Best Navigating Japanese Society Podcasts (2024)

1
The Eternal Quarter-Finalists 31:11

1d ago31:11

31:11

Episode 150 I rip open the festering wound that is England's footballing history. If you're an England fan, you're well-acquainted with the gut-wrenching cycle of hope, hype, and inevitable heartbreak. This show is for you, the masochists who get up at 4 AM to watch yet another uninspiring performance, only to ask yourself, "Why do I do this to mys…

1
EP-173 A NEW APPROACH TO LIFE AND RETIREMENT: Embracing a Life of Adventure with the “Wander Women” Kristy and Annette 47:56

3d ago47:56

47:56

In this episode of the 10 Adventures podcast, we learn about the incredible journey of Annette and Kristy, also known as the Wander Women, who traded their conventional lives for a life of adventure and exploration. We chat with them about their inspiring transition from traditional jobs to a life on the road, living out of their RV, and exploring …

1
An Older Lady’s Play Thing 28:03

9d ago28:03

28:03

Episode 149 It was 2006, a year filled with dubious fashion choices, bad pop music, and me, at the ripe old age of 35, freshly single and drowning in self-pity at a bar that could only be described as a dive for people too drunk to notice. Picture it: the kind of establishment where the air is thicker than a Glaswegian accent and the floor sticks t…

1
EP-172 AN UNFORGETTABLE FAMILY JOURNEY: Exploring In A VW Van With The Dumbri Family 26:23

10d ago26:23

26:23

In this episode of the 10 Adventures Podcast, we sit down with Arturs and Arta Dumbri, an inspiring couple who took their young family on an unforgettable six-month journey across Europe and North Africa. Traveling over 25,000 kilometers in their trusty VW van, they explored diverse landscapes and cultures, culminating in the family-friendly advent…

1
Centenarian Cock. 37:46

17d ago37:46

37:46

Episode 148 100-year-old World War II veteran, Harold Terens, and his sprightly 96-year-old bride, Jeanne, tying the knot in Normandy. Yes, you read that correctly. With a combined age of 196, these two lovebirds have decided to spend their twilight years not in a serene retirement home, but in the throes of wedded bliss. Harold, who once stormed t…

1
Things We Love About Japan 34:05

17d ago34:05

34:05

Send us a Text Message. In this captivating episode of Taken By Japan, hosts Naif and Ethan delve into a myriad of aspects that enamor them about Japan. From its delectable cuisine to its enchanting destinations, this episode offers a delightful glimpse into their cherished experiences. Stay tuned as we eagerly prepare to explore more of our passio…

1
EP-171 CYCLING JOURNEY: Exploring the World on Two Wheels and the Zen of Riding with Peter Flax 24:42

17d ago24:42

24:42

In this episode of the 10 Adventures podcast, we enter into the world of cycling with Peter Flax, the former editor in chief of Bicycling Magazine, Runners World, and Backpacker, and the author of the inspiring new book, "Live to Ride." Peter shares his lifelong passion for cycling, from commuting over 40,000 miles to exploring the globe on two whe…

1
Are Foreigners Ruining Japan 43:44

21d ago43:44

43:44

Send us a Text Message. Join Naif and Ethan in this episode of "Taken By Japan" as they delve into the intriguing question: Are foreigners (mainly Influencers and Youtubers) inadvertently disrupting Japan with their unconventional and disruptive behavior? The duo begins their exploration by dissecting a notable sign positioned outside a bustling To…

1
Meth,Money,Mayhem 30:09

23d ago30:09

30:09

Episode 147 In the ever-entertaining saga of American politics, President Biden seems to be playing a high-stakes game of legal whack-a-mole with Trump, aiming to keep him occupied with courtroom dramas as the 2024 election looms. It's almost as if Biden is hoping to score a political knockout before the big rematch. But hold on to your hats! If Tr…

1
EP-170 ARCTIC ADVENTURE: Trekking the Brooks Range and Embracing Wilderness with Michael Engelhard 42:27

25d ago42:27

42:27

Join us on this episode of the 10 Adventures Podcast as we dive into an extraordinary journey with Michael Engelhard, author of "Arctic Traverse: A Thousand Mile Summer of Trekking the Brooks Range." Unlike most trips we discuss, this adventure takes place in the almost uninhabited wilderness of Alaska's Brooks Range, covering a thousand miles with…

