We invited Romanian creator and long-time nomad Andrew Williams to discuss his platform Remote Tribe Life... and then proceeded to take several fun and unexpected detours. This episode became a wide-ranging and honest conversation about remote work, the evolution of digital nomadism, how the community has changed, why some people settle down, and why others keep going.

Recorded with Palle Bo and Christoph sharing one microphone in Bangkok and Andrew home in Bukharest, Romania, this episode moves between personal stories, nomad definitions, first-time event attendees, and the surprising ways this lifestyle shapes identity.

If you came for a clean and tidy interview about Remote Tribe Life, you will get that. But you will also get much more: reflections on the early days of nomad culture, today's event landscape, the psychology behind long-term travel, and a few laughs from the Bangkok heat as the air-conditioner had to be turned off for the recording.

What We Talk About

Remote Tribe Life and its origins
Andrew shares how he started the project during COVID to help people adjust to remote work, find communities, optimise travel costs, and discover new places. He explains how the platform grew into a blog and social channels focused on resources, travel tips, and networking opportunities.

How many people are actually digital nomads
Christoph brings up a research-based definition of digital nomads as people who travel to at least three countries a year for extended periods while working remotely. That number is probably below 100,000 globally.

Why most people do not want this lifestyle long-term
We get into why many nomads eventually settle, often because of relationships, children, or wanting stability. Christoph shares a story about asking an audience of 200 people who would truly choose a nomad life if there were no obstacles. Only two hands stayed up.

How the community is changing
We talk about the high percentage of first-time attendees at recent nomad events and how the scene constantly renews itself with newcomers while others step away.

Johnny FD and the early days of Chiang Mai
Christoph mentions how Johnny FD influenced his own journey and shares that he interviewed Johnny in Episode 11 from Kyiv. https://www.nomadsummit.com/episode-11-from-million-dollar-hustler-to-kyiv-minimalist-why-johnny-fd-gave-it-all-up/  

Future Nomad Summit events
The episode wraps with Andrew explaining why he cannot make it to Chiang Mai this time, but plans to attend in 2027. Christoph also highlights the Black Friday offer for bringing a friend. https://www.nomadsummit.com/upcoming-events/

Key Takeaways

• The digital nomad lifestyle is far smaller than people imagine and most remote workers are not nomads.
• Remote Tribe Life emerged as a helpful guide during COVID and still plays a role in connecting curious travellers.
• Most people admire nomad life, but very few truly want it for themselves long-term.
• Nomad events have a high turnover of newcomers, which keeps the community dynamic.
• Many early nomad figures, including Johnny FD, have evolved beyond the lifestyle.
• Planning, intentionality, and community connections matter more than ever for aspiring nomads.

Relevant Links

• Remote Tribe Life website: https://www.remotetribe.life/
• Remote Tribe Life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remotetribelife/
• Johnny FD YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnnyFD
• Nomad Summit Events: https://nomadsummit.com
• Episode produced by RadioGuru: https://radioguru.co.uk