Episode 164: Steps Towards Rebuilding Turkey with Oscar Newson-Smith
“It completely changed my perspective and my views on the entire world.”
This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Oscar Newson-Smith, a visionary changemaker with an extraordinary story of purpose, resilience, and impact. Oscar is the founder of The Racso Project, a social enterprise dedicated to revitalizing Turkey's economy and infrastructure in the wake of three devastating earthquakes in 2023.
To amplify awareness and support for this critical mission, Oscar has undertaken an awe-inspiring journey: walking over 2,600 miles from London, England to Ankara, Turkey. His route spans 12 countries, weaving through forests, mountain ranges, bustling cities, and quiet towns, all fueled by a deep commitment to inspire hope and drive change.
Join us for a powerful conversation about courage, personal responsibility, and the boundless potential of one person’s determination to transform lives.
Oscar also discusses:
1:50 – An overview of his journey.
4:30 – Key moments he’s experienced so far and what lies ahead.
6:15 – Behind the scenes: What he carries, where he sleeps, and how he fuels himself.
8:30 – The highs and lows of his adventure so far.
16:40 – How this journey proves the body is capable of more than we realize.
18:00 – Eating well on the move: Tips and insights from the road.
20:30 – The mission behind his walk and the inspiration that started it all.
24:00 – How his background in construction connects to his work in earthquake recovery.
29:10 – Arriving in Turkey and embracing his purpose.
33:20 – Stepping into a critical role during the earthquake aftermath.
34:50 – Facing doubts: Was Turkey his destined path?
37:05 – The Racso Project and its mission.
41:00 – Building Eco communities in Turkey: What they are and why they matter.
42:00 – Connecting the dots: How his walk is tied to everything he’s doing.
46:40 – Advice for pursuing your passion and finding connection in your journey.
48:20 – Was he searching for something when the earthquakes struck?
49:15 – How you can get involved and support his efforts.
51:20 - Who is going to play him in a Hollywood movie about his life
You can learn more about Oscar by following him on Instagram @racsoproject and learn more about getting involved on his website theracsoproject.com.
See below for photos Oscar shared from his adventures.
Watch the Full Behind The Scenes Episode
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