Key Moments
Who You Meet Down America’s Forgotten Backroads - Peter Santenello
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Key Moments
Peter Santenello travels America's forgotten backroads, revealing its diverse subcultures and challenging stereotypes with a focus on 'maker mode' over 'manager mode' for impactful content creation.
Key Insights
Peter Santenello's journey started with a dream of traveling the world, leading him to visit 50 countries in two years, often on a shoestring budget, which he credits for shaping his perspective without the pressure of content creation.
Americans' limited passport ownership (51% in late 2024) contrasts with the vast diversity within the US, which Santenello explores, highlighting that over 576 federally recognized Native American tribes alone represent distinct universes.
In company towns like Baghdad, Arizona, where Freeport McMorran owns all real estate, wages can be high ($90k avg) and rent low ($350/month) but employment is tied to the company, creating a unique, albeit controlled, living environment.
Native American communities show a wide spectrum of experiences, from the highest per capita military enrollment (patriotism) to varying beliefs and economic situations, with some tribes like the Seminole in South Florida owning the Hard Rock brand worldwide.
Santenello emphasizes the 'maker mode' over 'manager mode' in content creation, stating it's impossible to be effective in both simultaneously, a principle he learned through experience and that is crucial for sustained quality output.
The diversity within the US is so extreme that Santenello likens it to a 'build your own bowl' country, where individuals can choose their culture, geography, and even politics, creating countless coexisting universes within its borders.
From global wanderlust to embracing America's complexities
Peter Santenello's journey into independent journalism and content creation was sparked by a youthful dream of extensive global travel. His early twenties were marked by an ambitious two-year, 50-country odyssey, funded by credit card advances and a willingness to sleep anywhere. This experience, he notes, was invaluable because he was free to simply observe and absorb the world without the pressure of documenting it. This global perspective later informed his return to the United States, where he discovered a depth of cultural diversity and complexity within his own country that he had previously overlooked. He contrasts this with the limited international travel of many Americans, citing that in 2024, only 51% held passports, underscoring his mission to showcase the often-unseen corners of the US.
The American mosaic: cultures within cultures
Santenello's work highlights the staggering internal diversity of the United States, emphasizing that the country is comprised of numerous distinct 'universes.' He points to the 576 federally recognized Native American tribes as a prime example, each with its own culture, laws, and governance, comparable in complexity to European nations. He details the varied experiences within these communities, noting high rates of military enlistment alongside traditional beliefs and economic disparities. Santenello also explores other unique American subcultures, such as the Amish, where he encountered distinct sects like the conservative 'Schwarz-Trooers' and the more liberal 'Beachy' Amish, and the Chicano community in East LA, where English is often spoken with a Spanish accent due to generations of residency. This exploration challenges monolithic views of 'American' identity, revealing a nation of intricate, coexisting realities.
Company towns and controlled communities
The concept of company towns, where a single entity controls employment and housing, is explored through examples like Baghdad, Arizona, owned by Freeport McMorran. While these towns can offer high wages and low living costs, employment is directly tied to the company. Santenello contrasts historical company towns, which used script for payment and exerted significant control, with modern versions. While the script system is largely gone, the principle of company ownership of property and employment still dictates community life. This model, though not for everyone, offers a stable, low-crime environment where residents are implicitly expected to adhere to company rules, or risk eviction. This model, especially with rising inflation and economic pressures, presents an interesting social structure that prioritizes economic contribution and community compliance.
Native American diversity and resilience
Santenello's deep dives into Native American communities reveal a profound spectrum of experiences. He highlights their significant contributions, including the highest per capita enrollment in the US military, demonstrating strong patriotism. Economically, tribes range from those struggling with poverty in regions like the Pine Ridge Reservation to incredibly wealthy ones, such as the Seminole in Florida, who own the Hard Rock brand. He touches on the cultural nuances, like the importance of clan systems and specific rituals, and notes the absence of a unified identity, with individuals identifying variously as 'Indian,' 'Native American,' or 'Indigenous.' He also touches on historical resentments, but emphasizes that many have moved past them, viewing their relationship with America pragmatically. This diversity underscores that 'Native American' is not a singular identity but a collection of distinct nations and cultures.
