“Being on the motorcycle again felt like being that kid on a bike — just exploring with no real purpose.”
In this 8-minute segment, Eddie reflects on how his expectations of a round-the-world motorcycle trip compared to the reality: the unpredictability, the setbacks, and the surprising freedom of not having a plan. He also talks about how the road helped him reconnect with a childlike sense of curiosity and wonder, when each day felt endless and full of discovery.
Follow Eddie @eddiertw and check out @meatbagmc and meatbagmc.com to follow his next endeavour.
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When Eddie left London three years ago on his motorcycle, he didn’t have a clear destination — just the need to move. What began as an escape from burnout and heartbreak turned into an ongoing journey across continents, from the forests of Europe to the deserts of Mongolia and the vast outback of Australia.
In this conversation, Eddie reflects on what drove him to leave, what he’s learned from years alone on the road, and how travel became a way to reconnect with his childhood sense of wonder. We also talk about solitude, rhythm, and his search for community through his new project, MeatBag MC.
Follow Eddie @eddiertw and check out @meatbagmc and meatbagmc.com to follow his next endeavour.
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Every long journey has a moment when everything shifts. When the reason you set out starts to change.
In this special episode, four travelers share the moments that reshaped them while they were far from home, tired, unsure, but completely alive.
Nick Butter talks about a conversation in the Sahara that pushed him to run a marathon in every country on Earth.
Thor Pedersen spent nearly ten years traveling to every nation without flying, finding strength and loneliness in equal measure.
Ann da Silva Johansson left her job and life in Sweden to cycle across continents and discovered that courage doesn’t come before you go, it comes once you’ve left.
And Zoe and Olivier from WeLeaf reflect on how constant motion, discomfort, and love became their greatest teachers on the road.
This is about the quiet yet powerful moments that change how we move through the world.
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Alan Weisman has spent decades reporting from the edges of human presence — from Chernobyl and the Amazon to cities and coastlines under threat. His bestselling book The World Without Us imagined how Earth might recover if people suddenly vanished. His new book, Hope Dies Last, turns the lens back on humanity, profiling bold thinkers and doers who are building solutions to our most urgent crises.
In this episode, I explore Weisman's path as a journalist and adventurer of ideas, what he’s learned from witnessing environmental tipping points, and how imagination and hope can change the way we see our role on the planet.
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Danish explorer Thor Pedersen became the first person to visit every country in the world in a single, unbroken journey, without ever boarding a plane. What was meant to take four years stretched into almost ten. In our conversation, Thor reflects on exploration in the modern world, the cost of chasing an impossible dream, and the lessons he brought home about people, resilience, and connection.
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Instagram: @onceuponasaga
Website: thorpedersen.dk
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This week, I’m revisiting one of my favorite conversations from 2020 with Dr. Brian Pennie—a neuroscientist, resilience specialist, and former heroin addict who turned his life around after 15 years of addiction.
In this episode, Brian shares how a defining moment in 2013 changed everything, leading him from rock bottom to a career as a lecturer, speaker, and author of Bonus Time. He talks about resilience, self-awareness, and the daily tools that helped him rebuild his life—and how you can apply them too.
Follow Brian and check out his books and other resources at brianpennie.com
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What happens when two people decide not to wait for the “right time” to live differently? Zoë Agasi and Olivier van Herck spent four years traveling over 40,000 km entirely by human power—cycling, skiing, canoeing, roller-skiing, and even sailing across the Atlantic. But their story isn’t just about adventure.
In this episode, Zoë and Olivier reflect on what their journey taught them about love, discomfort, community, and the art of doing things the hard (but rewarding) way. A conversation about movement, mindset, and belonging.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing and signing up for my newsletter at pathspodcast.com to get updates on new episodes.
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Nicolas Freudiger is the Co-Founder and CEO of ID Genève, a Swiss watch company built on circular principles, sustainable materials, and a rebellious spirit. In this episode, Nicolas shares how he left the safety of corporate life to co-found a brand that is radically rethinking what luxury means today—and what it should mean in the future.
This is a conversation about taking risks, building with purpose, challenging heritage, and pushing innovation where it’s least expected. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a maker, or someone curious about what it means to build a business with conviction, this one’s for you.
