🔮 A Note on How to Disappear

Hello Adventurers,

Thanks for subscribing to my newsletter! Just so you know, formal publishing begins next Saturday after my Marathon Earth Challenge kicks off (i.e. when Bogota Benny gets to Colombia).

So why are you hearing from me now? Well, as the year winds down — and I tie up some loose ends before leaving — I figured I’d set the stage for how this project came about, thank the many stagehands who helped produce it, and then take you behind the curtain to reveal how I prepare and pack for my worldly adventures.

The following is an informal dispatch. Consider it a one-off, intended to be a prologue of sorts. It's a massive explainer with some exposition...but it wraps with some expertise. And don't fret, future issues will be shorter, punchier, and way more focused on our wonderful world rather than on me and my internal universe.

In closing, I want to genuinely wish you a belated Happy Holidays as well as an early Happy New Year. If you know me, you know that I believe in the transformative power of New Year's Resolutions and the wild potential of a new year as clean slate (IMO, best dirtied with one's wildest dreams).

So here's to 2023...and to what each of us makes of it.

- Let's go live life to the fullest, Ben Pobjoy

GENESIS AND/OR A YEAR IN REVIEW

How the Marathon Earth Challenge came to be in 2022

At the start of January 2022, I touched down at Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto after having visited my family in Wales for the holidays. When the plane was being taxi'd to the gate, I turned on my phone and learnt that Ontario was under its umpteenth COVID-19 lockdown. This was years into the pandemic after the world had already been upended...and after Ontario had already endured some of the longest lockdowns in the world.

At the end of the trip, we tacked on a short visit to London which was a COVID-19 hot zone. We took precautions but also took risks. Unsurprisingly, I tested positive for the coronavirus disease back in Canada a few days later.

Mildly sick, locked down, and in quarantine, I was able to work from home where I virtually attended a monthly town hall for my marketing agency job. At this specific one, the company celebrated my eight year anniversary with them. I knew it had been years, but never gave thought to exactly how many. However, I suddenly found myself visualizing a 'figure eight' in my mind, and for whatever reason it registered as an 'infinity symbol'.

In that moment, things no longer felt befitting despite the fact that the job was really good, the people were awesome, and I had learnt a hell of a lot. So I did what I do in these moments of uncertainty: I went for a long evening stroll to go have a deep think. And on it, I came to the conclusion that how I was living was out of whack with who I was.

Change was needed.

So I quit my job the next day, but didn't have a plan for what was next. Luckily, I don't have children, don't own a home, and don't possess anything major that requires monthly financial servicing. Freer than most, it felt like high time to dissolve my current reality and design a bespoke one of my own choosing.

Around that same time, I heard back from the Guinness World Records. They informed me that my submission of 160-ish marathons in and around Ontario in 2021 didn't constitute a world record for 'most marathons in a province in a year' (or however I foolishly tried to pitch it). The organization said it was too niche, and informed me that the world record was only 239 marathon races. Given I had collectively done 174 marathons around the world the year prior — done while working a demanding Executive Creative Director job — doing 240+ marathons while 'funemployed' didn't feel like a stretch.

It's as simple as that. Or maybe it isn't. You see, a few years back I was morbidly obese and gradually shape-shifted into a marathoner, one that enjoys long range treks in far-flung places. Given my physical transformation and the abilities I developed thereafter, I wanted to test my potential: How far can I really go? And how much can I actually endure?

Oh, and I’ve also trekked 50,000+ kilometres around Toronto alone: that’s a distance greater than the circumference of the earth, executed in a city that’s only 630 square kilometres. I've more than lapped the earth in one tiny city. Said another way, I have turned over all of Toronto’s stones, meaning it was due time to go rock elsewhere.

Furthermore, I couldn't shake the feeling that our pandemic-battered, recession-looming, inflation-spiking, seemingly more partisan and populist world was changing for the worse: heating up, becoming less free, and drifting apart as countries contorted into altogether different things. It is heartbreaking. The world has long been my perennial muse, I'm in my athletic prime, and I felt a calling to smush it all together to both test my mettle as well as see if my unyielding belief in the greatness of the world still holds up. And to do it now: while I could versus waiting for that never guaranteed 'someday' when I might not be able to, be it physically or financially or both.

