Traveling to the Strangest Country on Earth 

Turkmenistan is WILD 🇹🇲. So happy to be watching this right now !! You guys rock

The biggest hearts are in the farthest away places. Love this adventure 🔥

This was my first episode of "Yes Theory". These guy's look like they're having the best time ever. I'm amazed they got in. The people were so humble! This is what humanity should be like!!

I have to admit that I am floored by the genuine warmth of these people. Turkmenistan is definitely mind-blowing. Thank You for taking us all on such a memorable adventure. I married an AIR FORCE Brat 39 years ago who graduated in Kaiserslautern Germany. His family vacationed in Switzerland, and Paris. He learned to drive on the Autobahn and had a Fort Worth Attorney on retainer after returning to the States LOL. He has taken this Texas girl all over North America and one day he hopes to take me back to His heart's home KTown Germany. I think I'm going to give Magic AI a try.

"We are honored to host you in our country, and we look forward to welcoming you again. Wishing you success on your journey of exploring the world."🇹🇲🇹🇲🇹🇲

This channel rocks because rather than trying to paint a narrative, the creators allow locals to tell their own story. Beautiful.

OMG man, seeing the wedding was hilarious and so cool, but you playing with those kids at the end was so sweet and simple it brings tears to my eyes. So beautiful! I loved how it took the tour guide a little while to figure you guys out but in the end he was laughing along with you all. All the lovely people in this were so inspiring ❤

I think locals have this emotional joy they get when they see people from different countries come to their community

Amazing video as always

I am disabled from my belly button down, and recently diagnosed with cervical cancer. I’m not able to travel. It’s always been a dream of mine though! But through your RU-vid videos I feel like I’m able to experience the world, and that brings me so much peace. Thank you guys for doing what you do

I worked with a colleague who is from Turkmenistan. He always told us the most interesting stories about his country and how no one except the president can drive in black cars and women can’t wear certain types of makeup. We would listen with so much amazement. I was about to share this video with him, but then I remembered that he doesn't have RU-vid because he told me it's not allowed in his country. 🙃

i was second away from typing "this country has an even weirder vibe than north korea", but then the wedding ceremony in the monument happened, suddenly the vibe changed and it's going better and better and better. Max is cool too.

Being a turkmen myself it made my heart warm watching this. Thank you guys a lot for making this trip and for posting this video. This is so precious. Thank you for capturing these moments, this is such a turkmen experience. Thanks for showing this to the world. I truly do believe the best part of Turkmenistan is it’s people with their genuine hospitality and humility.

8 years into it, and the entire Yes Theory crew is still into the idea with all of their hearts. You can see that this is not just a job, not just a channel for any of them, it's not about money or fame. It is a way of life, and everything they are preaching they are showing by example. Thank you for going out of your comfort zone so we can too. Thank you for showing that a rejection is not the end of the world and that love and honesty go further than everything. Thank you for listening to the community's voice, as we will always be here to spread the word.

Love and compassion are key to end hatred, indifference and violence. And your amazing travel vlog demonstrated this. Thank you. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

I worked six months in Turkmenistan at the military shipyard during the construction of the Deniz Han corvette ship built by Turkey in the Caspian Sea. Since Turkmenistan people can understand Turkish, I did not have any difficulties in communication. Turkmen people are very hospitable and kind people. But many of them live on the edge of starvation. Although the government is rich and the income is high, most of people are very poor.

The people at the wedding were so nice and to show some RU-vidrs so much love proves how many good people there are in the world.

Max telling them " if you don't go eating you'll get drunk" is so wholesome! hahaha like an uncle who doesn't want you to get shitfaced at a family party 🤣

In love with this channel! It solidifies exactly what I try to tell everyone I meet that lives in their own little corner of the world. Everywhere I've ever been, people all want the same thing...to be happy. We're mostly shown only the horror stories through media, but nearly never the happiness around the world. Thank you all so much for showing the true love and happiness around the world. What a wonderful blessing!

Wow so amazing to watch. My now husband and I were caught up in a wedding parade in Spain 34 years ago and we were invited to attend the wedding party. We were the only foreigners who were there and the first time they had met Australians. It still today remains one of the best experiences of my life. This story reignited that special occasion. Great story.

