WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & Life

Sym Blanchard is a 70-year-old thru-hiker who completed America's Triple Crown hike in 2023! He's section-hiked all the sections of the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail!

Sorry that the audio quality is mediocre. Future episodes are better!

00:00 Finishing the Triple Crown

01:30 Israeli Trail

04:20 When age slows your hiking down

11:20 Rating trails

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRTp-5znY5I

Previous episodes featuring Sym

Listen to my first interview with Sym.

 

Connect with Sym Blanchard on Facebook and Instagram. 

 

More info

To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon

You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.

If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! 

On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:

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• Twitter


• YouTube


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My Patrons sponsored this show!

Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon

Rewards start at just $2/month!

Affiliate links

Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!

In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. 

Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!

For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.

Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Terry Repak has written an expat memoir, Circling Home: What I Learned by Living Elsewhere.

Candid, thoughtful, and instructive, Circling Home explores the notion of “home” and how our bonds with people from other countries and cultures can profoundly change us.

When Terry Repak and her husband moved to West Africa with two small children at the height of the AIDS epidemic in the 1990s, she seized the opportunity to connect with people of other cultures and bear witness to the ravages of the disease. Circling Home chronicles the adventures and challenges of raising children to be global citizens and trying to find a home in countries as diverse as Cote d'Ivoire, Tanzania, and Switzerland. Her memoir spotlights the complexity, struggles, and profound lessons at the heart of the expat journey.

I ask her:

1. Which countries have you lived in?


2. What were the hardest lessons to learn?


3. What are the pros and cons of raising kids abroad?


4. What tips do you have for living overseas?


5. What surprised you about Africa?


6. Any regrets?


7. Who should we read your book?

 

Watch the YouTube Video

 

Podcast

 

 

HIV/AIDS Transmission

At the 4:45 mark of the show, I said, "You could have sex hundreds of times with an HIV-positive person and not get HIV."

That sounds like misinformation. Few know this dirty little secret. However, Perplexity.ai (a ChatGPT variant) and Terry's husband (who specializes in HIV) agreed with me.

Perplexity generated:

The odds of HIV transmission can vary depending on the type of sexual activity and other factors. Here are some estimates of the risk of HIV transmission per exposure:

1. **Vaginal Sex**:
   - Female-to-male transmission: Approximately 0.04% (1 in 2380) [6].
   - Male-to-female transmission: Approximately 0.08% (1 in 1234) [6].

2. **Anal Sex**:
   - Receptive anal sex (receiving partner): Approximately 0.82% (1 in 122) [1].
   - Insertive anal sex (inserting partner): Approximately 0.06% (1 in 1666) [1].

3. **Oral Sex**:
   - Receptive oral sex (receiving partner): Very low risk, but not zero[3].
   - Insertive oral sex (inserting partner): Very low risk, but not zero[3].

It is important to note that these estimates are based on averages and can vary depending on individual factors such as viral load, presence of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and use of preventive measures like condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) [6]. Additionally, the risk of transmission can be higher during acute HIV infection or if there are open sores or bleeding gums[2].

It is always recommended to practice safe sex by using condoms consistently and correctly, getting tested regularly for HIV and other STIs, and discussing HIV prevention options with a healthcare provider[6].

Citations:
[1] https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/preventing-hiv/odds-hiv-transmission-rank/
[2] https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/sexual-and-reproductive-health/hiv-aids/causes/risk-of-exposure.html
[3] https://www.ihv.org/news/2022-News/TheBody-What-Are-the-Chances-of-Getting-HIV-from-One-Exposure.html
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1881672/
[5] https://www.insti.com/chances-of-getting-hiv/
[6] https://www.aidsmap.com/about-hiv/estimated-hiv-risk-exposure

More info

To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon

You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.

If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! 

On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:

• Facebook


• Twitter


• YouTube


• Instagram


• Tiktok


• LinkedIn


• Pinterest


• Tumblr

My Patrons sponsored this show!

Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon

Rewards start at just $2/month!

Affiliate links

Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!

In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. 

Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!

For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.

Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Two of my business school classmates, Brad Graff & Sam Sliman, have a spreadsheet listing the top 40 Global Hikes. On that list is South Africa's 205-km Drakensberg Traverse.

Since Sym Blanchard & I hiked the Grand Traverse, Brad & Sam wanted to pick my brain on the experience.

Timeline

00:00 Brad & Sam's hiking experience

03:30 Drakensberg Traverse Safety

10:00 When to go

10:40 Trail GPS GPX Tracks

15:00 Section hiking & logistics

If you've hiked the Drakensberg Traverse in the 2020s, comment below!

Watch Video on YouTube

 

More info

To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon

You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.

If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! 

On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:

• Facebook


• Twitter


• YouTube


• Instagram


• Tiktok


• LinkedIn


• Pinterest


• Tumblr

My Patrons sponsored this show!

Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon

Rewards start at just $2/month!

Affiliate links

Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!

In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. 

Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!

For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.

 

 

 

Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Eric Gilbertson is attempting to climb every country's high point. He's two-thirds done.

Each high point has either a technical/physical challenge (e.g., K2 & Everest) and/or a bureaucratic challenge.

In this episode, Eric discusses three country high points that mainly have a bureaucracy that is stopping him, not the lack of oxygen.

I've climbed Chad's and Libya's high points, so I know what he's talking about. 

Listen to discover why I could do it but why Eric has been blocked. 

Let me know if you want to join us on a future hike up these two mountains.

He also talks about Bhutan's sacred summit.

His clone (Matthew Gilbertson) is joining him for most of the mountains. You can follow these twins on Instagram.

Subscribe to my WanderLearn podcast & YouTube channel to get the latest episodes.

More info

To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon

You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.

If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! 

On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:

• Facebook


• Twitter


• YouTube


• Instagram


• Tiktok


• LinkedIn


• Pinterest


• Tumblr

My Patrons sponsored this show!

Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon

Rewards start at just $2/month!

Affiliate links

Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!

In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. 

Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!

For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.

Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Eric Gilbertson is attempting to climb every country's high point. He's two-thirds done.

His clone (Matthew Gilbertson) is joining him for most of the mountains. You can follow these twins on Instagram.

Eric uses the United Nations' definition of a country. There are 193 countries. He tosses in Antarctica to make 194.

Watch on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp5XY2UEn6s

Subscribe to my WanderLearn podcast & YouTube channel to get the latest episodes.

Eric's Everest documentation

Eric's K2 summit documentation

Eric's Kangchenjunga Summit story

 

More info

To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon

You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.

If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! 

On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:

• Facebook


• Twitter


• YouTube


• Instagram


• Tiktok


• LinkedIn


• Pinterest


• Tumblr

My Patrons sponsored this show!

Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon

Rewards start at just $2/month!

Affiliate links

Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!

In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. 

Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!

For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.

Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Tim Dasey authored the 2023 book Wisdom Factories: AI, Games, and the Making of a Modern Worker.

Our discussion focuses on how AI will impact everything!

This episode's cover art is from Ray Kurzweil's Singularity book. It illustrates how computers are doing things that we thought only humans would ever do.

Timeline

00:00 Can AI Be Wise?

01:30 Does Consciousness Matter?

03:00 Can AI Be Wiser Than Humans?

06:00 AI Assistants

09:00 Net Good or Bad?

13:00 Will we need to memorize facts?

20:20 AI in Schools

We discuss the Khan Academy's Khamingo AI Tutor.

Watch the YouTube Video
Book cover:

My favorite section of the book was when he wrote about the Quest to Learn (Q2L) school, which serves grades 6-12. It is designed around games. It emphasizes 7 principles:

1. Everyone is a participant.
2. Challenge is constant.
3. Learning happens by doing.
4. Feedback is immediate and ongoing.
5. Failure is reframed as "iteration."
6. Everything is interconnected.
7. It kind of feels like play,

This may be the future of instruction.

More info

To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon

You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.

If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! 

On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:

• Facebook


• Twitter


• YouTube


• Instagram


• Tiktok


• LinkedIn


• Pinterest


• Tumblr

My Patrons sponsored this show!

Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon

Rewards start at just $2/month!

