The Interstice Podcast: Recent Episodes
Charles Jameson
I'm Your Host Dave Trippin, expat living in Japan. Thanks for joining us. Here on 'The Interstice' we take a good long look at what all this life is about. What better way to define that than our motto: explore, learn, create.
In this episode, we explore the surprising power of storytime to shape who children become. Grounded in rigorous research from Mar, Lee, Larsen, and Chen, we unpack how reading storybooks to children aged 3 to 8 can measurably boost empathy, honesty, and kindness.
Through clever experiments — from broccoli vs. cookie mind games to sticker-sharing challenges and honesty tests inspired by George Washington — scientists have shown that stories aren't just entertainment. They're training grounds for the heart. But not all stories work the same: human characters outperform animals, and tales that reward good behavior beat those that punish the bad. Most powerful of all? Consistent, shared reading with emotional discussion over time.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or just someone who believes in the transformative magic of books, this episode offers practical insight and hope: that empathy isn’t just taught — it’s told.
In this episode, I explore why boys struggle with reading from an early age and what we can do to help. I unpack the science behind the gender gap, from brain development to classroom expectations, and share practical, research-backed strategies for parents and educators. We’ll cover phonics, movement-based learning, reading role models, screen time, motivation, and more — plus real-world success stories that prove change is possible.
Have a book your boys love? Send it my way — I’m building a reading list for future episodes.
Wise Beyond Their Years – How Reading Nurtures Children's Empathy In this episode, I explore the link between reading and empathy — and why some kids seem to carry emotional insight well beyond their age. It turns out, reading doesn’t just help with language — it reshapes the way we understand others, make decisions, and handle life’s challenges.
I get into:
- The Sally-Anne test and the roots of perspective-taking
- How stories help kids recognize and name emotions
- The power of interactive fiction to simulate real-life consequences
- What research says about reading and long-term success — in school, work, and wellbeing
- And why, even in a digital age, books still matter
This one’s for anyone passionate about child development, education, or the future of storytelling. Thanks for listening — and as always, hug the ones you love.
Welcome to The Chronicle.
A little over two years ago, I founded Chronicle Creations. Since then, we've defined our flagship product and assembled an incredibly talented team to bring it to life. That product is Dreambook — a story creation app that harnesses the power of generative AI to help children imagine, create, and explore their own narratives.
In this reboot of the podcast, I want to share the journey that brought us here: how Chronicle began, how Dreambook took shape, and where we’re headed next.
So — stay a while and listen. This is the story behind The Chronicle.
Franz Alvardo has watched the world of design evolve and along with it his career from the material to digital. Franz started at a jewelery story and over a ten year career now works as a principal designer at T-mobile and has amassed over 100 million downloads associated with the projects he's worked on. Many have heard of a full-stack developer, Franz is a full stack designer. Perhaps most evidently in his active desire to help others create. You can usually tell a true artist when they do what they're good at for free, so long as it's an interesting project.
I'm back after a half a year and ready to start this creative thing all over again. Let's get to work.
On this episode of the podcast we get into a good idea I learned from the author, Simon Sinek. What follows is a discussion of the movie 'Insomnia' one of Christopher Nolan's first which followed the wildly successful 'Memento. Featuring an excellent performance from Al Pacino and Robin Williams it is without question a fantastic film. Then, we end it all of with a discussion of love, heart break, and how at one point I used to be involved with music production.
From swimming with dolphins to a dicussion of corporate evil. The interstice podcast will not subject itself to things like being beholden to one particular range of topics.
Ever in search of the most light-hearted topics for the podcast this episode I chose to focus on the most cheery of all, death. Not only that of course, human evolution found its way in there as well. Finally we get into a discussion of what it takes growing older to avoid become embittered or left behind by life. You know, fun stuff.
I ran a social experiment on myself using a companion ai app. The results were very interesting. It will be a fascinating thing to see how ai companions and the relationships they have with us meat bags evolve over the next decade. If you thought life was weird now, just you wait. Other than that we go hard on the nerd discussion, touching on a great new indy game game I got to experience called 'Gris' as well we discuss the push pull history between aaa and indy games.
