut and the other is Rejoice Tapon.Together, they scrutinize a video that Rejoice Tapon made hours before she boarded a plane for Bootcamp.Admittedly, listening to only the audio without the video is a bit strange, but I hope you can follow along. If you can, it's best to simply watch the video on YouTube.Timestamps00:00 Intro 01:42 Analyzing the packing video 08:40 Final thoughtsIn the video, she shows each and every item that she packed. Rejoice and another shipmate analyze the video and say where she went wrong. Listen if you're shipping to Bootcamp in 2022 and you're wondering what you must (and must not) bring. Or maybe you're simply curious as I was about the Bootcamp experience.Also, subscribe to the channel to see the next 4 Navy Bootcamp videos! More info You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.comIf you like this, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on: http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftapon http://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://tumblr.com/ftapon My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Disclaimer: All views expressed on this video and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Navy or Department of Defense and are that of my own or the people in the video. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

This is part 6 of 6 episodes with Rufina Garay, the host of the new FoodLove podcast!In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Intro01:00 Eating crickets 05:00 How can you not be attached to too many things?08:45 Expedia ad10:30 Detaching expectationsIf you missed my previous episodes with Rufina Garay, follow the links below or look for them on your podcast player: Part 1: Are Some Cuisines Objectively Better Than Others?Part 2: An Empty Stomach is the Best ChefPart 3: Why Do Animal Eaters Hate Hunters?Part 4: Is the Food Industry Doomed?Part 5: Will Our Descendants Take Down Statues of Meat Eaters?SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by: ExpediaMy patrons at Patreon 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

This is part 5 of 6 episodes with Rufina Garay, the host of the new FoodLove podcast!In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Preamble about the discussion to come07:25 Why is Rufina postponing her goal to become a vegetarian?10:10 Should Our Descendants Remove the Statues of Meat-Eaters?16:10 Expedia ad17:28 Respecting plants18:00 Is there moral meat? 22:30 Afterward about statuesIf you missed my previous episodes with Rufina Garay, follow the links below or look for them on your podcast player: Part 1: Are Some Cuisines Objectively Better Than Others?Part 2: An Empty Stomach is the Best ChefPart 3: Why Do Animal Eaters Hate Hunters?Part 4: Will Our Descendants Take Down Statues of Meat Eaters?Hunting podcastsSince this episode is mostly about hunting, you might be interested in my previous episodes about hunting:Brittany Longoria's Leopard PhotoRejoice and I debate the leopard photoBrittany returns to explain hunting mythsAre Hunters Responsible for the Decline of Africa's Wildlife?Are Hunters An Endangered Species Wonders Hunter of the YearSponsorsThis episode is sponsored by: ExpediaMy patrons at Patreon 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Mary Hunter is an artist who has traveled to over 40 countries.We originally met in New Mexico's Ghost Ranch while I was doing a roundtrip on the Continental Divide Trail.Timeline:00:00 Intro01:15 Being an artist06:55 Expedia Ad08:10 #1 pack your bag then take half out08:25 #2 bring the essentials09:25 #3 be confident and purposeful even when you’re not10:15 #4 blend in so you do not stand out11:15 #5 when in Rome……..be respectful of their culture12:50 #6 make eye contact. Acknowledging strangers makes them comfortable13:50 #7 ask for help.14:20 #8 never go out alone at night14:50 #9 be aware of your surroundings15:05 #10 smile have fun enjoy 15:45 Future travel plansSponsorsThis episode is sponsored by: ExpediaMy patrons at Patreon 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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 linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free!https://www.podbean.com/ftaponIn the USA, trade crypto with Krakenhttps://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 20% off your trades! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

This is part 4 of 6 episodes with Rufina Garay, the host of the new FoodLove podcast!In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Intro01:00 Are Farmer's market scams? 10:10 What has made you resilient during the pandemic?15:45 Expedia ad17:00 KQED Forum podcast excerpt about the food industry19:10 Is the food industry in for a reckoning? 30:30 Afterward about "sexism and racism" in the food industry19:30 A tough questionIf you missed my previous episodes with Rufina Garay, follow the links below or look for them on your podcast player: Part 1: Are Some Cuisines Objectively Better Than Others?Part 2: An Empty Stomach is the Best ChefPart 3: Why Do Animal Eaters Hate Hunters?Part 4: Is the Food Industry Doomed?Part 5: Will Our Descendants Take Down Statues of Meat Eaters? SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by: ExpediaMy patrons at Patreon 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

This is part 3 of 6 episodes with Rufina Garay, the host of the new FoodLove podcast!In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Intro01:00 Brittany Longoria's Leopard photo 09:15 Lab-grown meat15:00 Expedia ad16:15 Clean meat19:30 A tough questionIf you missed my previous episodes with Rufina Garay, follow the links below or look for them on your podcast player: Part 1: Are Some Cuisines Objectively Better Than Others?Part 2: An Empty Stomach is the Best ChefPart 3: Why Do Animal Eaters Hate Hunters?Hunting podcastsSince this episode is mostly about hunting, you might be interested in my previous episodes about hunting:Brittany Longoria's Leopard PhotoRejoice and I debate the leopard photoBrittany returns to explain hunting mythsAre Hunters Responsible for the Decline of Africa's Wildlife?Are Hunters An Endangered Species Wonders Hunter of the YearSponsorsThis episode is sponsored by: ExpediaMy patrons at Patreon 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Rufina Garay is the host of the new FoodLove podcast!This is episode 2 of 6 with Rufina!We discuss00:00 Intro01:00 Cafeteria food vs. fancy restaurants06:57 An Empty Stomach is the Best Chef09:40 Is using salt in cooking cheating?15:40 Ads18:00 What food should one eat on the trail? 29:00 HydrationIf you missed part 1, "Are Some Cuisines Objectively Better Than Others?", then go back to listen to that!SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by: ExpediaRerouted.coMy patrons at Patreon 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

