In episode #31 of Roots of Humanity, Drew talks to his new friend Izzet about his roots as an indigenous person to Crimea. What is Crimea? Before 2014, most people probably had no idea about this historic peninsula in Eastern Europe—that is, until it was illegally annexed from Ukraine by Russia, planting the seeds for the present-day war. Izzet talks about the geopolitics of the region and its long history, as well as Tatar culture which has its roots in Turkey. From his childhood in Uzbekistan, to his boarding school years and travel, Izzet has a unique story that is at once wild and inspiring. And tune in to hear Drew reflect about why Ukraine is one of his favorite countries in Eastern Europe, and how he got detained in Russia before the war on the border of North Korea!

In episode #30 of Roots of Humanity, Drew talks to Kamya Buch, a digital nomad and spiritual educator, about her Hindu roots. Ranging from meditation, yoga, and ancient health practices, Indian heritage is alive in the present, because of people like Kamya. Born in England, Kamya has a lot to say about the Indian diaspora. But she’s traveled far and wide throughout Southeast Asia, and she hits it off with Drew in discussing India’s different regions—a perfect conversation for anyone planning a trip. Drew reminisces about his solo trip in India, that ended in a bus crash, while the two talk festivals, women’s rights, fasting, and South versus North Indian food—Which is better? Tune in for a fast-paced conversation about one of the world’s most exciting countries, home to perhaps the deepest spiritual community there is.

In episode #29 of Roots of Humanity, Drew talks to his new friend Sayeeda about Bangladesh. Based in Sydney, having lived around the world in places like South Korea and Dubai, Sayeeda brings her Bangladeshi roots to every travel experience. Bangladesh, a country of nearly 180 million people, is the size of Iowa. Drew and Sayeeda talk about the traffic in Dhaka, the capital, as well as Bangladesh’s beautiful scenery, including one of the longest beaches in the world. Most people don’t know that Bangladesh is a Muslim majority country, absorbing the influences of its neighbors into its own traditions for centuries. What do women’s rights look like here? And is it part of South Asia, or Southeast Asia? One thing Drew and Sayeeda have in common, is the mission to put Bangladesh on the map, as a massively underrated country with some of the best cuisine and cultural heritages in the east.