Recent content in Who is Francis Tapon? on Francis Tapon
Profits, Prophets, Coaches, and Kings by Jared Diamond ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) 
 I’ve read most of Jared Diamond’s books, which means I’ve also spent most of my adult life arguing with Jared Diamond in my head. In Guns, Germs, and Steel , Jared leans on geography as the grand unified theory of human history a bit too hard, like a man who found one really good hammer and now sees nothing…
The Geography of Desire is a quietly delicious memoir that transports you to a tiny Gambian village circa 1979–1981 with the vividness of mango-scented heat and the awkward charm of a Peace Corps volunteer trying to keep a garden alive and her heart intact. 
 
 
 
 
 
 What I liked 
 
 The writing is descriptive and novel-like, so you can feel the red…
I met Nenad Stojanovic in 2008 when he hosted me on Couchsurfing.com. He’s been traveling ever since! 
 This is a 5-part series featuring Nenad, one of the world’s most fascinating travelers. This is part 1! 
 (1) Who is and where is Nenad? 
 
 Timeline 
 00:00 Who is Nenad Stojanovic? 
 04:25 North American journey 
 05:25 Remarkable borders 
 08:20 China 
 (2)…
Jason Martens begins his book, Beyond Biology: How Culture Created You , by defining culture “as information and practices copied person to person among a group of people.”
So far, so good. 
 
 
 
However, he quickly loses me when he writes:
 “You can’t actually tell someone’s race from their DNA, which you might expect if race was biologically…
This is an advertorial. 
 
 
 
 Upping sticks and relocating to a different part of the world for a year of international living can broaden the mind and bolster your career prospects. Unfortunately, there’s a host of paperwork you need to facilitate this, especially if you’re a Brit looking to move to Eastern Europe in this post-Brexit reality.
New Space Capitalism is the kind of book that makes you want to invest in rockets. Rainer Zitelmann turns space economics into big ideas, sharp arguments, and just enough boldness to make NASA sweat a little. 
 What I loved most is how the book makes the future feel practical, not just shiny. It argues that space won’t be built by wishful thinking and inspirational posters of galaxies,…
Verdict: 9 out of 10 stars. 
 
 
 No-spoiler summary 
 Award-winning historian Eric Jay Dolin (author of Black Flags, Blue Waters ) reconstructed this tale as: 
 
 A powerful story of survival in the Age of Sail 
 A revealing window into the maritime life of the early-to-mid 19th century 
 A story showing how maritime ambition collided with local sovereignty 
…
I’ve read 6 of Paul’s books because I enjoy travel writing. The only one I enjoyed was Dark Star Safari . 
 He is cranky in most of his books, lamenting how things have gotten worse in so many ways.
In an interview, he said he was surprised that critics made the same observation as I just did. 
 
 What qualities should an excellent travel writer have? 
 Having…
In our youth-obsessed culture, it’s more helpful than ever to ingest the wisdom of our elders. In the three attached videos, I interview a lovely couple in their early 70s: Sym Blanchard & Joan Chan. 
 Here’s what each video is about: 
 
 Loving a Nomad in Your 70s 
 Grounding/Earthing 
 Parenting 
 
 Joan Chan & Sym Blanchard discuss how they met and the…
Dr. Sten Odenwald discusses The Essential Book of Black Holes . See my review of the new book below. 
 But first, watch this video in which I interview Dr. Odenwald about his book! 
 
 Timeline 
 00:00 Intro 
 2:15 Math & Black Holes 
 5:00 Holographic universe 
 5:50 Hypernova 
 9:05 White holes 
 14:45 Is our universe in a black hole? 
 17:50 Gravity is…

 
 The term “Global South” is doing a lot of heavy lifting for a geographically illiterate phrase. Australia is in the Global South. So is New Zealand. Both are fabulously wealthy, stable democracies with excellent dental care. 
 Meanwhile, Afghanistan is in the Global North. 
 The “Global South” term was invented by diplomats who needed something that sounded neutral but meant…

 
 
 It’s remarkable & sad how so many people blindly hate the Musk family. For example, Netgalley allows anyone to vote on a book’s cover. Maye Musk’s Timeless book got 8 thumbs up and 44 thumbs down. I doubt it’s because they dislike the font or layout selection. They hate Maye’s son, Elon, so they conclude that his mom must be the devil, too.

