Adventure traveler and content creator Eli Snyder (@snydexplores) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to share his experiences navigating some of the world's most challenging destinations. In this episode, Eli recounts his 10-day journey through Afghanistan without a guide, interacting with Taliban officials up to "six to ten times a day" while relying on meticulously researched GPS coordinates for safety. Host Ross Borden dives into Eli's experiences hitchhiking through Pakistan, his 27-hour wait to board the infamous iron ore train in Mauritania ("the most grueling trip of my life"), and his upcoming expeditions to Syria, Iran, and Turkmenistan. Eli offers behind-the-scenes insights about how he prepares for high-risk destinations with extensive research, plus practical details about his growing business leading group expeditions to places like Norway's Lofoten Islands and Guatemala. Whether you're an aspiring travel creator or simply interested in understanding more about the world's most misunderstood places, this conversation offers a valuable perspective on finding meaning through genuine cultural connections beyond typical tourist destinations.

To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com

0:00 Introduction to Eli Snyder

1:44 Eli's travel journey and going solo

2:30 Adventures in Pakistan and Afghanistan

3:11 Deep dive on Afghanistan: Preparations and challenges

5:56 Meeting a fellow traveler in Pakistan

7:54 Interactions with the Taliban

10:29 Freedom to travel within Afghanistan

11:12 Exploring Pakistan: Kindness and hospitality

12:05 The iron ore train through Mauritania

15:58 The magic of the Saharan landscape

18:03 Algeria: Eli's hidden gem

20:09 Surfing in West Africa

21:22 Growing as a creator and finding his voice

22:14 Why visiting challenging countries matters

23:05 The value of solo travel

26:43 Preparing for Iran: Visa challenges

29:36 How Eli monetizes his travels

31:26 Traditional Filipino tattoos from Apo Whang-Od

32:36 Eli's three countries for life: Argentina, US, and New Zealand

33:48 Closing remarks