Hello, and welcome to number 142. This week, I am joined by Joel David Bond, who has just returned from living in Kurdistan, Iraq, for the last seven years. The FBI/CIA evacuated Joel in October 2023, and we talk about that story but also Joel's love for the country, his life there, what he learned from being in that culture, and the shocking ending to his stint. In COVID, Joel was stranded on a Greek Island that housed hundreds of asylum seekers an hour's bus ride from his resort apartment; we talked about those two worlds coming together in the most unlikely scenario and some uncomfortable truths. Also nestled into the conversation is Joel's two-year stint at British Airways, and we hear some funny tales about a career that is not so seemingly dreamy.

A lot is packed into this one, and we barely touched the sides with Joel's other travels, which are hitting the 90-country mark. Right now, Joel is back in the USA figuring out his next moves, and there are many funny stories, reflections and laughs in this episode. Check out Joel's stuff below.

Enjoy. Be inspired!

Joel David Bond

Website - https://www.joeldavidbond.com

As Large As Your Spirit Memoir - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW31G8LR?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_RX0AY2RP3FFQ65K1NEM6

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joeldavidbond

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Winging It Travel Podcast

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