The next 4 episodes will feature Rufina Garay, the host of the new FoodLove podcast!We hadn't talked to each other since we casually played volleyball at Amherst College in 1992!Therefore, 30 years later, we had a lot of catching up to do!We talked for over 2 hours!Instead of airing it as one mega-long podcast, I've broken it up into 4 segments of about 30 minutes each.Here are the timestamps for Part 1 of 5. Click on them to jump to that section.If you like timestamps, tell me!00:00 Intro06:00 Eating stuff you don't want to eat13:00 Why Rufina is an omnivore15:00 Flax seeds16:30: Ads18:45 What would you never eat again?22:00 Are Some Cuisines Objectively Better Than Others?SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by: ExpediaRerouted.coMy patrons at Patreon 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

I answer 3 listener questions.You can also watch it on YouTube.1. What are my book recommendations?I mention:Any book by Bill Bryson. I enjoyed his latest, The Body.Robert Zubrin, A Case for SpaceGates of Fire:: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae2. How do you train for your mountain climbing?3. Why did Eswatini change its name?BTW, I will be doing more and more short episodes. Occasionally, I will have 1+ hour episode, but it seems people love episodes under 20 minutes.SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by: ExpediaRerouted.coMy patrons at Patreon 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

After reviewing the 10 reasons why you should consider backpacking with an umbrella, I tackle...10 frequently asked questions about carrying an umbrella while hiking or backpackingIn summary, I address the top 10 reasons to use an umbrella in the wild as well as the 10 questions people have about backpacking with an umbrella.I'm reading my umbrella article that has been viewed 200,000 times. SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by: ExpediaRerouted.coMy patrons at Patreon 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Nate Ritter, the CEO of Roomsteals, reveals the unseen underbelly of the travel industry.We discuss:Will mistake fares increase in the futureAI vs. Machine Learning - and how it affects youHotel vs. airline marginsWholesale vs. retail pricing in travelOTAsHow discount airlines make moneyShould you buy tickets on the weekend or Tuesday? (Surprising answer!)Why Nate started Room StealsWatch it on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BFcCLYKP0USponsorsThis episode is sponsored by: ExpediaThe Restoration Project Rerouted.coMy patrons at Patreon 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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!Expedia Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Adrien Behn (pronounced "Bane") has been a nomad for 12 years and has visited 35 countries and 20 US States.She is the host of the Strangers Abroad Podcast.We talk about:What do you have to do to claim that you have been to a state?How can you travel safely as a solo female traveler?How is it like to be a comedian in a politically correct age?Do women get more hangry than men?Referencing our "hangry" debate, here are some related articles:The journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reported that "Men’s Brains Fight Urge to Eat Better Than Women's."Cosmo had a different take.Sarah Keating of the BBC argues that men get more hangry than women. SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by: The Restoration Project Rerouted.coMy patrons at Patreon 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Dan Coplan is a filmmaker and drone operator.We talk about:How he got started with drones and filmmakingIs helicopter footage going to go extinct with the advent of drones?Filming in vertical vs. horizontalImage stabilization vs. gimbalsDigital vs. optical zoomAre all 4K cameras equal?Question of the WeekWhat are NFTs? Why are they valuable?Dan mentioned "Right Up Our Alley" on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgS54fqKxf0SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by: The Restoration Project Rerouted.coMy patrons at Patreon 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Today marks the 1-year anniversary of bitcoin's 3rd halving & my critique of Plan B's stock-to-flow model.Watch the video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa3sWnDvIl0 I reflect on:How the stock-to-flow model is holding up.Misunderstandings about my first S2F video.Who is right/wrong about the S2F model.A potential Bitcoin supercycle.Bitcoin's Achilles' Heel.What I think will happen in bitcoin's future. Outline00:00​ Intro00:22​ 1 year after the halving02:50​ I'm not a BTC bear03:56​ McAfee eating his dick05:05​ S2F has an extremely broad target06:32​ BTC Supercycle?10:14​ BTC's Achilles' Heel12:01​ Plan B Blocked Me15:40​ Price Predictions18:45​ Summary SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by: The Restoration Project Rerouted.coMy patrons at Patreon 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! DISCLAIMERThe information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial legal or tax advice. The content of this video is solely the opinions of the speaker who is not a licensed financial advisor or registered investment advisor. Trading cryptocurrencies poses a considerable risk of loss. The speaker does not guarantee any particular outcome. Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

