Avi Ivan … His Superpower
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,...
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Extraordinary Travel Festival III Update VI - Ian Ord - WSE & Justin Murphy - The Murph Foundation
Counting Countries
✈️ ETF III Update #6: Bangkok 2026 Hey now! I am your host Ric Gazarian, and I am here with the sixth update for the (ETF III), happening October 22-25, 2026, in Bangkok. We have 4 amazing days of community, content, and exploration of Bangkok and beyond. Over 175 people have committed to joining ETF III — 25 additional people have joined since the last podcast just 4 weeks ago. Use code BANGKOK to join and save $100. 🎉 Community, Content & Exploration We will have amazing community and networking: lunches, coffees, a dinner, a party, a meetup, and the NomadMania Awards. We...
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Dr Tim Astandu … Berhasil
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...
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Extraordinary Travel Festival III Update V– Keith Van – seats.aero & Ahmed Abdulrazzaq – Aknaf Al Sawary
Counting Countries
✈️ ETF III Update #5: Bangkok 2026 Hey now! I am your host Ric Gazarian. And I am here with the fifth update for the Extraordinary Travel Festival for October 22-25, 2026 in Bangkok. We have 4 amazing days of community, content, and exploration of Bangkok and beyond. Over 150 people have committed to joining ETF III. 💰 Price Increase Coming July 1 On July 1, the price of tickets will be increasing. The code BANGKOK will still be valid with a $100 discount. So if you want to lock in the lower price, do so now, and 🎉 Community, Content & Exploration We will have amazing...
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Jason Mayfield … Can’t Is Not An Option
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...
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Extraordinary Travel Festival III Update IV– Ian Cumming - Travel Massive & Orest Zub - NomadMania
Counting Countries
Join the in Bangkok, October 22-25, 2026. Use code BANGKOK to save on your ticket. One of the goals of the Extraordinary Travel Festival is to bring the leaders of the travel industry together. Why? We want to make your travels richer and more meaningful. Hearing from these thought leaders keeps you abreast of changes and benefits that can help you. We have founders and leaders like Matt Gray of Pangea, Stefan Krasowski of Every Passport Stamp, and Orest Zub of NomadMania and Ian Cumming of Travel Massive with the last two who are joining me...
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Mihai Dascalu … Plan B & C
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...
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Sherri Donovan … Hugs From Old Mommas
Counting Countries
Sherri Donovan has been to 187 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sherri Donovan, a well-known member of the community. I was taken aback when Sherri shared her solo international travels as a young teenager — a true free spirit. These early adventures paved the way for a truly global life of travel. You can meet Sherri at the third in Bangkok this October. Don’t miss out! 🎧 Listen to Counting Countries Alexa: “Play Counting Countries podcast” 🙏 Thank You to Our Patrons I would like to thank everyone...
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Barry Hoffner … Belonging To The World
Counting Countries
Barry has published his memoir Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. This is a special episode with Barry Hoffner. Barry is a former guest on Counting Countries and I encourage you to listen to this episode to hear his entire story. I followed Barry on IG and then connected with him over a call. Barry is an accomplished traveler but what I noted was his impressive philanthropic work in West Africa. In fact, I was so impressed I invited Barry to be a keynote speaker at the ETF in Bangkok in 2024. His story of giving back needed to be shared. ...
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Erik Futtrup … Left At The Fork
Counting Countries
Erik Futtrup has been to every country in the world Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. In this episode, I had the pleasure of meeting Erik at ETF II in Bangkok, and I am looking forward to seeing him this October for ETF III. Erik is looking forward to joining the stage at ETF for the UN Master photo as he just accomplished his quest just last year. Erik was early to the internet, real early, in the late 1980s. Erk was connecting with travelers in the early 90s. Think EPS but from 25 years ago. Erik shares his journey to 193, balancing work, family and...
info_outlineJoin us in Yerevan, Armenia from October 14 -16, 2022 at the Armenia Hotel Yerevan for the Extraordinary Travel Festival
This will be a multi-day event with great and inspiring speakers
And at night we will be hosting parties and dinners to have fun and unwind
This is a great opportunity to meet travelers from all over the world
Our goal is to bring people together from around the world, who are:
Traveling to every country in the world
Passionate to explore extreme and challenging destinations
And love to have fun and network with likeminded people
Learn more and buy your ticket at www.extraordinarytravelfestival.com
Do you want to save $50 off your ticket? Use code - eps.