Podcasts about bangkok podcast

We recount the fascinating story of George DuPont, the only Thai person who fought in the American Civil War. The first record of George in the U.S. is in 1859, but almost nothing is known of how or why he ended up in the United States. We know that in 1862 he volunteered for a New Jersey regiment to fight for the North in the American Civil War. Shockingly, he fought in and survived the battles of Antietam, Chancellorville, and Gettysburg, three of the bloodiest battles of the war. He was eventually naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 1869. He subsequently returned to Thailand, or Siam as it was known, and worked a variety of jobs, from writer for an English language newspaper to a drillmaster to a timber dealer. He died at age 56, and you can still see his grave in the Bangkok Protestant Cemetery on Charoen Krung 72/5.  George DuPont represents a fascinating glimpse into the lives of early Thai immigrants to America. Greg and Ed surmise that there must have been immigrants before him, equally or more interesting! One way or another, we'll find them and tell their stories on the Bangkok Podcast. :) Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg interviews our new friend Jannik Hiller about his experience as an exchange student in Thailand. Jannik explains that while a university student, he decided he wanted to do an exchange year in a country completely different from his native Germany, so he settled on Thailand, despite never having been here before.   Greg wonders about the quality of education in Thailand versus Germany, and Jannik explains that he was willing to sacrifice some academic quality just for the experience of traveling and living in a foreign land. Jannik then recounts his first month in the country, getting ready for school to start. After an initial shock, he fell in love with exploring Bangkok and acclimated to a dorm at Chulalongkorn University for international students. He talks about interacting with students from the U.S., Mexico, Japan, and Italy, a cosmopolitan experience that led him to pursue a Master's Degree outside of Germany.  Jannik then expounds on the differences in the academic experience: Thai university is more formal than in Germany, given that students have to wear uniforms and the professors are treated with more deference. Further, the courses involved more group work and presentations than his typical classes back home.   Overall, Jannik's experience at a Thai university was a very positive contrast to his typical European education, and with the help of the Bangkok Podcast, he has become a true Thai-phile (like the rest of us!). Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. We also sometimes post on Facebook, you can contact us on LINE and of course, head to our website (www.bangkokpodcast.com) to find out probably more info than you need to know.

In a first, the Bangkok Podcast turns its focus on itself as Greg and Ed explain the process by which they create two shows almost every week of the year. The boys begin discussing their approach to brainstorming topics for new shows. Given that the podcast has been around for more than 10 years and there are more than 700 back episodes in total, coming up with fresh ideas is not easy. So the guys tend to mine their personal experiences, the lives of their friends, evergreen news stories that highlight perennial issues with Thai society, and of course, suggestions from listeners. (In fact, if you have any good ideas, please send them in!) Does the podcast follow a script? Conversationally, no. Greg and Ed simply have a topic and bullet points and they flow from there, but there is a structure to the show that includes background music, cues, and common themes. What about the recording process? Well, as two tech geeks, the guys do take advantage of semi-professional gear. Ed speaks into a dynamic microphone connected to a digital mixer that acts as an interface to his Windows 11 PC. Greg records with a condenser microphone connected to his MacBook Air. They record separately at home while on a Facebook call, and then upload the audio to a Google Drive folder. Greg then typically does the edit, recently with an open source but professional tool known as Reaper.  As for posting, the podcast uses a platform called Libsyn, which allows them to upload an episode to one location and then have it dispersed to multiple outlets.  When it comes to general advice, Ed encourages newbies to go easy on the technology. Today, the barriers to entry are low, and a couple iPhones with lav mics are probably all that are necessary to get started. However, over time, mastering better technology is undoubtedly key to making your life easier.  Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. We also sometimes post on Facebook, you can contact us on LINE and of course, head to our website (www.bangkokpodcast.com) to find out probably more info than you need to know.

In a first for the podcast, the boys decide to review a part of the Bangkok Podcast website - the relatively new for Season 4 ‘Resources' section. A few weeks back we posted a page called ‘Some Thoughts on Thai Culture,' and it elicited some responses from friends of the podcast, so we decided to dig into it. We don't want to rehash what's already there, so if you haven't read it yet, mosey on over and check it out. In brief, the page lists 5 key characteristics of Thai culture: 1) Respect for authority; 2) Being indirect; 3) High context; 4) Fitting in; and 5) No problems. Greg and Ed discuss each, trying to find exceptions and bring some nuance to the characteristics.  At the end, Ed brings up an ‘honorable mention': an important characteristic that didn't quite make the top five: Thais also are particularly concerned about appearing proper in public, but in private are no more conservative than most Westerners.  Of course, these are just our opinions and observations - we'd love to hear thoughts, feedback, or dissenting opinions. Listen in for the details! As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

We were honored to join our friends at The Bangkok Podcast to discuss the origins of our platform and how we've navigated the challenges of hosting discussions in the post-coup environment. We are sharing an interview that occurred on their feed earlier in the year.

Sabai Talk Podcast is a conversation about Thai food, Thai cooking and Thai culture from the most visible Thai female Chefs in media: Hong Thaimee and Pailin Chongchitnant.   Join Chefs Hong and Pailin as they talk about moving to Thailand, and why so many Westerners dream of it. In this episode, we interview Greg and Ed, hosts of the Bangkok Podcast who are both expats living in Thailand for over 2 decades. They share with us how they ended up in Thailand, and why they decided to stay. Check out The Bangkok Podcast at https://www.bangkokpodcast.com/   Connect with us at sabaitalk@hongthaimee.com   Hong Thaimee Hong's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hongthaimee  Hong's Shop https://www.hongthaimee.com/shop Hong's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@hongthaimee    Pailin Chongchitnant Pailin's YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/pailinskitchen Pailin's cookbooks https://hot-thai-kitchen.com/htk-cookbook/ Pailin's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hotthaikitchen

Sabai Talk Podcast is a conversation about Thai food, Thai cooking and Thai culture from the most visible Thai female Chefs in media: Hong Thaimee and Pailin Chongchitnant.   Join Chefs Hong and Pailin as they talk about moving to Thailand, and why so many Westerners dream of it. In this episode, we interview Greg and Ed, hosts of the Bangkok Podcast who are both expats living in Thailand for over 2 decades. They share with us how they ended up in Thailand, and why they decided to stay. Check out The Bangkok Podcast at https://www.bangkokpodcast.com/   Connect with us at sabaitalk@hongthaimee.com   Hong Thaimee Hong's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hongthaimee  Hong's Shop https://www.hongthaimee.com/shop Hong's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@hongthaimee    Pailin Chongchitnant Pailin's YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/pailinskitchen Pailin's cookbooks https://hot-thai-kitchen.com/htk-cookbook/ Pailin's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hotthaikitchen