I interview Teouta Luri, a Kosovar & ethnic Albanian who was born in Yugoslavia in 1976.She is the daughter of a prominent Yugoslav politician.We discuss:Why Tito was the most popular dictator ever.Why Milosovic's policies inadvertently brought on civil war.Why she thought getting married and having a baby in the middle of a war was a brilliant idea.Why Albanians love the USA more than anyone else.Whether women in Kosovo are more or less liberated than American women.Her first impressions of the USA.Whether there is an accent between Kosovars and Albanians.Why did I sometimes interrupt and talk over Teouta?Two reasons:1. Teouta and I talked enough before the interview that I felt comfortable enough to talk with her like I talked with Sym Blanchard. I was comfortable enough to allow for natural banter to develop.2. Like my interviews with Sym, we were in the same room with two separate microphones, so that makes it much easier to read body language and not have to deal with the lag that comes when you interview someone remotely (via Skype/Zoom).SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by: The Restoration Project Rerouted.coMy patrons at Patreon 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

El Camino de Santiago has 10 benefits, 4 things that are either good or bad depending on your perspective, and 10 sucky things about it.In this episode, I read my most popular article and interject commentary.The article has over 3 million views because it appears in the Top 10 results whenever you Google "El Camino Santiago."Sorry for the 1-month hiatus. I'll be pumping out more episodes to make up for the missed podcasts!Question of the WeekYida asks: I'm reading about Rwanda right now. I'm wondering whether you ever went gorilla trekking there?I'm also curious about the economics of safari tourism in Africa. A gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1500 US while the GDP per capital there is only about $800 US! Safari adventures for foreigners cost a lot compared to what locals spend. But hiking and camping for leisure also seem to be more of a North American thing and not universal. Do locals go on much cheaper packages available for citizens only if they ever want to see wildlife?SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by Rerouted.co! Rerouted.co is a great way to either:1. Buy 2nd-hand outdoor gear, thereby saving you money & saving the planet.2. Sell your gear, thereby making you a bit of money & saving the planet.This episode is also brought to you by my patrons at Patreon!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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Aaron Millar's Armchair Explorer Podcast will delight Radiolab fans who love to travel!(Millar is pronounced like Americans pronounce "Miller.")In this podcast, you'll learn:Aaron Millar's originsHow Millar took the leap of faith of becoming a writer and then a podcasterWhy and how Millar integrates music in his podcast Why Steven Dubner, the host of the Freakanomics podcast, heavily edits his podcast - and why Millar does it.Difference between video and audio storytellingWhat telling someone about Bob Dylan lyrics says about youThe power of pacing & pauses How long it takes Millar to produce a 30-minute podcastHow can you find the courage to make a radical career shift?What is FOPO?Dolly Parton's wise sayingOne of the joys of travelI listen to most podcasts at 1.3 to 2.0 times faster than normal so I can be productive and efficient at cramming information into my skull.If you also do that, do me a favor and take a break from that habit on this particular podcast episode.Why?Because speeding up music ruins it. I spend many hours integrating music for your listening pleasure. Besides, I edited out 60% of my one-hour interview. Therefore, in a sense, it's already sped up!As a bonus, I'm Beta Testing a new segment called...Question of the Week!To debut the question, I have a question about viruses, especially the Coronavirus.SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by Athletic Brewing! Use promo code WANDERLEARN20 to get 20% off. Order two 6-packs to get free shipping!And my patrons at Patreon!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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Would you like to get sponsors for your activities?I'll paraphrase JFK...Ask not what sponsors can do for you, ask what you can do for your sponsorsThe CEO of GoLite said that I was the first person to ever send him a sponsorship proposal with the section called "ROI" (Return On Investment). That shows that oftentimes people don't consider that companies want to get something out of the experience beyond just the feeling that they're helping someone who needs help.That's normal: most people don't toss money to beggars, but are more likely to give to street musicians who are providing a service (i.e., entertainment). When you seek sponsors, don't be a beggar - offer something in return for the donation.Write a 1-3 page proposal. In your proposal, try to answer these questions:How will you market their brand?How much visibility will you get?Why you and not someone else?How do we know you will publish a book (or whatever)?How many books will you sell? How many presentations will you give?How prominently will you display our logo and where? Four more points about getting sponsorshipApproach small companies rather than big ones. It's hard to get Nike to sponsor you (unless you have a connection).Don't expect cash, especially from small companies. I have never received a check from any sponsor. They just give me gear. A few don't even give free gear, they just sell it to you at a steep discount. The outdoor companies (like most backpackers) are cash poor, so have low expectations. Yes, North Face (and others) sponsor amazing Everest expeditions, but unless you're doing something insanely extraordinary, don't expect cash.Getting sponsors is often not worth the trouble. Factor in all the hours writing a proposal, calling, following up, and supporting them afterward. You might conclude it's just easier to buy the Mountain Laurel Designs tarp for $200 than go through all that hassle. Although getting food sponsors is great, do you really want to eat the same energy bar several times a day for months? Also, you might not like everything your sponsor makes. I've always had non-exclusive arrangements so I can pick and choose the best of the breed in my gear and not carry/promote stuff I don't think is the best. Same with food - I've always had a couple of food sponsors to vary my diet.On the other hand, if you intend to do many expeditions, it might be worthwhile establishing a relationship with a few sponsors. Once they've sponsored you once, it's much easier to get their support in the future (assuming you served them well). Eventually, you'll have companies calling you asking you to use their gear! That's a great position to be in!Getting sponsorship isn’t as glamorous as you might imagine, but it’s still an honor, assuming you love the company that is sponsoring you. It’s also not easy to obtain, so be persistent, start with the small companies first, and then as your accomplishments increase, go after the big companies. Good luck! SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by Athletic Brewing! Use promo code WANDERLEARN20 to get 20% off. Order two 6-packs to get free shipping!And my patrons at Patreon!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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

