Counting Countries

Key Links     I have spoken to so many travel legends on Counting Countries, but this interview marks my first time speaking with a person, who gained their fame outside of the travel world.  Joss Stone is a multi-platinum artist who has won a Grammy.  But of course on this podcast, we focussed on her travel accomplishments.  Joss created the audacious project, Total World Tour, which entailed Joss performing in every country around the world.     I only learned about Joss at the beginning of 2019 when Thor Pedersen, former guest, shared with me that he saw Joss perform in North Korea.  With help from Thor and Simon Cockerell from Koryo Tours, I got Joss’s email.  What proceeded next was a 13 month email drip campaign.  Joss was interested in being on Counting Countries but it was difficult to schedule.  I increased my efforts with self-sheltering during Covid assuming Joss might have more free time.  And my efforts were rewarded with an interview in early May.   I was quite hesitant to share with Joss that many of my interviews lasted over two hours.  Prior to the interview, Joss agreed to 45 minutes.  Thankfully, she extended this time several times during our conversation.  While our talk neared two hours, I still had dozens of questions left.  I will keep my fingers crossed for a future interview someday.   I would like to remind you that Counting Countries is supported by Untamed Borders.  Untamed Borders specializes in challenging locations like Afghanistan, Somalia, and Yemen.  Please consider Untamed Borders when the safety of travel improves.  James, a co-founder, speaks to me about my travels to Afghanistan with Untamed Borders.    Also, I would like to introduce Counting Countries Mini.  I am hosting live interviews with  Country Counters on my Instagram account, GlobalGaz.     Support your content creators during this time of self-sheltering. Support Counting Countries on patreon.com.  And thanks to my other patrons, Steph Rowe, Ted Nims, Bisa Myles, Ryan Gazder, Stephen Rothwell, and Adam Hickman.  Patrons get to hear additional content, only available to them.   I encourage you to subscribe wherever you listen, Apple Podcast, Google Play, or Spotify and write a review, even better when it is 5 stars.     Joss and I met up online, with Joss in New Jersey while I was in the Bangkok studio of Counting Countries. Please listen in and enjoy.      Thank you to my Patrons …. Stephen Rothwell, Steph Rowe, Adam Hickman, Bisa Myles, Ted Nims & Ryan Gazder.    You can purchase them today on Amazon.      And now you can listen to ! And Alexa!   And write a review! Check out our friend: .  They organize international rallies around the world including: Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines and the Amazon.  And watch my full length when I traveled with Large Minority.      About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who’ve spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcast is Demeter’s Dance, written, performed, and provided by .  About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: , , and .  He is the producer of two travel documentaries: and .   Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has and keep up with his journey at More About Joss: Born in: United Kingdom Passports: UK Instagram: YouTube: Website:   Well… that depends on who you ask!  The United Nations states that there are . The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are . The Traveler’s Century Club states that there are . The Most Traveled Person states that there are . The Nomad Mania SISO says there are .   Me? My goal is the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, but I am sure I will visit some other places along the way. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda. Or book a trip through G Adventures.  PS  Thanks!      ----- Produced by