Podcast Summary: The Ronan Levy Podcast
Episode: The World Walk: 7 Years, 28,000 Miles, and 6 Continents On Foot w/ Tom Turcich
Release Date: October 8, 2024
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Ronan Levy Podcast, host Ronan Levy engages in a profound conversation with Tom Turcich, the 10th person ever to walk around the Earth. Tom shares his extraordinary journey, chronicled in his recently published book, The World Walk: Seven Years, 28,000 Miles, Six Continents, and a Grand Meditation. One Step at a Time. This in-depth discussion delves into themes of struggle, purpose, personal growth, and the societal contrasts observed during Tom's monumental trek.
Tom Turcich’s World Walk Journey
Starting the Journey (00:36 - 04:30)
Tom recounts the inception of his ambitious plan to walk around the globe, inspired by his discovery of Carl Bushby and Steve Newman’s feats. At 25, after the passing of a friend and recognizing his own life's direction, Tom made the life-altering decision to embark on his walk the day before his 26th birthday. Over seven years, he traversed 28,000 miles across six continents, living minimally with essentials like water, food, a sleeping bag, and a tent.
“I don’t think I will be happier ever than when I was walking around the world with Savannah and I lived out of a baby carriage. I had nothing.”
— Tom Turcich [00:00]
Cultural Reflections and Personal Growth (05:21 - 18:38)
Tom reflects on revisiting his Croatian roots, highlighting the profound realization of his family's deep historical ties compared to the American melting pot's relative detachment from ancestral lineage. This exploration fostered a deeper understanding of his identity and the privileges he had taken for granted.
He emphasizes the transformative power of solitude experienced during his walk, likening it to a form of meditation and therapy. This extended solitude forced him to confront unresolved traumas and personal reflections, leading to significant self-discovery and growth.
“Traveling solo is the most enjoyable way to travel because then you really feel like you’re discovering something constantly, either about yourself or about the world.”
— Tom Turcich [09:48]
Resilience and Purpose Post-Walk (22:28 - 35:24)
Post-completion of his walk, Tom discusses the unexpected challenges of finding purpose once a defining journey concludes. Initially feeling adrift, he gradually found contentment in stability and personal relationships. Tom underscores the importance of having a driving purpose, echoing Ronan’s sentiments about redefining success beyond traditional metrics like money and fame.
“The only way for that to be sustainable is if it's really valuable for you.”
— Tom Turcich [26:57]
Societal Observations and Personal Insights (37:42 - 56:05)
Tom offers critical insights into American societal issues, particularly the aggressive protection of private property and the pervasive gun culture contributing to frequent and severe police encounters. Comparatively, he praises countries like Denmark for their bike-friendly infrastructures and community-oriented living, highlighting how the absence of car dependency fosters a more enjoyable and less stressful urban experience.
“America is as beautiful as anywhere in the world, and the American west is insanely beautiful. But then you see it all fenced in, every inch of it.”
— Tom Turcich [73:10]
Social Media and Modern Distractions (62:24 - 76:43)
Addressing the impact of social media, Tom expresses mixed feelings. While recognizing its role in documenting his journey and building a supportive community, he criticizes its evolution into a platform inundated with superficial content that detracts from genuine human connection and personal well-being.
“If I could delete [social media], I would delete it in a second today.”
— Tom Turcich [74:14]
Future Aspirations and Lessons Learned (77:00 - End)
Looking ahead, Tom shares his desire to settle in Denmark, valuing its quality of life, healthcare, and community-oriented living. He emphasizes the universal goodness of people worldwide, challenging preconceived notions and stereotypes. Tom advocates for embracing discomfort as a path to growth, aligning with Ronan’s philosophy of balancing peak experiences with everyday moments.
“I think it's the same thing where you just have to go out there and experience it for yourself.”
— Tom Turcich [61:00]
Notable Quotes
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“The things mean nothing ultimately... it's really just about the purpose. Do you have something that's driving you forward?”
— Tom Turcich [00:00] -
“I have to face them. I have to face them. And in the beginning, as it can be more, your...”
— Tom Turcich [11:30] -
“What we lack also is this ability to embrace our humanity where we expect so much from ourselves...”
— Tom Turcich [28:09] -
“You are just human. That's it.”
— Tom Turcich [22:28]
Conclusions and Takeaways
Tom Turcich’s journey offers invaluable lessons on the true essence of happiness, the importance of purpose, and the profound impact of solitude on personal growth. His reflections challenge societal norms regarding success and highlight the disparities between American and global cultures. The conversation underscores the significance of embracing one’s humanity, fostering resilience, and maintaining meaningful connections in an increasingly distracted world.
Listeners are encouraged to reconsider their definitions of success and happiness, drawing inspiration from Tom’s transformative experience to seek deeper meaning and fulfillment in their own lives.
Final Thoughts
This episode serves as a poignant reminder that true happiness and peace stem from purpose and meaningful connections rather than conventional markers of success. Tom Turcich’s extraordinary journey not only chronicles a physical trek around the world but also an inward exploration of self, challenging listeners to redefine what it means to lead a fulfilling life.