Pick My Adventure Show
Stories and hacks from the world’s most traveled. Less than 300 people in the world have visited all 195 countries. To put that into context, about 600 have been to space! In the Pick My Adventure Show, Kevin Leu interviews the world’s most traveled to find out what inspired them, how they fund their travels, their most incredible (and terrifying) situations, and what they can teach us about seeing more of the world. Host Kevin Leu is a former television news reporter, anchor, and producer in several markets in the United States, who travels the world by allowing his followers to choo...
S1 E10 · Wed, July 31, 2024
From Muhammad Ali to Nelson Mandela – How Rauli Virtanen Became The First Person To Visit Every Country In The World (Audio Only)
No one else has a “traveler” story quite like Rauli Virtanen. While reluctant to claim the title of “the first person to visit every country”, Rauli says that no one has challenged the assertion since NomadMania began proclaiming him as the first person to ever visit every country in the world. The organization says that many who had previous claims incorrectly counted visits to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that sits between North Korea and South Korea as having visited North Korea. What is undisputed is that Rauli is one of the few to have visited almost all of the countries for work – as a foreign correspondent, specifically. In Rauli’s comprehensive interview, you’ll hear about… His fascinating career that has led him to high-profile interviews with Muhammad Ali, Nelson Mandela, Pelé, and Kofi Annan, amongst others How he has been on the ground, reporting, at almost every major world conflict over the last 50 years, including the Angolan Civil War, Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge, Lebanon, Romanian Revolution, Tiananmen Square in China, and Afghanistan with the Taliban, amongst others Why Mongolia, Ecuador, and Oman were some of the mores surprising countries he visited How and why he took his kids on different types of “vacations” as they were growing up How Finland is teaching their youth to decipher real and fake news What he carries with him, emotionally, from covering conflicts for over 50 years… Listen on all your favorite apps – including Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music and more – or in video format below on YouTube or Podbean . (Although, Rauli’s pictures from covering the world as a journalist are so incredible, video format is recommended!)👇
S1 E10 · Wed, July 31, 2024
Rauli Virtanen: The Incredible Journey Of The First Person To Visit Every Country In The World
No one else has a “traveler” story quite like Rauli Virtanen. While reluctant to claim the title of “the first person to visit every country”, Rauli says that no one has challenged the assertion since NomadMania began proclaiming him as the first person to ever visit every country in the world. The organization says that many who had previous claims incorrectly counted visits to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that sits between North Korea and South Korea as having visited North Korea. What is undisputed is that Rauli is one of the few to have visited almost all of the countries for work – as a foreign correspondent, specifically. In Rauli’s comprehensive interview, you’ll hear about… His fascinating career that has led him to high-profile interviews with Muhammad Ali, Nelson Mandela, Pelé, and Kofi Annan, amongst others How he has been on the ground, reporting, at almost every major world conflict over the last 50 years, including the Angolan Civil War, Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge, Lebanon, Romanian Revolution, Tiananmen Square in China, and Afghanistan with the Taliban, amongst others Why Mongolia, Ecuador, and Oman were some of the mores surprising countries he visited How and why he took his kids on different types of “vacations” as they were growing up How Finland is teaching their youth to decipher real and fake news What he carries with him, emotionally, from covering conflicts for over 50 years… Listen on all your favorite apps – including Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music and more – or in video format below on YouTube or Podbean . (Although, Rauli’s pictures from covering the world as a journalist are so incredible, video format is recommended!)👇 More interviews with the world's most traveled people here: https://pickmyadventure.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/pickmyadventuretraveler/
S1 E9 · Wed, June 05, 2024
How Did Harry Mitsidis Visit Every Country Twice On A Teacher's Salary? (Audio Only)