 Rapido Trimarans Founder Paul Koch reveals the truth about their fast trimarans. There are many myths and misunderstandings that Paul seeks to shatter. Listen to this 30-minute interview with one of sailing’s greatest innovators, shot in Vietnam. 
 
 Trimarans are boats with three hulls, whereas catamarans have two hulls, and monohulls have one hull. 
 I have a long-term…
Sometimes a brief meeting with one human can change your life. Lauren Speeth, President of Elfenworks Productions , met US President Jimmy Carter decades ago. 
 Watch! 
 
 Lauren Speeth, PhD, combines a lifelong background in Silicon Valley technology with a commitment to educational, pro‑social storytelling. A classically trained violinist and longtime member emeritus of The Peninsula…
Hal Medrano makes informative videos about Vietnam. He’s an American of Cuban descent who is married to a Vietnamese lady. They have a son who grew up for a few years in Pittsburgh, PA, but they’ve all relocated to Vietnam. 
 Watch my interview with him, divided into three parts. 
 Hal gets credit for the B-roll in the video! 
 Subscribe to Hal’s outstanding YouTube…

 Marriage is arguably the biggest adventure you will ever embark upon. It involves stepping into the unknown, relying on a partner, and building a narrative together that is uniquely yours. It seems only fitting, then, that the traditional post-wedding getaway should mirror this sentiment. 
 While the allure of a tropical beach resort is undeniable—cocktails, cabanas, and turquoise…

 Corporations are often seen as evil, selfish entities. We overlook that they allow billions of parents to feed, educate, and heal their kids. Jobs also generate taxes that allow governments to build roads, hospitals, and schools. Taxes fund welfare and protect national parks. 
 None of this would be possible (or at least easy) without corporations. 
 Don’t believe me? Consider…
Guest Article By Dylan Welsh 
 Diversity is a strength of humanity, and there’s joy to be found in discovering new cultures. Yet despite the many amazing differences that shape how we live and express ourselves from place to place, some fundamental concepts seem innate. 
 Our understanding of engagement with risk and reward is a great example. Wherever you go, cultures consistently…
Warning: this show has spoilers! 
 Watch the video of this podcast: 
 
 TIMELINE 
 00:00 Spoiler 
 01:00 Three positive features 
 02:00 Fatal Flaw 1 
 03:30 Fatal Flaw 2 
 05:10 Sleep schedules 
 06:00 And then there were 2 
 08:00 Confirmation bias 
 10:20 Hal Finney is NOT half of Satoshi 
 18:00 Widows 
 19:33 Benjamin Wallace’s 5…
On June 30, 2026, Neeraj Kaushal’s book, When Africa Comes to America: How the Next Wave of Immigrants Will Transform the United States , will become available. Below is my review of the advanced copy the publisher sent me. 
 
 “This book is a study of voluntary immigration and not refugee movements.” (Loc 70) 
 Excerpts & Highlights 
 
 In 1776, over 20% of…
See the video: 
 
 Last week, John Carreyrou and Dylan Freedman of The New York Times reported that Satoshi Nakamoto is Adam Back. 
 Read the full New York Times article (and to bypass the NYT paywall legally): 
 Or if you have a NYT subscription, read the original . 
 Last year, I interviewed Benjamin Wallace about his remarkable book, “ The Mysterious Mr. Nakamoto…

 We rarely change our values. One reason we resist changing our values is that we might feel that if we change our values, we’re admitting that we’ve been wrong all along. And most people loathe admitting they’re wrong. 
 That’s why few people change their religion or political affiliation. 
 Even if deep down inside we know we’re wrong, we’d rather…

 In this two-part interview, Canadian Dan Rubinstein discusses the logistics and surprises of his stand-up paddleboard (SUP) journey! 
 Buy Dan’s book, Water Borne . 
 Dan Rubinstein undertakes a 1,200‑mile solo stand‑up paddleboarding journey from Ottawa through Montreal, New York City, Toronto, and back, traveling rivers, lakes, and canals over ten weeks. 
 Along the way, he…

 Clem Chambers has been a Forbes contributor for 20 years. His predictions have often been surprisingly accurate, so it’s worth listening to what his crystal ball has to say about 2026. 
 Video 1 
 
 Video 2 
 In Part 1 , Forbes Contributor Clem Chambers predicted that Bitcoin & crypto will continue being a bear market throughout 2026. 
 In Part 2, Chambers predicts…

