What does it take to visit 192 countries, work alongside democracy activists on the front lines of history, and build a career around adventure and purpose?
In this episode of the Agents of Innovation Podcast, host Francisco Gonzalez sits down with longtime friend Jess Yescalis, President of Yescalis Campaign Strategies, political strategist, fundraiser, and one of the most well-traveled people in the world.
Jess has spent decades helping raise hundreds of millions of dollars for free-market causes while advising political leaders and pro-democracy movements across the globe. Along the way, he's worked with dissidents in Myanmar, trained parliamentary candidates in Egypt after the Arab Spring, navigated some of the world's most dangerous places, and pursued a personal goal of doing something fun or meaningful in every country on Earth.
This conversation goes far beyond travel. It's about freedom, gratitude, leadership, courage, and the remarkable people Jess has met from every corner of the world.
In this episode, you'll learn:
* How Jess intentionally built a career that enables a life of global travel
* What it's like working with democracy activists risking their lives for freedom
* Stories from Egypt, Myanmar, Somalia, Central African Republic, and beyond
* The biggest misconceptions about visiting nearly every country in the world
* Why travel can change the way we see America—and ourselves
* Lessons about human nature after meeting people from virtually every culture
* Why most people, regardless of where they live, want the same basic things: freedom, opportunity, and hope
The final five countries remaining on Jess's quest—and why two may have to wait
Whether you're an entrepreneur, traveler, student of politics, or simply curious about the world, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on living with purpose, embracing adventure, and appreciating the freedoms many of us take for granted.
You can also watch this conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RdEpXCxXuzs
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00:00 Introduction
01:40 Visiting 192 Countries
03:10 Building an Intentional Life
04:50 Where the Travel Bug Began
06:40 When Travel Met the Fight for Freedom
08:10 Working with Dissidents in Myanmar
12:35 From Campaigns to Democracy Work
15:05 Raising Hundreds of Millions of Dollars
20:15 Structuring a Life Around Travel
22:45 How Travel Changed Over Time
24:15 Chasing the World's Greatest Sporting Events
26:50 The Final Five Countries
30:05 Traveling in Dangerous Places
34:50 Egypt and the Arab Spring
40:10 Lessons from Central African Republic
44:20 The Scariest Travel Experience
47:00 Lifelong Friendships Around the World
50:30 What 192 Countries Taught Him
54:45 A Greater Appreciation for America
1:00:45 Traveling with Children
1:04:40 The Countries Still Left
1:05:40 What Happens After Country #197?
1:08:40 Advice for Aspiring Travelers
1:11:30 Jess's Annual Travel Calendar
1:13:45 Where to Connect with Jess
1:15:00 Closing Thoughts