Thank you guys SO much for looking past fears & anxieties about a country that is so closed off to the rest of the world. I have several good friends from Turkmenistan who I have met from living in Eastern Europe. Of course the country & government has its reputation, BUT the people of Turkmenistan are some of the warmest, friendliest, & funniest people you’ll ever meet. I’m SO glad that you guys were able to capture this. Thanks for what you do!

That wedding part was absolutely insane. You guys are single-handedly changing the way the world looks at other countries. Watching the news can easily distort our perception of reality, but at the end we're all people. P.S. - Dream trip would be Japan, so here's the comment. Thank you guys!

Just wow.. i mean wow.. first time coming across YES THEORY, and truly i'm so much in love with the epic documentary and how you interacting and catching the glimpse of your audience...KEEP IT UP GUYS

I've only started watching your channel today. I've subscribed and will binge some more. I've never had a passport or enough money to ever travel but getting to watch your videos gives me a chance to experience it all vicariously through some of the nicest people I've had the experience of viewing. Kindness costs nothing, and in many years of homelessness experience I found it very rare to come across this in most folk, however, I make sure to spread it wherever possible. It's great to see others doing the same. 😁 I wish you all the best on your adventures and in life in general! All the love. 💛

We, people in Turkmenistan saying "Myhman atandan uly (17:10)" wich translates guests a higher than your father and it literally means that you are taking care of your guests as good as you taking care of your father. I am amazed by watching this video, thank you guys for showing these to the all world!

I'm so happy my son showed me this channel. I can't get enough! I've been sick for a long time & didn't get to travel like I wanted to. I've never even been out of the US or on an airplane. I'd love to go anywhere but if I had to pick I would say Japan, Australia or Ireland. I lost both kidneys when I had my son (I was only 28) I stayed on dialysis for 13 long years. I also went through breast cancer when I was 30. Praise God I received a kidney transplant 5 years ago & I am still cancer free. I'd love to travel but it is impossible on my income. I will just continue to watch your videos and feel my heart smile everytime. 😊❤

Hey Guys About 30 yrs ago I met a guy from Turkmenistan . He was about 35 yrs old and I was in my 40s . We became friends and he asked my Wife and I out to dinner . We visited one of the most Amazing Restaurant's in Vancouver . He moved and we moved and when I finally tracked his employer down . Found out he had passed away . He was Such a Kind Person . Hope you enjoyed his Country . Thanks

I love seeing a totally different perspective about these countries or traveling in general. I feel like I am really there with you doing these amazing things with the people of each country. I admire your willingness to go into uncomfortable or dangerous situations for the benefit of all of us that watch. You guys rock! Stacy from Minnesota USA

Being there probably feels like a dream. Not a dream you'd want to be in, but not exactly a nightmare, just a strange dream

It's clearly your positive energy and willingness to be flexible and look for any opportunity to engage with locals that allows you to connect so well and open up these experiences to thousands of others! Thank you!

That wedding scene was something else. Such warm hospitality in an unexpected place!

Being a citizen of Turkmenistan and currently an expat in Vietnam, this video is by far something I am looking forward to watch and the fact that you, guys, visited my country and made this video already gives me goosebumps! I am sure I will enjoy every second of it and it will help me feel myself back in the streets of Ashgabat!!! Well done, Yes Fam!

This was honestly one of your greatest videos to date. Not only did you go into a completely unknown and seldom traveled country, but you made friends with locals when almost no one was around, and discovered several beautiful sites. Your smiles and energies were amazing! Machu Picchu has always been a travel dream!

You guys are amazing!!! Thank you for making and sharing this film!! I feel so good about humanity after watching the beautiful experience you all had in Turkmenistan. I needed this reminder of the power of human connection in a sometimes dark world. Much gratitude. 💜

Wow this is such a wholesome episode. Thank you for making and sharing your experience

This feels a lot like your original type of content, that's what made me fall in love with your channel in the first place. Showing the other side of places and cultures, that usually seem to not be considered as travel destinations. I want to travel all over the world, but my next dream destination would be Tromso Norway :)

Wow guys 🥹 incredible video 💛 Loved every second. Thank you to everyone who made it so special!