Nick Butter is a British endurance athlete, adventurer, and author, renowned for being the first person to run a marathon in every country in the world. Over 674 days, he completed 196 marathons across all UN-recognised nations, a feat documented in his bestselling book, Running the World.
Inspired by a friend battling prostate cancer, Butter's journey was not only a personal challenge but also a mission to raise awareness and funds for Prostate Cancer UK. His experiences during this global expedition led him to establish The 196 Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports various causes worldwide through a unique democratic donation model.
Beyond his world-record achievement, Butter has undertaken other significant endurance challenges, including running 100 marathons in 100 days across Italy and circumnavigating Britain on foot, covering over 5,250 miles. He also founded Run Weekends, offering trail running retreats worldwide.
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Eveline Haugaard (@therailvoyage) left behind a traditional engineering career to follow a very different track — literally. Now a full-time travel creator, she shares her love of slow, scenic rail journeys across Europe. In this episode, we talk about what it means to move intentionally, how to find beauty in the journey itself, and why choosing a slower path might just lead to something better.
We also dive into the art of seeing, how Eveline plans her trips, and the challenges of turning a creative passion into a full-time job. If you’ve ever felt the pull to slow down or live life a little differently, this one’s for you.
Follow Eveline @therailvoyage and check out her website railvoyage.com
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Tim Voors is an artist, author, and speaker who has walked across countries and continents—from the Pacific Crest and Continental Divide Trails in the US, to Japan’s 88 Temples Pilgrimage and New Zealand’s Te Araroa. In this episode, Tim shares how time alone in nature has changed his view of work, family, and attention.
We talk about the discomfort and joy of doing one thing every day—walking—and how that rhythm has shaped how he now lives, works, and parents. A grounded conversation on solitude, creativity, and creating space for what matters most.
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In this episode, I sit down with Patrick—also known as Patch—who’s spent the past seven years living out of a van and building a life far from convention. From a $1,500 minivan built with PVC pipes and milk crates to custom van builds for others, Patrick shares the highs, the lows, and the unexpected lessons from the road. He opens up about freedom, loneliness, and the deep personal growth that comes with solitude. Whether you’re dreaming of van life or simply seeking a slower, freer existence, Patrick’s story is one you won’t forget.
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In this episode, we speak with British adventurer and long-distance cyclist Pete Gostelow, whose solo bicycle journeys have taken him across more than 90 countries and over 160,000 kilometers. From Japan to the UK, and England to South Africa, Pete's travels are not only about covering distance but about embracing the world slowly, one pedal stroke at a time.
Pete shares stories from his major expeditions—including The Long Ride Home and The Big Africa Cycle—as well as the unexpected moments that shaped his adventures. We talk about the joys and solitude of solo travel, navigating border crossings, encountering kindness in unexpected places, and how travel has evolved in the age of smartphones and social media.
Whether you're a cyclist, traveler, or someone dreaming of taking the long road home, Pete’s reflections offer insight into what it means to step away from routine and discover the world on your own terms.
🎧 Listen and subscribe on:
Spotify: Listen on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts
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In this episode of Paths, Ann Da Silva Johansson shares her incredible journey of cycling from Sweden to New Zealand—a trip that not only took her across continents but also reshaped her entire outlook on life. She opens up about what led her to embark on this adventure, the challenges she faced (including a serious accident in Tajikistan), and how the experience transformed her understanding of success, purpose, and personal growth.
Ann also discusses the process of writing her book, the importance of embracing uncertainty, and how traveling alone deepened her appreciation for human connection. Her story is a testament to the power of following intuition, stepping out of comfort zones, and redefining what truly matters in life.
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🔗 Connect with Ann:
Instagram: @anndasilvajohansson | @mairawa
LinkedIn: Ann da Silva Johansson
📖 Get her book: Om Vägen – Tvärs Över Jorden På Cykel
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#PathsPodcast #Bikepacking #Adventure #Travel #Exploration #Podcast
In this episode, I sit down with Swedish design duo Josephine and Christoffer Du Rietz, who left Sweden to pursue their passion for architecture and home renovation in Mallorca. From their very first project to designing homes that blend modern functionality with timeless charm, they share what it takes to transform spaces—and lives—through design.
Josephine and Christoffer open up about the challenges and rewards of working as a couple, their philosophy on home renovations, and their dream of creating a boutique hotel. They also reflect on how Mallorca’s rich culture and natural beauty continue to inspire their work, shaping both their aesthetic and their way of life.