Moving to two episodes a week we have our first guest in some time. Jason Mcnamar is an accomplished texture artist and modeler who's work can be found in both summer blockbusters and netflix originals. He is currently living in Japan and took the time to share his life story with us and insights on his industry.
davetrippin #theinterstice #podcast It's official we are moving to two episodes a week for the podcast. And we've got a lot to talk about in this one. It has now been three weeks since finally giving the full productive effort to creating the amount of content that I feel fits the standard necessary to grow and do this who creative thing full time. On that note I discuss a recent success, that while not necessary to keep me working as I have, feels great and is extra fuel on the fire. We then go into an in-depth discussion of randomness and its benefits as they pertain to different types of systems. I am still reading the same tome of a book 'Antifragile' and it keeps yielding thoughtful insights I'd like to share. There's more and it's hard to track it all so buckle up buckaroo we got a good episode for you.
davetrippin #theinterstice #podcast It's official we are moving to two episodes a week for the podcast. And we've got a lot to talk about in this one. It has now been three weeks since finally giving the full productive effort to creating the amount of content that I feel fits the standard necessary to grow and do this who creative thing full time. On that note I discuss a recent success, that while not necessary to keep me working as I have, feels great and is extra fuel on the fire. We then go into an in-depth discussion of randomness and its benefits as they pertain to different types of systems. I am still reading the same tome of a book 'Antifragile' and it keeps yielding thoughtful insights I'd like to share. There's more and it's hard to track it all so buckle up buckaroo we got a good episode for you.
After so much time away I finally got back to Tokyo. I think it's been over two years actually but there I was back in the ol.. I don't know if there's a nickname for it. I got a chance to meet up with a subscriber who's become a good friend over the years. His story was amazing. For anyone who is determined to carve their own path through life he is a great guy to model yourself after. We talk a bit more on photography and my failing to produce as much as I could from the visit but then we switch gears and get into a discussion of the Lex Friedman Ray Kurzweil conversation that occured recently. Really fascinating stuff on artifical intelligence and in what year was can expect it to pass the turing test. It's not nearly as far away as you might think.
After so much time away I finally got back to Tokyo. I think it's been over two years actually but there I was back in the ol.. I don't know if there's a nickname for it. I got a chance to meet up with a subscriber who's become a good friend over the years. His story was amazing. For anyone who is determined to carve their own path through life he is a great guy to model yourself after. We talk a bit more on photography and my failing to produce as much as I could from the visit but then we switch gears and get into a discussion of the Lex Friedman Ray Kurzweil conversation that occured recently. Really fascinating stuff on artifical intelligence and in what year was can expect it to pass the turing test. It's not nearly as far away as you might think.
Hormesis and Post Traumatic Growth, these are nearly completely new terms to me and they're both great for considering the idea of healthy stress. That's our opener for this episode but then we get into some juicy history details. I saw a clip on reddit of soldiers who had shell shock and it made me think of warfare and its evolving impact on us and our understanding of it in greater public consciousness. Then as I like to do sometimes we go on a rant about one of my favourite authors Terry Pratchett. The man is a pure gem and I never get tired of discussing his impact on writing and my life.
Hormesis and Post Traumatic Growth, these are nearly completely new terms to me and they're both great for considering the idea of healthy stress. That's our opener for this episode but then we get into some juicy history details. I saw a clip on reddit of soldiers who had shell shock and it made me think of warfare and its evolving impact on us and our understanding of it in greater public consciousness. Then as I like to do sometimes we go on a rant about one of my favourite authors Terry Pratchett. The man is a pure gem and I never get tired of discussing his impact on writing and my life.
