Stobe the Hobo. Youtube.

[Manny Haines]

Since the death of Anthony Bourdain I’ve pretty much been looking out for new content that helps me peak inside and learn more about certain cultures and countries in the world, people and places I will probably never get the chance to see or visit.

Stobe the Hobo isn’t as worldly travelled as Bourdain, in fact he only ever traveled in the US and the far east as far as I know, he isnt even on mainstream media, his channel is tucked away there on Youtube for all to view.

The premise is, Stobe the Hobo basically rides good’s trains (hence the Hobo reference) across the states and documents the US in a rather refreshing but basic light.
To me Stobe the Hobo is a cross between Huckleberry Fin, Jack Kerouac and Casey Jones.
In fact the Kerouac reference actually frames and bookends the US’s recent history nicely. Kerouac and the other beatniks discovering the US in the 40’s & 50s and all that was new, exciting and prosperous, Stobe the Hobo discovering that prosperity has long since gone from many of the small cities and towns in the US.
Plus, he lays down the title music himself by playing away on an old slightly out of tune plinky piano, I enjoy guessing the tune on each video.
It won’t be everyones cup of tea as this isn’t a Netfilx or Amazon, HBO production but I found it by chance then was compelled to watch his journeys.

I hope if you do watch you enjoy it as much as me.