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In this week’s video, Pelton straddles the line between veteran journalist and adventurer.

He shares his unconventional journey into the media spotlight and critiques modern journalism, arguing the traditional definition has become “blurred.” Unlike classic journalists who report with detachment, Pelton is as much the story as the reporter.

Skipping the conventional path of journalism school and internships, he began as a copywriter at 17 and honed his craft through expeditions and raw field experience. His first journalism assignment was documenting the Camel Trophy, which led to work in Soldier of Fortune and eventually books. After 9/11, CNN, National Geographic, and Discovery sent him to Afghanistan, where he delivered the now-famous John Walker Lindh interview. He later worked in Iraq for ABC Investigative and CBS’s 60 Minutes, but quickly abandoned the “embedded” model to pursue unfiltered stories—including mass graves he discovered while crisscrossing Iraq in a red Bentley.

Pelton dismisses the romanticized lone reporter image. In reality, editors and producers often reshape stories to fit pre-decided narratives. He’s particularly critical of “rooftop journalism,” where reporters tethered to the military deliver what he calls “basically PR.” His style demands living with all sides, venturing into conflict zones, and reporting firsthand—even when it challenges his sources. Though often labeled a “Gonzo journalist,” he rejects the term, insisting his focus is truth, not spectacle.

A key theme is the power of narrative and the danger of misinformation. Pelton argues the flood of war coverage since 9/11 created a “collective PTSD” in America, fostering paranoia that politicians and media exploit. Fear once aimed at terrorists is now weaponized against migrants and other groups. In this landscape, storyline trumps fact, and social media amplifies it into a barrage of “bullets” fired between opposing camps.

Journalism, he laments, should strip away hysteria and provide nuance. Instead, it’s driven by clickbait economics. True reporting is expensive—covering a war properly can cost tens of thousands, while shaky phone footage costs nothing. It’s why Pelton calls journalism a “dying profession.”

His closing lesson: “always go out of the bubble.” Firsthand experience, adaptability, and curiosit

Robert Young Pelton is a Canadian-American author, journalist, filmmaker, and adventurer known for his conflict reporting and for venturing alone into some of the world's most dangerous and remote areas to chronicle history-shaping events. His work often involves interviewing military and political figures in war zones and spending time embedded with various groups, including the Taliban, Northern Alliance, CIA operatives, al Qaeda, and Blackwater .

He has been present at numerous conflicts, from Ukraine to the the Battle of Grozny and from Qali Jangi in Afghanistan to the rebel siege of Monrovia in Liberia.

Pelton is the author of several books, most notably the New York Times bestselling guide, "The World's Most Dangerous Places," which provides information for navigating high-risk zones. He has also written "Come Back Alive," a survival guide, and his autobiography, "The Adventurist: My Life in Dangerous Places". His work includes feature stories for National Geographic, Men’s Journal, Foreign Policy and Vice. He has worked as a contributing editor for National Geographic Adventure and has worked for major media networks like Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel, CBS's 60 Minutes, ABC Investigative Division, and CNN.

Pelton is also the founder of DPx Gear, a company that designs rugged survival tools and knives based on his field experiences.

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In this episode, Reza Allahbakhshi and Robert Young Pelton unpack the “lessons learned” behind The World’s Most Dangerous Places.

The real challenge isn’t landscapes or weapons—it’s people. From customs officials to taxi drivers, soldiers at checkpoints to warlords in conflict zones, survival comes down to reading signals, understanding motivations, and finding common ground.

“You start off focusing on places, and then you realize—it’s about situations.”

Everyday Situations, Different Rules

Every encounter—boarding a plane, clearing customs, hailing a cab—can be a threat or an opportunity. A savvy traveler adapts quickly, knowing when to pass through quietly and when to build rapport.
“At customs, you don’t need friends. Just answer and move.”

With taxi drivers, however, curiosity and respect can turn a fare into an ally.
“Ask his name. Ask how many kids he has. Suddenly, you’re not just a fare—you’re a person.”

The Universal Commonality

At the heart of these interactions is a simple truth: people want something—respect, money, recognition, connection. Success lies in showing you’re not a threat but an opportunity.
“The basic commonality is understanding what that person can get from you that benefits him.”

Checkpoints and Soldiers

Encounters with armed men require delicacy. Soldiers may be nervous or unpredictable, but respect defuses tension.
“Don’t make them feel small. If they’re holding the gun, let them have the stage.”

Warlords, Fixers, and Power Brokers

Negotiating with those who hold power—warlords, gang leaders, brokers—demands humility and timing. Knowing when to listen, speak, or stay silent can be life-saving.
“You’re always bringing something into their lives. The question is—are you a gift or a threat?”

