You may recognize Andrew Mortensen from a previous episode when he cycled from Neah Bay, Washington in the United States down to Patagonia during COVID back in 2020. Here we are 4 years later in 2024, and he's done it again. This time adding 25 more countries to his repertoire from Spain to Singapore, bringing his grand total to over 27,000 cycling miles across 37 countries - officially circumnavigating the world. What makes his story different than others who have accomplished similar feats? He is the first openly gay man to do so.

I have been friends with Andrew since high school and I am very proud of the journey he has undertaken - both literally around the world on a bicycle as well as his journey as a gay man. His curiosity to better understand the people and cultures around the world epitomizes the adventurous spirit that we all should embrace - regardless of identity.

GUEST LINKS

- Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/andrew-mortensen-biking-across-the-world-for-trevor/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrew_mort/

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.mortensen.16

- 1st Adventures Less Traveled Podcast with Andrew (Ep. 12): https://youtu.be/tOEgnJeHvNA

PODCAST INFO

- Podcast Website: https://adventures-less-traveled.com

- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3LpB7vI

- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventures-less-traveled/id1681357393

OUTLINE

(00:00) Introduction

(02:30) Demystifying Andrew's adventure

(07:45) The Trevor Project

(09:45) LGBTQ acceptance around the world - Expectations vs Reality

(14:20) Traversing the Middle East

(17:35) 1st trip (North to South America) vs 2nd trip (Europe, Middle East, Asia)

(18:55) What connects us?

(21:10) Why does it (being gay) matter?

(26:30) Logistics

(29:20) Biggest misconception

(32:15) World record standards

(35:30) EFI (Every F***in Inch)

(38:00) Reflections

(40:25) Overview Effect

(43:30) Advice for future adventurers

(45:20) Changing your perspective

(47:10) Defining adventure

PODCAST SOCIAL

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/adventures.less.traveled

- Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_ALT_podcast

- Facebook: https://facebook.com/AdventuresLessTraveled