While Harry Mitsidis, the founder of NomadMania, is probably too humble to admit it, he’s most likely the most knowledgeable person on everything to do with visiting every country in the world – including all the people who have accomplished the remarkable feat! As one of only three people who have visited every country twice – on top of being one of only 300+ overall to visit once – he adds to his knowledge base as the founder of NomadMania, a non-profit dedicated to helping and connecting the world’s most passionate travelers. Harry’s comprehensive interview offers us layers of travel tidbits, including: His favorite countries on each continent – including a European country previously named as a favorite by one of the other 300+ travelers who have visited every country How he accomplished traveling the world (the first time around) on a teacher’s salary How and why NomadMania has divided the world into 1301 regions to help travelers explore countries more deeply The most interesting and inspiring travelers he has ever met, including the first person believed to have traveled to every country in the world His worst travel moments, including spending a night in a Yemeni jail What does someone do for an encore after visiting every country twice Listen on all your favorite apps – including Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music and more – or in video format below on YouTube or Podbean . 👇 https://pickmyadventure.com/
S1 E9 · Wed, June 05, 2024
Harry Mitsidis Is The Most Knowledgeable Man On Traveling To Every Country In The World (Video)
While Harry Mitsidis, the founder of NomadMania, is probably too humble to admit it, he’s most likely the most knowledgeable person on everything to do with visiting every country in the world – including all the people who have accomplished the remarkable feat! As one of only three people who have visited every country twice – on top of being one of only 300+ overall to visit once – he adds to his knowledge base as the founder of NomadMania, a non-profit dedicated to helping and connecting the world’s most passionate travelers. Harry’s comprehensive interview offers us layers of travel tidbits, including: His favorite countries on each continent – including a European country previously named as a favorite by one of the other 300+ travelers who have visited every country How he accomplished traveling the world (the first time around) on a teacher’s salary How and why NomadMania has divided the world into 1301 regions to help travelers explore countries more deeply The most interesting and inspiring travelers he has ever met, including the first person believed to have traveled to every country in the world His worst travel moments, including spending a night in a Yemeni jail What does someone do for an encore after visiting every country twice Listen on all your favorite apps – including Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music and more – or in video format below on YouTube or Podbean . 👇 https://pickmyadventure.com/
S1 E8 · Wed, February 14, 2024
Gina Morello Became The First Person To Visit Every Country Following The Pandemic (Audio Only)
Gina Morello had four countries left in her quest to visit every country when the pandemic struck in 2020. However, that only delayed her goal, as she was able to get to her final country of Mozambique in December of 2020 – becoming the first person to finish seeing every country post-pandemic! You might think that would be the end of her major travels – as she had taken a year off work to complete the 20+ year journey – but it was only the beginning! Her marriage of 10 years took an amicable split, as Gina’s travel desires were different than her ex-husband, and her home base became Georgia (the country) and now Portugal. In Gina’s interview, you’ll hear about her international career working for the airlines, consulting out of places like Rome and Pakistan. But you’ll also hear about the struggles maintaining a relationship and friendships when you’re constantly on the road. Other things you’ll hear in the Gina’s interview: Her travel tips learned from consulting for airlines and analyzing data What she did during the pandemic while waiting for her four remaining countries to open up Smaller travel goals, including visiting the Top 50 Bars in the world Her favorite (and least favorite) countries Why she’s still considering going back to her least favorite countries Why she chose Portugal to live Countries she felt harassed in for what she was wearing What female travelers should look out for when traveling solo Listen on all your favorite apps – including Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music and more – or in video format below on YouTube or Podbean . 👇
S1 E8 · Wed, February 14, 2024
Gina Morello's Career Took Her Around The World Before She Decided To Visit Every Country (Video)
Gina Morello had four countries left in her quest to visit every country when the pandemic struck in 2020. However, that only delayed her goal, as she was able to get to her final country of Mozambique in December of 2020 – becoming the first person to finish seeing every country post-pandemic! You might think that would be the end of her major travels – as she had taken a year off work to complete the 20+ year journey – but it was only the beginning! Her marriage of 10 years took an amicable split, as Gina’s travel desires were different than her ex-husband, and her home base became Georgia (the country) and now Portugal. In Gina’s interview, you’ll hear about her international career working for the airlines, consulting out of places like Rome and Pakistan. But you’ll