Welcome to another conversation from the Extraordinary Travel Festival. These interviews offer a unique look into the lives of extreme travellers. And in this one, you’re in for a treat as I chat with Randy Williams, R Dub, Ramblin’ Randy, and The Sultan of Slowjamastan. He’s truly a fascinating man with many names.
A Legendary Radio Career
Randy Williams, also known as R Dub, started his radio journey at the tender age of 15, thanks to his mom spotting an ad for a DJ gig. What began as a teenage summer job quickly turned into a lifelong passion. Over the years, Randy built an incredible career, creating the internationally syndicated radio show Sunday Night Slow Jams, which now airs on over 250 stations in 14 countries.
As Randy shared with me during our chat:
“I’ve rarely had a real job. Radio has always been my passion, and I feel blessed to do what I love.”
His innovative format, blending love songs with heartfelt listener dedications, became a global phenomenon, earning him millions of listeners and a spot on Shark Tank. Even though the sharks didn’t invest, Randy’s career soared, proving the value of persistence and passion.
His innovative format, blending love songs with heartfelt listener dedications, became a global phenomenon, earning him millions of listeners and a spot on Shark Tank. Even though the sharks didn’t invest, Randy’s career soared, proving the value of persistence and passion.
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The Life-Changing Trip to Brazil
While his radio career was thriving, Randy’s love for travel began to bloom. It all started with a solo trip to Rio de Janeiro at the age of 26 – a journey that completely changed his life.
“I was scared to travel alone, but once I did, I fell in love with Brazil. Leaving the airport after that trip, I was in tears. I didn’t know it was possible to fall in love with a country like you fall in love with a person.”
Randy later moved to Recife, a city on Brazil’s northeastern coast, fully immersing himself in its culture. He learned Portuguese, experienced the vibrant lifestyle, and developed a deep connection to the country.
Randy’s Journey to All 193 Countries
Traveling to every UN-recognized country is a feat few achieve, and Randy’s journey was as adventurous as it was eye-opening. Along the way, he encountered challenges, from navigating tricky border crossings to dealing with cultural misunderstandings. But for Randy, every experience was worth it.
“When I tell people I’ve been to every country, the first thing they ask is, ‘Which was your favorite?’ And I always say the same thing: ‘It depends on what you’re looking for.’ Every country has something special to offer.”
Memorable Moments and Lessons Learned
Randy shared some unforgettable memories, like the time he faced unexpected hospitality in a remote village in Papua New Guinea or the breathtaking landscapes of Bhutan. “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from traveling is that people everywhere are more alike than different,” Randy reflected.
“We all want connection, love, and understanding. Travel has a way of breaking down those barriers and showing us that.”
Randy’s Advice for Aspiring Travelers
Randy’s journey isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about inspiring others to embrace travel as a way of life. For anyone considering their own adventure, he offered this advice:
- Start Small:
“You don’t have to go to all 193 countries. Start with one, and let your curiosity grow from there.” - Be Open-Minded:
“Some of the best experiences happen when you let go of your expectations and go with the flow.” - Travel Solo:
“Traveling alone pushes you out of your comfort zone and helps you connect with people in ways you never expected.”
“Travel isn’t just about the places you go – it’s about the person you become along the way.”
From World Traveler to Sultan
After visiting all 193 UN-recognized countries, Randy found himself asking, “What’s next?” His answer: create his own country. That’s how the Republic of Slowjamastan was born.
Located on 11 acres of desert in Southern California, Slowjamastan is a self-declared micronation complete with its own currency, national anthem, and quirky laws. Randy’s role as “The Sultan” of Slowjamastan combines satire and escapism, offering people a break from the divisiveness of the real world.
“Slowjamastan is about fun and imagination,” he said. “It’s a place where people can escape, even if just virtually, and find a little humor and joy.”
Creating Slowjamastan:
Where Imagination Meets Reality
Randy’s micronation, Slowjamastan, isn’t just a gimmick – it’s a fully-fledged project born out of his love for creativity and community. With 11 acres of land in Southern California, the Republic of Slowjamastan has its own flag, national anthem, and an official currency known as the Duble.
