Counting Countries

Ric Gazarian
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Counting Countries
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With a membership of only around 100, it’s one of the most exclusive clubs on Earth. In fact, more people have been to outer space than have earned their way into this, the ultimate travel club. According to the United Nations there are 193 sovereign nations in the world. Welcome to the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who’ve spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to them all. Welcome, to Counting Countries. With your host, Ric Gazarian.

  1. APR 3

    Sam Goodwin … Ice Rink Up The Escalator

    Sam Goodwin has traveled to every country in the world   Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian.  This conversation was a long time in the making.  In fact, this interview was originally scheduled in 2020.  But as we say, better late than never.  Sam Goodwin back in the day was just one of us … Chasing 193.  But his life was changed forever during his visit to country 181, Syria.  As 193ers, we are constantly pushing the envelope.  What we consider standard or normal travel is to others somewhere between poorly conceived to outright insanity.  Soon after entering Syria, Sam was imprisoned by the Assad government and spent over 60 days in prison.  This is the real deal, the stuff of nightmares.  This is an incredibly, compelling conversation, and a reminder of the risks we take in the community.     I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons.  You know them, you love them!  Bisa “fully nomadic” Myles, Ted Nims, Adam “one-away” Hickman, Steph “Phuket” Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Katelyn Jarvis, Philippe “BC” Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Phil “Marmaduke” Marcus, Sam Williams, and Scott Day for supporting this podcast.  You can support this podcast by going to .  My patrons will hear extra content with Sam that you will not hear and you can be part of our members only FB group.     And … I want to introduce a new patron, Dana Mahoutchian.  She has been close to 70 countries and grew up in Kobe, Japan! Think of how much steak she got to eat. Thanks for joining.       Also, please remember if you are interested in traveling to Papua New Guinea to partake in your own private Sing Sing to meet scores of tribes in an intimate setting, check out our friends Tribes of Papua New Guinea.  Reach out to me to learn more about this experience and how to get a 10% discount or look here .   Remember to keep up to date with the Extraordinary Travel Festival by joining our Instagram and Facebook groups and signing up for the on our  ETF will be sometime, somewhere in 2026 around October/November, destination unknown.     This episode could have easily been double in length.  I had so many more questions.  You can read the full story with his book, . (affiliate)   I was in Boston for this recording while Sam was in St. Louis. Please listen in and enjoy.    Thank you to my - you rock!! … Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam Hickman, Steph Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Katelyn Jarvis, Philippe Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Phil Marcus, Sam Williams, Scott Day, and Dana Mahoutchian.        And now you can listen to ! And Alexa!   And write a review! More About Sam Goodwin Counting Countries Instagram: Website: Born In: US Lives in: US About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who’ve spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcast is Demeter’s Dance, written, performed, and provided by .  About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: , , and .  He is the producer of two travel documentaries: and .   Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has and keep up with his journey at How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask!  The United Nations states that there are . The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are . The Traveler’s Century Club states that there are . The Nomad Mania The Most Traveled Person states that there are 1500 . SISO says there are .     Me? My goal is the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, but I am sure I will visit some other places along the way. Disclaimer: There are affiliates in this post. Sam Goodwin Counting Countries

    1h 42m

  2. MAR 17 · BONUS

    Vance ... My Latin Life

    Hey now, this is your host, Ric Gazarian.  And today, we have a special episode.  The mission of this podcast is to speak to travelers who have been to every country in the world or who are in the process of completing that goal.  And, this is an amazing community of individuals which I am fortunate to get to speak with. This episode is a bit different since Vance is not Chasing 193, but he is very well traveled.  He comes more from the 2nd passport / permanent residency world, which overlaps here and there with some members of the 193 community. Vance has been a virtual friend of mine for several years.  I have been hosted twice by Vance on his podcast, My Latin Life.  You can check out on your favorite podcast player in February.   I wanted to use this opportunity to learn more about Vance and his world. I was in Boston for this conversation while Vance was in Portugal.  Please listen in and enjoy.