also hear about the struggles maintaining a relationship and friendships when you’re constantly on the road. Other things you’ll hear in the Gina’s interview: Her travel tips learned from consulting for airlines and analyzing data What she did during the pandemic while waiting for her four remaining countries to open up Smaller travel goals, including visiting the Top 50 Bars in the world Her favorite (and least favorite) countries Why she’s still considering going back to her least favorite countries Why she chose Portugal to live Countries she felt harassed in for what she was wearing What female travelers should look out for when traveling solo Listen on all your favorite apps – including Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music and more – or in video format below on YouTube or Podbean . 👇
S1 E7 · Thu, January 18, 2024
Woni Spotts' Incredible Journey To Become The First Black Woman To Travel To Every Country (Audio Only)
Woni Spotts has one of the more unique travel journeys you’ll hear. She traveled to 160 countries before the age of 19 as the host of a travel documentary shot from 1979 to 1982. However, the documentary lost funding for the final year of shooting and Woni didn’t travel much for the next 30 years. That is until 2014 when Woni decided to finish the journey she started as a teenager, completing all 195 countries in 2018. Not seeking any sort of fame or attention, Woni decided to bring her story to light upon hearing of another black female traveler marketing herself as the first black woman to visit every country in the world in 2019. Listen to the full interview to hear why she decided to come forward with her story, plus: How followers of Jessica Nabongo, who claimed to be the first black woman to travel to every country, attacked her online Why she refused to talk to Jessica Nabongo Her experiences traveling as a black woman and whether she has experienced any racism Why she prefers the southern regions, including Patagonia, South Africa, and Antarctica Growing up the child of professional musicians who traveled the world Why it took her over 30 years to start really traveling again The countries she would consider moving to… And, her travel goals now Listen on all your favorite apps – including Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music and more – or in video format below on YouTube or Podbean .
S1 E7 · Thu, January 18, 2024
Woni Spotts Is The First Black Woman To Visit Every Country In The World (Video)
Woni Spotts has one of the more unique travel journeys you’ll hear. She traveled to 160 countries before the age of 19 as the host of a travel documentary shot from 1979 to 1982. However, the documentary lost funding for the final year of shooting and Woni didn’t travel much for the next 30 years. That is until 2014 when Woni decided to finish the journey she started as a teenager, completing all 195 countries in 2018. Not seeking any sort of fame or attention, Woni decided to bring her story to light upon hearing of another black female traveler marketing herself as the first black woman to visit every country in the world in 2019. Listen to the full interview to hear why she decided to come forward with her story, plus: How followers of Jessica Nabongo, who claimed to be the first black woman to travel to every country, attacked her online Why she refused to talk to Jessica Nabongo Her experiences traveling as a black woman and whether she has experienced any racism Why she prefers the southern regions, including Patagonia, South Africa, and Antarctica Growing up the child of professional musicians who traveled the world Why it took her over 30 years to start really traveling again The countries she would consider moving to… And, her travel goals now Listen on all your favorite apps – including Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music and more – or in video format below on YouTube or Podbean . 👇
S1 E6 · Thu, January 04, 2024
79-Year-Old Luisa Yu Visits Every Country And Unwittingly Becomes Social Media Sensation (Audio Only)
79-year-old Luisa Yu had no intention of becoming famous after completing her nearly 50-year-journey to visit every country in the world. But a Croatian social media travel influencer she met along the way had other plans for her, insisting she make Serbia her final country. So, when Luisa arrived in Serbia, a throng of media awaited to interview her and the influencer (Vanna Bojovic @vannabojovic ) released an Instagram reel featuring Luisa that garnered 2.7 million views. The rest, they say, is history! Since that day, just last month, Luisa has been featured in news outlets everywhere in the world – in English, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, and many more. However, those interviews feature a quote or two, a favorite country or experience, and little more. As with all interviews on the Pick My Adventure Show (and podcast), we dig a little deeper. Luisa’s first full interview gives us a glimpse of: The lives of all the social media influencers she has met on her travels who have adopted her, lovingly calling her “Mama” How she went to 47 states in the United States while waiting for her green card in the 70s (and which state and city was her favorite) Why and how she went against her doctor’s orders to skydive last year (at 78 years old!) Why two of the countries she was most-advised AGAINST going to turned out to be two of her favorites (Afghanistan and Somalia) Her advice for other “senior”-aged travelers – and travelers of all ages! How her daughter has attempted to stop her from going to some destinations Why her travels are far from over and what she wants to do next Listen on all your favorite apps – including Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music and more – or in video format below on YouTube or Podbean . 👇
