Two Shores One Story

On today's third installment of New Year's resolutions we have another guest that you may remember. That's right. It's Kaleb! Last year we talked about learning Japanese and today, we talked about Kaleb's goals, which are mostly related to.... you guessed it... Japanese language learning. I always get so motivated talking to Kaleb and I hope you do too!

Today on Two Shores One Story I speak with a very special guest, Andy. He and I go way back to university days and today, we talk about his goals for 2026. Of course, we go off on many tangents like we used to do when we recorded the Hot Pot so if you want to hear some boiling hot tea AND be inspired, make sure to give this episode a listen.

Happy New Year's Eve (at least in Japan). Today I discuss my goals for 2026 and share an exciting announcement! Make sure to listen today to find out.

It's Christmas Eve (at least in Japan). What an exciting time! Unfortunately, I still a lingering cough so I couldn't share all of my excitement this episode, but like the illuminations that fill Japan during the Christmas season, I did a little Q and A about Christmas in Japan to hopefully share some "enlightening" info on this wonderful holiday. If you're wondering ho ho ho-w Christmas is celebr...

This may be the shortest episode in Two Shores One Story's history and that's because I can hardly talk without coughing.... since I have (another) cold. Just wanted to send out a PSA to stay healthy. If you're in Japan and working at school, wear your mask. It may save you from using a day of paid leave.

It's a special day on the Two Shores One Story podcast because today's episode is the 50th episode! Yay! It was my goal to post frequently because no one can learn or hear about my adventures if I don't release episodes and I did it! There were some weeks that I missed due to conflicting schedules or sickness, but I'm proud of the amount of episodes that I released this year. Thank you so much for...

Between the last episode and this one, I had nothing really special going on so I just talked a lot about various things.... in rapid fashion. I'm also a little stressed since the (third) JLPT N1 exam is THIS Sunday! Oh my goodness. Lot's to talk about and so little time. If you're interested in hearing my ramblings, give this episode a listen!

Last week I had my long anticipated trip to Kobe (the land of beef) to see my all-time favourite Showa artist, Iwasaki Hiromi (and her sister, Iwasaki Yoshimi). Hear all about my day trip to Kobe and my heart racing concert experience.

As it nears the end of November, the air gets colder, the days get shorter, and viruses start to appear. Unfortunately for me, I have caught one said virus- influenza type A.I can't go to work since influenza is contagious so today I decided to make some curry to have for a few days since it's a great Japanese dish that's full of nutrients. Listen to my short update on influenza and the symptoms I...

Tomorrow I have to take my mandatory medical check-up along with other ALTs. It's quite a process that includes checking our weight, height, waist, blood pressure, heart, among other things. However, they don't check our mental condition, which I need because last week I saw a mouse in my room (I hate mice). Find out how I reacted and what I am doing to try to catch that darn thing.

Well, this week the Blue Jays played against the Dodgers in the world series (seventh game)... and didn't do too well. I also went out to a nomikai with the Futsal gang and bought some fancy bagels during my placement's cultural festival. What kind of bagels did I get? Make sure to listen to find out!

Somehow I had a non-eventful yet eventful week. I made a movie night out of Doctor X, saw a cockroach......, and did some other stuff. If you're looking for a funny and feel-good episode, give this one a listen!

Last week, I had the sniffles... and then... it became more than just the sniffles. I had a full on cold! Hear my experience of going to the doctor and getting medication, along with my other escapades from this week.

Last week, I had quite an adventure in various places surrounding my placement. Gifu city, Kanazawa, and around Takayama. Find out how I treated myself (once I figured out the wording), what happened during the Kimetsu no Yaiba movie, and more on today's episode at 5:00 PM JST! Also, I was a bit sick during the recording of this episode, so sorry if you hear some sniffling!

Last week was h e c t i c and because of that, I have not been in the best mood. However, it will be Thanksgiving this week so I chose to discuss somethings I am grateful for. That always boosts my mood. I challenge you to think about what you are thankful for and please let me know in the comments! P.S. I forgot to mention that I'm thankful for this podcast. I get to talk about so many things tha...

Today's episode is a rambling of bad and good things that happened to me recently in September. Learn from my experiences on today's episode!

I had the wonderful pleasure of interviewing a fellow ALT who has been around the block in many ways. For one, he is reaching his third decade very soon, and second, he has been an ALT for four years and will soon complete his fifth. So, he has a lot of wisdom to share. If you are wondering how to get the most out of your ALT career, what to do in your 20s, or just want to know where the best plac...

I realized that I posted my first podcast episode on September 18th, 2024 (two days from when this podcast was recorded) so that's very exciting. Can't wait to share more stories with you all. Speaking of stories, I share my wonderful experience of witnessing Stradivari in action while in Kobe. It was such an amazing time. Truly inspiring performance. If you're interested, please give it a listen.

Last week I put on my dancing geta and went to Gujo to participate in their famous Bon Odori. You could say it was unfor-geta-ble. Hear more about on today's episode!

There is nothing special going on this week, so I don't have anything in particular to talk about.... or do I? Find out on today's episode!

A few weeks ago, I had the utmost pleasure of going to Ehime prefecture. I only knew that mikan existed there, so luckily I had a tour guide to show me all the great places. This tour guide and I go way back, actually. Learn about them and the wonderful land of mikan in this episode!

Last week I went to the land of mikans (tangerines), also known as Ehime prefecture on Shikoku island. I had five days of adventures that I talk about in today's episode. If you're interested in visiting this beautiful prefecture, let this episode be your guide of what to do AND what not to do.

Currently packing for my trip to Ehime and everything was going well until I wanted to pack my favorite hankerchief. Why? Because I can't find it. Where could such an item be? I really have no idea.

Despite the sweat that's dripping down my face everyday because of the constant heat, there are good parts about summer. If you want to hear my thoughts about very hot season, make sure to listen to today's episode!

The last day of school (before summer break) was last Friday so that means it's SUMMER VACATION!!!!! .....Well, technically. I still have to go to work, but it's a bit more relaxed. In today's episode, I talk about that, what I did during the three-day vacation, and my plans for the summer!