 True story:
I bumped into Reinhold Messner at the base of Mount Sabyinyo in Rwanda on December 31, 2016.
Because I had read several of his books, I instantly recognized him with his signature disheveled hair and gray beard.
Still, I politely asked, “Excuse me. Are you Reinhold Messner?” 
 He looked at me, grumbled an unclear non-answer, and turned away to join his…

 Belgium is one of the most exciting places to travel, and we’re not just taking “one kind” of traveler into account here. Belgium has plenty to offer visitors across the board: those interested in cultural exploration will be relentlessly wooed by the fusion of Dutch, French, and German cultures. If you’re a first-timer heading to Belgium to explore its highlights but still keep the trip…

 A tour company called Secret Experiences invited me to join two of their experiences in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. 
 On this page, I will: 
 
 Describe what to expect from each of the two experiences 
 Share videos I made about the experience 
 Reveal my verdict on the two secret experiences 
 
 Secret Saigon Cocktail Experience 
 Their signature…

 Advertorial 
 Are you planning a trip and choosing interesting routes? Are you tired of visiting the same countries more than once? This review will explain why Africa is considered today’s most tempting and exciting idea. 
 The Rise of Family Travel to Africa 
 According to the latest trends noted by travelers and travel agencies, so-called family adventure travel has…

 Advertorial by Invideo AI 
 Summer is the perfect time to explore the United States, with its wide variety of destinations that cater to every kind of traveler. From bustling cities filled with cultural attractions to serene national parks and stunning beaches, the country offers endless opportunities to enjoy the warm weather. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a mix…

 Replaceable You by Mary Roach is science writing with a mischievous grin. This book dives headfirst (and sometimes with prosthetic limbs) into humanity’s never-ending quest to patch, upgrade, and outright swap out our squishiest parts. 
 I’ve read all of Roach’s books. Roach, as always, brings her snort-laugh wit to the party, dragging us through a parade of oddballs,…

 Benjamin Wallace’s new book is The Mysterious Mr. Nakamoto: A Fifteen-Year Quest to Unmask the Secret Genius Behind Crypto . 
 It’s the greatest whodunit. Whoever created Bitcoin became the world’s richest person, yet we don’t know who he is. In fact, we don’t even know if it’s one person. 
 There have been other cases where identities have been…

 Hrish Lotlikar of the Superworld app interviewed me in 2025. You might enjoy it. Here’s what he wrote: 
 What if you could leave behind the corporate grind and explore the world—without a trust fund? That’s precisely what Francis Tapon did. After earning an MBA from Harvard and working in Silicon Valley, he walked away from it all to spend five years traveling through every country…

 I made several gloomy predictions for 2025 that did not occur. 
 So, now, like a lousy gambler, I am doubling down on those gloomy predictions and reiterating some of them for 2026! 
 A broken clock is correct twice a day! I will be a glorious Nostradamus in 2026! 
 
 1. Global recession strikes. 
 I incorrectly predicted that we’d have a recession in 2025, so how…

 Dr. Jonny Hanson’s 2025 book, Living with Lynx: Sharing Landscapes with Big Cats, Wolves and Bears , is a nuanced analysis of the complex topic of rewilding. 
 In this two-part interview , we discuss the pros and cons of reintroducing apex predators in areas where they have gone extinct. 
 Can we co-exist with this megafauna? 
 If we live with lynx, what will happen? 
…

 This is an advertorial. 
 Travelling isn’t just about ticking landmarks off a list. Sometimes it’s about stepping into places where history still whispers from the walls, and few venues carry as much colourful drama as the world’s great casinos. Whether it’s sipping champagne under chandeliers in Monaco or playing a few hands in a Wild West town, these destinations blend gaming,…

 After reviewing the Keystone 3 Pro , I wanted to inspect the Keystone Tablet Plus , a steel slab similar to the Coinkite Seed Plate and the Scaletron Crypto Seed Capsule , both of which I’ve reviewed. 
 Watch the video below for my review, but also read the text below, as it includes one additional PRO and one additional CON that I did not mention in the video. 
 Video 
…

 Five years ago, I predicted Plan B’s Bitcoin stock-to-flow model (S2F) would fail in this decade because it had 8 flaws . 
 During Bitcoin’s spectacular 2022 crash, many analysts declared the S2F models dead. 
 I surprised everyone when I (one of Plan B’s most prominent critics) said, “ It’s not dead yet. ” 
 The reason Plan B’s…
In 2025, I catch up with one of the most remarkable 72-year-olds you’ll ever meet, Sym Blanchard! 
 This page features five episodes starring Sym. 
 Listen to all the episodes featuring Sym Blanchard since 2018! 
 