S1 E6 · Thu, January 04, 2024
Luisa Yu Completes Every Country At 79-Years-Old And Unwittingly Becomes Social Media Sensation (Video)
79-year-old Luisa Yu had no intention of becoming famous after completing her nearly 50-year-journey to visit every country in the world. But a Croatian social media travel influencer she met along the way had other plans for her, insisting she make Serbia her final country. So, when Luisa arrived in Serbia, a throng of media awaited to interview her and the influencer (Vanna Bojovic @vannabojovic ) released an Instagram reel featuring Luisa that garnered 2.7 million views. The rest, they say, is history! Since that day, just last month, Luisa has been featured in news outlets everywhere in the world – in English, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, and many more. However, those interviews feature a quote or two, a favorite country or experience, and little more. As with all interviews on the Pick My Adventure Show (and podcast), we dig a little deeper. Luisa’s first full interview gives us a glimpse of: The lives of all the social media influencers she has met on her travels who have adopted her, lovingly calling her “Mama” How she went to 47 states in the United States while waiting for her green card in the 70s (and which state and city was her favorite) Why and how she went against her doctor’s orders to skydive last year (at 78 years old!) Why two of the countries she was most-advised AGAINST going to turned out to be two of her favorites (Afghanistan and Somalia) Her advice for other “senior”-aged travelers – and travelers of all ages! How her daughter has attempted to stop her from going to some destinations Why her travels are far from over and what she wants to do next Listen on all your favorite apps – including Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music and more – or in video format below on YouTube or Podbean . 👇
S1 E5 · Thu, December 07, 2023
How Much Does It Cost To Visit Every Country On One Trip? Indy Nelson Breaks It Down (Audio Only)
You may think you’ve met or heard of every type of traveler out there, but you have NEVER met a traveler like Indy Nelson. Having just graduated from UC Berkeley, he traveled to every country in the world for the thrill of being able to plan out every part of the trip – including routes, visas, accommodations, and even booking 100 plane tickets BEFORE the trip even started – leaving little room for error! When Indy Nelson finished his journey, he was the youngest (24 years old) and fastest to visit every country in the world (539 days). Want to know how much it would cost you to see every country in the world on one continuous trip? Because Indy kept detailed notes on how much he spent in those 539 days and shares with us the cost! Other unique things you’ll hear in the Indy Nelson interview: The four countries he was detained in for being a suspected spy – including the eight hours of interrogation in a disputed territory in Georgia by the Russians Of the 197 airlines he has flown on (a record), which would he say are the best in the world Why Central Asia is one of his favorite regions How it took 100 hours of research and paper work so that he could spend 25 minutes in Democratic Republic of Congo Why he spent three weeks in Cambodia, when he only allotted 36 hours for every country (And why it was his favorite country) How long it took him to pay off his trip cost after maxing out several credit cards How his travels have helped him in job interviews How he was able to be on the front line in war zones, including up close and personal with ISIS
S1 E5 · Thu, December 07, 2023
Indy Nelson Went To All 195 Countries In 539 Days – A Record – Right Out Of College (Video)