Let's get to it EP.59. We are a little leaner this epsiode. For whatever reason I had a few less things to discuss. Perhaps a sign I need to crank up the adventure in my life. No biggy. I'll do it. That doesn't mean though what is here was not worth the talk. I have been reading and I have been watching a lot of great media recently which informed a lot of what comes up in this episode. Particularly a book called 'the name of the wind' known for being foundational as some of the best fantasy ever written and endorsed by Ursula K Leguin herself. More contempoarily I have watched 'The Shrink Next Door' starring Will Ferrel and Paul Rudd, an absolute master class in great story, suspense and art. To go back in time a little we finish the podcast on the topic of Don Bluth the director I've discovered who directed all of the major dark animations I enjoyed as a child. We turn over some rocks and we find some fascinating things.
Joseph Keating is a fascinating man. Managing to develop a skill-set that expresses both his understanding of technical fields alongside the artistic is no simple task. We dicuss the kind of thinking that goes into creating the inside of retail stores as well as a his philosophy with it is for himself as opposed to a client. This was a good one. It may be the longest I've recorded to date.
I'd never been to anywhere in Japan more south than Kobe until very recently. I finally got a chance to go to Hiroshima for the purpose of filming a wakeboarding tournament taking place there. Come August our studio is filming a major tournament in Kyushu so this was a great opportunity to see what the realities on the ground were for filming this kind of content. Being there gave us a chance to go to the war memorial museum which remembers the tragedy of the nuclear bomb being dropped on Hiroshima. It was a challenging and useful experience, totally unique. I thought I knew how I felt regarding the bombing. This gave a much clearer reflection for me to consider my thoughts regarding it.
Alan is a friend who I've met since moving to Kyoto. This man has skill. When you look at his body of work it is self evident. Crisply composed and tuned to some of the best colouring you've ever seen, Alan is a pure pro. I particulary enjoyed in the course of our conversation getting into how Alan described his style having a melancholic quality to it. A quality which we both agreed does fit the Japanese aesthetic very well.
Adam and I grew up together on Vancouver Island. It has been incredible to reconnect with him and discuss the absolutely mad path that he has taken through life. Like myself he was bit with the desire to seek out new horizons but where my path took my to Japan, his took him all over the world. There is so much to Adam's story that we cannot nearly cover it in this one episode but that does not limit its scale. Adam started his career assisting the UN in Zimbabwe which offered him a totally new sense of life and culture. He would then go on to assist in the Syrian crisis in a role which would see him allocating resources and working the execute the particulars of plans laid out for aid.
Today's guest is James Palmer an old friend and mechanical engineer. He'll joined me to talk about mostly anything but then we ended up staying on the topic of education for quite some time. It will be fascinating to see how these systems develop going into the future as the freedom to information and education continues to grow.
Teacher, student, creator, are these the elements which make up a fully actualized human being? In this episode I do my best to argue for that fact. Recently I saw a quite touching clip on instagram taken from a Louis CK's show and it was talking about love. I offer a few thoughts on that. Then we move into a discussion of deep fake technology and Kendrick Lamar's new album, specifically for the reason that he so originally blends these two elements together. And if that wasn't enough for you we hit up talking about the new cinematic masterpiece which is the Northman. A wickedly directed film from the guy who directed The Witch as well as The Lighthouse.
Went all out on this episode and actually for once made a list of topics to work through. I like to dabble in books as a topic but it's often fun to make sure I try and get outside of that box. For that reason we go all over the place. Perhaps hitting the most meta discussion of all, what other podcasts have taught me. One Dr in particular is of great interest to me. His name is Dr Huberman and he works out of Stanford university. He has some really fascinating things to say on focus. Expect the podcast to move at a rapid pace in this episode. I was shocked to see how quickly the time past as I recorded it. Oh, and we talk about the unreal 5 engine and Elden Ring.
We return. We get back up. We are on the horse. In the return of the podcast now heading towards the coveted 100 episodes we've got a few interesting topics. I had somehow avoided reading and any of Haruki Murakami's books, that was, until now. I have completed "Hard Boiled Wonderland And the End Of the World" it was great and ever a testament to not judging something until you've completed it. Further beyond the topic of reading, I've done some amazing travel recently around the Kansai region of Japan which took me to the Onsen town of Kinosaki and Koyasan, the most beautiful place I've ever been in Japan.
