398: Visiting Every Country Without Flying: Thor Pedersen on Borders, Strangers & Human Connection episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 20, 2026 · 1H 12M

398: Visiting Every Country Without Flying: Thor Pedersen on Borders, Strangers & Human Connection

from The Maverick Show: Global Travel Stories & Life Beyond Borders · host Matt Bowles: Full-Time World Traveler Since 2013

Learn what inspired Thor's impossible journey and why he now believes a stranger is a friend you’ve never met before. ============================ Get the Monday Minute my weekly email with 3 personal recs for travel, culture, and living beyond borders you can read in 60 seconds. ============================ ON THIS EPISODE Thor Pedersen shares the remarkable story behind his decision to try and become the first person to visit every country in the world without flying in a single unbroken journey. He explains how his experiences as a UN peacekeeper in Eritrea and Ethiopia, living in Libya, and working in global logistics shaped his outlook before embarking on what he thought would be a four-year adventure that ultimately lasted nearly a decade. Thor also recounts unforgettable experiences traveling on cargo ships, reflects on the profound impact of crossing borders and connecting with strangers around the world, and opens up about the heartbreaking moment in Libya that forever changed the way he thinks about global inequality, migration, and our shared humanity. → Full show notes with direct links to everything discussed are available here. ============================ FREE RESOURCES FOR YOU: See my Top 10 Apps For Digital Nomads See my Top 10 Books For Digital Nomads See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual) Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use) ============================ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram and DM Matt to continue the conversation Please leave a rating and review — it really helps the show and I read each one personally You can buy me a coffee — espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes!

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This episode was published on July 20, 2026.

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