This is my first time watching any of your videos and I’m blown away!! What a beautiful country and the people are just as lovely! Thank you! This was educational 🙌🏾 you have a new follower 😊

You always find the best in people in every country you visit. You bring joy and find joy whereever you go. You are the perfect Tourist visitors.

I went on a road trip with my dad from the UK to Turkmenistan, back in 2011. The night before we crossed from Iran , I remember we were camped on a faceless brown, dusty mountain overlooking the Turkmen border , with only a phone mast for company next to our Land Rover. We had just experienced 3 days of exceptional welcome and friendliness while in Iran, but nothing could prepare us for the contrast to come. After crossing the border, we were first instructed to wash our vehicle, because "dirty vehicles in Ashgabat get $100 fines". We were accompanied by a government minder for the next three days. As per this video, the streets were spectacular, with gleaming white (often facade) buildings adorning their edges. We saw many of the monuments profiled here as well as the national stadium (I think $600m build), while golden statues to the "great leader" at every turn were especially memorable. It was utterly bizarre being somewhere so empty - I remember seeing a set of 20 x school children dressed in long, floating red robes who were ushered away from us as the only 'group' of people we saw during our whole trip . I also remember being able to use the Internet in a public cafe, but only if we handed our passports over first. The first hotel we went to was "fully booked for the UN" despite clearly being entirely empty. At the next hotel , the grand entrance was betrayed by a delabitated interior and half furnished rooms. We were also ushered back to the hotel by secret police around midday on Day 2 - being informed the president drives through the centre of the city then and does not like to see people on the streets or foreign vehicles (we also had to "hide" our vehicle behind the hotel). Turkmenistan's infrastructure is incredibly impressive and you will not find a "cleaner" city, but I've never felt more unwelcome, or seen such centralized and narcissistic power from a leader seemingly drunk on the power afforded him through resources, propaganda and Russians political influence. I felt and feel sorry for the Turkmen people, living under such a shadow, in the midst of one of the worlds most exceptional city centres. I remember my dad's frustration that I couldn't just enjoy the experience more, rather than critiquing it via a juvenile Western lens - a frustration towards myself I now share. My dad drove on into Uzbekistan , while I flew back from Ashgabat to the UK. It would turn out to be the last trip we'd do together. I remember sitting next to a Japanese woman on the plane (in the extractive sector), who could see my irritation. I explained my sense of perplexity towards the veneration bestowed on the Turkmen leader, to which she referenced the Japanese Emperor. The experience changed my world view and although I didn't "enjoy" the city it's a totally underexplored region of the world (speaking from a Western perspective) which deserves enquiry and attention.

The tour guide is probably thinking “what have I gotten myself into?” but this specific tour might be remembered by him forever. Great video guys!

This is why I love YES Theory. It's not just an eye opening glimpse into cultures but it unveils the true essence of humanity and instils within me a deep sense of love and connection for my fellow earthlings. Thank you so much guys

What an amazing trip! My eyes have been opened and Turkmenistan is now on my bucket list for a visit. Your approach to travel and connecting to others gave my heart such a HUGE smile. ❤😊 What you’re doing… what you’re about… your life philosophy is so important for the world we all share. You guys are the best! Keep up the great work, have some fun and… thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU YOU! 🫶

I was so touched by the warmth of the people at the wedding. What a great episode!!

For such an insulare, and remote country. I am absolutely blown away by the amount of people so fluent in English.

The people there are so kind. It's beautiful how inviting they are. It was so nice to see the guys just wanting to meet people ❤

Dude, this is quality content. The partaking of the wedding, the immersion in their culture, wrestling with the kids, Amazing!

I grew up on a tiny island in the Western Pacific called Tinian (population ~3,000) which played a huge role in ending WWII, but many people don’t know about it aside from history buffs or relatives of veterans who served during the war. As a subscriber and mental health service provider for school-aged children, I’ve always loved your content and how you spread awareness on the importance of connection. Making positive connections can be a huge source of strength during tough times. A dream destination is Jeju Island in Korea because of its beauty, culture, and food. I’ve always been fascinated by the haenyo (women divers) and would love to see them in action too.

