What would motivate someone to cycle 4,000 miles across America, and what stories might they uncover along the way?Episode SummaryOn this episode, I speak with travel writer Simon Parker, who recently cycled 4,000 miles across America. Simon's journey, from Seattle to Key West, was a mission — ahead of the US election in November — to understand the current social and cultural landscape of the United States by speaking with everyday people. Throughout the episode, listeners will hear about the challenges Simon faced, the incredible stories he gathered, and the unique perspectives he gained on issues like gun control, religion, freedom of speech, and food deserts. Simon shares how his passion for travel and long-distance cycling has shaped his career as a writer and journalist. He discusses how the pandemic and becoming a father have influenced his work and personal life. The conversation delves into the logistics of such a massive undertaking, including the physical and mental demands, and how cycling serves as both a method of travel and a means to connect with strangers. You’ll hear compelling anecdotes from Simon's trip, illustrating the kindness of strangers and the diverse experiences of Americans. This episode provides a deep dive into the lesser-heard voices and the real-life impact of political and social issues in the US, making it a thought-provoking listen for anyone interested in travel, journalism, or American culture. Guest Biography Simon Parker is a British travel writer, journalist, and filmmaker based on the edge of the Cotswolds. He has spent the past 20 years traveling the world, working for notable publications and broadcasters such as The Telegraph, The Times and the BBC. Simon has visited over 150 countries, creating documentaries and writing extensively about his experiences. Describing himself as someone who has always been passionate about travel, Simon's career began with a one-way ticket to New Zealand at the age of 19, leading to years of hitchhiking around Australia and New Zealand.His adventures have taken him from the remote islands of the Pacific to the bustling cities of Europe. Simon is known for his long-distance cycling expeditions, which have become a central theme in his writing and journalism. His new book, "A Ride Across America," documents his 4,000-mile journey across the United States, exploring the country's small towns and big issues in the lead-up to the presidential election. Links Simon’s website: https://www.simonwparker.co.uk His books ‘Riding Out’ and ‘A Ride Across America’: https://www.simonwparker.co.uk/books/ Simon’s UK theatre tour dates; https://www.simonwparker.co.uk/speaking/ Timestamped Summary 00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:00 - Overview of Simon's cycling adventure across America. 00:02:00 - Simon's background and career as a travel writer. 00:04:00 - The motivation behind Simon's passion for travel. 00:07:00 - Impact of the pandemic on Simon's life and work. 00:09:00 - The logistics and challenges of long-distance cycling. 00:12:00 - Cultural and social dynamics encountered during the trip. 00:14:00 - Simon's reflections on the kindness of strangers. 00:17:00 - Balancing family life with a career in travel writing. 00:20:00 - Overview of Simon's new book and its themes. 00:23:00 - Discussions on gun control, religion, and freedom of speech. 00:27:00 - The concept of food deserts in America. 00:30:00 - Starting conversations with strangers during the journey. 00:33:00 - Unexpected themes and stories from the trip. 00:36:00 - Reflections on slow travel and its benefits. 00:39:00 - Simon's thoughts on the future of travel writing. 00:42:00 - Writing process and challenges of creating the book. 00:45:00 - Insights gained from the journey and changing perspectives. 00:49:00 - Simon's views on gun ownership and personal safety. 00:51:00 - Conversations about religion and personal beliefs. 00:54:00 - Future plans and upcoming projects. 00:56:00 - Conclusion and final thoug