I recently finished listening to a fascinating overlanding podcast called Strangers Like Angels. Though I’m an avid podcast listener, always looking for travel-related shows, I’ve never heard anything like this one. Strangers Like Angels tells the story of Alec and Jan Forman’s overland journey through Africa, Europe, and Asia in 1977. They traveled in a Land Rover with a DIY habitat in the back.
Watch this teaser to get an idea of their beautiful, brave journey:
Each podcast episode, narrated by Jan and Alec themselves, is actually a reading from their book by the same name. So if you enjoy the 47 episodes of the podcast, then you’ll definitely want to get your hands on the book to learn about the journey in a deeper way. Pro tip: the overland journey begins in Episode #4, with Episodes #1-3 setting the scene and giving background on Alec and Jan’s life before their big trip.
What’s not to love about this podcast? It takes listeners back in time to 1977, when there was no GPS, and maps and compasses were essential. Roads were not developed as they are today, and countries were completely different politically and even culturally (Alec and Jan drove through Afghanistan not long before the Soviet-Afghan War).
One of my favorite regions to hear about was the Sahara Desert. The Formans crossed it twice, sometimes without any discernible road, with only a map and compass! Their experience puts the fears of modern-day overlanders into perspective.
Indeed, the title of the podcast reveals the overall tone of this multi-continent journey. Time and time again, the strangers they met were like angels to them: repairing their truck, providing meals, becoming lasting friends.
- Listen to Strangers Like Angels podcast on Apple Podcasts
- Get a copy of the book, Strangers Like Angels (affiliate link)
By the way, have you heard of explmore, the organization that highlights overlanders and their travels? That organization is run by Alec and Jan’s son, Charles. All these decades later, the Forman family is still inspiring and empowering overland travelers.
I hope you enjoy this podcast! Leave a comment and tell me about your favorite overlanding show or book.
-B
Keep reading: our 2023 interview with explmore.
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