Rogue Chemist

Don is an investigative journalist based in Cape Town, South Africa. We talk about travel, Apartheid, and his efforts to help steer vulnerable South African boys away from gang life. Read his latest articles for the Daily Maverick: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/donpinnock/

Olimjon is a Tajik English teacher based in Dushanbe. We talk about some of the geographical, historical, and cultural aspects of Tajikistan, one of the more mysterious countries in Central Asia. Instagram: _jseng

Matthew is a former United States Marine who’s been voluntarily helping to defend Ukraine since 2022, near the beginning of Russia’s invasion. He talks candidly about the harsh reality on the front lines and emphasizes the urgent need for American aid. To donate: https://givebutter.com/E2qGPX. Watch Matthew’s recent interview with The Gaze: https://youtu.be/X9t34G_WiXs?si=xP8S_GYHiAYcVede

Leticia is an investigative journalist and photographer based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. To read her compelling stories and view her captivating photos, visit https://lenstravellermagazine.com and @lens.traveller (Instagram).

Zhaina is a program coordinator for the conservation organization Fauna & Flora in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. She talks about the country’s wildlife and efforts to conserve it, Kyrgyz culture, and tourism. Connect with Zhaina on Instagram: @zhaina_bekenova. To learn more about the NGO or donate: https://www.fauna-flora.org/countries/kyrgyzstan/

Samra is a tour guide based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. She talks about this fascinating city and its recent history, including the Siege of Sarajevo, a reality of her childhood. To connect with Samra, visit https://sarajevobylocals.com

Milton Schorr is a South African actor and award-winning novelist. We chat about acting, storytelling, South Africa, hitchhiking, martial arts, and life lessons. Find him on Instagram @milton.schorr and www.miltonschorr.com.

Tanner is a Canadian mixed martial artist based in Edmonton, Alberta. We chat about fighting in the UFC and abroad, hypothetical animal battles, and Sasquatch. Instagram: @bulldozerboser

Mustafa is an architectural engineer, photographer, backpacker, and guide based in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan. We discuss Kurdish culture, common misconceptions about Iraq, and how to break these stereotypes. Follow him on Instagram: @mustafa_khursheed_

Chien is a wildlife photographer, conservationist, and ecologist based in Kuching in the Malaysian state of Sarawak (Borneo). To view his incredible portfolio, check out www.chienclee.com or his Instagram page (chienleephotography). Conservation organizations mentioned in the interview: https://borneoproject.org, https://saverivers.org, and https://www.planetindonesia.org

Lucian is the co-owner of A Chef’s Tour, a top-rated Bangkok street-food tour. We discuss his travel style, the importance of street-food vendors, and how food defines a place’s identity. To find out more, check out www.achefstour.com.

Teresa, an accomplished Swedish fighter, has been on the Muay Thai scene in Thailand since 2008. She’s also the co-owner of Sedthee Fight Club in Chiang Mai.

Fast-forwarding to the present, I share my thoughts on my recent Muay Thai fight in Thailand and my training experience leading up to it.

Serendipity and an unlikely friendship paved the very long way from Lahore to the Karakoram in northern Pakistan.

Dysentery, a death threat, and five hours on a crammed Ethiopian minibus had me seriously questioning my vacation choices.