Greg interviews returning show favorite, Phra Pandit on the Buddhist interpretation of the Seven Deadly Sins of western religion. After a brief introduction explaining Phra Pandit's current (temporary) abode in Toronto, Canada, the guys get down to business. First, Phra Pandit notes that in his work with highly varied groups of people, there is often agreement on ‘good' and ‘bad' qualities in people. That being said, he notes that not every religion would necessarily value each quality equally. Greg jumps in with his favorite sin of ‘Lust,' and Phra Pandit says that ‘improper sexual conduct' is prohibited in the Five Precepts that Buddhists are expected to follow. He discusses how the term ‘improper' can be interpreted, with an emphasis on the harm being caused in a particular case, rather than specific rules. Next up is ‘Gluttony,' practically the theme of the Bangkok Podcast. Interestingly, Phra Pandit discusses the issue of overweight monks in Thailand and points out that the precepts actually allow monks to eat sugary snacks in the evening, while most people think that monks are prohibited from eating entirely. However, monks are prohibited from ‘overeating,' which is parallel to the most basic meaning of ‘gluttony.' The two mean continue with a couple more of the sins on this Part One of a two-part series. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Wrapping up our short series on our regional podcast peers, Greg interviews Joah McGee from the Insight Myanmar Podcast. Joah begins by explaining his early life in Myanmar and how he initially went to the country to study meditation and later secured a proper job doing training for an American Embassy-related organization. He managed to juggle professional life dealing with politics, with a personal life in monasteries practicing meditation. This eventually led Joah to making a documentary about a famous monk and writing a guidebook for foreigners wishing to study meditation in the country. As his expertise increased, a podcast focused on spiritual aspirants was the logical next step. All was not to stay rosy, however, as the country suffered a military coup in 2021. At that point, Joah and his partners made the decision to transition the podcast to more general stories about on-the-ground realities in the country, which of course necessitated dealing with the complex political situation in Myanmar. Greg questions Joah about issues such as self-censorship, guest selection, and the overall tone of the show. Joah explains that the harsh reality of current life in Myanmar requires serious shows, but that he does his best to mix things up and highlight the many special aspects of Burmese culture that people often forget among the grim stories in the news.  For a great change of pace from the Bangkok Podcast, check out Insight Myanmar.  Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg interviews Mike Tatarski of the Vietnam Weekly podcast. Mike begins by explaining the podcast originated out of his Substack newsletter of the same name. After teaching a course in ‘entrepreneurial journalism,' he got motivated to fire up the podcast, and the rest is history. He manages to produce a show per week as a one man band operation but has reached a substantial audience.  Greg and Mike then go on to talk about similarities and differences between his show and the Bangkok Podcast. On the one hand, both are in English and therefore have a lot of listeners that are neither Thai nor Vietnamese and also have a lot of interviews, but on the other hand, Mike's background is in journalism and his show tends to focus more on serious news stories. The BP of course is two clueless dudes trying to make each other laugh with an occasional dose of useful information. The guys go on to address topics such as the podcast communities in Vietnam and Thailand, how to find good topics for shows, and the delicate problem of keeping a show fresh and authentic in countries that do not share the same appreciation for freedom of speech that most Western countries do.  If you have any interest in learning more about traveling to or living in Vietnam, definitely check out the Vietnam Weekly podcast! And if you're wondering what that photo is, make sure to listen after the end music to hear how Greg's supporting his son's (now illegal) business with his school pals. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

As expats who have lived in Asia for almost 25-years each - how's that possible! - we recently got thinking about our proximity to famous, royal palaces. Scott is not so far from Bangkok's Grand Palace and Trevor for many years lived very close to Cambodia's Khemarin Palace. That got us thinking about other royal palaces we've been to throughout Asia, along with ones we have not yet visited. Then we wondered what constitutes a royal palace? We bumped into our friends Greg & Ed from the Bangkok Podcast, mentioned this to them, and realized we had a good episode on our hands, but it would be a heck of a lot more fun to chat about this as a foursome. So here we are, our second crossover episode together, where we'll explore the royal palaces of Asia.

Getting a bit nostalgic after listening to Tay-Tay's latest album, Greg and Ed reminisce about their respective first year's in Bangkok by recounting their most vivid early memories, something that's unique for everyone but plays a big role in setting the tone for your time here.  Ed explains that he came here a little bit older than many expats, and relatively speaking, had his ‘shit together' so to speak. No visa runs, no desperation at the end of the month to pay bills. But what he wasn't ready for was the excitement, ‘newness,' and general party atmosphere of Bangkok. In Ed's words, he felt like he was a freshman in college all over again. Greg possibly had a more typical experience, having arrived in his twenties with a couple nickels in his pockets. He recounts his long traverse to work, something out of “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,” and his anticipation of his first paycheck. Luckily, he ran into some super friendly NGO workers from the UN to ease his transition to expat life (note, this is a lie). Ed talks about having some ‘typical' memories himself, this time of late night, drunken tuk-tuk rides (an expat requirement if there ever was one) and the crowded street market that used to be lower Sukumvit. Both guys of course fell in love with the place and hence, the roots of the Bangkok Podcast were sown.  Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

We're getting a bit personal on this episode as Ed talks about his marriage and eventual divorce in Thailand. Although it's a difficult topic, enough time has elapsed that Ed is ready to discuss whether or not his experience provides any lessons for expats in the Land of Smiles (and sometimes frowns).  First, Greg asks Ed about the actual legal procedure of getting a divorce and whether it involved a lot of paperwork. In Ed's case, the process was easy because it was by agreement; the only hitch was the need for two witnesses, which was solved by paying a random motorbike guy 100 baht to be the second witness (seriously). For more complex legal angles that must be considred, the guys plan to have resident lawyer Dave back on a later show to explain all the details.  Second, Ed does his best to try to figure out a possible lesson for other expats. On the one hand, every relationship is unique and can succeed or fail for a lot of reasons having nothing to do with cross-cultural issues. But Ed does come up with one insight: he feels that he had the habit of always taking his wife at her word in an almost legalistic way. Ed references previous shows where the ‘high context' nature of Thai culture was discussed. Thais tend not to rely so much on what people say, but read a lot into what is unspoken. Ed wonders whether his failure to recognize this led to communication issues. Since his wife spoke English well, it certainly wasn't language.  Greg chimes in with a few insights from his own marriage, and both guys try to fashion some advice for expats looking to tie the knot with a Thai partner. Chok dee from the Bangkok Podcast!  Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

In a spirit of optimism and renewal, Greg and Ed discuss their New Year's resolutions as expats. What are their goals for 2024 to grow as expats in Thailand? Greg begins by committing to read The Falcon of Siam, a famous novel set in 18th century Thailand, and to watch The Overture, a film about a famous classical musician in the Royal Palace. Ed wants to focus on improving his Thai, and he developed a plan to learn to read a collection of 9,000 Useful Thai Expressions, a popular PDF among serious Thai learners.  Greg then mentions his desire to spend more time at the Siam Society, an organization dedicated to spreading knowledge of Thai history, culture, and society, famous for its lecture series. Being a movie guy, Ed has decided to pick ten of the best Thai movies of all time and get to the point where he can watch them with Thai subtitles.  Last, Greg has a plan to join a local club of Thai people to help him make more connections with other Thais, with archery or possibly knife-making leading the list. Somewhat similarly, Ed would like to find a new ‘third place' - somewhere to hang out besides his workplace or his home.  Ambitious these goals are - there's no doubt about that! But that's how we roll at the Bangkok Podcast. :) Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Hey guys, I know we said we were done for the year, but we have one last little surprise for you. We sat down with two of our very good friends John and Poom to record a special bonus show for our patrons. But since it's the season of giving and all that malarkey, we thought it might be fun to release the first 14 minutes of the show to our non-patron listeners too. Ain't that special? Keep in mind our bonus shows are a bit more freewheeling and improv-based, and often have some spicier language than normal, although there's nothing here that'll make your hair turn white. So enjoy this special preview and if you want a bit more Bangkok Podcast in your inbox, become a patron and get a bonus show like this every week. Happy holidays everyone and see you back here in the new year.

Ric Gazarian, the founder of Extraordinary Travel Festival, joins the Travel Tribe X Podcast to discuss the world of micronations. We discuss a range of topics including:

Ric Gazarian, the founder of Extraordinary Travel Festival, joins the Travel Tribe X Podcast to discuss the his goal of bringing the extreme travel community together. We discuss a range of topics including:

Welcome to the first episode of the One Night in Bangkok Podcast! In this episode I sit down with Jonny from Jonny There is Something Happening. We chat about moving to Thailand, escaping the craziness of Bangkok, and some of the (potential) downsides of dating a Thai girl. After living in Thailand for over ten years, he offers a bit of a different perspective from the (mostly) new-to-Thailand vloggers. There are over 400 videos on his YouTube channel, documenting everything from the beautiful beaches, to quiet life in Hua Hin, and the craziness of the bars (and bar girls). -

Please help us by taking our first Bangkok Podcast listener survey! Click here to get started, it only takes a few minutes. Everyone who fills it out will get 50,000 baht!* Greg and Ed discuss the current state of Thai tourism and whether the recovery is behind or ahead of predictions. Ed begins by citing a chart for the last full pre-COVID year of 2019, when Thailand came very close to having 40 million foreign tourists. Shockingly, that number went to nearly zero in 2020 and 2021, and the recovery began slowly in 2022. So where are we now? Well, in short, the prediction is that 2023 will see about 25 million tourists, roughly 60% of pre-COVID numbers.  The guys admit this is probably ahead of schedule, given previous expectations, and do their best to explain what's going on. Ed notes that there are thousands of Russians and Ukrainians fleeing the war, which has probably boosted numbers somewhat. He even reads an article about the exploding real estate prices in Phuket, due to the influx of Russians with money. Greg then reviews the up and down nature of Chinese tourism, which has recently jumped due to relaxed visa restrictions. Regardless of the reasons though, the current outlook for Thai tourism is a rosy one. Greg then raises the important question of overall tourism numbers, and whether that really should be the goal anyway. “Overtourism” has been an issue raised on the show several times before, and unfortunately it seems as if the Tourism Authority of Thailand is still focused on total numbers, to the detriment of other issues such as the quality of the experience and potential harm to infrastructure and the Thai environment. The guys finish with a bat signal to Stuart of Travelfish to come back on the show and give us his take. Or should it be a fish signal? Either way, we need Stuart!  *This is not even remotely true Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Please help us by taking our first Bangkok Podcast listener survey! Click here to get started, it only takes a few minutes. Everyone who fills it out will get 50,000 baht!* This is the second part of Greg's interview with resident Thai language expert Stu Jay Raj, in which Stu critiques a conversation that Greg had in Thai with a co-worker. The two begin by discussing the unusual role that linguists have in digging deep into exactly why language works the way it does, something the average person never thinks about. He even contends most linguists could be on the autism spectrum! As for specific advice, Stu begins a fascinating explanation that Thai doesn't really have a word that means ‘yes' directly; the word ‘chai' actually translates more closely to the English expression ‘it is.' Hence, to indicate an affirmative response, Thais will simply repeat the verb used in a question. This fascinating difference with English is continued with a discussion of other ways to indicate agreement, with words that sound almost equivalent to a grunt in English. As always, the context and nuance dictate the appropriate meaning, and what us foreigners are taught in class is often an oversimplification of a complicated concept. The lesson continues with more useful advice on improving your Thai. One thing for sure, there's a lot more going on in Thai conversations than is immediately apparent when you are just a basic speaker of Thai!  Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share. *This is not even remotely true.  

This week Greg and Ed take a page from a regular segment on the bonus show and challenge each other with some trivia questions, spanning Thai history, geography, religion, pop culture, and language.  The guys begin by trading questions about Thailand's provinces, Ed with a question about provinces bordering Cambodia, and Greg with a question about provinces bordering Bangkok. Next is language, with Ed bringing up the source of Thai script and Greg coincidentally asking about the discovery of the stone upon which the script was found. When it comes to history, Ed turns to the famous Victory Monument, and Greg nails that it commemorates Thailand's victory over the French in a brief war in Laos. Greg instead stumps Ed with a question he should have known about the history of Thonburi. In response, Ed asks Greg about the most important Buddhist holiday, Visakha Bucha Day, and Greg retaliates with a question about the temptations the Buddha faced under the Bodhi tree. Last but not least, Ed asks a pop culture question about the movie ‘Suriyothai,' and Greg turns to the popular Miss Universe pageant to close out the show.  If you thought being challenged on your knowledge of Thailand was fun, become a patron and check out our regular Trivial Thai segment.  Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

#bangkokpodcast #jimjimsreinventionrevolution #travel #tourism On this episode the tables turn as JimJim guests on the Bangkok Podcast.  Listen to JJRR 108 as Ed, co-host of the Bangkok Podcast (and JimJim's longtime friend) and JimJim sit down at the Millenium Hilton in Bangkok to explore the idea of re-tourism.  Recorded in February 2023,  hear about JJ's first visit to Thailand over 20 yrs ago when elephants walked the streets of Bankgok, why he returned 14 yrs later, and why he continues to return.  Also, check the show notes for $20 off Magic Mind. https://www.bangkokpodcast.com/ https://www.bangkokpodcast.com/retouristing-with-jim-cirillo-using-thailand-to-reinvent-yourself-s6e44/ https://magicmind.superfiliate.com/JIMCIRILLO Buy JimJim a Coffee. ko-fi.com/jimjim99 - Ko-fi ❤️ Where creators get support from fans through donations, memberships, shop sales and more! The original 'Buy Me a Coffee' Page. jimjim99 | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook | Linktree 05:40s Guesting on Bangkok Podcast with Ed Knuth 08:05s First traveling to Thailand in 2002 12:00s Elephants walking down the streets of Bangkok 13:30s Visiting Samui 20 yrs ago 17:06s Remembering Win Wan my favorite Thai massage place 20:28s Reasons for returning to Thailand 24:50s Gigging my second night in Bangkok in 2016 28:20s Discovering the digital nomad scene in Chiang Mai 31:20s Starting JJRR podcast with inspiration from Chiang Rai 38:50s Exploring SE Asia jumping off from Bangkok Enjoy the episode? Share with friends!  Subscribe in Spotify, Apple or Google Podcasts! https://www.jimjimsreinventionrevolution.com/resources jimjim99 | Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, Facebook | Linktree Buy JimJim a Coffee. ko-fi.com/jimjim99 - Ko-fi ❤️ Where creators get support from fans through donations, memberships, shop sales and more! The original 'Buy Me a Coffee' Page.