I tackle more listener feedback. Here's what they wrote:DC Qranky wroteOne thing I find very appealing about your show is how insightful you are and the way you both remain open to ideas while expressing your own opinion even if it’s totally contrary to a guest, for example.How about if at the end of every show you had a short segment in which you take one reader question or topic suggestion and run with that? It’s another way to engage with listeners without bribing them for 5-star reviews and it’s basically giving you free show ideas. It can be about ANYTHING! Literally, anything at all. If you can get an expert on your show to discuss with, all the better, but if not you can just spin your wheels on the question/topic yourself.It should be the same duration every time - long enough to dig in but not so long that you start to ramble. I’d say 5-10 min max. Maybe you can give it a catchy name like ‘New Idea Fix for 6’, as in 6 minutes. That’s a terrible name but just to illustrate the point. And!…give listeners an opportunity to post their thoughts after the show. You’ll read the top 3 most compelling feedback on your next show prior to the special segment.If you do this, DC Qranky wants an associate producer credit!Yida wroteAs you wrote such a detailed section on malaria in West Africa, I'm wondering if you plan to follow up discussion on Covid-19 in Africa and some major responses and developments?Another point I want to raise is who is your intended audience?Do you see children and educators reading your books?Perhaps some geography, social studies teachers/ professors have already read your books and reached out to you!There are lots of good discussion questions and essay topics that could come out of every chapter.Your book is very educational and filled with facts, geography, history, culture, told in your engaging narrative voice. However, the funny adult stories and frank discussions on sex, polygamy means it would be rated M for Mature.Chances are, kids working on projects would be unlikely find this book in their school libraries. I can see teenagers enjoying this and the book is very readable. I'm curious whether this book would be selected by teachers, school librarians, as part of their educational resources.I first found the Hidden Europe at a local public library but not at local bookstores or university libraries.I can see the Unseen Africa being used as an introduction to Africa and students can then consult your bibliography for more academic reading. My favorite geography reference book is Lonely Planet "The World" because it goes through every country in an accessible manner.DC Qranky wrote:Do I like your shorter podcasts? Hmm…sometimes. I also like your longer podcasts because it gives you an opportunity to get in depth. To a point. The lucid dream guy…that was pretty good. I don’t remember the length but the conversation was pretty compelling. Now listening to the married couple that won’t get married. A good bunch of it is fun listening but over an hour?? None of your podcasts should ever go over an hour and probably not over 50 mins. max.a) That’s a lot to listen to and if it needs to go that long, break it up into two parts.b) As stated, a good bunch of fun listening but also a lot of blah blah blah… You lose audience that way.It’ll take more of your time but you’ll have a better end product by scrubbing through the material and editing out, what some in my industry would call, “shoe leather”.I like your podcast but I may be biased. If I didn’t get to know you through your books and have you connect with my family in Benin and relate to you on a personal level (in many ways you seem like my brother from another mother), not sure if I would engage or not.Don’t change who you are or what you do but see if you can mold your podcast a bit to bring some sort of repeatable format to it.Going back to the short stuff, it works for Gary because he has a very obvious template. Maybe all your podcasts are only 30 minutes (reasonably digestible) but in one you lump together a bunch of similar-themed short ideas and in another you break it up into parts but only after you edit out the ho-hum stuff.I’m pulling all this out of my ass. Really just projecting what I think DC Qranky would say on some lame iTunes podcast review.SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by Athletic Brewing! Use promo code WANDERLEARN20 to get 20% off. Order two 6-packs to get free shipping!And my patrons at Patreon!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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftap

I tackle my critics head-on thanks to an audience suggestion.DC Qranky wrote:You only read 5-star reviews on your show?C’mon man…don’t you want to encourage authentic dialogue? I think you should read ALL reviews! Not only will that encourage engagement, it will give you feed for your podcast. Let’s say some douche bag like, oh I don’t know, DC Qranky gives you a 1-star review and says you don’t know your ass from a hole in the ground and you’re full of crap and playing off Trump, Africa is a s**t hole country (I know it’s a continent) so why are you wasting your time there. That’s great stuff! Engage! Bring the f****r on your show.SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by Athletic Brewing! Use promo code WANDERLEARN20 to get 20% off. Order two 6-packs to get free shipping!And my patrons at Patreon!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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

There are a dozen words and expressions that irk me when people misuse them.Share this episode to educate the world about these 12 misused words or phrases.You can also watch this episode at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-nVI_v5m4sThe 12 problematic words/phrases are: NonplussedMadBiweekly, bimonthly, and biannuallyFull of chemicalsBackpackingOnly a fractionDon't judgeProudGiving more than 100%Geopolitical / geopoliticsAsian / AmericanThat being saidWhat words or expressions bug you?Send me your ideas at [email protected] and I'll make another episode!SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by Athletic Brewing! Use promo code WANDERLEARN20 to get 20% off. Order two 6-packs to get free shipping!And my patrons at Patreon!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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