Its insane how nice and caring people can be from the most misunderstood places! You guys are awesome!

Beautifully done. Such a beautiful culture. It's amazing they don't let many visitors considering how welcoming they are!

Totally loving this and you got a new subscriber. Was bumming today and this cheered me up. There's hope for humanity

"We live in a time in the world right now where fear has been slowly dripping like poison into the veins of society pulling us further and further apart. The rhetoric of Us Versus Them is rampant. The dehumanization of entire regions of the world feels commonplace and in the meantime it feels like the everyday person is left as the loser. Neighbors and cousins are pinned against each other forgetting we all once knew how to live peacefully." So beautiful. Thank you for sharing this video! More power to y'all! Love from Texas!

One thing I’ve noticed from travel blogs, is how friendly the local people are. Whether in the city or small places. This video was so cool.

Thank you so much for visiting this beautiful country and showing us not only the sights but the wonderful people as well.

This is awesome ❤. Thank you so much for showing us this part of the world ❤. Greetings from Kenya 🇰🇪.

Loved how you guys embraced the beauty of their culture, most especially their people, no matter how “strange” the country has been from an outsider perspective ! You guys are awesome!

Wow. How beautiful & kind those people were who invited you to their wedding. Love how respectful and invested you each are in these trips. We will all miss you, Matt!

I am so glad that I found this video. Travel just broadens one’s outlook on life. ❤ Thank you.

Why is it that your storytelling gives me goosebumps every time? Thank you for sharing your stories and experiences with the rest of us. Though I might never meet you guys, I am grateful for the friendships I’ve created with you guys through your videos!

Absolutely thrilled to watch the video! Being from Kazakhstan, I couldn't help but have a huge smile throughout, as our cultures with Turkmenistan people are so similar. It's incredible to see these hidden gems showcased and appreciated. I loved the message you guys are giving at the end of the video. As for my dream destination, it's Reykjavik. There's something about the charm and beauty of Iceland that captivates my imagination. Its virgin unique nature is breathtaking.

I have been watching this channel for years and truly have become A LOT more outgoing, kind, and a discomfort seeker. Like many, I struggled with social anxiety so much that I often found more comfort in my own company than others. Seeing these videos inspired me to push past the discomfort to ultimately experience beautiful friendships and visit gorgeous parts of the world. I am so proud of the person I am now and can confidently say that Yes Theory had a huge impact on my life. For that, I will forever be grateful. I even got my own yes tattoo as a reminder to myself to always say yes to the opportunities that life presents and although it can be scary every experience in life, good or bad is worth living.

This trip really touched my heart ❤️ Thank you for another amazing video!

This was by far my favorite video😁 I couldn't believe how beautiful it was and the people including you in their wedding was amazing

You made me reconsider travelling despite mental struggle with anxiety. Thank you for what you do.

The editing, the humor, and the story telling. Everything was on point 👏🏼🤍🇸🇦

Just came across your videos and you guys are such a vibe! Such an amazing experience you guys had! I cant wait to watch more videos!

I've only just discovered this channel today...two videos in and love it already! Keep up the good work...

So wonderful to see Matt in this video, and once again you guys have made some incredible storytelling. Thank you for showing what so few get to experience!

actually had a non stop smile on my face from the second you guys step foot in the country. amazing stuff honestly, this really shows the best parts of humanity.

This was one of my favorite episodes. Amazing people! The guide also did a lot for the experience.

Incredible!! Travel is the best education one can receive. What lovely & friendly people. This is Living!!!!!

Max is the MVP for sticking things through and stepping out of his comfort zone and indulging in the fun with you guys!!!!

I’m from Kazakhstan (quiet close to where your are in this video!), and my absolute dream destination is Antarctica. One of the main reasons why I dream of going there is my fascination with penguins (don’t you all feel like a penguin sometimes, a beautiful sort of clumsy creature that cannot fly? Is it just me?😂) 🐧 Also coming from a landlocked country far away from any ocean, it’s quiet amazing to embark on a trip such as a trip to Antarctica! Flying to South America and then the southernmost part of the world, seeing the biggest penguin colony, and just getting to experience being on a virtually uninhabited continent… just thinking about it makes me feel excited.