Some years ago Caden reached out and offered to help me with my Youtube channel. He's since then done an immeasurable amount of helpful work for me and I'm forever in his debt for that. It was a pleasure to have him on the podcast to discuss a few things. Surprisingly social anxiety ended up being a large part of the conversation.
We've quite a range of topics to discuss in this video. More projects have come to Garden Lab recently which I'm excited to share. I went to a live orchestra for the first time in my life (to listen to Fantasia no less). I recently completed the series 'Arcane' on Netflix and it was amazing and worth discussing for its narrative strengths and finally I go into a bit of detail regarding upcoming gear changes for the channel and who will be coming on as guests in the near future.
Zane is a fashion designer, calligraphist, and all around artist. Currently working out of Osaka Kansai region, he sees the relationship between function and meaning as mutually contributing elements to a distinct style. We discuss his journey, his process, and a bit of what has formed his approach to life.
In this video we go into discuss in full detail the upcoming project for Garden Lab working in collaboration with Kobe University along side an organic farm and business to create a sustainable business of bamboo field reclamation.
We are back at it. The Podcast is once again live and will be 4 times monthly posted. In the first half I discuss the iconic book I've been reading, 'The Hero Of A Thousand Faces'. In the second half we talk about where I am now employed and the expat community in Kyoto.
Jay has spent a significant amount of his life here in Japan. In doing so he has climbed the IT ladder and finds himself now married and doing well. Through his experiences we come to understand better what that life's evolution looks like. He is a man. He is not a cat.
Josh is one of those heroes of the interwebs, holding all us would be creators up with his incredible tutorials. If you've ever tried to learn anything on the adobe creative suite it's likely that you've come across Josh. His kind and straightforward demeanor sets the stage for a presence which treats others well while never hesitating to get down to business. Carving out a creative career with integrity is no small task and that is what Josh has achieved. Creators who do make it, owe a debt to Josh, for it's likely they've stood on his shoulders to get there.
You get a person like Andrew when positivity collides with work ethic. Of the many things you could call this man: engineer, videographer, skateboarder, woodworker—lazy does not rank among them. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new skill, interest or craft. It is something wholly different to continue applying yourself past the initial spark which catches your interest. It takes real effort and commitment. Andrew has it, and he's got enough to share around. I could tell from our very first correspondence that Andrew was a man of vision, and getting a chance to glimpse in greater detail what that vision entails is totally engrossing. You may not personally pursue exactly what Andrew does, but his enthusiasm and clarity for the causes he champions, refreshingly reminds us that diligent execution, although the road less travelled, will always lead us home.
Robin answers questions with the careful confidence of someone who considers well what's in their head before speaking. When you ask her about what led her to Japan, you notice something curious: while she describes her series of choices plainly, and as though any other might have made them, they are exceptional. Not many have travelled in her family. Where others might then see that as evidence as to why they should stay home, Robin saw it as her reason to go abroad. While not at all a Japanophile, Robin cares deeply for the country that she now inhabits. She's genuine, earnest and intelligent, embodying the kind of unassuming grace that has the habit of confounding people. Robin is a striking character, reminding us that strength's ability to overcome obstacles does not originate solely from force, but also calm, composure, and an appreciation for a good vegan dessert.
Kyoto Eco Map https://www.kyotoecomap.org/ @kyoto_ecomap
Pelgag https://pelgag.com/ @pelgag.cafe Taiwan Vegetarian Food
Muku https://taiwansosyoku.wixsite.com/muku877 Shojin Café
Waka http://www.oterahouse.com/cafe/index.htm
Viktor and I have collaborated over the years on various projects. Although he is taking a break from it now, he is an excellent photographer and his travels around Japan have taken him to many beautiful places. Viktor prefers to emphasize the art in his work, and is incredibly weary of becoming overly concerned with reach. A noble consideration given the mental disorders arising these days which could easily be described as creatoritis. The conversation ranges far and we cover from what he feels his individual style is to questions of gear and technical aspects of the craft as well.
