Sak Yant Tattoo: A Journey 15 Years In The Making
Introduction More than 15 years ago, while flipping through TV channels (back when that was still a thing), I stumbled upon a brief but unforgettable video clip—just a couple of minutes of raw, mesmerizing chaos. It was footage from the Sak Yant Wai Kru ceremony at Wat Bang Phra, a temple just outside Bangkok. Sak Yant is an ancient form of Thai sacred tattooing that blends intricate geometric designs, Buddhist mantras, and animist symbols—each believed to offer protection, strength, or good fortune. Wai Kru is a traditional Thai ritual where students pay respect to their teachers (ajarns) to show gratitude and receive blessings for wisdom and success. Combine the two at a sacred temple with over 10,000 followers in trance-like states, and you get an experience like no other. Years later, I found myself in Thailand. That brief video memory resurfaced, leading me to Wat Bang Phra to witness the Wai Kru ceremony firsthand. The experience was so powerful that I returned eight years in a row, captivated by the spiritual energy and devotion surrounding the tradition. [...]
Sam Goodwin … Ice Rink Up The Escalator
Sam Goodwin has traveled to every country in the world Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. This conversation was a long time in the making. In fact, this interview was originally scheduled in 2020. But as we say, better late than never. Sam Goodwin back in the day was just one of us … Chasing 193. But his life was changed forever during his visit to country 181, Syria. As 193ers, we are constantly pushing the envelope. What we consider standard or normal travel is to others somewhere between poorly conceived to outright insanity. Soon after entering Syria, Sam was imprisoned by the Assad government and spent over 60 days in prison. This is the real deal, the stuff of nightmares. This is an incredibly, compelling conversation, and a reminder of the risks we take in the community. 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 [...]
Vance … My Latin Life
Hey now, this is your host, Ric Gazarian. And today, we have a special episode. The mission of this podcast is to speak to travelers who have been to every country in the world or who are in the process of completing that goal. And, this is an amazing community of individuals which I am fortunate to get to speak with. This episode is a bit different since Vance is not Chasing 193, but he is very well traveled. He comes more from the 2nd passport / permanent residency world, which overlaps here and there with some members of the 193 community. Vance has been a virtual friend of mine for several years. I have been hosted twice by Vance on his podcast, My Latin Life. You can check out my recent episode on your favorite podcast player in February. I wanted to use this opportunity to learn more about Vance and his world. I was in Boston for this conversation while Vance was in Portugal. Please listen in and enjoy. And remember to sign up for [...]
Sandy Cohen … A Different World
Sandy Cohen has traveled to 102 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. We are back with a new guest, Sandy Cohen. I have known Sandy for years on social media, and I was fortunate to meet her at both Extraordinary Travel Festivals. But, this conversation was my opportunity to learn more about Sandy, her life and travels, and I found it to be a fascinating conversation. Sandy shared tales of her life, from being a chocolatier to hosting a top travel TV show for over a decade to running drugs in Guinea-Bissau. Well, not exactly. And this is a double episode. Following Sandy, I have a great conversation with Vance from My Latin Life. While Vance is not Chasing 193, he can be found in an interesting corner of travel, specifically in the world of 2nd passports and Permanent Residencies. Vance also has a podcast, My Latin Life, and I had the honor of appearing on a recent episode. I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my [...]
Pav Mbeda … Go Big Or Go Home
Pav Mbeda has traveled to 106 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. We are back with the second episode of 2025. I hope your travels are off to a good start. Today, I am happy to share this conversation with Pav Mbeda. Pav was one of the 250 participants of the sold-out Extraordinary Travel Festival. I reach out to all ticket buyers and was happy to note that Pav was from Kenya. Whether it is ETF or this podcast, it is great to hear different perspectives and life experiences. And speaking with Pav, I am reminded how different my upbringing was compared to someone like Pav’s. Pav shares her travel stories … everything from traveling in Kenya as a kid, to work trips throughout Africa, pursuing a masters in Europe, and then spreading her travel wings further to explore the seven continents. **Public Service Announcement Jonny Beardmore, the Galapagos Postman, has spent the last year hand-delivering 50 postcards from around the world. He picked up these 50 postcards from a fabled 18th century postbox [...]
Yooshita Fathi … Breaking Stereotypes
Yooshita has traveled to 108 countries Yooshita Fathi Counting Countries. Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. A giant Happy New Year to all of you country counters! We are back today with a new episode after a small break. Over the past year, you’ve likely heard me mention many times the Extraordinary Travel Festival on this podcast. In November, I had the privilege of organizing this incredible sold-out event in Bangkok, hosting 250 participants over four action-packed days. With 30 inspiring speakers and lively evening events and some amazing sponsors, it was a truly memorable experience. I’m excited to share that planning is now underway for the next festival in 2026. Stay tuned for updates! Today, we are speaking with Yooshita Fathi. I had the pleasure of meeting Yooshita in Bangkok at ETF after seeing her for years on social media and having many common acquaintances. Besides travelling to over 100 countries, Yooshita has lived in 9 different countries. She shared many stories and experiences but I will definitely not forget her story travelling to [...]
