Drew Binsky … We Are All The Same

Drew Binsky … We Are All The Same

Author: Ric Gazarian February 8, 2022 Duration: 1:47:42
Drew made his first appearance on Counting Countries in 2017 when we both were Wanderers for G Adventures, the global travel company. We also crossed paths in Bangkok when Thor Pedersen passed through Thailand. Drew and I continued a correspondence over the years with some recent communications when Drew was visiting Saudi Arabia, his last country, while I was also in the KSA. This episode is Counting Countries's 100th episode, and several months ago I pondered who would be a good choice for this milestone. I decided Drew was a great fit for this episode, timing with his completion of every country in the world. And also, Drew is arguably one of the most successful travel content creators, especially in the Chasing 193 universe. I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons: Phillip Jones, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Steph Rowe, Ted Nims, Bisa Myles, Thor Pedersen, and Adam Hickman for supporting this podcast. They help pay for the production of this podcast. You can support this podcast by going to Patreon.com/CountingCountries. You can also support Counting Countries be writing a review or sharing this podcast with a travel lover. My patrons will hear exclusive audio content from Drew as well as the full video of our interview. A lot has changed since Drew's first appearance (and I would encourage you to listen to that episode from the summer of 2017), and that is a tremendous understatement. The numbers speak volumes in regard to his success, nearing 10 million followers and 5 billion views across his social media channels. As I mentioned earlier, Drew completed his quest of visiting every country in the world in November of 2021. We discuss a lot during this candid conversation from what counts as visiting a country to his responsibility in creating videos with such a large platform. And of course, we have a lot of name checking … Dan Herszberg, Alvaro Rojas, former guests, Lee Abbamonte and Lexie Alford, Yes Theory, Nomadmania and Most Traveled People, Baderkhan, and Marlon Reed. As many of you have heard, Stefan Kraswoski and I have teamed up to host the Extraordinary Travel Festival, the world's largest gathering of accomplished travelers. This will take place in Yerevan, 2022. We are excited to produce this event to help grow our community while organizing great events, and hosting some amazing experiences. Please go to ExtraordinaryTravelFestival.com to see our speakers, our sponsors, and some of the trips we are hosting. Check back often since there are frequent updates. If buying a ticket, please use code ETF to save $50. Hope to see you in Yerevan. A giant thank you for those of you who have been listening to this podcast, all 100 episodes since June of 2016. Here is to the next 100. I was in Chicago for this recording while Drew was in Arizona. Please listen in and enjoy. Thank you to my Patrons …. Phillip Jones, Thor Pedersen, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Steph Rowe, Adam Hickman, Bisa Myles & Ted Nims. And now you can listen to Counting Countries on Spotify! And Alexa! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today! And write a review! More About Drew Binsky Counting Countries: Born: US Passports: US Blog: DrewBinsky IG: DrewBinsky YT: DrewBinsky 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 Mundi. About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: Hit The Road: India, 7000 KM To Go, and Photos From Chernobyl. He is the producer of two travel documentaries: Hit The Road: India and Hit The Road: Cambodia. Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has traveled so far and keep up with his journey at GlobalGaz.com How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are 193 member states. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are 226 countries and territories. The Traveler's Century Club states that there are 329 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 949 unique parts of the world. The Nomad Mania divides the world into 1301 regions. SISO says there are 3,978 places in the world. 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. An analysis of these lists and who is the best traveled by Kolja Spori. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if from some of these links like if you order from Amazon/Agoda/etc. Or book a trip through G Adventures. PS Thanks! Drew Binsky Counting Countries

The journey to visit every country on the map is a pursuit that defines a life, blending obsession, logistics, and profound personal discovery. Counting Countries, hosted by Ric Gazarian, explores this rarefied world through conversations with the travelers who are doing it. This isn't a typical travel podcast about tips or destinations; it's about the human stories behind the stamps. Each episode delves into the motivations, the decades-long itineraries, the close calls, and the unexpected moments of connection that happen along the way. Listeners hear firsthand accounts of what it truly costs-financially, emotionally, physically-to chase this singular goal. The podcast naturally examines the shifting definitions of travel and countryhood, the ethical considerations of crossing borders for a list, and the quiet reflections that come from a lifetime of movement. Gazarian guides these discussions with the insight of someone who understands the quest, creating a space for honest talk about an endeavor fewer people have completed than have gone to space. It’s about the texture of the world, one border at a time, and the unique perspective gained from seeing all of it. Tune in for intimate narratives that go far beyond passport counts, revealing the deeper meaning of a global life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 166

Counting Countries
Podcast Episodes
David Langan - 176 countries ... and counting! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34:48
Download Episode! David is traveling to every country and sending home a postcard! David has a passion for stamps and postcards. The first has helped him finance some of his travels while he has sent a postcard home from…
Rick Shaver - 81 countries ...  and counting! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:51
Download Episode! Rick has managed to travel the world while raising a family heading an international marketing firm! Rick was inspired to travel by his globe-trotting grandmother and a visit to the World Expo as a chil…
Lillie Echevarria - 105 countries ...  and counting! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:33
Download Episode! An intrepid traveller who has travelled to over 100 countries and has a special place in her heart for the continent of Africa. Lillie is a Peruvian native who arrived in the US as an exchange student.…
Stefan Krasowski - 186 countries...  and counting! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:50
Stefan has been able to strike a great balance between life and travel. Stefan has a full time job and is married, yet still has managed to travel to 186 countries. Stefan's passion for the Chinese language in school led…
Sal Lavallo - 151 countries ...  and only 26! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:58
Download Episode! Sal has travel in his blood. He was born to an Italian father and German mother who began a quest to visit every state in the US when he was a kid. And Sal attended a boarding school with fellow student…
Michael Runkel - 176 countries ... and counting! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:29
Download Episode! Michael Runkel has traveled the world as a professional photographer taking over one million photos, including over 600 UNESCO World Heritage sites! Michael has traveled to 176 countries and on his jour…