All I want to say, is thank you. Thank you for doing what many can't, or won't, to bring the light of these places to all of us. 🙏🏼

This has been my favorite video of yours ! Absolutely eye opening. What a beautiful and unique country !

I'm glad you pushed through your initial doubts and fears to experience Turkmenistan firsthand. It's moments like these, where we connect with people from different cultures, that remind us of our shared humanity. Keep exploring and spreading positivity!

That wedding looked like so much fun. Really cool to see how friendly everyone was

I just loved how well mannered the young boys were. They came up to you and shook your hand... such respectful young men. The connections you made their are certainly such great treasures that will remain with you for ever. Last but not least, my dream vacation is Japan.😊

I love that you guys go to these impossible remote places and get there and immediately gravitate to good people. Amazing! ❤

Wow this country is HIGH on my list! Incredible video as always boys!

I love you all! Your spirit an your energy is awesome! This is what life is all about love, love love and more love. We need more people like you in this world. It would definitely be a better place. Peace love in light! ❤🙏

Fabulous message!!! Thanks for this awesome video. This is world changing.

I love how they were able to make human connections when they barely met any people at first! Traveling is such a beautiful tool for connection

The message you all continue to send is so very important, I can’t stress enough how beautiful you portray people around the world. Recently I’ve been having trouble finding hope in this world bc i believed we were very far gone as a society and not to mention numb to all the very horrible things in the world, but you all keep reminding me the beauty in us, so thank you. We’re all just humans who have way more much in common than we think.

This is the best travel story experiences I seen. I was skeptical initially but happy I watched the whole video and understood the lesson at the end.

Loved the vibe! You guys are great to watch!! ❤

Your openness, curiosity and willingness to follow the people is beautiful. What a life lesson for us all.

Omg, that's literally my home country. I was born there, my father still lives there. And it's really good to see that the people are still welcoming and I hope you had only positive feelings while visiting. It's really heart-warming to watch this video especially after all the rumors and weird stories about Turkmenistan. I'm really grateful for the work you do. You guys, are really inspiring and keep making the world the better place! THANK YOU! huge love❤

Sooooooooo in love with this country right now!!!! Thank you for sharing

What an experience...thank you for sharing!

The message at the end was so freaking powerful. Almost got me tear up. Yes Theory is the only channel whose videos can make you laugh, cry, learn, and get inspired all in half an hour!

Yes Theory never fails to make my day with their beautiful storytelling! I've done a few solo trips in the past year because of the inspiration I've gotten from this channel to seek discomfort, keep an open mind and heart, and choose love over fear. As for my dream destination, I can't wait to visit Mexico one day, especially the vibrant CDMX. Having learnt Spanish over the course of 6 years, and after having recently visited Spain, I've been itching to explore more of Latin America and fully immerse myself in the diverse cultures and traditions of the region!

Beautiful! keep spreading this powerful message♥

This is a brilliant video, so special you have shared otherwise would never heard about it. Thankyou so much.👍👍👍

Wow, I mean wow, you guys were fortunate enough to visit a place most of us could never dream of going. Thank you so much for the video, and taking us along. There are so many beautiful people in this world, and you just solidified that fact.

The joy that yes theory videos bring me is unparalleled, they always remind me of how beautiful the world is when I need it most. As for my dream trip, I have always wanted to go see the northern lights in Iceland or Norway

Just wow! 🤩 what a beautiful, unique country! 💖🤗 so grateful you guys were allowed in to see this beauty! Thanks guys for this! 🙌🏽

Wow, what an amazing trip to a very intriguing country and people so friendly. Down on the street all people everywhere we just love to share and live our lives together, Peace from Australia 🦘✨🙏🌴🕊️🦜

I didn't realize it was so difficult to travel into that country. I'll probably never have a chance to go myself. Thanks for the adventure.

We ALL are aware that everything negative that happens across our worlds are politically driven. You are doing super good work in showing the NOT SO POLITICAL side of humanity! I do subscribe to many channels in RU-vid, yours being one of them, but, after viewing few of your videos I can positively say that you are among the critically few vloggers who are doing justice to their work in a positive manner. Simple and sweet 😊