    1h 2m

  3. MAR 3

    Sandy Cohen … A Different World

    Sandy Cohen has traveled to 102 countries   Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian.  We are back with a new guest, Sandy Cohen.  I have known Sandy for years on social media, and I was fortunate to meet her at both Extraordinary Travel Festivals.  But, this conversation was my opportunity to learn more about Sandy, her life and travels, and I found it to be a fascinating conversation.  Sandy shared tales of her life, from being a chocolatier to hosting a top travel TV show for over a decade to running drugs in Guinea-Bissau.  Well, not exactly.      I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons.  You know them, you love them!  Bisa “fully nomadic” Myles, Ted Nims, Adam “one-away” Hickman, Steph “Phuket” Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Katelyn Jarvis, Philippe “BC” Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Phil “Marmaduke” Marcus, Sam Williams, and Scott Day for supporting this podcast.  You can support this podcast by going to .  My patrons will hear extra content with Sandy that you will not hear and be part of our members only FB group.  You also get swag … Ted Nims and Barry Hoffner just received Counting Country T-shirts.    Also, please remember if you are interested in traveling to Papua New Guinea to partake in your own private Sing Sing to meet scores of tribes in an intimate setting, check out our friends Tribes of Papua New Guinea.  Reach out to me to learn more about this experience and how to get a 10% discount.   I was in Boston for this recording while Sandy was in Panama City. Please listen in and enjoy.    Thank you to my - you rock!! … Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam Hickman, Steph Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Katelyn Jarvis, Philippe Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Phil Marcus, Sam Williams and Scott Day.        And now you can listen to ! And Alexa!   And write a review! More About Sandy Cohen Instagram: Born In: Colombia Lives in: Panama About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who’ve spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcast is Demeter’s Dance, written, performed, and provided by .  About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: , , and .  He is the producer of two travel documentaries: and .   Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has and keep up with his journey at How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask!  The United Nations states that there are . The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are . The Traveler’s Century Club states that there are . The Nomad Mania The Most Traveled Person states that there are 1500 . SISO says there are .     Me? My goal is the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, but I am sure I will visit some other places along the way. Disclaimer: There are affiliates in this post. Sandy Cohen Counting Countries

    1h 49m

  4. FEB 3

    Pav Mbeda … Go Big Or Go Home

    Pav Mbeda has traveled to 106 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian.  We are back with the second episode of 2025.  I hope your travels are off to a good start.  Today, I am happy to share this conversation with Pav Mbeda.  Pav was one of the 250 participants of the sold out Extraordinary Travel Festival.  I reach out to all ticket buyers and was happy to note that Pav was from Kenya.  Whether it is ETF or this podcast, it is great to hear different perspectives and life experiences.  And speaking with Pav, I am reminded how different my upbringing was compared to someone like Pav’s.  Pav shares her travel stories … everything from traveling in Kenya as a kid, to work trips throughout Africa, pursuing a masters in Europe, and then spreading her travel wings further to explore the seven continents.    **Public Service Announcement   Jonny Beardmore, the Galapagos Postman, has spent the last year hand-delivering 50 postcards from around the world.  He picked up these 50 postcards from a fabled 18th century postbox in the Galapagos Islands which has been used by sailors hoping their letters would be delivered by returning sailors.   .     I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons.  You know them, you love them!  Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam “one-away” Hickman, Steph “Phuket” Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Katelyn Jarvis, Philippe “BC” Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Phil “Marmaduke” Marcus, Sam Williams, and Scott Day for supporting this podcast.  You can support this podcast by going to .  My patrons will hear extra content with Yooshita that you will not hear and be part of our members only FB group.    Also, please remember if you are interested in traveling to Papua New Guinea to partake in your own private Sing Sing to meet scores of tribes in an intimate setting, check out our friends Tribes of Papua New Guinea.  Reach out to me to learn more about this experience and how to get a 10% discount.     I was in Boston for this recording while Pav was in Nairobi. Please listen in and enjoy.    Thank you to my - you rock!!  ….  Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam Hickman, Steph Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Katelyn Jarvis, Philippe Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Phil Marcus, Sam Williams and Scott Day.        And now you can listen to ! And Alexa!   And write a review! About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who’ve spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcast is Demeter’s Dance, written, performed, and provided by .  About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: , , and .  He is the producer of two travel documentaries: and .   Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has and keep up with his journey at How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask!  The United Nations states that there are . The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are . The Traveler’s Century Club states that there are . The Nomad Mania The Most Traveled Person states that there are 1500 . SISO says there are .     Me? My goal is the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, but I am sure I will visit some other places along the way. Disclaimer: There are affiliates in this post. Pav Mbeda  Counting Countries