I received this email that asks me a question I get asked all the time:Greetings Mr. Tapon,We share the same dream of traveling the world. This is exactly what I want to do. My question is: how do you afford it? Truly, you must be wealthy to be able to do this. Any advice on how I may follow in suit?-Jonathan, 22I answer that question in this episode!It's from my article about "How Can You Afford to Travel the World?"It has 125,000 views, but in this episode I read and interject some commentary in between.Share and subscribe, please!SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by Athletic Brewing! Use promo code WANDERLEARN20 to get 20% off. Order two 6-packs to get free shipping!And my patrons at Patreon!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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

What's the difference between changing and transforming?Dr. Rosie Kuhn discusses this and many other topics in the #126 episode of the WanderLearn podcast!Listen to this if you're looking for ways to create a paradigm shift in your mentality and the way you perceive your life.Check out Rosie Kuhn's books!SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by Athletic Brewing! Use promo code WANDERLEARN20 to get 20% off. Order two 6-packs to get free shipping!And my patrons at Patreon!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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Rejoice Tapon describes her exploration of the four most popular military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.This one is worth watching on YouTube! Trust me.Rejoice dreams of being a nurse in the 2020s.Therefore, she was mainly interested in the medical field.Still, this video will be helpful for those who are interested in non-medical careers.You'll learn:What's awesome about the Marines.Who should join the Air Force.What funny cartoon sums up different military groups.Why the Army is best who want a specific and guaranteed job.Why Rejoice chose the Navy.What's Rejoice's best tip for who may want to enlist.What all military recruiters will tell you.The video/podcast cuts abruptly, so Francis inserts an addendum to share information about when Rejoice will ship to boot camp, how long her training is, and what she may be doing for the next 5 years.Admittedly, in this video/podcast, we don't consider the Coast Guard (Rejoice dislikes swimming) and Space Force (it lacks medical jobs). If you request, I can do a video on those branches later.SponsorsThis show is sponsored by the Athletic Brewing Company. Use Promo Code WANDERLEARN20 to get 20% off your first order! And order at least two 6-packs to get free shipping too!My Patrons have also sponsored this show!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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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! Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Elly Roupcheva's family is from Turkincha, Bulgaria. In this podcast, we reminisce on the unexpected way we met there. You can see the photos from our first meeting in my article about Turkincha. After some initial laughs, we dive into the real meat of the conversation: how has Bulgaria evolved in the last 10 years? In The Hidden Europe, I quoted Elly extensively in the chapter about Bulgaria.As I am revising the book for the 10th-anniversary edition, I wanted to see what has changed. What did she say back then that she would no longer say today?If you want to learn more about Bulgaria or Eastern Europe, you must listen to or watch this podcast! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW8YIfciUYU Below are a few photos for 11 years ago when we first met: SponsorsThis show is sponsored by the Athletic Brewing Company. Use Promo Code WANDERLEARN20 to get 20% off your first order! And order at least two 6-packs to get free shipping too!My Patrons have also sponsored this show!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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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!If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at [email protected] you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Is Hungary becoming a dictatorship? How is Eastern Europe evolving?How did Viktor Orbán, Hungary's leader, come to power? Is he popular and loved?Alex Kuli is a "recovering journalist" in Hungary. We went to Amherst College together. He's been living in Hungary for a few decades, reporting on the state of affairs.I quoted him extensively in The Hidden Europe. With the 10th anniversary coming up and the 100th anniversary of the Treaty of Trianon, we talked for one hour about how things are going in Eastern Europe, especially in Hungary.If you want to know more about Hungary, especially its political situation, you must listen to this podcast. What makes it interesting is that he puts Hungary in context with the rest of Eastern Europe. SponsorsThis show is sponsored by my Patrons!