In this episode of The Adventure Story Podcast, I'm joined by travel writing legend, Rolf Potts. We have an insightful conversation about the unpredictable magic of travel and storytelling—from jumping trains and sleeping in vans to drinking kava in Vanuatu and chasing the trans-Siberian express, Rolf shares the real stories behind his adventures, and how he shapes those moments into compelling narratives.

We explore the art of slow travel, the ethics of writing about cultures that aren’t your own, and why the unexpected moments are often the most unforgettable.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler, an aspiring writer, or just someone who dreams of far-off places, this episode is packed with heart, humor, and wisdom!

Vagabonding by Rolf Potts is available here. Here’s what it’s all about:

Vagabonding is about taking an extended time away from your normal life to discover and experience the world on your own terms. Veteran shoestring traveler, Rolf Potts shows you how anyone with an independent spirit can achieve the dream of extended overseas travel. Rolf shares how you can finance your travel time, determine your destination, adjust to life on the road and much more.

Takeaways:

• Early adventures, especially your first, often leave the most lasting impact, regardless of age, the emotional resonance of those initial experiences is unmatched.
• Letting go of strict itineraries allows space for unplanned, often magical encounters that become the heart of the best travel stories.
• Writing about other cultures involves honoring their realities while translating the experience for a Western audience, without exoticizing or distorting the truth.
• From the No Baggage Challenge to playing bagpipes in Cuba, Rolf reminds us that the best adventures are about the journey itself, not the destination.

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you!

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A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Do you have an adventure novel that’s begging to be written?

Over the years, quite a few people have asked me for help with their writing projects. I’ve always done what I could—but I’ve never had the time to fully commit. That’s changing. For the first time, I’m opening up one 1:1 spots to work directly with aspiring adventure authors. If you’ve got a story burning inside you—and you’re ready to invest your time, energy, and a bit of money to make it real—this might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for. This isn’t a course or a group program. It’s personal, tailored guidance to help you finally write that novel you’ve been dreaming about. We’ll shape your plot, characters, and setting together. And most importantly, I’ll help you stay accountable and actually get the words on the page. Because when it comes to writing, perspiration beats inspiration—every time. I’m only offering this to one more person. So, if this is the nudge you’ve been waiting for, hit reply and tell me a little about your story. Drop me an email on: [email protected] Let's bring your book to life!