Por favor: help me find "cultural immersion" podcasts

October 15, 2009 9:34 PM

I used to enjoy a podcast titled "Josh in Japan" produced by an ordinary guy living in Japan who talked about his daily experiences adjusting to Japanese culture. I am looking for other podcasts in this vein.

I'm looking for podcasts in English, preferably by Americans living in foreign countries during the time of their podcasts (although I'd enjoy podcasts by non-Americans adjusting to U.S. culture as well). I don't want travel guides, documentary-style podcasts or those styled as lessons, nor do I want to listen to inanity or immaturity. Josh's podcasts ranged from funny to serious, and were conversational and engaging. Although he added a short lesson in Japanese vocabulary at the end of some episodes, this never interfered with the mood or energy of the podcast. Does anyone know of other podcasts similar to this? (They can be defunct, as long as they are still available).

posted by Piscean to society & culture (4 comments total)

I listened to the Planet Japan Podcast awhile ago and enjoyed the hosts immensely, http://www.planetjapan.org/
posted by Del Far at 10:16 PM on October 15

not a podcast (sorry), but I always got a kick out of Gaijin Smash.
posted by ArgentCorvid at 6:49 AM on October 16

You might find the AmeriNZ podcast interesting. Its creator, Arthur, is a gay American expat, who moved to Auckland in 1995 to be with his partner, Nigel. (Arthur blogs as well.)

Much of the focus is on American politics and GLBT issues, but there are also some lovely episodes on expat life in New Zealand. (In one of my favourite podcasts, Arthur turns the tables a bit and asks Nigel to describe growing up in the Waikato, and to share his impressions of life in the US.)

The overall tone is fairly laid back but informative and entertaining as well. Hope you enjoy it.
posted by arachnid at 10:04 AM on October 16

Thank you for these tips!
posted by Piscean at 4:00 PM on November 16