Episode 160: Jet Lag Junkie with Jeff Johns
“Once you make that decision and you go see what’s on the other side, it’s pretty impossible to forget the world that’s out there. ”
This week on the podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Jeff Johns, a lifelong adventurer, filmmaker, photographer, and writer who has spent nearly half his life traveling the globe and living abroad. Jeff's journey is an inspiring tale of embracing discomfort and finding joy through world travel. From assisting in recovery efforts in Thailand after the 2004 tsunami to creating hit television shows for Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and the BBC, his experiences are nothing short of extraordinary.
Currently based in the Netherlands with his wife and daughters, Jeff is also the co-creator of What Doesn’t Suck, an adventure travel platform, and the author of Jet Lag Junkie, a memoir that captures the lessons, love, and meaning he’s discovered through his global explorations. Tune in as we dive into his incredible story, his passion for exploring the unknown, and the power of stepping outside your comfort zone.
Jeff also discusses:
1:45 - What is a Jet Lag Junkie?
2:40 - The 2004 tsunami and how it affected him
8:20 - His call to adventure
10:00 - Filling a void
11:30 - Arriving in Thailand
14:20 - Becoming okay with being uncomfortable
15:10 - What he experienced in Thailand
19:00 - Witnessing the strength of the community
21:50 - Life after Thailand
23:30 - His travel adventures
29:10 - What Doesn’t Suck
31:20 - His experience visiting countries is portrayed differently in the media
34:20 - The poker story
42:40 - The stark difference between Thailand and Dubai
45:30 - The quote on the back of his book and what it means to him
47:45 - How travel has helped him manage his ADHD
50:30 - An unexpected injury
53:00 - How being a father has changed his adventure mindset
54:30 - Who is going to play him in a Hollywood movie about his life
You can learn more about Jeff by following him on Instagram @whatdoesntsuck and check out his 48-hour travel video guides on YouTube.
His book, Jet Lag Junkie is available on Amazon and we highly recommend you pick up a copy!
See below for photos Jeff shared from his adventures.
Watch the Full Behind The Scenes Episode
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