1
Thersa Matsuura, "The Book of Japanese Folklore: An Encyclopedia of the Spirits, Monsters, and Yokai of Japanese Myth" (Adams Media, 2024) 30:36

25d ago30:36

30:36

Discover everything you’ve ever wondered about the legendary spirits, creatures, and figures of Japanese folklore including how they have found their way into every corner of our pop culture from the creator of the podcast Uncanny Japan. Welcome to The Book of Japanese Folklore: An Encyclopedia of the Spirits, Monsters, and Yokai of Japanese Myth (…

1
Sohini Pillai, "Krishna's Mahabharatas: Devotional Retellings of an Epic Narrative" (Oxford UP, 2024) 43:19

27d ago43:19

43:19

Between 800 and 1700 CE, a plethora of Mahabharatas were created in Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Tamil, Telugu, and several other regional South Asian languages. Sohini Pillai's Krishna's Mahabharatas: Devotional Retellings of an Epic Narrative (Oxford UP, 2024) is a comprehensive study of premode…

1
EP-169 NAVIGATING LIFE'S TRANSITIONS: Goal-Setting and Personal Growth With Beth Creedon 44:59

1M ago44:59

44:59

In this episode of the 10 Adventures Podcast, we dive into the journey of living a more authentic and fulfilling life with professional life coach Beth Creedon. We often hear about the challenges of making significant life changes, whether it's embarking on an adventurous trip or seeking a more meaningful existence. Beth shares her insights on taki…

1
Bali 47:54

1M ago47:54

47:54

Episode 146 I recently had the pleasure of hosting my friend Dale on my podcast to discuss his favorite travel destination: Bali. Dale’s been visiting Bali since 1979 and has seen the island evolve through every decade. From the bustling streets of Kuta to the serene landscapes of Ubud, Dale’s experiences paint a vivid picture of this enchanting is…

1
My ALT Journey 33:34

1M ago33:34

33:34

Send us a Text Message. Embark on a fascinating journey with Ethan as he shares his experiences as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Japan. In this captivating solo episode of Taken By Japan, Ethan delves into the highs and lows of his unique journey, from humble beginnings to the fulfilling present. Join him as he navigates through the challe…

1
Portrait of a Madman 27:57

1M ago27:57

27:57

Episode 145 In the grand halls of Buckingham Palace, the unveiling of King Charles's latest royal portrait was nothing short of a spectacle. The room buzzed with anticipation, aristocrats and art critics alike whispering in hushed tones. As the velvet curtain was drawn back, revealing the artwork, gasps echoed through the room. There, emerging from…

1
EP-168 HIKING ACROSS EUROPE: How Walking 7000km Can Change Your Life With Alex Denk 35:36

1M ago35:36

35:36

In this episode of the 10 Adventures Podcast, we sit down with Alex Denk, a hiker who turned his passion for walking into an incredible journey across Europe. Alex shares the story of his 7,000km trek from Tarifa, Spain, to the northern reaches of Norway, a feat that transformed his life in ways he never imagined. We explore how personal events led…

1
EP-167 CAMINO DE SANTIAGO: Everything You Need To Know About The Camino 54:27

1M ago54:27

54:27

In this episode of the 10 Adventures podcast, we dive deep into the world of the Camino de Santiago with Miguel Reguero, founder of Rutas Meigas, a specialist Camino operator. The Camino, a historic pilgrimage route, has surged in popularity over the years, attracting a diverse range of pilgrims, from families with young children to octogenarians s…

1
West Timor 53:27

2M ago53:27

53:27

Episode 144 Ah, the late '80s and '90s in West Timor—a time of adventure, mischief, and unforgettable experiences for my friend Jamie, a wide-eyed 18-year-old setting foot on foreign soil for the very first time. Picture this: a young lad brimming with excitement and naiveté, ready to take on the world and all its quirks. Jamie's escapades in West …

1
Golden Week Adventures and The Taken By Japan Questionnaire 1:05:47

2M ago1:05:47

1:05:47

Send us a Text Message. Embark on a cultural odyssey as we gather five fascinating individuals from different corners of the world for a special episode of "Taken By Japan." Ethan from the US, Naif from Brunei, Hugh from South Africa, Jojo from the US, and Fabien from France come together to share their diverse experiences during Japan's Golden Wee…