Oh to speak Japanese at an N1 level, something Tina has been doing for years. She's attended some of the most famous universities in Japan and found herself a quite fascinating job to do while she pursues her creative passions.
Tyler has a herculean work-ethic. That has led him to become one of the fastest evolving and in-demand film makers now working in Japan. He runs a studio out of Tokyo with an impressive range of international talent that are pushing the limits of what is possible in Indy Film production. We get into it all: influences, work flow, what keeps creating fresh. Don't miss this one.
As an event producer, in these difficult times, Matt has had to adapt. Obviously live events are something we look back on fondly for the time being and if we do gather it is constrained to an online experience. Few would handle that pivot so well. Matt is an example of perseverance in the face of difficult circumstances. We did both agree though, there will be much room for celebration when the world can move past its current state and at that time I anticipate he will be touring and putting on amazing shows, as he not only plans the events but is a musician as well. One that enjoys a sweaty party like the rest of us. And what better time to have one of those than moving past a historically negative and traumatic experience like the one we are in now. Matt will rock us back to the light when the clouds pass and the sun comes out to shine.
Originally from New-York, Alessandro is an Italian film-maker who has made his home in Kyoto for the last decade. Where his roots may lie in the classic cinematography style, in more recent years, he has left his mark in the burgeoning field of VR 360 film-making. Alessandro describes his work as a double act of translation: that of the medium in which he creates and connectively the Japanese content that comprises the majority of his work. He creates bridges to the past with a genuinely modern approach.
Can you imagine long-boarding across a Japanese prefecture? Nicolas doesn't need to because he has done that kind of craziness. From near Olympic level swimming to travelling all over Japan, Nicolas' life may be one thing, but boring is certainly not it.
Willem's career as a game designer could serve as a lesson to anyone seeking employment in an industry with a high barrier to entry. A man who simply would not take no for an answer and managed to carve out a career for himself in this highly competitive industry, he has now built a resume which would be the envy of anyone involved with the field.
Johannes has an incredible story. From being one of the very first people to work on android, to designing his own game, he's had a storied career both in and out of Japan. For anyone interested in the IT landscape in Japan, Johannes' is an example of what is possible if you apply yourself.
The guest today is Drew Wallin, a bilingual entrepreneur who's life is a case study in how truth trumps fiction when it comes to experiences beyond belief. We discuss materialistic habits and how they are often maligned as horrible. But is this necessarily true? Could elements of materialism actually ground us in reality and grant some insight into a life well lived?
Today's guest is Terrance Reynolds. A man who in a few short years went from working an entry level teaching position to becoming a local celebrity DJ and then a software developer following that. There's no point in small dreams and Terrance is a study in that ideology.
His instagram: terrancee95
I'd say it's a healthy bet that most people are ready to move on to the new year. Mine wasn't exactly easy if I'm honest. That said, a lot has come out of it and I actually appreciate the events I was witness to in the course of reaching the proverbial finish line of December. No email responses in today's podcast. You and I, we haven't spoken in some time so I wanted to lean hard into pure conversation and some thoughts that have bounced around the plentiful free space in my head. I've read about three major books since last I uploaded and that has led to the ideal situation, I could not shut up about them even if I tried. From Caesar, to Wilbur Smith, to Charlie Chaplin's autobiography recently. I am so inspired by all these people. Titans of their world's each in their own right. But that's not all. What would a discussion be without speaking on the dangers of social media algorithms and the like. We go deep on the cast and I hope you enjoy getting lost there with me. Thanks for tuning in.
Living with out autism is one thing, abuse, something entirely different. Joseph joins me on the podcast for ep.29 to share his experience of having to grow up dealing with both. I think him a good example of what it is like to be repeatedly given a situation in which no one would fault you for giving up or becoming bitter but defying that choice and instead choosing to be a positive force.