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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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!If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at [email protected] you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Watch it on YouTube!Everyone loves to say, "I told you so."But few are willing to admit, "I told you something wrong."Even though every human makes mistakes every day, it's surprisingly hard to find humans who regularly say, "I was wrong."I make annual predictions not to say "I told you so," but rather to teach myself some humility.I predict events so I can publicly humiliate myself.It's my way of telling the world, "Look at how spectacularly wrong I was. I am an idiot."I recommend everyone should write down annual predictions for this reason. It's a way to keep your ego in check. Of course, you'll probably get a few things right, but the point is that you get to say those magic words: "I was wrong."See how I did on my 2020 predictions.Here are the predictions for 2021https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJvDAOZGp8o 1. Bitcoin ends the year at $40,000. I was recommending BTC at $3,500 in December 2018, and it's gone up tenfold since then!My first two BTC predictions were surprisingly accurate. My 2020 prediction was far vaguer than the previous predictions. That reflected that I was less certain than before.I feel the same way now. Like most analysts, I expect 2021 to be a huge year for bitcoin.Most Bitcoin fans are expecting that 2021 will be a monumental year:Robert Kiyosaki, the author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, predicts bitcoin will hit $50,000 in 2021.The dubious stock-to-flow model predicts that BTC will be $55,000 by the end of 2021.A Morgan Creek co-founder says bitcoin will hit $100,000 in 2021. (That's my 2030 prediction!)Willy Woo (an analyst that I usually respect) says BTC will end 2021 between $200-300k.You get the idea. On the one hand, such bullishness could make it a self-fulfilling prophecy. Bitcoin (like all money and gold) is all about human belief. Money is an imaginary thing. If we collectively decide it's worth $100,000 per BTC, then that's what it will be worth.On the other hand, bitcoin has an uncanny ability to surprise most people. When pundits pronounce that bitcoin is dead (which they've done countless times), it comes roaring back.Similarly, whenever bitcoin is soaring, people extrapolate the trajectory and get overly exuberant. The same thing happens with the stock market. During a bull market, they predict that the doublings will continue.So far, bitcoin hasn't surprised me, but I'm sure I'll get it wrong at some point.I'm predicting $40,000 because it's much less than the most bullish predictions, but it's still a positive year and a gain of nearly $10,000.Remember: $40,000 is what I predict the price will be on December 31, 2021. I fully expect it to reach much higher than that during the year. For example, it might go to $60,000 and then lose half of its value (down to $30k) and then bounce back up to $40k.The safest bitcoin prediction is that it will have a volatile year. So I wouldn't be surprised if, during 2021, it trades between $20,000 and $100,000!I'm sticking with my prediction that bitcoin (BTC) will hit $100,000 by the end of this decade. That implies that it gains about $10,000 per year, on average.I truly hope that the bitcoin fans are right with their frothy predictions, but I'm more conservative. Indeed, I would not be completely surprised if Bitcoin ends BELOW $30,000 at the end of 2021. It's a wild beast. 2. Another 500,000 deaths worldwide from the Coronavirus.On March 27, 2020, I predicted 1.5 million people would die worldwide from the virus in 2020. Reality: 1.8 million died of COVID-19 in 2020. When I made the prediction, only 60,000 had died at that point. Although we've got several vaccines, I suspect many will lower their guard in the first quarter of 2021. Resistance to taking a vaccine will slow down our ability to achieve herd immunity (70%+ vaccinated or infected).Since some vaccines require two doses spaced a few weeks apart, many people won't take the second dose, thereby exposing them to the virus when they let their mask down.Also, while high-income countries may distribute the vaccine widely before June 2021, low-income countries will need most of the year to do it.All these factors will make it so that 2021 will still be a deadly year for the Coronavirus, but the news won't make a big deal about it just like they don't make a big deal about the 400,000 annual worldwide deaths from the flu.3. Worldwide flu deaths will be 200,000 That's half the normal rate, thanks to all precautions we are taking against the Coronavirus.4. S&P 500 goes up 20%There will be a huge rally in the first half of 2021 as the COVID vaccine allows life to return to normal. However, exuberance will fade in September and October of 2021 so that the market will strip much of its gains. Still, it will be a great year overall for stocks.5. Jimmy Carter diesHe'll be 98 years old when he dies, which would make him the oldest former US president (George H. Bush was 94 when he died).6. Police Kill A Similar Number of PeopleDespite the George Floyd protests and the Black Lives Movement

