Bridge Beyond English: Recent Episodes
David Nagai
クリエイティブに考える力。国際的な視野。異文化コミュニケーションのスキル。英語を使って、世界と繋がりたい人へおすすめのポッドキャストです。
英語力が深まるのはもちろん、疑問を持ってしっかり考える力がつき、生き方、文化、社会についての様々な考え方に触れるきっかけとなります。リスナーの皆さんが新しい視点を培い、より自信を持って国際社会と対話できるように、日本在住の永井デイビッドがガイド役を勤めます。
上級者と中級者向けのディスカッションクラスに実際に参加したい方は、横浜元町で対面クラス、あるいはオンラインでも可能です。詳細は www.bridgebeyondenglish.com をご覧ください。
Do you want to use English to expand your creative thinking, global awareness, and cross-cultural communication skills to connect with the world?
This podcast will not only help your English, but also help you ask better questions and connect with diverse ideas about life, culture, and society.
David Nagai, the Japan-based host, will help you see the world in new ways and become a more confident global communicator.
To join our high-level in-person and online classes based in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan, please visit www.bridgebeyondenglish.com.
Complaining isn’t always negative—it can help us process emotions, connect with others, identify problems, and challenge unfair situations.
In this episode, we explore how to complain more wisely by choosing the right person and moment, communicating with sensitivity, and turning frustration into constructive action.
Join my English discussion classes
Join online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan and experience meaningful discussions that help you:
- Think creatively
- Speak confidently
- Connect deeply
Advanced and intermediate English speakers only.
Book a free consultation and learn about classes and events:
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
What can we learn from Shohei Ohtani, Kazuo Inamori, Franz Kafka, Freddie Mercury, and Akashiya Sanma about success, creativity, character, business, and communication?
In this class reflection, I share insights that emerged when my students introduced five remarkable people and explored their lives together. We discovered lessons about discipline, ethical leadership, expressing what makes us different, communicating complex ideas clearly, and bringing conversations to life.
We also found a larger pattern: remarkable people develop what is distinctive within them and use it to create value for others.
Join my English discussion classes
Join online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan and experience meaningful discussions that help you:
- Think creatively
- Speak confidently
- Connect deeply
Advanced and intermediate English speakers only.
Book a free consultation and learn about classes and events:
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
Here are two stories from the Hungarian doctor Semmelweis and the company Kodak that show how innovation requires deeper awareness and better communication.
Join my class online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan and feel alive through great conversations.
I help my students:
- Think creatively
- Speak confidently
- Connect deeply
· (Advanced and intermediate English only)
· Join our in-person events here.
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
The World Cup is more than a sports event. It is a reflection of our human experience…teamwork, diversity, tribal identity, play, kindness, contradictions, and our shared need to belong, succeed, celebrate, and feel alive.
In this episode I share 7 observations from the world cup and how they show our common humanity.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan and feel alive through great conversations.
· (Advanced and intermediate English only)
· Join our in-person events here.
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
As the United States turns 250 years old on July 4th, 2026, I want to share some reflections about where the country has come over the years.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan and feel alive through great conversations.
· (Advanced and intermediate English only)
· Join our in-person events here.
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
As the United States turns 250 years old on July 4th, 2026, I want to share some reflections about where the country has come over the years.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan and feel alive through great conversations.
· (Advanced and intermediate English only)
· Join our in-person events here.
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
Understand these six concepts from psychology to grow your self-awareness and ability to communicate and connect with people more freely. These are six of David's favorites.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan and feel alive through great conversations.
· (Advanced and intermediate English only)
· Join our in-person events here.
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
Do you focus more on the past, present, or future? In this episode, we'll discuss how to have balanced time perspective and how to avoid getting stuck with limited thinking.
Watch Phillip Zimbardo's TED Talk here.
In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:
· Creative thinking
· Global connection
· Cross-cultural communication
· (Advanced and intermediate English only)
· Join our in-person events here.
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
If you're not the strongest, design your own game and use a strategy that works for you.
In this episode we look at the Iran War and the Strait of Hormuz to understand strategy when we face limitations – and how we can design our own game in business and life.
In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:
· Creative thinking
· Global connection
· Cross-cultural communication
· (Advanced and intermediate English only)
· Join our in-person events here.
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
On the surface, Bridge Beyond English is an English school. But in this episode I'll explain how we offer more than just English.
We helps students think, express and connect in deeper ways.