I finally finished Caesar's biography and naturally there were some life lessons to take from it. Much having to do with how deflated we feel once we catch that mouse we've been chasing. So here is to useful enemies and never ever reaching our goals, no matter how at first, that defeat depresses us.
Who is your team and where are they? I was watching The Last Dance on Netflix recently and for a guy, me, who hasn't played team sports for the last decade, I definitely came away with a feeling like I still was. The realization being that we are always in a team. The game has changed but the goal remains the same, to win, to win life. Additionally I watched The Social Dilemma, and what a great cause for reflection on consumerism and marketing that was. Come with me won't you and share a few thoughts.
We are only young enough for so long, to take the ship we have built, out on a great adventure. Drew Walling, the founder of Garden Lab, made time in his busy schedule to sit down with me and discuss the how and why of his starting a business in Kyoto Japan.
We get the core of what makes for the best ramen. We venture into a semantics war on whether or not a husk is a real thing in regards to sake processing. This time on the interstice podcast we spare no time turning over ever proverbial rock in search of interesting topics. Oh, and we discuss where Japan's most and least beautiful women come from.
In this moment, what are you doing? Why are you doing it? Do you know? Have you really examined your behavior? When is the last time you did? I find these questions worth asking. It is all too easy to get lost in either, work, stress, or pure laziness, and accept for ourselves a vaguely satisfying life. A life that at a glance seems fulfilling, but like an iceberg revealing only a fractionally small amount of the truth, if we look closer, we realize that the satisfaction we feel is nothing more than procrastination masquerading as achievement. Most insidious is it's ability to make us feel as though this is not the case. Granting us the sensation of forward momentum, but utterly lacking in true mobility.
The topics hit hard and heavy on this episode. After uploading a comedic vlog I was called out for using a swear-word of the barely abrasive kind. This kind of condemnation usually comes at the behest of greater inclusion. What is, and will forever remain, ironically funny to me, is that calls for censorship, contradict the very thing that they are trying to protect. Nuance, freedom of expression, inclusiveness, must not ever become the hostage of propriety. And we must never think that they are immune to becoming so. What is most vile of censorship and thought crime, is it's ability to masquerade as virtue.
What's it like to start a business in Japan, possibly during one of the worst times in history to do so? Well my brave friend has found out. It's really amazing what he's done and his whole approach of relentless determination during a time that would make many others throw their cards in and claim no responsibility to the outcome, is nothing less than pure grit. It has left me wondering what can I do about my output in a time that I consider fairly sedate considering how little travel is possible. Ultimately I conclude that I can do so much more and should stop sitting on my ass. A fantastic revelation albeit one that requires more energy than I would like to expend.
The studio is mostly setup minus my computer I forgot at work so I didn't have my mic, but, oh well. Thanks for joining the podcast. Hope to see you in the comments. We cover a lot of ground from Caesar to stand-up.
What is it like to have lived in Japan for 16 years, my guest today, a career licenced teacher shares his thoughts on the experience.
It's a strange time that we find ourselves living in - would be an accurate statement no matter when you lived. Perhaps stranger still is life's ability to repeat patterns yet in wholly different ways. The example I draw upon today is that of the experience of children, and the conditions in which they grow. How do we even define them, and what is shaping their experience?
With the way that things have gone around the world, a whole new way of working has taken root, and that way is mostly from home. People, for the most part, love it. And that is not the only thing that is changing. Attitudes towards dated technology and bureaucracy have taken a sharp hit as well. When the status quo was maintained it allowed these inefficient at best, maddeningly arbitrary at worst, old standards to exist. Now that is no longer the case. Nothing reveals flaws in a system like attacking it, and if you take the initiative following such an attack to improve. The host that survived will reap the benefits of its new equilibrium.
What is it that inspired you in your younger years? For me it was a variety of many things but Pink Floyd's the wall stands out as a major spark to my creative mind. I've found when considering that influence on me in a greater context I can't help but notice the creep of time and its effect. That All influences become to those not familiar with them, cartoonishly old and dated. Sad, considering that old inspiration does not necessarily lose the potency of its message when really all that fades is the medium through which its conveyed. For that reason I would like to have an eye for older things and look for lost messages in the past that I may discount as not having any value when really the message they carry is still in tact.