1
Tractor Boys 29:44

2M ago29:44

29:44

Episode 143 It’s been 25 years since that fateful day when Bradford City threw a spanner in the works of Ipswich Town’s Premier League dreams. As the football world turned its attention elsewhere, a simmering hatred was born in the hearts of the East Anglian faithful – a grudge that has since twisted and morphed like a vindictive caricature, findin…

1
EP-166 SURVIVAL BEYOND THE SUMMIT: Exploring the Psychology of Risk with Geoff Powter 41:14

2M ago41:14

41:14

Welcome to the latest episode of the 10 Adventures podcast! Today, we had an enlightening conversation with author Geoff Powter about his captivating book, "Survival Is Not Assured," which delves into the legendary climbing career of Jim Donini. Geoff, a former clinical psychologist turned outdoor enthusiast, shares insights into the psychology of …

1
Banksy 39:08

2M ago39:08

39:08

Episode 142 Banksy, the enigmatic street artist from Bristol, emerged onto the global art scene like a whirlwind, leaving behind a trail of thought-provoking, often satirical works that challenge societal norms and conventions. The rise of Banksy is a captivating story that blurs the lines between art, activism, and anonymity. Born in Bristol, Engl…

1
EP-165 SUMMER TRAVEL TRENDS: Discussing The Best Places To Visit This Summer With Nadine Gravis 43:09

2M ago43:09

43:09

In this episode of the 10Adventures Podcast, we welcome back 10Adventures’ very own Nadine Gravis to chat summer travel trends for 2024! As nature awakens and the warm weather is beginning to creep in, 10Adventures guests are getting ready to pack their bags to set off on the summer adventures of their dreams. From the classic European summer favor…

1
The Back 9 35:52

2M ago35:52

35:52

Episode 141 Navigating the turbulent waters of my upbringing wasn't just challenging; it was downright treacherous. Growing up with a mother whose moods swung like a pendulum and the constant fear of being sent back to the children's home looming overhead made for a childhood filled with more hurdles than happiness. My mother had a talent for turni…

1
Episode 11 - Anime and Manga Part 1 37:26

2M ago37:26

37:26

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Naif and Ethan talk about their favorite manga and anime. Some are popular, while some are a little less known, but it seems that most are from the 90s! Some controversial statements might be made, but they are all up for debate! Please enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7zsihOprSLh_VMSdQJgBPQ…

1
EP-164 TAKE LESS, DO MORE: Discussing Minimalism and Gratitude with Glen Van Peski 51:31

2M ago51:31

51:31

Welcome to another episode of the 10 Adventures podcast! Today, we're thrilled to host Glen Van Peski, the founder of Gossamer Gear and author of "Take Less, Do More." In our conversation, Glen shares how his passion for ultralight backpacking led to the founding of Gossamer Gear, challenging traditional notions of gear weight and functionality. Hi…

1
Cathy Yue Wang, "Snake Sisters and Ghost Daughters: Feminist Adaptations of Traditional Tales in Chinese Fantasy" (Wayne State UP, 2023) 36:07

2M ago36:07

36:07

Contemporary Chinese film and literature often draw on time-honored fantastical texts and tales which were founded in the milieu of patriarchy, parental authority, heteronormativity, nationalism, and anthropocentrism. Cathy Yue Wang's Snake Sisters and Ghost Daughters: Feminist Adaptations of Traditional Tales in Chinese Fantasy (Wayne State Univer…

1
Red or Dead 30:16

2M ago30:16

30:16

Episode 140 Back in the 80s, if a kid dared to complain about the wrong pair of shorts, they might have risked getting a swift clip round the ear, right? But fast forward to today, and instead of reaching for the nearest hand to deliver justice 80s style, we're more likely to engage in a full-blown debate over the pros and cons of each pair of shor…

1
Episode 10 - Busting Japanese myths Part 2 30:36

2M ago30:36

30:36

Send us a Text Message. Ethan and Naif talk about different myths that people have about Japan and bust them up! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7zsihOprSLh_VMSdQJgBPQBy Ethan

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EP-163 CHASING ANTARCTICA: Conquering Ironman Challenges Across Seven Continents with Connor Emeny 31:17