It's not just about English language – it's about creating better relationships and experiencing the world in new ways.
That's why it's called Bridge Beyond English.
In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:
· Creative thinking
· Global connection
· Cross-cultural communication
· (Advanced and intermediate English only)
· Join our in-person events here.
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
What is your definition of success? We explore what "success" really means in this episode.
In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:
· Creative thinking
· Global connection
· Cross-cultural communication
· (Advanced and intermediate English only)
· Join our in-person events here.
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
This episode introduces a framework for understanding four main types of people. It will help you understand yourself and others. If you apply the ideas, you can improve your communication and connection with people who are different from you.
The original concept is from the Swedish author Thomas Erikson's book called Surrounded by Idiots. Also available in Japanese with the name 『世界にバカは４人いる』
In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:
· Creative thinking
· Global connection
· Cross-cultural communication
· (Advanced and intermediate English only)
· Join our in-person events here.
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
Why do certain brand names attract us?
One reason is their foreign-sounding names that cause us to associate the brand with a certain country and quality.
But is it really even from that country?
In this episode, we'll take a look at some brands that use foreign branding to explore the psychology of their name choices – both globally and in Japan.
In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:
· Creative thinking
· Global connection
· Cross-cultural communication
· (Advanced and intermediate English only)
· Join our in-person events here.
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
The way you speak and act has a temperature that makes people feel something. But you can always change your temperature.
In this episode, David shares about how our social temperature influences people and how we can adjust our communication to improve our connection and impact.
In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:
· Creative thinking
· Global connection
· Cross-cultural communication
· (Advanced and intermediate English only)
· Join our in-person events here.
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
There are four chemicals we all need to survive and flourish in life. In this episode I share about each chemical and how we can keep getting enough balance. Enjoy!
In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:
· Creative thinking
· Global connection
· Cross-cultural communication
· (Advanced and intermediate only)
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
Assumptions help us, but they can also cause big problems. In this episode I share about five business situations where assuming too fast caused communication problems – and lessons we can learn from each.
Read the full text with vocabulary tips here at my blog.
In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:
· Creative thinking
· Global connection
· Cross-cultural communication
· (Advanced and intermediate only)
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
What should we think about Donald Trump and global politics in 2025 onward? Here are some reflections about power, trust and democracy to help you think about the situation.
Read the full text version of this episode with vocabulary tips here at my blog.
In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your:
· Creative thinking
· Global connection
· Cross-cultural communication
· (Advanced and intermediate only)
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
How did KitKat chocolate succeed in Japan? Communication and connection in its branding! Let me share the story and how we can learn from it.
In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your:
· Creative thinking
· Global connection
· Cross-cultural communication
· (Advanced and intermediate only)
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
In this episode I analyze current news stories through the lens of critical thinking, empathy, creative thinking and connection/application to our work and life.
The insights I share in this episode are based on some of the news topics and discussions I had last week with my high-level students here in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan.
In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your:
· Creative thinking
· Global connection
· Cross-cultural communication
· (Advanced and intermediate only)
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
In this episode, David Nagai shares observations and commentary about the many ironies he observes in his American culture and politics.
In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama Motomachi, Japan to expand your:
- Creative thinking
- Global awareness
- Cross-cultural communication
- (Advanced and intermediate only)
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
In this episode you'll learn about the 7 principles of persuasion that create influence. (Based on Robert Cialdini's book called Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion)
In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:
· Creative thinking
· Global connection
· Cross-cultural communication
· (Advanced and intermediate English only)
· Join our in-person events here.
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
Want to enrich your life? Then ask these questions every day:
What am I grateful for? ... and... What if...?
Read the text version of this episode at the blog here.
In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:
· Creative thinking
· Global connection
· Cross-cultural communication
· (Advanced and intermediate English only)
· Join our in-person events here.
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
Stability can be good, but a new challenge is often important if we want to reach our highest creative potential. This episode is about understanding why we fear challenge and how to take positive action in a smart and thoughtful way.
Read the text version of this episode at the blog here.
Find out more about Todd Henry, Daily Creative, and his other books and work here.
In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:
· Creative thinking
· Global connection
· Cross-cultural communication
· (Advanced and intermediate English only)
· Join our in-person events here.
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
Learn the importance of communicating with empathy, listening and resilience from communication expert Mario Wissa.
Find out more about Mario's work and books at mariowissa.com.
In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.
Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:
· Creative thinking
· Global connection
· Cross-cultural communication
· (Advanced and intermediate English only)
· Join our in-person events here.
www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
Do you know how to express sympathy in English? Find out here.Read the text version of this episode here.
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Want to connect with the changing world in English?
Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:
- CREATIVE THINKING
- GLOBAL AWARENESS
- CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
- (Advanced and intermediate only)
Do you know how to express sympathy in English? Find out here.Read the text version of this episode here.--Listen on:SPOTIFYAPPLE PODCASTSGOOGLE PODCASTS--Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your: CREATIVE THINKING * GLOBAL AWARENESS * CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION* * (Advanced and intermediate only)
Do you know your primal world beliefs? Find out here.
Read the text version of this episode here.
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Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:
- CREATIVE THINKING
- GLOBAL AWARENESS
- CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
- (Advanced and intermediate only)
There are three types of English students. Learn which you are and what it means. Read the text version of this episode here.--
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Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:
- CREATIVE THINKING
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At Bridge Beyond English, we uphold the values of diversity, inclusion, and respect for all people.
Read the text version of this episode here.
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- CREATIVE THINKING
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If you're exhausted, this poem and reflection will help you gain perspective.--Listen on:SPOTIFYAPPLE PODCASTSGOOGLE PODCASTS--Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your: CREATIVE THINKING * GLOBAL AWARENESS * CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION* * (Advanced and intermediate only)
Learn how to improve your online meetings in English!
Read the text version here.
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Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:
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Disagreement is necessary. Here are tips on how to do it right!--Listen on: SPOTIFY APPLE PODCASTS GOOGLE PODCASTS*--Want to connect with the changing world in English?*Join a free trial English class* online or in Motomachi to expand your: CREATIVE THINKING* GLOBAL AWARENESS* CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION*(Advanced and intermediate only)
Brainstorm with the six hats framework.
Read the text version here.
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Learn about sparketypes to improve you work and life!
Read the text version at the blog here.
Take the free assessment at sparketype.com
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Here are some tips from Stoic philosophy to help improve your modern life.
Read the text version here: https://www.bridgebeyondenglish.com/post/stoic-philosophy-for-modern-life
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I asked Arina Petrova how it feels to be Russian. Here is her response.
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Read the text version at the blog here:
https://www.bridgebeyondenglish.com/post/how-it-feels-to-be-russian
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Learn how to use freewriting to free your mind.
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Read the text version at the blog here:
https://www.bridgebeyondenglish.com/post/freewriting-to-free-your-mind
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Learn how to brainstorm using the SCAMPER Method.
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Read text version here at the blog:
https://www.bridgebeyondenglish.com/post/the-scamper-method
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Learn how to critique people or ideas sensitively in English.
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Read the text version here at the blog:
https://www.bridgebeyondenglish.com/post/how-to-critique-sensitively
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Learn how to make polite requests in English with these nuances and tips.
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Read the text version at our blog here:
https://www.bridgebeyondenglish.com/post/making-polite-requests-in-english
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These are some poems that reflect on our pandemic experience.
The original poems can be found at Mediators Beyond Borders here:
https://mediatorsbeyondborders.org/pandemic-poetry-calming-words-in-the-midst-of-chaos/
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We can learn a lot from babies. Here's what I've learned from my son who just turned one year old!
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Pay attention and adapt to change.
(Two big lessons I've learned from jogging in the forest)
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Learn all about how the Culture Map framework by Erin Meyer can help you communicate better with different cultures. I recommend her website and book (The Culture Map) in English or Japanese.
Click here to follow along at the blog and see the charts.
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What's the difference between a plan and a strategy? This episode explains the important difference.
This episode is a slower recording of Dr. Roger Martin's video presentation on Harvard Business Review's YouTube channel. I hope the English tips (at the blog)and slow/clear audio I provide can help you understand and appreciate Dr. Martin's wonderful ideas! Please visit the original video at Harvard Business Review's channel here.
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Learn how to priorities your tasks so you can accomplish your goals effectively.
Please follow along with the images at the blog here:
https://www.bridgebeyondenglish.com/post/the-importance-difficulty-matrix
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Learn from Chiara Manuel about the complexity of the recent 2022 elections in the Philippines. She provides an overview and opinion.
Manuel is a lecturer at Thames International Business School and holds an MA from the University of the Philippines Diliman.
To read the text version of this episode (includes English tips), visit our blog: https://www.bridgebeyondenglish.com/post/the-philippines-2022-election
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Covid has caused death in many ways. But it has also given us new life as we reimagine the future.