Broadly speaking, I'm more risk perverse than risk adverse. So obliterating my cozy life — and trying to leverage a nonsensical 'next act’ as a calling card to something else — didn’t scare me. Why? Well, I grew up in Europe, toured North America in punk bands in my teens and twenties, then started a variety of businesses thereafter (each achieving varying degrees of success). Being a rolling stone and a betting man is in my DNA. However, I somehow lost that part of me, blinked a decade away, and found myself in my early forties living life as a normie with a career. And often in earshot of conversations about others' kids, jobs, and mortgages. There's nothing wrong with all that stuff. But I just personally found it — and conventional adulthood in general — a bit bland. As such, it was time to change out of the existential costume I had been wearing and get back to nakedly being me: hit the road, go make things with words and images, and try and make something of it all.

So I baked up the Marathon Earth Challenge last winter: 240+ marathons in as many different countries as possible, while lugging gear to tell stories from a walk around the world.

And to wind it up, I had to wind my life down:

I honoured my job's ask that I stick around for six more months in 2022 to wrap some projects with them and on-board my replacement. I downsized most of my possessions in August via Facebook Marketplace as well as selling stuff in a public park like a weirdo. I permanently moved out of my rental apartment in September. And I've since been refining this idea-meets-project daily: taking it from a vague vision to something real from October onwards.

While I'm the face of this thing, there's been a body of supporters in the background that have provided invaluable counsel along the way. It is imperative that I shine a light on them...before I go dark and step into the unknown.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD(ISH IDEA)

Thanking my stagehands before I go trek the world in four stages

The Marathon Earth Challenge is a completely harebrained idea. And I quickly learnt that trying to execute every facet of it solo would crush me. Luckily, others were quick to leap in, lend help or expertise, and basically prop up my project. As such, there's much thanks to give:

My missus AKA my wife Christine granted me the time and space to do this challenge, which in and of itself is huge. She also applied her journalistic eye to my project's storytelling and made loads of wise recommendations. My Mum kindly let me store my downsized possessions in her basement so I could cut costs before exiting Canada. My brilliant strategist friend Tim helped steward my brand architecture to completion over many late-night sessions, bringing much-needed form and focus to something that began as a fuzzy fantasy. My innovative and entrepreneurial brother Elliot was a critical advisor on all things digital, social, and technological (which I could not have stood up alone). Scotty and Greg from Behaviour Inc. kindly let me squat / work out of their beautiful office...after I had resigned from their agency. They're true mensches who never gave up on this quitter! And blessings to their employees who patiently put up with my 'no value adding' presence in the office. And thanks to Katrina for always making me feel welcome in the office. Galit shot the portraits for my media kit amidst way more important photojournalism assignments, and Big Mike the SEO Sensei got under the hood of my website to fine-tune things I couldn't understand. What else? Oh, I used an old photo of myself on my website — taken in The Bronx by my mate Jamie-James— and never asked him for permission...but he's driven me crazy over the years so we'll call it even? Joking aside, James and his incredible missus Nadia were critical in helping me obtain a somewhat affordable international phone plan. It’s a long story…but all that matters is that they did me a huge solid. Shout-out to Bernardo for giving me advice on where to safely go in Brazil, and to Joel for doing the same as it concerns the Caribbean. Lastly, I'd like to thank Justin, Miles, Alistair, and Jeremy at Ciele for letting me bounce stuff off of them / always being down to help.

All of you helped me in different ways — be it practical or just believing in this project — and it felt important to acknowledge that. Thank you. I hope I do you proud in 2023.

TREK AND TRAVEL: TRADE SECRETS REVEALED...

How I plan, prepare, and pack for wild worldwide adventures

The Marathon Earth Challenge is so complex that I won't bore you with the minutia. Instead, I'll share some high-level tips and tricks that may be applicable to your future adventures.

A lot of people asked me how I planned and/or physically prepared for this project. Judging by their reactions, many found my responses puzzling...but I want to assure everyone that my approach has been forged by much trial and error over tens of thousands of kilometres by foot across six continents.