The Role of Curiosity

One recurring theme: ask questions. Genuine interest creates bonds that protect more than money or credentials.
“Once you ask his name and how many kids he has, in most situations, he’ll start protecting you.”

Adapting Without Losing Yourself

The balance lies between arrogance and naiveté. Travelers must adapt to local rules without abandoning integrity.
“You’re going to be viewed as a tourist. It doesn’t matter how grizzled you think y

Robert Young Pelton is a Canadian-American author, journalist, filmmaker, and adventurer known for his conflict reporting and for venturing alone into some of the world's most dangerous and remote areas to chronicle history-shaping events. His work often involves interviewing military and political figures in war zones and spending time embedded with various groups, including the Taliban, Northern Alliance, CIA operatives, al Qaeda, and Blackwater .

He has been present at numerous conflicts, from Ukraine to the the Battle of Grozny and from Qali Jangi in Afghanistan to the rebel siege of Monrovia in Liberia.

Pelton is the author of several books, most notably the New York Times bestselling guide, "The World's Most Dangerous Places," which provides information for navigating high-risk zones. He has also written "Come Back Alive," a survival guide, and his autobiography, "The Adventurist: My Life in Dangerous Places". His work includes feature stories for National Geographic, Men’s Journal, Foreign Policy and Vice. He has worked as a contributing editor for National Geographic Adventure and has worked for major media networks like Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel, CBS's 60 Minutes, ABC Investigative Division, and CNN.

Pelton is also the founder of DPx Gear, a company that designs rugged survival tools and knives based on his field experiences.

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Jason Florio grew up in London with a fascination for skateboarding and being a rebel. Early exposure to photojournalism and adventurous literature shaped his worldview, leading him to see photography not just as art, but as a tool for truth-telling in places where truth is hidden.

First Steps into Photography

Florio moved to Texas and began as an assistant in the commercial photography world but quickly felt the pull toward photojournalism and documentary work. The shift was fueled by a desire to tell human-centered stories rather than stage-managed campaigns.

India: The Turning Point

His first major assignment in India with writer Pepe Escobar —covering stories for a Brazilian newspaper. This experience changed the trajectory of his career. The country’s rich culture, along with personal relationships built there, taught him the importance of trust and patience in gaining access to authentic moments.

Crossing into Conflict Zones

Florio’s curiosity led him into war zones in Somalia, Libya, and Afghanistan. Each conflict brought its own hazards: navigating hostile checkpoints, avoiding mines, and managing the tension between documenting violence and respecting those affected by it.

His next journey was to visit the taliban in Afghanistan. Not a popular or welcoming place. Again fascinated by the people and culture he then decided to sneak into the Panjshir Valley to meet legendary Afghan commander Ahmed Shah Massoud .

Florio made it in during August of 2001 and explored a different seeminly peaceful part of Afghanistan, but upon his return to New York in September, he would realize that war had come to him. On September 10.Massoud was assassinated by two journalists using a hidden bomb in their camera.

Living in Greenwich Village Florio's agent rang him and asked if he could get down to the World Trade Center. Jason arrived as the buildings began to fall. What happened next were a series of stunning photos of America's worst attack and the people affected.

Jason went on to a high profile career shooting for major publications and still following his own dream. In Part One he shares his motivation with Pelton and explores his motivation for capturing images. Many of them in museums and art galleries around the world.

His

Robert Young Pelton is a Canadian-American author, journalist, filmmaker, and adventurer known for his conflict reporting and for venturing alone into some of the world's most dangerous and remote areas to chronicle history-shaping events. His work often involves interviewing military and political figures in war zones and spending time embedded with various groups, including the Taliban, Northern Alliance, CIA operatives, al Qaeda, and Blackwater .

He has been present at numerous conflicts, from Ukraine to the the Battle of Grozny and from Qali Jangi in Afghanistan to the rebel siege of Monrovia in Liberia.

Pelton is the author of several books, most notably the New York Times bestselling guide, "The World's Most Dangerous Places," which provides information for navigating high-risk zones. He has also written "Come Back Alive," a survival guide, and his autobiography, "The Adventurist: My Life in Dangerous Places". His work includes feature stories for National Geographic, Men’s Journal, Foreign Policy and Vice. He has worked as a contributing editor for National Geographic Adventure and has worked for major media networks like Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel, CBS's 60 Minutes, ABC Investigative Division, and CNN.

Pelton is also the founder of DPx Gear, a company that designs rugged survival tools and knives based on his field experiences.