CURRENT MISSION

Go to space. And help everyone else go there too!

ABOUT ME

I'm helping build a global DIY space program, with the help of the US government. This means a lot of traveling, talking, networking and couchsurfing!

I'm also an ultra-minimalist geek, traveling and living out of a small backpack. I've been doing this for a few months now and can't imagine any way of living that's more free or fun.

I've lived all over the world - UK, New Zealand, China and now I'm simply a nomad. Accidentally got stuck in the Gobi Desert for 6 months. Became a reality TV star in Shanghai (I played a ginger James Bond for some of that. Long story!). Recently got injured in balloon lightsaber duel, while wearing full Ziggy Stardust makeup. All fixed up now though (until the next time)

PHILOSOPHY

The probability that I am here today and leading a such a great life is incredibly small. Therefore, I make the most of it by saying yes to practically every opportunity and living life to the fullest. And this ensures I'll have stories to tell my eventual grandchildren!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Since I'm largely nomadic at the moment, I can only couchsurf. Not much opportunity for hosting, unless someone wanted to live in my backpack...

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Crashing on a few couches in California (not through couchsurfing.org). Lots of experience staying with Airbnb hosts.

Interests

My biggest interest is in building connections to make the world (and beyond) a better place. Right now, my focus is on building a spacefaring civilization and getting all of humanity involved. As you can see, I like to think big!

Music, Movies, and Books

Movie: The Princess Bride
Books: Terry Pratchett, The Life Nomadic
Magazines: MAKE Magazine, Wired, New Scientist
Music: Queen, lots of other stuff
TV: Mythbusters

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Giving a TEDx Talk in Stockholm, Sweden
Getting stuck in the Gobi Desert for 6 months
My organisation receiving a 500,000 USD grant to get hackerspaces building space tech
Living all over the world
Being a reality TV star on Chinese TV (briefly)

Teach, Learn, Share

I can help teach people to be ultra-minimalist, live out of a backpack and unlock their potential to travel the world
I can also help teach a few geeky skills like building a fruit-powered arcade machine or something weird like that

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can make a mean osso bucco if you have a slow cooker. And I'm good at bringing wine to say thanks for letting me stay...

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy, Macao, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, New Zealand, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States