The World's Most Dangerous Places Podcast
The World's Most Dangerous Places podcast explores what really drives people to step into the world’s most volatile places — and what they learn there. Hosted by survival instructor and journalist Reza Allahbakshi, the show goes beyond adrenaline and adventure to uncover the psychology, philosophy, and lived experience of those who confront danger head-on.
In its premiere season, Reza sits down with Robert Young Pelton, the legendary author of The World’s Most Dangerous Places, whose life has taken him from Canada’s logging camps to corporate boardrooms to war zones around the globe. Through candid conversations, Pelton challenges the media’s fear narratives, shares practical lessons from conflict zones, and reveals why surviving is about much more than staying alive — it’s about living well.
Each episode blends stories, history, and hard-earned wisdom, offering a fresh perspective on risk, resilience, and the extraordinary human spirit.
The World's Most Dangerous Places Podcast
The Survival Seven: Bonus Episode
In this episode, Reza pulls a timeless list from page 83 of The World’s Most Dangerous Places and Robert Young Pelton breaks down his 7 survival rules with real stories—from New Orleans pickpocket crews to Sahara breakdowns, embassy backrooms, and negotiating Land Cruisers in Chad.
What you’ll learn:
- Be Alert: Build situational awareness, read the “flow” of crowds, and do a 360 check—especially when phones/headphones dull your senses.
- Be Sober: Why most robberies hit between midnight–4am and how alcohol turns you into easy prey.
- Use It or Lose It: Pack light, skip “shiny” gear, and carry items you could gift without stress.
- Insure & Insure: What travel/MedEvac policies really cover—and low-cost lifelines like inReach/sat comms.
- Trust No One (and Everyone): How to be friendly without being naïve in places where intel and crime ecosystems watch outsiders.
- Stay Away from Tourists: Tourist zones = mobile ATMs. How to avoid the traps and blend in.
- Prevent Opportunists: Understand the local “market” for you, negotiate smart, and don’t feed kidnapping/grift pipelines.
More info: https://www.comebackalive.com
Disclaimer: This content is educational. Use judgment and follow local laws.
Robert Young Pelton is a Canadian-American author, journalist, filmmaker, and adventurer known for his conflict reporting and for venturing alone into some of the world's most dangerous and remote areas to chronicle history-shaping events. His work often involves interviewing military and political figures in war zones and spending time embedded with various groups, including the Taliban, Northern Alliance, CIA operatives, al Qaeda, and Blackwater .
He has been present at numerous conflicts, from Ukraine to the the Battle of Grozny and from Qali Jangi in Afghanistan to the rebel siege of Monrovia in Liberia.
Pelton is the author of several books, most notably the New York Times bestselling guide, "The World's Most Dangerous Places," which provides information for navigating high-risk zones. He has also written "Come Back Alive," a survival guide, and his autobiography, "The Adventurist: My Life in Dangerous Places". His work includes feature stories for National Geographic, Men’s Journal, Foreign Policy and Vice. He has worked as a contributing editor for National Geographic Adventure and has worked for major media networks like Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel, CBS's 60 Minutes, ABC Investigative Division, and CNN.
Pelton is also the founder of DPx Gear, a company that designs rugged survival tools and knives based on his field experiences.
