Counting Countries

Shagg Makino Counting Countries has been to 169 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Shagg Makino. Shagg is a part-time resident of Bangkok, and we have met socially several times this year. Shagg will also be joining over 200 people at the Extraordinary Travel Festival. I was in Bangkok while Shagg was also in Bangkok for this recording. Please listen in and enjoy. 🙏 Patron Shoutout I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons. You know them, you love them! Bisa "fully nomadic" Myles, Ted Nims, Adam "one-away" Hickman, Steph "Phuket" Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Philippe "BC" Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Sam Williams, Scott Day, Peter Fenger, Mihai Dascalu, Ryan Knott, Zipping Around The World Podcast, Shawn McDonough, McCade Siegal, Avi Ivan, and Stefan Krasowski for supporting this podcast. You can support this podcast by going to Patreon.com/CountingCountries. My patrons will hear the entire conversation with Shagg. ✈️ Extraordinary Travel Festival Tik tok. Time is winding down. Please remember the next Extraordinary Travel Festival will be on October 22-25 in 2026. I am excited to announce a new speaker, Denis David Gray. Denis served as a foreign war correspondent for decades, covering conflicts in Cambodia, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia and more. You can join the event and use the code BANGKOK. There is a price increase on September 22. Consider joining our Instagram and Facebook groups and signing up for the ETF newsletter. Any questions, please let me know. 🎧 More About Shagg Makino Counting Countries Instagram Books And check out Thor Pedersen: The Impossible Journey (Amazon US Kindle (affiliate)): Other book options: Thor Pedersen | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree And Barry Hoffner: Belonging To The World (affiliate) 🎙️ Listen & Subscribe 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! Thank you to my Patrons – you rock!! … Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam Hickman, Steph Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Philippe Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Sam Williams, Scott Day, Peter Fenger, Mihai Dascalu, Ryan Knott, Zipping Around The World Podcast, Shawn McDonough, McCade Siegal, Avi Ivan, and Stefan Krasowski. Only my patrons will hear the entire conversation with me and Shagg. 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 330 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Nomad Mania divides the world into 1381 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. Shagg Makino Counting Countries

Avi Ivan Counting Countries has been to every 166 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Avi Ivan, who I just met at the TCC meeting in Hanoi. And when he decided to attend ETF I thought it would be a great opportunity to bring him on as a guest and get to learn his story. I was in Boston while Avi was in Miami for this recording. Please listen in and enjoy. 🙏 Patron Shoutout I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons. You know them, you love them! Bisa "fully nomadic" Myles, Ted Nims, Adam "one-away" Hickman, Steph "Phuket" Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Philippe "BC" Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Sam Williams, Scott Day, Peter Fenger, Mihai Dascalu, Ryan Knott, Zipping Around The World Podcast, Shawn McDonough, McCade Siegal, Avi Ivan, and Stefan Krasowski for supporting this podcast. You can support this podcast by going to Patreon.com/CountingCountries. My patrons will hear the entire conversation with Avi. I usually take a moment to introduce new patrons. Well, Avi, my guest is a new patron. And his interview will serve as his introduction. And I want to take a moment to thank another new supporter, Stefan Krasowski. Stefan is known to so many in the community. First as the founder of Every Passport Stamp. A community that has made such a big and positive impact on so many of our lives as travelers. It was my key to unlock so many challenging countries. Stefan has been to all 193 and has been a guest twice on CC. Thanks to Avi and Stefan. If you are attending ETF, you will get to meet both of them. ✈️ Extraordinary Travel Festival Please remember the next Extraordinary Travel Festival will be on October 22-25 in 2026. I am excited to announce a new speaker, Denis David Gray. Denis served as a foreign war correspondent for decades, covering conflicts in Cambodia, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia and more. You can join the event and use the code BANGKOK. Consider joining our Instagram and Facebook groups and signing up for the ETF newsletter. Any questions, please let me know. 📚 Book News I also want to share some news from former guest and former keynote speaker at the ETF, Renee Bruns. Renee has just published a book, RARE: One Woman's Journey of Self-Discovery, Human Connection, and the Beauty of Being Different (affiliate). Renee is a traveler to be admired for her determination and good spirits as she Chases 193. It is now available to purchase on Amazon. So please pick up a copy! 🎧 More About Avi Ivan Counting Countries Instagram Books And check out Thor Pedersen: The Impossible Journey (Amazon US Kindle (affiliate)): Other book options: Thor Pedersen | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree And Barry Hoffner: Belonging To The World (affiliate) 🎙️ Listen & Subscribe 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! Thank you to my Patrons - you rock!! … Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam Hickman, Steph Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Philippe Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Sam Williams, Scott Day, Peter Fenger, Mihai Dascalu, Ryan Knott, Zipping Around The World Podcast, Shawn McDonough, McCade Siegal, Avi Ivan, and Stefan Krasowski. 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 330 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Nomad Mania divides the world into 1381 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. Avi Ivan Counting Countries