2M ago31:17

31:17

Join us on the latest episode of the 10 Adventures podcast as we sit down with Connor Emeny, the remarkable individual who became the first person to conquer an Iron Man triathlon on every continent. From the serene landscapes of New Zealand to the rugged terrains of Antarctica, Connor shares his incredible journey, offering insights into resilienc…

1
Gen X’er Kinks 31:19

3M ago31:19

31:19

Episode 139 Ah, the super-rich Gen Xers, living in their ivory towers, sipping champagne while the world burns. These folks are like a real-life episode of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," except with less plastic surgery and more tax evasion. They've got more money than they know what to do with, so they spend it on ridiculous things like solid …

1
EP-162 INDIA UNVEILED: A Walking Journey Across the Heart of India with Ash Joshi 42:04

3M ago42:04

42:04

In our latest episode of the 10 Adventures podcast, we're joined by Ash Joshi, author of the upcoming book "Journey to the East." Ash takes us on a captivating 1800km expedition across India, from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal, revealing a hidden side of the country rarely seen by travelers or locals. As we delve into Ash's motivations for t…

1
Caravanning: Where Rain and Boredom Collide 35:33

3M ago35:33

35:33

Episode 138 You're a kid growing up in the 80s, and your parents are avid caravanners. Every weekend, like clockwork, they drag you off to these desolate fields in the middle of nowhere, where the rain seems to have a permanent residency. You arrive, and what do you see? Endless rows of caravans, all looking like they've seen better days. And let's…

1
EP-161 TASTES OF TRAVEL: Exploring the World's Culinary Cultures with Jim Kane, Host of PBS's The Food Principle 40:45

3M ago40:45

40:45

In this episode of the 10 Adventures podcast, we chat with Jim Kane, host of PBS's The Food Principle, about the profound connection between food, travel, and sustainability. With 20 years of experience connecting travelers to local cultures worldwide, Jim shares insights into how food serves as a universal language, breaking down barriers and invi…

1
From Acid to Asphalt: The Tennessee Race Born on LSD. 39:14

3M ago39:14

39:14

Episode 137 Ah, the Barkley Marathons, the stuff of legend, the race that laughs in the face of conventional marathons and says, "Hold my water bottle." Imagine a race so challenging, so obscure, that even attempting it feels like signing up for a journey to the edge of the known universe. Welcome to the Barkley Marathons, where the organizers are …

1
EP-160 A LIFE LIVED WILD: Legendary Mountaineer, Rick Ridgeway, Reflects On A Lifetime of Adventures 42:40

3M ago42:40

42:40

In the latest episode of the 10 Adventures Podcast, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Rick Ridgeway, renowned adventurer and author of the captivating autobiography "Life Lived Wild." Rick's journey through life is nothing short of remarkable, from his early encounters with the mountains to his groundbreaking expeditions and storied career …

1
Shakuntala Gawde, "Narrative Analysis of Bhagavata Purana: Selected Episodes from the Tenth Skandha" (Dev Publishers, 2023) 32:58

3M ago32:58

32:58

Shakuntala Gawde's book Narrative Analysis of Bhagavata Purana: Selected Episodes from the Tenth Skandha (Dev Publishers, 2023) presents an analytical study of selected narratives of the tenth skandha of the Bhāgavata Purāṇa with the framework of Narratology. It checks the possibilities of interpretation of some popular narratives from Kṛṣṇa saga. …

1
EP-159 HIKING THE HEXATREK: France's Newest Long Distance Thru-Hike with Claire McCall 36:00

3M ago36:00

36:00

Join me in this week's episode of the 10 Adventures podcast as I chat with Claire McCall, author of "Hiking the Hexa." In this podcast we discuss her thrilling journey along France's newest long-distance trail, the HexaTrek. Claire shares candidly about her experiences, from navigating the breathtaking landscapes of the Vosges to the challenging te…

1
John O’Connor, "The Secret History of Bigfoot: Field Notes on a North American Monster" (Sourcebooks, 2024) 52:28

3M ago52:28

52:28

Bigfoot is an instantly recognizable figure. Through the decades, this elusive primate has been featured in movies and books, on coffee mugs, beer koozies, car polish, and CBD oil. Which begs the question: what is it about Bigfoot that's caught hold of our imaginations? Journalist and self-diagnosed skeptic John O'Connor is fascinated by Sasquatch.…