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7 tips about how to pursue excellence instead of chasing "perfection."
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When we understand and live according to our purpose in business, we authentically satisfy our customers. The key is to be clear about our purpose and to execute it at every level with transparency.
You can read the text version of this episode here: https://www.bridgebeyondenglish.com/post/the-power-of-purpose-in-business
You can access the original TED Talk by By Ashley M. Grice that is the source of this episode here: https://www.ted.com/talks/ashley_m_grice_the_power_of_purpose_in_business
Many Europeans are shocked that there is a war in Europe. They assume that war should always be far away from home.
But this assumption reveals how western foreign policies and the treatment of non-westerners is unfair and discriminatory.
The Ukraine war highlights that war can happen anywhere in our interconnected world, and that we need a system that is better for all people, everywhere.
Click here for the text version of this episode along with vocabulary tips:
https://www.bridgebeyondenglish.com/post/the-ukraine-war-what-it-reveals
Click here for the original article source by Nesrine Malik:
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/mar/01/let-the-horror-in-ukraine-open-our-eyes-to-the-suffering-of-war-around-the-world
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Proper brainstorming can fix many of our problems. It can also help us improve and create many things. This episode shows you how.
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Read the full text version here:
https://www.bridgebeyondenglish.com/post/brainstorming-rules-tools
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So much of what we do in our life is a waste of time and energy. But, if we can figure out how to prioritize the most important tings, we can change our life.
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Read the full text version here:
https://www.bridgebeyondenglish.com/post/essentialism
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Being perfect is impossible. Instead, we should aim for creative progress. This episode shares how.
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We can learn a lot from bad teachers. Yes, BAD teachers!
They can teach us what NOT to do. I'll explain more in this episode.
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Do you know how to speak the language of love? Well, it turns out there are several love languages. Listen to discover your own love language and how to identify the love language of people you care about.
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Read the text version of this episode at the blog here: https://www.bridgebeyondenglish.com/post/the-five-love-languages
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SOURCE: To read more about the five love languages and to take the online quiz to discover your love language, visit https://www.5lovelanguages.com/ .
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If you ever wonder, "Does my work matter?" here are some words of encouragement for you. Yes, your work does matter. Your work is important for you, for the people you love, and for the world. No matter how small or repetitive, your work matters.
This episode draws from some excerpts from the book The Artist's Rule.
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In this episode I interview my wife Chami Nagai about her experience becoming a new mother here in Japan.
She shares about her ups and downs along the way, shares advice for all of us who are listening, and also gives some especially warm encouragement to all the new mothers who are listening.
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It's easy to quickly judge someone from a different culture because they do things differently. But if we can have an open mind and try to understand their perspective, then we can appreciate their differences – we can learn and appreciate instead of judge and feel frustration.
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In this episode we explore a helpful framework that helps us understand what customers actually value. It's usually a much more complex than it seems.
View the text version of this episode and helpful pyramid image here:
https://www.bridgebeyondenglish.com/post/what-do-customers-actually-value
For sources and more information, visit this Harvard Business Review article:
https://hbr.org/2016/09/the-elements-of-value
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If you work on any type of global team, you’ve probably seen some bad communication happen. But, the good news is that if we increase our awareness we can improve communication between people from different cultures, languages, and backgrounds.
Here are some strategies for you to improve global team communication.
Read the text version of this episode here:
https://www.bridgebeyondenglish.com/post/communication-strategies-for-global-teams
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This episode is about EMPIRE. Specifically, the current and future state of EMPIRE.
Throughout history we’ve seen many empires rise and fall. Now we have the American superpower, or empire, and people are wondering if China might be the next superpower, or empire.
This episode is the second of a three-part series about empire. In particular, we focus on the history of empire in this second part.
In all three episodes I interview Missy Hart. Missy is an American living in Yokohama, Japan.
Her current work has been acting as a peace and reconciliation consultant, which means that she communicates between different religious groups in order to create peace and deeper connection between diverse communities and ways of thinking and being in the world.
She has a background in teaching in churches as a pastor/preacher, doing social work among poor communities, and has studied theology and religion among other things.
This topic of empire is huge and complex. You may not agree with everything Missy discusses, but I really do believe that this series of interviews will add wonderful perspective to the way you think about empire and the world we live in.
