36 | Chiang Mai: First Recap

This episode is recorded a few days after Nomad Summit 2026 in Chiang Mai and captures the atmosphere, stories, and reactions.

The episode opens with a live side event hosted by Palle Bo and Christoph Huebner, recorded in front of an audience. Here, the focus is on two in-depth guest conversations that set the tone for the episode.

Toti: Building a Life Around Travel and Storytelling

The first main conversation is with Toti from Passport & Stamps, who shares his personal journey into a nomadic lifestyle and how travel became central to both his work and identity.

Toti talks about how he started out, what motivated him to keep moving, and how documenting his experiences turned into a meaningful way of connecting with others. He reflects on the balance between freedom and responsibility, and on what it really takes to sustain a life built around constant change.

His story resonates strongly with the audience, especially when he talks about uncertainty, decision-making, and the difference between the romantic idea of nomad life and the reality behind it.

René: Long-Term Nomad Life and Perspective

The second main guest is René, who brings a different perspective shaped by years of living and working on the road.

René shares insights into long-term nomadism – what changes over time, what becomes easier, and what new challenges appear. He talks about community, routines, and how priorities shift the longer you stay location-independent.

His reflections add depth to the episode by showing how nomad life evolves beyond the early excitement and into something more grounded and intentional.

Pool Party Interviews: First Impressions from Attendees

Between the live conversations, the episode moves to the Pool Party on Sunday. Here, Palle recorded short, informal interviews with several attendees.

These quick conversations capture first impressions of the event, why people decided to attend Nomad Summit, and what they are hoping to get out of the week. Some talk about connection and community, others about learning, inspiration, or simply meeting people who understand their lifestyle.

The Pool Party recordings give the episode a relaxed, social feel and show the diversity of backgrounds and motivations within the Nomad Summit crowd.

Voices from the Audience and Later Side Event

Toward the end of the episode, more attendee voices are brought in – recorded after the live side event and during another side event later on.

People from the audience share how the Nomad Summit resonated with them, what stood out, and how they are experienced the event.

A Snapshot of Nomad Summit in Motion

Rather than a single narrative, this episode works as a snapshot of Nomad Summit as it is unfolding. It combines longer personal stories with short, spontaneous reactions, reflecting the mix of structure and serendipity that defines the early days of the event.

It is an episode about arrival – into a city, into a community, and into conversations that will continue throughout the week.

Key Takeaways

• Toti and René offer two distinct but complementary perspectives on nomad life
• Long-term nomadism brings different challenges than early-stage travel
• Attendees come to Nomad Summit with a wide range of goals and expectations
• Informal moments often reveal the most honest reflections

 

Relevant Links

• Time Out Article: https://www.timeout.com/bangkok/news/the-nomads-have-spoken-thailand-still-the-best-place-in-world-for-laptop-warriors-012026 
• Nomad Summit: https://nomadsummit.com
• Episode produced by RadioGuru: https://radioguru.co.uk