Palle Bo … re-invented himself at 50

Palle Bo … re-invented himself at 50

Author: Ric Gazarian June 13, 2019 Duration: 1:28:40
Key Links https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries Counting Countries Apparel Group Trip To Bhutan In November -----On today's episode, I welcome Palle Bo to Counting Countries. Palle and I have met twice over the last couple of years, once in Manila and once in Chicago, but today is the day where we made it official with an interview. Before I introduce Palle, I am reminding you that Counting Countries is now partnered with Patreon. Patreon is a platform that allows patrons, that's you, to support creators, and that is me creating Counting Countries. I have been extremely fortunate to be be able to create this podcast and be able to meet so many interesting and compelling travelers, but I have also spent a tremendous amount of time and some money creating this podcast. So for example, some benefits are extended interviews. Some Patrons are able to listen to an exclusive additional 20 minute interview with last month's guest, Petro. Or a five minute update from Fabio Cao, from former guest, who has finished every country in the world. And a reminder, Counting Countries is offering its first group tour to Bhutan on November 7th. This is a great agenda which I consulted on and helped create. I have been to Bhutan three times and looking forward to returning for a fourth time. Besides seeing amazing things like Tiger's Nest and the Punakha Dzong, I have scheduled this trip to coincide with two festivals. I have also negotiated a daily $25 discount from the mandated government minimums. Please go to GlobalGaz.com to see more information as well as disclosures. Palle made a drastic change when he became 50. He sold everything and left everything that he had known for the past 50 years … his family, his friends, and his career. He was officially on the quest to travel to every country in the world. He left Denmark nearly three years ago with no plans to return back. We discuss his journey and how we got there. I encourage you to subscribe wherever you listen, Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify and write a review, even better if it is 5 stars. But for now, here's my conversation with Palle, who was in Denmark while I was in Bangkok. Please listen in and enjoy. Thank you to my Patrons …. Bisa Myles, Ted Nims & Ryan Gazder. Be the first on your block to sport official Counting Countries apparel! You can purchase today on Amazon. And now you can listen to Counting Countries on Spotify! And Alexa! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today! And write a review! Check out our friend: Large Minority. They organize international rallies around the world including: Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines and the Amazon. And watch my full length documentary in Cambodia when I traveled with Large Minority. More about Palle Bo: Born in: Denmark Passports from: Denmark Favorite travel film: Don't really have one. More TV travel shows like Michael Palin's travel shows, the Charley Boorman series "By Any Means" – and of course Anthony Bourdain. Favorite travel book: Vagabonding Favorite travel site: TrackMyTour to say something other than Airbnb, Couchsurfing or TripAdvisor Must carry: My scuba diving goggles with prescription glass Favorite food: Don't really have any. I like to sample the local food – without being a foodie. Favorite drink: Same answer here Map: NomadMania Instagram: @RadioVagabond Twitter: @RadioVagabond Website: Radio Vagabond Facebook: Radio Vagabond Youtube: YouTube.com/TheRadioVagabond 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 Century Club states that there are 327 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 875 unique parts of the world. The Nomad Mania divides the world into 1281 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. Check out our friend and his new book: The Curious Case of William Baekeland William is a former guest of Counting Countries. Harry Mitsidis, the author and extreme traveler, traces William's arrival and unraveling in the travel community. It is a story worthy of a film … and this book. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.

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
Sherri Donovan … Hugs From Old Mommas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:06:01
Sherri Donovan has been to 187 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sherri Donovan, a well-known member of the community. I was taken aback when Sherri sha…
Barry Hoffner … Belonging To The World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Erik Futtrup … Left At The Fork [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Konstantin Liorek … Strawberries Forever [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:53:50
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Brian Johnson … Slightly Bigger Office [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:39:16
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Extraordinary Travel Festival III Update III – Matt Gray Of Pangea [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:29
Join the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok, October 22-25, 2026. Use code BANGKOK to save on your ticket. One of the goals of the Extraordinary Travel Festival is to bring the leaders of the travel industry togeth…
Yaël Pericard … A Pair Of Jeans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:03:00
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Thomas Preinl … Inspired By His Grandfathers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:29
Thomas Preinl has been to 190 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. On this episode I have the pleasure to speak with Thomas Preinl who I met at the NomadMania meeting in Uzbekistan and spent time with him dur…
Orla Phillips … A Travel Brochure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:50
Orla Phillips has been to 172 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. On this episode I have the pleasure to speak with Orla Phillips who I was fortunate enough to meet at the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Ba…