“My parents passed away and it created this sense of recklessness in me, but in a positive way: I wanted to create a travel experience and push myself and learn about myself. Because you never know how long you’re gonna be around for.”
–Daniel Troia

In this episode of Deviate, Rolf and Daniel talk about why Daniel chose to bicycle across America with no money or food, the privileges that set him apart from people who have to do it out of necessity, and how this kind of journey is a time-honored undertaking for people experiencing grief (2:00 ); the kinds of people Daniel met on the trip, how his vulnerability put him into contact with new and unfamiliar people and communities, and how visiting places in person increases empathy with the people who live here (12:30 ); what Daniel discovered while “dumpster diving,” and other surprises he found on the road (24:30 ); what it was like to self-document the trip DIY style with camera glasses, a GoPro, and a drone, and what experiences didn’t make it into the film (30:30 ); the lessons that Daniel brought home from the trip, where he plans to travel next, and his advice for people who want to create their own bike journey (44:00 ); and an “Easter Egg” about Daniel’s experiences in Kansas (49:00 ).

Daniel Troia (@the_travelin_dude) is the director of We Are All in This Together, which documents his cross-country USA bicycle journey with no food and no money, in search of human connection.

Notable Links:

• The Kindness of Strangers, by Mike McIntyre (book)


• The Epic of Gilgamesh (ancient Mesopotamian epic poem)


• Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, by Cheryl Strayed (memoir)


• The Way (2010 Martin Sheen movie)


• Dumpster diving (method of gathering discarded food)


• Dude Making a Difference, by Robin Greenfield


• Aldi (multinational discount supermarket chain)


• Tom’s Cartoons (art by unhoused person in Arcata, CA)


• Camera glasses (wearable camera)


• GoPro (action camera)


• East St. Louis (city in Illinois)


• Two Wheels To Freedom, by Daniel Troia (film)


• Paterson (city in New Jersey)

The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel’s 2017 album Lumber.

Note: We don’t host a “comments” section, but we’re happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.