Episode
#624: Rolf Potts — The Vagabond’s Way, Tactics for Immersive Travel, Pilgrimages and Psychogeography, Empathy Machines, Full-Throated Love, The Slow Sense of Smell, Lessons from Thích Nhất Hạnh, Falling Upward, and More
1:40:20
Published: Tue Sep 27 2022
Description
Rolf Potts — The Vagabond’s Way, Tactics for Immersive Travel, Pilgrimages and Psychogeography, Empathy Machines, Full-Throated Love, The Slow Sense of Smell, Lessons from Thích Nhất Hạnh, Falling Upward, and More | Brought to you by Athletic Greens all-in-one nutritional supplement, Vuori comfortable and durable performance apparel, and Eight Sleep’s Pod Cover sleeping solution for dynamic cooling and heating. More on all three below.Rolf Potts (@rolfpotts) is the author of the international bestseller Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel. His newest book is The Vagabond’s Way: 366 Meditations on Wanderlust, Discovery, and the Art of Travel. He has reported from more than 60 countries for National Geographic Traveler, The New Yorker, Outside, The New York Times Magazine, and Travel Channel. Many of his essays have been selected as “Notable Mentions” in The Best American Essays, The Best American Nonrequired Reading, and The Best American Travel Writing.He is based in north-central Kansas, where he keeps a small farmhouse on thirty acres with his wife, Kansas-born actress Kristen Bush. My 2014 interview with Rolf can be found at tim.blog/rolf.Please enjoy! *This episode is brought to you by Eight Sleep! Eight Sleep’s Pod Cover is the easiest and fastest way to sleep at the perfect temperature. It pairs dynamic cooling and heating with biometric tracking to offer the most advanced (and user-friendly) solution on the market. Simply add the Pod Cover to your current mattress and start sleeping as cool as 55°F or as hot as 110°F. It also splits your bed in half, so your partner can choose a totally different temperature.And now, my dear listeners—that’s you—can get $250 off the Pod Cover. Simply go to EightSleep.com/Tim or use code TIM at checkout. *This episode is also brought to you by Vuori clothing! Vuori is a new and fresh perspective on performance apparel, perfect if you are sick and tired of traditional, old workout gear. Everything is designed for maximum comfort and versatility so that you look and feel as good in everyday life as you do working out.Get yourself some of the most comfortable and versatile clothing on the planet at VuoriClothing.com/Tim. Not only will you receive 20% off your first purchase, but you’ll also enjoy free shipping on any US orders over $75 and free returns.*This episode is also brought to you by Athletic Greens. I get asked all the time, “If you could use only one supplement, what would it be?” My answer is usually AG1 by Athletic Greens, my all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in The 4-Hour Body in 2010 and did not get paid to do so. I do my best with nutrient-dense meals, of course, but AG further covers my bases with vitamins, minerals, and whole-food-sourced micronutrients that support gut health and the immune system. Right now, Athletic Greens is offering you their Vitamin D Liquid Formula free with your first subscription purchase—a vital nutrient for a strong immune system and strong bones. Visit AthleticGreens.com/Tim to claim this special offer today and receive the free Vitamin D Liquid Formula (and five free travel packs) with your first subscription purchase! That’s up to a one-year supply of Vitamin D as added value when you try their delicious and comprehensive all-in-one daily greens product.*[08:16] Ideal travel partners, living or dead.[11:37] Breaking the ice among screen-glued strangers abroad.[15:41] Finding safe homestays while traveling (and why you should).[19:46] The Cal Fussman method of creating community on public transport.[21:50] Finding the focus to make your travels purposeful.[25:55] What Rolf learned by traveling with his senior parents.[27:44] How Rolf found the girl next door on the other side of the world.[32:53] Advice for anyone finding full-throated, open-hearted love elusive.[36:50] What Rolf means by “full-throated.”[37:20] Nothing makes you appreciate home like traveling the world.[40:32] The most meaningful task for the traveler.[45:45] Pilgrimage pointers.[48:57] Getting lost is good for you. So is taking a break from mobile tech.[52:43] Uncertainty as a gift of travel — and how to cultivate it by slowing down.[1:00:21] Books, movies, and experiences that help slow the perception of time.[1:04:27] “Novels are empathy machines.”[1:11:06] How travel can give us context for the choices we make at home.[1:20:10] Contemplating life’s next chapters.[1:26:36] What compelled Rolf to write The Vagabond’s Way: 366 Meditations on Wanderlust, Discovery, and the Art of Travel?[1:29:47] Billboards as the original attention economy device and parting thoughts.*For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsorsSign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissYouTube: youtube.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferrissPast guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, Margaret Atwood, Mark Zuckerberg, Peter Thiel, Dr. Gabor Maté, Anne Lamott, Sarah Silverman, Dr. Andrew Huberman, and many more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Chapters
8sleep offers the most advanced sleep solution in the market by pairing dynamic cooling and heating with biometric tracking, helping users reduce sleep interruptions by up to 40% and fall asleep up to 32% faster.