I binge watched a ton of 1950's videos recently and was struck by not only how melancholy they made me feel but also how similar in many ways Japan's social attitudes are still to these outmoded ways of thinking. Unspoken rules rule Japan and you'd do well to follow them if you want to fit in. Of course this is most strictly applied to those who are native but to observe them is fascinating. Without knowing the answer I speculate as to why this is still the case here. A fascinating subject absolutely.
Relationships are a large part of what fulfills us. That is common enough knowledge. However, we traditionally think of relationships in terms of our friends, family and lovers, all of which are material. Another interesting, less explored form of relationships are those that lack the human component. Everything we interact with is a kind of relationship. But due to these relationships expressing themselves immaterially and less obviously reciprocally, it is easy to not view them as one and the same. There is value in overcoming this short-sightedness. Because although immaterial in nature these relationships compose our non-social world, which we are bound to spend a great deal of time experiencing. And to enjoy them nearly as we might a friend, can bring us a great deal of happiness and more well-rounded life.
Posting recently my reflections concerning reaching middle-age-ish and not having staked out for myself a traditional path, I got a lot of great responses. There seemed a thread which ran its way through most answers. That to live for you, your desires, your interests, selfish as it may be, causes the least suffering and best result. An interesting idea to say the least. But how to do this in such a way that is not entirely self-serving is an equally important question. Or, the conclusion we must make again, that to be self-serving is the path best taken. Rarely in life do I think absolutes hold much water and I am no guru but I did enjoy internalizing these ideas for a while and seeing what came out.
What does it feel like to thrown on a sword? Well that depends on whose done the throwing. Was it you, or did someone else land you there? Although ultimately each is painful, our willingness to see that pain in a positive light unquestionably favors that we do the throwing ourselves. This exhausting metaphor for working long hours is driving at the point that work is felt differently when we feel in control. It's a concept I am applying while working harder than I ever have, a least in an office like job. Lo and behold working hard reduces stress forges better relationships and a whole host of other side effects. Naturally it's difficult but difficulty, strangely is not usually what makes life difficult. On this episode of the podcast we go in deep on a new work environment as well as touch on gaijin elitism. Something I argue that is simply the manifesting of an all to ubiquitous trait of elitism in general.
You know that old expression - anger leads to hate, hate leads to you making a fool of yourself. Well much as that is very true It is important that we acknowledge the feeling of anger is often justified, more the issue is how we apply it. Anger usually seeks justice and fairness, it just sucks at getting these things done in a way that doesn't totally alienate those it inflicts itself upon. If you are tasked with leading a group of people, any age it doesn't matter. Likelihood is that at some point they will become unruly, or more elegantly put, a huge pain in the ass. That's gonna make you mad and want to correct them, but what is the most effective way of doing so? Some controlled degree of anger, a clinical application of its pressure in just the right amount? Or is there some other way to reach the goal you so desire. I have a good long talk about this and my personal approach in this weeks podcast.
A lot of big changes will arrive shortly come the beginning of March. First on the list will be slowly moving to a new apartment. No small feat in Japan considering the many costs associated with doing such an act. Moreover a challenge as well due to all the turning off an on of various services, water, gas and so on. But it is something I am truly excited for. It has given me the opportunity to get on the phone and speak Japanese. It has made me as well once again appreciate the wonderful people around me who have helped in making the move. Along the way I've thought a great deal about humility and acting more without ego as well as focusing your mind during stressful situations. All in all, when a boring life is what I truly dread, I couldn't be happier.
