#001: 14 Years as a Digital Nomad: Stories from an OG Digital Nomad (with Rukesh Varan)

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In this inaugural episode of the Nomad Podcast, host Joshua Snitgen interviews Kesh Varan, founder of Digital Nomads Asia and a 14-year veteran of the nomadic lifestyle. Joshua and Kesh dive into the evolution of digital nomadism, from its early days to the current scene, while exploring the impact this lifestyle can have on personal growth and community development.

What You'll Learn:

✔️ How digital nomadism has evolved over the past decade - from an alternative lifestyle to a global movement

✔️ The profound freedom and life-changing experiences gained from location-independent living

✔️ The importance of community and connection for thriving as a digital nomad

✔️ How nomads can give back to local communities through "Nomads for a Cause"

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Kesh Varan, founder of Digital Nomads Asia with a 500,000+ member community

[00:01:30] Kesh shares his origin story - leaving corporate life in Singapore for a "quick break" in Bali that turned into a 14-year nomadic journey

[00:06:00] Comparing the original digital nomads versus today's Instagram-focused travelers

[00:09:00] How COVID affected Bali and its dependence on tourism

[00:13:00] The spiritual significance of Bali as part of the "triangle" with Peru and Varanasi

[00:14:30] The greatest benefit of being a digital nomad: freedom to schedule your own life

[00:19:00] Challenges of nomad life: managing expectations and saying goodbye

[00:29:00] The story behind Digital Nomads Bali and its organic growth from 10 to 130,000+ members

[00:35:00] Kesh's vision: "Nomads for a Cause" - giving back to local communities

Key Quotes:

"I think the ability to schedule what you want to do, when you want to do it, how you want to do it... I think that's the most important part [of being a digital nomad]." - Kesh Varan

"[As a nomad you gain] stories to tell, memories you will never forget, experiences you will never recreate again, and friends you will have for the rest of your life." - Kesh Varan

"Leave the place better than you walked in." - Kesh Varan on the philosophy behind Nomads for a Cause

Resources & Links:

🌴 Join Rukesh’s “Digital Nomads Bali” community: http://nas.io/digital-nomads-bali

🌴 Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenomadpod

🌴 Connect with Joshua:

Resources [FREE & PAID]

🌴 FREE GUIDE: 5 Critical Decisions Before Going Nomadic (Avoid the common mistakes that send many nomads home within months)

🌴 THE FIRST 30 DAYS NOMAD KIT: A comprehensive week-by-week action plan for your transition to nomad life. Includes checklists, troubleshooting guides, and practical tips for your first 30 days as a digital nomad.

🌴 NOMAD CONCIERGE: Skip the trial-and-error phase with direct WhatsApp access to Joshua for 60 days. Personalized guidance when you need it most (🚨 Limited to 5 people per month).

🌴 JOIN OUR FREE NOMAD COMMUNITY: Connect with fellow nomads and get your questions answered.

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