Impact
What's had the greatest impact on me in recent years?
Creative works that have influenced my life 👇
Solo storytellers
Beau Miles / Peter Santenello / Van Neistat / Casey Neistat / Small Brained American
This is my Mount Rushmore of YouTubers. The one-man band that blends elite storytelling, human connection, fearless adventure, thoughtful introspection, palpable authenticity, honesty and humor into a single video, every time. If I can do half as good a job as these guys one day, I've made it.
Vagabonding
A book by Rolf Potts. Before I read this, I was afraid to travel internationally. Living in an American bubble set up false expectations in my mind. But then words jumped off the page, and I was hooked. No book has ever validated me so much as this one. Every chapter was like, "Hey, that's me!" This is not a How-To travel guide, it's a wealth of travel philosophy. To develop the right mindset to exist in a place as a visitor in the most ideal way. This is the solo traveler's bible.
Pathless Path
A book by Paul Millerd. When you need a story to get you out of a rut and encourage you to become the best version of yourself, to fight the fear and resistance to great change, to follow your heart and not the expectations of others, to find the work you're meant to do.
Books and blogs by...
Tynan
I met Tynan in 2024 at his Superhuman event he hosted in Vegas. He helped me take a leap of faith, to start my YouTube and nomad experiments. His blog is a fascinating adventure that goes back 20 years. You can read thoughts from the OG digital nomad as he tests and tinkers with a unique lifestyle. I recommend his book on habits and on friends he's made around the world.
Derek Sivers
I've devoured his entire blog and all his books, and revisited them many times. One of the most unique people on the planet, Derek's writing helped transform my thinking with endless mental reframes. How to Live is a masterpiece, giving you a glimpse of many different life choices that all contradict one another, to pick and choose what works for you.
Mark Manson
I found his work at a time when I needed it most. Following a challenging breakup in 2021, I was in search of answers and closure. Subtle Art was the antidote for me, a heartbroken lad on the down & out. Models taught me how simple dating can be in a world that heavily over-complicates it. Just be honest, vulnerable, comfortable in your own skin and attack your goals with enthusiasm. That's how you become The One to find The One.
Nomadic Matt
Matthew Kepnes, better known as Nomadic Matt, is my go-to resource for travel guides. His target audience is the solo traveler, budget traveler and hostel-lover, like me. I don't often do much research, but I will do this -- Let's say I decide to visit the next city over. On my bus or train there, I'll find Matt's guides about that place and save his location recommendations on my map. His best book is Ten Years a Nomad.
Madison Cunningham
I'm convinced that she's one of the greatest musicians alive today. An incredible guitarist who's somehow able to avoid writing songs in predictable singer-songwriter formats. Her jazz influence is felt with unique combinations of chords and rhythm, but she blends these into songs that don't feel too weird. This solo studio performance of "All At Once" shows her talent and soul on full display.
If you want links to specific blog posts or videos, message me and I'd be happy to send. Credit: Inspired by Kartikay to make this page.