For this Xmas, here's a special present - a podcast like no other!Sym Blanchard's first podcast with me in #3 in my all-time downloaded podcasts.My second one with him was also super popular.To make his third podcast even more interesting, Sym is joined by his girlfriend, Patty Montgomery. Together, they share:Why it took them 60 years to finally become a couple.How they manage their relationship when Sym is vagabonding.How their paths crisscrossed until they finally merged.How Sym nearly died on the CDT (jump to the halfway point for that).Where they traveled in 2020.If Morocco is for you.Forrest Fenn's found treasure.What they think of the COVID vaccine.SponsorsThis show is sponsored by my Patrons!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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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!If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at [email protected] you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Nick Jankel has written several books, including Spiritual Atheism.We discuss his book and other topics.Nick Jankel helps you take the pain out of transformation. He helps you blast through the barriers that block creativity and innovation and unleash conscious changes in leadership and life that bring less suffering and more thriving into the spaces we touch.You can also watch the interview on YouTube.SponsorsThis show is sponsored by my generous Patrons 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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!If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at [email protected] you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

On March 27, 2020, we had 60,000 COVID deaths worldwide. I asked several physicians at my brother's virtual birthday party (on March 27) to predict how many deaths we would suffer in 2020.They said 100-250k.Rejoice said 1 million.I said 1.5 million.In December 2020, we hit the grim 1.5 million number, which is triple the annual number of worldwide flu deaths.I also discuss my 2021 travel plans.SponsorsThis show is sponsored by my Patrons 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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!If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at [email protected] you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Ten years ago, I was tired of Europeans unfairly bashing the USA, so I wrote a 5-part series called "Defending America."Throughout Eastern Europe, I’ve asked, “What can your country teach America?” I’ve documented their excellent suggestions in The Hidden Europe: What Eastern Europeans Can Teach Us.As part of this process, Europeans often told me, quite bluntly, what they think of Americans. The fact that I’m half-European and that I have no American blood in me (I was born of a French father and a Chilean mother) probably made them more comfortable to share their true thoughts. After getting an earful, it became clear that there are a few things Americans can teach Europeans about America.(I had often heard similar criticisms in Western Europe, which is why I'm posting this in the Western Europe section.)There are five themes that Europeans wail against AmericansAmerica’s foreign policy shows that we’re a warmongering, imperialistic nation (see below for details).The CIA is behind everything.Americans are fake.Americans are ignorant.Americans are devoid of culture.There’s a lot of truth to these five criticisms. In fact, in my book, I often make fun of these things. However, let’s load up the aircraft carriers and stealth bombers and blast away the five most common criticisms about Americans.This podcast will feature all 5 arguments in one podcast! It was originally made for my Patrons, which they got 6 months ago.Become a patron too for as little as $2/month!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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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!If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at [email protected] you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Get out of your echo chamber! Have conversations with people you disagree with!In that spirit, I am once again talking with Derek Loudermilk.We discuss:Lucid dreamingListening to your subconscious/gutChannelingAliensUFOsHarmonic ConvergenceUnified Field Intention ExperimentWhy be a skeptic?You can watch this episode on YouTube.If you missed my first episode with Derek, listen or watch it now.SponsorsThis show is sponsored by:My Patrons SawyerMore 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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!If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at [email protected] you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Thanksgiving 2020 will force Yanks to dig deep because it's been a "tough year" for them:Racial tensionsProtestsCOVID-19ShutdownsUnemployment + suicidesWildfiresElectionsTherefore, I list a bunch of random things that we should be grateful for this year (and every year).This was unrehearsed. I had no script. I just rattled off things that popped into my head. I could have kept going for hours, but I wanted to keep the podcast under 10 minutes and get your positive juices flowing. Spend 10 extra minutes coming up with your list of things to be thankful for.And I'm thankful for my....SponsorsThis show is sponsored by:My Patrons SawyerMore 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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!If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at [email protected] you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Simon and Carla Fowler are sailing the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea on their boat, the Ocean Fox. They've made over 200 videos on their Ocean Fox YouTube channel.If you prefer watching this interview, you can see it on my YouTube channel.I ask them:On a 1-10 scale, how hard is it to sail the English Channel vs. the Atlantic Ocean vs. the Pacific Ocean?Is the weather router (which sends you a local weather report to your satellite phone) for $15 worth it?How much does having broadband Internet in the middle of the ocean cost you? (The answer is SHOCKING!)How did they get rid of things before sailing off to the sunset?How did they buy their boat, the Ocean Fox?Why did they pick a catamaran?Why the Lagoon 400 model?What lessons did they learn from buying a boat?How did they finance this?How much does it cost to spend a week on the Ocean Fox and get training?How do they navigate?Are there tensions between sailing boats vs. powerboats?What are their future plans?Learn more at the Sailing Ocean Fox.SponsorsThis show is sponsored by:My Patrons SawyerMore 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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!If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at [email protected] you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

One of Hal Urban's books, Life Greatest's Lessons, has sold half a million copies. I've known him for many years and consider him my mentor.I'm fortunate that he's one of my patrons.In this podcast, we talk about his upcoming book which hits the stands on May 25, 2021.You can preorder it on Amazon now.However, if you really want to help him, buy it from his website.We discuss:Why he's self-published and why he's gone with a traditional publisherIn his 80 years, which was the worst year everHow does he deal with the negative newsWho he thinks will win the 2020 US Presidential ElectionWhat he thinks of the youth nowadaysHal Urban is an author, speaker, and award-winning teacher of thirty-six years at San Carlos and Woodside High Schools and at his alma mater, the University of San Francisco. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in history and a doctorate in education from the University of San Francisco, and he has done post-graduate studies in the psychology of peak performance at Stanford University. Since 1992, Dr. Urban has traveled more than 2 million miles while speaking nationally and internationally on positive character traits and their relationship to the quality of life. He has authored seven books, all with an emphasis on good character. His first book, Life's Greatest Lessons, was selected by Writer's Digest as the Inspirational Book of the Year and has sold 500,000 copies.The book's pitch The media's bias toward stories of conflict, violence, and division is bad for your health. Hal Urban shows how to find the positive and uplifting all around us without sticking our heads in the sand.The news media thrives on bad news. In recent years, the political climate has become vitriolic and divisive, our country seems more polarized than ever, and news feels inescapable because technology has significantly increased its reach. People who like to stay informed need a lift.Most people are aware that what they eat greatly impacts their physical health: junk food is bad, vegetables are good. Hal Urban argues that we can nourish our minds by choosing how we consume news and that when we surrender all that choice to media and external forces, we give up our growth, freedom, and mental health. Countless signs of progress and acts of kindness exist all around the world if you know where to look. And there are positive aspects in our own lives--family, friends, simple beauties, and everyday generosities--that we take for granted. This book helps readers understand that, as the late Zig Ziglar said, "You are what you are because of what goes into your mind."SponsorsThis show is sponsored by:My Patrons SawyerIcelabMore 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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!If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at [email protected] you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

