Ross OC Jennings … Opening Doors

Ross OC Jennings … Opening Doors

Author: Ric Gazarian July 13, 2023 Duration: 2:22:28
Ross OJ Jennings has traveled to 106 countries. Ross OC Jennings Counting Countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. Did you note that the intro has been updated? Thanks to Evo the longtime voice of Counting Countries. Ross OC Jennings might not be well known in the 193 community but he is cutting a unique path. I had read about Ross a couple of years ago, and as I shared with him, I was a bit skeptical about his quest. His goal was to the first bagpiper to travel to every country in the world. Well, I can imagine he will be the first since this is not a highly sought after category. Anyone can create a category and be the first by making the stipulations arcane and non-desirable. But I recently heard Ross on a 10 minute podcast and was immediately won over. I wanted to learn more about his journey and I think you will appreciate it as well. I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons: Carole Southam, Sunir Joshi, Philippe Izedian, Gin, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ted Nims, Bisa Myles, Thor Pedersen, Adam Hickman, Katelyn Jarvis, Ed Hotchkiss, and Barry Hoffner for supporting this podcast. They help pay for the production of this podcast. You can support this podcast by going to Patreon.com/CountingCountries. My patrons hear an extra 40 minutes with Ross that you will not hear. And some introductions to our new patrons … it has been a busy month, don't miss out on the extra content! Lori Pastorelli learned about Counting Countries from recent guest Barry Hoffner. She is a fan of Europe and even has a Dutch husband. She is passionate about dance and fitness. Sonia Zimmerman is a true global citizen, born in Switzerland, lived in France, Germany, Paraguay, and now living in Australia. She is a mother who speaks 5 languages and has just finished a trip in Africa on her goal to 100. Marc Jorgenson had the recent experience of traveling with me for two weeks and survived to tell about it. Marc who speaks Portuguese was a great companion to have when we traveled to Maputo. He is based in Seattle and is nearing 100 countries. Long time member of the 193 community, Justine Kirby is a Kiwi now based in NYC working as a lawyer. She is at 160 UN countries and 48 US states. And might now be 49 as she was planning a trip to Alaska. Many of you might know I have been tracking Thor from Once Upon A Saga progress as he travels to every country in the world. I have just recorded the 7th episode of the Thor Chronicles. Every six months I check in with Thor. You will hear a snippet of this conversation after my conversation with Ross. But my patrons will hear the entire 90 minute conversation. As an additional aside, at times there is an irritating echo on my audio track, I apologize to you the listener and to Ross. I was in Bangkok for this recording while Ross was in Scotland complete with sheep. Please listen in and enjoy. Thank you to my Patrons …. Justine Kirby, Marc Jorgensen, Sonia Zimmermann, Lori Pastorelli, Gintaute Liutkeviciute, Barry Hoffner, Ed Hotchkiss, Katelyn Jarvis, Carole Southam, Thor Pedersen, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Adam Hickman, Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Sunir Joshi, Gintaute Liutkeviciute, Philippe Izedian & Dale Wursten. Be the first on your block to sport official Counting Countries apparel! And now you can listen to Counting Countries on Spotify! And Alexa! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today! And write a review! More About Ross OC Jennings Counting Countries 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 Nomad Mania divides the world into 1301 regions. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 1500 unique parts of the world. SISO says there are 3,978 places in the world. And the video that explains it all! 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: There are affiliates in this post.

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
Pav Mbeda … Go Big Or Go Home [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:42:10
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 P…
Yooshita Fathi … Breaking Stereotypes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:49:01
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 li…
The Maverick Show ... Hosted By Matt Bowles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:45
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 li…
Extraordinary Travel Festival II Update #11 - Charles Veley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:16
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 Tr…
Phillips Connor … IBZ To SIN Via GGR [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:53:21
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…
Andy Hicks ... Recatalogging DNA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:02:35
Andy Hicks Counting Countries has traveled to 120 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. Today, we are speaking with Andy Hicks. I have had the pleasure of meeting Andy at the first ETF in Armenia and the TCC m…
Luisa Yu … The Black Sheep [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:40:02
Luisa Yu has traveled to every country in the world Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. I am excited to have Luisa Yu on the podcast. She is well known and beloved member to many in the community. For those not in the…