Steven M. Newman

Steven M. Newman is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the first man to walk solo around the world. In 1983, the journalist set out from his Bethel, Ohio home, traversing 20 countries and hiking just over 15,000 miles in four years. Throughout his journey Steven would send letters to Cappers magazine as well as many other newspapers for printing. The letters were later compiled into a book called Letters from Steven. The letters themselves were good dispatches in general, but it was the book Worldwalk that provided the rough and gritty details of Steven's journey. Throughout his walk he was thrown in jail four times and nearly murdered in rural Thailand by bandits.

Since that time Steven has walked the lengths of Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. A sporting goods manufacturer based in Japan has manufactured a line of Worldwalker gear that includes shoes, bags and other sporting apparel.

Steven currently lectures throughout the year to schools and other groups. He is currently in documentary pre-production with producer Brian Doubleday to undertake the first documented walk of the Great Wall of China by a Westerner. Steven recently completed the 88-temple pilmgrimage known as the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Steven lives in Ripley, Ohio with his wife Darci and black Labrador dog, Gabe. He teaches college-level English and Sociology at a nearby community college—Southern State Community College teaching various subjects including the English Classes.