Going the Wrong Way: Finding Purpose on the Road Less Traveled With Chris Donaldson episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 4, 2026 · 19 MIN

Going the Wrong Way: Finding Purpose on the Road Less Traveled With Chris Donaldson

from Hidden Secrets in Books · host Dominic

What happens when a journey meant to take four months turns into a two-year adventure across continents—and changes your life forever?In this episode of Hidden Secrets in Books, Dominic welcomes Chris Donaldson—adventurer, motorcyclist, and bestselling author of Going the Wrong Way.At just 21 years old, Chris left Belfast during the height of the Troubles with one goal: ride his Moto Guzzi to Australia. But when the Iranian Revolution forced him to abandon his original route, his adventure took an extraordinary turn. Instead of Australia, he found himself crossing the Sahara Desert, traveling through Africa, sailing across the Atlantic, riding from Canada to Argentina, and covering more than 50,000 miles on a journey of courage, resilience, and self-discovery.More than four decades later, Chris is completing the journey he began in 1979—returning to the same Moto Guzzi and setting out once again for Australia.Together, Dominic and Chris discuss the inspiration behind Going the Wrong Way, the unforgettable people he met along the way, the challenges of traveling before GPS, smartphones, and social media, and how stepping into the unknown transformed his understanding of the world—and himself.Whether you're an adventure enthusiast, motorcycle lover, or someone searching for the courage to follow your own path, this episode is a powerful reminder that sometimes life's greatest discoveries happen when things don't go according to plan.In this episode, you'll discover:- The incredible true story behind Going the Wrong Way.- What it was like traveling the world before modern technology.- How growing up during the Belfast Troubles shaped Chris's outlook.- The lessons he learned from thousands of miles on the open road.- Why he decided to finish his journey to Australia 42 years later.- How unexpected detours can become life's greatest adventures.Connect with Chris Donaldson:🌐 Website: https://www.chrisdonaldson.world/📚 Going the Wrong Way: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1838012761If you enjoyed this episode, follow Hidden Secrets in Books, leave a rating and review, and share this conversation with someone who dreams of taking the road less traveled.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Aug 4, 2026

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Going the Wrong Way: Finding Purpose on the Road Less Traveled With Chris Donaldson

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