x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Bridging The Continents

Andre van der Most

Bridging the Continents follows the inspiring journey of André van der Most as he drives a Toyota Land Cruiser from Holland to Uganda along the rugged west coast of Africa. More than just an overland adventure, this podcast shines a light on the people and organizations making a difference across the continent.Through stories from the road—navigating borders, crossing deserts, and connecting with communities—André shares both the challenges and triumphs of his expedition. Along the way, he

society & culture documentary

All Episodes

6:48

November 26 2025 - Building Futures in Ganta: A...

Bridging The Continents ·

2025/12/16

LocationMonrovia → Ganta → Liberia–Ivory Coast Border Town, LiberiaEpisode NotesIn this episode, I finally move on from Monrovia and head deeper into Liberia. What starts as a travel day turns into something much more meaningful. I reflect on meeting Sai Buor Brewer, a Liberian-American librarian who returned to help build schools in rural Liberia, and I follow through on my plan to visit his newest project near Ganta.Along the way, I experience the rhythm of road travel in Liberia — slow traffic,

en

6:34

November 25 2025 - Independence, Visas, and...

Bridging The Continents ·

2025/12/16

LocationMonrovia, LiberiaEpisode NotesToday, November 25th, is a very special day for me. It marks 25 years since Suriname became independent from the Netherlands—and it also connects deeply to my own history, because it was on this same date 50 years ago that I left Suriname with the Dutch army.The day began with breakfast at my hotel, which has become a great place to meet people from all walks of life. I had a meaningful conversation with Todd, a Lutheran missionary who works across Africa

en

5:36

November 24 2025 - An Expensive Coffee and Unexpected...

Bridging The Continents ·

2025/12/16

Location Monrovia, LiberiaEpisode Notes It’s November 24th, and what should have been a simple errand turned into one of those days that only seems to happen on the road in West Africa. I went into town looking for an ATM that actually worked—no luck. It was Monday, and the weekend had wiped them all out.I decided to pivot and get a coffee near a big hotel. I parked where I’d parked before without any problems. This time, though, I came back to find a padlock clamped onto my front wheel by private

en

4:09

November 23 2025 - Quiet Beaches, Pepper Fish Soup,...

Bridging The Continents ·

2025/12/15

Location Monrovia, Liberia (Sherry Beach area)Episode Notes In this episode, I talk about slowing down in Monrovia and accepting a place for what it offers rather than what I expected it to be. I finally made it to Sherry Beach—a calm, family-oriented spot with palm trees, seating, and lagoon views—perfect for a quiet Sunday walk. Along the way, I stumbled upon the Chinese ambassador’s residence and the Chinese embassy, which connected a few dots about the high-end Chinese restaurant I had visited

en

9:02

November 22 2025 - From Lagoon Karaoke to Wildlife...

Bridging The Continents ·

2025/12/15

Location Monrovia, Liberia — Calabash Hotel Lagoon & Libassa (Lillaby) Eco Lodge and Wildlife SanctuaryEpisode NotesGood day — November 22nd.I realized I forgot to record part of the previous evening, which turned out to be worth revisiting. Next door to my hotel is the Calabash Hotel, and behind it sits an enormous lagoon-side space dedicated to karaoke — and not in a small way. You pay $15 to enter, almost entirely handled in U.S. dollars, which are far more practical here than Liberian

en

5:20

November 21 2025 - Visa Delays & Embassy Gatekeepers:...

Bridging The Continents ·

2025/12/11

📍 LocationMonrovia, Liberia — Embassy of Ivory Coast & Royal Grand Hotel📝 Episode NotesIn today’s episode, I walk you through an unexpected twist in my Liberia journey. I headed back to the Ivory Coast Embassy to figure out why I never received the call I was promised — and ended up learning more about embassy protocol, long pants etiquette, and the joys of finding good coffee in Monrovia.From navigating Liberian country codes on an American phone, to negotiating with a security guard who had

en

5:22

November 20 2025 - Power Lines & Chance Encounters in...

