Rick Steves Says Travel is the Antidote to Fear

Rick Steves Says Travel is the Antidote to Fear

From Death, Sex & Money by Slate Podcasts

April 21, 2026 · 49 min · Episode 569

About this episode

Rick Steves discusses how travel can challenge beliefs and broaden perspectives, sharing his experiences in Iran and his approach to money.

In 2008, travel writer Rick Steves thought the U.S. might be on the verge of war with Iran. So he took a TV crew there to document the people and places who might soon be at risk. “You should know people before you bomb them,” he told Anna Sale.  In this episode, Rick talks about his multiple visits to Iran (the first was in 1978) and how travel in general can challenge our beliefs and broaden our perspectives. He also explains how he manages his money and why he gives so much of it away.  You can find Rick’s most recent book On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer on his website . His 2009 TV special from Iran is available on YouTube .  And here’s NPR’s story by Rebecca Rosman about Rick purchasing the hygiene center.  This episode was produced by Cameron Drews.  Get more Death, Sex & Money with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of DSM and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Death, Sex & Money show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify . Or, visit slate.com/dsmplus to get access wherever you listen. If you’re new to the show, welcome. We’re so glad you’re here…

People in this episode

Host: Anna Sale

Guest: Rick Steves

Topics covered

  • travel
  • fear
  • Iran
  • perspectives
  • money management
  • philanthropy

Keywords

  • travel
  • Rick Steves
  • Iran
  • fear
  • perspectives
  • money management
  • philanthropy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Slate Podcasts, NPR, Acast

Books & works: On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer

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