Sham Moussaoui’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We recently had the chance to connect with Sham Moussaoui and have shared our conversation below.

Sham, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
This might be the most relevant question pertaining to my journey. It’s been around 5 years since I “restarted” my life to became a vagabond, a solo hobo (homeless traveler who works as needed), and embarked on an all-encompassing mission of self-discovery. The goal has always been to eventually reintroduce myself back into society, such as being housed and returning to my career as a licensed (union) electrician, once I felt the timing was appropriate. A path has been laid out in a sense although the walk down it wasn’t scripted. Along the way I’ve basically seen the entire nation (47 states & counting) while living outside in all weather conditions (-40 to 120 degrees), been homeless in most major cities while encountering dangerous situations as well as unfortunate circumstances, explored dozens of massive abandoned buildings and travelled around extensively by trainhopping (illegally riding freight trains) which I’m currently still doing. Most importantly, I’ve made all sorts of friends, acquittances, and connections especially by harnessing the power of social media. Did I ever anticipate that my trek would be so extreme or littered with “detours”? Not at all. That’s were the wandering aspect manifests itself. Just because the path isn’t straightforward it doesn’t mean you’re wandering and just because you’re wandering it doesn’t mean you’re lost. Eventually you’ll reach the destination you were meant to be at by trusting the process…or so I hope…

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a vagabond, solo hobo (homeless traveler who works), who travels across the nation by trainhopping (illegally riding freight trains) and enjoys urbex (urban exploring such as abandoned buildings) in addition to other unconventional activities. What makes everything more unique is the background that I came from. Come from a rough background and had a tough childhood. First-generation American of North African descent. Expelled from high school for being a juvenile delinquent. Definitely had the odds stacked against me. Mostly a loner who’s dealt with mental health issues, addiction, etc. although I’ve sought treatment and believe in constant self-improvement. Despite all these setbacks, I earned an Honors GED (Top 1%), graduated from Oregon State University with a BA in Political Science (with Honors) in only 2.5 years at the age of 20, wrestled (NCAA Division 1) for one of the best teams in the nation, became an amateur MMA champion, completed a prestigious 5-year union (IBEW) apprenticeship to become a licensed electrician, and been fortunate enough to have some extremely rare experiences. I love documenting and sharing my adventures on social media (search: iamshamtheman) as well as meeting those I’ve come across along this journey so feel free to reach out! It’s given me a hobby and a kind of purpose because without one, in the past, I would more so resort to self-destructive tendencies. Not to mention being able to finally surround myself with a group of like-minded and positive individuals is so uplifting. Ultimately, I’d like to use this all to rebuild back into society as a better overall person and reestablish a traditional lifestyle while still dabbling in these subcultures. I’m planning to help represent them in a more accurate manner to mainstream media across all platforms and to maybe serve as an intermediary between those worlds which could help facilitate a better understanding. Not because I’m special, but because I’ve put myself in positions to acquire knowledge. For example, there’s way too many individuals with power and influence who dictate policies which affect the homeless yet they’ve never experienced it themselves. Why not have someone enter the discussion who not only has the applicable academic credentials, but also the real-life background? Regardless, I’m aiming to continue putting myself out there to see what happens.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
On November 10, 2021 in Detroit my car broke down in the freezing snow. I had my entire life possessions in there. Was forced to make the decision to consolidate what I truly couldn’t do without into a couple bags, scrap the car for cash and hit the streets. A harsh welcome to becoming homeless. Found a parking garage stairwell to sleep in and survived by eating out of dumpsters. Nobody around to help me. The moment I realized nobody was coming to save me changed everything. That I literally could just choose to be stagnant and fall into a pit of despair. Instead I decided to start broadcasting my journey and try to turn it into something positive. Being able to tap into a wider network has made all the difference. Thankful to everyone I’ve been lucky enough to know!

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
To not take things for granted. That sometimes the hard way is better because more lessons can be extracted. Forces me to think deeper about whatever situation I’m in. I’ve always enjoyed challenges and suffering obviously provides a bigger one plus when you do overcome then that “success” feels that much more satisfying.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. So I only started social media, as in putting myself out, after I hit so-called rock bottom of becoming homeless, a vagabond. Most people understandably do that because of being judged, but I saw it as an opportunity to better attract genuine people by showing exactly who I am and what I do no matter how unappealing it might seem. So the whole idea was to be transparent and show the real Sham.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
Trainhopping. Riding in the middle of nowhere across unbelievable terrain. Complete solitude. Hearing the rhythmic noises of the rails. Waking up to an epic sunrise. Getting off in a new place, especially after a long route, and figuring out what’s next.

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