Affiliate links

Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!

In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. 

Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!

For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.

Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

This is Part 4 of 4 episodes featuring Fabrizio Beverina, an Italian adventurer, scientist, and future ayahuasca shaman.

He shares how ayahuasca can transform your life & give you insights.

Moreover, he explains why you should go to a South American jungle to experience ayahuasca. 

Watch the Video on YouTube!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFrg7Gu75cw

Connect with Fabrizio

Fabrizio is on Facebook.

Visit his Paojilhuasca Medicine Center or their Facebook page.

More info

To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon

You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.

If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! 

On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:

• Facebook


• Twitter


• YouTube


• Instagram


• Tiktok


• LinkedIn


• Pinterest


• Tumblr

My Patrons sponsored this show!

Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon

Rewards start at just $2/month!

Affiliate links

Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!

In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. 

Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!

For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.

Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

This is Part 3 of 4 episodes featuring Fabrizio Beverina, an Italian adventurer, scientist, and future ayahuasca shaman. He shares how he illegally sneaked into Tibet 3 times.

Watch the Video Interview!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnosQ72-YIc

 

Connect with Fabrizio

Fabrizio is on Facebook.

Visit his Paojilhuasca Medicine Center or their Facebook page.

More info

To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon

You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.

If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! 

On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:

• Facebook


• Twitter


• YouTube


• Instagram


• Tiktok


• LinkedIn


• Pinterest


• Tumblr

My Patrons sponsored this show!

Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon

Rewards start at just $2/month!

Affiliate links

Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!

In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. 

Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!

For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.

Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

Episode #2: Is the Trans-Siberian Train Boring?

This is Part 2 of 4 episodes featuring Fabrizio Beverina, an Italian adventurer, scientist, and future ayahuasca shaman.

He discusses the pros and cons of taking a train across Siberia.

Timeline

00:00 Trans-Siberian Train

03:00 Tattooing in Africa

05:05 Souvenirs

Learn more about Africa's tattoo history.

Watch the Video on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWUOxCb-3bA

Connect with Fabrizio

Fabrizio is on Facebook.

Visit his Paojilhuasca Medicine Center or their Facebook page.

More info

To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon

You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.

If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! 

On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:

• Facebook


• Twitter


• YouTube


• Instagram


• Tiktok


• LinkedIn


• Pinterest


• Tumblr

My Patrons sponsored this show!

Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon

Rewards start at just $2/month!

Affiliate links

Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!

In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. 

Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!

For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.

Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

This is Part 1 of 4 episodes featuring Fabrizio Beverina, an Italian adventurer, scientist, and future ayahuasca shaman.

Fabrizio reminds me of Francois Xavier Paradis-Garneau, who I interviewed last year & will interview again. Both are world travelers who aren't pursuing the narcissistic goal of visiting all the world's countries (I'm guilty of this) but are drawn to areas that are extremely foreign to their upbringing. It's quality vs. quantity—profound travel experiences rather than checking off lists.

I met Fabrizio in Niger, where we stayed with the generous and hospitable Malah Abdou. The Sahara destroyed our trucks. We waited for an incompetent Portuguese mechanic to waste our time and money.

Enjoy this 4-part series & share it! 

Watch Video on YouTube
Part 1: Ideal motorcycle for world travel

Fabrizio Beverina has traveled worldwide extensively on motorcycles. He shares his wise advice toward the podcast's end. Before that, you'll get a quick overview of his many (mis)adventures & why he's not a hippie even though he looks like one.

Timeline

00:00 Truck troubles

01:00 Fabrizio's CV

04:40 Why he dislikes hippies 

06:30 Motorcycle advice

 
Connect

Connect with Fabrizio on Facebook.

Visit his Paojilhuasca Medicine Center or their Facebook page.

https://paojilhuasca.wordpress.com 

More info

To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon

You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.

If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! 

On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:

• Facebook


• Twitter


• YouTube


• Instagram


• Tiktok


• LinkedIn


• Pinterest


• Tumblr

My Patrons sponsored this show!

Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon

Rewards start at just $2/month!

Affiliate links

Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!

In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. 

Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!

For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.

Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe