What if chasing happiness meant giving up everything you thought you wanted?
Will Rickard is the author of The Silk Road to Happiness, a book born from his solo journey through the “Stans" - Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Afghanistan - on a quest to explore happiness through travel, conve…What if chasing happiness meant giving up everything you thought you wanted?
Will Rickard is the author of The Silk Road to Happiness, a book born from his solo journey through the “Stans" - Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Afghanistan - on a quest to explore happiness through travel, conversations, and culture. After leaving a prestigious corporate career in Sydney, he hit reset, taking only a backpack and a big question on the road: What is happiness?
In this episode, Will and I unpack the complex relationship between travel and happiness, and what he discovered by going off-grid in some of the world’s least-visited countries.
If you’ve ever felt torn between being grateful for what you have and craving something more, this conversation might hit home. Will doesn’t offer a tidy formula for happiness, but instead, he shares five powerful themes that emerged during his journey - from purpose and minimalism to gratitude and detachment. We talk about how travel can shift your perspective, why sometimes you just have to book the flight, and how embracing discomfort can lead to deeper meaning. Plus, we explore how moving abroad redefined my own ideas about happiness.
What’s something you’ve learned about yourself while traveling that changed the way you define happiness? I'd love for you to share your thoughts by sending me an audio message.
*This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen.
Tune In To Learn:
Why Will walked away from a “dream” corporate job to explore the Silk Road
How a photo on Instagram sparked a life-changing decision
What the “anti-bucket list” is and how it might reshape your goals
Advice to anyone stuck in a career rut and wondering what’s next
Why pursuing “more” isn’t always a bad thing—and when it is
How five schools in Afghanistan changed Will’s view of purpose
Why these little-visited countries offer some of the most generous hospitality
Insights from ancient philosophy (and a scary night on the Pamir Highway)
The difference between enthusiasm and passion when it comes to career
How practicing gratitude—especially while traveling—can shift your mental state
And so much more
Resources:
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Will's book The Silk Road To Happiness
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How do you build the confidence to take off on a long-term solo vanlife journey, especially through lesser-traveled regions?
Maria Glaser has been traveling solo in her self-converted van across 16 countries, from Germany to Mongolia. What started as a pandemic project turned into an epic adventure …How do you build the confidence to take off on a long-term solo vanlife journey, especially through lesser-traveled regions?
Maria Glaser has been traveling solo in her self-converted van across 16 countries, from Germany to Mongolia. What started as a pandemic project turned into an epic adventure spanning thousands of miles, unexpected challenges, and even a surprise four-legged travel companion.
Maria shares the highs and lows of vanlife on the road, from navigating tiny medieval streets in Europe to traversing the vast deserts of Kazakhstan. We dive into what it’s really like to live and work from a van, how she adopted a stray dog along the way, and the unexpected ways solo travel can push you out of your comfort zone.
She talks candidly about facing fears, handling adversity, and the ways travel has reshaped her perspective on home and cultural identity. She shares her best tips for vanlife, budget travel, and making connections on the road, even in the most remote places.
Would you take off on a solo van adventure like Maria’s? What’s one big travel goal that feels out of reach but might be closer than you think? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
How Maria’s van journey started as a pandemic project inspired by her mother’s dream
The shift in her family relationships and the harrowing experience of her mom getting attacked by dogs in Turkey
Why she originally planned to travel with a companion but ultimately decided to go solo
How traveling with a dog has changed her experience on the road
How her expectations of solo female travel compared to the reality of it
Her favorite places for vanlife in Southwest Europe, the Balkans, and Central Asia (and where to avoid)
The biggest lessons she’s learned about resilience, independence, and making peace with uncertainty
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Visit Maria’s website
Follow Maria on Instagram
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In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, Nathan Starzynski is back on the podcast. Nathan, who once cycled across Canada and was on the podcast in Episode 153, now shares his journey of biking across Eurasia. Over two years and a distance of 41,500 kilometers, Nathan rode from Portugal to…In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, Nathan Starzynski is back on the podcast. Nathan, who once cycled across Canada and was on the podcast in Episode 153, now shares his journey of biking across Eurasia. Over two years and a distance of 41,500 kilometers, Nathan rode from Portugal to Japan, capturing stunning videos and recounting a variety of experiences. These include battling through sandstorms in Kazakhstan, navigating precarious tunnels in Tajikistan, and reveling in the unique cultures and landscapes of each country. Nathan discusses his strategies for managing video footage, including sending hard drives home, and the challenges of resuming a 'normal' life post-journey. He provides an insightful look into long-distance bike touring, travel logistics, cultural encounters, and the art of adventure videography.
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Hear about travel to Central Asia or the 'Stans as the Amateur Traveler talks to Megan Cox from Meg the Rolling Egg about her trip to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
Why should you go to Central Asia?
Meg says, "Whilst there was , 'Oh my God, this place is amazing. I don't know w…Hear about travel to Central Asia or the 'Stans as the Amateur Traveler talks to Megan Cox from Meg the Rolling Egg about her trip to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
Why should you go to Central Asia?
Meg says, "Whilst there was , 'Oh my God, this place is amazing. I don't know why people aren't talking about it more. I don't know why people aren't coming here more often.' It has something for everyone. It's really just a beautiful place to go. So I felt like I wanted to promote a little bit."
Day 1-3: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Day 1: Arrive in Almaty. Explore the city:
Wander the streets and parks.
Visit Ascension Cathedral (a stunning yellow Orthodox church).
Attend a performance at the Abay Opera House.
Try Georgian food, available throughout the city.
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-stans/
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Delve into southern Wales and its evocative landscape of castles, pilgrim trails, and coal mines. Then get a rare glimpse into Central Asia's largest country from a former Peace Corps volunteer. And vicariously explore some of our world's remaining desolate places.
Join me, Palle Bo, on an incredible journey through Central Asia as I explore the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. In this diary episode, I recount my adventures from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient walls of Khiva. Discov…Join me, Palle Bo, on an incredible journey through Central Asia as I explore the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. In this diary episode, I recount my adventures from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient walls of Khiva. Discover my experiences in Beirut and Syria, my eye-opening encounters, and the heartwarming connections I've made along the way. Stay tuned for an update on my upcoming travels and personal milestones, including my daughter's graduation and a much-needed eye surgery in Denmark. Don't miss out on the latest chapter of The Radio Vagabond! more