Been listening to a lot of stoic thoughts recently and within my recent past have been quite impacted by the book 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius. Doing so provided allowed me to put many experiences I have had in Japan into a useful context. But that's not all. Arnold Swarschanager, I noticed, has had some great things to say about the idea of the self-made man. To the point, essentially that no one, not even he himself, is one. I thought that was a useful idea when it comes to establishing your independence in a foreign country. Certainly we should aspire to not overly rely on others but equally true we should allow ourselves a communities contributions to our own well being, so long as we contribute positively to that community. The second half of the podcast will, as usual, be given over to answering subscriber emails.
I've not uploaded anything new since the 26th of December. That is unusual for me even given that that time was basically a holiday. Returning now as I am to creative endeavors I want to keep you, who listen and support me, informed of what has been going on in my life. The truth, as it is, to my subjective reality, I will speak to. And in all honesty as things have turned out, a quite positive twist has revealed itself as we pass by this bend in the road of my life. One that should prove interesting and quite a goldmine for further reflection, entertainment, and many potential more failures and successes. As I am so fond of saying-my life is anything but boring. And that's how I like it.
What's life without kicking back once in a while and going out drinking. Incredibly sober healthy and productive but let's focus too much on that detail. Recently I wrapped up around five weeks of focused labor and wanted a chance to blow off some steam so I headed in to Tokyo for a date. The date got cancelled but I wasn't gonna let that stop me from having a social night out so once arrived and after imbibing a few whiskies I set out to find my fortune in downtown Tokyo and was not disappointed. The night was eventfully hilarious filled with many first time experiences and much more. Following this drunken tirade the second half of the podcast is given over to the much more grounded discussion harvested from the emails I have received over the last couple weeks. We talk about stage fright and how to overcome it in the classroom as well as touch on what it takes to be an effective leader in the classroom as well.
Japan's cultural pressures are like none other in the world given it's much different value system. This system has no doubt allowed the country to survive, but survival does not always equate to happiness. Joined by my guest and colleague Dean we discuss this topic and touch on a few very unique challenges that natives of the culture must face and to a lesser degree expats. Not ever to go too dark we follow it up with the bizarre incarnation which is Christmas in Japan. A holiday which owes most of its traditions here to a successful ad campaign.
Our progress as a species moves forward in nearly every quantifiable way from poverty to education, but this does not mean that our success or failure overall has ever ceased its balancing act on a razor's edge. Where race is concerned certainly we've moved ahead as well but to think we've found some perfect understanding of each other would be naive. Japan as an ancient mono-culture offers a fascinating look into this very difficult topic and serves as the starting point for this week's podcast. To not dive to deep the second portion is given over to discussing how to find housing in Japan as well as significant time spent answering emails. What, for example, is the advice you'd give a family coming to live in Japan and many other questions.
The Japanese, although generally a more diminutive people, can drink like vikings. Schools are a little tamer no doubt than the drinking culture a salary man would see on a daily but they are still fun and different from what I am used to back in North America. We start here in the podcast as I recall some of the funnier and fuzzier moments through the time that I have spent here. Each school is I've attended is very different as well with some partying more or less, and in some cases a specific gender group will go out all the time. The second half of the podcast incorporates something that I intend to do full-time now and that is incorporate more audience involvement in the form of reading the emails that I have received and answering them to the best of my ability, be that humorously or otherwise. Some of the details from the questions this time were: how to deal with lazy and uninterested Japanese teachers and students, could a single mother expect to make a successful move to Japan and support her family, what is the situation for finding a job teaching English if you don't have a degree, and many more.
Arriving in Japan and all the madness that ensued, the highs, the lows, all of it here on this new episode. I recount the excitement of my process to get to Japan and the first training week of my arrival. As well for good measure we touch on some of the hilariously shady business practices of the shady dispatch company Interac.
This time we continue the adventure of growing up. Due to rugby being introduced to me at a very young age, a size advantage and excellent coaching caught the eye of both private schools in my local area and it would change my life forever.
Life as an expat in Japan is a trip. Learning the culture and language is a never-ending parade of hilarious failures and awkward mistakes. Here on The Interstice I discuss in intimate detail this altogether humbling, never boring, choice of lifestyle.