PLANNING:

Firstly, when it came to planning this project's overall routing, I deconstructed the adventure into four legs and/or one per yearly quarter, and geographically sequenced them in a continental order that gives me the most optimal weather to trek in (i.e. avoiding both snowy winter seasons and wet rainy seasons). Secondly, to break the world record I have to do five marathons a week all year long. Given this only gives me two days off each week, such informed the durations of flights I can take as well as the types of flight paths that are conducive to my constraints. Thirdly, to get granular, I browse Google Flights on incognito mode (it keeps prices low) while plotting flight paths on a massive laminated map with dry erase markers while using pencil on a printed calendar to visualize the interplay between travel and near-daily marathons like a run-of-show. This takes a few attempts / different configurations to get right, and represents about two days of work (I prefer having a second day so I can look at everything with fresh eyes / make necessary revisions). Fourthly, when everything looks good and logical, I pull the trigger on purchasing flights, done just three to four weeks before leaving (anything earlier or later is often more expensive). I buy flights first and accommodations second because I'm not fussy about the latter. Lastly, all future legs of the Marathon Earth Challenge are subject to change based on conflict or natural disaster. One has no choice but to go with the flow of the world as it is at that moment. Trekking has taught me this time and time again: be at peace with chaos, and pivot when necessary to find less hell within it all.

SAFETY:

As a bit of an aside, I've been regularly asked about safety as it concerns this project. I'll touch on some practicalities below as it concerns gear. But overall, the short answer is: I don't go looking for danger (i.e. no visits to war zones or failed states), I stay alert (i.e. no trekking with earphones in), and I try and stay calm when shit hits the fan (my old boxing coach Jorge Blanco legitimately taught me how to breathe differently in pressure cooker situations). When you trek as much as I do, you're subject to the law of averages. On freestyle marathons past, I have had someone bite off some of my inner arm (Buenos Aires), been slashed with a knife in the leg (Toronto), been robbed by a cop (Mexico City), been unintentionally caught in an armed skirmish (Palestine), etc. I don’t mention this stuff to try and sound cool or macho. Frankly, I hated all of those experiences. My point is, freak events happen and you must accept it. In addition, I've also grown somewhat wise to street hustles and artificial traps staged by groups of bad actors. My general advice is: make every effort to blend in within crowds (versus stick out), be a scrub (don’t dress flashy), don't become foolishly aggro when provoked (never engage... just play dumb or keep moving), and minimize your reactions as much as humanly possible. The latter isn't easy. And I must confess that my cardio conditioning is so gnarly that my resting heart rate is only 45 BPM...so I rarely panic or off-gas fear when chaos strikes. That said, I'll get robbed and scammed or worse in 2023. It's just how it goes. Like my Mum says, “Bad things can happen even on one’s own street.”

PHYSICAL PREPAREDNESS:

In terms of physical preparedness, there's not much to say. I've trekked 63,000+ kilometres by foot and done 600 freestyle marathons since 2015...across countless cities and countries...in every terrain...and in every weather condition. While I'm constantly learning and refining, I'm also pretty damn seasoned at this point. What has surprised some to learn, is that I've tapered my training in Q4 2022 (going from 200ish kilometres a week to just half of that). This was intentional: done to reduce wear and tear on my body so I could go into 2023 both pain and injury-free. I've also attempted to put on fifteen pounds of fat since November 1st. Why? Well, this project will be gruelling and food is sometimes hard to come by on these things…because I only know how to speak French and English...and because I made the inconvenient decision to go vegan 25+ years ago. While 'calorie deficit to pound lost' ratios are hotly debated, I've given myself literal padding as contingency to compensate for a hypothetical 52,000ish calorie deficit across the Q1 leg of my Marathon Earth Challenge which — should it happen — would shrink me back to my normal weight. If I suffered this type of weight loss at my normal weight, it'd be no bueno: I'd be emaciated and keel over.

Historically, I've liked to cut weight before week-long adventure trips where I’m doing daily marathons: getting down from my regular weight of 155 pounds to a very lean state of 150 pounds on my 5'11" frame. This isn't for speed, rather it is because I typically carry a backpack full of gear that weighs approximately 20 pounds, and I have to be conscious of the total load on my joints and hips (since being overly weighed down is a stressor on the body). However, due to the length, intensity, needs, and demands of this project, I'm starting out at a body weight of 169.4 pounds with a total kit that weighs 31.2 pounds for a total load of 200.6 pounds. It'll be an initial shock to the system, but it's surprising how fast the body adapts.