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What's the best way to facilitate a discussion? There's not only one perfect method, but there are some core concepts that make up the foundation of good facilitating. In this episode I share six of these core ideas.
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Click here to read the text version of this episode.
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Throughout history we’ve seen many empires rise and fall. Now we have the American superpower, or empire, and people are wondering if China might be the next superpower, or empire.
This episode is the second of a three-part series about empire. In particular, we focus on the history of empire in this second part.
In all three episodes I interview Missy Hart. Missy is an American living in Yokohama, Japan.
Her current work has been acting as a peace and reconciliation consultant, which means that she communicates between different religious groups in order to create peace and deeper connection between diverse communities and ways of thinking and being in the world.
She has a background in teaching in churches as a pastor/preacher, doing social work among poor communities, and has studied theology and religion among other things.
This topic of empire is huge and complex. You may not agree with everything Missy discusses, but I really do believe that this series of interviews will add wonderful perspective to the way you think about empire and the world we live in.
--
Listen on:
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--
Want to connect with the changing world in English?
Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:
* CREATIVE THINKING
* GLOBAL AWARENESS
* CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
(Advanced and intermediate only)
Throughout history we’ve seen many empires rise and fall. Now we have the American superpower, or empire, and people are wondering if China might be the next superpower, or empire.
This episode is the first of a three-part series about empire.
In all three episodes I interview Missy Hart. Missy is an American living in Yokohama, Japan.
Her current work has been acting as a peace and reconciliation consultant, which means that she communicates between different religious groups in order to create peace and deeper connection between diverse communities and ways of thinking and being in the world.
She has a background in teaching in churches as a pastor/preacher, doing social work among poor communities, and has studied theology and religion among other things.
This topic of empire is huge and complex. You may not agree with everything Missy discusses, but I really do believe that this series of interviews will add wonderful perspective to the way you think about empire and the world we live in.
--
Listen on:
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* APPLE PODCASTS
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--
Want to connect with the changing world in English?
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* CREATIVE THINKING
* GLOBAL AWARENESS
* CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
(Advanced and intermediate only)
In this episode I interview my student Sayako Yamamoto.
She shares about how she shifted careers multiple times to find better health and fulfillment. She's worked with Japan's Defense Ministry, an environmental research institute, and currently is a freelance English translator.
Through our conversation, we touch on the topics of empathy, conflict resolution, and how to be yourself and create a meaningful life.
I think this interview will inspire you to reflect on your own life and work as well.
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The world is in a difficult situation, but in this episode I want to refresh your imagination by walking with you through the amazing Negishi Forest Park. Let's see what the park can inspire in us!
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This is the story of how a failure high jumper ended up transforming the sport. The story can teach us some key strategies for creative innovation and adapting to change.
--
Read the text version of this episode here.
(Includes vocabulary explanations)
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Ershad Rana is from Bangladesh and moved to Japan to study over 28 years ago and has been here ever since.
During this interview, Ershad shares about adjusting to Japan, language learning, cultural identity, accepting new ideas, and being flexible. He even sings a Bengali song and a Japanese song!
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Social linguistics is the study of how language is used in society.
In this episode, Chami Nagai talks specifically about how gender influences how people communicate in society. It exists everywhere and depends on the culture and context. If we are aware of it then we can see it more clearly and also help promote more gender equality and dignity for everyone.
*
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*
(Advanced and intermediate only)
Why do we often so quickly judge people as likable or unlikable – as amazing or horrible? In this episode we look at two very common biases. If we understand them, hopefully we can view other people more realistically and with more empathy.
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Click here for the text version of this episode and references.
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It's possible to improve your speaking by yourself from home. Through shadowing practice, you can maximize your speaking skills and also overall English fluency. Here are some tips to get started.
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Click here for the text version of this episode.
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Click here to access the slower TED Talk and here for the faster TED Talk to start shadowing practice.
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The Ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism teaches us to live in harmony with all things. But what does this mean in a world where we have to fight to survive, push against injustice, and create a better world? Join me as I share reflections on this topic from our class discussions about a TED Talk by Raymond Tang.
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Listen to Chami share about her experience shifting between many cultures. She shares what she learned from various cultures and how she grew her courage to be her authentic self no matter where she is in the world.
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In this interview with Yokohama Chinatown restaurant owner Yao, we get an inside perspective into how the pandemic has impacted Chinatown's restaurant businesses and the people who work there.
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In this episode I share advice about how to create good questions to connect with people – even if they are very different from you.