Dr Tim Astandu has been to every country in the world Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Tim Astandu. Tim and I have been in the same room three times in less than 12 months … Addis Ababa, Hanoi, and Lisbon, but today was a great opportunity to learn about his life and travels and it didn't disappoint. A mother who wrote for NatGeo, extensive schooling in the UK, and then of course … Chasing 193. And do not forget a special serenade in DPRK. Tim will be attending the ETF and you will be able to meet him in Bangkok. I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons. You know them, you love them! Bisa "fully nomadic" Myles, Ted Nims, Adam "one-away" Hickman, Steph "Phuket" Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Philippe "BC" Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Sam Williams, Scott Day, Peter Fenger, Mihai Dascalu, Ryan Knott, Zipping Around The World Podcast, Shawn McDonough, and McCade Siegal for supporting this podcast. You can support this podcast by going to Patreon.com/CountingCountries. My patrons will hear the entire conversation with Tim. Please remember the next Extraordinary Travel Festival will be on October 22-25 in 2026. But remember there is a price increase on July 1. Lock in the lower price today. You can join the event and use the code BANGKOK. Consider joining our Instagram and Facebook groups and signing up for the ETF newsletter. Any questions, please let me know. I was in Boston while Tim was in Jakarta for this recording. Please listen in and enjoy. Thank you to my Patrons - you rock!! … Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam Hickman, Steph Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Philippe Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Sam Williams, Scott Day, Peter Fenger, Mihai Dascalu, Ryan Knott, Zipping Around The World Podcast, Shawn McDonough and McCade Siegal. 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 Dr Tim Astandu Counting Countries: 196 Stories Blog Books And check out Thor Pedersen: The Impossible Journey (Amazon US Kindle (affiliate)): https://amzn.to/46pRuDi Other book options: Thor Pedersen | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree And Barry Hoffner: Belonging To The World (affiliate) 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 330 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Nomad Mania divides the world into 1381 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. Dr. Tim Astandu Counting Countries

Jason Mayfield has been to every country in the world Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jason Mayfield. Jason was propelled into his travel life as a high school student on a 5 week school trip to Siberia and he never looked back. Jason finished 193 in 2016 but has been travelling continually since then. Jason will be attending the ETF and you will be able to meet him in Bangkok. I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons. You know them, you love them! Bisa "fully nomadic" Myles, Ted Nims, Adam "one-away" Hickman, Steph "Phuket" Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Philippe "BC" Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Sam Williams, Scott Day, Peter Fenger, Mihai Dascalu, Ryan Knott, Zipping Around The World Podcast, Shawn McDonough, and McCade Siegal for supporting this podcast. You can support this podcast by going to Patreon.com/CountingCountries. My patrons will hear the entire conversation with Jason. Please remember the next Extraordinary Travel Festival will be on October 22-25 in 2026. You can join the event and use the code BANGKOK. Excited to announce a new speaker to the ETF, Michelle Cabrera. Want to know her story? Check out this IG reel to hear her madcap adventure. Consider joining our Instagram and Facebook groups and signing up for the ETF newsletter. Any questions, please let me know. I was in Bangkok while Jason was in Washington DC for this recording. Please listen in and enjoy. Thank you to my Patrons - you rock!! … Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam Hickman, Steph Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Philippe Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Sam Williams, Scott Day, Peter Fenger, Mihai Dascalu, Ryan Knott, Zipping Around The World Podcast, Shawn McDonough and McCade Siegal. 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 Jason Mayfield Counting Countries: 196 Stories Blog Books And check out Thor Pedersen: The Impossible Journey (Amazon US Kindle (affiliate)): https://amzn.to/46pRuDi Other book options: Thor Pedersen | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree And Barry Hoffner: Belonging To The World (affiliate) 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 330 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Nomad Mania divides the world into 1381 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. Jason Mayfield Counting Countries

Mihai Dascalu has been to 99 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mihai Dascalu. I met him at the ETF in Bangkok in 2024, and I am excited he is coming back this October. Mihai and his family left all he knew in Romania to start anew in the US. He and his family went on an epic family journey for over a year. We touch on this and his desire to Chase 193. I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons. You know them, you love them! Bisa "fully nomadic" Myles, Ted Nims, Adam "one-away" Hickman, Steph "Phuket" Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Philippe "BC" Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Sam Williams, Scott Day, Peter Fenger, Mihai Dascalu, Ryan Knott, Zipping Around The World Podcast, and Shawn McDonough for supporting this podcast. You can support this podcast by going to Patreon.com/CountingCountries. My patrons will hear the entire conversation with Mihai.. Please remember the next Extraordinary Travel Festival will be on October 22-25 in 2026. You can join the event and use the code BANGKOK. Excited to announce a new addition to the ETF, Mike Boisvert known as the Skate Nomad. He plans on skateboarding to every country in the world … what won me over was watching him skateboard with the Skater Girls of Ethiopia. Check out his reels!. Consider joining our Instagram and Facebook groups and signing up for the ETF newsletter. Any questions, please let me know. Some other community notes and updates. I will be speaking at the TCC meeting in Hanoi in May, about … my take-aways from 150 in-depth conversations with the world's most traveled people. 193 Masters looking to connect with each other consider joining a UNESCO tour in Portugal in early June, if so reach out to MTP's Justyna. And also in June is the awesome NomadMania trip to Brazil. I went to their Fergana event and it was quite awesome. And on July 12, come see me in NYC to meet Barry Hoffner, the author of Belonging To The World, for a reading RSVP [email protected] I was in Bangkok while Mihai was in New York for this recording. Please listen in and enjoy. Thank you to my Patrons - you rock!! … Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam Hickman, Steph Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Philippe Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Sam Williams, Scott Day, Peter Fenger, Mihai Dascalu, Ryan Knott, Zipping Around The World Podcast, and Shawn McDonough. 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 Mihai Dascalu Counting Countries: Instagram Facebook Books And check out Thor Pedersen: The Impossible Journey (Amazon US Kindle (affiliate)): https://amzn.to/46pRuDi Other book options: Thor Pedersen | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree And Barry Hoffner: Belonging To The World (affiliate) 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.Sherri Donovan Counting Countries