GEAR:

So why is my backpack so heavy? It's a good question. And why I thought it would be prudent to share what I pack for documentary-oriented marathon treks abroad. While this kit has been assembled for three warm months in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, the only items that would generally change within it would be the substitution of some garments if I were going somewhere wetter or colder.

My hope is that the following functions as some kind of resource / shortcut to success for aspiring adventurers, and that it saves you from making some of the painful, impractical or costly mistakes that I have made on treks past. At worst, it’s just something to compare and contrast your kit with.

My kit has been engineered for maximum mobility as it concerns travel and trekking. It’s why it’s carry-on luggage that doubles as something compact that you can carry on your back when striding long distances. Keep in mind that this is a hardcore set-up: one pack for months that must be wearable on marathons. This is everything I'm bringing, there's no other luggage and no other supplies sent out in advance.

The following is an honest rundown of my endurance essentials. Please note that all of this was purchased (I don’t have brand sponsors). When possible, I've tried to hyperlink to manufacture websites or retail platforms if the products are still available (none of these hyperlinks are gimmicky affiliate links). In no specific order:

Passports and Dog Tags: I was blessed to be born to immigrants…which means I have dual citizenship, two passports, and access to a deeper pool of embassies (if things get messy abroad). If you’re in a similar situation, I’d encourage you to do the annoying legwork to get a second passport. I promise it’s worth it (e.g. certain countries don’t like when you visit other countries so I dedicate one passport to stamps for spicy places and keep the other one ‘clean’). I carry both passports — just in case one gets lost, damaged or stolen — and have their information embossed on two dog tags that I wear as a necklace should my body ever need identifying. As a pre-caution, I keep passports in RFID blocking sleeves, and keep photocopies of my passports on me too. I now store my passports in a clear silicone Stasher bag...because I learnt a tough lesson on a stormy marathon of Warsaw in 2021 where me — and my Canadian passport — got absolutely soaked. Also, if you're Canadian or American, get NEXUS to breeze through airports in North America.

Wallet: My good mate Dave Arnold kindly gifted me a nice wallet more than a decade ago. For whatever reason, it has since become my 'dummy wallet' on travels...meaning it's a decoy that holds a small-but-believable amount of local currency. When I occasionally get robbed on marathons, I just pull it out, open it up, and let the thief help themselves (which is really just paying a local tourism tax). Criminals want a quick, smooth heist...and once they get the loot, they scram. This is why I keep bank cards and identification cards in a RFID blocking sleeve elsewhere as well as additional money in things like my shoes, a zippered pocket, the sweatband of my cap or in a money belt. Street crooks are generally kinda dumb and you can outsmart them with the sleight of hand of a 'dummy wallet'.

Waterproof Submersible Backpack: This will keep your contents dry: be it in a downpour or if you fall into a body of water. They're also dust-proof in sandstorms. I advise a high IPX rating as well as hydrophobic straps pulled tight to keep the bag on your upper back (as opposed to loose and chaffing your lower back / wreaking havoc on your hips). These packs are expensive…but much cheaper than a waterlogged camera or laptop. To minimize load, I don’t go bigger than a 30 litre bag. This means you have to be very disciplined and deliberate with what you pack…but I’ll take lightness over luxury any day of the week. And a word to the wise, something 'waterproof submersible' is vastly superior to anything marketed as 'water resistant'. Additionally, I did an after market modification to this backpack: I outfitted it with a camera mount to turn it into a dolly for shooting hyperlapse videos.

Dry Bags: One per electronic as a rule of thumb (5 litre PU-coated nylon size for most cameras, 10 litre PU-coated polyester size for most laptops). In the field, I sometimes have to open my waterproof backpack in downpours to access gear or have gear in hand in downpours and need to protect it. Dry bags come in handy in both scenarios. Mine are colour-coded: red for my still camera, yellow for my video camera, and blue for miscellaneous tech. This is a visual shortcut that enables me to grab what I need without needing to think much.

Satellite Communicator: I bought this at the insistence of my family. The device enables them to ‘live track’ me at two minute intervals on worldwide marathons. It also lets me ‘text’ contacts should I lose cell service, and it enables me to trigger a SOS alert to the International Emergency Response Coordination Centre (IERCC) to request help should I get severely injured or kidnapped. It stays affixed to a backpack strap / sits atop my chest and is always within arm’s reach.