    1h 42m

  5. JAN 5

    Yooshita Fathi … Breaking Stereotypes

    Yooshita has traveled to 108 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian.  A giant Happy New Year to all of you country counters!  We are back today with a new episode after a small break.  Over the past year, you’ve likely heard me mention many times the Extraordinary Travel Festival on this podcast. In November, I had the privilege of organizing this incredible sold-out event in Bangkok, hosting 250 participants over four action-packed days. With 30 inspiring speakers and lively evening events and some amazing sponsors, it was a truly memorable experience. I’m excited to share that planning is now underway for the next festival in 2026. Stay tuned for updates! Today, we are speaking with Yooshita Fathi.  I had the pleasure of meeting Yooshita in Bangkok at ETF after seeing her for years on social media and having many common acquaintances.  Besides travelling to over 100 countries, Yooshita has lived in 9 different countries.  She shared many stories and experiences but I will definitely not forget her story travelling to Mozambique.  Thanks to Tembo for his guest introduction and whose role will become more clear during our conversation.  Tembo epitomizes the type of person we all hope to meet on the road.   Besides producing my own podcast, I also love binging podcasts.  I subscribe to dozens of them and listens to scores of them every week.  And I have also been fortunate to be a guest on many podcasts as well.  I want to thank Yulia Denisyuk for hosting me on her podcast, .  And I just met Yulia at a event in Chicago where I also ran into patron Ted Nims. I also want to mention and recognize three other podcasters who have all hosted me on their podcasts.  Of course I subscribe to Francis Tapon’s , Palle Bo’s , and Matt Bowles’s .  All three also appeared at the Extraordinary Travel Festival.  Thanks guys and great to see all of you in person.     I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons.  You know them, you love them!  Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam “one-away” Hickman, Steph “Phuket” Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Katelyn Jarvis, Philippe “BC” Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Phil “Marmaduke” Marcus, Sam Williams, and Scott Day for supporting this podcast.  You can support this podcast by going to .  My patrons will hear extra content with Yooshita that you will not hear and be part of our members only FB group.  I also want to welcome Scott Day to our patreon community.  I have had the pleasure of meeting Scott a couple of times when he passed through Bangkok.  And I virtually connected with Scott after appearing on Francis Tapon’s podcast several years ago.   A quick thank to Arvi Bahal who gifted me a stupendous gift, his book The Tireless Traveler.  Arvi has completed 193 as well as the South and North Pole, and is on the waiting list for Virgin Galactic.  This book is a true treasure.  Arvi did a limited run and is not even selling these but gifting his limited supply.  Check out his from the other year.   I was in Boston for this recording while Yooshita was in Spain.. Please listen in and enjoy.    Thank you to my - you rock!!  ….  Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam Hickman, Steph Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Katelyn Jarvis, Philippe Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Phil Marcus, Sam Williams and Scott Day. And now you can listen to ! And Alexa! And write a review!About Yooshita Fathi Counting Countries Stay in touch with Yooshita:https://www.tiktok.com/@yooshitaaa About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who’ve spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcast is Demeter’s Dance, written, performed, and provided by .  About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: , , and .  He is the producer of two travel documentaries: and .   Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has and keep up with his journey at How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask!  The United Nations states that there are . The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are . The Traveler’s Century Club states that there are . The Nomad Mania The Most Traveled Person states that there are 1500 . SISO says there are .     Me? My goal is the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, but I am sure I will visit some other places along the way. Disclaimer: There are affiliates in this post.  Yooshita Fathi Counting Countries

