Restless Ben

Episodes

1. 20

   Blog 28: Fresh Tracks (Jackson Hole, Wyoming)

   After a year backpacking around Asia I return home to the United States. From the Himalayas in Nepal to the Tetons in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, I set foot back into the working world and check off a bucket list item, to become a ski bum.

   Dec 13, 2020

   17m
2. 16

   16: Caves and Crags

   From the undersea world of thresher sharks and sardine schools I make my way north to explore the higher altitudes of North Luzon. With my visa extended, there was no excuse not to give the Philippines a proper lap.

   Sep 3, 2019

   15m
3. 25

   25: Typhoons and Tattoos

   The brothers Orndorff reunite in the Philippines to make a pilgrimage to the oldest tattoo artist in the world. A few storms add some water to the mix but fail to rain on their parade.

   Aug 24, 2019

   8m
4. 15

   15: Tracking Thieves

   Tracking down a stolen GoPro and some remote surf breaks keeps me busy in the Philippines.

   Aug 21, 2019

   10m
5. 14

   14: Turtles and Terrorists

   In pursuit of the Philippine’s best beaches I travel through the autonomous region of Muslim Mindanao.

   Aug 15, 2019

   9m
6. 13

   13: Enlightenment?

   After a brief stay at a Buddhist monastery, I realize meditation and enlightenment are trickier than I thought.

   Aug 7, 2019

   8m
7. 12

   12: Breaking and Entering

   Getting back into my hostel the hard way, downhill mountain biking, and posting up at a hippy, Ewok village. After Myanmar, I set my sights on northern Thailand to cool my heels for a bit.

   Aug 2, 2019

   9m
8. 24

   24: Mountains and Mantas

   My buddy Joe and I take a boat east along the Indonesian Archipelago, from Lombok to Flores. We climb Mt. Rinjani, dive with Mantas, and check out the world renown surf.

   Jul 28, 2019

   14m
9. 11

   11: Balloons over Burma

   Hot air balloons, Buddhist temples, and hill tribes. As if preserved in a time capsule, Myanmar’s cultural treasures are still remarkably unadulterated by outside influence.

   Jul 24, 2019

   11m
10. 11

    Mountains and Mantas (Commentary)

    Traveling the Indonesian archipelago, my buddy Joe and I hike a volcano, visit Komodo dragons, and rub shoulders with manta rays in some of the world’s top dive sites.

    Jul 19, 2019

    1h 25m
11. 10

    10: Blue Whales

    Swimming with Blue Whales, hand line fishing with the locals, surfing clean waves, and dancing barefoot until dawn at a New Years Eve beach party. Unable to resist its draw, the southern Sri Lankan coast reels me back in.

    Jul 17, 2019

    10m
12. 9

    9: World’s End

    With a bit of betel nut to put a bounce in our step and make our mouths numb, some new friends and I conquer several rewarding hikes in the heart of the Sri Lankan highlands: World’s End and Horton’s Planes National Park

    Jul 9, 2019

    8m
13. 8

    8: Tipsy Gypsy

    Planes, trains, and tuk-tuks from Indonesia to Sri Lanka.

    Jul 3, 2019

    5m
14. 7

    7: Spearing Sweetlips

    Averting a structure fire, spearfishing, and a shakedown. From Ubud to Gili Air and back to Canggu, I complete my scooter tour of Bali a few dollars poorer but otherwise unscathed.

    Jun 23, 2019

    11m
15. 6

    6: Single Fin

    Getting reacquainted with the raw power of the ocean on a surfboard before immersing myself in spirituality and calmer waters at a Balinese temple.

    Jun 16, 2019

    8m
16. 5

    5: Bali Baby

    Building an airplane in flight. With no responsibilities or timelines, I get into a routine that includes surfing, street food, and sweating profusely. Unlike vacationing, long-term travel develops organically along the way.

    Jun 9, 2019

    6m
17. 4

    4: Wheels Up Clusterfuck

    Finally heading off. A canceled flight and a change of departure airport weren’t going to stop me. I wasn’t about to let Delta rain on my parade.

    Jun 6, 2019

    5m
18. 3

    3: Gear Shakeout

    Field testing my gear load-out for my world trip. This episode is about trying to strike a balance between having everything I need to sleep anywhere and still fitting it in one backpack. Shenandoah National Park seemed like a fine spot to take it out for a spin.

    Jun 3, 2019

    3m
19. 2

    2: Paradise Can Wait

    A hiccup along the way. After quitting my job my brother bought his first home. To help him fix it up I push my flight and roll up my sleeves. Family first. Paradise can wait.

    Jun 2, 2019

    3m
20. 1

    1: Dear Job, I Quit

    Hopping off the hamster wheel. My first show is the story of taking a leap of faith to pursue my dream of traveling the world. Step one, quitting my job.

    Jun 1, 2019

    4m