You can read the text version of this episode here.
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In this interview, Meghan Norean shares how to live according to the natural cycle of our bodies and nature so that we can experience better balance, health, and energy.
She is a cyclical living guide and focuses a lot of her work on helping people understand how to embrace their menstrual cycles with more awareness.
Learn more about Meghan's online courses, blog, and podcast by visiting www.meghannorean.com or by following her on Instagram at meghan.norean .
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In this episode I share about how asking questions can help you connect more deeply with people.
Read the text version of this episode here.
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After one year of the pandemic, everyone is exhausted. We all need rest in order to continue with strength and creativity in this pandemic.
Read the text version of this episode here.
References:
Dr. Christine Runyan interview
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Tedx Talk
Coping With COVID-19 blog article
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Have you ever wondered why certain people can speak with such power and persuasion? Do you want to learn how to improve your public speaking so that people are deeply impacted and follow your ideas?
In this episode we look at Simon Lancaster's 6 TIPS to make a powerful speech. You can watch his TED Talk presentation here.
You can read the text version of this episode here at our blog.
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In this episode we discuss why Christians believe that Easter is the most important event in history. Even if you aren't Christian, it will help you empathize with Christians and understand their perspective better.
Here is the text version of this episode which includes vocabulary tips.
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In this episode we take a look at how education has developed over time and how to increase creativity in education for the future.
Here is the text version of the episode.
References:
Watch George Land's presentation here.
Watch Ken Robinson's presentations here, here, and here.
View Paulo Freire's bio here.
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Yuzuri Nagai is a botanical dye artist in Tokyo. She creates natural dye from her organic, home-grown plants. She also grows her own cotton and works with other natural fibers.
In this episode, Yuzuri shares about her artistic journey and what she has learned from the dyeing process. She reminds us that even in modern, fast-paced society, we have the choice to slow down, follow our creativity, and appreciate craftsmanship and the artistic process.
If you want to attend Yuzuri's exhibition in Machida April 2-5, here is the info. There will also be an online version later in April (stay tuned).
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promo video of the show
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exhibition info page of the show and side events
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campaign page for crowdfunding
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In this interview, Ed Kuiters from the Netherlands draws on his experience in global business to answer the following questions:
What are some main differences between Japanese and Western business negotiation styles?
What can Japanese do to increase their negotiation success with their Western counterparts?
Read the text version here.
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In this episode we look at Japan through the lens of the stages of consciousness framework. We examine how Japan has changed over time, what caused change, and what current challenges and opportunities exist for Japan.
If you have not yet listened to the original Stages of Consciousness episode, I highly recommend starting here.
You can read the text version of this episode at my blog.
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This episode is an interview with Jeweliann Picardal. She is half Japanese, half American, and shares about her experience of culture and belonging as a mixed-race person living in Japan and the US.
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The Stages of Consciousness is a framework that helps us to understand how we as humans, groups, and societies develop and expand our consciousness. It moves from ME, to WE, to EVERYBODY. Understanding the framework can help us in our self-understanding and grow in empathy for people who are different from us.
Read the text version of this episode here. (Includes vocabulary tips)
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This episode introduces the Enneagram personality assessment - a framework that will help you understand yourself more deeply and improve the way you relate with other people.
Read the text version of the episode here.
If you want to take the Enneagram test in Japanese, here it is: https://www.enneagram.ne.jp/about/diagnosis/dns01
If you want to take the Enneagram test in English, here it is: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/
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This episode explains how racism works in the US, why people have protested against racially-charged police violence, and what they hope to accomplish through Black Lives Matter protests.
Click here to read the text version of the episode at my blog.
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This episode explains how American Christianity influences US politics.
Click here to read the text version of this episode.
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How have you been dealing with the COVID-19 crisis? In this episode, we discuss some useful ways to not only survive the pandemic, but also thrive. The text version of this episode and resource links can be found here.
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Nonviolent communication (NVC) is a communication method that helps people communicate more compassionately in order to overcome conflict for a win-win result.
Click here to read the text version of this episode at my blog. (Includes vocabulary tips)
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In this episode I (David Nagai) introduce myself and share about how my life is like a bridge between people, cultures, and ideas.
Click here to read the text version of the episode at my blog.
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Welcome to the Bridge Beyond English podcast!
This podcast will help you connect with the changing world in English by expanding your:
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creative thinking
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global awareness
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cross-cultural communication
Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi.
(Advanced and intermediate only)