    1h 49m

  6. 11/25/2024 · BONUS

    The Maverick Show ... Hosted By Matt Bowles

    Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian.  Well not really.  Today I am sharing an interview of me hosted by Matt Bowles who hosts the Maverick Show Podcast.  Matt and I had great conversation and wanted to share it with my listeners.  So, please check out this conversation and also make sure you subscribe to the Maverick Show Podcast.  He has over 300 episodes to binge.  A ton of interesting people.  Including the 2nd part of our conversation on our feed.   The other reason I don’t have one of my typical interviews is things were a bit overwhelming with the production of the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok on November 15th.  I will recap the event at a later point, but I am guessing many of you have seen tons of photos flying around social media.  So make sure you are following ETF on FB and IG.   I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons.  You know them, you love them!  Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam “one-away” Hickman, Steph “Phuket” Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Katelyn Jarvis, Philippe “BC” Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Phil “Marmaduke” Marcus, Sam Williams  for supporting this podcast.  You can support this podcast by going to .  Thanks to Carol and Jim, Jorge, Bisa, Ted, and Phil to making it out to Bangkok.     I was in Boston for this recording while Matt was in Ashville, NC.  Please listen in and enjoy.    Thank you to my - you rock!!  ….  Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam Hickman, Steph Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Katelyn Jarvis, Philippe Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Phil Marcus, Sam Williams.    And now you can listen to ! And Alexa! And write a review! About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who’ve spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcast is Demeter’s Dance, written, performed, and provided by .  About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: , , and .  He is the producer of two travel documentaries: and .   Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has and keep up with his journey at How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask!  The United Nations states that there are . The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are . The Traveler’s Century Club states that there are . The Nomad Mania The Most Traveled Person states that there are 1500 . SISO says there are .     Me? My goal is the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, but I am sure I will visit some other places along the way. Disclaimer: There are affiliates in this post. Counting Countries

    57 min

  7. 11/03/2024 · BONUS

    Extraordinary Travel Festival II Update #11 - Charles Veley

    Hey now!  This is it, the last episode before the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok.  Still a little time left to join.  Use code BANGKOK. My special guest is speaker and sponsor Charles Veley, founder of the Most Traveled People, and considered one of the most traveled people in the world.  Charles teases some of the updates he will be sharing in Bangkok, from updates on the App to next location of the MTP Summitt.  Please listen in and enjoy.   www.extraordinarytravelfest.com

    24 min

  8. 10/17/2024

    Phillips Connor … IBZ To SIN Via GGR

    Phillips has traveled to every country in the world   Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian.  Today, we are speaking with Phillips Connor.  I had the pleasure of meeting PC in Singapore with a group of extreme travelers and I am very pleased that he will be attending the ETF in Bangkok.  Phillips is extremely well traveled, nearing 1000 regions on the NomadMania list.  Phillips shares it all on this episode … starting travel early with a corporate job, moving to Singapore and Chasing 193.      Time is definitely running out!  Don’t get #FOMO with over 225 extreme travelers attending this event.  The Extraordinary Travel Festival will be held on November 15, 2024 in Bangkok.  Use discount code BANGKOK for $60, so please purchase your ticket today to lock in your savings at the . I’ll give an ETF recap at the end of this episode. I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons.  You know them, you love them!  Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam “one-away” Hickman, Steph “Phuket” Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Katelyn Jarvis, Philippe “BC” Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Phil “Marmaduke” Marcus, Sam Williamsi for supporting this podcast.  You can support this podcast by going to .  My patrons will hear extra content with PC that you will not hear.  You might have heard me speaking about the Maverick Show podcast.  Well, I am now a guest on the show.  So please take a listen and check out my conversation with host Matt Bowles.  We cover a lot of ground.   I was in Bangkok for this recording while PC was in Singapore.. Please listen in and enjoy.    Thank you to my - you rock!!  ….  Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam Hickman, Steph Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Katelyn Jarvis, Philippe Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Phil Marcus, Sam Williams.        And now you can listen to ! And Alexa!   And write a review! About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who’ve spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcast is Demeter’s Dance, written, performed, and provided by .  About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: , , and .  He is the producer of two travel documentaries: and .   Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has and keep up with his journey at How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask!  The United Nations states that there are . The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are . The Traveler’s Century Club states that there are . The Nomad Mania The Most Traveled Person states that there are 1500 . SISO says there are .     Me? My goal is the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, but I am sure I will visit some other places along the way. Disclaimer: There are affiliates in this post. Phillips Connor  Counting Countries

    1h 53m
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4.8
out of 5
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About

With a membership of only around 100, it’s one of the most exclusive clubs on Earth. In fact, more people have been to outer space than have earned their way into this, the ultimate travel club. According to the United Nations there are 193 sovereign nations in the world. Welcome to the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who’ve spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to them all. Welcome, to Counting Countries. With your host, Ric Gazarian.

Information

  • Creator
    Ric Gazarian
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2025
  • Episodes
    160
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2020 by Ric Gazarian. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Counting Countries
  • Provider
    RICHARD GAZARIAN

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