In this episode of 193 Perspective, I sit down with Sam Goodwin — an American traveller, former hockey player, speaker, and one of the few people on Earth who has visited all 193 UN-recognized countries.

Sam’s story is extraordinary. After a hockey career-ending injury closed one door, another opened — leading him to Singapore, the world of startups, and ultimately a decade-long journey across every sovereign nation. From coaching the North Korean hockey team to exploring some of the world’s most misunderstood regions, Sam’s travels have shaped a worldview rooted in curiosity, humility, and gratitude.

But the defining moment of Sam’s journey came in May 2019, when he was detained in Syria and held in solitary confinement for a few weeks, accused of espionage — a life-or-death experience that taught him about resilience, faith, uncertainty, and the strength of human purpose. His story is captured in his new book.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How a hockey injury redirected Sam’s life
• The six years in Singapore that ignited his travel obsession
• Coaching North Korea’s national hockey team
• Travel philosophy: stereotypes vs reality, people, perspective & why “off-the-beaten-path” matters
• Why the Middle East gave him some of his most powerful travel memories
• His arrest and detention in Syria: fear, faith, and survival
• Frameworks for managing uncertainty
• The “193 goal” and what life feels like after achieving it
• Advice for young travelers on risk, purpose, and exploration
• Why travel remains the world’s greatest education

Whether you’re a traveler, a dreamer, or someone seeking stories of resilience and perspective — Sam’s insights will stay with you long after the episode ends.

📖 Please order Sam’s book — Saving Sam ( Im sure you'll love the book )

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💬 CONNECT WITH SAM GOODWIN:

Website: samgoodwin.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samrgoodwin/

💬 CONNECT WITH ME (193 Perspective):

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mridulbihani/