The pitfalls of 'manager mode' in content creation
A core theme for Santenello is the distinction between 'maker mode' and 'manager mode' in creative work. He argues that it's impossible to excel in both simultaneously. 'Maker mode' involves deep, focused creation, while 'manager mode' entails administrative tasks, logistics, and operational planning. Santenello intentionally avoids 'manager mode' to maintain the quality and authenticity of his content, believing that managing too much distracts from the creative process and leads to a decline in output quality. This philosophy is reflected in his lean operational team, which primarily consists of himself and his wife, emphasizing direct involvement in the creative process over delegation of core production tasks. He cites examples like Ryan Trayhan, who achieves massive success with minimal staff, as evidence that focusing on 'making' is paramount.
Examining America's 'forgotten' communities
Santenello dedicates significant effort to visiting and documenting overlooked or stereotyped communities across America. He contrasts the rural poverty of Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta with the perceived opulence of places like the Hamptons, revealing that even wealthy areas have a working-class underbelly. He highlights the impact of the opioid crisis, particularly in areas like Appalachia, where jobs declined and addiction rose. Santenello also delves into the complex and often harsh realities of drug use in urban centers like Kensington, Philadelphia, and Skid Row in Los Angeles. While he doesn't shy away from these difficult topics, his aim is to present a balanced view, showcasing not just the problems but also the efforts of individuals and groups trying to provide solutions and offer hope.
The border reality: complexity and shifting dynamics
Santenello has produced extensive content on the US-Mexico border, revealing a situation far more complex than often portrayed in media. He notes that perceptions of the border's needs, such as the utility of a wall, vary drastically depending on the specific region, from the Rio Grande Valley to Arizona's diverse sectors. He highlights that the border is not solely a Mexican issue, with migrants from over 140 nations passing through. Santenello details how cartels control much of the flow and how the asylum process, overwhelmed by demand and backlogs, inadvertently creates a 'green light' for many to enter. He contrasts this with the challenges faced by border towns and cities unprepared for such influxes. His work emphasizes the human element and the logistical, political, and social complexities that make the border a contentious and multifaceted issue.
Cultural identity and the American 'choice'
Santenello uses the metaphor of a 'build your own bowl' country to describe America, where individuals can curate their culture, politics, and lifestyle. This reflects his observations of diverse groups, from the Chicanos with Spanish accents who feel neither fully Mexican nor American, to the historical migration patterns that attracted risk-takers. He argues that this immense optionality, while a hallmark of American freedom, can also lead to isolation and a 'Russian Package Tour' mentality, where immediate gratification and short-term gains are prioritized over long-term stability. This observation extends to his view on the internet's influence, which he believes amplifies extreme viewpoints and encourages performative social behaviors, contrasting sharply with the nuanced realities he encounters on the ground.
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Common Questions
Peter Santenello was working as a waiter in Austin in the early 2000s and dreamed of traveling. His initial goal was to save money to go to Europe, get a Ducati, and ride through the Alps.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
A Lakota medicine man from South Dakota identified himself as 'Indian,' highlighting varied self-identification among Native Americans.
Peter Santenello covers the Amish community extensively, noting their different sects and ways of life.
Peter Santenello refers to the Siberian Yup'ik people on St. Lawrence Island as an example of unique American cultures.
Mentioned as another Native American tribe in North Carolina, emphasizing the diversity among tribes.
Used as an example of a country that moved on from past conflicts with America.
Central Appalachia (West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky) is identified as one of the poorest regions in America, with issues of job loss and drug use.
Described as a very rich city surrounded by a poorer UK, with significant cultural and economic tension between it and the rest of the country.
An island in Maryland where some old-timers still speak a form of Elizabethan English, featured in Peter Santenello's book and videos.
Peter Santenello spent a winter snowboarding and working various jobs in Switzerland.
Navajo Nation is compared to the size of New Jersey.
San Francisco is mentioned for its Tenderloin district and the disparity between the financial district and areas with human waste.
Chicanos often feel they are considered American in Mexico and Mexican in the US, highlighting their unique cultural position. Also discussed in the context of the border.
