337: Finding the Crab Whisperer in Cameroon, Traveling with Beaker from the Muppets, and Being Changed Forever in Iran with Phil Marcus

Episode Summary

Hear unique stories from traveling to 190 countries including Cameroon, Iran, China, India, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia. Phil Marcus joins Matt and starts off talking about his adventure trying to visit the Crab Whisperer in Rhumsiki, Cameroon to find out if he will ever get married. He then explains how his early interest in travel developed, shares his career trajectory in entrepreneurship and music, and how he eventually embarked on a 6 month journey through Asia that would turn into something much longer.  Phil tells the story of how he made a last minute decision to take Beaker from the Muppets with him on his trip, and how it turned out to be life changing and created very unique opportunities for deeper cultural connections. Phil then talks about literally rolling into his 100th country, deciding to visit every country in the world, and starting his YouTube channel “Phil’s Guide to the World”.  He talks about his highly impactful trips to Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and how Iran changed him forever.

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Phil Marcus

Phil Marcus is travel documentary filmmaker and the creator of the YouTube Channel “Phil’s Guide to the World”.  The mission of his work is to spread global positivity with a particular emphasis on showing the good people of the countries that Western media usually represents only negatively.  Phil’s high quality video documentaries allow you to see for yourself the beauty, humanity, and joy of people and cultures all over the world.  As a former CPA, lawyer and tech entrepreneur, after selling a successful company, Phil went all-in on his passion for world travel and cross cultural connection, and he has now been to 190 countries.

What You'll Learn
  • The magical cross-cultural connections that can be made with a Muppet
  • How a trip to Iran changed Phil forever
  • The power of saying “Yes” to invitations from strangers
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Time Stamped Show Notes

**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.

[0:57] Introducing Phil Marcus

[2:26] Sri Lankan Food

[6:10] Going to Meet the Crab Whisperer in Cameroon

[11:22] How Phil’s Early Interest in Travel Developed

[14:57] Phil’s Professional and Entrepreneurial Journey

[16:45] Phil’s Musical Journey

[19:29] Deciding to Take a 6 Month Trip Through Asia

[22:28] Traveling the World with Beaker from The Muppets

[27:35] Beaker at the Great Wall of China

[29:44] Beaker at the Taj Mahal

[32:47] Outfitting Beaker in Local Garb

[35:09] Unique Invitations and Doors that Beaker Has Opened

[37:40] Literally Rolling Into Zambia as his 100th Country

[39:32] Deciding to Travel to Every Country in the World

[41:29] Starting “Phil’s Guide to The World” on YouTube

[45:14] How Iran Changed Phil Forever

[49:34] Highlights from Traveling to Iran

[52:29] Visiting Afghanistan

[54:30] A Magical Day with Strangers Saudi Arabia

[58:39] Follow and Connect with Phil