In this episode, we are joined by Oscar Scafidi, a Guinness World Record–holding adventurer, author, and expert on some of the most remote regions of Africa. Oscar recently released his new book, Kayak the Mangoky, which chronicles his expedition to paddle the length of Madagascar’s longest river.

Oscar shares how a “random” decision to take a teaching job in Sudan changed the entire direction of his life, sparking a 20-year journey living, working, and traveling across 35 African countries. He opens up about misconceptions that keep travelers away from places like Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Madagascar — and why those stereotypes are outdated and unfair.

Oscar also tells the full story behind the Mangoky expedition: navigating bureaucratic obstacles, trekking through remote mountain ranges, facing immense portages due to rapids and croc-filled canyons, and hiking for nine days without water resupply. With satellite maps from the 1980s, confusing tributaries, and no agreed-upon “official” river source, finding where to start the expedition was an adventure in itself.

Through this intense journey, Oscar reflects on resilience, teamwork, risk, and why community support — not macho heroics — is what makes expeditions succeed. The episode also highlights Oscar’s charity work supporting Malagasy children in rural education.

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