Greg and Ed debate the pros and cons of coming to Thailand at different ages, with the obvious caveat that there's no right answer that applies to every person and that no matter when you come to the Land of Smiles, you can always (usually) make it work. Ed begins with the observation that early 20s might be the worst time, especially if you lack maturity and self-control - Thailand just has too many dangerous distractions. Greg notes that he managed to come in his mid-twenties and make it work but despite his friendly disposition, Greg is not much of a partier and avoided a lot of the typical pitfalls.  The guys then consider coming here to retire, an obviously popular idea in the public imagination. However, both Greg and Ed contend that although Thailand has some advantages - namely cheap living and quality healthcare - it also has many disadvantages, including laws and bureaucracy that are unfriendly to expats. OK but not great seems to be the Bangkok Podcast consensus on retiring in Thailand.  Greg then asks Ed what expats are the happiest he has met over the years. Ed relates that middle-aged guys with money, who already have been married with grown kids, seem to be the perfect fit for Thailand. Shock! Being single, with money, but with no need to find a lifelong partner is the best way to experience the Land of Smiles. :) Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Ed interviews our favorite expert on Buddhism, Phra Pandit. This time the focus is on meditation, exactly what it is, and what role it plays in the Buddhist religion as a whole. Phra Pandit begins with explaining the basic difference between meditation and prayer: meditation is a form of mental training in which the meditator focuses on an ‘object of meditation,' such as the breath, and attempts to build up concentration and focus on that object.  However, meditation ultimately has a spiritual goal of ‘union with God' or what Phra Pandit refers to as a ‘super mundane' mental state. (And you thought the Bangkok Podcast was all about durian jokes.) Phra Pandit makes clear though that Buddhism as a religion is a very broad community and only a portion of Buddhist believers are seriously interested in meditation. Ed queries Phra Pandit about such issues as the scientific studies of mediation, the popularity of ‘mindfulness' in the corporate world and whether it is good or bad, and the best way to begin a meditation practice. Some issues, such as the pros and cons of meditation retreats have to be left for another day, but be sure to listen in for future episodes.  Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Get ready for an exhilarating and authentic ride as we introduce you to the incredible Paramut 'Growth Hacker' Jeasakul! This powerhouse entrepreneur is not only the co-founder and managing director of Nebula Digital Marketing Agency Phuket, but also a true Phuket native and the host of Famous YouTube channel  @catmoneybiz  PJ's journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. He started his education at BISS and then decided to take a leap of faith by venturing overseas for further studies. Brace yourself as we dive into the riveting tale of how PJ faced countless challenges in the competitive Singaporean government schooling system. Through sheer determination, he overcame every obstacle in his path to emerge as a victor.But that's not all! PJ's thirst for knowledge led him to Florida, USA, where he pursued his lifelong passion for Aircraft Maintenance. However, fate had something unexpected in store for him. With the advent of Covid, the aviation industry came to a screeching halt. Yet, PJ fearlessly transformed his goals and returned to his roots in Phuket to embark on an extraordinary journey as the founder of his very own digital marketing agency.Prepare to be inspired as Paramut Jeasakul shares his incredible story with us. From being a lost student battling an unfair system to becoming a successful entrepreneur, he has witnessed it all. In this captivating episode, we delve into his experiences living in one of the world's fastest-growing countries, Singapore, and uncover the secrets behind his remarkable career advancement within the system.Tune in to The Fruiting Body Podcast for a local perspective like no other. PJ spills the beans on the best strategies to kick-start your dropshipping business, master the art of Facebook ads, and unlock the secrets of entrepreneurial success. And don't forget to adopt that unbeatable Mr. Beast mentality along the way!Get ready to be entertained, enthralled, and inspired. Join us on this incredible journey with Paramut Jeasakul, and let's conquer the world together!#podcast #thailand #expatlife 

Meet Ryan, the creative mastermind behind the YouTube sensation,  @LifeInBamboo   - a channel that's all about conscious living and family values. Born and bred in Bolton, England, Ryan's childhood was far from idyllic, but as he grew up, so did his fortunes. Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, he quickly climbed the corporate ladder, managing multiple nightclubs in Cambridge by the age of 20. However, the pressures of the job and a destructive party scene led him to reassess his life's purpose and set out on a new adventure - travel.Today, we take a deep dive into Ryan's incredible journey of self-discovery and love. Join us on the Fruiting Body Podcast as we explore the impact psychedelics have had on his life, the importance of living in the present moment, and the motivation behind his unconventional lifestyle. As a devoted father, Ryan shares with us the inspiration behind his content and his desire to raise his children in a conscious and intentional way. He even spills the beans on a secret experiment he's conducted with his son!So, whether you're a fan of Life in Bamboo or simply curious about alternative living, this episode is not to be missed. Tune in now and discover the magic of Ryan's world.#thailand #thailandvlog #podcast 

Leroy Saunders discusses some of the mistake expats can make when attempting to start a business in Thailand and why most businesses FAIL. Leroy is one of Thailand's Top CrossFit Level 3 coaches as well as a strength & conditioning coach. Leroy was born and raised in South Africa. During his early 20s, he decided to make a lifestyle change after partying hard for most of his early life. This change introduced him to a new life of discipline and fitness. Leroy started down his new path by joining his friends and opening up a functional gym straight out of a car garage, after some success they decided to expand their business. During a honeymoon in Thailand, Leroy and his wife fell in love with the country and he decided to move his business online and move to the beautiful island of Phuket. Don't miss this supercharged episode with Leroy Saunders as he takes us on a personal journey of self-discovery and change. We chat about how to make the necessary changes for success, how to start a business in Thailand, the options for digital nomads to work abroad, and falling in love with Thailand. Join us for another episode of the Fruiting Body Podcast and make mind gains as you learn more about the biggest fitness trend in the world – CrossFit. We explore the routes of CrossFit and find out exactly what this type of training entails, we look at the certifications needed to become a CrossFit coach, the importance of tracking your progress, and find out what it's like to be a part of a fitness community. 

Greg and Ed take up the somewhat grim topic of motorbike accidents in Thailand. As this episode is essentially the Songkran episode for this year, the timing could not be more appropriate because more people die in road accidents during the ‘7 dangerous days' around the holiday than during any other time of the year. Ed takes the lead and tries to break down the situation. First, Thai roads in general are just more dangerous than almost anywhere in the world, most likely due to lax enforcement of driving laws. So even if you are not on a motorbike, be very aware anytime you are near or crossing roads. Second, riding on the back of motorbikes is extremely common throughout the country, but especially in Bangkok and on tourist islands. But commonsense reveals that on a motorbike, you are considerably less protected than when in a proper automobile. Next, many foreigners choose to rent motorbikes and drive them themselves. This creates additional risk, unless you are someone very familiar with operating motorbikes or motorcycles. To make matters even worse, for many different reasons, health insurance often does not cover injuries that are a result of motorbike accidents. Possible reasons include blanket exceptions, not wearing a helmet, or not being properly licensed. The result can turn a dream holiday into a literal health and financial nightmare for tourists and expats (as well as their families). Read this story that Greg's friend Karla wrote for CNN about her motorbike-from-hell story when she first visited Thailand. The Bangkok Podcast implores listeners to tell all their friends visiting Thailand to either avoid motorbikes entirely or to guarantee they have proper health insurance coverage.  Have fun this holiday but always be safe. :)  Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

James Pattison, better known as Jay Patto, is the head fitness coach & combat S&C trainer at the famous Tiger Muay Thai gym in Phuket. He is also a competitive bodybuilder & PCA Thailand, Physique Champion. Jay Patto was born and raised in Liverpool, England. From a young age, he showed great potential in various sporting activities and seemed destined for early success. However, life needed to teach him a few lessons before greatness could be achieved. As the black sheep of his town, Jay was a known troublemaker by friends and family and often found himself in difficult situations with the law – One, in particular, changed his life forever.After immediate personal training success in his hometown. Jay was head-hunted by Six Senses hotels (the world's leading luxury and sustainability brand). His main focuses there included; managing multiple gyms, coaches group classes, mobility & flexibility classes, transforming bodies, implementing new training methods, and educating people on nutrition and lifestyle choices.Don't miss this fascinating and truly inspiring episode about a man who against all odds managed to turn his life around and finally reached his full potential. Jay opens up about his time as a recreational drug dealer and tells us a story about the consequences that come with such actions and how he found hope which inspired him to turn the page.Join us for an extraordinary life-changing story with the Fruiting Body Podcast and Jay Patto. In this captivating episode, we discuss Jay's journey from being the king of the party to the King of fitness. We talk about his time behind steel bars, moving to a small island in Phuket, giving up everything for a better life, and discovering how he managed to find success through determination, hard work, and perhaps the mysterious number 14. 

Get ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime with Adam Jones, the incredible Australian travel vlogger and content creator behind the sensational YouTube channel  @keisone ! With a whopping 47K subscribers, Adam has taken his travel experiences to new heights, exploring the breathtaking beauty of Thailand.Born and raised in Australia, Adam ditched the corporate life and said goodbye to the mundane routine, opting instead for a thrilling life full of adventure and travel. In his latest journey to Bangkok, Thailand, Adam brings us along for the ride as he immerses himself in the vibrant culture, meets fascinating new people, and indulges in delectable cuisine.And that's not all, folks! Join us for an exhilarating episode of the Fruiting Body Podcast with Keis One himself, as we take a wild ride through his day filming at the new Andamanda Phuket waterpark. We delve into the world of scam videos and discover what makes them so intriguing, as well as uncovering the magic recipe to becoming a successful YouTuber.But wait, there's more! We also chat with Keis One about his honest opinion of Phuket, discussing the price differences between this stunning destination and other parts of Thailand, the best ways to travel and explore a new country, and how to find joy in similar experiences. And, of course, we learn how Keis One manages to balance his romantic life amidst all the excitement.Don't miss out on this epic adventure with Keis One, exclusively on the Fruiting Body Podcast!

Unless you've been living under a rock lately, you've probably heard of ChatGPT, a brand new AI writing tool that produces some shockingly advanced stuff. It's only a few months old but it's already threatening to upend a number of industries in a big way. So, in a slightly odd show that shows how technologically hip the Bangkok Podcast is, Greg and Ed discuss ChatGPTs take on Bangkok and Thailand, Greg queries the new search engine with a host of questions about the Land of Smiles to see how much it really knows. The AI manages to write a couple different introductions to the podcast, one more positive and one more sarcastic. Both display excellent English and solid basic knowledge of Thailand. When Greg pushes AI to write a poem about Bangkok, both guys are shocked at how ‘not bad' the result is.. A+ honors high school English? Probably not. Passably average junior high level? For sure! The guys discuss the shocking rate at which the AI has improved over the last year and ponder what the future will bring. Greg also notes the limitations of the system: results tend to be factually accurate, but not always complete, and over time, somewhat repetitive.  The boys also discover that the powers that be have given the AI ‘guard rails,' for lack of a better term: the system won't discuss potentially controversial topics such as prostitution, ladyboys, or even Bangkok nightlife in general. All in all, ChatGPT is amazing at what it can do, but the output in the end is neither super interesting nor super fun, and certainly not ‘dangerous' in any way.  Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Adam Jones is an Australian travel vlogger and content creator for the hit YouTube channel  @keisone . With over 47K subscribers, Adam's travel adventures have found their way to Thailand. Join us for another fun-filled journey with the Fruiting Body Podcast, Keis One takes us on a tour through his daily life and shares with us the behind-the-scenes hustle and bustle of being a travel vlogger. We discuss what made him decide to film his adventures, where his inspiration for his content comes from, and learn more about the process of monetizing your channel for maximum value. Don't miss out on this exciting episode as we discover how to turn your passion into profit. Adam chats to us about his time in Thailand, what he is working on at the moment, and insight to crazy YouTuber fans and the extent they will go to meet him.Adam was born in Australia, having been caught up in the corporate rat race, Adam decided he was fed up with his office job and wearing a suit and tie. Instead, he embarked on a life of travel and adventure. #keisone #fruitingbodypodcast #podcast 

Sue Ultmann is the Executive Manager and Marketing Director of the legendary and successful Baan Rim Pa Group, and the Chairman of the Board of Managers & Advisory Panel for Phuket's Top Charity “Phuket has Been Good to Us.”Sue is a 7th-generation Australian born and bred in Melbourne.  After completing her degree at the school of hard knocks, she started her first job for channel 9 Television & radio station in Melbourne. Sue found herself in the advertising & sales game where she worked her way up from scheduling adverts to landing and working with one of the largest publications in the world… The voice of the travel industry– Travel Week. She took the role of international sales traveler and journeyed to the South Pacific where she lived on the Fijian islands eventually making her way North to the sunny side of Phuket. Join us for another episode of the Fruiting Body Podcast, we travel back in time with the “first digital nomad' Sue Ultmann and discover what it was like traveling during the 70s – 90s. Sue sells the dream of the island life before there was Instagram & Facebook, talks about how hotels and food have changed through the decades and discusses her time working for Phuket's iconic Baan Rim Pa Group.Don't miss out on this charitable episode and find out how Sue & The Baan Rim Pa Group has been supporting local communities, hosting and helping charities around the island, and providing schools with skilled teachers to help better the education of young minds around the island. 

Wir unterhalten uns über BTS, die wie wir mittlerweile die Spielregeln in den RunBTS-Episoden auch nicht mehr verstehen, weshalb Suga's Upgrade dafür gesorgt hat, dass er nun mit seinem Po alle Namen perfekt schreiben kann, wieso V einen Steinturm am besten in Schlappen bauen kann und warum Jin endlich angerufen hat, aber doch keiner drangegangen ist. Außerdem klären wir, wieso Namjoon einen „englischen Monk“ zurecht zu Rede gestellt hat, weshalb man bei Jungkook immer sieht, wenn sein Gehirn arbeitet, warum Mincho sie schon alle hatte und Tteokchi langsam aufgegeben hat. Eggplants habt ihr es gesehen?! Jimin hat tatsachlich gemerkt, dass wir alle (und J-Hope) lost sind! Happy Birthday V! We purple you!  Party, Party, Yeah im One-Night-in-Bangkok-Podcast wünschen euch mincho und tteokchi.  Die siebenundachtzigste Episode des most.worst.BTS.podcast! #keinewerbung #vonarmyfürarmy #BTS #btspodcast #RM #Jin #SUGA #jhope #jimin #V #Jungkook #btsalbum #btsplaylist #btsnews #indigo #persona #trivialove #onenightinbangkok #chickenoodlesoup #butter #yettocome #runbts #foryouth #dynamite #permissiontodance #vibe #swr3 #simpsons #thatthat #psy #taeyang #bigbang #equalsign

Julia Gao Miller is the creative mind and personality behind the extremely popular Instagram account FIGHT NOMAD JULIA. She is a Digital Creator, Social Media Manager, and Strategist who helps individuals grow their following through viral Instagram reels.Julia was born in The USA but grew up living between worlds often travelling to and from China back to the States. She studied in Washington State on "Killer Whale Island" and after completing one year as a game design major, she decided to drop out to pursue a career in software development. Julia was inspired to travel to Thailand after listening to one of her favorite podcasts that promoted the digital nomad lifestyle in South East Asia.Join us for another viral episode with the Fruiting Body podcast, Julia Gao Miller shares with us her journey before Instagram stardom, how social media has helped her help others gain awareness and success with their brands, and discusses the value of her content creation within the martial arts community. Don't miss out on this striking episode, we are programmed today for your benefit. Find out what was the post that went viral and sent Julia's IG Account to the moon. Discover the secrets to sharing your truth, advice for young digital nomads looking to travel, and how to stand strong in following your passion. #fightnomadjulia #fruitingbodypodcast #thailandpodcast 

Thomas Petermöller is the owner of the internationally recognized and specialty grill house, Eden Grill Phuket. Thomas was born and raised in Germany. Later in life he made his way to the big city of Hong Kong, working for a retail corporation company he visited Thailand for a business trip and fell in love with the people and culture. Thomas visited the country on multiple occasions during the 80's sourcing different garments for his company and travelled around the various islands that surround Thailand including the not so well know Phuket during that time. Join us for another tantalizing episode of the Fruiting Body Podcast, we travel through time with Thomas Petermöller and gain a better understanding of Thailand during the 80's, we discuss the current and future development of Phuket and what is the best way to go about retiring and buying land in a foreign country. Don't miss out on this episode, discover more about the Eden dining experience, how Thomas found his personal success on the island and how you can do the same, learn about what makes Phuket different to other Asian islands and other hidden gems Thomas has to share with us.