 A 66-year-old Adventurer Shows How To Live A Meaningful Life in 2018 (one of the top 5 most popular WanderLearn episodes!) 
 Traveling To Find One’s…

 This is a guest article by Lauren Speeth, PhD: 
 Have you ever been given a gift so precious and so vast you knew you just had to share it? This is the very motivation underlying my new book, Taking the Stairs and Liking It: Seven Steps to an Amazing Life. 
 It all traces back to a moment in time when I was unsettled – such a common feeling in today’s unsettling times – and I had the…

 Dreaming of casting a line in crystal-clear waters surrounded by breathtaking scenery? Belize is a brilliant choice for anyone who enjoys fishing, and it’s easy to see why. 
 You can choose from peaceful rivers, lush lagoons, or bold adventures out on the Caribbean Sea. Each spot in Belize offers its own unique set of challenges and the promise of an exciting story to share when you…

 This page features 3 excerpts from my interview with the idiosyncratic Derek Sivers . 
 Derek has accomplished numerous impressive feats. He founded CD Baby. In 2008, he sold CD Baby for $22 million and donated the proceeds to a charitable trust dedicated to music education. After selling the company, he transitioned into writing and speaking. 
 Derek’s books are short, dense,…

 Advertorial 
 I know that everyone talks about the Camino de Santiago as a spiritual experience that is transformative and life-changing, and that’s true but what most people forget to tells you about is that there are also real challenges: the amount of blisters you get, how hard is to sleep on albergues with strangers, or that moment when you swear your backpack weighs more than your…

 Simon & Schuster provided me with an advanced copy of the superb book After the Spike: Population, Progress, and the Case for People , scheduled for release on July 8, 2025. 
 The University of Texas authors, Dean Spears and Michael Geruso, have written a mind-blowing book! It’s my second favorite book of 2025! My favorite 2025 book is They’re Not Gaslighting You . 
…

 Egyptian hieroglyphics confounded Egyptologists for centuries until the discovery of the Rosetta Stone. 
 The Voynich Manuscript is another old text that has perplexed experts since its discovery about 500 years ago. 
 Dr. Robert H. Edwards specializes in investigating the biggest mysteries of the 20th century. I interviewed him on the 100th anniversary of George Mallory’s…

 The Shocking Truth Behind What Men Really Think is an enticing book title. However, this book is a prime example of a tome that would have been better suited as an article. 
 Each chapter follows this format 
 
 It introduces a topic (e.g., if men believe in female equality). 
 Three fictitious men (Jim, Buddy, and Noah) share their thoughts. 
 Yesterday: The book spends…

 When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows is Steven Pinker’s worst book, but it’s still fascinating, especially if you’re into logic and puzzles. 
 Disclosure: I’ve read all of Pinker’s books, and I gave them all five stars. I graduated from Harvard, where Pinker teaches. I received a free advanced copy of Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows from the publisher.…

 
 Battle of the Big Bang: The New Tales of Our Cosmic Origins examines the most profound idea: how did the universe begin? 
 Although I’m not a physicist, I have read many books about the Big Bang, physics, and the universe. 
 This book is an in-depth exploration of the competing models that hypothesize about our origins. 
 I appreciated learning about the Ekpyrotic…

 In 3 WanderLearn episodes, Alex Hutchinson and I discuss his new book, The Explorer’s Gene . 
 The Explorer’s Gene examines human exploration broadly, going beyond traditional expeditions to investigate why humans explore everything from new foods to music. 
 #1: Is There An Explorer’s Gene? Alex Hutchinson Responds 
 Video 
 
 Podcast 
 #2: Does…

 Charles Veley is often referred to as one of the world’s most traveled people, but whether he is definitively the most traveled depends on the criteria used. 
 I’ve met Charles Veley four times, and for the fourth time, we recorded our conversation! Enjoy three episodes with Charles Veley below! 
 In 2005, Charles Veley founded the Most Traveled People (MTP) community.…

 I’ve never highlighted a book as much as They’re Not Gaslighting You: Ditch the Therapy Speak and Stop Hunting for Red Flags in Every Relationship . 
 It’s my favorite book in 2025! 
 Author Dr. Isabelle Morley gives us a timely book that rejects the reckless proliferation of the following terms: 
 
 Sociopath 
 Psychopath 
 Love bomb 
 Narcissist 
…