He Visited Every Country Without Flying | Thor Pedersen’s Impossible Journey

He Visited Every Country Without Flying | Thor Pedersen’s Impossible Journey

Author: Chris Liddle April 28, 2026 Duration: 1:01:03

Most people will never visit every country in the world.

Thor Pedersen did it.Without flying.

In this episode, I sit down with Thor to talk about what it actually took to complete one of the most ambitious journeys ever attempted.

We get into:

* What 10 years of global travel really feels like

* The mental toll of chasing a massive goal

* Why the world is better than the media makes it seem

* The countries that are most misunderstood

* What ambition gives you… and what it takes away

* How to find meaning after completing something enormous

Thor brings a perspective very few people on earth have — and it challenges a lot of what we think we know.

Connect with Thor Pedersen

https://thorpedersen.dk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onceuponasaga/

Work With Me and Explore More

Podcast:

https://podcast.invigoratetraining.com

Training:

https://invigoratetraining.com/

Media Consulting:

https://christianliddle.com/

Podcast Course: https://portal.christianliddle.com/courses/offers/8151e768-82e3-4800-aa7b-0f718de40144Store:

https://store.invigoratetraining.com

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Why most people don’t change01:00 Thor returns to the podcast02:00 Life after completing the journey03:00 Film festival experience04:00 Building the documentary05:00 The story behind the book06:00 The hero’s journey explained07:00 Honest vs typical travel stories08:00 Why the journey was harder than expected09:00 Feedback from readers10:00 Why struggle mattered11:00 The emotional toll of long-term goals12:00 The documentary process13:00 Meeting world-class filmmakers14:00 What happened at the film festival15:00 When things go wrong in real time16:00 Lessons from imperfect outcomes17:00 Most misunderstood countries18:00 Pakistan and global perception19:00 Iran and media narratives20:00 Seeing the world beyond headlines21:00 People vs governments22:00 Travel perspectives vs online narratives23:00 The impact of social media24:00 Why negativity spreads faster25:00 What people actually respond to26:00 Progress, love, and struggle27:00 Building real community28:00 Life back in Denmark29:00 Cultural changes over time30:00 Technology and lifestyle shifts31:00 Reintegrating into normal life32:00 The challenge of slowing down33:00 Global heaviness and division34:00 Why the world feels more divided35:00 Social media and polarization36:00 Bots and online narratives37:00 What the world is really like38:00 How to build real connection39:00 Life without constant phone use40:00 Being present in real life41:00 Mental health while traveling42:00 Recognizing stress patterns43:00 The “three problems” rule44:00 Why challenge is necessary45:00 Ambition and its downside46:00 When is enough actually enough47:00 Family, purpose, and grounding48:00 What really creates happiness49:00 Speaking around the world50:00 Emotional moments on stage51:00 Cultural differences in audiences52:00 Advice for living fully53:00 Taking chances in life54:00 The power of connection55:00 Why helping others matters56:00 Final thoughts on humanity



Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

Chasing Common Ground: Lifestyle Conversations with Chris Liddle is a space for thoughtful dialogue that lives between categories. Host Chris Liddle believes meaningful progress comes from connecting ideas across the usual boundaries of education, culture, and self-improvement. Each episode, whether a solo reflection or a conversation with a guest, is built on a simple, powerful question: where can we find shared understanding? This isn't about quick fixes or passive listening. It's a purpose-driven exploration of the habits, philosophies, and societal shifts that shape our daily lives. The aim is to uncover practical insights and nuanced perspectives that resonate, helping you move forward incrementally but intentionally. You'll hear discussions that feel like a good, meandering talk with a curious friend-one that leaves you with something to chew on, not just consume. The podcast deliberately avoids easy labels, weaving together threads from personal development, cultural commentary, and societal observation to examine what a considered life can look like. It’s an ongoing series for anyone tired of echo chambers and interested in the subtle art of building a better year, and a better self, through conversation. Tune in for a consistently engaging mix of voices and topics that all circle back to that essential chase for common ground.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Chasing Common Ground: Lifestyle Conversations with Chris Liddle
Podcast Episodes
Episode 216 - Dr. Andy Chen on What are we REALLY about in 2022? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:17
The 4th of 4 segments of this episode focuses on what we are REALLY about in 2022 - specifically Andy. We dive into his recent work with Bodybuilding.com and leave some clues for what is to come in the future. Buckle up!…
Episode 216 - Dr. Andy Chen on 3 Pivotal Relationships in His Career [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:32
The 3rd of 4 segments of this episode focuses on 3 pivotal relationships in Andy's career so far. Shout outs are given, people are highlighted, lessons are shared. Andy (@dr.andychen on IG) is a NYC native born and raise…
Episode 216 - Dr. Andy Chen on Seeing Obstacles Through A Unique Lens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:46
The second of 4 segments of this episode focuses on the topic of seeing obstacles through a unique lens. We touch on Andy's psychology background and dive into some of what he sees and does in the industry. Andy (@dr.and…
Episode 216 - Dr. Andy Chen on Taking the Long Windy Road [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:56
The first of 4 segments of this episode focuses on the topic of Taking the Long and Windy Road. We talk about the type of character it takes to not quit and to keep going despite how ambitious your goals may be. Andy (@d…
BONUS EPISODE - Andrew Hallam on Balance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:50
This is a bonus episode featuring past guest, Andrew Hallam. You can learn more about him by going back to episode 212 or by heading to andrewhallam.com. The book he is promoting is available at https://www.chapters.indi…
Episode 215 - Will Crozier on Non-Fitness Activities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:04
Will Crozier (@wcroz) is hands down the strongest Australian I know as well as potentially the strongest human that I know. He’s a highly competitive powerlifter, coach, business owner, gym owner and dog owner. You can l…
Episode 215 - Will Crozier on Starting a Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:39
Will Crozier (@wcroz) is hands down the strongest Australian I know as well as potentially the strongest human that I know. He’s a highly competitive powerlifter, coach, business owner, gym owner and dog owner. You can l…

«1...678910