Whistle: This is affixed to my other backpack strap. Basically, it's just a low-fi deterrent to blow on should someone step to me with bad intentions and/or if animals get too aggro (on marathons past, I have been bitten by dogs and trailed by coyotes when injured). I like a piercing 120dB whistle.

Headlamp and reflectors: The former offers illumination in the dark, and generally deters attackers in cities or the wilderness. The latter — be it a lightbender or SlapLit — provides visibility to motorists in instances where I must share the road with vehicles.

Compact Digital Camera: I love film and prime lenses. However, mobility requires minimalism. A compact digital camera with a fixed lens has less bells and whistles than interchangeable-lens cameras. But it puts total onus on you to make do with a blunt tool. Yes, it’s a technical trade-off but it is one that hammers greater technique and innovation in the shooter. I use mine to make books, and it creates the imagery for this newsletter.

Digital Action Camera with Interchangeable Lenses: Tiny and waterproof, I use this video camera to generally make social content as well as cheat drone shots. Yes, I’d love to trek with a more sophisticated video camera but this discreet device fits in the palm of my hand — or a pant pocket — making it a no-brainer. Plus, if I crack or scratch a lens, I can swap it out because the lenses are interchangeable.

Articulated Monopod: I typically use this for dangling cameras over bridges, ledges or water. In addition, I use it to swirl cameras or extend them to great heights which I can then control remotely with my smartphone. These are more compact and innovative than traditional tripods.

Flexible Tripod: Ideal for uneven terrain, shooting anywhere rocky, and for when you need to attach a camera to a tree or pole to get the shot.

Smartphone Tripod Mount with Bluetooth Remote: Infrequently used but clutch when needed. This mounts atop the flexible tripod and lets me multitask (e.g. rudely eat as I video chat with family when I'm abroad).

Lens Cleaning Kit: I respect my tools and clean my cameras after daily use (which helps my gear last for years). These kits typically have an air blower, a dust brush, a lens cleaning solution, a microfibre cloth, and moist cleaning wipes.

Smartphone: An essential tool for tracking marathons, navigating foreign places, translating language, doing currency conversions, communicating with friends and family, having a backup digital wallet, and remote controlling my cameras. A screen protector and waterproof protective case ensures it is rugged. The external battery provides much needed juice when on the move and/or when unable to find electrical outlets.

Laptop: While a tablet would be more compact, a laptop remains more powerful in terms of computing. Plus, it’s a better workstation for writing, editing photos or videos, and backing things up.

Hard Drive and Power Bank: The former is mini, rugged, and has a terabyte of space for backing up SD cards from cameras. The latter has 30,000+ mAh so it can recharge different pieces of gear for days on end. For power banks, I always go as big as possible mAh-wise. Yes, they're bigger size-wise BUT they hold more juice (which is crucial in the wild or in places with rolling electricity blackouts).

Universal Power Adapter: USB ports and a replaceable fuse are mandatory, and models that come with an extra fuse are a bonus.

Clothing: Four long-sleeved interlock polyester microfiber shirts (always white to repel sun), a lightweight neck gaiter (to be protected from sun), four briefs (they’re smaller than boxers), and four pairs of merino wool blend ankle socks (they’re smaller than gym socks). A discrete black money belt worn on black wrinkle-resistant four-way stretch pants that are water repellant. Back-up shorts and waterproof socks for trekking in the rain (I hang these off my backpack with carabiners to dry should the rain stop if I'm still trekking). All clothing is blank and understated tone or colour-wise so I can blend in within crowds.

Raincoat: Ideally a breathable mid-length jacket (to cover pant pockets) with three layer waterproof fully seam sealed construction, laminated zippers, storm cuffs, and an adjustable hood. Jacket must cover and obscure the cameras on my torso to deter thieves. I like black because it hides blood, grime, and bird poo (I'm a regular aerial poo bomb target due to how much time I spend outside).

Polartec Fleece Hoodie: Because I find every airplane freezing / rolled up it doubles as a pillow. This breathable fabric stays warm when wet, and dries unbelievably fast compared to cotton or other synthetics. For me, it’s Polartec or bust, bb.

Cap: Ideally lightweight, breathable, quick drying, and somewhat foldable. Black once again due to bird poo. I'm pretty loyal to Ciele because the product is great, the brand is dope, and the company is an awesome Canadian success story.

