Rolf Potts - Scripted in Kansas

Ask A Kansan
Apr 6
1 min read

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGuquVRvchQ

Rolf Potts is an internationally known travel writer, author, and storyteller with Kansas roots that continue to shape his work. Potts has spent decades exploring the world and writing about it, most notably through his bestselling book Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel. His writing blends journalism with personal narrative, focusing on curiosity, human connection, and the deeper meaning of place rather than just destinations. His work has appeared in major publications like National Geographic Traveler, The New York Times Magazine, and Outside.

Raised by two educators, Potts developed an early appreciation for curiosity and lifelong learning—something that became the foundation of both his travels and his storytelling. His journeys have taken him across dozens of countries, from riding the Trans-Siberian Railway into Europe to exploring remote corners of the South Pacific. Today, he also teaches travel writing internationally, including at the Paris Writing Workshops, where he helps others find their voice through experience and observation.

In recent years, Potts has expanded into filmmaking, co-writing and producing projects alongside his wife, actress and filmmaker Kiki Bush. His documentary Kansas Never Plays Itself explores how Kansas is portrayed in film and challenges the idea that the state is simply a backdrop for someone else’s story. Through his work—both on the page and on screen—Potts continues to advocate for authentic storytelling, proving that Kansas is not only worth exploring, but worth understanding.