Bridging The Continents ·

2025/12/10

LocationMonrovia, LiberiaEpisode NotesOn this Thursday, November 20th, I found myself waiting for a call that never came—from the Ivory Coast embassy. I had expected some clarity on my visa situation, but instead I spent most of the day wandering around the hotel and taking in a few local sights.What truly defined the day, though, was an unexpected connection at breakfast. I ended up sitting next to a Dutch guy named Bram—one of those chance travel encounters that turn into something far more

en

3:19

November 19 2025 - Visa Surprises & Market Streets:...

Bridging The Continents ·

2025/12/08

📍 LocationMonrovia, Liberia — November 19📝 Episode NotesToday I set out with the idea that I’d check out the Diana Hotel and then head straight to the Ivory Coast embassy to pick up my visa and continue my journey. Simple plan — or so I thought.On the way there, I had to detour around a fallen tree someone was clearing from the road, but that was easy enough. Once I got to the embassy, they went through my paperwork: the application, my reasons for traveling, the passport photo — all in order. But

en

3:04

November 18 2025 - Visa Runs & Rooftop Rambles: A Day...

Bridging The Continents ·

2025/12/08

📍 LocationMonrovia, Liberia — November 18📝 Episode NotesToday I’m recording from Monrovia, Liberia — mostly because of some visa hurdles I needed to sort out. West Africa keeps me on my toes with ever-shifting rules, embassy quirks, and unexpected detours.I started the morning heading to the Ghanaian embassy, armed with the usual mix of online forms, unclear requirements, and “sign up first” warnings. Instead, I was told I either needed a visa on arrival — usually only at airports — or that I

en

6:29

November 17 2025 - Crossing Borders and Slow Roads:...

Bridging The Continents ·

2025/12/07

📍 LocationBo → Freetown, Sierra Leone📝 Episode NotesOn November 17th, I woke up in Bo reflecting on the conversations from the night before—especially with Francis, a dedicated pharmacy student at the Central University of Sierra Leone. His commitment to becoming a medical professional, one of only 97 in his class, really stuck with me.The morning brought another unexpected meeting: a driver for the ECOWAS ambassador. Sierra Leone currently holds the ECOWAS chair, so hearing what his job is

en

5:39

November 16 2025 - Climbing Out of Freetown: A Stormy...

Bridging The Continents ·

2025/12/07

📍 LocationFreetown → Bo, Sierra Leone📝 Episode NotesNovember 16th started with take two of this recording because take one was drowned out by torrential rain, thunder, and lightning. My goal for the day was to leave Freetown—if the weather and circumstances allowed.Before heading out, I stopped by a supermarket that had been involved in a fraudulent charge on my card two days earlier. I felt it was important to let them know they were being targeted, and they planned to follow up with the car shop

en

4:47

November 15 2025 - Diesel, Detours, and Discovering...

Bridging The Continents ·

2025/12/07

📍 LocationFreetown Peninsula, Sierra Leone📝 Episode NotesOn November 15th, I found myself in a bit of a perceived pickle with the Land Cruiser. With two fuel tanks—one main and one sub—I had switched to the sub the day before, not realizing the main tank was nearly empty. When the sub tank’s empty light came on too, I briefly panicked. Out in the middle of nowhere is not where I want to discover a real problem.I headed back to Sarah Motors for help, but since nothing could be done until Monday, I

en

10:16

November 14 2025 - Engines, Encounters, and Ataya:...

Bridging The Continents ·

2025/12/04

📍 LocationFreetown, Sierra Leone📝 Episode NotesOn November 14th, I found myself catching up on yesterday's moments—from sipping Ataya tea to wrapping chicken in newspaper that reminded me of fish and chips. The day quickly turned into a whirlwind of motorbike rides, car repairs, unexpected Americans from Giving University, police stops, and even a double ticket for the same missing driver's license.I navigated everything from faulty steering rods to a fraudulent double charge on my Visa card. And

en

4:49

November 13 2025 - A Visa Won and a Long Day at the...