You may think you’ve met or heard of every type of traveler out there, but you have NEVER met a traveler like Indy Nelson. Having just graduated from UC Berkeley, he traveled to every country in the world for the thrill of being able to plan out every part of the trip – including routes, visas, accommodations, and even booking 100 plane tickets BEFORE the trip even started – leaving little room for error! When Indy Nelson finished his journey, he was the youngest (24 years old) and fastest to visit every country in the world (539 days). Want to know how much it would cost you to see every country in the world on one continuous trip? Because Indy kept detailed notes on how much he spent in those 539 days and shares with us the cost! Other unique things you’ll hear in the Indy Nelson interview: The four countries he was detained in for being a suspected spy – including the eight hours of interrogation in a disputed territory in Georgia by the Russians Of the 197 airlines he has flown on (a record), which would he say are the best in the world Why Central Asia is one of his favorite regions How it took 100 hours of research and paper work so that he could spend 25 minutes in Democratic Republic of Congo Why he spent three weeks in Cambodia, when he only allotted 36 hours for every country (And why it was his favorite country) How long it took him to pay off his trip cost after maxing out several credit cards How his travels have helped him in job interviews How he was able to be on the front line in war zones, including up close and personal with ISIS
S1 E4 · Wed, October 18, 2023
Romaine Welds is the first and only Jamaican and American black man to visit every country! (Audio only)
Have you ever tried working 16 hours in a day – for several consecutive days – just to have enough vacation time to go on a trip? 🤯 Well, Romaine Welds has been doing that for years now, all to accomplish his goal of seeing every country in the world (195) – which he completed earlier this year! He’s the first Jamaican, Caribbean, and black American (take your pick! 😅) to see every country in the world – and one of only two black men in the world. He doesn’t call his trips “vacations,” as he’s exhausted when he starts them and he’s on-the-go the entire time to see as much as possible. However, his trips (and pictures) have resulted in incredible memories and experiences. Find out how he makes his schedule work and how he doesn’t die from exhaustion! 😅 Other unique things you’ll hear in the Romaine Welds interview: The only country in the world he experienced racism – which might surprise you… or will it? The country where a child bit him, because the child had never seen a black man and thought he was made of chocolate 😂🍫 His favorite country (yes, he actually has one, unlike most other world travelers!) The country where he thought he was going to die after the car detected a bomb Why his worst travel experience happened in Ecuador Tips on cutting costs to be able to travel more His thoughts on the San Francisco Bay Area, where the host 😉 believes is the best “region” in the world, and also where Romaine lives
S1 E4 · Wed, October 18, 2023
Romaine Welds is the first black American and Caribbean man to visit every country! (Video)
Have you ever tried working 16 hours in a day – for several consecutive days – just to have enough vacation time to go on a trip? 🤯 Well, Romaine Welds has been doing that for years now, all to accomplish his goal of seeing every country in the world (195) – which he completed earlier this year! He’s the first Jamaican, Caribbean, and black American (take your pick! 😅) to see every country in the world – and one of only two black men in the world. He doesn’t call his trips “vacations,” as he’s exhausted when he starts them and he’s on-the-go the entire time to see as much as possible. However, his trips (and pictures) have resulted in incredible memories and experiences. Find out how he makes his schedule work and how he doesn’t die from exhaustion! 😅 Other unique things you’ll hear in the Romaine Welds interview: The only country in the world he experienced racism – which might surprise you… or will it? The country where a child bit him, because the child had never seen a black man and thought he was made of chocolate 😂🍫 His favorite country (yes, he actually has one, unlike most other world travelers!) The country where he thought he was going to die after the car detected a bomb Why his worst travel experience happened in Ecuador Tips on cutting costs to be able to travel more His thoughts on the San Francisco Bay Area, where the host 😉 believes is the best “region” in the world, and also where Romaine lives
S1 E3 · Thu, September 21, 2023
Gunnar Garfors Is the Only Person Who Has Traveled To Every Country... TWICE! (Audio Only)
You might think traveling to every country would be an impressive accomplishment. How about traveling to every country twice? Well, that’s exactly what Gunnar Garfors of Norway did! His mom may think he’s crazy, but he’s made a career out of his travels, speaking around the world — and even met his girlfriend at a conference for extreme travelers! He’s the author of six books and currently working on his seventh, examining the countries along the equator and the arctic circle. Other unique things you’ll hear in the Gunnar Garfors interview: How he decided to visit every country for a second time while working on a book Why he was bombarded by Romanian journalists who thought he declared Romania as his favorite country in the world What event organizers ask him to speak about at conferences around the world How a robbery attempt in Gabon forced him to change his preconceived plan to peacefully give away whatever possessions he had How a one year old’s birthday party in Kiribati helped put things into perspective Where he would live if he weren’t “living” in Oslo Find out more here: https://pickmyadventure.com/episodes/episode-04-gunnar-garfors-visited-every-country-twice
