32 episodes

Roots of Humanity is a podcast that celebrates the beauty and diversity that our world has to offer. In each episode, our host Drew Binsky, who has visited all 197 countries in the world, has a conversation with a local from a different country, and together they will share stories about what makes their country special and unique.

Roots of Humanity with Drew Binsky Drew Binsky

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.6 • 27 Ratings

Roots of Humanity is a podcast that celebrates the beauty and diversity that our world has to offer. In each episode, our host Drew Binsky, who has visited all 197 countries in the world, has a conversation with a local from a different country, and together they will share stories about what makes their country special and unique.

    HOW RUSSIA STOLE CRIMEA FROM UKRAINE

    HOW RUSSIA STOLE CRIMEA FROM UKRAINE

    In episode #31 of Roots of Humanity, Drew talks to his new friend Izzet about his roots as an indigenous person to Crimea. What is Crimea? Before 2014, most people probably had no idea about this historic peninsula in Eastern Europe—that is, until it was illegally annexed from Ukraine by Russia, planting the seeds for the present-day war. Izzet talks about the geopolitics of the region and its long history, as well as Tatar culture which has its roots in Turkey. From his childhood in Uzbekistan, to his boarding school years and travel, Izzet has a unique story that is at once wild and inspiring. And tune in to hear Drew reflect about why Ukraine is one of his favorite countries in Eastern Europe, and how he got detained in Russia before the war on the border of North Korea!


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    • 31 min
    HINDU SPIRITUALITY HAS A MODERN FACE

    HINDU SPIRITUALITY HAS A MODERN FACE

    In episode #30 of Roots of Humanity, Drew talks to Kamya Buch, a digital nomad and spiritual educator, about her Hindu roots. Ranging from meditation, yoga, and ancient health practices, Indian heritage is alive in the present, because of people like Kamya. Born in England, Kamya has a lot to say about the Indian diaspora. But she’s traveled far and wide throughout Southeast Asia, and she hits it off with Drew in discussing India’s different regions—a perfect conversation for anyone planning a trip. Drew reminisces about his solo trip in India, that ended in a bus crash, while the two talk festivals, women’s rights, fasting, and South versus North Indian food—Which is better? Tune in for a fast-paced conversation about one of the world’s most exciting countries, home to perhaps the deepest spiritual community there is.


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    • 32 min
    MOST UNDERRATED COUNTRY IN ASIA: BANGLADESH

    MOST UNDERRATED COUNTRY IN ASIA: BANGLADESH

    In episode #29 of Roots of Humanity, Drew talks to his new friend Sayeeda about Bangladesh. Based in Sydney, having lived around the world in places like South Korea and Dubai, Sayeeda brings her Bangladeshi roots to every travel experience. Bangladesh, a country of nearly 180 million people, is the size of Iowa. Drew and Sayeeda talk about the traffic in Dhaka, the capital, as well as Bangladesh’s beautiful scenery, including one of the longest beaches in the world. Most people don’t know that Bangladesh is a Muslim majority country, absorbing the influences of its neighbors into its own traditions for centuries. What do women’s rights look like here? And is it part of South Asia, or Southeast Asia? One thing Drew and Sayeeda have in common, is the mission to put Bangladesh on the map, as a massively underrated country with some of the best cuisine and cultural heritages in the east.


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    • 31 min
    Drew Binsky Q&A: Will I Ever Go To Space?

    Drew Binsky Q&A: Will I Ever Go To Space?

    In episode #28 of Roots of Humanity, Drew hosts a Q&A after a 5-month trip around the world, from Europe, to Africa, to Asia, visiting countries like Serbia, Qatar, South Sudan, Vietnam, Japan, and more. Now back home in sunny Arizona, he is ready to respond to your questions — over 2,000 of them! From how it would be different to travel as a woman, to how to keep a healthy diet while on the road, and how to respond to stressful situations in dangerous places, he lays all his tips and tricks out on the table. Not without diving into his ancestral roots, which is what this podcast is all about! Will Drew ever go to space? Looking ahead to his wedding with Deanna, is Drew planning to have any kids? Tune in to hear Drew spill the tea in his most intimate podcast to date!


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    • 32 min
    THE SWISS TRAVEL AGENT WITH THE BEST FLIGHT HACKS

    THE SWISS TRAVEL AGENT WITH THE BEST FLIGHT HACKS

    In episode #27 of Roots of Humanity, Drew talks to his travel agent G about his Swiss roots and how to globe-trot like a pro. After visiting every country in the world, and continuing to travel to non-traditional destinations like West Papua, Drew needed someone to score the best flight routes and hotel deals that most people wouldn’t know about. That is to say, G’s experience is top level. But what about Switzerland? Most people think it’s wealthy, and it is! But G helps Drew understand that the high wages correlate with the high cost of living, with simple food items going for 3 times the prices in the United States, so when you do the math, things start to match up. What is it about this seemingly perfect country that makes it one of the best in Europe? For starters, it’s a melting pot, just like fondue. G fills us in about the neighboring countries that influence Switzerland, from the Italian-speaking city of Lugano to the German city of Lucerne. Tune in to hear Drew and G’s thoughts on Swiss cuisine and chocolate, and how to make it as a traveler and a citizen in one of the most desired places on earth.


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    • 30 min
    MY PRODUCTION MANAGER IS PART OF THE MAFIA! OR IS HE?

    MY PRODUCTION MANAGER IS PART OF THE MAFIA! OR IS HE?

    In episode #26 of Roots of Humanity, Drew talks to his Production Manager A.J. about his Italian-American roots. Fresh out of college with several creative writing awards under his belt, A.J. combines his love of storytelling and travel by helping Drew manage a team of 15 editors. A.J. tells what it’s like to share the same last name as one of the biggest Italian mafia families, period. Drew asks him how moving to New York City as an eighteen-year-old helped him feel connected to his ancestors, and how he balances his two identities of being gay and Catholic. A discussion of the suburbs prompts A.J. to share the story of his hometown, Newtown, CT, the site of the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting. How do activism and traveling intersect? Tune in to hear Drew and A.J.’s thoughts on trekking the Trans-Siberian railway before the war in Ukraine, and how filming in the Hassidic Jewish part of Brooklyn opened their eyes to a world outside themselves.


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    • 36 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
27 Ratings

27 Ratings

NitroDubs ,

Finally

Always thought Drew should do a podcast, can't wait for this to get started

Zeegha ,

Nice!

Hey Drew, I subscribe to your YouTube channel and I like it. Now a podcast. Awesome. I enjoy your open mind and acceptance of other people and cultures. Carry on!

JasonL211 ,

Would love to hear more from the actual guests

Absolutely love the podcast idea and the guests. Though, who would know there are guests… Stop burying your guests. It’s a whole lot of “I” did this and “I” saw that, have you done this, cause “I” have, have you seen the YouTube video “I” made on….and barely a breath between sentences.

Let’s hear the interesting guests stories and perspectives rather than the nonstop self congratulations.

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