Shoes: One pair that’s ideally reflective with a cushiony outsole / rugged traction, a waterproof upper, and a form-fitting collar to repel stones from entering shoes or socks (the bane of my existence when my feet are raw). I tend to prefer trail shoes these days because they’re hybridized and suitable for cities and nature.

Grooming: One toothbrush, one micro toothpaste tube, and one razor. I carry tweezers but they're for removing microSD cards...and the occasional sliver. Duty Free is my dirtbag perfumery at airports. Wet wipes for cleaning my hands and face and/or for removing blood or bird poo from my cap, rain jacket, pants or backpack. SPF Lip chap because I never drink enough water. And suntan lotion at the insistence of my missus…I'm so bad at wearing it…partially because I always trek in pants and a long sleeve shirt (even if it's roasting out). And a tube of foot moisturizer (kindly gifted to me by my friends Jenny and Darren) that'll double as anti-chafe ointment. I store most of this stuff in a clear silicone Stasher bag to prevent ooze from damaging the other tech in my backpack.

First Aid: Advil, Gravol, Imodium, and Salonpas pain relieving patches. I only ever use the latter, but I pack the rest because nobody plans an accident.

Detergent Travel Sink Packets and Instant Stain Remover Stick: The former is for hand washing dirty clothes in the absence of access to a laundry machine. The latter is for removing the unbelievable amount of coffee I spill on myself. Both are lifesavers.

Waterproof bandages: Your best friend when you have raw and ragged feet or toenails that are falling off. Psst…and how you can secretly affix microSD cards to your body to evade detection and/or confiscation. Band-Aid Hydro Seal bandages are the only product I use. They're superior to everything else (no one pays me to say this, I'm just spitting facts).

Silk handkerchief: It’s a quirk…but it’s luxurious to blow your nose into something ultra smooth and soft when you’re getting pounded by terrible weather on a marathon. I sucked my thumb as a kid and had a 'blankey', and now I'm an adult that carries a nose blanket. Cool dude!

Lighter: One fire source is always advisable. Plus, it turns strangers into friends when they hit you up to light their cig.

All-Weather Notepad and Writing Instruments: To date, I've always carried a traditional notepad for jotting down directions as well as recording the names of sights and/or shops I come across. However, my missus recently gifted me an all-weather notepad that sheds rain. I'm excited to try it out. I also carry a pen, marker, mechanical pencil, and eraser. I can't fully explain why I bring all those writing instruments...I guess I'm just old school.

Carabiners: A few good weight-bearing ones strapped to one’s backpack. I can’t even begin to describe the variety of ways that I use these and/or the amount of times they’ve been helpful.

Fanny pack: A fashion faux-pas but a convenient airport accessory for quick access to passports, a power bank, and essential cords. Please note, I wouldn’t be caught dead in one of these penis purses in regular life! I'm actually supremely embarrassed that I need to use this.

External Pocket, Water Bottle, and Personal Water Filter Straw: The external pocket lets me clip water to my backpack, fanny pack or pants when trekking (giving me flexibility in terms of access). The bottle is crucial for hydration and reducing my use of plastic. The personal water filter straw is a new addition that my missus suggested. It'll be clutch should I have to sip from a stream. I also carry electrolyte tablets but only really use these on marathons executed in 35°C - 40°C temperature ranges.

Miscellaneous: Smartphone charging cord, laptop charging cord, still camera charger, thunderbolt SD card reader dongle, USB to thunderbolt dongle, USB Type A to USB Type C cord, USB Type A to USB Micro B cord, and two sets of headphones (wireless and cord).

Talismans: One is a laminated note from my brother. The content is private but this is my most prized possession. On the rare occasion that I want to quit a marathon, I look at this and it forces me to keep going. The other is a Daruma that my wife gifted me at Christmas. I will paint its left eye when I board my first airplane, and paint the right eye should I surpass 239 marathons in 2023. I advise everyone to carry a talisman. When the going gets tough, these things keep you going. Trust me.

Have a question about my kit? Reply to this email and I’ll answer you directly. Think this would interest someone you know? Forward them this email!

If you made it this far you're a champ...or likely my parents! This dispatch was intended to be an explainer meets thorough resource...and I promise that future issues will be shorter, less about me, and way more focused on our wonderful world 😊👟🌎