I reveal who I'm voting for President of the United States in 2020.The answer may surprise you!I also rant about the Electoral College System.SponsorsThis show is sponsored by:My Patrons SawyerIcelabMore 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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!If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at [email protected] you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Google "Czechia" and you'll find my article in Forbes. Although it has about 200,000 views, a few outliers are still resisting the name Czechia. They cling to The Czech Republic name as stubbornly as they cling to their Czech beer in a pub.In this WanderLearn episode (#112), I talk with two Czechs:Petr Pavlinek: Professor of Geography at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Václav J. Šulista: Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic to the Swiss Confederation (or Honorary Consul of Czechia to Switzerland, for you short-form name fans).We discuss:Why Czechia is a good name.Who dislikes the name.Why they dislike the name.How long will it take for the world to adopt the name.Why it matters. You can watch most of the interview on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ivX9h4c5a4 Here is my article on Forbes:Czechia Has Won The Czech Republic Name DebateQuick: Paris is the capital of which country?You probably said, “France.”However, technically, it’s “the French Republic.” But who says that? Only a petulant Frenchman.Now try this: what’s the name of the country that drinks more beer per capita than any other country?If you’re feeling petulant, it’s the Czech Republic. If you want to be cool, it’s Czechia (pronounced Che-ki-ya).I'll drink to Czechia. (Photo credit: FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) Peruse the CIA’s Factbook and you’ll find that most countries have a long-form name and a short-form name. The People’s Republic of China is the long-form name, while China is its short-form name. The United States of America is also a mouthful, which is why there are popular alternatives: America (which many Latin Americans object to), the USA, the US, the States or Gringoland.For the last 100 years, the Czechs have been unable to come up with an easy name for English speakers to call their country. In 1918, when they first formed their country, the Czechs called their country Czechoslovakia. That tongue-twister was ridiculed by National Geographic, which called the new country’s name “awful” and an “unfair handicap for the young state.”In 1993, following Slovakia’s Velvet Divorce with Czechoslovakia, the Czech bureaucrats once again failed to promote a catchy English name for their new country. The Czech Republic is all they could come up with. It became both the long-form and short-form name of their new country. Why couldn't they come up with a short-form name? They were obviously too busy doing more important activities, like drinking their legendary beer.After American entrepreneurs tried Czechia's Budweiser Budvar Brewery beer, they named their version... [+]You can’t fault the Czechs for being unable to realize that what their nation’s name is a mouthful for English speakers. These are the same guys who have phrases like “Prd krt skrz drn, zprv zhlt hrst zrn.”I asked a Czech how you’re supposed to say that, he said, in complete seriousness, “Just like it’s written.”After I tried and comically failed, I asked him what it meant. He said, “A mole farted through grass, having swallowed a handful of grains.”Suddenly, calling their country "the Czech Republic" didn't feel so cumbersome anymore.The Czech Republic was one of the few countries that insisted on having a definite article in front of their country’s name: the Netherlands and the Gambia also annoyingly demand that. Sensing the frustration of English speakers who have to say “the Netherlands,” the Dutch offer the informal “Holland” alternative.It’s a bit easier to say, “I’m going to Holland,” instead of, “I’m going to the Netherlands.” It sounds weird to say, “I’m going to Netherlands.”Strangely, it doesn’t sound weird to say, “I’m going to Gambia.” Perhaps the Netherlands has been simply better than Gambia at demanding that we put a definite article before their name. Insisting on saying the Gambia implies that there are many Gambias. “Hey buddy, I’m not going to just any Gambia, I’m going to the Gambia.”In an effort to improve the linguistic lives of all English speakers, the Czech Republic registered its short-form name, Czechia, on July 5, 2016. How’s it catching on nearly a year later?On the one hand, there’s been little change. Some official Czech government websites still refer to "the Czech Republic." Because they're official government sites, it's not that surprising that they use the formal name, just like the United States government websites often spell out the long-form name of the USA.Czechia has yet to update its national athletic uniforms. Pavel Maslak celebrates on March 4, 2017.... [+]A few months after Czechia was officially registered in the United Nations databases and Czech leaders started to encourage English-speaking governments to use it, some quickly declared that Czechia was dead on arrival. Part of the “proof” that Czechia wasn't catching on was an unscientific survey of people in Prague’s Wenceslas Square. However, most Prague pedestrians aren’t native English speakers. Although some must have passionate opinions on the matter (and t

I answer various questions from Yida, a Patron. He wrote the following to me:I'm looking through your Nigeria chapter and I like what you included on the planned African cities! I learned something new as I didn't know about the two new cities multibillion dollar cites by Abuja before. Urban planning seems to be such a difficult challenge in places like Lagos so I'm interested in your perspective.Is planning and designing Nigeria cities a futile exercise because the plans get outdated by the time it is implemented, due to the rising population and traffic congestion? Were there any particular cities or neighborhoods in Africa that you felt safe in and were impressed by? Or perhaps there were cities where you could tell the planners had good intentions and put a lot of effort in but it still didn't work as planned in reality.As you wrote such a detailed section on malaria in West Africa, I'm wondering if you plan to follow up discussion on Covid-19 in Africa and some major responses and developments?Another point I want to raise is who is your intended audience? Do you see children and educators reading your books?Perhaps some geography, social studies teachers/ professors have already read your books and reached out to you! There are lots of good discussion questions and essay topics that could come out of every chapter. Your book is very educational and filled with facts, geography, history, culture, told in your engaging narrative voice.However, the funny adult stories and frank discussions on sex, polygamy means it would be rated M for Mature. Chances are, kids working on projects would be unlikely find this book in their school libraries. I can see teenagers enjoying this and the book is very readable. I'm curious whether this book would be selected by teachers, school librarians, as part of their educational resources.I first found the Hidden Europe at a local public library but not at local bookstores or university libraries. I can see the Unseen Africa being used as an introduction to Africa and students can then consult your bibliography for more academic reading. SponsorsThis show is sponsored by:My Patrons SawyerIcelabMore 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. Follow me on:http://facebook.com/ftaponhttp://twitter.com/ftaponhttp://youtube.com/user/ftaponhttp://pinterest.com/ftaponhttp://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!If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at [email protected] you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe