Just Passing Through Podcast

Send us Fan Mail 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 what looked suspiciously li...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Timor began with a...

Send us Fan Mail 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, finding new targets along the way. Ente...

Send us Fan Mail 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, England, Banksy's true identity...

Send us Fan Mail 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 turning even the most mundan...

Send us Fan Mail 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 shorts, complete with a debate o...

Send us Fan Mail 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 gold toilets and p...

Send us Fan Mail 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 not forget the pi...

Send us Fan Mail 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 as mysterious as the ra...

Send us Fan Mail 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. Picture her, solemnly sipp...

Send us Fan Mail 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 calendar; it's a...

Send us Fan Mail 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 rebellious...

Send us Fan Mail 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 party. You st...

Send us Fan Mail EPISODE 132 In the clandestine underbelly of Japan's history, there exists an elusive figure named Satoshi Kirishima, a man who has spent five decades living in the shadows, leaving no tales in his wake. His life, a covert odyssey, unfolds far from the prying eyes of the law, an enigma hidden in the intricate folds of society. Satoshi is a master of anonymity, a living whispe...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 131 Your friendly guide through the highs, lows, and unexpected bends of living beyond borders. In this episode, we're diving into the nitty-gritty – the sacrifices, the gains, and the tough decisions that sneak up on you. Picture this: you've taken the plunge, left friends behind, tightened the budget, and embraced a life that promises better days. It's a j...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 130 5:30 am at an airport bar – a time when even the coffee looks at you and says, "Amateur hour, mate." It's like a scene from a twisted comedy, where weary travelers are torn between the existential crisis of ordering a pint or pretending they're responsible adults with a cup of tea. The bar becomes a stage for jet-lagged performers, attempting to tur...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 129 In the nostalgic maze of holiday comparisons, the generation gap is a Grand Canyon. My holidays, back in the day, started with the delightful symphony of Mum peeing in a plastic bucket. It was my version of a morning alarm, a less-than-soothing wake-up call to the fragrant reality of life. Now, fast-forward to the offspring's adventures—they're globe-trotting...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 128. It's a common challenge that many expats face. When you return home, people may have certain expectations or perceptions based on the person they remember, not necessarily the individual you've become during your time abroad. This contrast can indeed lead to friction, as they may project unfulfilled aspirations onto you. Explaining this to others can help th...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 127 Picture a North England Christmas where the festive cheer turns into an alcohol fueled dark dark comedy. Family feuds echo like carolers on a sugar rush, overindulgence in booze,spirits and food transforms the living room into modern day Gaza, and the aftermath resembles a battlefield of empty bottles,sick buckets and self inflicted liquid wounds. Amidst the chaos, a y...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 127 'Tis the season to be jolly, or so they say. But for me, it's the season to plug my ears and run for cover. Why, you ask? Because of those relentless, earworm-infested Xmas songs that invade the airwaves like a festive plague. You see, I've declared a personal war on these jingling, sleigh bell-ringing, repetitive pieces of auditory torture. It's no...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 126 Ah, Kamakura, my stomping ground, where ancient temples and train rides become the everyday spectacle! So, I'm schlepping my mate around, you know, the casual tour of awesomeness. We start with Engaku-ji, and my friend's gob is not just smacked; it's doing a full-on gymnastics routine. She's got this look like she just discovered sushi for the first...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 125 Ah, the summer of '96, where England's hopes soared, Terry Venables was the maestro of our football dreams, and penalties felt like an English rite of passage – albeit a painful one. Picture this: Gazza's iconic dentist chair celebration, the Three Lions anthem blasting from every corner, and Terry Venables orchestrating a symphony of soccer brilliance t...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 124 In the cosmic dance of life and death, Westerners seem to have a jittery two-step while the Japanese are waltzing through with a serene bow. Picture this: In the West, we're busy avoiding black cats, stepping on sidewalk cracks, and crossing our fingers like it's a full-time job just to dodge the inevitable. Meanwhile, the Japanese are hosting cherry blossom...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 123 "Ah, Yorkshire folks – the unsung heroes of humor, tea, and hearty conversations. Picture this: you stroll into a Yorkshire home, and before you know it, you've been offered a cuppa, engaged in banter about the weather (because, let's face it, it's always a topic), and found yourself wrapped in a warm blanket of that unmistakable Yorkshire wit. Thes...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 112 From the bustling streets of Taipei to family-friendly adventures in the heart of Taiwan, l have to make sure that this holiday season is packed with laughter, cultural exploration, and the joy of shared experiences. Navigating night markets, embracing local traditions, and discovering the hidden gems of Taiwan, the journey promises to be a blend of luxury and the warm...