Bridging The Continents ·

2025/12/04

📍 LocationFreetown, Sierra Leone📝 Episode NotesIn today’s episode, I wrap up yesterday’s visa mission and dive into a long, surprising day in Freetown. After sorting out the car situation, I finally managed to get my payment accepted at the bank and returned to the Liberian embassy, where I received my visa—although the official receipt would have to wait until the next day. Still, having that visa in hand felt like a major win.On the 13th, I dropped my car at Serum Automotive on Wilkinson Road

en

7:22

November 12 2025 - A Visa Run, Lost Networks, and...

Bridging The Continents ·

2025/12/04

📍 LocationFreetown, Sierra Leone📝 Episode NotesOn November 12th, I set out with one main mission: get my visa for Liberia. I’ve learned the hard way that online visa systems in West Africa can be hit-or-miss — and sometimes hit your wallet twice — so I wanted to handle this one in person. Luckily, the Liberian embassy was only about a kilometer and a half away from where I was staying.I arrived right on time, got the application sorted, and learned I could have the visa in a week for $100. That

en

5:14

November 11 2025 - From McKinney to Freetown:...

Bridging The Continents ·

2025/12/03

Location: McKinney to Freetown, Sierra LeoneEpisode Notes: Today I leave McKinney after what’s probably the longest stay on this trip so far. Checking out was more complicated than I expected because the network was down when I tried to pay with a credit card. Once I finally got on the road toward Freetown, I had a series of surprising and memorable encounters. I ran into the chief and his son from a village I had visited before, picked up Suleiman, a retired prison guard turned Pentecostal

en

4:33

November 10 2025 - Journey Through Sierra Leone:...

Bridging The Continents ·

2025/12/03

Location: Makeni, Sierra Leone – Wusum HotelEpisode Notes: In this episode, we take a slower day at the Wussam Hotel in McKenna, Sierra Leone, reflecting on local flavors, charitable efforts, and the small but meaningful encounters that shape travel experiences. We explore the refreshing hibiscus juice known as bissop, share insights on two impactful non-profits in the region, and highlight the bustling humanitarian presence in Sierra Leone. Along the way, we meet Remy, a young NGO worker from

en

4:13

November 9 2025 - A Day in the Chiefdom: Walking,...

Bridging The Continents ·

2025/11/23

📍 Location: Merel’s Village and surrounding chiefdom, Sierra Leone📝 Episode NotesGood day — November 9th.After staying overnight in the village, I spent the day exploring more of the chiefdom. Every time Merel introduced me, it was as her “uncle,” because in Sierra Leone everyone is considered family. No further questions are asked — it’s just how things work.We visited the healthcare facility again, where most of Merel’s work takes place. The clinic focuses on preventive care, malaria treatment,

en

9:35

November 8 2025 - A Village Welcome and Life with...

Bridging The Continents ·

2025/11/23

📍 Location: Merel’s Village, Sierra Leone📝 Episode NotesGood day — November 8th.I spent more time talking with Chris Roller today, and the stories he shares are out of this world. He recently finished a huge solar project with dozens of stations, and now he’s planning to ride a small motorbike back to Freetown before returning to Botswana for his next project.After that, I made my way to see Merel and bumped into Abdul again. We packed up and made a short extra trip to retrieve a forgotten Wi-Fi

en

4:28

November 7 2025 - Walking the Markets of McKinney...

Bridging The Continents ·

2025/11/23

📍 Location: Makeni, Sierra Leone📝 Episode NotesGood day — November 7th. Merel was planning to come back into town, grab a taxi, and meet up with me so we could walk into the center together. We thought we might meet Abdul and Maxwell as well — both of them Peace Corps workers just like Merel. As it turned out, everyone arrived at the same time, and the four of us set off together.They’ve all created a little support network for themselves — connected through phones, WhatsApp, and good old Peace

en

85 results

Similar Podcasts

Voices of Life

APG Mannheim

Promo Estereo Podcast

Promo Estereo

Talking Timelines Podcast

Talkingtimelines

גיקונומי

ראם שרמן ודורון ניר

Drømmefanger

Drømmefanger