The host recounts being in downtown Baltimore for the 4th of July, experiencing cannons and fireworks.
The host mentions Nashville Broadway as another great American destination.
Indians from Delhi would fly to Mexico City as part of the cartel's migrant route.
A town in Scotland, 20 miles from Berwick-upon-Tweed, noted for its completely Scottish accent.
Peter Santenello took a one-way flight to the Republic of Georgia, which he described as a 'gateway drug' to further travel.
Peter Santenello describes Damascus during Christmas, noting the Christian population and hospitality.
Peter Santenello lived in Ukraine for four years before the war, producing many videos and gaining local fame.
Peter Santenello visited Saudi Arabia right after it opened up, creating content there.
Mentioned as the poorest Native American reservation in the country, contrasting with the wealthy Seminoles.
The host mentions Dollywood near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
A city in Russia from which package tourists would fly.
A river forming part of the US-Mexico border in West Texas, where a border wall would cause issues.
Peter Santenello's great-grandparents arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey, when they immigrated.
An island in the Hebrides where Fred Again reportedly did a tour.
A town in Northumberland National Park, England, with an 'English accent', contrasted with nearby Scottish-accented towns.
Mentioned as a country people have preconceived notions about, and a potential relocation option for Peter and his wife.
Peter Santenello developed an app to connect travelers with similar interests, using Germany as an example for runners.
Peter Santenello made videos in Berdonsk, Ukraine, where he sold corn on the beach and encountered the 'corn mafia'.
Peter Santenello went to New York City to shoot videos with Hasidic Jews.
The host mentions visiting New Orleans and the French Quarter, in contrast to Peter's deep dives.
Another region identified as one of the poorest in America, with communities 'left behind'.
Another border jurisdiction mentioned by Peter Santenello.
Islands off the northwest of Scotland, highlighted for their unique variety.
A town on the England-Scotland border, noted for its distinct accent despite being only 20 miles from another town with a completely different accent.
A city in the UK, mentioned as a place 'absolutely nothing' is happening.
Smith Island, known for its unique dialect, is located in Maryland.
Azerbaijan is mentioned as being near Armenia and the Republic of Georgia.
George Macline moved to Dubai and learned more about the UK there.
Peter Santenello suggests Istanbul, Turkey as a culturally different but user-friendly destination for Americans.
Peter Santenello highlights Navajo Nation in Arizona as a large, distinct indigenous territory.
Mentioned in comparison to the drug crisis in Kensington.
The host describes early experiences in Norfolk, Virginia, seeing military ships.
The host describes Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as a 'Swiss ski lodge town' with beautiful summer weather.
The host mentions a solo trip to Bali, Indonesia, as part of his early world travels.
A destination for Russian package tours after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Peter Santenello mentions the hoods of Karachi, Pakistan for comparison with the grim reality of Kensington.
A modern company town in Arizona, owned by Freeport-McMoRan, offering good wages and amenities but with limited autonomy for residents.
The host recounts an adventurous solo trip to Thailand, highlighting the value of real-world experiences.
A stop on the cartel's migrant route for people from India.
Peter Santenello sat in Golden Gate Park trying to figure out his life before moving to Ukraine.
A neighborhood in Philadelphia known for its severe drug crisis, described as more disheartening than the slums of India or Pakistan.
Peter Santenello discusses filming in the Hamptons, focusing on the working class rather than the wealthy elite.
Australia is mentioned as having social media bans for under 16s, alongside the UK.
Peter Santenello's great-grandparents immigrated from Naples, Italy, to the US in 1918.
The fictional location in Game of Thrones, equated to Newcastle, UK, for its cold and dark nature.
A city in the UK, mentioned along with other places leading up to London.
Turkey borders the Republic of Georgia and is suggested as a 'good middle road' for American travelers.
Peter Santenello grew up in Vermont and his mother still lives there.
Peter Santenello mentions St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, as an example of a diverse and unknown part of America.
The Cherokee tribe is mentioned in North Carolina.
Part of central Appalachia, characterized by poverty and drug issues.
A destination for Russian package tours after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Peter Santenello moved from California to Florida.
A city near the US-Mexico border, part of the cartel's migrant route.
