“In the Hong Kongs and New Yorks and Londons of the world you need to find ways to get outside, because it can be depressing to be in a great world city and be trapped in an 800-square-foot space.”  –Rolf Potts

In this episode of Deviate, Rolf and Rueben discuss what it's like to come home after a life-changing journey, sharing the story with others, exploring one's own hometown on foot (2:00); the wisdom captured in quotes, and the power of poetry (22:00); the notion of what is possible in less-expensive cities and neighborhoods, avoiding consumerist living, and spending money locally (35:00); the excuses people make to postpone taking their dream trips, and how friends and family can keep you accountable (45:30).

Reuben Dreiblatt is the host of "The A.T. With You & Me," a podcast about through-hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Notable Links:

Van Life before #VanLife (Deviate episode)
Long-distance hiking at home (Deviate episode)
Friluftsliv (Norwegian ethos of being outdoors)
The World Beneath Your Feet (documentary)
Matt Green interview (Deviate episode)
Souvenir, by Rolf Potts (book)
Lower East Side Tenement Museum (NYC museum)
What narrative therapy is (Deviate episode)
Commonplace book (journal method)
Wanderlust, by Rebecca Solnit (book about walking)
Walt Whitman (American poet)
Standing on the shoulders of giants (metaphor)
Ed Buryn interview (Deviate episode)
Asheville (city in North Carolina)
52 Places to Visit in 2022 (New York Times article)
Gary Snyder (American poet)

The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel’s 2017 album Lumber.

Note: We don’t host a “comments” section, but we’re happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.