Randy explained the inspiration behind the project:
“I’ve always been fascinated by micronations – places like Sealand and Molossia. I wanted to create a space where people could have fun, laugh, and join something a little out of the ordinary.”
Visitors to Slowjamastan are greeted with humor and whimsy. There are quirky laws, like the prohibition of Crocs (yes, the shoes), and citizenship is open to anyone willing to embrace the nation’s playful spirit. Randy has even held citizenship ceremonies, complete with oaths and national badges.
“We’ve got over 5,000 citizens from around the world. It’s amazing to see how something that started as a joke has brought people together.”
The Balance Between Fun and Awareness
Though Slowjamastan is lighthearted, it also carries a subtle message about how borders, nations, and governments shape our world. Randy uses the platform to encourage people to explore the world, break down cultural barriers, and embrace the joy of discovery.
“It’s a reminder that the world is so much bigger than we think,” he shared.
“Slowjamastan is my way of saying, ‘Let’s have fun, but let’s also remember to stay curious and connected.’”
Slowjamastan and Beyond
For Randy, the answer is simple: keep exploring, keep creating, and keep inspiring. While Slowjamastan remains a playful passion project, he’s also using his experiences to connect with people on a deeper level.
“I want to show people that the world isn’t as scary as it’s made out to be. Travel has changed my life, and I hope it can change others’ lives too.”
Building a Community Around Travel
One of the things Randy is most proud of is the community he’s built through Sunday Night Slow Jams, his travel stories, and Slowjamastan. From listeners who tune in to his show every week to the thousands who have joined his micronation, Randy’s influence extends far beyond radio waves.
“It’s amazing to see how a shared love for music, travel, or even something as quirky as Slowjamastan can bring people together.”
A Legacy of Passion and Playfulness
As I listened to Randy reflect on his journey, one theme stood out: his ability to blend passion with playfulness. Whether spinning records, exploring a new country, or issuing passports in Slowjamastan, Randy approaches life with a contagious sense of curiosity and humor. “I’ve been lucky to live a life that doesn’t feel like work,” he said.
“If you follow your passions and don’t take yourself too seriously, amazing things can happen.”
Final Thoughts:
Lessons from Randy Williams
My conversation with Randy was more than just an interview – it reminded me why I love travelling and meeting people with unique stories. Randy’s journey is proof that life is what you make of it. Whether you’re chasing your dreams, exploring the world, or building a micronation, there’s always room for creativity and connection.
As I wrapped up the episode, I reflected on Randy’s words:
“The world is full of incredible places and even more incredible people. All you have to do is go out there and find them.”
Plan Your Own Adventure
Feeling inspired? Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own adventure, visiting every country, or just taking a small step out of your comfort zone, Randy’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity and imagination. To learn more about Randy Williams, visit Slowjamastan’s official website or tune in to Sunday Night Slow Jams.
Extraordinary Travel Festival
This conversation was recorded in Bangkok during the Extraordinary Travel Festival, an event that brought together some of the world’s most fascinating travelers. Over the course of the festival, I had the chance to sit down with people who have explored places and lived experiences that will blow your mind. Even if your travel ambitions are more laid-back, I think you’ll enjoy their stories.
And if interviews aren’t your thing, no worries. I’m also working on my regular travel episodes, which will continue to drop alongside these festival conversations.
NEXT TIME
In the next interview episode on The Radio Vagabond, I’m sitting down with two incredible travellers who have taken their adventures to extraordinary levels. You’ll meet Christian Fleischer, who has leveraged a career in the airline industry to explore the globe – from 5-star luxury to roughing it in remote places like Tristan da Cunha. He recently completed visiting all 193 UN-recognized countries.
And then there’s Jon Beardmore, also known as ‘The Galapagos Postman.’ He’s on a mission to deliver 50 letters from an ancient postbox in the Galapagos Islands to recipients around the world, raising awareness and funds for Motor Neurone Disease. Both have stories that are guaranteed to amaze and inspire. Don’t miss it!
My name is Palle Bo, and I gotta keep moving. See you.
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