If you're passionate about design, architecture, home transformation, or the dream of starting fresh somewhere new, this episode is for you.
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Website: Du Rietz Design
Instagram: @durietzdesign
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In this episode, we sit down with adventurer and author Charlie Walker, who has spent the past 15 years exploring the world's most remote locations. From cycling across continents to trekking through deserts, his experiences are nothing short of inspiring!
Join us as we discuss his incredible books and dive into the challenges and joys of funding expeditions, the impact of technology on travel, and the value of solitude in personal growth.
About Charlie
Charlie Walker is an explorer, writer, and public speaker from the UK. He specialises in long-distance, human-powered expeditions to develop an intimate understanding of the world’s most remote communities.
His work has been featured on the BBC World Service, BBC Radio 4, The Sunday Times, The Daily Telegraph, and Geographical magazine. He has also written two books: Through Sand & Snow and On Roads That Echo.
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In this episode, we are joined by Ben Wylson, the creator of the documentary Free Wheels East, which chronicles an incredible adventure around the world. With no prior experience or training, Ben and his cousin Jamie embarked on a journey by bicycle to travel across every continent—without taking a single flight. Over the course of three years, they faced numerous challenges, including landslides, deserts, mountains, container ships, and much more.
Ben shares the inspiring stories behind this monumental adventure, the impact it has had on his life, and the valuable lessons he learned about family, resilience, and the world as a whole. We also discuss the process of making the documentary, the significance of authentic travel experiences over tourism, and the yearning for a simpler life amidst the complexities of modern society.
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Welcome to Paths | Podcast Trailer
The world moves fast, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to keep up. But what if there was another way? Paths is a bi-weekly podcast about stepping away from the conventional, following your passions, and living with more intention.
In this short trailer, I share the inspiration behind Paths and what you can expect from the conversations ahead—stories of people carving their own way, embracing creativity, travel, and slow living to build a life that feels right for them.
If that sounds like something you’d like to explore, make sure to subscribe and stay connected! New episodes drop every other Thursday.
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In this episode, I am joined by author, speaker, mountain climber, college professor, and women’s rights advocate, Sara Safari. In 2015, she received The Global Citizen award from the United Nations Association and is currently on track to become the first Iranian woman in history to climb the Seven Summits, the highest peak in each continent. Growing up in Iran after the Islamic Revolution, Sara enjoyed little personal freedom and few rights under the law, living an existence marked by oppression and limitations. In response to her childhood experiences, Sara was motivated to empower marginalized women everywhere—and what better way to show young girls that they can do anything than to stand on top of the world? Literally. She recounts her experiences of overcoming these great challenges and adversities in her books Follow my Footsteps, Above the Mountain Shadow, and Making a Difference.
We talk about Sara’s climbing experiences, setting big goals, overcoming challenges, and how a near-death experience can change your perspective on life and what is important. I also ask Sara what it means to her to have come from such adversity to become an inspiration for young girls and women all over the world. It was a privilege having her on my show, so please enjoy this conversation with the admirable Sara Safari.
Links
Sara Safari
Instagram @sara.safari.everest
Millennialism
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The tourism industry has been massively affected by the spread of coronavirus, as many countries have introduced travel restrictions in an attempt to contain its spread. The United Nations World Tourism Organization estimated that global international tourist arrivals might decrease by 20–30% in 2020, leading to a potential loss of US$30–50 billion. In many of the world's cities, planned travel went down by 80–90%. Since none of us can physically travel anywhere right now, I wanted to talk to someone who could take me on a virtual adventure around the world.
In this episode, I am joined by my good friend Caroline Sandström, a 22-year-old modern-day traveler and adventurer from Sweden. Looking at her Instagram pictures and hearing her stories about the vibrant Holi festival in India, island hopping in Fiji, scooter rides through the Vietnamese wilderness, late-night dance parties in the Philippines, and emotional sightseeing’s in Laos made me feel both jealous and incredibly alive. We talk about how she funded all her trips over the last few years, some of the people she met along the way, falling in love on the road, travelling with friends versus traveling solo, and what makes her feel most alive. If you are longing to travel, feel stuck at home, or just want a nice break from reality, just push your headphones in, turn the volume up, and enjoy this conversation with Caroline Sandström.
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Caroline Sandström