An island off Scotland, shown on a map and noted for its potential for accent changes.
The host's birthplace, south of Newcastle, famous for its wide high street and high teen pregnancy rate.
Peter Santenello lived in a part of Ukraine that has become de facto Russia, living with a family whose apartment was bombed.
Peter Santenello mentions the slums of India for comparison with Kensington's drug problem.
The host mentions the San Bernardino Valley as a place where one might see snow, contrasting with other parts of the US.
Gatlinburg is located in Tennessee.
Peter Santenello lived and worked in Austin in the early 2000s, dreaming of travel.
Peter Santenello's initial travel dream was to save money and travel through Europe for seven months.
The Republic of Georgia is located in the Caucasus Mountains.
The Republic of Georgia borders the Black Sea.
Armenia is mentioned as being south of the Republic of Georgia.
Bulgaria is mentioned for geographical context, relative to Turkey.
Peter Santenello considered visiting Tajikistan after Georgia.
Peter Santenello ran out of money in Uzbekistan during his two-year, 50-country trip.
The UK is mentioned as an example of a country people have ideas about, and the host discusses cultural differences between the UK and the US.
Mentioned alongside the UK and Italy as a country people have preconceived notions about.
Peter Santenello wanted to show the real Syria beyond negative press, and later visited it, describing a unique experience during Christmas.
Peter Santenello recounts his travels in the Middle East and the hospitality he received, noting cultural differences.
Peter Santenello pitched a travel TV show to networks in Los Angeles, but was rejected.
Peter Santenello lived in San Francisco while developing an app and later moved to Ukraine.
Peter Santenello went to Iran and had 'free range' due to his Italian passport, creating a successful video series there.
The host jokingly asks if Peter visited the Gaza Strip, to which Peter replies he went to the West Bank.
Peter Santenello confirms visiting the West Bank.
St. Lawrence Island is described as three times the size of Maui.
The host's hometown, described as a 'freezing cold dark miserable place' and the inspiration for Winterfell in Game of Thrones.
Miami is mentioned as 'the capital of Latin America' and a contrasting universe to remote Alaska.
Part of central Appalachia, historically the 'butt of any joke' as a hillbilly stereotype, and a region with significant coal industry.
Migrants were sent to cities like Chicago, leading to police stations being used as temporary shelters.
Glendale Police Department is mentioned in relation to Phoenix.
Mentioned in contrast to England and the cultural border.
A city in the UK, mentioned as a place of some interest, but less so than London.
A city in the UK, mentioned as a place 'definitely no one gives a shit' about.
A city in Russia from which package tourists would fly.
Peter Santenello started doing border videos when moving from California to Florida. Much of the California-Mexico border is covered by protective fencing.
A city on the US-Mexico border with two mega walls separating it from California.
Peter Santenello discusses the Chicano culture in East LA, highlighting its unique identity.
Migrants were sent to cities like New York after being processed at the border.
A city in the UK, mentioned as a place 'no one gives a shit' about.
A city in the UK, mentioned along with other places leading up to London.
Navajo Nation is located in Arizona, and Peter later discusses the US-Mexico border in Arizona.
A Lakota medicine man Peter Santenello met was from South Dakota.
A district in Los Angeles known for its high homeless population, where housing is available but many prefer street life due to drug use and unwillingness to follow rules.
Another company town in Arizona where people work to save money and buy real estate elsewhere.
The host describes his final full day on Koh Tao, Thailand, involving a moped adventure.
A city in Scotland, used as a reference point for comparing Scottish accents.
A city in the UK, mentioned along with other places leading up to London.
Navajo Nation is compared to the size of Israel, highlighting its distinct laws and rules.
Mentioned as an example of a country migrants would come from, paying cartels to cross the border.
An ancient Roman wall in Northern England, compared to the 'ice wall' in Game of Thrones.
A city in the UK, mentioned along with other places leading up to London.
A border jurisdiction in the US, known for 140 nations attempting to cross through it, and the 'Other Than Mexicans' policy.
A national park in the UK, visited by the host.
Peter Santenello visited McAllen, Texas, to film at the border.
The county where Austin, Texas is located, used as an example of different law enforcement jurisdictions.
