Pacific Drift: Recent Episodes
John & Jason
Pacific Drift is a podcast for a general audience. It uses language and culture as a starting point, and explores the deep connections between language, culture, politics, music, geography, biology, and the environment. It is an attempt at providing unique opportunities for understanding ourselves as human, and how we fit into the world around us, with a special focus on the Pacific.
Jason grills John on his recent trip to New Caledonia, where the discussion includes the geography of the region, languages, local politics, and John's exaggeration about catching a snake.
This episode features a clip from the song "Co Era So" by Ok! Ryos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q_4rj7RB6g
John and Jason discuss the geology of the island, the Niuean language, the internet, collectible coins, a duck, and traditional customs.
Jason and John discuss the Pukapuka language, life on the atoll, historical and recent environmental disasters, and guano.
John and Jason discuss several aspects of Sāmoan culture with Ata, including Sāmoan language week, traditional food and dress, the game of kilikiti, and the move to the other side of the international date line (as well as the road).
John and Jason discuss phosphate mining on Nauru, an attempted resettlement, the dynamics of the local economy, and fish farming.
John and Jason discuss tortoises and tortoise hunting, science, history, the creation of new English words, and a rat-eating centipede.
John and Jason discuss the geography of Yap, the cost of travel, the Yapese language, Yapese money, history, and the caste system of the islands.
Jason, John and special guest Aly discuss the volcanic eruption on Ambae Island, a book written in the local Nduindui language, and the historical sale and exchange of one language for another. John also presents the local weather forecast.
Arif, Jason and John discuss the islands of Indonesia, including Madura and Borneo, the Madurese language, bull racing, the corpse flower, and orangutans.
Jason outlines for John the world sand crisis, which has had a devastating effect on islands, including in Indonesia.
Jason, John & Lisa discuss Epi Island, the Mgira language, dugongs, horses, and the climate crisis.
John and Jason discuss the mutiny on the Bounty, the languages on Pitcairn and Norfolk, the fauna on the islands, and Norfolk athletics.
John, Jamie and Jason discuss the Rapa Nui language, the Rongorongo script, the famous moai carvings, and environmental aspects of Easter Island.
Florence, John and Jason discuss literature and film, the Naasioi language, ghosts, wildlife, and food in Bougainville.
Jason and John discuss flowers, tattooing, pearls, vanilla, South America, and John's vacation.
Jason and John discuss the history and languages of Bougainville, music, and fieldwork.
John and Jason discuss the islands and language of Kiribati, phosphate mining, coconut wine, and megabats.
Gove, Jason & John discuss the languages of Vanuatu, the tusk economy, cargo cults, kava, and betelnut
John and Jason discuss the Palauan and Japanese languages, as well as saltwater crocodiles
John, Gove & Jason discuss Renellese sign language, shell money, world music, dolphin hunting, and head hunting