The Ringmaster of Fight Circus, promoter and advocate of combat sports Asia, reigning from  @Full Metal Dojo , the incredible Jon Nutt.Jon grew up in a small sailor town in Marblehead Massachusetts, after graduating from an Ivy league college he decided to move out to LA where he began an opportunist career in private security. A fateful night led Jon down a different path that directed him into the heart of Phi-Phi Islands, Thailand. Join us for part 2 of another circus freak show episode with Jon Nutt, we get down and dirty talking about the birth of Fight Circus, the most outrageous fights the circus has to offer and the strategy for building a fighting empire.Don't miss this 1-on-1 episode to find out more about how Full Metal Dojo survived the pandemic, how combat sports worldwide need to change the game on sponsorships & promotions and whether there is a conspiracy in the UFC. #fullmetaldojo #jonnutt #fruitingbodypodcast ▸ Three (3) Simple Steps to Help Our Account Grow1. SUBCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/FruitingBodyPodcast2. LIKE OUR VIDEO3. LEAVE A COMMENT & SHARETHANK YOU TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS :)▸ SUBSCRIBE  |  https://www.youtube.com/c/FruitingBodyPodcastAUDIO VERSIONS ▼▸SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/7jmBtVQ7cRzV1vQiearseH ▸APPLE | https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/fruiting-body-phuket-podcast/id1586653000FRUITING BODY MUSHROOMS ▼▸ WEBSITE | https://fruiting-body.comFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM ▼▸ FRUITING BODY PODCAST | https://www.instagram.com/fruitingbodypodcastOUR GUESTS SOCIAL▼▸ JON NUTT INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/nuttjon?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=▸ FULL METAL DOJO INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/fullmetaldojo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=▸ FULL METAL DOJO YOUTUBE | https://youtube.com/c/Fullmetaldojo

The Ringmaster of Fight Circus, promoter and advocate of combat sports Asia, reigning from  @Full Metal Dojo , the incredible Jon Nutt.Jon grew up in a small sailor town in Marblehead Massachusetts, after graduating from an Ivy league college he decided to move out to LA where he began an opportunist career in private security. A fateful night led Jon down a different path that directed him into the heart of Phi-Phi Islands, Thailand. Join us for another explosive episode with Fruiting Body Podcast, in the left corner, standing over 6 feet tall, Jon Nutt explores his past life working in a world of fighters through a career in security, his first time traveling to the magical world of Thailand and becoming the No 1 go-to man for promoting combat sports in Asia.In the right corner, we have the legendary Fruiting Body Podcast, with an epic part 1 episode, we take a look at the extraordinary life of Jon Nutt. Discover more on what it means to be part of the OG expat community, the trials and tribulations of working on Phi Phi islands, the birth of Full Metal Dojo and how Jon got MMA banned in Thailand. ▸ Three (3) Simple Steps to Help Our Account Grow1. SUBCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/FruitingBodyPodcast2. LIKE OUR VIDEO3. LEAVE A COMMENT & SHARETHANK YOU TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS :)▸ SUBSCRIBE  |  https://www.youtube.com/c/FruitingBodyPodcastAUDIO VERSIONS ▼▸SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/7jmBtVQ7cRzV1vQiearseH ▸APPLE | https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/fruiting-body-phuket-podcast/id1586653000FRUITING BODY MUSHROOMS ▼▸ WEBSITE | https://fruiting-body.comFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM ▼▸ FRUITING BODY PODCAST | https://www.instagram.com/fruitingbodypodcastOUR GUESTS SOCIAL▼▸ JON NUTT INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/nuttjon?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=▸ FULL METAL DOJO INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/fullmetaldojo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=▸ FULL METAL DOJO YOUTUBE | https://youtube.com/c/Fullmetaldojo

‘King of Kettlebells' Peter Forneck is the strength and conditioning specialist for Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA Gym as well as the Director of Kettlebells and conditioning Asia. Peter was born and raised in Germany where he grew up in a small town near the border of the Netherlands. Living near forests, mountains and open land allowed him to explore and learn many outdoor activities that influenced his lifestyle and current career.Having completed his BSc Studies in Sport and Performance supplemented by continuous employment in multiple disciplines and aspects of Coaching and Instructing. Peter now is working full-time as the Strength & Conditioning Coach at Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA Training Camp, Phuket Thailand.Join us today for part 2 of our high-intensive interview with Peter Forneck, we find out more about the bodies 3 energy systems and how to utilize each one for your best performance. Get to know the kettlebell a bit better, discover its history and find out the benefits of training with a kettlebell. Relax as we clean and press today's episode to find out more about Peter's vision for the future, what type of classes to expect at Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA, and how you can start using a kettlebell today to improve your health and overall fitness. ▸ Three (3) Simple Steps to Help Our Account Grow1. SUBCRIBE TO THE FRUITING BODY PODCAST: https://bit.ly/3b8l2Yx2. LIKE OUR VIDEO3. LEAVE A COMMENT & SHARETHANK YOU TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS :)▸ SUBSCRIBE TO THE FRUITING BODY PODCAST |  https://bit.ly/3b8l2YxFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM ▼▸ BRENDAN ONEILL | https://www.instagram.com/brendan.william/▸ FRUITING BODY PODCAST | https://www.instagram.com/fruitingbodypodcastMUSHROOMS ▼▸ WEBSITE | https://fruiting-body.comOUR GUESTS SOCIAL▼▸ Peter Forneck's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/peterforneck_kca/ 

‘King of Kettlebells' Peter Forneck is the strength and conditioning specialist for Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA Gym as well as the Director of Kettlebells and conditioning Asia. Peter was born and raised in Germany where he grew up in a small town near the border of the Netherlands. Living near forests, mountains and open land allowed him to explore and learn many outdoor activities that influenced his lifestyle and current career. Having completed his BSc Studies in Sport and Performance supplemented by continuous employment in multiple disciplines and aspects of Coaching and Instructing. Peter now is working full-time as the Strength & Conditioning Coach at Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA Training Camp, Phuket Thailand.Join us today for another gripping episode of the Fruiting Body Podcast, we slingshot straight into the interesting life of Peter Forneck where we find out what inspired him to start strength training, how war shaped his life and the grind needed to make a comfortable life on the paradise island of Phuket. Swing your way into today's episode and discover why it is okay to fail, what it means to earn your place in a fight club, and what is martial arts tourism. ▸ Three (3) Simple Steps to Help Our Account Grow1. SUBCRIBE TO THE FRUITING BODY PODCAST: https://bit.ly/3b8l2Yx2. LIKE OUR VIDEO3. LEAVE A COMMENT & SHARETHANK YOU TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS :)▸ SUBSCRIBE TO THE FRUITING BODY PODCAST |  https://bit.ly/3b8l2YxFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM ▼▸ BRENDAN ONEILL | https://www.instagram.com/brendan.william/▸ FRUITING BODY PODCAST | https://www.instagram.com/fruitingbodypodcastMUSHROOMS ▼▸ WEBSITE | https://fruiting-body.comOUR GUESTS SOCIAL▼▸ Peter Foreneck's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/peterforneck_kca/ 

​ @Sayat Abdrakhmanov (Саят Абдрахманов) the Manager of Petr Yan, Rafael Fiziev, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Arman Tsarukyan, Damir Ismagulov, Movsar Evloev and many other elite UFC fighters around the world.Sayat is originally from Kazakhstan and now lives in Thailand. He got his start in athlete management after finishing an International Trade & Business master degree at Beijing University of International Business and Economics. Sayat is fluent in 5 languages: English, Russian, Kazakh, Thai & Chinese.Don't miss out on Part 2 of our exclusive interview with Sayat Abdrakhmanov, today we discuss the different roles & responsibilities a UFC manager must face every day, what it means to be a champion and how international fighters adjust to the island life of Phuket, Thailand. Join us for a personal journey of finding passion in your work, living in your dream paradise destination, travelling the world and of course managing the best fighters in the world. ▸ Three (3) Simple Steps to Help Our Account Grow1. SUBCRIBE TO THE FRUITING BODY PODCAST: https://bit.ly/3b8l2Yx2. LIKE OUR VIDEO3. LEAVE A COMMENT & SHARETHANK YOU TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS :)▸ SUBSCRIBE TO THE FRUITING BODY PODCAST |  https://bit.ly/3b8l2YxFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM ▼▸ BRENDAN ONEILL | https://www.instagram.com/brendan.william/▸ FRUITING BODY PODCAST | https://www.instagram.com/fruitingbodypodcastMUSHROOMS ▼▸ WEBSITE | https://fruiting-body.comOUR GUESTS SOCIAL▼▸ Sayat's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sayatus/ 

 @Sayat Abdrakhmanov the Manager of Petr Yan, Rafael Fiziev, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Arman Tsarukyan, Damir Ismagulov, Movsar Evloev and many other elite UFC fighters around the world.Sayat is originally from Kazakhstan and now lives in Thailand. He got his start in athlete management after finishing an International Trade & Business master degree at Beijing University of International Business and Economics. Sayat is fluent in 5 languages: English, Russian, Kazakh, Thai & Chinese.In today's episode with the Fruiting Body Podcast, we get to meet the man behind the octagon. Sayat Abdrakhmanov discusses what it was like to grow up in Kazakhstan, how he ended up in Thailand and the very important role and responsibility of being a manager for the world's most elite fighters. Don't miss out on this exclusive episode where we find out more about the process of bringing in Chinese superstars to the UFC, what it's like to work with UFC Champions and find out what it takes to manage the biggest stars in an industry bred for blood.  ▸ Three (3) Simple Steps to Help Our Account Grow1. SUBCRIBE TO THE FRUITING BODY PODCAST: https://bit.ly/3b8l2Yx2. LIKE OUR VIDEO3. LEAVE A COMMENT & SHARETHANK YOU TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS :)▸ SUBSCRIBE TO THE FRUITING BODY PODCAST |  https://bit.ly/3b8l2YxFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM ▼▸ BRENDAN ONEILL | https://www.instagram.com/brendan.william/▸ FRUITING BODY PODCAST | https://www.instagram.com/fruitingbodypodcastMUSHROOMS ▼▸ WEBSITE | https://fruiting-body.comOUR GUESTS SOCIAL▼▸ Sayat's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sayatus/ 

Greg interviews James Fahn, the Executive Director of Internews' Earth Journalism Network. Greg begins by opening a discussion about James' book “A Land On Fire,” which was published in 2003, after James worked as the environmental editor at The Nation newspaper in Bangkok in the 1990s. James explains that at The Nation, he wrote extensively about environmental issues in Thailand and Southeast Asia, including doing investigative reporting on corruption and corporate malfeasance that damaged the environment. James even tells a story of how he narrowly avoided interviewing a Burmese strong man who likely would have put James on his hit list. Greg then asks James about how Thailand has changed over time, and whether there is any reason to be optimistic. James notes several things that have gotten better, from public transportation to air pollution to public parks, but then also raises several areas where Thailand still needs a lot of work, such as protection of coral reefs and in the excessive use of plastic. Overall, however, James remains an optimistic, which we are certainly glad to hear at the Bangkok Podcast.  James concludes by making his case that we don't have to choose between a free market that is pro-business and economic growth and a heavily regulated market that protects the environment at the expense of the economy. Experience in the States shows that preserving the environment can actually boost the economy if done right. Is James eligible to run for Thai Prime Minister? The Bangkok Podcast wants to know! Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Riley Bennett is a Digital nomad, vlogger and Co-Founder of Amazing Marketing Co. Riley grew up in Washington, USA and completed a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Cell Biology at Washington State University. After his studies, he moved along quickly with the rest of the herd and found himself in a regular 9-5 corporate job. Bennett soon woke up from the rat race and decided to follow his true path which led him to a Nomad Summit in Chiang Mai, Thailand.In this episode of the Fruiting Body Podcast, we explore the free and fun living life of nomad Riley Bennett. He joins us today to discuss what it means to be a digital nomad, how becoming an entrepreneur gave him the flexibility to live the Riley life and what it's like to live and work in different places around the world. Boost your sales and increase creativity with another exciting episode as we dive into the space of remote sales, how to make money through Amazon, advice on how to become a digital nomad, and find out if Aliens use food to communicate with us. ▸ Three (3) Simple Steps to Help Our Account Grow1. SUBCRIBE TO THE FRUITING BODY PODCAST: https://bit.ly/3b8l2Yx2. LIKE OUR VIDEO3. LEAVE A COMMENT & SHARETHANK YOU TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS :)▸ SUBSCRIBE TO THE FRUITING BODY PODCAST |  https://bit.ly/3b8l2YxFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM ▼▸ BRENDAN ONEILL | https://www.instagram.com/brendan.william/▸ FRUITING BODY PODCAST | https://www.instagram.com/fruitingbodypodcastMUSHROOMS ▼▸ WEBSITE | https://fruiting-body.comOUR GUESTS SOCIAL▼▸YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/LivinThatLife▸Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/livinthatlifeofriley/

