Episode 209: Tom Allen, When To Turn Around

Episode 209 of The Adventure Podcast features adventurer, writer, and filmmaker, Tom Allen. In this episode, Tom talks to Matt about the wild and winding path that shaped his life on the road. At just 23, Tom left behind a career in web development to cycle around the world with no real plan - a journey that would transform him in ways he couldn’t have imagined. From naïve beginnings and near-disasters to profound moments of liberation, Tom shares what it really feels like to embrace a life of radical freedom. He recounts moments that forced him to question the true value of endless wandering. Along the way, he opens up about falling in love, and the delicate balance between pursuing boundless adventure and choosing deep connection. The discussion also touches on Tom’s shift from pure adventure to purposeful projects, like building hiking trails in Armenia, and his evolving role as both a storyteller and facilitator of others’ journeys. This is a story of bikes, deserts, love, and finding home in unexpected places. For extra insights from the worlds of adventure, exploration and the natural world, you can find The Adventure Podcast+ community on Substack. You can also follow along and join in on Instagram @‌theadventurepodcast. Chapter Breakdown: 00:00 - Introduction Matt welcomes Tom and sets up a conversation about adventure, risk, and the unexpected turns of life. 02:30 - From Northampton to Nowhere Tom recalls his ordinary upbringing and the decision to abandon a career in web development for a round-the-world bike ride. 10:00 - Early Missteps on the Road The chaos of over-packed bikes, failed routes, and falling-out with friends on the first stretch of the journey. 18:00 - Going Solo Liberation, loneliness, and the first real lessons of responsibility when Tom finds himself riding alone. 20:00 - Meeting Tenny Through couchsurfing in Yerevan, Tom encounters Tenny - sparking the love story that would change the course of his travels. 26:00 - Love vs. Adventure The push and pull between a relationship rooted in Armenian life and the restless call of the open road. 32:00 - Cycling into the Middle East Tom pushes south through Syria, Jordan, and Egypt, carrying both the thrill of freedom and the weight of leaving love behind. 40:00 - The Yemen Beach Epiphany Stranded and questioning everything, Tom begins to see the diminishing returns of endless solo adventure. 43:00 - Choosing Connection Tom returns to Armenia, and reshapes his understanding of what it means to “go forward” in life. 47:00 - From Story to Service How Tom shifted from personal expeditions and films to helping others access adventure, including his work building trails in Armenia. 1:12:00 - Lessons in Meaning Adventure, love, identity, and the biggest truths travel has to offer. 1:20:00 - Closing Reflections Tom’s final words on freedom, purpose, and why he never really “went back.” Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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