A city in the UK, mentioned as a place of some interest, but less so than London.
A city in the UK, mentioned as a place 'no one gives a shit' about.
A city in Russia from which package tourists would fly.
Peter Santenello visited West Texas to film at the Rio Grande, where a border wall would be problematic.
A ring road around London, used to demarcate the metropolitan area from the less-regarded outer regions.
Mentioned as a possible tax haven or retirement place, and a location for a big festival.
A city in the UK, mentioned as a place of some interest, but less so than London.
A city in the UK, mentioned as having 'a little bit' of interest, and a point where cultural differences with the south begin.
An electrolyte drink mix recommended by the host for hydration, performance, and reducing muscle cramps.
A supplement from Timeline that contains Urolithin A, supporting mitochondrial function and muscle strength as people age.
Mentioned as another major drug problem in America alongside fentanyl.
A fiber supplement recommended for digestion, gut barrier strength, and blood sugar stability, especially for Americans who don't get enough fiber.
A platform for 'vibe betting' and short-term financial speculation, contrasting with traditional long-term investing.
A company that makes non-alcoholic beers, recommended by the host for those who want to drink without the negative next-day effects.
The host stayed at a Sheraton hotel in downtown Norfolk, Virginia.
The host speculates on the content Peter could have made with a GoPro during his early travels, but Peter is glad he didn't have one to remain free of content creation pressure.
A copper mining company that owns the company town of Baghdad, Arizona.
An attorney for the Seminole tribe used their successful case against Wells Fargo as a veiled threat to Peter Santenello.
Peter Santenello discussed the early challenges of making a living on YouTube and its later success for his American content.
Peter Santenello worked as a waiter at Fleming's Steakhouse in Austin.
The host jokes about not being able to use Shopify to deliver products to Iran, highlighting the economic differences.
The company producing Mitopure, a supplement for mitochondrial health.
A platform for 'vibe betting' and short-term financial speculation, contrasting with traditional long-term investing.
The Seminole Tribe owns the Hard Rock brand worldwide.
The Sackler family is mentioned in connection with the pill mills and the OxyContin crisis in Appalachia.
The host mentions George Macline who also stated that living abroad teaches one more about their home country.
The host mentions Paul Graham and his essay 'Manager Mode vs. Maker Mode'.
A local fisherman in the Hamptons who fixes surfboards ('dings') and was featured in Peter Santenello's video about the working class there.
Peter Santenello recounts a cab driver in Syria asking his opinion on George W. Bush during the Iraq War.
A YouTuber who works with just an iPhone and his wife, serving as an example of a successful solo creator.
Peter Santenello quotes Steve Jobs on connecting the dots in life.
Peter Santenello asked the Syrian cab driver about Bashar al-Assad, noting the driver's tense reaction.
Custer's Army is referenced in relation to historical conflicts with Native Americans.
A musician mentioned for doing a tour on the Isle of Stornoway.
The sheriff in Yuma County who gave Peter Santenello access to film at the border, bypassing CBP's gag order.
An animal tranquilizer used with fentanyl, creating severe wounds and decomposition in users.
A powerful synthetic opioid that became a major drug problem after OxyContin, causing severe addiction and public health crises.
A highly addictive opioid drug that was given to coal miners, leading to widespread addiction when jobs left the region.
Peter Santenello covers a wide range of American lifestyles, from the Amish to the Bloods and Crips.
Paul Graham is identified as the main guy at Y Combinator.
CBP uses border walls and technology to manage the border, and had a gag order on speaking to the media during a crisis.
The cartel controlled migrant crossings at the border, bringing people to gaps in the wall and giving them US phones to call 911.
The ACLU is mentioned in the context of individual freedom in America, complicating solutions to social problems like homelessness and drug addiction.
One of the few police departments that allowed Peter Santenello to film, contrasting with others.
Mentioned as a wealthy Native American tribe in South Florida that owns the Hard Rock brand worldwide.
Website for the host's merchandise, featuring new designs and upgraded quality, available for a limited time.
Peter Santenello discovers remote places in America using Google Maps.
Peter Santenello uses monday.com for organizing emails and his virtual assistant's tasks.
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