Greg and Ed pull together all their accumulated wisdom about Thai culture and society into six pithy theories to aid expats and tourists alike. Ed begins with his classic ‘Universal Theory of Thailand,” that everything good in the country comes from Thais being so nice, and that everything bad in the country ALSO comes from Thais being so nice. The guys discuss how true this is, before Greg drops his own grand theory that nothing gets improved in Thailand until it becomes embarrassing for Thailand internationally. The boys realize that if a charity or NGO was REALLY smart, they would spend their money on some ultra-famous influencer like Kim Kardashian to harp about some social ill in Thailand. The government would get right on it! Ed follows with his idea that you can say anything you want to a Thai person, as long as you are smiling while you are doing it. Greg then brings up some VERY practical advice for safety on the streets of Bangkok, and Ed finishes with the irony of how rules work in Thailand, usually not mattering but then eventually REALLY mattering. Then guest of the show Jon concludes with his ‘range of the acceptably wrong' theory to help tourists and expats manage expectations in the Land of Smiles. This may be the episode of the Bangkok Podcast with the most wisdom and insight per minute!  Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg and Ed interview expat legend Chris Baker, co-author (along with his wife Pasuk Phongpaichit) of A History of Thailand, in addition to several other well-known books on Thailand. Greg and Ed gush over the fact they have both read Chris's most famous work, something that every serious expat needs to do at some point.  Chris begins by relating the lovely story of meeting his wife in England and subsequently relocating to Thailand where he worked a variety of jobs before settling down and co-writing a book with her on the economy and politics of Thailand in the 1990s. He explains his fascinating relationship with his wife, which involves extensive arguing over the subject matter of their books, while somehow preserving their personal relationship. The guys joke that this is perhaps Chris's greatest accomplishment.  Chris continues with the story of his most famous book, A History of Thailand, how it came about and he and his wife's shock and amazement at its best-seller status. Chris explains that a new, updated fourth edition is close to release, so all Bangkok Podcast listeners now have their summer reading assignment!  Greg and Ed prod Chris for his thoughts on recent events in Thailand, and Chris gives his insightful take on the last few years. Thankfully, Chris agrees to return to the podcast for future shows. We can't wait! :) Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

In the wake of the 2022 World Happiness Report - which saw Thailand drop by quite a few spots - Greg and Ed jump into the fascinating topic of the happiness of Thailand compared to other countries. How can you possibly measure something like the ‘happiness' of a country? Well, wannabe social scientist Ed claims it can be done, and Greg walks through the data from the report to discuss.  The boys go through factors such as GDP per capita, social support, and life expectancy, among others, that the researchers used to figure out how happy people were in various countries. So what of Thailand? Well, its ranking was 61 out of 146 countries which could be worse, but it turns out Thailand has slid 28 spots in the last few years! Ouch. The guys then discuss various possible reasons for the drop, with of course the military government being a prime candidate, given that Thailand's long slide started in around 2015. Could Thailand possibly no longer be the Land of Smiles? Well, at the very least, the hosts of the Bangkok Podcast are still smiling, so Thailand has that going for it. :) Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Let yourself get swept away by the excitement, the craziness, the culture and the stories of Bangkok in The Bangkok Podcast, co-hosted by Greg Jorgensen and Ed Knuth.   Greg is here today to chat about the story behind the show: how it started, went strong for 3 years, stopped, then suddenly restarted again 3 years later, and now continues to publish weekly episodes with a growing fan base and Patreon community behind it.   We get into some deeper questions about the nature of "home" - nostalgia vs reality. Greg is an expat Canadian 20+ years removed from living in Calgary. Could he still call Calgary "home"? But can a farang ever really consider Bangkok home?   Bangkok is a massive, sprawling city, and it's not for everyone. One has to enjoy the unplanned disorder, to thrive in being overwhelmed. The paradox is if you allow it, you'll find your place of comfort and contentment. The Bangkok Podcast is a commentary on what life is like in Bangkok, for people who have been, are or will be visiting or living in Thailand and Bangkok.   As Greg says, "I jumped into the river of Bangkok, and decided to let it take me wherever it was going."   Towards the end (29:54 mark), Greg introduces some great upcoming episode topics to look forward to. And, we chat quickly about the difference between "Thailand" and "Siam."   It's a wonderfully immersive, informative, entertaining and inspiring podcast that is a great companion for your wanderlust and your playlist.   Action Advice   15:40 - On starting a podcast in 2010 vs now.   17:28 - On unexpectedly restarting something, and getting used to doing it again.   18:12 - Things to expect when changing co-hosts. "You can't please everyone."   21:37 - How much work it takes to prepare the bonus Patreon content.   22:03 - Good advice on approaching and planning Patreon content: consistency and interaction. It's like another form of social media.   29:34 - The value in producing an ongoing, consistent segment in your podcast.   31:19 - On contemporary topics for conversation vs more evergreen topics.   Guest Links   The Bangkok Podcast    "Greg to Differ," Greg's blog    "A Bangkok by any other name" episode    "Riding the Rails" Bangkok transit episode    Dealing with self-sensorship in Thailand episode     References   Bangkok   The Tragically Hip    Bangkok Metro    The CTrain    MBK shopping mall    Evo Terra, Podcast Pontifications    Khao Soi soup    Places   Bangkok, Thailand   Calgary, Alberta

The tools podcasters use are constantly changing. But we tend to ignore changes to a critical piece of our podcasts: the podcaster. Has your podcast changed to keep up with changes in your own life? I half-jokingly asked a fellow podcaster and friend the "what do you want to be when you grow up?" question. Their immediate response was unexpected and worth exploring further. "The problem, Evo," they said "with people like us is that's the wrong question. We really should be asked, 'what do we want to be this year?'"  I feel that. In the 2 decades I've been podcasting, I've moved houses 11 times. I've raised a kid and now have grandkids. I've changed jobs five times. I've changed actual careers four times.  I'm clearly a different person. Which means my show has effectively changed hosts, right? Podcasting is like other media forms. When there's a brand new person at the helm, things are supposed to change. They have for me. And will continue to change for me.  Yet a lot of podcasts haven't changed much at all since inception. Maybe because of habit.  Concerns about disappointing or turning off listeners. Maintaining an excellent cash flow. Fear of the unknown. Or perhaps the show is hosted by someone who actually knew what they wanted to be when they grew up. Think for a moment about your own show and all the changes you've seen in your life, from family to job to hobbies.  Have you changed? And have you changed your show enough to match the person you are today? Would doing so make you happier? Would that re-energize you? Would that possibly re-engage your audience? And can you do it in a way that doesn't jeopardize the success you've already seen thus far?  if you look in the mirror and the person staring back at you isn't the same person you see in your head, it might be time to mix things up on your podcast.  ----- Links The https://www.bangkokpodcast.com/ (Bangkok Podcast)  http://evoterra.link/buzz (Over 100K active podcasters trust Buzzsprout)  Got a podcasting service? https://podcastpontifications.com/about/sponsorship-information (Become a sponsor of Podcast Pontifications).  Serious about podcasting? Join the https://evoterra.link/app (Advancing Podcasting Community) today!  ------ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy Podsights - https://podsights.com/privacy

In this week's episode, Michael sits down for a conversation with fellow Bangkok expat and podcast host Greg Jorgensen from the Bangkok Podcast to talk about exploring the city by bicycle and to nerd out about the city that they both love. They discuss some practical tips for exploring Bangkok and its surroundings (or any major city, really) by bicycle, and discuss the importance of having a creative project to help you experience your city in a different way. You can listen to the Bangkok Podcast here: https://www.bangkokpodcast.com/  You can also find Greg on Instagram and Twitter @BKKGreg. Greg's Bangkok Doorways project can be found on Instagram @bangkokdoorways. Check it out, it's super cool! In this week's Adventures in the News segment, James shares an article about an incredible adventure as a team of climbers and mountaineers from Nepal tackle the world's most challenging peak in winter! https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55684149 This month's challenge is to practice your wildlife photography and take a picture of a bird! Share your results to us at hello@attemptadventure.com with the subject line "challenge" for the chance to win exclusive Attempt Adventure stickers. Your submissions are due at the end of June. Find us on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, or on our official website, AttemptAdventure.com! You can always email us at hello@attemptadventure.com. We look forward to hearing from you!