In this episode, Doug Beitz interviews Evan Hadfield, a travel documentarian and YouTuber known for his unique perspective on the world. The conversation traverses Evan's experiences, philosophies, and the intricate process of creating compelling travel content.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Travel and Filming Adventures:

   • Evan shares his experiences traveling to diverse and sometimes dangerous locations, including Lebanon and Somalia.
   • The challenges of filming in volatile regions and the unexpected situations he encounters, such as being mistaken for a spy in Lebanon or bribing officials in Somalia.

2. Philosophy and Worldview:

   • Evan discusses his belief that the world has remained fundamentally the same over time, with human experiences being shaped by personal perspective.
   • The importance of gaining personal experience, making mistakes, and learning from them, especially in one's youth.

3. The Making of "Rare Earth":

   • The origins of his YouTube channel "Rare Earth," initially inspired by his father's astronaut experiences and later evolving to focus on rare and unique locations on Earth.
   • The decision to maintain creative control over his content, even when offered opportunities by larger networks.

4. Cultural Insights and Human Connections:

   • Observations about human behavior and kindness across different cultures, using examples from his travels to places like Harar, Ethiopia, and Sidon, Lebanon.
   • The genuine hospitality and friendliness he encountered in various parts of the world, despite the challenges and hardships faced by locals.

5. Intuition and Personal Growth:

   • Reflecting on his younger self, Evan emphasizes the importance of embracing failures and experiences to build intuition and personal growth.
   • The transformative power of stepping out of one's comfort zone and immersing oneself in different cultures and environments.
   • He discusses how intuition, built through diverse experiences, guides his decision-making and creative processes.

Memorable Quotes:

• Evan on Experience: "I think a lot of advice is just to gain experience. I don't care what experience. I don't care which direction. I don't care if it works out for you. I don't care. Just gain it."
• Evan on Filming Challenges: "In Somalia, we bribed police with drugs. It was so normal because that's what you needed to do in this place that I didn't even think about it until years later."
• Evan on Intuition: "Intuition is built through experiences. The more floors you lick, the more you understand the world around you."

Connect with Evan:

• YouTube Channel: Rare Earth
• Twitter twitter.com/Evan_Hadfield
• IG instagram.com/rareinsta

Closing Thoughts:

Evan’s journey and insights provide a thought-provoking look at the world through the lens of a passionate traveler and filmmaker. His emphasis on personal experience, intuition, adaptability, and understanding human nature resonates deeply, offering valuable lessons for anyone seeking to explore the world and themselves.

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