00:00 - 02:55 (02:55)
Summary
8sleep offers the most advanced sleep solution in the market by pairing dynamic cooling and heating with biometric tracking, helping users reduce sleep interruptions by up to 40% and fall asleep up to 32% faster.
Episode#624: Rolf Potts — The Vagabond’s Way, Tactics for Immersive Travel, Pilgrimages and Psychogeography, Empathy Machines, Full-Throated Love, The Slow Sense of Smell, Lessons from Thích Nhất Hạnh, Falling Upward, and More
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker highly recommends Vuori Clothing for a variety of sports as well as daily activities due to the quality and style of their products.
02:55 - 08:13 (05:18)
Summary
The speaker highly recommends Vuori Clothing for a variety of sports as well as daily activities due to the quality and style of their products. A discount offer of 20% off the first purchase and free shipping on orders over $75 is provided at the link given.
Episode#624: Rolf Potts — The Vagabond’s Way, Tactics for Immersive Travel, Pilgrimages and Psychogeography, Empathy Machines, Full-Throated Love, The Slow Sense of Smell, Lessons from Thích Nhất Hạnh, Falling Upward, and More
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The benefits of solo travel include meeting new people and obtaining on the ground intelligence that is priceless and much better than what you could find through mediated information.
08:13 - 15:19 (07:05)
Summary
The benefits of solo travel include meeting new people and obtaining on the ground intelligence that is priceless and much better than what you could find through mediated information.
Episode#624: Rolf Potts — The Vagabond’s Way, Tactics for Immersive Travel, Pilgrimages and Psychogeography, Empathy Machines, Full-Throated Love, The Slow Sense of Smell, Lessons from Thích Nhất Hạnh, Falling Upward, and More
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
In this episode, the importance of curiosity in finding community while traveling is discussed, touching upon things like homestays or pastry.
15:19 - 23:23 (08:04)
Summary
In this episode, the importance of curiosity in finding community while traveling is discussed, touching upon things like homestays or pastry. People take interest in those who travel to isolated parts of the country, due to the rarity of foreigners visiting, and this can create bonds and community.
Episode#624: Rolf Potts — The Vagabond’s Way, Tactics for Immersive Travel, Pilgrimages and Psychogeography, Empathy Machines, Full-Throated Love, The Slow Sense of Smell, Lessons from Thích Nhất Hạnh, Falling Upward, and More
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
A proud dirtbag traveler discusses how traveling without a traditional plan or schedule can lead to an interesting and flexible life, even in your 50s.
23:23 - 31:14 (07:50)
Summary
A proud dirtbag traveler discusses how traveling without a traditional plan or schedule can lead to an interesting and flexible life, even in your 50s.
Episode#624: Rolf Potts — The Vagabond’s Way, Tactics for Immersive Travel, Pilgrimages and Psychogeography, Empathy Machines, Full-Throated Love, The Slow Sense of Smell, Lessons from Thích Nhất Hạnh, Falling Upward, and More
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The host reflects on working through dealing with aloneness and realizing the importance of not being completely isolated from others, as being yoked to somebody else's life can yield happiness that independently being self-sufficient doesn't always bring.
31:14 - 39:48 (08:33)
Summary
The host reflects on working through dealing with aloneness and realizing the importance of not being completely isolated from others, as being yoked to somebody else's life can yield happiness that independently being self-sufficient doesn't always bring.
Episode#624: Rolf Potts — The Vagabond’s Way, Tactics for Immersive Travel, Pilgrimages and Psychogeography, Empathy Machines, Full-Throated Love, The Slow Sense of Smell, Lessons from Thích Nhất Hạnh, Falling Upward, and More
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The new technological advancements allow people to move away from cities and find peace in remote and peaceful places.
39:48 - 50:16 (10:28)
Summary
The new technological advancements allow people to move away from cities and find peace in remote and peaceful places. It also provides an opportunity for individuals to explore the diversity of cultures and love systems around the world.
Episode#624: Rolf Potts — The Vagabond’s Way, Tactics for Immersive Travel, Pilgrimages and Psychogeography, Empathy Machines, Full-Throated Love, The Slow Sense of Smell, Lessons from Thích Nhất Hạnh, Falling Upward, and More
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The uncertainty of travel can be seen as an opportunity to have unique experiences that may not have been planned, like getting lost and exploring local shops and markets.
