What happens when a world traveler finds himself detained in one of the most dangerous places on Earth—completely by accident?
What happens when a world traveler finds himself detained in one of the most dangerous places on Earth—completely by accident? In this gripping episode of Travel With Meaning, we sit down with Sam Goodwin, an American adventurer whose mission to visit every country in the world took an unexpected and harrowing turn. After successfully traveling to 193 countries, Sam’s journey led him to Syria—where a single misstep resulted in him being accused of espionage and held captive for 63 days.
What happens when a world traveler finds himself detained in one of the most dangerous places on Earth—completely by accident? In this gripping episode of Travel With Meaning, we sit down with Sam Goodwin, an American adventurer whose mission to visit every country in the world took an unexpected and harrowing turn. After successfully traveling to 193 countries, Sam’s journey led him to Syria—where a single misstep resulted in him being accused of espionage and held captive for 63 days. Through humor, humility, and powerful reflection, Sam shares not only how he endured this life-altering experience, but how it deepened his understanding of faith, freedom, and the resilience of the human spirit. His story is a testament to the transformative power of travel—even in its most extreme form—and to the unexpected kindness of strangers in the darkest of places.
What to Listen For
[00:00:00] Meet Sam Goodwin: How a spontaneous trip became a mission to visit every country
[00:06:34] What Sam learned about fear, perception, and hospitality in conflict zones
[00:13:20] The day everything changed: Sam’s mistaken entry into Syria and sudden arrest
[00:19:58] Inside a Syrian prison: survival tactics, mental challenges, and unexpected routines
[00:26:42] Faith under fire: how prayer, gratitude, and visualization kept him sane
[00:33:10] Release and reintegration: stepping out of captivity and into a new reality
[00:39:47] Life after prison: overcoming PTSD, finding purpose, and reclaiming identity
[00:46:11] Travel as a teacher: why Sam believes the world is safer than we think
[00:52:28] The power of human connection: how kindness changed his perspective forever
[00:58:55] Final reflections: what Sam wants every traveler to remember
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