S1 E3 · Thu, September 21, 2023
Gunnar Garfors Is The First Person In The World to Visit Every Country... TWICE! (Video)
You might think traveling to every country would be an impressive accomplishment. How about traveling to every country twice? Well, that’s exactly what Gunnar Garfors of Norway did! His mom may think he’s crazy, but he’s made a career out of his travels, speaking around the world — and even met his girlfriend at a conference for extreme travelers! He’s the author of six books and currently working on his seventh, examining the countries along the equator and the arctic circle. Other unique things you’ll hear in the Gunnar Garfors interview: How he decided to visit every country for a second time while working on a book Why he was bombarded by Romanian journalists who thought he declared Romania as his favorite country in the world What event organizers ask him to speak about at conferences around the world How a robbery attempt in Gabon forced him to change his preconceived plan to peacefully give away whatever possessions he had How a one year old’s birthday party in Kiribati helped put things into perspective Where he would live if he weren’t “living” in Oslo Find out more info here: https://pickmyadventure.com/episodes/episode-04-gunnar-garfors-visited-every-country-twice
S1 E2 · Wed, September 06, 2023
Stefan Krasowski Visited Every Country by 40 Using Credit Card Points (Video)
Unlike most other world travelers, Stefan Krasowski has been in a relationship for almost the entirety of his travels! Find out the trade-offs he had to make with his wife, how he makes money off his travels, and which of his 80 credit cards are the most important to him and other travelers. Other unique things you’ll hear in the Stefan Krasowski interview: What job he had after college that allowed him to travel extensively How he can speak fluent Mandarin (Chinese) Tips for maximizing credit card points The rare benefit that Alaska Airlines allows that most people don’t know exists The three “D’s” he abides by in all of his travels to avoid trouble Find out more here: https://pickmyadventure.com/episodes/episode-02-stefan-krasowski-credit-card-points-travel-dckly
S1 E2 · Tue, September 05, 2023
Stefan Krasowski Visited Every Country in the World before 40... and Did It Using Credit Card Points (Audio Only)
Unlike most other world travelers, Stefan Krasowski has been in a relationship for almost the entirety of his travels! Find out the trade-offs he had to make with his wife, how he makes money off his travels, and which of his 80 credit cards are the most important to him and other travelers. Other unique things you’ll hear in the Stefan Krasowski interview: What job he had after college that allowed him to travel extensively How he can speak fluent Mandarin (Chinese) Tips for maximizing credit card points The rare benefit that Alaska Airlines allows that most people don’t know exists The three “D’s” he abides by in all of his travels to avoid trouble Find out more here: https://pickmyadventure.com/episodes/episode-02-stefan-krasowski-credit-card-points-travel-dckly
S1 E1 · Tue, September 05, 2023
Graham Hughes is in the Guinness Book for visiting every country… without getting on a plane! (Audio Only)
Besides the amazing feat of traveling to every country without getting on a plane – which has yet to be duplicated – Graham also holds the record for the most countries visited in one year: 133! Find out more about his crazy, four-year journey, the complicated nature of inventing a never-before-listed World Record, and how he won an island in Panama! Other unique things you’ll hear in the Graham Hughes interview: Why he’s banned from USA for life How much he spent each year traveling while trying to set his world record Why Guinness told him he had to re-do his visit to Russia What he’s doing with the island he won in Panama now The two countries that imprisoned him The new world records he’d like to pursue Find out more here: https://pickmyadventure.com/episodes/episode-01-graham-hughes-every-country-no-planes-guinness
S1 E1 · Tue, September 05, 2023
Guinness World Record Holder Graham Hughes Visited Every Country Without Getting On A Plane (Video)
Besides the amazing feat of traveling to every country without getting on a plane – which has yet to be duplicated – Graham also holds the record for the most countries visited in one year: 133! Find out more about his crazy, four-year journey, the complicated nature of inventing a never-before-listed World Record, and how he won an island in Panama! Other unique things you’ll hear in the Graham Hughes interview: Why he’s banned from USA for life How much he spent each year traveling while trying to set his world record Why Guinness told him he had to re-do his visit to Russia What he’s doing with the island he won in Panama now The two countries that imprisoned him The new world records he’d like to pursue Find out more here: https://pickmyadventure.com/episodes/episode-01-graham-hughes-every-country-no-planes-guinness
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