50:16 - 59:41 (09:24)
Summary
The uncertainty of travel can be seen as an opportunity to have unique experiences that may not have been planned, like getting lost and exploring local shops and markets. Embracing the uncertainty can lead to more memorable experiences and connections with others.
Episode#624: Rolf Potts — The Vagabond’s Way, Tactics for Immersive Travel, Pilgrimages and Psychogeography, Empathy Machines, Full-Throated Love, The Slow Sense of Smell, Lessons from Thích Nhất Hạnh, Falling Upward, and More
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Author Rolf Potts and podcast host Tim Ferriss discuss various books, movies, and experiences that have impacted their perception and understanding of time, including the book "The Time Paradox" and the film "Before Sunrise."
59:41 - 1:06:31 (06:49)
Summary
Author Rolf Potts and podcast host Tim Ferriss discuss various books, movies, and experiences that have impacted their perception and understanding of time, including the book "The Time Paradox" and the film "Before Sunrise."
Episode#624: Rolf Potts — The Vagabond’s Way, Tactics for Immersive Travel, Pilgrimages and Psychogeography, Empathy Machines, Full-Throated Love, The Slow Sense of Smell, Lessons from Thích Nhất Hạnh, Falling Upward, and More
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The podcast discusses the power of storytelling for understanding love and empathy and how it can differ across cultures.
1:06:31 - 1:14:09 (07:38)
Summary
The podcast discusses the power of storytelling for understanding love and empathy and how it can differ across cultures. It highlights the value of reading novels while traveling to gain a deeper understanding of the countries being visited.
Episode#624: Rolf Potts — The Vagabond’s Way, Tactics for Immersive Travel, Pilgrimages and Psychogeography, Empathy Machines, Full-Throated Love, The Slow Sense of Smell, Lessons from Thích Nhất Hạnh, Falling Upward, and More
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The act of washing dishes can be a mindfulness exercise, a way to give thanks and celebrate life, rather than mindlessly thinking about the past or future.
1:14:09 - 1:23:52 (09:43)
Summary
The act of washing dishes can be a mindfulness exercise, a way to give thanks and celebrate life, rather than mindlessly thinking about the past or future. Being present in the moment can lead to new life choices that can translate back to home while traveling.
Episode#624: Rolf Potts — The Vagabond’s Way, Tactics for Immersive Travel, Pilgrimages and Psychogeography, Empathy Machines, Full-Throated Love, The Slow Sense of Smell, Lessons from Thích Nhất Hạnh, Falling Upward, and More
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Rolf Potts created a daily stoic-like travel version called The Vagabond's Way inspired by the book, The Light of the World Ryan Holiday's Daily Stoic, where you get a meditation, write a poem on a certain aspect of traveling, and a quote about it.
1:23:52 - 1:29:45 (05:53)
Summary
Rolf Potts created a daily stoic-like travel version called The Vagabond's Way inspired by the book, The Light of the World Ryan Holiday's Daily Stoic, where you get a meditation, write a poem on a certain aspect of traveling, and a quote about it. Meditation and traveling can be a way to gain insight and also connect with yourself and your travel partner.
Episode#624: Rolf Potts — The Vagabond’s Way, Tactics for Immersive Travel, Pilgrimages and Psychogeography, Empathy Machines, Full-Throated Love, The Slow Sense of Smell, Lessons from Thích Nhất Hạnh, Falling Upward, and More
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker discusses the origin of the attention economy and how the true value lies in time, not attention.
1:29:45 - 1:34:19 (04:33)
Summary
The speaker discusses the origin of the attention economy and how the true value lies in time, not attention. They mention the removal of billboards in the city of Sao Paulo for a period of time.
Episode#624: Rolf Potts — The Vagabond’s Way, Tactics for Immersive Travel, Pilgrimages and Psychogeography, Empathy Machines, Full-Throated Love, The Slow Sense of Smell, Lessons from Thích Nhất Hạnh, Falling Upward, and More
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The Eight Sleep tool reduces sleep interruptions by up to 40%, helps to fall asleep up to 32% faster and provides a more restful sleep.
1:34:19 - 1:39:54 (05:34)
Summary
The Eight Sleep tool reduces sleep interruptions by up to 40%, helps to fall asleep up to 32% faster and provides a more restful sleep. Also, the Viore clothing website is recommended for clothing that lasts with a discount of 20% on first purchase and free shipping on US orders over $75.