1
The Rapture 46:09

4M ago46:09

46:09

Episode 136 Ah, the joys of teaching in a place that could make a reality show seem tame. Picture this: a depressed Norwegian woman, a short-tempered Japanese man who's as sensitive as a little princess, and you, the unsuspecting protagonist trying to survive it all. Welcome to the sitcom we never knew we needed! Let's start with the Norwegian. Pic…

1
EP-158 FAMILY BIKE TOURS: A 1,000km Cycling Adventure with Toby and Meg Twigg 31:31

4M ago31:31

31:31

Today's episode of the 10 Adventures Podcast features Toby and Meg Twigg, a couple who took family adventures to the next level with a long-distance bike tour. In this chat we explore the challenges of biking with a five-year-old and an eleven-month-old, their inspiration for this journey, and the unexpected delights and occasional chaos of their t…

1
EP-157 MICROADVENTURES AND THE ART OF CURIOSITY: Exploring the World with Alastair Humphreys 34:06

4M ago34:06

34:06

Welcome back to the 10 Adventures podcast! This week, I had an incredible chat with Alastair Humphreys, a true adventurer who's cycled around the world, walked across India, and rowed the Atlantic. Named National Geographic Adventure of the Year in 2012, Alastair has also championed microadventures and recently authored the book "Local," where he e…

1
Why Feb the 28th Holds the Key (to me) 47:38

4M ago47:38

47:38

Episode 135 Death,Fights,Flights,Passing Tests,Starting Afresh. On February 28th, amidst the chaos of life's unpredictability, a peculiar phenomenon occurs. It's as if the universe conspires to sprinkle a bit of magic into the air, weaving moments of serendipity and joy into the fabric of the day. For me, February 28th isn't just a date on the cale…

1
EP-156 1,400 MILES OF REFLECTION: A Solo Walk Across England with Patrick Davies 46:59

4M ago46:59

46:59

Welcome back to the 10 Adventures podcast! Today, we had the pleasure of chatting with Patrick Davies, the author of "Where Skylarks Sing," a captivating book that chronicles his walk across England, from Land's End in Cornwall to John O'Groats in Northern Scotland. Patrick embarked on this incredible journey in 2021, seeking solace and reflection …

1
Getting Tightened Up 36:47

4M ago36:47

36:47

Episode 134 Like a rare breed of confidence, rocking a face that's as unpredictable as a pair of bad tits.It's like my face decided to rebel against the laws of gravity and embrace its own unique shape, just to keep things interesting. While Hollywood's leading men are busy perfecting their chiseled jawlines, lm out there flaunting a face that's as…

1
Imani D. Owens, "Turn the World Upside Down: Empire and Unruly Forms of Black Folk Culture in the U.S. and Caribbean" (Columbia UP, 2023) 1:05:20

4M ago1:05:20

1:05:20

In the first half of the twentieth century, Black hemispheric culture grappled with the legacies of colonialism, U.S. empire, and Jim Crow. As writers and performers sought to convey the terror and the beauty of Black life under oppressive conditions, they increasingly turned to the labor, movement, speech, sound, and ritual of everyday “folk.” Man…

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EP-155 VIA DE LA PLATA: Blending Adventure and Spanish History with John Hayes 38:18

4M ago38:18

38:18

Welcome back to the 10 Adventures podcast! In this episode, we chat with John Hayes about his journey cycling the Via de la Plata, a lesser-known route of the Camino de Santiago, spanning from Seville to Santiago. John shares how his passion for long-distance walks, including the E4, led him to become a guidebook author. Discussing the uniqueness o…

1
Empty Nesters - WTF Do You Do Now? 27:16

4M ago27:16

27:16

Episode 133 So, you know you've officially hit empty nest status when your house starts echoing your thoughts louder than your own voice. It's like you've upgraded from a bustling family home to a quiet monastery overnight. You find yourself walking around, marveling at the newfound peace, only to realize it's just you and the tumbleweeds having a …

1
EP-154 BIKEPACKING WITH A 5 & 11-YEAR-OLD: Family Bike Adventures with Dennis Lastochkin 35:39

5M ago35:39

35:39

Welcome back to the 10 Adventures podcast! In today's episode, I had a fascinating chat with Dennis Lastochkin, a dad who has taken family bike trips to incredible destinations like Italy and Peru. Dennis shares how he gradually introduced his young daughters to bike touring, starting from local rides and gradually progressing to international adve…

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