What do people think of exercise? Who exercises? How do they do it? We actually answer all of these when we're not ranting about how expensive bike equipment is.
Tag: language
Episode 35: Lunar New Year
The year of the pig will soon be upon us! This year's Lunar New Year falls on February 5th, and we are helping you to prepare by bringing you traditions from all over Asia. Lunar New Year, otherwise known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important holiday of many cultures that … Continue reading Episode 35: Lunar New Year
Episode 34: Endangered Languages
To ring in the (solar) new year, we have a special episode for you on endangered languages.
Episode 33: Travel Faux Pas to Avoid
Have you ever gone to a different country and/or culture for the first time and thought, "man, I really know what I'm doing and totally blend in!"* If so, then you either don't need to listen to this episode, or you were wrong. There are a lot of things we do and don't think about … Continue reading Episode 33: Travel Faux Pas to Avoid
Episode 32: The Queer Experience Across Cultures
This week, we listen to a couple friends who have experienced different cultures as gay individuals -- China and the West. We really wanted to know how their experiences differed, and what they thought about it. A million thanks to Garry and Haochen for opening up on some topics that aren't normal conversation in everyday … Continue reading Episode 32: The Queer Experience Across Cultures
Episode 31: Idioms
This week we have a little fun looking at idioms from around the world! One of our favorite examples: the Swedish "if there's room in the heart, there's room for the butt" meaning, basically, "if we like you, we'll make room for you." We explore where idioms come from and how they are related to … Continue reading Episode 31: Idioms
Episode 29: Saving Face
(Patrice had a little mic trouble for the first third of this episode. Please bear with us until about minute 13, when she mysteriously shifts to much better audio quality) "Saving face" is an idea that is very difficult to grasp for people who don't grow up around it. It is a collectivist, high-context concept … Continue reading Episode 29: Saving Face
Episode 28: Icelandic
Iceland -- is it in North America or Europe? Is it a land, or made of ice? Why doesn't Björk seem to have a last name? These are all questions. Do we answer them? Maybe. But we definitely talk about the Icelandic language: an anomaly among languages, this baby has been consistent for forever (OK, … Continue reading Episode 28: Icelandic
Episode 25: The Evolution of English, Part 2
It's time for some heavy nerding-out, y'all. This week is a continuation of one of our most popular episodes (#16), the Evolution of English, Part 1. In Part 2, we look at Shakespearean English: was it really similar to American English? The answer is a bit less straightforward than the rumor-spreaders would have you believe! … Continue reading Episode 25: The Evolution of English, Part 2
Episode 24: To Travel With or Without Others
The people you're with (or not with) when you're traveling can make or break a trip. This week we talk to Jane, who traveled solo for 4 months around Southeast Asia before linking up with a travel buddy. She tells us about her amazing experience, and shares some advice on going solo! A huge thanks … Continue reading Episode 24: To Travel With or Without Others